| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07832016B2 |
Microprocessor system and method for detecting the exchange of modules of the system
In order to detect the exchange of a module, identified by a serial number, in a microprocessor system,a code number, which is obtained from the serial number by using an encryption method, as well as information required for calculating the serial number from the code number, are stored in the microprocessor system;the code number is read and an unencrypted serial number is calculated from the code number with the aid of the information; andthe decrypted serial number thus obtained is compared to the serial number of the module and the module is detected as exchanged if its serial number does not match the decrypted serial number. |
| US07832005B1 |
Behavioral learning based security
Detecting deviations from normal behavior in a processing system is disclosed. Independently for each of a plurality of processes associated with the processing system, a learning phase is started for the process based on a start criteria associated with the process, the normal behavior associated with the process is learned during the learning phase, the learning phase for the process is stopped based on a stop criteria associated with the process, and a protect phase is started for the process. |
| US07832001B2 |
Identification system and method
An identification method and system. A user is scanned by a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader to read N RFID tags respectively embedded in N objects carried by the user. Each tag of the N tags includes a tag identifier. N may be at least 1 or at least 2. The N tags read by the RFID reader are compared with M tags in a registered record of data. The registered record comprises a reference to the user. Each tag of the M tags includes a tag identifier. M is at least N. The user is permitted access to a resource if the comparing has determined that the tag identifiers in the M tags include the tag identifiers in the N tags read by the RFID reader. The resource may be a computer resource. Alternatively, the resource may be a resource other than a computer resource. |
| US07831997B2 |
Secure and automatic provisioning of computer systems having embedded network devices
A provisioning method and mechanism for computer systems having embedded network devices. After an initial boot-up of a computer platform, an out-of-band (OOB) controller automatically connects to a corporate DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server to obtain an IP (Internet Protocol) address and a domain name in which the computer platform is running. The domain name is concatenated with a pre-defined host name to obtain a FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) for a provisioning server. The OOB controller then establishes a TCP connection to the provisioning server. A server certificate chain received from the provisioning server is validated. An attempt to login to the provisioning server is made. If corporate security policy dictates granting access to the computer platform, then provisioning configuration data is received over a secure and encrypted channel. |
| US07831993B2 |
On-line data distribution and broadcast system
Information from a database containing weather and sports information is customized to the needs of specific broadcaster customers in an editing procedure that is remote in location from the customers. Selected information is formatted and integrated with suitable graphics in the editing procedure to produce a plurality of individualized data streams that are ready for on-air broadcast. Those data streams are transmitted to an Internet web site for on-call customer access, and a customer may then broadcast the data stream as it is received from the web site. |
| US07831992B2 |
Method and apparatus for forwarding television channel video image snapshots to an auxiliary display device
A method of processing television content metadata in a communications system. The system includes a consumer device (e.g., a set-top box and/or television) in communication with an auxiliary display device (e.g., webpad). A broadcast television channel video image signal and the metadata are received by the consumer device. A single video image frame of the broadcast television channel video image signal is captured when a predefined indicator is detected in the metadata. The metadata is modified by changing the predefined indicator to an image identifier associated with the single video image frame. The single video image frame is converted to a well-known format, and the consumer device sends the modified metadata and the converted single video image frame to the auxiliary display device for display thereon. |
| US07831991B1 |
Method and system for ensuring continuous data flow between re-transmitters within a chaincast communication system
A method and system for performing chaincast communication to multiple communication systems (e.g., computer systems) within a system of coupled electronic devices (e.g., the Internet). The present invention provides a system wherein a broadcast source communicates primary broadcast information (e.g., encoded audio radio content, encoded audio/video television content, etc.) to a first group of electronic devices. The first group of electronic devices can be instructed by a chaincast manager to then communicate (e.g., forward or re-transmit) the broadcast information to other electronic devices which devices can also be instructed to communicate to more devices, etc., thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements of the communication channel between the broadcast source and the first group of electronic devices. The chaincast manager, coupled to the Internet, is used to track and manage which devices are forwarding broadcast information to which other devices. The chaincast manager is also used to monitor the packet rates between the electronic devices. In response to the packet rates falling below a pre-determined threshold value, the transmission re-routes communications to provide better communication load sharing across the system. The chaincast communication system may also include a number of secondary broadcast servers for broadcasting secondary information content (e.g., advertisement, emergency information, community information, etc.) to be rendered independently of the primary broadcast information content. |
| US07831988B2 |
Selecting apparatus and selecting method
A selecting apparatus is disclosed which includes a selecting unit for selecting an input source from a plurality of sources, a switching unit for switching content data in the input source selected by the selecting unit, an operating unit made up of a plurality of operating elements constituting the single integral operating unit, and a controlling unit for controlling the switching unit to switch the content data if a predetermined operating element among the operating elements constituting the operating unit is operated, the controlling element further controlling the selecting unit to execute the input source selection if another predetermined operating element among the constituting elements is operated. |
| US07831986B2 |
High-density recording medium and recording and/or reproducing device therefor
A high-density recording medium including a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being a light incident surface at a normal mounting condition, a clamping area, an information area including a recording layer provided adjacent to the second surface, a transition area extending between the clamping area and the information area, the transition area being defined from an end position of the clamping area to a beginning of the information area, and a slope being formed in the transition area on the first surface. Further, the slope is formed from the end position of the clamping area to a position placed at least a predetermined distance ahead of the start position of the information area, and a gap as a non-slanted area extends between the information area and a closer end of the slope thereto. |
| US07831983B2 |
Optical disk device with release
An optical disk device with release, with the optical disk device including a main unit which having an optical pickup unit to recording/reproducing data on/from an optical disk, wherein the main unit is lifted/lowered for coupling/uncoupling the optical disk on/from a turn-table, a main slider including a rack connected by a gear to a driving source and moving linearly to lift/lower the main unit, and a releasing unit, when a pin is inserted in the optical disk device, to disengage the gear from the rack and allow the main slider to move manually. Thus, the optical disk can be manually unloaded from the optical disk device. |
| US07831978B2 |
Review mechanism for controlling the delegation of tasks in a workflow system
A method for creating a review task includes receiving task data, the task data including information on a main task to be performed. Delegation data is received, the delegation data including information identifying a first delegator of the main task and a first delegatee to perform the main task. A review task is created, with the review task having as its object at least aspects of the main task. The review task is assigned to the first delegator of the main task, and review task data is stored based on the completed main task. |
| US07831976B2 |
Method, system and program product for predicting computer system resource consumption
Under the present invention, a computer work gradient matrix is built for each computer system that is interconnected in an environment. For each computer system for which resource consumption is desired to be predicted (e.g., “target” computer systems), a transition work cocycle is generated and provided to a master computer system. A set of task work paths will be constructed for the master computer system. Thereafter, an initial resource consumption value can be computed on the master computer system based on the computer work gradient matrix and the set of task work paths for the master computer system as well as a current background loading level that is being experienced by the target computer system. Then, using the initial resource consumption and the transition work cocycle for the target computer system(s), a resource consumption of the target computer system(s) can be predicted on the master computer system. |
| US07831970B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling periodic tasks based on synthetic homogenization
Methods and systems are disclosed for scheduling one or more tasks to be performed by a resource modeled as a mathematical group. One or more tasks to be performed by a resource modeled as a mathematical group are scheduled by selecting a coset representative k of a subgroup of the mathematical group based on predefined criteria for homogenization of the one or more tasks. The one or more tasks may comprise, for example, packets and the resource may be, for example, one or more communications links in a packet network. The predefined criteria for homogenization of the one or more tasks includes, for example, a time-based or a size-based homogenization of the tasks (or both). |
| US07831969B2 |
Driver installing system for network devices
A method of installing a device driver for a system including a multifunction device, a first terminal device and a second terminal device. The multifunction device is connected to the first terminal device. The first and second terminal devices are connected through a network. The first terminal device is installed with first and second device drivers respectively for first and second functions of the multifunction device. According to the method, when the second device is set to connect with the multifunction device through the first terminal device with respect to the first function, the first device driver is installed in the second terminal device with the second device driver installed as a part of the first device driver. When the first device driver installed in the second terminal device is initialized, and the second device driver is also initialized. |
| US07831968B1 |
Method and system for restoring software
Method and system are disclosed for restoring multiple instances of a software application to a predetermined baseline state. The method/system of the invention creates a baseline template from a single correct or “golden” installation of the software application. The baseline template may then be deployed to restore previously used instances of the software application to a baseline state. |
| US07831961B1 |
Cooperative preemption mechanism for garbage-collected multi-threaded computation
By encoding an exception triggering value in storage referenced by an instruction in an otherwise unused slot (e.g., the delay slot of a delayed control transfer instruction or an unused instruction position in a VLIW-based architecture) coinciding with a safe point, an efficient coordination mechanism can be provided for multi-threaded code. Because the mechanism(s) impose negligible overhead when not employed and can be engaged in response to an event (e.g., a start garbage collection event), safe points can be defined at call, return and/or backward branch points throughout mutator code to reduce the latency between the event and suspension of all threads. Though particularly advantageous for thread suspension to perform garbage collection at safe points, the techniques described herein are more generally applicable to program suspension at coordination points coinciding with calls, returns, branches or calls, returns and branches therein. |
| US07831960B2 |
Configuration tool with multi-level priority semantic
A method for configuration of a program with a plurality of configuration variables to operate on a computer system that includes obtaining a plurality of priority semantics for the plurality of configuration variables, wherein the plurality of priority semantics are heterogeneous, assigning a value for each of the plurality of configuration variables based on the plurality of priority semantics, and configuring the program using the value to operate on the computer system. |
| US07831958B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing updated information
Systems and methods for distributing updated property information to interrelated components based on property changes in other components are provided that allow the use of component abstraction. In one embodiment, the present invention may include a property broker system that monitors property changes in components, analyzes the which interrelated components may be affected by the property change, and updates any affected components accordingly. |
| US07831956B2 |
Using attributes to identify and filter pluggable functionality
In a composition model for large-scale extensible applications, applications are constructed in a modular fashion. The modules integrate with each other by producing and consuming functionality that conforms to a common definition. Producer modules and consumer modules are kept independent of one another, and are linked together indirectly via a definition module. .NET attributes are used to identify various code artifacts (such as classes, methods, properties, etc.) as being functionality definitions, productions, and/or consumptions. These attributes are examined by the module loader and used to create relationships between individually installed producer and consumer modules. The consumer uses .NET attributes to declare dependency on functionality and filter out implementations that don't meet the criteria specified by those attributes. |
| US07831953B2 |
Lithography simulation method, program and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A lithography simulation method which predicts the result that a pattern formed on a mask is transferred onto a sample by use of a simulation based on pattern data of the mask includes subjecting a mask layout containing a pattern whose periodicity is disturbed to the simulation. At this time, a calculation area of pattern data used for the simulation is set to an integral multiple of minimum periodic length of the mask layout. |
| US07831952B2 |
Designing apparatus, designing method, and program
An apparatus, method, and program for designing a semiconductor device having a storage unit configured to a differential signal library for use in generation of a design data of a differential signal cell that receives or outputs differential signals. The apparatus includes a logic synthesis unit performing logic synthesis based on the differential signal library configured to the storage unit. The apparatus generates a netlist design data of the differential signal cell that receives or outputs the differential signals. |
| US07831949B2 |
Method of designing semiconductor integrated circuit, designing apparatus, semiconductor integrated circuit system, semiconductor integrated circuit mounting substrate, package and semiconductor integrated circuit
To provide a method of designing a semiconductor integrated circuit with a high workability also in an increase in a scale of an LSI and an enhancement in an integration and designing a semiconductor integrated circuit system in which an unnecessary radiation is reduced and which is excellent in a heat characteristic, a reverse design flow to that in the conventional art is implemented, and a mounting substrate such as a printed-circuit board is first designed and a package substrate for mounting an LSI is designed based on a result of the design of the mounting substrate, and a layout design of the LSI to be mounted on the package substrate is then carried out. |
| US07831948B2 |
Method and system for automatically generating schematics
Method and system for automatically generating schematic diagrams of an assembly is provided. The method includes providing one or more identifiers for an assembly, the identifiers providing index to an assembly and component database. A plurality of components for the assembly is retrieved from the database based on the identifiers received. A list of component data, configuration data, location data and bundling data for each of the components, a plurality of schematic diagrams associated with each of the component and its inter-connection with other components within the assembly based on the identifiers are generated. The data generated for each of the components are organized and indexed to associate the identifiers with the assembly and related data of the components. |
| US07831942B1 |
Design check database
Systems and methods for creating and implementing two-dimensional (2D), image-based design rules (IBDRs) are disclosed. Techniques for creating 2D IBDR can include identifying a search pattern that is representative of a 2D pattern of interest of a design, creating a pattern representation based on the search pattern, defining an anchor point for the pattern representation, and assigning weights to elements of the pattern representation. The 2D IBDR can be used in systems and method for searching a design by comparing the 2D IBDR to the design. A number of 2D IBDRs can be merged into a subset of similar 2D IBDRs by characterizing desired rule geometries, sorting the 2D IBDRs into groups according to the desired rule geometries, merging the groups of 2D IBDRs into a single representative search pattern. Additionally, standard design rules can be created from the disclosed 2D IBDRs. The standard design rule can be created from a 2D pattern of interest by defining an origin of a shape within the 2D pattern of interest, identifying features within the 2D pattern of interest, deriving parameters relative to the origin for each of the identified features, and writing the standard design rule script using the derived parameters. |
| US07831941B2 |
CA resistance variability prediction methodology
A methodology for obtaining improved prediction of CA resistance in electronic circuits and, particularly, an improved CA resistance model adapted to capture larger than anticipated “out of spec” regime. In one embodiment, a novel bucketization scheme is implemented that is codified to provide a circuit designer with considerably better design options for handling large CA variability as seen through the design manual. The tools developed for modeling the impact of CA variable resistance phenomena provide developers with a resistance model, such as conventionally known, modified with a new CA model Basis including a novel CA intrinsic resistance model, and, a novel CA layout bucketization model. |
| US07831934B2 |
User-interface features for computers with contact-sensitive displays
Embodiments described herein provide for a portable computer with a contact-sensitive display having a user-interface that is configurable through user-contact with the display. An active input area may be provided that is configurable in appearance and functionality. The contents of the active input area, its functionality, and the manner in which it is oriented, particularly with respect to a left or right handedness, are described herein. |
| US07831933B2 |
Method and system for implementing a user interface for a device employing written graphical elements
A method and system for implementing a user interface for a device through user created graphical elements. The method includes recognizing a graphical element icon created by a user. Once recognized, a function related to the graphical element icon is accessed and an output in accordance with the function is provided. The function is persistently associated with the graphical element icon. Menu selection and navigation is implemented through interaction with the graphic element icon. A listing of options associated with the graphical element icon is audibly rendered. In response to a selection of one of the options, the selected option is invoked. |
| US07831929B2 |
Method, system, and program product for controlling a display on a data editing screen
The invention provides a method, system, and program product for controlling a display on a computer-aided design (CAD) data editing screen, whereby commands more likely to be utilized are preferentially displayed. |
| US07831927B2 |
Image forming device and image forming method
An image forming device includes a display, a reading unit, a display controlling unit, and an operating unit. The reading unit reads at least one file stored in a removable memory. The display controlling unit displays on the display a first selection item together with at least one second selection item. The first selection item is used for performing index printing for the at least one file. The at least one second selection item is used for printing each of the at least one file. Each of the at least one second selection item corresponds to one of the at least one file. The operating unit is capable of selecting one of the first selection item and the at least one second selection item. |
| US07831925B2 |
Method for content-sensitive resizing of display
A method of displaying data on a display screen is provided wherein first and second display zones are provided on the display screen. The display zones are sized so that, in combination, they substantially occupy a predetermined display area of the display screen which may, for example, be the display screen of a handheld device. In one embodiment, the relative sizes of the display zones are dynamically set dependent upon content to be displayed in each display zone. For example, a display zone for displaying list content may be larger than a display zone for displaying form content. The display zones may be arranged in a lateral fashion wherein they have substantially similar heights, or arranged in a stacked fashion with substantially similar widths. The respective widths or heights, as the case may be, may be sized dependent upon the content for display in each zone. |
| US07831921B2 |
Navigation connection points
Navigation connection points for separating navigation business logic from user interface elements. Computer executable instructions are used in a navigation framework for implementing navigation business logic separated from user interface elements. This allows the navigation business logic and user interface elements to be developed separately and later combined. A computer readable storage medium includes computer executable instructions configured to perform navigational tasks. The computer readable storage medium further includes a computer implemented interface operatively connected to the computer executable instruction configured to perform navigational tasks. The computer implemented interface is configured to connect to an external computer implemented user interface module. The computer implemented interface allows an external computer implemented user interface module to be selected from one of a number of external computer implemented user interface modules such that the navigation business logic is not limited to a single user interface implementation. |
| US07831918B2 |
Content based user interface design
Design of a user interface can be based on content of a data source bound to the user interface. Access can be provided to a data source having fields containing respective items of data. The items can be automatically analyzed to determine which types of user interface elements and/or properties of user interface elements to bind to the fields. Information for binding the fields with the respective determined types of user interface elements and/or the properties can be generated or stored. A user interface design tool can have data field identifiers that identify data fields of a data source. Control-type designators associated with the data fields can allow a user to designate one of a plurality control-types. Property designators associated with one of the control-type designators can be included to allow a user to designate a property of the control-type designated by a corresponding control-type designator. |
| US07831917B1 |
Method, system, and graphical user interface for identifying and communicating with meeting spots
One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which a server computer sends to a plurality of client devices associated with computer users in an online discussion information corresponding to: a map, an icon for a meeting spot to be overlaid on the map, a plurality of icons representing at least some of the computer users in the online discussion, to be displayed at a same time as the map, and an icon to initiate online communications between a respective client device and a computer associated with the meeting spot. The server receives a request to initiate online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and at least one client device in the online discussion; and initiates online communications between the computer associated with the meeting spot and the at least one client device in the online discussion. |
| US07831914B2 |
Presenting multiple views of a system
A system and method for creating and using configuration diagrams for configuring distributed systems. The methods described herein may be used for various types of operations in configuring distributed systems, including creating programs, managing programs in the distributed system, deploying programs to various distributed devices, configuring remote execution or inter-operation of distributed programs, and executing distributed applications. Embodiments of the invention utilize graphical iconic-based techniques for performing the above operations. The configuration diagram may include device icons which represent devices and program icons which represent programs. Device icons and program icons may be associated with each other to accomplish various program creation and deployment operations. Device icons and program icons may also interact with graphical program nodes or icons. Context sensitive device connections and/or program connections are displayed. An asynchronous data flow node may be used to facilitate asynchronous data flow between two graphical programs. The distributed system may also support distributed graphical debugging. |
| US07831910B2 |
Computer aided authoring, electronic document browsing, retrieving, and subscribing and publishing
Provides methods, apparatus, and systems for computer aided authoring. Included are: a method for browsing an electronic document, an apparatus for aided authoring, an electronic document browser, a method for retrieving an electronic document, a system for retrieving electronic documents, a method for subscribing and publishing an electronic document as well as a system for subscribing and publishing electronic documents. An example method for computer aided authoring includes: generating one or more topic summaries based on an electronic document while a writer is writing said electronic document, wherein the reliability of the topic summary is ensured by the writer; and saving said topic summary information in correspondence with said electronic document. |
| US07831908B2 |
Method and apparatus for layout of text and image documents
A mixed text and image layout algorithm capable of supporting Unicode text and arbitrary content definitions for geometric layout with worst case two-pass layout placement procedure. Layout of Unicode text requires a number of distinct processing steps commencing with classification of input characters into contiguous groups of identical directionality, writing system and possibly script (and language) followed by mapping of character groups to glyphs for display purposes followed by a layout taking into account font display characteristics, embedded directionality level and shape of container for layout contents. Layout is best-case achieved in a single layout pass and worst-case in two passes. During layout information is cached to facilitate incremental changes to an existing layout in order to minimize refresh operations for editing display purposes. An optional two-pass operation on the layout result may be used to generate ordered rendering operation to support so-called Z-index display. An optimized Unicode character classification method utilizing reduced memory is also disclosed. Additionally a method to selectively display caret location for mixed font and/or directional text is disclosed. |
| US07831906B2 |
Virtually bound dynamic media content for collaborators
Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for providing collaborative event media content that include creating, in dependence upon original media content, a structured document, where the structured document includes one or more structural elements, and creating a grammar for the collaborative event media content, where the grammar includes grammar elements each of which includes an identifier for at least one structural element of the structured document. In typical embodiments, creating a structured document includes inserting in the structural document structural element identifiers for the structural elements. |
| US07831904B2 |
Method of creating an XML document on a web browser
The invention concerns a method of creating an XML document on a web browser. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: receiving data input from a web browser; duplicating a source XML document stored in advance, the source XML document including predefined structures and predetermined source data; replacing the source data included in the duplicated XML document by the received input data; and storing the XML document resulted in the above replacing step as a new XML document. According to the invention, an ordinary user can easily create XML documents in a given form, e.g., resumes, commercial agreement sheets, official documents, etc., using only current web browsers widely used, without a specified XML editor. |
| US07831900B2 |
Method for presenting multimedia messages
A method for presenting a multimedia message is disclosed. A layout rule is proposed to present a multimedia message without an SMIL document so that the multimedia message (e.g., Multipart.mixed type multimedia message, etc.) or an enclosure file (e.g., an enclosure file of Multipart.related type message, etc.) can be displayed in a sliding form although it does not have the SMIL document. |
| US07831899B2 |
Method and apparatus for a home network auto-tree builder
A method and system is provided for detecting, commanding and controlling diverse home devices currently connected to a home network. An interface is provided for accessing the home devices that are currently connected to a home network. According to the method, a device link file is generated, wherein the device link file identifies home devices that are currently connected to the home network. A device link page is created, wherein the device link page contains a device button that is associated with each home device that is identified in the device link file. A hyper-text link is associated with each device button, wherein the hyper-text link provides a link to an HTML page that is contained on the home device that is associated with the device button, and the device link page is displayed on a browser based home device. |
| US07831897B2 |
Data transmission path including a device for checking the data integrity
Described is a data transmission path including a device for checking the data integrity of data transmitted from the sender side to the receiver side of the data transmission path, in a motor vehicle in particular, having a first data modification device on the sender side and a second data modification device on the receiver side which each have the same transmission function and a comparator for comparing the output data of the data modification devices. Input data are modified into output data on the sender side and transmitted to the receiver side, and identical input data are transmitted to the receiver side and modified there into output data. Moreover, a method for checking the data integrity is described. |
| US07831891B2 |
Method of channel coding for digital communication system and channel coding device using the same
A method of channel coding a digital communication system and a device using the same is provided. The method includes quantizing analog data to digital data, the digital data corresponding to a predetermined number of digital codes; allocating channel codes to the digital codes, as a Hamming distance between a pair of channel codes corresponding to any pair of the digital codes is proportional to a difference between analog values of the pair of the digital codes; and channel coding the digital data by using the channel codes which are allocated to the digital codes to generate channel coded digital data. Accordingly, digital data, such as multimedia digital data without source coding and the like, of which information significance is different may be effectively transmitted and received. |
| US07831889B2 |
Method and device for error detection for a cache memory and corresponding cache memory
A method for error detection in a cache memory for storing data, the access to the data stored in the cache memory taking place by addresses assigned to them, wherein for the addresses assigned to the stored data, at least one first test signature made up of at least one first signature bit is generated and also stored in the cache memory. |
| US07831885B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver and method of processing data in digital broadcast receiver
A digital receiving system, and a method of processing data are disclosed. The digital receiving system includes a receiving unit, a known sequence detector, and a channel equalizer. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. The known sequence detector detects known data linearly inserted in a data group. The channel equalizer performs channel-equalizing on the received mobile service data using the detected known data. |
| US07831880B2 |
Information recording medium, defect management method, information reading/writing device and information reading device
To specify defect management information to be used in a short time in an information recording medium having a defect information area capable of recording plural sets of defect management information and a selection information area capable of recording plural sets of selection information for selecting a set of defect management information from the defect information area. The selection information includes information about a position where the latest management information at the time of writing is written, and history information indicating that the selection information is updated. |
| US07831878B2 |
Integrated circuit with JTAG port, tap linking module, and off-chip tap interface port
An IC includes an IEEE 1149.1 standard test access port (TAP) interface and an additional Off-Chip TAP interface. The Off-Chip TAP interface connects to the TAP of another IC. The Off Chip TAP interface can be selected by a TAP Linking Module on the IC. |
| US07831875B2 |
Interconnections for plural and hierarchical P1500 test wrappers
A test architecture accesses IP core test wrappers within an IC using a Link Instruction Register (LIR). An IEEE P1500 standard is in development for providing test access to these individual cores via a test structure called a wrapper. The wrapper resides at the boundary of the core and provides a way to test the core and the interconnections between cores. The test architecture enables each of the plural wrappers in the IC, including wrappers in cores embedded within other cores, with separate enable signals. |
| US07831870B2 |
JTAG controlled self-repair after packaging
An integrated circuit containing memory includes IEEE 1149.1 (JTAG) controlled self-repair system that permits permanent repair of the memory after the integrated circuit has been packaged. The JTAG controlled self-repair system allows a user to direct circuitry to blow fuses using an externally supplied voltage to electrically couple or isolate components to permanently repair a memory location with JTAG standard TMS and TCK signals. The system may optionally sequentially repair more than one memory location using a repair sequencer. |
| US07831865B1 |
Resource allocation for executing automation scripts
Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for testing. A number of computers are configured for remote login. A number of test instances are identified. A test input file is partitioned into a number of segments, wherein the number of segments equals the number of test instances. A number of input files are created based on the number of segments, wherein the number of input files equals the number of segments. The number of test instances are executed on the number of computers to produce a number of test result files, wherein each test instance uses one of the input files. The number of test result files equals the number of test instances. The number of test result files are collated to produce a single combined test result file. |
| US07831864B1 |
Persistent context-based behavior injection or testing of a computing system
The invention provides a method and system for persistent context-based behavior injection in a computing system, such as in a redundant storage system or another system having a layered or modular architecture. Behaviors that are injected can be specified to have triggering conditions, such that the behavior is not injected unless the conditions are true. Triggering conditions may include a selected ordering of conditions and a selected context for each behavior. In a system having a layered architecture, behavior injection might be used to evaluate correct responses in the face of cascaded errors in a specific context or thread, other errors that are related by context, concurrent errors, or multiple errors. Behavior injection uses non-volatile memory to preserve persistence of filter context information across possible system errors, for reporting of the results of behavior injection, and to preserve information across recovery from system errors. Multiple behavior injection threads are also provided. Behavior injection can also be performed in a logically distributed system or from a logically remote system. |
| US07831862B2 |
Selective timer control during single-step instruction execution
A processing device includes a timer and a processor core configured to execute an instruction during a debug session. The processing device further includes a timer control module configured to selectively enable/disable the timer based on a characteristic of the instruction. Another processing device includes a timer, a processor core configured to single step execute a sequence of instructions during a debug session, and a timer control module configured to selectively enable/disable the timer during single step execution of each instruction of the sequence of instructions. |
| US07831861B1 |
Techniques for efficient restoration of granular application data
Techniques for efficient restoration of granular application data are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for restoring one or more portions of application data comprising virtualizing one or more backup files of the application data into a specified staging area, running a recovery process for the one or more backup files, virtualizing the one or more backup files and the one or more recovery files, instantiating an instance of an application utilizing the virtualized one or more backup files and the virtualized one or more recovery files, and recovering one or more portions of the application data. |
| US07831855B2 |
System and method for generating a reset signal for synchronization of a signal
Systems and methods are provided to generate a reset signal, such as to facilitate synchronization. In one embodiment, a system to generate a reset signal includes an offset generator that provides an offset clock signal having a frequency offset relative to a frequency of an input clock signal. A reset generator generates the reset signal in response to detecting a periodic phase shift between the offset clock signal and the input clock signal. |
| US07831849B2 |
Platform communication protocol
A host chipset heartbeat may be utilized, in some embodiments, to handle interrupts from external devices on a power efficient basis. The availability of the host chipset heartbeat may be signaled to external devices and those external devices may time their activities to a period of time when not only are resources available, but the assertion of the activity is advantageous because the host chipset is already transitioning from a lower power consumption state. |
| US07831846B2 |
Information processing device with an acceleration sensor
The operating state of a computer is switched only when moving of the computer is detected. An information processing device has a detection unit, which detects, as a lifting action, a fact that an accelerated velocity has been kept applied in one direction for a given period of time, and a control unit, which executes a predetermined control operation that is associated with the lifting action detected by the detection unit. A lifting action detecting method has a detection step of detecting, as a lifting action, the fact that an accelerated velocity has been kept applied in one direction for a given period of time, and a control step of executing a predetermined control operation that is associated with the lifting action detected in the detection step. |
| US07831844B2 |
Integrated powered device connector in system for supplying power over communication link
An integrated connecting device for coupling a communication link to a powered device (PD) in a system for supplying power to the PD over the communication link. The integrated connecting device has a housing configured for providing connection to the PD external with respect to the housing, communication interface circuitry coupled to the communication link for supporting data communication of the PD over the communication link, and power interface circuitry coupled to the communication interface circuitry for implementing a power supply protocol performed to supply power to the PD over the communication link. The communication interface circuitry and the power interface circuitry being held by the housing. |
| US07831841B2 |
Semiconductor device including encryption section, semiconductor device including external interface, and content reproduction method
A secure LSI device 1 includes an encryption section 2 for encrypting a program, and an external I/F 50 for inputting/outputting a program or data from/to an external memory 100. In the encryption section 2, the operation of a private key arithmetic processing section 20 is prohibited with respect to a sequence whose execution is determined by a key-generation/update sequencer 30 to be impermissible. In the external I/F 50, a program processing section 51 and a data processing section 55 are structured independently from each other. |
| US07831839B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing a secure booting sequence in a processor
Methods and apparatus provide for: reading encrypted boot code from a storage medium into a local memory associated with a first of a plurality of processors; decrypting the encrypted boot code using a trusted decryption function of the first processor such that the boot code is verified as being authentic; booting the first processor using the boot code from the local memory; and authenticating boot code for one or more of the other processors in the first processor prior to the one or more other processors booting up. |
| US07831838B2 |
Portion-level in-memory module authentication
Dynamic run-time verification of a module which is loaded in memory (in whole or in part) for execution is enabled by storing hashes of smaller portions of the module (e.g. page-level hashes) as they should look when loaded into memory for execution. After an initial authentication is completed, hashes of smaller portions of the module are stored. These hashes consist of the portion of memory as modified by changes which would be made by the operating system loader operating normally. Thus, the hashes can be used to verify that the portion as loaded into memory for execution is 1) a correct copy of the portion of the software module, 2) correctly modified for execution by the processor, and 3) not tampered with since loading. Additionally, during execution of the module, new portions/pages of the module which are loaded can be verified to ensure that they have not been changed, and a list of hot pages of the module can be made, including pages to be continually re-verified, in order to ensure that no changes have been made in the module. |
| US07831831B2 |
Authentication communication system, authentication communication apparatus, and authentication communication method
An authentication communication system is capable of storing information relating to revoked devices in less area than is conventionally required.A computer unit stores in advance revocation information that indicates at least one revoked apparatus, and when authenticating a driver unit judges, based on the revocation information, whether or not the driver unit is revoked. The computer unit prohibits communication with the driver unit when the driver unit is judged to be revoked, and communicates with the driver unit when the driver unit is judged not to be revoked. |
| US07831827B2 |
Authenticated communication between multiple entities
A method of passing validated information along a series of entities, the series of entities including a source entity, a series of at least one intermediate entity, and a target entity, wherein each of the entities shares a validation parameter with its immediately neighboring entity or entities in the series, the method comprising the steps, commencing in the source entity, of: (a) in the current entity, generating a validation code for the information, the validation code being based on the validation parameter shared between the current entity and the next entity in the series; (b) outputting the validation code; c) receiving the validation code in the next entity in the series and making that entity the current entity; (d) verifying the information via the validation code in the current entity using the validation parameter required to verify it; (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) until the last intermediate entity in the series has output the validation code it generated; and (f) receiving the validation code in the target entity and verifying the information via the validation code and the validation parameter required to verify it. |
| US07831825B2 |
Packet-based and pseudo-packet based cryptographic communications systems and methods
The disclosed technology provides a system and method of securely communicating data. An encryptor located at a transmitter can provide encrypted data to the transmitter. The transmitter can maintain a packet number indicating a particular packet for carrying the encrypted data and a sub-packet number indicating a position within the packet where the encrypted data is to be stored. The encryptor can produce the encrypted data using an encryptor seed generated based on the packet number and sub-packet number. A receiver can maintain a receiver packet number indicating a number of previously received packets and can compute a receiver sub-packet number. The receiver can receive a packet containing encrypted data and can decrypt the encrypted data using a decryptor seed generated based on the receiver packet number and sub-packet number. |
| US07831824B2 |
Hallmarking verification process and system and corresponding method of and system for communication
The present invention discloses a hallmark verification process for verifying a hallmark of a web site, the process comprising the step of a user activating a hallmark verification process on a device with access to the web site in which the web site does not have access to the activation of the verification request. |
| US07831823B2 |
Systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection
The present invention provides systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers equipped in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Distributed and other operating systems, environments and architectures, such as, for example, those using tamper-resistant hardware-based processors, may establish security at each node. These techniques may be used to support an all-electronic information distribution, for example, utilizing the “electronic highway.” |
| US07831821B2 |
System backup and recovery solution based on BIOS
A system performs system initialization for a computing device, comprising a module to back up one or more files of the computing device in response to a backup request and to restore one or more files of the computing device in response to a recovery request; and a point managing module to set up a backup point that comprises information based on the backup request and locate one or more backup points for the restoration operation. |
| US07831820B2 |
System and method for converting a target computing device to a virtual machine in response to a detected event
A system and method for converting a target computing device to a virtual machine are provided. A conversion event is detected to initiate a conversion of a target computing device to a virtual machine. An assessment of the physical and software assets of a target computing device are obtained. A data image of the target computing device is deployed on an instance of a virtual machine. The virtual machine adjusted to correspond to the physical and software assets of the target computing device. |
| US07831818B2 |
Exception-based timer control
A processing device includes a timer and an exception controller configured to provide an exception indicator representative of a first exception. The processing device further includes a timer controller configured to selectively enable/disable the timer in response to the exception and based on a characteristic of the exception. A method of utilizing the processing device includes receiving an exception and determining a characteristic of the exception. The method further includes, at a first time, selectively enabling/disabling the timer of the processing device based on the characteristic, and, at a second time subsequent to the first time, accessing a count value stored at the timer. The method further includes providing the count value for output from the processing device. |
| US07831815B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method for identifying sequences of instructions
A data processing apparatus is provided comprising a processing unit for executing instructions, a cache structure for storing instructions retrieved from memory for access by the processing unit, and profiling logic for identifying a sequence of instructions that is functionally equivalent to an accelerator instruction. When such a sequence of instructions is identified, the equivalent accelerator instruction is stored in the cache structure as a replacement for the first instruction of the sequence, with the remaining instructions in the sequence of instructions being stored unchanged. The accelerator instruction includes an indication to cause the processing unit to skip the remainder of the sequence when executing the accelerator instruction. |
| US07831813B2 |
Uses of known good code for implementing processor architectural modifications
In one embodiment, a processor comprises a programmable map and a circuit. The programmable map is configured to store data that identifies at least one instruction for which an architectural modification of an instruction set architecture implemented by the processor has been defined, wherein the processor does not implement the modification. The circuitry is configured to detect the instruction or its memory operands and cause a transition to Known Good Code (KGC), wherein the KGC is protected from unauthorized modification and is provided from an authenticated entity. The KGC comprises code that, when executed, emulates the modification. In another embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises at least one processor core; at least one other circuit; and a KGC source configured to supply KGC to the processor core for execution. The KGC comprises interface code for the other circuit whereby an application executing on the processor core interfaces to the other circuit through the KGC. |
| US07831808B2 |
Queue design system supporting dependency checking and issue for SIMD instructions within a general purpose processor
A processor includes a general purpose (GP) unit adapted to receive and configured to execute GP instructions; and includes a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) unit adapted to receive and configured to execute SIMD instructions. An instruction unit comprises a first logic unit coupled to the GP unit and a second logic unit coupled to the SIMD unit, wherein SIMD instructions are processed subsequent to GP instructions. In the first logic unit a GP instruction with unresolved dependencies unconditionally causes subsequent SIMD instructions to stall, and an SIMD instruction with unresolved dependencies does not cause subsequent GP instructions to stall. The first logic unit resolves dependencies in GP instructions, provides dependency-free instructions to the GP unit, and provides SIMD instructions to the second logic unit. The second logic unit resolves dependencies in SIMD instructions and provides dependency-free instructions to the SIMD unit. |
| US07831800B2 |
Technique for prefetching data based on a stride pattern
A processor system (100) includes a central processing unit (102) and a prefetch engine (110). The prefetch engine (110) is coupled to the central processing unit (102). The prefetch engine (110) is configured to detect, when data associated with the central processing unit (102) is read from a memory (114), a stride pattern in an address stream based upon whether sums of a current stride and a previous stride are equal for a number of consecutive reads. The prefetch engine (110) is also configured to prefetch, for the central processing unit (102), data from the memory (114) based on the detected stride pattern. |
| US07831794B2 |
Memory card and host device thereof
A memory card is attached to a host device, and includes a data control circuit which transfers data with respect to the host device in synchronism with a rise edge and a fall edge of a clock signal. |
| US07831792B2 |
Computer system, data migration method and storage management server
In a computer system an object of this invention is to reduce physical resource contentions during the parallel migration of volumes. The computer system of this invention has the host computers, the storage systems and the storage management server. When parallelly migrating two or more volumes of data in the storage systems to the same number of other volumes, the storage management server selects volumes having few physical conflicts of the controllers or storage devices in the storage systems and executes the parallel migration operation. |
| US07831791B2 |
Method of address space layout randomization for windows operating systems
A system and method for address space layout randomization (“ASLR”) for a Windows operating system is disclosed. The address space layout includes one or more memory regions that are identified and then a particular implementation of the system randomizes the identified memory region in order to prevent any software vulnerabilities. |
| US07831786B2 |
Sharing memory resources of wireless portable electronic devices
It is not uncommon for two or more wireless-enabled devices to spend most of their time in close proximity to one another. For example, a person may routinely carry a personal digital assistant (PDA) and a portable digital audio/video player, or a cellphone and a PDA, or a smartphone and a gaming device. When it is desirable to increase the memory storage capacity of a first such device, it may be possible to use memory on one or more of the other devices to temporarily store data from the first device. |
| US07831784B2 |
Managing purgeable memory objects
A system and method of managing purgeable memory objects includes a LIFO and/or FIFO queue for volatile memory objects, which can be emptied at a rate that matches the speed of a page queue. |
| US07831782B1 |
Roll-back log to provide data consistency
A system or method for reestablishing data consistency between data volume P and its real time or near real time copy volume S. When volumes P and S enter a state of data inconsistency, data consistency can be restored through use of roll-back and/or roll-forward logs. The roll-forward log stores new data to be written to volume P. The roll-back log stores existing data of volume S before the existing data of volume S is overwritten with new data. As will be more fully described below, the roll-back log can be used to incrementally restore volume S to a prior data state in reverse chronological order, while a roll-forward log can be used to incrementally restore volume S in forward chronological to equal the data state of volume P. |
| US07831775B2 |
System and method for tracking changes in L1 data cache directory
Method, system and computer program product for tracking changes in an L1 data cache directory. A method for tracking changes in an L1 data cache directory determines if data to be written to the L1 data cache is to be written to an address to be changed from an old address to a new address. If it is determined that the data to be written is to be written to an address to be changed, a determination is made if the data to be written is associated with the old address or the new address. If it is determined that the data is to be written to the new address, the data is allowed to be written to the new address following a prescribed delay after the address to be changed is changed. The method is preferably implemented in a system that provides a Store Queue (STQU) design that includes a Content Addressable Memory (CAM)-based store address tracking mechanism that includes early and late write CAM ports. The method eliminates time windows and the need for an extra copy of the L1 data cache directory. |
| US07831772B2 |
System and methodology providing multiple heterogeneous buffer caches
A method for temporarily storing data objects in memory of a distributed system comprising a plurality of servers sharing access to data comprises steps of: reserving memory at each of the plurality of servers as a default data cache for storing data objects; in response to user input, allocating memory of at least one of the plurality of servers as a named cache reserved for storing a specified type of data object; in response to an operation at a particular server requesting a data object, determining whether the requested data object is of the specified type corresponding to the named cache at the particular server; if the data object is determined to be of the specified type corresponding to the named cache, storing the requested data object in the named cache at the particular server; and otherwise, using the default data cache for storing the requested data object. |
| US07831768B2 |
Method and apparatus for writing data to a disk array
A method for writing data to a RAID 5 configuration of hard disks writes two or more items of data to a data stripe together. The method includes the determining of the suitability of data items to be written together, the storing of the new data items to temporary buffers, the reading of the original data and parity from the hard disk to the temporary buffers, the modification of the parity and the writing of the new data and new parity to the hard disks. |
| US07831765B2 |
Distributed programmable priority encoder capable of finding the longest match in a single operation
A distributed, hierarchically-structured, programmable priority encoder for a content addressable memory (CAM) device including at least one section, the section further including a section level priority encoder, and a plurality of blocks, each block further including a block level priority encoder, and a plurality of slices. The distributed, hierarchically-structured, programmable priority encoder, wherein each slice further including a CAM slice, a maskable comparand register coupled to the CAM slice and a programmable priority encoder coupled to said CAM slice and further coupled to said block level priority encoder. |
| US07831764B2 |
Storage system having plural flash memory drives and method for controlling data storage
Provided is a storage system having a storage device including memory drives formed of the non-volatile memory, a group is constituted by the memory drives whose number is larger than the number of memory drives necessary to provide the memory capacity, the divided storage areas are managed in each of segments that includes at least one of the divided storage areas, the data storage area or the temporary storage area is allocated to the divided storage areas, upon receiving a data write request, the data storage area in which the write data is written and the segment are specified, the updated data is written in the temporary storage area included in the specified segment, the temporary storage area in which the data is written is set as a new data storage area, and data stored in the data storage area is erased and set as a new temporary storage area. |
| US07831759B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for routing packets utilizing a unique identifier, included within a standard address, that identifies the destination host computer system
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a data processing environment that includes host computer systems that are coupled to adapters utilizing a switched fabric for routing packets between the host computer systems and the adapters. A unique destination identifier is assigned to one of the host computer systems. A portion of a standard format packet destination address is selected. Within a particular packet, the portion is set equal to the unique identifier that is assigned to the host computer system. The particular packet is then routed through the fabric to the host computer system using the unique destination identifier. |
| US07831758B2 |
Accelerating input/output (IO) throughput on solid-state memory-based mass storage device
In one embodiment, a portable mass storage device may include a bus hub having a first port to couple to a bus and other ports to connect to multiple multi-channel memory controllers, where each memory controller is coupled to multiple non-volatile storage arrays, and the memory controllers can independently service the arrays to enable overlapping data transfer operations. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07831752B2 |
Method and device for interoperability in heterogeneous device environment
System, device, method, and computer program and computer program products for providing communicating between devices having similar or dissimilar characteristics and facilitating seamless interoperability between them. Computer program software and methods of and systems and devices for sharing of content, applications, resources and control across similar and dissimilar permanently or intermittently connected electronic devices. Devices, systems, appliances, and the like communicating and/or interoperating within the framework provided. Interoperability device, such as a DartDevice, provides a highly interoperable device by virtue of its running a compliant player such as a DartPlayer containing an engine such as a DartEngine and at least one communications protocol for connecting to other devices. |
| US07831751B2 |
System and method for programming a display controller chip
A system for programming at least a controller chip is disclosed. The system includes a programming apparatus and at least a programmable device mounted on the programming apparatus. The programming apparatus has at least a first connection interface and a micro-controller. The programmable device has the monitor controller chip mounted thereon and a second connection interface coupled between the first connection interface and the controller chip. The micro-controller controls the programming of the controller chip. |
| US07831745B1 |
Scalable direct memory access using validation of host and scatter gather engine (SGE) generation indications
A host station and a scatter gather engine (SGE) station communicate with each other. In the host station, a host generation indication is maintained. In the SGE station, an SGE generation indication is maintained. Information, including the host generation indication maintained in the host station, is written into an entry of a data structure in a memory associated with the host station. In the SGE station, information is received from each of at least one of the entries of the data structure. The received information is processed, including comparing the SGE generation indication maintained in the SGE station to the host generation indication in the entry to determine whether the information in that entry includes valid information. |
| US07831736B1 |
System and method for supporting VLANs in an iSCSI
Systems and methods for providing VLAN support in an iSCSI environment are disclosed. The systems and methods support associating multiple SCSI routing components in a storage router with multiple VLANs. Target devices on a storage area network are thus only present on the VLAN associated with the SCSI routing component that maps the target devices. |
| US07831734B2 |
Method and system for remote configuration of network devices
The present invention provides a method and system for remote configuration of heterogeneous network devices from a centralized location. |
| US07831733B2 |
Policy-based forwarding in open shortest path first (OSPF) networks
A method and system enables policy-based traffic forwarding in a data network by implementing policy-based control over propagation of LSA messages through the data network. A route tag is asserted in respect of a link state advertisement (LSA) message advertising a network address. Propagation of the LSA through the data network is controlled using the asserted internal route tag. At each hop, a policy decision affecting the forwarding of the LSA is made. Exemplary policy decisions include, Pass and Discard. In addition, the forwarding table may be updated using the route and address information contained in the LSA. In this case, routes entered in the forwarding table may be tagged as an inclusion route or an exclusion route. This may be based on the value of an exclusion route flag, which can, for example, be provided as a binary “0” or “1” inserted into an unused portion of the options field of the LSA. |
| US07831732B1 |
Network connection utility
A system is disclosed for masking errors that may occur during a delay of a client connecting with a server on a network. A connection utility requests a connection with the server. The connection utility determines if a timeout error occurred. If the timeout error occurred, a first browser page presented by the client is displayed to indicate a connection is being made. A browser page presented by the server is displayed when the connection is made. |
| US07831731B2 |
Method and system for a modular transmission control protocol (TCP) rare-handoff design in a streams based transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) implementation
A method and system for handing-off TCP states in a communication network. Specifically, the present invention allows for handing-off TCP states between nodes in an associated network that is optimized for rare handoff of TCP states. The handoff occurs between dynamically loadable modules that wrap around the TCP/IP stack located at a front-end node and a selected back-end web server. A handoff protocol implemented by the loadable modules works within the kernel level of the existing TCP/IP code. As such, no changes to the existing TCP/IP code is necessary. The loadable modules at the front-end are able to select a back-end web server depending on the content of the web request, coordinate handing off TCP states, and forward packets to the back-end web server. Loadable modules at the selected back-end modify response packets going out to reflect the proper TCP state of the front-end node. |
| US07831727B2 |
Multi-content presentation of unassociated content types
Audio files and video files are selected for playback. One or more unassociated video items are selected for presentation during a playback of a selected audio file and presented during the playback of the selected audio file. |
| US07831724B2 |
Services layer model for providing standards-based communications
An open communications framework including an application layer that defines standards for applications, a middleware layer that defines standards for middleware, an operating system layer that defines standards for operating systems, and a hardware layer that defines standards for hardware. Interface layers based upon open-standards can be used to communicate data between the application layer and the middleware layer, between the middleware layer and the operating system layer, and between the operating system layer and the hardware layer. |
| US07831723B2 |
Electronic document for describing a computer service
An electronic document for describing a service proposed by a server computer of a communication network, comprises a first part adapted to describe messages exchanged between computers of the communication network and a second part adapted to comprise information relating to the transmission of messages over the communication network.The second part comprises two sub-parts, a first sub-part being adapted to comprise information on a format for representing messages and a second sub-part being adapted to comprise information on a communication protocol implemented for the transmission of the messages over the communication network. |
| US07831721B2 |
System and method for providing IPv6 services
A system for providing IPv6 services, including a node registration agent for use in applying for a home address for the device, registering the device to a home agent and informing the device of the home address. A method for providing IPv6 services, comprising: the device accessing an IPv6 network and acquiring a forwarding address; the device making a remote registration to the node registration agent; the node registration agent applying for a home address for the device, registering the device to the home agent, and informing the device of the home address; the communication counterpart of the device sending messages using the home address as the destination address; the home agent receiving the message and forwarding the message to the forwarding address of the device; and eventually providing the device with the IPv6 services. Application of the system and method reduces the cost, and makes possible the IPv6 services. |
| US07831720B1 |
Full offload of stateful connections, with partial connection offload
A method of operating a system including a host and intelligent network interface circuitry extends a passive open operation to accomplish full offload of a stateful connection between a host and a peer. In response to observing a synchronization signal from the peer, an offload target creates a connection control block in the offload target in anticipation of a corresponding stateful connection being offloaded from the host. The observed synchronization signal is allowed to be provided to the host. In response to observing a synchronization acknowledgment signal from the host and destined for the peer, the offload target performs establishment processing for the stateful connection. Based on an acknowledgment of the synchronization acknowledgment signal from the peer, acknowledgement of the synchronization acknowledgement signal is processed and a corresponding acknowledgment signal is provided to the host. In response to receiving an offload event indication from the host, the stateful connection is operated between the host and the peer. |
| US07831717B2 |
Connectivity information sharing in a smart space having a multiplicity of radio access technologies
An apparatus and method for storing and maintaining in a smart space device connectivity information of devices of the smart space including a plurality of disparate radio access technologies. The connectivity information is propagated to at least one other device of the smart space and is used for selecting an optimal distribution route for information to be shared in the smart space. Technologies such as NoTA, BillBoard and Whiteboard can be used. |
| US07831714B2 |
Display apparatus management system and method thereof
A display apparatus management system having at least one display apparatus with a display part to display an image, a memory to allow data to be stored and/or removes, and a display controller to control a display state of the image displayed on the display part; at least one client connected with each display apparatus and to output an image signal to the display apparatus; and a host having an input part to allow input of a display identification to each display apparatus, a database registered with the display identification of each display apparatus inputted via the input part and a client identification of each client, and a host controller to transfer the display identification to the display apparatus through the client to enable the display controller to store the display identification to the memory. The display apparatus management system, thus, identifies and/or manages the display apparatus connected with each client from the host. Further, by adding the lock function to the display apparatus, the present invention provides protection against a theft. |
| US07831708B2 |
Method and system to aggregate evaluation of at least one metric across a plurality of resources
A method to aggregate evaluation of at least one metric across a plurality of resources may include determining an aggregate evaluation of a selected metric for a group of resources of the plurality of resources. The method may also include adjusting the aggregate evaluation of the selected metric in response to any evaluation criteria and determining if any predetermined thresholds have been violated. |
| US07831704B2 |
Methods and systems for monitoring and diagnosing machinery
A method of managing a machinery monitoring system is provided. The machinery monitoring system includes a database of at least one rule set, the rule set including at least one rule expressed as a relational expression of a real-time data output relative to a real-time data input, the relational expression being specific to a plant asset. The method includes importing data representative of a rule set into the machinery monitoring system, applying the at least one rule set to a specific plant asset wherein the at least one rule set is configured to locate the data input using at least a portion of the relative path information, determining a data output of the at least one rule set using the at least one relational expression and the data input, and transmitting the data output to at least one of the machinery monitoring system and the plant monitoring and control system. |
| US07831699B2 |
Method and system for managing control of groups of networked heterogenous devices in a network
A system and method for managing a group of networked, heterogeneous devices, wherein the group of devices are regarded as a logically single “device”. This method separates the state management aspect from control aspect, such that applications using this method need not manage the devices and data directly, and as a result can interact with a simplified, single ‘device’, or focus on controlling the simplified, single ‘device. |
| US07831697B2 |
Mapping notification system for relating static identifier to dynamic address
A1 A communication system comprises obtaining a corresponding dynamic address by sending an identifier to a mapping notification system which stores a pair of an identifier and a dynamic address; and determining whether or not a dynamic address stored in the mapping notification system is correct by accessing other communication node to which the dynamic address obtained by the obtaining means is assigned. The system also compares the identifier sent to the mapping notification system and a reply for the access to the communication node. If the system determines that the address is not correct, the obtaining process and determination process are executed again, an execution of a process to be executed after the determination process is stopped, or a control process for preventing from sending back a reply of the address from the mapping notification system is executed. |
| US07831691B2 |
System, device, server, and program for service provision
A service providing system is provided including a service providing device adapted to provide a service through a network and a device adapted to receive the service from the service providing device. The device includes a service request unit that requests the service providing device for a service, and a service implementation unit that implements a function of the device after receiving the service from the service providing device that is requested. The service providing device includes a service provision executing unit that provides the service to the device when the service providing device receives the request from the service request unit, and a function judging unit that judges whether the device is equipped with a function to receive the service provided by the service provision executing unit based on equipped function information that indicates functions for which the device is equipped. |
| US07831688B2 |
Method and system for providing electronic user assistance
A system and method for incorporating software modules into a website or other information source that is searchable and updateable, which helps to create a dynamic user assistance environment. The system searches based on context/category sensitive natural language requests. This dynamic environment becomes “smarter” over time and will track questions and answers by a number of methods to assure the answers are up to date and that there is a high confidence match for the user's inquiry. The entire collection of data resides in a centralized location where the information can be leveraged to answer a user's question and aid in the creation of question/answer pairs for later use. Additionally, the assistance system supports a method for incorporating new informational content and answers to unanswered questions, for example by authorized support persons, that are categorized and stored in the existing system for later reference and use. |
| US07831687B2 |
Storage system managing data through a wide area network
In a storage system, a server apparatus and a storage apparatus are provided, while the server apparatus is connected via a LAN to one, or plural sets of computers so as to accept an access request of file data issued from the computers, whereas the storage apparatus is connected via a wide area network to the server apparatus so as to store thereinto the file data. A communication between the computers and the server apparatus is carried out by employing a network file protocol, whereas a communication between the server apparatus and the storage apparatus is performed by employing a block device protocol. The server apparatus and the storage apparatus are connected via the respective security protecting apparatus to the wide area network. |
| US07831686B1 |
System and method for rapidly ending communication protocol connections in response to node failure
Various methods and systems for ending a communication protocol connection in response to detecting the failure of a cluster node are disclosed. One method involves detecting a failed node within a cluster. The failed node communicates with a client via a communication protocol connection. In response to detecting the failed node, a communication protocol message is sent to the client. Receipt of the communication protocol message causes the client to terminate the communication protocol connection. |
| US07831685B2 |
Automatic detection of online commercial intention
Features extracted from network browser pages and/or network search queries are leveraged to facilitate in detecting a user's browsing and/or searching intent. Machine learning classifiers constructed from these features automatically detect a user's online commercial intention (OCI). A user's intention can be commercial or non-commercial, with commercial intentions being informational or transactional. In one instance, an OCI ranking mechanism is employed with a search engine to facilitate in providing search results that are ranked according to a user's intention. This also provides a means to match purchasing advertisements with potential customers who are more than likely ready to make a purchase (transactional stage). Additionally, informational advertisements can be matched to users who are researching a potential purchase (informational stage). |
| US07831684B1 |
Social network filtering of search results methods and apparatus
A method for a computer system includes receiving a search request from a first user, determining a user identifier associated with the first user, determining a plurality of user identifiers associated with the user identifier within a social network, determining a first plurality of search request results of a plurality of users associated with the plurality of user identifiers, determining a list of results to the search request in response to the search request and to the first plurality of search request results, and providing the list of results to the first user as a response to the search request. |
| US07831678B2 |
Electronic control apparatus
The electronic control apparatus includes at least two microcomputers at least one of which is always supplied with electric power and configured such that, when rewriting of control software of these microcomputers are performed, control software of the microcomputer always supplied with electric power is rewritten after control software of the other microcomputer is rewritten. The electronic control apparatus has a configuration which makes it possible to correctly and reliably rewrite the control software for each of these microcomputers in succession. |
| US07831677B1 |
Bulk electronic message detection by header similarity analysis
Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for detecting bulk electronic messages using header similarity analysis. Bulk electronic messages can be detected by parsing (115) header fields of an electronic message; associating (120) at least one constituent unit with each header field defining a set of constituent units for each header field; ascertaining (230) a feature vector for each set of constituent units; forming (240) a collection of feature vectors; and computing (250) an inner product from a set of constituent units from an additional electronic message and the collection of feature vectors from the initial electronic message resulting in a measure of similarity between the initial electronic message and the additional electronic message. |
| US07831676B1 |
Method and system for handling email
The invention includes a system that selectively or automatically creates email packages by parsing emails into email elements such as attachments, email reply bodies, storing them in the system's database and then grouping the elements from different selected emails to form email packages. Emails that satisfy user-defined keywords and criteria are also included in packages and their summary is displayed for a quick retrieval. An example is creating email workgroups, each containing emails that pertain to a set of activities or a specific project, and visually presenting them to users. By storing the links between an email and its elements, the invention facilitates the gathering of statistical information pertaining to different email interactions and action states, attachment-sharing across multiple users, assigning versions to the modified iterations, and cross-referencing them to the originating emails. The links further facilitate identification of email propagation relationships as emails proliferate across multiple users. |
| US07831674B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for saving instant message
A method for saving instant messages includes: determining a session saving policy; sending the session saving policy to a server; and saving, by the server, instant messages in a session in accordance with the session saving policy. A client, server and system are also provided. |
| US07831672B2 |
Systems and methods for securing computers
Systems and methods are disclosed for avoiding electronic mail (email) attacks on a computer by downloading one or more emails in virtual-copy format to prevent the one or more emails from executing; determining whether a potentially infected email is in the one or more emails; and displaying the potentially infected email to a user and providing a user interface to allow the user to select and delete the infected email prior to downloading emails to the user's computer. |
| US07831663B2 |
Storage and playback of media files
A client device is in communication with a first storage device over a wide area network. The first storage device is of multiple storage devices in a networking system and stores media files. The client device can access a media file at the first storage device and the media file includes at least a reference to a video portion and at least a hyperlink that references a second media file. |
| US07831662B2 |
Multi-user database system and method for resource usage tracking
The disclosure is directed to a database system. In a particular embodiment, a database system includes a first processor configured to receive transactions, including session maintenance transactions and data requests, from one or more users. The database system also includes a request table to store resource usage data associated with the data requests. The request table is accessible to identify particular data requests that utilize a selected level of computing resources. |
| US07831659B2 |
Data providing system, server and program
A data providing system of the present invention is provided with an image acquiring device, an area extracting device, a data storing device, and a data providing device. For each image data acquired by the image acquiring device, a storage destination specifying area is extracted by the area extracting device, storage destination is specified by a storage destination specifying device, and the image data is stored at the storage destination by the data storing device. |
| US07831658B2 |
Generating landing page variants
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for showing different landing page designs to a user. One method includes displaying an advertisement on a starting page to a user interacting with a client, the advertisement having a hyperlink to an instrumented landing page; in response to the user selecting the advertisement, downloading the instrumented landing page to the client, the instrumented landing page having one or more sections, each section having a corresponding plurality of alternative versions; choosing in the client a combination of one alternative version for each of the one or more sections; generating in the client a landing page variant, each section of the landing page variant being the corresponding alternative version of the section defined by the combination; notifying a server that the instrumented landing page was reached; notifying the server which combination was chosen; and displaying the landing page variant to the user. |
| US07831657B2 |
Electronic apparatus for identifying and utilizing external applications contained on external apparatuses
An electronic apparatus for performing an operation by use of an application, which can communicate with a plurality of external apparatuses, includes an application registering unit to register one or more applications selected as available applications from applications installed in the plurality of external apparatuses, an application selecting unit to select an application to be utilized from the one or more applications registered by the application registering unit, and a control unit to communicate with an external apparatus having the selected application installed therein to perform the operation by utilizing the selected application installed in the external apparatus. |
| US07831653B2 |
Flexible template having embedded gate array and composable memory for integrated circuits
A partially manufactured semiconductor chip comprising a slice and a number of shells is a template for a communication and networking chip. The slice has a number of I/O ports, blocks, and PHYs. The hardmac PHYs are established to correspond to a high speed data transmission protocol. The interior of the template comprises logic gate arrays and configurable memory. Once particular protocols of data receipt and transmission are selected, the logic gate arrays and configurable memory can be programmed and otherwise configured to develop protocol layers for data networking and communication. |
| US07831650B2 |
Method for modular multiplication
In a method for modular multiplication using a multiplication look-ahead process for computing a multiplication shift value and a reduction look-ahead process for computing a reduction shift value, a modulus is first transformed into a transformed modulus that is greater than said modulus. The transformation is carried out such that a predetermined fraction of the transformed modulus has a higher-order digit with a first predetermined value that is followed by at least one low-order digit having a second predetermined value. During the iterative working off of the modular multiplication using the multiplication look-ahead process and the reduction look-ahead process, the transformed modulus is utilized so as to obtain at the end of the iteration a transformed result for the modular multiplication. Finally, the transformed result is re-transformed by modular reduction using the original modulus. By means of the transformation according to the invention, iterative working off of the modular multiplication is simplified so that the modular multiplication can be performed faster. |
| US07831645B1 |
Digital resonant shelf filter
A method and system for designing a discrete-time filter having a transfer function which approximates that of an analog shelf filter is disclosed. Prior art methods include applying the bilinear transform to the analog filter, which has the drawback of warping high-frequency features of the desired transfer function. In an embodiment of the present invention, an analog filter is designed which anticipates the warping imposed by the bilinear transform. For filters whose features approach the Nyquist limit, the inventive method provides a closer approximation to the analog response than direct application of the bilinear transform. |
| US07831638B2 |
Method and system for image management in a computing system
A method and system for migrating data to a build-to-order computing system is provided. The method comprises storing an image at a remote site. The image comprises data stored on a computing system. An order is received to provide a second computing system to a customer. Access to the image is provided to the second computing system such that the second computing system can store the image. |
| US07831635B2 |
Collecting information at a remote site
Embodiments of the invention relate to techniques for collecting information. In an embodiment, a support engineer for a vendor, when desiring information to be collected at a customer site, creates an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file that includes collection instructions. The support engineer then sends the XML file to the customer who, upon receiving the XML file, posts the XML file to a collection system. The collection system having the XML file as an input invokes the collection software that executes the collection instructions included in the XML file, and generates the information desired by the support engineer. The collection system, via a pre-setup transport mechanism, then transfers the collected information to a system accessible to the support engineer on the vendor's site. |
| US07831633B1 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing a custom driver for accessing a data source
Methods and apparatus for supporting an additional data source in a system adapted for processing data from one or more data sources are disclosed. A design-time driver for the additional data source is obtained, where the design-time driver supports the definition of data including one or more fields of the additional data source to retrieve from the additional data source. In addition, a run-time driver for the additional data source is obtained, where the run-time driver supports retrieval of data corresponding to the one or more fields from the additional data source and where the run-time driver has a second application programming interface. The design-time driver is executed via a first application programming interface, where the first application programming interface enables definition of the data including the one or more fields to be retrieved from the additional data source. The data is then retrieved from the additional data source via the run-time driver using the second application programming interface. |
| US07831629B2 |
Method for building data encapsulation layers for highly variable schema
The relationships between physical data store schema, object model, and end-user property may be encoded in the source of the object model using attributes. Reflection may be used to build the table of those relationships so that changes to the relationships between those three layers can be easily and quickly made without impacting higher levels in the software stack. |
| US07831628B1 |
System and method for management of building department services
The present invention, known as, a Building Department Integrated Solution (BDIS), provides a new method and system of municipality building information management in a municipality's building department by providing a management tool that provides accuracy and improves efficiency in the processes. The present invention enables users to compile, access, provide and deliver accurate, relevant, secured and required building department data to building officials and/or homeowners/contractors. The present invention enables users to transmit plans, request inspections and retrieve inspection results along with any issued certifications via a network. Inspectors also retrieve and schedule inspection requests via the network. Upon completion of the inspection, inspectors may transmit inspection results and initiate issuance of certificates of completion via the network. |
| US07831626B1 |
Integrated search engine devices having a plurality of multi-way trees of search keys therein that share a common root node
An integrated search engine includes a hierarchical memory configured to support a plurality of multi-way trees of search keys. These multi-way trees, which share a common root node, support respective databases of search keys. The child pointers associated with search keys within the common root node may be allocated at a single key level of granularity, which means that each search key within the common root node may be associated with a pair of child pointers when each search key within the common root node is associated with a different multi-way tree of search keys. |
| US07831621B1 |
System and method for summarizing and reporting impact of database statements
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for summarizing and reporting the impact of database statements at a database appliance. The database appliance, according to one embodiment, can receive a database request and determine a set of information related to the request. Embodiments disclosed herein take in as input the database statement text and output multiple impact vectors, each containing both the name of an affected entity and a 32-bit “impact bitmap” for that entity. This concise and unambiguous output format can be computed using fast AND, OR, XOR, and NOT operations, allowing for highly efficient evaluation of database statements against user defined policies and finer policy granularity. |
| US07831620B2 |
Managing execution of a query against a partitioned database
The present invention generally relates to data processing, and more specifically to executing a query against a partitioned database. One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method of managing execution of a query against a partitioned database having a plurality of data partitions. The method comprises issuing a query for execution against each of the plurality of data partitions. Then, it is determined whether a complete query result is returned for the query before execution of the query has completed against each of the plurality of data partitions. If so, execution of the query is terminated on at least one of the plurality of data partitions. |
| US07831616B2 |
Systems and methods for managing database authentication and sessions
Systems and methods enable remote (or “off-campus”) users complete authorized access to full-record content of 3rd-party databases subscribed to by the user's institution. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system that acts as a transparent conduit between the user and a remote database, managing relevant session/context information without the user's awareness and without the need for users to install plug-ins or configure browser proxies. |
| US07831615B2 |
Computer-implemented multidimensional database processing method and system
A computer-implemented system and method are provided to handle operations dealing with a multidimensional database. Information about the hierarchical structure of a multidimensional database is used when performing the operations upon the database. Operations such as update, select and others are performed using the hierarchical structural information. Keys and indexes may be used in accessing the hierarchical structural information. |
| US07831604B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enterprise application integration
A method for enterprise application integration that uses “connectors” that can be instantiated via downloading (e.g., using Java® or other such technologies) to provide interfaces to respective disparate database systems. The databases systems may comprise any variety of now or heretofore known systems, e.g. SAP, Oracle, and so forth. The connectors can, for example, translate between a native language (or API) of the respective database systems and an internal language/protocol of the enterprise application integration system. To this end, the connectors can utilize a scripting language to access the respective database systems. Data retrieved from the database systems can be stored in a central data store in the form of RDF triplets, from which directed graphs can be generated for to generate presentations consolidated from the multiple database systems. |
| US07831602B2 |
Method for comparing search profiles
The invention relates to a method for automatically comparing search profiles. According to the method, a search profile is compared with one or several offered profiles that are stored in a database. The individual profiles are subdivided in to data fields, in which the information to be compared is saved. Different types of data fields are provided within each profile and the individual profiles have the same structure. During the comparison of a search profile with an offered profile, at least two different types of data fields comprising different comparison functions are compared. A final comparison value is calculated from the interim comparison values that are obtained in this way. According to the inventive method, different comparison functions are thus used for the different types of data fields. This allows a substantially more individual comparison of information than can be obtained using conventional method. |
| US07831601B2 |
Method for automatically searching for documents related to calendar and email entries
A method is provided for enabling a user to search for documents that the user has previously viewed on its local machine. The method may rely upon three main system components: the desktop integration module, the index module, and the graphical user interface module. The desktop integration module is an application which monitors documents with which the user interacts for predetermined events, and obtains content data and metadata from the monitored documents. The index module indexes the content data and metadata received from the desktop integration module. The graphical user interface module then permits a user to utilize the desktop integration module and index module by allowing a user to search for a document. |
| US07831598B2 |
Data recording and reproducing apparatus and method of generating metadata
A data recording and reproducing apparatus and a method of generating metadata are provided. The data recording and reproducing apparatus includes: a signal processor capturing images, processing the captured images to generate image data, and generating an image file that includes the image data; a speech recognition unit recognizing speech and converting the speech into text data; and a controller using the text data to generate metadata and adding the metadata to the image file. Accordingly, at a time when images are recorded, metadata is generated as management information corresponding to image contents by using an image contents recording apparatus. Therefore, reliable metadata corresponding to the image contents can be generated. |
| US07831596B2 |
Systems and processes for evaluating webpages
Systems and methods may manage webpages in a set of webpages. The set of webpages may include webpages in an intranet and/or an extranet of an enterprise. Queries may be performed on the webpages and a list of results determined based at least in part on query terms and webpage scores. Webpage scores may be based on ratings of webpages and/or metrics of change. A metric of change of a webpage may be based at least in part on changes in text, images, and/or ratings of the webpage. |
| US07831595B2 |
Predicting and ranking search query results
Techniques are described herein for providing search results that are ranked based on a predictor that predicts, for each of a number of objects, likelihoods that each particular object will be selected at different positions on a results list. |
| US07831594B2 |
Estimating the static execution time of a database query
In a method for estimating a static execution time of a database query, a prediction of query runtime tree is built from historical query information. A database query is received. The prediction of query runtime tree is used to estimate the static execution time of the database query. |
| US07831591B2 |
Method of searching for a file with a directory identified from a file path as a start point
There is provided a file search method executed in a file search apparatus for searching for a file relevant to an application, the file search apparatus having an interface, a processor coupled to the interface, and a memory coupled to the processor. The file search method comprising the steps of: obtaining process information which includes an execution start time and file path of the application; identifying, from the obtained file path, a directory that serves as a start point in a search for a file relevant to the application; and searching, with the identified directory as the start point, for a file accessed after the execution start time of the application. |
| US07831590B2 |
Techniques for partitioning indexes
Techniques for partitioning indexes are provided. A predefined data type associated with a column of a database table is acquired. Column value statistics for the column are acquired. The values are analyzed to produce multiple partitions for the values. Each partition includes each of the values and each partition includes multiple groupings of the values. Also, each grouping of a particular partition includes a subset or range of the values. Furthermore, each grouping of a partition includes a same distribution for the values as other groupings of that partition. Each partition represents a potential partitioning index for the column and its values. |
| US07831588B2 |
Context-sensitive query expansion
A method for processing a search query having a plurality of search terms for searching for documents includes segmenting the query to identify two or more units, expanding the query by selecting one or more substitutable units for at least one unit in the query, and calculating a substitution probability for each substitutable unit. For each substitutable unit, a co-occurrence probability is calculated with each of the remaining units in the search query. An occurrence probability is then calculated for each substitutable unit, and a score is calculated based on the combination of the substitution probability, the co-occurrence probability, and occurrence probability. The documents are ranked in an order determined by the score. |
| US07831584B2 |
System and method for providing real-time search results on merchandise
A search suggestion system and method for a product/service database which provides an improved, bifurcated search result search result algorithm. A vectored index of a product/service database is first generated. As a search query is typed, the letters/words are processed through a lexographical matching module, compared to the index, and a subset of the index is identified. The subset is then ranked according to (1) the user's history, (2) most popular sales data, (3) most often viewed products, and (4) lexographical weights. The highest ranked items are then displayed in a drop-down list to the user. |
| US07831583B2 |
Document retrieval system, document retrieval apparatus, document retrieval method, program, and storage medium
In a document retrieval system for retrieving a document from documents stored in storage devices according to a retrieval condition input by a user, the storage device where a retrieval is carried out is selected from the storage devices, and the retrieval condition is input. In the selected storage device, when the retrieval according to the input retrieval condition is carried out, based on a retrieval result, information indicating the number of documents satisfying the retrieval condition is managed for each storage device where the retrieval is carried out. When the retrieval condition is input, based on the managed information, whether the number of documents stored in any selected storage device and satisfying the input retrieval condition is larger than a predetermined number is determined before carrying out the retrieval. As a result of this determination, control of whether to conduct the retrieval is achieved. |
| US07831582B1 |
Method and system for associating keywords with online content sources
A method and system for associating keywords with online content sources. According to one embodiment, a method may include identifying a result set including one or more of a plurality of online content sources, wherein each of the included one or more online content sources satisfies a keyword query including one or more keywords. The method may further include, for a given one of the online content sources included in the result set, identifying one or more aggregate paths including the given online content source, wherein a given one of the one or more aggregate paths includes one or more navigation paths among the plurality of online content sources, and in response to detecting a selection of a particular online content source from one of the identified aggregate paths, associating the one or more keywords included in the keyword query with the particular online content source. |
| US07831580B2 |
Owner-brokered knowledge sharing machine
The invention discloses a system and method for promoting information or knowledge sharing among users registered to a computer network by allowing an information or knowledge owner to locate or directly access private information, to publish information for direct access by knowledge requesters, or to broker information or knowledge with an information or knowledge requester. This invention also discloses a system and method which allow an organization to develop and manage a reward system based on the frequency of an information or knowledge owner's contribution to information or knowledge sharing and the frequency of an information or knowledge requestor's use of shared knowledge. |
| US07831579B2 |
Adaptive page layout utilizing block-level elements
Computer-storage media, computerized methods and systems for formatting a page layout according to form factors of a display area are provided. Initially, search results are received and dynamically converted into respective block-level elements, where each of the block-level elements is associated with a portion of content from one of the received search results. Form factors are retrieved from a graphical user interface. Typically the form factors are associated with properties of a display area initiated to present the search results. At least one adaptive template is selected according to the retrieved form factors. The portion of content of each of the block-level elements is formatted based on at least one adaptive template. Also, the adaptive template is utilized to establish content panes within the page layout, as directed by the form factors. These content panes are populated with one or more of the block-level elements. |
| US07831570B2 |
Mandatory access control label security
A secure database appliance leverages database security in a consistent framework provides consistent, flexible, and adaptable security using mandatory access controls in addition to user and role based security for access control and accountability. A database system comprises a plurality of datasets, each dataset including a plurality of data, and a plurality of database objects, each object having a security label comprising a security classification of the object, at least one database session, the database session having a security label indicating a security classification of the database session, wherein, the database system is operable to allow or deny access to data to a database session based on a security label of a database object and on a security label of the database session. |
| US07831567B2 |
System, method, and software for managing information retention using uniform retention rules
Systems, methods, and software for managing information retention using uniform retention rules is disclosed. Particularly, the disclosure relates to identifying data to be archived and assigning, inter alia, a destruction date to the identified data. Data for archival are identified using one or more defined retention rules. The retention rules identify the data for archival by one or more properties of the data. Once identified, retention information is applied to the identified data. |
| US07831565B2 |
Deletion of rollback snapshot partition
A method, device, and system are provided for rollback of a master volume in a data storage system. More specifically, when a rollback is requested, snapshots that are involved in the rollback can be deleted during the rollback. This is accomplished by deleting the snapshot partition but not the actual snapshot data. Rather, the snapshot data is retained until the rollback is complete incase some of the snapshot data needs to be written to the master volume as part of the rollback. |
| US07831564B1 |
Method and system of generating a point-in-time image of at least a portion of a database
A method and system of generating a point-in-time image of at least a portion of a database is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method is provided wherein a plurality of components of a database are discovered, a component of the plurality of components is selected, a data management resource of a plurality of data management resources is selected using an attribute of the component, and a point-in-time image of the component is generated using the data management resource. |
| US07831562B1 |
Backup and restore operations using distributed control information
Backup and restore operations in a distributed data system are described. In one embodiment of a backup operation, a computing system includes a media server, and two or more distributed data sources. The media server is configured to establish a first connection with an agent executing on the first data source and receives control information specifying one or more additional data sources to contact to continue the backup operation. Agents on the additional data sources pass control information and/or backup data via each respective connection until the backup operation is complete. In some embodiments, two or more concurrent connections may be established between the media server and distributed data sources. In this manner, a backup operation may be performed for distributed data using control information supplied by the distributed data sources. |
| US07831561B2 |
Automated disk-oriented backups
Space on disk, designated for storage of recovery files is automatically managed so as to not exceed a predetermined limit. Specifically, after creation of information to be stored in a new recovery file, an automatic check is made to see if creation of the new recovery file will cause the space to exceed the limit. If so, at least one recovery file currently in the space is deleted. The new recovery file is automatically created, when the space occupied by existing recovery files becomes sufficiently small to accommodate the new file without exceeding the limit. The recovery file(s) deleted to make room for the new recovery file may be automatically identified in accordance with a user-specified policy. Such a policy may be used to automatically identify a subset of recovery files available for deletion, well ahead of time, i.e. prior to a need for deletion arises. |
| US07831560B1 |
Snapshot-aware secure delete
A snapshot-aware secure delete event identifying a file for snapshot-aware secure deletion on a computer system is received, and the file to be deleted is identified from the snapshot-aware secure delete event. Each file snapshot associated with the file on the computer system is accessed at the volume level and each non-duplicate file extent of the file snapshots is identified. The raw data identified by each non-duplicate file extent is securely overwritten using a secure overwrite technique, and each file snapshot is deleted from the computer system. In this way the raw data of the file and the raw data of all the diff areas of file snapshots associated with the file are securely overwritten and deleted. |
| US07831559B1 |
Concept-based trends and exceptions tracking
A method and system for analyzing and categorizing unstructured information and for tracking trends and exceptions by using a user's selection of a key concept, wherein the key concept is one or more words or phrases present in the content of an unstructured object that represent an unstructured object. |
| US07831556B2 |
Differential rendering and refreshing a portal page with a page delta
A method for differential rendering a portal page that includes a plurality of page elements (10, 12, 14) and refreshing the portal page. The method includes providing a complete portal page (20, 22). A request for the portal page is then sent and/or received (28). The request can represent user events. In a next step, page elements (10, 12, 14) of the portal page to be updated are identified (30, 31) on the basis of the user events. A page delta is then calculated (32), wherein each page element (10, 12, 14) is associated with a refresh policy depending on the semantics of the respective page element (10, 12, 14). The page delta can include the markup elements of the page elements to be updated. Next the page delta is transferred (34) to the existing portal page and merged (40) with the existing portal page. |
| US07831555B2 |
Network-extensible reconfigurable media appliance
Extensible reconfigurable media appliance for security and entertainment captures images digitally for storage. Digital effects and filters are applied to incoming video stream on-the-fly or to video data stored in memory. Digital effects and filters are dynamically stored, modified, updated or deleted, providing extensible reconfigurable effects studio. Digital media appliance communicates wirelessly with other media appliances, computers, security systems, video storage, email, chat, cellular services or PDAs to provide seamless integration of captured video stream. |
| US07831554B2 |
Mobile data management using association table
Middleware for mobile data management may include an association table and a message store. The middleware may operate to receive a business object instance from a backend system, determine one or more mobile devices associated with the business object instance, associate the business object instance with the one or more mobile devices and with an insert state in an association table, and associate, in the association table, the business object instance and the one or more mobile devices with a full-state message in the message store. |
| US07831551B2 |
Backup data erasure method
According to this invention, a computer system has a host computer, a first storage subsystem providing a first volume, a second storage subsystem providing a second volume for storing a copy of data stored in the first volume. The computer system stores copy configuration information including correspondence between the first volume and the second volume. The management computer transmits the data erasure request to the first storage subsystem upon reception of a first data erasure request for erasing the first volume. The first storage subsystem stops a copying process of data stored in the first volume to the second volume, transmits a second data erasure request for erasing the second volume to the second storage subsystem, and erases the data stored in the first volume. Thus, in the case of erasing data stored in a storage area, corresponding data stored in a destination storage area is also erased so that security risks can be reduced. |
| US07831550B1 |
Propagating results of a volume-changing operation to replicated nodes
A method, system, and computer-readable medium to quickly synchronize copies of data that have diverged over time. The present invention can be used in synchronizing replicated copies of data that have become unsynchronized due to the restoration of primary data from a backup copy of the primary data. The solution enables copies of data to be synchronized without copying all of the data from one copy to another. The solution uses minimal resources to maintain data consistency and has minimal effect on performance of applications using the data and on network usage. The method includes determining that a change occurred to data in a region of a primary volume without including the region in a set of regions designated for replication to a secondary volume. The region is added to the set of regions designated for replication to the secondary volume and replicated. |
| US07831545B1 |
Identifying the unifying subject of a set of facts
A method and system for identifying a subject of a document and facts included within are described. A source document that includes facts and linking documents that include hyperlinks to the source document are identified. The anchor texts of the hyperlinks are identified and candidate labels are generated based on the anchor texts. One of the candidate labels is selected based on first predefined criteria and associated with the source document and/or the facts included within the source document. |
| US07831542B2 |
Iterative search with data accumulation in a cognitive control framework
Searching hypotheses for locations of objects in a playback image corresponding to a recorded image generated by a graphical user interface (GUI) of an application program may be accomplished by capturing the playback image, detecting at least one active object in the recorded image, searching subsets of hypotheses from the playback image for an object according to predetermined criteria, recalculating old actions for the object in the playback image by applying actions according to an execution scenario and loading a next set of data, when the object is found, and checking dynamic conditions. |
| US07831540B2 |
Efficient update of binary XML content in a database system
Various techniques are described hereafter for improving the efficiency of updating XML documents in a content repository, such as a database system. Specifically, techniques are described for updating an XML document by dynamically merging a stream of XML data from the document with update information. Techniques are also described for efficient validation of XML documents. Because of the manner of the updates, specifically because the XML data being updated is in the form of a stream, the database system validates only those portions of the stream of XML data that have been updated. In the alternative, the database system validates that portion of the XML data that is associated with the parent node of the portion of XML data that has been updated. |
| US07831538B2 |
Evolutionary spectral clustering by incorporating temporal smoothness
Systems and methods are disclosed for clusterizing information by determining similarity matrix for historical information and similarity matrix for current information; generating an aggregated similarity matrix (aggregated kernel); and applying evolutionary spectral clustering on the aggregated kernel to a content stream to produce one or more clusters. |
| US07831537B2 |
System and method of adaptive generation of problem determination decision procedures
System, method, and program storage device for adaptive generation of problem determination decision procedures are provided. The decision procedures may be used, for example, for isolating problems and determining solutions to the problems in complex systems, such as IT systems and consumer electronics products. In one aspect, an optimal decision procedure is generated from an universal representation of system states and actions. |
| US07831535B2 |
Adaptive knowledge lifecycle management aligned with assessed financial value based on organizing structure of knowledge assets
In accordance with the embodiments described herein, a method and system for adaptive knowledge lifecycle management, and methods for delivering adaptive knowledge lifecycle management services to customers, is disclosed. Adaptive knowledge lifecycle management provides a means for beneficially adapting knowledge assets and their collective structures over time. It also provides a means for generating an estimate of the value of knowledge assets and their associated organizing topologies, as well as providing a means to determine changes in value corresponding to changes to the knowledge assets and their associated organizing topologies. |
| US07831532B2 |
Precomputation and transmission of time-dependent information for varying or uncertain receipt times
A system that facilitates analyzing time-related data comprises an interface component that receives a packet of information that includes a plurality of predictions and timing information associated therewith. A time-analysis component communicatively coupled to the interface component compares the timing information associated with the plurality of predictions with a current time and makes a determination relating to output of at least one of the plurality of predictions based at least in part upon the comparison. |
| US07831531B1 |
Approximate hashing functions for finding similar content
A method including training a plurality of learning systems, each learning system implementing a learning function and having an input and producing an output, initializing one or more data structures, and evaluating a target sample is described. Also described are methods that include initializing one or more data structures and evaluating a target sample for a best match. |
| US07831530B2 |
Optimizing method of learning data set for signal discrimination apparatus and signal discrimination apparatus capable of optimizing learning data set by using a neural network
A method of the present invention is processed by a selector. The selector selects each member constituting a learning data set from a data set source. Each member of the source is feature data extracted through a transducer and assigned to any one of categories in advance. The selector calculates each member's divergence degree of the source to obtain an average divergence degree. If an output neuron of the output layer of a neural network is related to different categories of all the categories represented by the output layer, the selector includes every member of the source corresponding to the category of the minimum average divergence degree in the selection from the source to the learning data set. The selector also excludes, from the selection, every member of the source corresponding to every remaining category of the different categories. |
| US07831529B2 |
Multiattribute specification of preferences about people, priorities, and privacy for guiding messaging and communications
The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate multiattribute adjustments and control associated with messages and other communications and informational items that are directed to a user via automated systems. An interface, specification language, and controls are provided for defining a plurality of variously configured groups that may attempt to communicate respective items. Controls include the specification of priorities and preferences as well as the modification of priorities and preferences that have been learned from training sets via machine learning methods. The system provides both a means for assessing parameters used in the control of messaging and communications and for the inspection and modification of parameters that have been learned autonomously. |
| US07831525B2 |
Automated energy transfer calculation and compensation
Thermal energy transfer between the adjoining building units is measured. Actual energy consumption is measured in each of the adjoining building units. An energy compensation is calculated for each of the adjoining building units based upon the measured thermal energy transfer between the adjoining building units and the measured actual energy consumption in each of the adjoining building units. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US07831524B2 |
Tracking recordation system for packages
The systems and methods described herein relate generally to the electronic recordation of the transfer of a package from a shipper to a responsible postal carrier. In one embodiment, a method of recording the acceptance of a package from a package shipper shipped via a post service includes the steps of: generating a unique header number to preface a record of package transactions made over a time period for a specific shipper, the header number being unique within the post service, wherein each package transaction is made with a centralized computer system and has an associated delivery confirmation number unique within the post service; transmitting the unique header number and transaction record to the post service; generating a scannable indicia representative of the unique header number; and scanning the indicia to confirm acceptance of the package by the post service, wherein the indicia is scanned by a post service representative. |
| US07831521B1 |
Method and system relating to a multi-lateral trade engine for payment transactions
In one embodiment of the present invention a method to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided. In another embodiment of the present invention a system to allow a consumer to direct payments to be made via one or more payment vehicles of choice is provided. |
| US07831520B2 |
Mobile device communication system
A method and system to conduct financial transactions over a communication network is provided. Data associated with a mobile communication device user is received and stored, and a user mobile airtime account is allocated to the user. A purchase request is received from the user via a mobile communication device, the purchase request being for a purchase from a merchant for a purchase amount. The communication network provides the user access to the network to make the purchase request without debiting a financial account of the user or the user mobile airtime account for the access to the communication network. A payment service provider now automatically debits the financial account of the user with the purchase amount, automatically allocates a service fee which is associated with the purchase amount to the mobile service provider and credits an account of the mobile service provider with the service fee. The payment service provider also automatically credits an account of the merchant with at least a portion of a remainder of the purchase amount. |
| US07831519B2 |
Methods and systems for electromagnetic initiation of secure transactions
Methods and systems are provided for processing secure transactions. An electromagnetic transmission packet is received from a portable device at a processing device. The electromagnetic transmission packet includes an encrypted magnetic-stripe image and an encrypted version of an alphanumerical identifier. A keyed nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is received at the processing device, and the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is decrypted. The decryption of the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is compared with the nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier. Thereafter, a decryption of the encrypted magnetic-stripe image is transmitted to a host system for processing the secure transaction using an account identified by the decryption of the magnetic-stripe image. |
| US07831516B2 |
System and method for redistributing and licensing access to protected information among a plurality of devices
A method and apparatus of encouraging distribution, registration, and purchase of free copyable software and other digital information which is accessed on a User's System via a Programmer's Program. Software tools which can be incorporated into a Programmer's Program allow the User to access Advanced Features of the Programmer's Program only in the presence of a valid Password which is unique to a particular Target ID generated on an ID-Target such as the User's System. Advanced features will thus re-lock if the Password is copied to another ID-target. If a valid Password is not present, the User is invited to obtain one, and provided with the means of doing so, and of installing that Password in a place accessible to the User's System on subsequent occasions. The present invention also provides Programmers with means to invoke business operations as well as computational operations with their programs, and thus to automatically obtain payment from Users who elect to obtain passwords. |
| US07831515B2 |
Method and system for subscription-based, entitlement-driven license key generation and distribution for digital goods
A method and system for subscription-based, entitlement-driven license key generation and distribution for digital goods allows digital goods vendors to manage rights of customers having maintenance contracts or subscriptions. Rights management includes the ability of the vendor to specify upgraded license rules and automatically update entitlements for all customers having current contracts and/or subscriptions, as specified by the upgraded license rules. Upgrades and accompanying license keys are proactively offered to customers without requiring additional sales transactions. |
| US07831513B2 |
Systems and methods for soliciting customers using computer readable media
Systems and methods are provided for soliciting customers using solicitation media. The solicitation media distributed to customers may comprise computer readable media that stores information pertaining to offer(s) for one or more product(s) or service(s). The computer readable media may also be provided with logic or program instructions that cause the customer's computer to perform certain functions. By way of example, the functionality provided through the computer readable media may facilitate the selection of a product or service that is best suited for the customer's needs, as well as assist a customer to complete and/or submit an application or request for an offered product or service. In addition to serving as a solicitation tool, the computer readable media may also serve as a financial transaction card that is associated with a financial product offered to the customer, such as a credit card or debit card. |
| US07831511B1 |
Automating setup of a user's financial management application account for electronic transfer of data with a financial institution
Computer implemented methods, systems, and computer program products for automating the setup of a user's financial management product account for electronic transfer of data between an account at a financial institution and the user's financial management product account, by receiving a link having financial account information, executing the user's financial management product in response to the link, extracting the financial account information from the link, providing the financial account information from the link to the user's financial management product, and configuring the financial management product account to receive electronic transfer of data from the account at the financial institution. |
| US07831505B2 |
System and method for dynamically regulating order entry in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for trading a trading strategy defined for at least one tradeable object in an electronic trading environment. More specifically, one example method includes using a first pay-up tick value to determine a first acceptable price level for an order associated with the trading strategy, automatically modifying the first pay-up tick to a second pay-up tick value in response to detecting a predefined condition, and using the second pay-up tick value to determine a second acceptable price level for the order associated with the trading strategy. |
| US07831500B2 |
Method and system for collection and analysis of shareholder information
A system and method is provided for the gathering of and manipulation of shareholder data, including information on individual shareholders and related custodians of shares, and comparing the shareholder/custodian data to a set of rules and/or a set of marketing analysis data to identify securities compliance issues and/or evaluate a securities marketing plan. |
| US07831499B2 |
Method and system for controlling feedback for an online auction
A method and system for selecting feedback rules for an online auction. An exemplary method may comprise controlling feedback by customizing feedback rules for an online auction substantially no earlier than entry of auction rules into an auction program by an end-user, storing the customized feedback rules for future use by the auction program, and conducting the online auction by the auction program using the feedback rules. |
| US07831494B2 |
Automated financial portfolio coaching and risk management system
The present invention relates to an Internet enabled, interactive financial portfolio risk modeling system. The system operates online, in a collaborative computing environment between the user and the portfolio development system. The portfolio generating system models the user's personal investment parameters into a user profile in terms of the user risk tolerance level, user investment style and user bull/bear attitude. The system further calculates Value At Risk (VAR) values for the user. The system filters various securities based on their VAR and Beta values and present two list of filtered securities, with opposing Beta values, matching the user profile. The present invention enables the user to swap securities in and out of his existing portfolio and receive an analysis of the effect of the swap on his portfolio. The model also generates an ideal portfolio based on the user profile. The present invention presents the user with an estimated value of his portfolio, based on a regression formula as well as a possible best and worst scenario based on statistical formulas particularly to computer implemented, Internet based financial modeling systems. |
| US07831481B2 |
E-commerce transaction aggregation and processing
Methods, systems, and media for aggregating and processing product information are disclosed. Embodiments include hardware and/or software for receiving an electronic receipt from a merchant that describes a transaction for a product by a purchaser and gathering product information from one or more sources such as the merchant, the product's manufacturer, the purchaser's bank, and/or an accessories dealer. Upon gathering the product information, the product information is associated with the transaction for the product on the electronic receipt and packaged in a standard, electronic format, an aggregated package, that is accessible and manageable by the purchaser's software, such as a personal finance manager (PFM) like Quicken™, Quickbooks™, Microsoft Money™, or the like. The aggregated package can then be sent to the purchaser via an email address supplied by the purchaser at the time of the purchaser or by the purchaser's bank while completing a funds transfer for the transaction. |
| US07831480B2 |
Computerized transaction bargaining system
A method and system for automated bargaining is disclosed. The method and system are used in testing non-equal values in normal rounds for satisfaction of a condition. If the condition is not satisfied in the normal rounds, power round values are tested for satisfaction of a power round condition. If the power round condition is satisfied, a binding bargained payment is calculated. Additional options involve an automated facilitator, windfalls to initiators, automatic payment initiation, multiparty aggregation and automatic agreement document generation. |
| US07831476B2 |
Listing recommendation in a network-based commerce system
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method to facilitate generating listing recommendations to a user of a network-based commerce system. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a term associated with a user interaction in a network-based commerce system. The method further includes generating a recommendation query including the identified term. In addition, the method includes running the recommendation query against a plurality of listings hosted by the network-based commerce system to identify a recommendation. Moreover, the method includes presenting the recommendation to a user of the network-based commerce system. |
| US07831475B2 |
Remote ordering system
A remote ordering system is provided using an electronic menu having a series of input devices corresponding to various menu items aligned with the input devices, and a wireless transmitter to send selected menu items to a receiving device for processing. A display to show selected menu items, an alpha-numeric keyboard, a non-cash payment device, and a printer for receipts are also contemplated for increased functionality. |
| US07831471B2 |
Virtual digital imaging and method of using the same in real estate
The present invention concerns an all-inclusive virtual tour website that features virtual tours of real estate properties. The present invention further concerns methods for allowing real estate related businesses to advertise on the website while complying with applicable guidelines. The present invention further allows various product and service vendors to advertise on the website. The present invention also provides information about various neighborhoods, civic, and other important information to potential home buyers. The present invention also contemplates lead generation services, such as generating loan application information, which may then be provided to lending institutions for bidding or sale. The present inventor also concerns related software, business methods, and Internet websites, platforms or other portals. |
| US07831470B1 |
Method and apparatus for facilitating electronic commerce through providing cross-benefits during a transaction
A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g. long distance telephone service) or initiate a new service agreement (e.g. sign up for a credit card account). |
| US07831469B2 |
Verifying audio output at a client device
An apparatus and method for verifying the audio output at a client device are provided. With the apparatus and method, when a user requests access to resources, a profile for the user is retrieved and used to determine whether the user is to be presented with audio advertisements. If so, a test audio advertisement is sent to the client device. An agent application on the client device outputs the audio advertisement, via a speaker, to the user and records the audio that is being output by the speaker using a microphone or other recording device. The recording of the audio output is then sent back to the server that sent the original test audio advertisement for comparison. The server then compares the recording of the audio output to the original test audio advertisement. If the recording matches the original test audio advertisement, access to the resources is granted. |
| US07831466B1 |
Insurance incentive program for promoting the purchase or release of an automobile after an expiration of a lease
A lessee of an item, such as an automobile, is encouraged to either purchase the automobile at the expiration of the lease, or to initiate a new lease for the same item. If the lessee undertakes a purchase or a new lease, a manufacturer of the item, or another party, provides insurance covering the item. The methods disclosed herein may be performed over a computer network, such as the Internet. |
| US07831461B2 |
Real time voting regarding radio content
A method for remotely participating in a listener survey includes receiving survey questions on an infotainment system, where the survey questions are at least partly displayed on a display portion of the infotainment system; transmitting to the survey provider a user input response to at least one of the survey questions; and receiving tabulated survey results of the survey, the results being at least partly displayed on the display portion of the infotainment system. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program and a system including a mechanism for practicing the above method are also disclosed. |
| US07831460B1 |
Expatriate associate selection process
The present invention is an expatriate associate selection process that uses standardized motivational, behavioral, cultural, and technical assessments as the basis for the selection process. Associates who may be appropriate candidates for international assignments are identified. Each associate is asked to complete assessments that are used to evaluate skills, abilities, and motivations. The results are analyzed and tabulated so that results among candidates may be compared. At various points in the process, associates may voluntarily withdraw or the company may decide to remove the associates from further consideration. Associates may be given additional training to address any gaps that were identified during the assessments. Timing requirements may be analyzed so that the selection process starts well in advance of proposed assignments. The process allows the company to create and maintain an expatriate group comprising candidates who are prepared to fulfill international assignments as they are identified. |
| US07831458B2 |
Method and system for supplying a number of service providers with technical service devices
A method for supplying a number of service providers with technical service devices makes is possible to reduce the expense incurred by a service provider for supplying its service employees with service devices and simultaneously and to improve the service processes of the service provider and/or its quality of service. According to the invention, a number of service devices are assigned to each of the service providers, and each of the service providers respectively perform services at a number of facility locations that are located at locations different from storage locations for service devices thereof. The inventive method comprises the followings steps: managing the service devices via a device service provider to which the respective number of service devices can be made available by the service providers, with the aid of a data processing system, whereby each of the service providers can access the data processing system, and a delivery of one or more service devices of the service provider to a desired facility location can be requested via the data processing system; delivering the requested service device(s) to the desired facility location via the device service provider. |
| US07831456B2 |
Advertisement display depth optimization to maximize click activity page yield
A method for maximizing page yield in advertisement display to Web users includes tracking click activity associated with advertisements displayed to users through a hierarchal set of search results pages associated with a keyword; tracking bidding activity by advertisers related to the keyword and corresponding advertisements of the advertisements; applying at least one component model to the click or bidding activity as correlated with a particular search results page of the hierarchal set of search results pages via which the advertisements receiving the click activity are displayed, wherein the at least one component model generates a set of output values representative of the tracked click activity; and providing the output values to the at least one component model to iteratively optimize a number of advertisements displayed on the particular search results page via which at least some of the advertisements are displayed in response to a query for the keyword. |
| US07831455B2 |
Method and system for posting ideas and weighting votes
A site is maintained that allows consumers to suggest, comment on and/or vote on ideas about a product or service. Some site embodiments can enable sponsoring organizations (customers) to maintain their own sites for displaying articles and allowing multiple viewers to vote on these articles. Site information for multiple tenants may be maintained in a common multi-tenant system. Votes may indicate a variety of different types of criteria, such as the importance, correctness, and/or user preference for the articles or other Qualitative Management Criteria (QMC) for determining the merit of an idea or an article. The votes may be tallied into an overall Total Qualitative Management Criterion (TQMC) for the idea or article. Newer votes may be adjusted according to an increasing function of time to enable the relative weightings of the older votes to diminish over time without having to compute a decaying time function to determine weightings for each vote. |
| US07831452B2 |
Systems and methods for providing enhanced player's ticket features
Ticketing systems and methods are provided specifically relating to a player's ticket and a player's ticket option. A player's ticket references at least one player and allows the player's ticket holder to attend all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket. A player's ticket option references at least one player and allows the player's ticket option holder to exercise the option to obtain a player's ticket that allows attending all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket option. |
| US07831451B1 |
Systems and methods for insurance underwriting
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for automating insurance underwriting by integrating information from multiple online databases and creating decision making advice useful to insurance underwriters. One system includes a client, database, and server. The client allows an underwriter to enter applicant information, enter customized risk modifiers, and receive an underwriting decision. The database provides additional applicant information. This information can include one or more of prescription drug history, credit history, motor vehicle records, and geocentric mortality risk. The server obtains the applicant information, calculates the applicant's risk, makes an underwriting decision. Another system calculates a prescription drug risk for an applicant from pharmacy benefits management data, drug risk category data, and application data. Another system calculates a geocentric mortality risk for an applicant from census data, mortality data, credit information, and application data. Preset external modifiers are added to systems and methods of calculating risk in order to allow the underwriter to customize the risk results. |
| US07831447B2 |
Healthcare computer system
A hospital bed, patient/nurse call system, and a hospital network are provided. Communication is provided over a packet based communication network. |
| US07831444B2 |
Remote health management system
A system and method that remotely accesses and diagnoses the medical condition of an individual patient and of each patient in a group of patients and provides treatment based upon the diagnoses of the individual patient and the risk stratification the individual patient assumes in the group of patients. |
| US07831441B1 |
Online reactivation of an account or service
Responding to an account reactivation request includes receiving an account reactivation request from a former subscriber having a deactivated account and automatically accessing stored account information related to the deactivated account based on the account reactivation request. The stored account information is compared with a reactivation standard to produce a comparison result. Based on the comparison result a response to the reactivation request is provided. The receiving, accessing, comparing, and responding may be performed by a computer without interaction between the former subscriber and a service representative. |
| US07831437B2 |
Attorney terminal having outline preparation capabilities for managing trial proceedings
The present invention provides attorney terminals which operate using an outline for storing, associating and managing case evidence, case law and work product for a given lawsuit at issue. Accessed through attorney terminals, the outline is structured based on a hierarchical categorization of the lawsuit into the law and fact at issue. Associated with each categorization entry in the hierarchical outline are groupings of case law, case evidence, relevance and draft discovery information for rapid access by the attorney. Each categorization entry in the tailored outline provides instant access to case law via headnotes, treatise selections, seminal cases, and preset searches. The disclosed invention also automatically: 1) tracks the use of Exhibits in a proceeding; 2) generates draft portions of a pretrial order including jury instructions; and 3) generates time-lines for analysis and use during a proceeding. Draft interrogatories, document requests and deposition or trial questions are also provided. |
| US07831434B2 |
Complex-transform channel coding with extended-band frequency coding
An audio encoder receives multi-channel audio data comprising a group of plural source channels and performs channel extension coding, which comprises encoding a combined channel for the group and determining plural parameters for representing individual source channels of the group as modified versions of the encoded combined channel. The encoder also performs frequency extension coding. The frequency extension coding can comprise, for example, partitioning frequency bands in the multi-channel audio data into a baseband group and an extended band group, and coding audio coefficients in the extended band group based on audio coefficients in the baseband group. The encoder also can perform other kinds of transforms. An audio decoder performs corresponding decoding and/or additional processing tasks, such as a forward complex transform. |
| US07831433B1 |
System and method for using context in navigation dialog
Described is a navigation system. The navigation system comprises a route planning module and a route guidance module. The route planning module is configured to receive a request from a user for guidance to a particular destination. Based on a starting point, the route planning module determines a route from the starting point to the particular destination. The route guidance module is configured to receive the route, and based on the route and current location of the user, provide location-specific instructions to the user. The location-specific instructions include reference to specific visible objects within the vicinity of the user. |
| US07831427B2 |
Concept monitoring in spoken-word audio
Monitoring a spoken-word audio stream for a relevant concept is disclosed. A speech recognition engine may recognize a plurality of words from the audio stream. Function words that do not indicate content may be removed from the plurality of words. A concept may be determined from at least one word recognized from the audio stream. The concept may be determined via a morphological normalization of the plurality of words. The concept may be associated with a time related to when the at least one word was spoken. A relevance metric may be computed for the concept. Computing the relevance metric may include assessing the temporal frequency of the concept within the audio stream. The relevance metric for the concept may be based on respective confidence scores of the at least one word. The concept, time, and relevance metric may be displayed in a graphical display. |
| US07831423B2 |
Replacing text representing a concept with an alternate written form of the concept
A system enables a transcriptionist to replace a first written form (such as an abbreviation) of a concept with a second written form (such as an expanded form) of the same concept. For example, the system may display to the transcriptionist a draft document produced from speech by an automatic speech recognizer. If the transcriptionist recognizes a first written form of a concept that should be replaced with a second written form of the same concept, the transcriptionist may provide the system with a replacement command. In response, the system may identify the second written form of the concept and replace the first written form with the second written form in the draft document. |
| US07831418B1 |
Autonomous experimental design optimization
Iterative (nondeterministic) optimization of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic surface structures can be accomplished with a computer software program and a system using a combination of a variable encoding length optimization algorithm based on an evolution strategy and an experimental hardware set-up that allows to automatically change the surface properties of the applied material, starting with the overall shape and proceeding via more detailed modifications in local surface areas. The optimization of surface structures may be done with a computing device for calculating optimized parameters of at least one (virtual) surface structure, an experimental hardware set-up for measuring dynamic properties of a specific surface structure, and an interface for feeding calculated parameters from the computing device to the experimental set-up and for feeding measured results back to the computing device as quality values for the next cycle of the optimizing step. |
| US07831413B2 |
Sound field measuring method and sound field measuring device
A sound field measuring device uses a measurement signal which has at least one change point and whose frequency spectrum has a shape corresponding to a shape of a frequency spectrum of a background noise. This enables a sound field measurement, which is for measuring an impulse response or transfer function of a sound field space which is a linear time-invariant system to be measured, to be performed with a high S/N ratio over a wide frequency band. |
| US07831412B1 |
Systems and methods for providing guidance by category on the potential impact of an application on the health of a computing system
Embodiments of the instant disclosure may provide users with access to information that details, by application category, the potential impact an application may have on the health of a user's computing device. A method for determining the impact of a new application on the health of a computing system by category is also disclosed. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US07831409B2 |
Method and system for yield similarity of semiconductor devices
Method and system for yield similarity of semiconductor devices. Embodiments of the present invention provides a method for yield similarity of semiconductor devices. The method includes providing a first plurality of semiconductor devices and a second plurality of semiconductor devices. The method also includes obtaining a first plurality of yields associated with a first yield related to the first plurality of semiconductor devices. The method further includes obtaining a second plurality of yields associated with a second yield related to the second plurality of semiconductor devices. The method also includes providing a processor and performing a first statistical analysis for the first plurality of yields using at least the processor. The method includes determining a first statistical distribution based on at least information associated with the first statistical analysis. The method includes performing a second statistical analysis for the second plurality of yields. |
| US07831407B2 |
Adaptive vehicle control system with driving style recognition based on vehicle U-turn maneuvers
An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle U-turn maneuvers. A process determines if the vehicle has started a turn if the yaw rate is greater than a first yaw rate threshold, and determines a vehicle heading angle based on the yaw rate and a sampling time if the vehicle has started a turn. The process then determines whether the vehicle maneuver has been completed by determining if the yaw rate is less than a second yaw rate threshold. The process then determines that the completed maneuver was a U-turn maneuver if the yaw rate is less than a third yaw rate threshold during the maneuver, the final vehicle heading angle is within a heading angle range and the duration of the maneuver is less than a predetermined time threshold. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heading angle range is between 165° and 195°. |
| US07831406B2 |
Method of sensor multiplexing for rotating machinery
Controlling a multiplexer for switching between probes of a microwave sensor. The multiplexer is used to select one of the probes at any one time of operation of the sensor. Signal processing constants are updated for the selected probe. One or more signal conditioning devices are adjusted to optimize signal noise levels and dynamic range for the probe. The transmit frequency is set for the probe. Upon expiration of a transition period, a data acquisition operation or measurement operation is conducted with the probe. In turn, a time for switching to the next probe is calculated and applied prior to enabling the multiplexer to switch to another probe. These tasks are completed steps for each of the remaining probes of the microwave sensor and then repeated again for continuing operation of the sensor. |
| US07831404B2 |
Histogram generation with configurable memory
The configuration and utilization of multiple memories is disclosed to efficiently gather histogram data for either multiple devices or single devices. Each memory can be configured depending on the number of ADCs to be tested. Rather than utilizing a separate histogram engine for each ADC, or duplicate memories to test each ADC, the memory of each histogram engine can be used either for a single ADC having a large or otherwise substantial sample width, or for multiple ADCs, each having a smaller sample width. To accomplish this, the memory is partitioned into multiple segments using address decoding such that a single ADC can use all of the segments for histogram data collection, while multiple ADCs can each use one of the segments for histogram data collection. |
| US07831403B2 |
Method of making a decision on the status of a mechanical system using input and response data acquired in situ
An in-situ monitoring system is engaged with a mechanical system for which it is desired to assess or monitor the in-situ performance of the mechanical system. The in-situ monitoring system includes at least one input sensor and at least one output sensor for collecting data corresponding, respectively, to input into, and output from, the mechanical system. The monitoring system also includes an analyzer that utilizes the input and output data to generate an in-situ response representation of the mechanical system. The in-situ representation may be used to make a decision regarding the status of the mechanical system, e.g., to replace all or part of it, to adjust it or to do nothing. In one embodiment, the analyzer is programmed to adapt to the operating conditions of the mechanical system by automatically selecting which one of a number of target representations should be used to characterize the in-situ representation. |
| US07831402B2 |
Method and related device for estimating two currents flowing simultaneously through respective windings of a poly-phase electrical load driven in SVM mode
A method for estimating values assumed at a certain instant of each period by currents flowing respectively in two distinct windings of a poly-phase load controlled in a space vector modulation (SVM) mode, using a same measuring device, may include coupling the measuring device to the first winding and measuring a current flowing therethrough with an anticipation from the certain instant smaller than or equal to an SVM half-period. The method may also include coupling the measuring device to the second winding, measuring a current flowing therethrough at the certain instant, coupling the measuring device to the first winding, and measuring a current flowing therethrough with a delay equal to the anticipation. The method may also include estimating a value assumed at the certain instant by the current flowing through the first winding based upon the two measured values with the anticipation and with the delay respectively. |
| US07831400B2 |
Diagnostic apparatus and methods for a coriolis flow meter
A system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes comprises a means for calibrating the flow meter for a number of desired modes. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes includes a means for determining a density of a material flowing through the flow meter associated with each mode. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes further includes a means for determining the flow rate effect on density for each desired mode. The system for calculating a flow rate of a flow meter using multiple modes a means for calculating a flow rate based on the density and flow rate effect on density values for each desired mode. |
| US07831395B2 |
Quantification of adsorbed molecular contaminant using thin film measurement
A test method for measuring adsorbed molecular contamination uses a test structure that includes a substrate comprising a plurality of separated test sites having a plurality separate thicknesses having a base design thickness and a designed thickness interrelationship. The test structure is exposed to a molecular contaminant environment to provide an adsorbed molecular contaminant layer upon each of the plurality of separated test sites. The plurality of separated test sites with the adsorbed molecular contaminant layer thereon is measured. An appropriate algorithm that considers the designed thickness interrelationship is used to determine at least one of: (1) the base design thickness; and (2) a thickness of the adsorbed molecular contaminant layer. |
| US07831392B2 |
System and process for validating, aligning and reordering one or more genetic sequence maps using at least one ordered restriction map
A method and system are provided for comparing ordered segments of a first DNA restriction map with ordered segments of a second DNA restriction map to determine a level of accuracy the first DNA map and/or the second DNA map. In particular, the first and second DNA maps can be received (the first DNA map corresponding to a sequence DNA map, and the second DNA map corresponding to a genomic consensus DNA map as provided in an optical DNA map). Then, the accuracy of the first DNA map and/or the second DNA map is validated based on information associated with the first and second DNA maps. In addition, a method and system are provided for aligning a plurality of DNA sequences with a ordered DNA restriction map. The DNA sequences and the DNA map are received (the DNA sequences being fragments of a genome and the DNA map corresponding to a genomic consensus DNA map which relates to an optical ordered DNA map). Then, a level of accuracy of the DNA sequences and the DNA map is obtained based on information associated with the DNA sequences and the DNA map by means of the method and system described above. The locations of the DNA map at which the DNA sequences are capable of being associated with particular segments of the DNA map are located. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain locations of the DNA map (without the validation) by locating an optimal one of the locations for each of the DNA sequences for each of the locations. |
| US07831387B2 |
Visually-oriented driving directions in digital mapping system
Digital mapping techniques are disclosed that provide visually-oriented information to the user, such as driving directions that include visual data points along the way of the driving route, thereby improving the user experience. The user may preview the route associated with the driving directions, where the preview is based on, for example, at least one of satellite images, storefront images, and heuristics and/or business listings. |
| US07831385B2 |
Route guidance providing system, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
In offering a route guidance service at a plurality of sites, passage through the same route as before is excluded from the route guidance as much as possible. In order to achieve this object, a route guidance providing system according to this invention includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a server through a network and provides route guidance to a user. The system includes a unit which acquires, on the basis of, history information until the user travels to the installation location of the image forming apparatus, a unit which acquires, on the basis of the document, destination information of the user, a unit which acquires additional destination information, and a search unit which finds route guidance on the basis of the destination information, additional destination information, and history information. The found route guidance is printed. |
| US07831376B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has a plurality of cylinders and an exhaust tract into which a mixture which is situated in the respective cylinder is introduced in the respective discharge strokes. A combustion misfire rate is determined as a function of at least one operating variable of the internal combustion engine. A temperature in the exhaust tract is determined as a function of the combustion misfire rate. |
| US07831375B2 |
Engine control device and engine control method
A multi-cylinder engine includes an EGR mechanism for introducing exhaust gas into intake air, and is capable of a partial cylinder operation in which combustion in a part of the cylinders is halted. The multi-cylinder engine includes an EGR rate control unit for setting an introduction rate at which the exhaust gas is introduced into the intake air to be lower in a first partial cylinder operating state in which the ignition intervals are unequal, than in a second partial cylinder operating state, in which ignition intervals among a plurality of operating cylinders are equal. |
| US07831372B2 |
Fuel injection control method of engine and fuel injection control device for same
In a fuel injection control method of an engine which an intake air flow rate is estimated by a predetermined calculating method, using data on detected intake pipe pressure and engine rotating speed, a fuel injection time is determined by a predetermined calculating method, using the intake air flow rate, and a deviation from a target engine rotating speed, and an injector driving signal is outputted by a fuel injection control device, the fuel injection time is obtained by adding a battery voltage fluctuation correction time, and a transient correction injection time which corrects a deviation from the target engine rotating speed, which is obtained by a predetermined calculating method, to a basic injection time obtained by a predetermined calculating method. |
| US07831370B2 |
Apparatus for controlling injection of fuel into engine and apparatus for controlling combustion in engine
An apparatus is provided to control injection of fuel into an engine with a combustion engine. The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber as a preliminary sub injection and a main injection following the preliminary sub injection. The preliminary sub injection repeats one or more times and is less in an amount of the fuel than the main injection. The apparatus comprises acquisition means and a control unit. The acquisition means acquires a parameter showing at least one of a state of an exhaust gas exhausted from the cylinder after the combustion of the fuel and a constituent of the exhaust gas. The control unit includes variably setting means for variably setting a mode of the preliminary sub injection depending on the parameter acquired by the acquisition means. |
| US07831363B2 |
Wireless control system for a load handling vehicle
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis supported by a plurality of wheels; an electronically controlled load handler supported by the chassis; a first transceiver located on the vehicle and configured to receive control signals configured to control the load handler; and a second transceiver located on the vehicle and coupled to the load handler. The first and second transceivers are configured transmit signals there between wirelessly and the second is further configured to transmit signals representative of the control signals to the load handler. |
| US07831358B2 |
Arrangement and method for obtaining information using phase difference of modulated illumination
Land-based vehicle including an arrangement for monitoring objects in or about a vehicle includes a source from which modulated illumination is emitted into an area in or about the vehicle, a receiver arranged to receive illumination reflected from an object in the path of the modulated illumination, and circuitry coupled to the receiver and the source and arranged to compare a phase of the modulated illumination with a phase of the reflected radiation at a common frequency to determine whether there is a phase difference between the modulated illumination and the reflected illumination. The phase difference is a measure of a property of the object, such as the distance between the object and the source/receiver, which can be co-located. Otherwise, if the source and receiver and not co-located or substantially co-located, the distance is a measure of the distance of travel of the illumination. |
| US07831357B2 |
Apparatus for triggering restraint devices
An apparatus for triggering restraint devices includes crash sensors inside and outside of a control unit. The apparatus checks a crash signal of the crash sensors using a plausibility signal. To check the crash signal, the apparatus receives the plausibility signal from a vehicle sensor outside of the control unit, and then triggers the restraint devices as a function of the crash signal and the first plausibility signal. |
| US07831355B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus includes a driving target value setting unit for setting a driving target value of an electric motor; a steering acceleration detecting unit for detecting or estimating a steering acceleration; a correction amount computing unit for computing a control correction amount in accordance with the steering acceleration; a vehicle acceleration detecting unit for detecting an acceleration of a motor vehicle; an acceleration adaptive gain setting unit for setting a gain in accordance with an acceleration of a motor vehicle; a multiplication unit for determining a gain adjusted control correction amount by multiplying the control correction amount with the acceleration adaptive gain; a correcting unit for correcting the driving target value on the basis of the gain adjusted control correction amount; and motor driving units for driving the electric motor on the basis of the corrected driving target value. |
| US07831353B1 |
Vehicle control system and method of controlling a vehicle system
A vehicle control system includes a steering mechanism adapted to be operatively connected to associated wheels of a vehicle. A position sensor is operatively connected to the steering mechanism to generate a signal representative of a position of the steering mechanism. A filter device receives the steering position signal and generates a filtered output. The electronic control unit is operable to generate a control signal based at least in part upon the filtered steering position signal. A vehicle control subsystem is in communication with the electronic control unit and is responsive to the control signal. A vehicle system is controlled by monitoring the position of a steering mechanism of a vehicle, determining a rate of change of the position of the steering mechanism, filtering the rate of change, comparing the filtered rate of change to a threshold value, and controlling a vehicle system based upon the comparison. |
| US07831348B2 |
Failure detection device, failure detection system and failure detection method
A failure detection device is provided that includes a failure detecting portion that detects a failure in an on-board device and sends failure information and failure notification information; a collection portion that is related to the failure detecting portion for control and receives and collects the failure information sent by the failure detecting portion; and a control portion that receives the failure notification information sent by the failure detecting portion and then sends failure reception information to the collection portion. The collection portion further receives and collects the failure reception information. The failure detection device further includes a determining portion that identifies the failure information from the failure information and the failure reception information collected by the collection portion. |
| US07831344B2 |
Vehicle driving force control device
In a throttle valve control device, an engine required output setting section sets an engine required output corresponding to an accelerator opening degree by means of selecting a characteristic which is varied depending on a road surface friction coefficient or by means of interpolation calculation based on a road surface friction coefficient. An engine required torque setting section sets an engine required torque based on an engine speed and the engine required output. A throttle opening degree setting section sets a throttle opening degree based on the engine speed and the engine required torque and outputs a signal corresponding to the throttle opening degree to a throttle motor. |
| US07831343B2 |
Efficiency optimized hybrid operation strategy
A propulsion system for a fuel cell hybrid vehicle that includes a fuel cell system and an EESS, where the propulsion system employs an algorithm for increasing system efficiency. A power limit value is defined as the maximum system efficiency times the charge/discharge efficiency of the EESS. If the vehicle operator requests a power greater than the power limit value, then the fuel cell system will preferably provide the power, and if the power request from the vehicle operator is less than the power limit value, then the EESS will preferably provide the power. The algorithm also considers changing operation conditions and parameters that impact the fuel cell system efficiency and the electric energy storage system efficiency, such as the state of charge of the EESS and regenerative braking. |
| US07831337B2 |
Method and apparatus for positional error correction in a robotic pool systems using a cue-aligned local camera
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a robotic pool-playing device. The system comprises a computer controlled robotic positioning device, such as a gantry robot, that can position a cue over the pool table and place a shot. A global camera is mounted on the ceiling looking down at the table, and the acquired images are transmitted to the computer for analysis to determine the identity and locations of the balls within the table coordinate reference frame. The computer also automatically determines which ball to strike. An aspect of the invention is the use of a local camera, mounted on or near the robotic end-effector in a fixed relationship with the cue, to improve the positioning error of the robotic device prior to placing a shot. By comparing the ball locations perceived from the vantage of the local camera with the known ball locations determined from the global camera image, the invention can calculate the acquired robotic positioning error, which can then be corrected for prior to placing the shot. |
| US07831336B2 |
Expandable personal portable medication dispenser for homebound and institutional use
This invention is a fault tolerant computer controlled automatic medication dispenser with a unique dispensing system. This dispensing system enables a large number of detachable medication filled dispensing wheels to be vertically stacked and held in a fixed position; and then be automatically dispensed one dispensing wheel. The patient's medication can be dispensed for a few days, weeks, and or many months without a refill. These medication filled dispensing wheels are stored and held in a fixed position within the dispenser. |
| US07831334B2 |
Method of transporting vials and cassettes in an automated prescription filling apparatus
An apparatus and method for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials. A computer controlled system carries the engagement device and moves the engagement device in XY directions among the plurality of storage locations, counting and dispensing unit, source of vials, label printer and application unit, and output device. |
| US07831332B2 |
Engagement milling
A method for generating a tool path for machining a pocket with a milling cutter is disclosed. The tool path includes a first portion, a second portion and a transition portion connecting together the first portion and the second portion. The method includes the steps of: determining a radius of a first arc; determining a radius of a second arc; situating the first arc so as to connect the first portion to the second portion in a tangent continuous manner; situating a third arc so as to be tangent continuous the first arc and intersecting the first arc; and situating a fourth arc, so as to be: (1) tangent continuous with the third arc, (2) tangent to the second arc and (3) tangent continuous with either the first portion or the second portion. |
| US07831330B2 |
Process control system, process control method, and method of manufacturing electronic apparatus
A process control system includes a client computer which prepares a correlation between a reference monitored value of apparatus information and a feature quantity, a manufacturing execution system which prepares a processing recipe describing, as a first setting value in an actual manufacturing process, a value of the control parameter, an apparatus information collection section which collects an objective monitored value of the apparatus information in operation of the actual manufacturing process with the first setting value, a feature quantity calculation section which calculates a value of a feature quantity corresponding to the objective monitored value based on the correlation, a parameter calculation section which calculates a second setting value in the actual manufacturing process on the basis of the value of the feature quantity, and an apparatus control unit which changes the processing recipe with the second setting value being as a setting value of the second step. |
| US07831327B2 |
Precision abrasive machining of work piece surfaces
The spacing between an abrasive type surface polishing tool and the surface of the work piece that is being polished is controlled dynamically so that variations in the area of the abrasive pad in contact with the surface of the work piece compensated, thereby eliminating size variations in this contact area and the accompanying variations in material removal that produce surface height fluctuations. |
| US07831326B2 |
Graphical user interface for presenting multivariate fault contributions
Recipe steps of a manufacturing process run that generated a fault are displayed in a current view of a user interface, the recipe steps being displayed in association with a first axis. At least one of measured parameters or calculated parameters of the manufacturing process run are displayed in the current view, where at least one of the measured parameters and the calculated parameters are displayed in association with a second axis. A plurality of intersections of the recipe steps with at least one of the measured parameters or the calculated parameters are displayed in the current view, each of the plurality of intersections including a representation of a fault contribution attributable to at least one of a distinct measured parameter or a distinct calculated parameter at a distinct recipe step. |
| US07831321B2 |
Appliance and accessory for controlling a cycle of operation
An appliance configured to perform an operation cycle to effect a physical operation on an article, the appliance includes at least one component configured to effect the physical operation, and a cycle engine on the component. The cycle engine can build a cycle structure for the operation cycle to enable the component to perform the physical operation. |
| US07831319B2 |
Sensor based anticipatory lighting of controls
A control system for selectively lighting and/or highlighting a control interface for a specific individual function generally includes at least one sensor for detecting at least one condition; a controller in operative communication with the at least one sensor and the control interface; wherein the controller sends an output signal to the control interface in response to detecting the at least one condition, wherein the output signal is effective to light and/or highlight the control interface for the specific individual function. Methods for operating the control system are also discussed. |
| US07831316B2 |
Device and method for programming and/or executing programs for industrial automation systems
The invention relates to a method for programming and/or executing programs for industrial automation systems. Modules and functions that respectively represent partial tasks of an automation solution are modeled and/or generated by using input aids and optionally a display device. The modules and functions are structured and networked by input aids and optionally the display device in such a way that they form at least one hierarchical tree, as at least one machine-independent program. According to the invention, each machine-independent program in the form of at least one hierarchical tree is loaded into the corresponding components of the automation system. The corresponding components of the automation system execute each machine-independent program. |
| US07831314B2 |
Driving operation assisting system, method and vehicle incorporating the system
A driving assisting for calculating risk potential by considering a response delay by the driver and transmitting information related to the risk potential to the operator in a haptic manner. A controller is provided to estimate the response delay based on an operation performed by the operator. Based on the estimated response delay, the controller calculates a future position at which the risk potential is to be calculated. The longer the response delay, the remoter the future position is. The shorter the response delay, the nearer the future position is. The calculated risk potential at the future position may be transmitted to the operator via a pressing force from one of right and left side portions of a driver's seat occupied by the operator. |
| US07831312B2 |
Floating adapter for use with auxiliary lead assembly
A floating adapter is configured to electrically couple an auxiliary lead assembly to an implantable medical device including a canister. The floating adapter comprises a connector configured to receive an end of the auxiliary lead assembly, and a conductor having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the conductor is coupled to the connector, and the proximal end of the conductor is coupled to a collector. The collector, the connector, and the conductor form a current flow path between the canister and the auxiliary lead assembly when the conductive body is implanted proximate the canister. |
| US07831311B2 |
Reduced axial stiffness implantable medical lead
An implantable lead has a lead body construction designed to accommodate loading forces exerted on the lead body during patient movement. The lead body is sufficiently stretchable to resist forces that could otherwise cause lead failure, axial migration of the electrodes, anchor damage, or tissue damage. The lead body may include a variety of features that reduce the axial stiffness of the lead without significantly impacting the operation and structural integrity of lead components, such as electrodes, conductors and insulators. |
| US07831307B1 |
System and method for computationally determining migration of neurostimulation leads
A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of monitoring a neurostimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes implanted within a patient (e.g., adjacent the spinal cord) is provided. Neurostimulation lead models are provided, each of which includes estimated electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) corresponding to a predetermined position of the neurostimulation lead. Electrical energy is transmitted to or from the electrodes, and electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) is measured in response to the transmitted electrical energy. The measured electrical parameter data is compared with the estimated electrical parameter data of each of the neurostimulation lead models, and a position of the neurostimulation lead is determined based on the comparison. |
| US07831298B1 |
Mapping physiological functions of tissues in lungs and other organs
Systems, apparatus and techniques for non-invasive optical probing of various substances, and systems, apparatus and techniques for detecting, diagnosing and treating a disease in lungs and other organs using the non-invasive optical probing, including mapping physiological functions of tissues in lungs and other organs. |
| US07831295B2 |
Localization device cross check
A method and apparatus for cross checking points palpated with a localization device. Points corresponding to the palpated points are obtained from a preoperative image of an object such as an X-Ray of a tibia bone. During a surgical procedure, the accuracy of palpated points are determined based on the palpated points and corresponding points obtained from the preoperative image. If a palpated point is inaccurate, an indicator is generated to indicate the inaccuracy of the palpated point. |
| US07831294B2 |
System and method of surgical imagining with anatomical overlay for navigation of surgical devices
A system and method are provided for control of a navigation system for deploying a medical device within a subject, and for enhancement of a display image of anatomical features for viewing the projected location and movement of medical devices, and projected locations of a variety of anatomical features and other spatial markers in the operating region. The display of the X-ray imaging system information is augmented in a manner such that a physician can more easily become oriented in three dimensions with the use of a single-plane X-ray display. The projection of points and geometrical shapes within the subject body onto a known imaging plane can be obtained using associated imaging parameters and projective geometry. |
| US07831290B2 |
MRI biopsy device localization fixture
A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc. |
| US07831289B2 |
Planning system, method and apparatus for conformal radiation therapy
A system and associated methods to determine an optimal radiation beam arrangement are provided. The system includes a computer planning apparatus which includes a treatment plan optimization computer having a memory and an input device in communication with the treatment plan optimization computer to provide user access to control functions of plan optimization software. An image gathering device is in communication with the treatment plan optimization computer through a communications network to provide an image slice of the tumor target volume and the non-target structure volume. The plan optimization software computationally obtains and then optimizes a proposed radiation beam arrangement iteratively based on constraints to form an optimized radiation beam arrangement. A conformal radiation therapy delivery device in communication with the treatment plan optimization computer through the communications network then applies the optimized radiation beam arrangement to the patient. |
| US07831286B2 |
Sliding structure for electronic device
A low friction and stable sliding structure for an electronic device that reduces the thickness of the electronic device. The sliding structure includes a first sliding member including at least one first guide portion, a second sliding member including a first receiving portion slidably receiving the first guide portion, and at least one second guide portion formed on a plane different from that on which the first receiving portion is formed, a third sliding member including a second receiving portion slidably receiving the second guide portion. The sliding structure further includes an arrangement of first, second, third and fourth magnet portions configured to enable the first and second sliding member to slide smoothly with respect to each other. |
| US07831285B2 |
Slider assembly for sliding-type mobile phone and cellular phone having the slider assembly
Disclosed is a slider assembly for a sliding-type cellular phone. The slider assembly includes a fixing plate formed with a guide section for guiding a linear motion of a sliding plate and fixed to an surface of a main body of the sliding-type cellular phone, a sliding plate guided linearly by the guide section of the fixing plate and fixed to an opposite surface of a cover of the cellular phone, and an up/down positioning member having one end hinged to the fixing plate and the other end hinged to the sliding plate to change a direction of an urging force for pushing the sliding plate from a specific sliding location of the sliding plate. The up/down positioning member includes a first link slider having one end slidably fixed to the fixing plate, a second link slider having one end fixed to the sliding plate and restricted with respect to the first link slider to be slid in a longitudinal direction of the first link slider, a tension spring having both ends fixed to opposite ends of the first and second link sliders, and a restriction member for restricting a sliding length of the sliding plate while guiding a sliding motion of the first and second link sliders. |
| US07831278B2 |
Method and device for communicating data with a personal wireless storage device
A portable device is provided which includes a wireless communication module, a data storage module, and a controller for controlling the storage and/or retrieval of data from the data storage module. The wireless communication module communicates with each of a plurality of remote devices and the data storage module defines a first storage area and a second storage area. The controller controls the communication of data between the first storage area and the remote device, and the second storage area and the remote device dependent upon access rights associated with the remote device. The first storage area typically defines a public storage area with which data is exchanged in a relatively free manner, and the second storage area typically defines a private storage area with which data is exchanged in a relatively restricted manner. |
| US07831277B2 |
Hearing aid compatibility in a wireless communications device
A wireless communications device and method for providing an output signal. The device includes a control unit for controlling the operation of the wireless communications device; a selection element connected to the control unit and configured to allow selection of several modes of output coupling for generating the output signal of the device; and, a processor connected to the control unit for processing a received signal with parameters selected according to a selected mode of output coupling. The several modes of output coupling correspond to several modes of input operation for a hearing aid to improve coupling between the device and the hearing aid. |
| US07831260B2 |
Mobile electronic device having a geographical position dependent light and method of and system for achieving the same
The present invention provides a method and system for controlling an illuminating device on a mobile electronic device comprising determining in a global position of the device in real-time, determining a state of at least one light condition currently affecting ambient light at the global position and adjusting the intensity of the illuminating device in response to the state of the at least one light condition. Light conditions include weather conditions and a position of the sun at a particular global position. A mobile electronic device having a geographically dependent illuminating device is also provided. |
| US07831258B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for partial electronic message forwarding
An electronic message server (400) including a message receipt module (408) operable to receive at least one electronic message (500) having a message size from at least one sender (402); a message size comparison module (410) operable to compare the message size to at least one message size limit; a message parsing module (412) operable to parse at least one message having a message size larger than at least one message size limit into at least a first message portion (504) and a second message portion (506); a message portion forwarding module (414) operable to forward the first message portion (504) to a mobile communication device (116) via a wireless link; and a message portion return module (416) operable to return the second message portion (506) to the sender (402). |
| US07831256B2 |
Mobile communication system and access control method
A mobile communication system includes a mobile station (5) connected to a core network (1) through a communication line intervened by a base station (3a), and a radio control station (2) configured for controlling the setting of a radio link for the mobile station (5) in the base station (3a). The base station (3a) monitors the congested state of the communication line, generates a state indicator indicating the congested state/non-congested state of the communication line, based on the results of monitoring, and transmits the state indicator generated to the radio control station (2). The radio control station (2) recognizes the current state of the communication line based on the state indicator received from the base station (3a).When the radio control station (2) recognizes that the communication line is in the congested state and receives a line connection request from the mobile station (5), the control station (2) transmits a control signal for refusing the line connection request received to the mobile station (5) without performing control for setting the radio link. |
| US07831255B1 |
System and method of providing automated availability and integrity verification for aviation software defined radios
A software defined radio system is described. The software defined radio comprises a modem bank at least partially defined by software running on a processor. The software defined radio also comprises an antenna group translator coupled to the modem bank. The software defined radio also comprises at least one antenna coupled to the antenna group translator. Further, the software defined radio comprises a program stored in a memory and running on the processor. The program is configured to generate a test signal to be leaked by the first of the at least two channels and to be received by the second of the two channels. The program is configured to automatically and autonomously verify the availability of a function of one of the at least two channels and determine the integrity of the function of the one of the at least two channels. |
| US07831251B2 |
Integrated or autonomous system and method of satellite-terrestrial frequency reuse using signal attenuation and/or blockage, dynamic assignment of frequencies and/or hysteresis
A cellular communications system comprising a space based system comprising a first set of cells, and a ground based system comprising a second set of cells. The space and ground systems can optionally function substantially autonomously, with each using spectrum from at least one predetermined frequency band. |
| US07831242B2 |
Voice notifying service system and service providing method for mobile terminal
A voice notifying service system and a service providing method are provided for a mobile terminal, wherein the voice notifying service system includes a mobile communication system and a mobile terminal for forming a communication channel with the mobile communication system, transmitting voice information, the voice information including a voice and a notifying function for playing the voice, to the mobile communication system, transmitting time information to the mobile communication system specifying the time at which the voice information is to be transmitted to the mobile terminal, and playing the voice information when received from the mobile communication system at the time specified in the time information. |
| US07831240B2 |
System for the centralized storage of wireless customer information
A system for storing subscriber information in a centralized location includes a processor, memory coupled to the processor, and a data storage device coupled to the processor. The data storage device includes a subscriber profile portion for storing personal information about a subscriber. The subscriber profile portion includes a subscriber identification portion for storing an identification string. The subscriber profile portion is associated with an account type portion for storing account information, a portal portion for storing portal information, and an account status portion for storing account status information. The data storage device further includes a subscription portion for storing subscription information. The subscription portion is associated with a device portion for storing device information, a services portion for storing services information, and a mobile subscription portion for storing mobile subscription information. |
| US07831239B2 |
Mailbox answerphone service for mobile communications
An apparatus for use in a mobile communications system is provided. The apparatus is adapted to store messages for subsequent retrieval by a subscriber of the mobile communications system. The apparatus is further adapted to identify a first subscriber making a call to retrieve a message by using an identification signal automatically forwarded to the apparatus during call establishment. The signal may identify the equipment being used by the subscriber. The apparatus may be further adapted to identify a second subscriber, on receipt of a request from the second subscriber during the call, by using information supplied by the second subscriber during the call. |
| US07831238B2 |
Method and system for multimedia tags
A multimedia data construct called a tag (FIG. 5) may be stored and transferred. A user can use multimedia content, to create content portion of a tag (502). The multimedia file is then incorporated into the tag or it can be referenced by a pointer in the tag (530). The multimedia file is artistic expression of the user and the tag uniquely associates the user's identity with the multimedia file by prohibiting alteration of the content after the user completes its creation. The tag includes at least one dynamic indicator that may be changed based on one or more predefined rules upon transmission. The tag may include an ID, that may be based on subscriber information. Encryption techniques may be employed to protect privacy concerns so that such subscriber information is not freely available. |
| US07831230B2 |
Terminal and associated transducer assembly and method for selectively transducing in at least two frequency bands
A terminal is provided for selectively communicating in at least two frequency bands. The terminal includes an antenna transducer including a first port and a second port, where the antenna transducer is capable of selectively transducing first radio signals (e.g., low power radio frequency (LPRF) signals) to and/or from the first port, and/or second radio signals (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) signals) to and/or from the second port. In this regard, the antenna transducer is capable of transducing first radio signals such that an impedance at the second port approaches a short circuit or an open circuit, and capable of transducing second radio signals such that an impedance at the first port approaches an open circuit. An associated communication assembly and method for selectively communicating in at least two frequency bands are also provided. |
| US07831228B2 |
Processing received digital data signals based on a received digital data format
An integrated circuit radio receiver includes radio frequency (“RF”) front end circuitry for receiving and transmitting digital data received through a wireless interface. A baseband processor is operable to process the digital data received through the wireless interface. A plurality of digital filtering logic is included wherein each digital filtering logic includes a level of digital filtering based upon a received digital data signal format. The integrated circuit radio receiver includes logic that is operable to select between each digital filtering logic of the plurality of digital filtering logic based upon the received digital data signal format to process the digital data received through the wireless interface with the selected level of digital filtering. |
| US07831220B2 |
Methods and systems for calibrating for gain and phase imbalance and local oscillator feed-through
Methods and systems to calibrating a transmitter for I/Q imbalance and local oscillator feed-through include generating a test tone, frequency up-converting the test tone, monitoring one or more features of the up-converted test tone, and adjusting one or more features of the transmitter in response to the monitoring. The monitoring optionally includes monitoring a beating of the envelope of the up-converted test tone. In an embodiment, a first harmonic of the up-converted test tone is monitored for local oscillator feed-through (LOFT). Alternatively, baseband data inputs to the transmitter are disabled, and LOFT is measured by measuring power at the transmitter output. A second harmonic of the up-converted test tone is monitored for gain and phase imbalances. The adjusting optionally includes adjusting a gain imbalance, adjusting a phase imbalance, and/or adjusting DC offsets. The adjusting optionally includes an iterative refinement process. Such a refinement process optionally includes performing a first monitoring, applying a set of relatively coarse settings to the one or more features in the transmitter, monitoring the beating resulting from each of the coarse settings, selecting the coarse setting corresponding the smallest beating, applying a set of relatively fine settings centered around the selected coarse setting, wherein the fine settings are more closely related to one another than are the coarse settings, monitoring the beating resulting from each of the fine settings, and selecting the fine setting corresponding the smallest beating. |
| US07831217B2 |
Method and apparatus to provide digital signaling without internal modification of analog FM transceiver
An external speaker/microphone apparatus for a radio transceiver includes a speaker, a microphone, a push-to-talk switch, and an emergency switch. The apparatus further includes an encoder module operatively coupled to the push-to-talk switch and the emergency switch and configured to generate a digital identification each time the push-to-talk switch is pressed, and a digital emergency signal and digital identification when the emergency switch is pressed. The apparatus also includes a connector configured to operatively couple audio to the speaker from the transceiver, a combination audio signal from the microphone and the encoder module to the transceiver. The connector is further configured to operatively couple the push-to-talk switch and the emergency switch to the transceiver so that the transceiver is switched to a transmit mode when either the push-to-talk switch or the emergency switch is pressed. |
| US07831212B1 |
Circuit for transmitting a RFID signal
A circuit for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving the battery power for a circuit in continuous operation is disclosed herein. The circuit includes a RFID component, a microprocessor, an accelerometer and a battery. The battery preferably has no more than 225 milliamp hours of power. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking. |
| US07831211B2 |
Auto-calibrating receiver and methods for use therewith
A voice, data and RF integrated circuit includes an RF transmitter generates a transmit signal that includes a first calibration signal when at least one control signal indicates a receive calibration mode. An RF receiver receives a received signal that includes the first calibration signal and generates at least one receiver equalization parameter for equalizing the RF receiver, when the at least one control signal indicates the receive calibration mode. |
| US07831208B2 |
Wireless mobile phone having encoded data entry facilities
A wireless mobile phone is provided with one or more buttons and complementary logic to facilitate entry of encoded representations of a variable length encoding scheme of alphanumeric data. As a result, a user may use the provided facilities to engage in non-verbal communication for sensitive subject matters in the middle of a call. In one embodiment, the encoded representations are Morse codes. In another embodiment, the encoded representations are custom designed. In one embodiment, the complementary logic further facilitates echoing on a display, alphanumeric data corresponding to any entered encoded representations. Additionally, each of the code entry buttons includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the LEDs are lit to visually echo the encoded representations of the variable length encoding scheme of letters, numbers or punctuations entered through a standard input keypad. |
| US07831206B2 |
Method and apparatus for use in an ad-hoc WLAN system
The invention refers to a method for use by a first node in an ad-hoc WLAN, which first node maintains a table of other nodes within the network which can be used for forwarding messages. The method comprises the step of letting the first node receive a first signal from a second node, and additionally comprises the steps of: -letting the first node analyse the signal received from the second signal, -if the second node is already present in the table maintained by the first node, the signal strength is compared to a first predetermined comparison level, -if the second node is not present in the table, its signal strength is compared to a second predetermined comparison level, -if the signal strength from the second node exceeds the relevant comparison level, the first node decides that the second node may be used in the table. |
| US07831204B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast, hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming. |
| US07831199B2 |
Media data exchange, transfer or delivery for portable electronic devices
Methods and systems that facilitate data delivery to electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to data delivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobile devices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobile device within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelessly transmit data from one mobile device to the other. The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered. |
| US07831198B2 |
Broadcast receiving apparatus
A terrestrial broadcast tuner section is disposed in an area A1, and frequency-converts an externally supplied terrestrial broadcast signal into an IF signal. A terrestrial broadcast analog demodulation section is disposed in an area A3, and demodulates the IF signal frequency-converted by the terrestrial broadcast tuner section. A satellite broadcast tuner section is disposed in an area A2, and frequency-converts an externally supplied satellite broadcast signal into a signal having a frequency band lower than that of the satellite broadcast signal. A digital demodulation section is disposed in an area A4, and demodulates the signal supplied from either one of the terrestrial broadcast tuner section and the satellite broadcast tuner section. With this arrangement, a broadcast receiving apparatus easily changeable from the one for analog and digital broadcasting to the one for digital broadcasting only can be provided. |
| US07831191B2 |
Printing system and method
A printing system includes a first sheet media source dispensing a length of sheet media and a second sheet media source dispensing pre-cut sheets of media. A merging unit is operative to receive the length of sheet media and position pre-cut sheets of media along the same. A marking unit receives and marks images on the length of sheet media as well as the pre-cut sheets positioned thereon. A separating unit is adapted to separate the pre-cut sheets from the length of sheet media. A cutting unit is adapted to divide the length of sheet media into marked and unmarked sheets of media. A sheet receiving unit is operative to receive the marked sheets of media and the pre-cut sheets of media. A method of printing on continuous feed and pre-cut sheet media is also included. |
| US07831188B2 |
Image forming apparatus and fusing unit thereof
An image forming apparatus and a fusing unit thereof. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive body on which to form an electrostatic latent image, an exposure device to irradiate light to the photosensitive body to form the electrostatic latent image, a developer adhering device to adhere a developer to the photosensitive body on which the electrostatic latent image has been formed to form a visible image, a transfer device to transfer the visible image formed on the photosensitive body onto a printing medium, and a fusing unit to fuse the visible image transferred onto the printing medium to the printing medium. The fusing unit includes a press roller, a heating belt to closely contact the press roller to form a fusing nip to apply heat and pressure to the printing medium onto which the visible image has been transferred, first and second support rollers disposed apart from each other to circulatingly support the heating belt, and an elastic support device to elastically bias the first support roller and/or the second support roller in a direction away from each other to maintain a constant tension of the heating belt. |
| US07831187B2 |
Fusing unit having a high thermal efficiency and image forming apparatus including the same
A fusing unit of an image forming apparatus includes a first rotating member which heats toner applied to a printing medium, a heatable member to heat the first rotating member, which is disposed to be independent of rotation of the first rotating member and which is heatable by an induction current, a pressing member which presses the first rotating member, and an induction heating part which is disposed inside the pressing member, which induces the induction current to the heatable member. |
| US07831186B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A pressurizing member includes an elastic member having a uniform elastic modulus of K=EA/t, where E is a Young's modulus, A is an area of the nip portion, and t is a thickness of the elastic member in the direction of application of load. A supporting member that supports the pressurizing member has an entering portion, an exit portion, and a center portion between the entering portion and the exit portion. The thickness of the center portion in a direction of application of load is larger than thicknesses of the entering portion and the exit portion in the direction of application of load so that the supporting unit has a convex portion. |
| US07831182B2 |
Developing device, image forming apparatus, and development error detecting method
A disclosed developing device includes a developing roller; a supply roller that is in contact with the developing roller and configured to supply toner to the developing roller; a current measuring unit configured to measure an electric current that flows from the developing roller to the supply roller when the toner is supplied from the supply roller to the developing roller; and an error determining unit configured to detect a development error of the developing roller based on the electric current measured by the current measuring unit. |
| US07831176B2 |
Image forming apparatus with residual toner transfer feature
An image forming apparatus is constituted by a rotatable image bearing member; a charging member for electrically charging the image bearing member in contact with the image bearing member; developing member, containing polishing particles, for collecting toner from the image bearing member and effecting development on the basis of an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member; a transfer member for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member onto a transfer material; an auxiliary charging member, located downstream from a transfer portion and upstream from the charging member with respect to a movement direction of the image bearing member, for electrically charging toner remaining on the image bearing member after the transfer by contact with the image bearing member; and control means for performing a discharging mode, for discharging polishing particles from the auxiliary charging member onto the image bearing member on the basis of an image ratio of an image to be formed, during non-image formation by applying a voltage to the auxiliary charging member under a condition different from a condition for applying a voltage to the auxiliary charging member during image formation. |
| US07831168B2 |
Imaging units and methods of insertion into an image forming device
The present application is directed to an imaging unit for an image forming device. In one embodiment, the imaging unit includes a frame that includes brace members that are connected together to form a central opening. The imaging unit may also include separate mounting locations positioned on the frame in a side-by-side orientation. Each of the mounting locations may be adapted to receive a imaging unit and position a PC member of the imaging unit. The frame may also include locating features to align the frame within the image forming device. Electrical contacts may be operatively connected to the frame. The electrical contacts may operatively connect with the image forming device to provide electrical communication to each of the plurality of imaging units. |
| US07831167B2 |
Handicap accessible removable control panel
This invention involves a control panel that is removable from a marking machine housing. This removable control panel is used to lower or raise the entire marking machine or just a module or modules of the machine. Wheelchair users have difficult times using a conventional marking machine such as a copier or printer. The user with the removable control panel can lower the entire machine so that access to all components is possible. In addition, the wheelchair user can raise the paper trays to be side by side with the processor module. It is important that the copier raise-lower function be on the control panel in addition to a control for horizontal movement of the module(s). Any other function can be put on the control panel. |
| US07831165B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing device
Provided is a fixing device including: a first mode which is a combination mode of the heating of the heating belt and the rotation stop of the heating belt and a second mode which is a combination mode of the heating of the heating belt and the rotation of the heating belt are set; at the time of returning of the heating belt for an image forming operation from non-heating and non-rotation of the heating belt, the heating belt is controlled by the first mode and the heating belt is then controlled by the second mode transitioned from the first mode; and when a temperature of the heating belt becomes equal to or larger than a mode transition reference temperature which is set on the basis of a predetermined condition, the transition from the first mode to the second mode is performed. |
| US07831159B2 |
Image forming apparatus for forming toner image using developer made of toner and carrier
An apparatus is configured to charge an image bearing member in a charging section, develop an electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member, and transfer a toner image formed on the image bearing member to a transfer medium in a transfer section. The apparatus includes a charging auxiliary apparatus for changing a charge amount of toner on the image bearing member. The charging auxiliary apparatus includes a charging auxiliary member contacting with the image bearing member downstream of the transfer section and upstream of the charging section and a voltage applying device to apply a voltage to the charging auxiliary member. The apparatus includes a first detector to detect a current flowing in the charging auxiliary member during a period of non-image formation when the voltage is applied to the charging auxiliary member, a second detector to detect information regarding a toner density in the developing apparatus, and a control device to control toner supply to the developing apparatus based on detection results of both the detectors. |
| US07831158B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of controlling toner supply
An image forming apparatus, including a toner supplying unit to supply toner, a toner transporting unit to transport the toner supplied from the toner supplying unit, a sensor to sense a density of the toner transported by the toner transporting unit, a compensating signal generating unit to compensate for amounts of the toner pre-supplied by the toner supplying unit, and a control unit to generate a control signal to control the toner supplying unit by receiving a sensing signal of the sensor as an input signal and a compensating signal of the compensating signal generating unit as a feedback signal. |
| US07831152B2 |
Optical transceiver
An optical transceiver for detecting an incoming light beam and for transmitting an outgoing light beam along a common optical axis is provided. Such an optical transceiver provides a compact optical transceiver that is suitable for a wide variety of applications. |
| US07831151B2 |
Redundant optical device array
An optical module has multiple optical devices. At least two of the multiple optical devices are a group. Each of the optical devices in the group are individually selectable relative to the others. The optical module also has a controller, coupled to the devices such that the controller can select which of the devices in the group will be active at a given time. A communications network has a first transmitter having a number of usable channels, a first receiver, and optical fibers connecting the first transmitter to the first receiver. The first transmitter has multiple lasers, at least some being selectable as either active or backup lasers. The multiple lasers are controllable such that, if a specific channel is in use by an active laser and a laser failure occurs for that channel, a redundant laser can be substituted for the active laser and, after the substitution, the specific channel can be used using the redundant laser. |
| US07831145B2 |
Passive optical network system and method for protecting the services of the same
The present disclosure provides a passive optical network (PON) system and a method for protecting the service of the system for service recovery and fault locating in case of a failure of the network, wherein the PON system comprises an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical distribution network (ODN) and an optical network terminal (ONT) equipment protection group comprising a plurality of ONT equipment groups, each of which is connected to at least one of other ONT equipment groups within the ONT equipment protection group for the mutual protection relationship. The PON system of the present disclosure does not require equipment and link redundancy for backup, contributes to reduced cost and improved utilization of resources, and provides a means for diagnosing any faults of the links and equipment in the network. |
| US07831140B2 |
Apparatus for auto focusing
There is provided an apparatus for auto-focusing including: a sensing unit sensing a current position of a lens moving within a predetermined range along a moving shaft; an A/D converter converting a lens position value from the sensing unit into a digital signal; a lens position control unit generating a signal for moving the lens to a target lens position determined by an auto-focusing algorithm; a driving signal generating unit generating a square wave signal according to the signal from the lens position control unit; and an operation unit connected to the A/D converter and controlling a time at which the A/D converter performs conversion according to the square wave signal from the driving signal generating unit. |
| US07831139B2 |
Camera module with lens carrying structure using electrostatic driving unit
A camera module includes a barrel for receiving at least a first lens, an actuator, and a holder. The actuator includes an annular stator and a carrying member. The stator is connected to the barrel and defines a plurality of spaced parallel inner branches in an inner side thereof. The carrying member is received in the stator and defines a through hole therein for receiving at least a second lens. The carry member defines a plurality of spaced parallel outer branches in the outer sidewall thereof. The outer branches are alternately interleaved between the inner branches and have a voltage thereacross for driving the carrying member to move forward and backward. The holder is connected to the barrel and configured for receiving the barrel and the actuator. |
| US07831130B2 |
Circulating recording apparatus, recording method and recording medium storing program of the recording method
A recording apparatus employs a circulating recording scheme for overwriting the oldest recorded data in a recording area having a limited storage capacity with the latest recorded data. The recording apparatus includes a memory device and a data recovery unit. The memory device includes a data recording area for recording data, an index information area for recording index information related to the data recorded in the data recording area, and a reserve index information area provided in part of the data recording area for recording substantially the same index information as the index information. When an error is found in index information recorded in the index information area, the data recovery unit recovers the index information in the index information area based on the index information in the reserve index information area. |
| US07831128B2 |
Video and audio recording apparatus
A video and audio recording apparatus including: a plurality of tuner units each of which receives commercial broadcasting to output video and audio signals; a distributor that distributes high-frequency signals input to an input terminal from the outside of an apparatus body to the plurality of tuner units; a video and audio recording unit that simultaneously records the video and audio signals output from the plurality of tuner units; and a remote controller that is provided with tuner switching keys for switching, in a predetermined order, a tuner unit which sets receiving channels or records the video and audio signals to be output, among the plurality of tuner units, whenever the switching key is operated. |
| US07831119B2 |
Tunable optical group delay based on microresonator structures
This invention provides a tunable delay of an optical signal having multiple frequency components. The delay comprises at least a first and a second integrated resonators coupled sequentially to a waveguide; the resonators have angular resonant frequencies ω1=ω0−Δω and ω2=ω0+Δω respectively, ω0 is a median frequency of an input optical signal and Δω is a tunable deviation from the median frequency. The device is providing a nearly equal true time delay to all frequency components in the output signal. |
| US07831117B1 |
N-nary optical semiconductor transistor and an optical AND-gate
An N-nary photonic transistor (PT) based on a heterojunction optical semiconductor microstructure is presented. The PT has one control signal input, one data signal input, and one output. The lights for each input can be one of the wavelengths within the N number (N-nary) of predetermined lightwaves. The output light of the PT is determined by the inputs in accordance with the switching function of the PT. The PT can be used to construct either N-nary digital logic gates or binary Boolean logic gates. For the N-nary system, both the wavelength domain and intensity domain of the lights are used which forms a two dimensional logic system. An optical AND gate, which can be used as either N-nary or binary, is constructed using the current photonic transistor, which is also presented herein. |
| US07831115B2 |
Optical die structures and associated package substrates
Optical die structures and associated package substrates are generally described. In one example, an electronic device includes a package substrate having a package substrate core, a dielectric layer coupled with the package substrate core, and one or more input/output (I/O) optical fibers coupled with the package substrate core or coupled with the build-up dielectric layer, or combinations thereof, the one or more I/O optical fibers to guide I/O optical signals to and from the package substrate wherein the one or more I/O optical fibers allow both input and output optical signals to travel through the one or more I/O optical fibers. |
| US07831113B1 |
Optical pulse position modulator with chirp compensation
An optical pulse position modulator includes a substrate with parallel first and second sides, the substrate including a first waveguide channel and a parallel second waveguide channel orthogonal to the first and second sides, a linear chirped grating orthogonal to and upon the first and second waveguide channels, and at least a first electrode along the first waveguide channel to apply a voltage modulation thereto. A first optical circulator has a first port coupled to a pulsed optical carrier signal, and a second port coupled to the first waveguide channel on the first side of the substrate, and a second optical circulator has a fourth port coupled to the third port of the first optical circulator, and a fifth port coupled to the second waveguide channel on the second side of the substrate. An output of the second waveguide channel is a position modulated optical pulse signal. |
| US07831103B2 |
Digital images
A rate control means for rate allocation in JPEG2000 processing apparatus is disclosed. The rate control means includes means to receive various parameters from the tier-1 coder and means to calculate R-D slope, means for composing a bucket element, means for comparing the RD slope of each bucket element with the threshold slope of each bucket, and selecting the bucket into which the current element is to be added; means for accepting the selected bucket number and generating an address for storing the current bucket element; means for keeping a count of, number of elements in each bucket and the sum of the differential byte count of each element in that bucket; for all buckets; means for including the bucket elements and means for keeping the record of number of coding passes and number of bytes to be included for each code block, during and after the rate control. |
| US07831101B2 |
Method for processing a digital image and image representation format
The invention relates to a method for determining where a next data unit of a bit stream of an image starts. The method comprises analyzing a first part of a bit stream entry, the bit stream entry being included in a data unit, determining from said analysis of the first part of the bit stream entry the number of bits used by the bit stream entry, skipping the number of bits determined to be used by the bit stream entry, and determining if an end of block symbol has been reached, if an end of block symbol has not been reached then a new bit stream entry starting at the end of the previous is analyzed. |
| US07831100B2 |
Image processing based on ambient air attributes
A method of processing a digital image captured by a camera includes providing an ambient air measuring device associated with the camera; using the ambient air measuring device to measure air attributes at substantially the time the digital image was captured; determining a transform for modifying the digital image from the measured air attributes; and applying the transform to the digital image to produce an improved digital image. |
| US07831099B2 |
Pattern matching device, image encoder, image decoder, image processing system, computer readable media storing programs, and computer data signal
A pattern matching device includes a dilated image generating unit that generates a dilated image based on a resultant image obtained by logical operation between a first image pattern and a second image pattern, and a comparing unit that compares the first image pattern with the second image pattern, based on a ratio of overlap between the first image pattern and the dilated image generated by the dilated image generating unit, and a ratio of overlap between the second image pattern and the dilated image generated by the dilated image generating unit. |
| US07831098B2 |
System and method for visual searching of objects using lines
Disclosed is method of visual search for objects that include straight lines. A two-step process is used, which includes detecting straight line segments in an image. The lines are generally characterized by their length, midpoint location, and orientation. Hypotheses that a particular straight line segment belongs to a known object are generated and tested. The set of hypotheses is constrained by spatial relationships in the known objects. The speed and robustness of the method and apparatus disclosed makes it immediately applicable to many computer vision applications. |
| US07831095B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus
This invention relates to an image processing method and image processing apparatus capable of accurately cutting out a desired target from a displayed image. A polygonal area including a cutout target is specified from a displayed image. It is determined whether or not each side of the specified polygon contacts with the cutout target. A side that does not contact with the cutout target is selected as a side for starting cutout processing in accordance with the determination result. The pixel value is examined from the selected side in the inward direction of the polygonal area. It is determined whether or not the pixel belongs to the desired target. Finally, the desired target is cut out in accordance with the determination result. |
| US07831092B2 |
Color correction method and color correction device applied to color signal vector using correction matrix
In a color correction method of performing correction by dividing the color plane into a plurality of areas, and correcting the color according to different methods for each divided area, color shifts generated in converting color signal vectors are prevented from arising.When determining which area of the color signal plane divided by area boundary lines passing through the origin of the color signal plane includes the input color signal vector, and correcting the input color signal vector by converting the input color signal vector using a correction matrix having been designated in advance for the area determined to include the input color signal vector, a correction matrix including a component for performing parallel translation and a component for performing linear transformation is used as a correction matrix. |
| US07831090B1 |
Global registration of multiple 3D point sets via optimization on a manifold
A method for registering multiple 3D point sets by determining optimal relative positions and orientations of the 3D point sets. Initial values are determined for the rotation matrices corresponding to the relative orientations of reference frames of the 3D point sets. A registration error cost function is optimized on a product manifold of all of the rotation matrices to determine optimal values of the rotation matrices. The optimal values of the rotation matrices are used to determine optimal values for translation vectors corresponding to the relative positions of the reference frames of the 3D point sets. The 3D point sets are registered on a common reference frame using the optimal rotation matrices and the optimal translation vectors. |
| US07831089B2 |
Modeling and texturing digital surface models in a mapping application
Digital Surface Model (DSM) texturing and modeling of various objects on the earth's surface are provided for implementation in a mapping application. One or more image capture devices having wide-angle lenses can be placed in various configurations to obtain nadir and oblique photography. Such configurations include a single lens, single sensor; single lens, multiple sensor; multiple lens, multiple sensor; and multiple lens, multiple sensor and a reflective surface. Positions, distances and areas can be measured from the imagery. Also provided is a continuous morph between aerial panorama and ground images. |
| US07831085B2 |
Method of manufacturing photo mask, mask pattern shape evaluation apparatus, method of judging photo mask defect corrected portion, photo mask defect corrected portion judgment apparatus, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising detecting a defect of a pattern formed on the photo mask, acquiring a pattern image of a first region on the photo mask, extracting a pattern contour from the pattern image to acquire pattern contour extracted data, producing first graphic data based on the pattern contour extracted data and a pixel size, acquiring pattern data including the first region and corresponding to a second region from design data, producing second graphic data from the pattern data, replacing the second graphic data with the first graphic data to produce third graphic data only in a region where the first graphic data is superimposed upon the second graphic data, producing transfer patterns of pattern shapes represented by the second and third graphic data, and comparing the transfer patterns to judge whether or not the defect needs to be corrected. |
| US07831084B2 |
Control of a recovery boiler or alike
Method and system for controlling the operation of a recovery boiler or another boiler having a furnace wherein the operation is monitored by monitoring sensors, the sensors converting the acquired electromagnetic radiation to electrical signals which are conducted to image processing which forms an image of an object, such as the char bed and/or the char and/or chemicals on the furnace walls and/or deposits on boiler surfaces, based on the data from the sensors, and wherein the operation, such as burning of the char bed and/or the formation of char and/or chemicals on the furnace walls and/or the formation of deposits on boiler surfaces, is controlled with help of the image, wherein the sensors are arranged to produce sensor signals for 3D (three-dimensional) imaging, wherein the sensor signals are conducted to the image processing unit for forming a 3D image, such as an image of the bed and/or the char and/or the chemicals, and/or its shape describing derivatives, and/or temperature chart of the bed surface, and wherein the image processing further comprises a filtering phase wherein the sensor signals or the 3D image are/is filtered in order to avoid the thermal radiation emission of hot gases, liquids and/or particles in the furnace, wherein the sensor signals or the 3D image are/is conducted to a filter unit filtering the signals/images to several relatively narrow bands (BAND1 to BANDn), whereby the final 3D image is obtained by comparative analysis of the sensor signals or the 3D images from the chosen different frequency bands. |
| US07831073B2 |
Precision registration of X-ray images to cone-beam CT scan for image-guided radiation treatment
A method for precision registration of X-ray images to cone-beam CT scan for image-guided radiosurgery includes acquiring 2-D pre-treatment X-ray images of a region of interest, acquiring a 2-D X-ray image of the region of interest at approximately a time of treatment, registering the 2-D X-ray image with a corresponding 2-D pre-treatment X-ray image to obtain a 2-D registration result at approximately the time of treatment, and converting the 2-D registration result into a 3-D tracking result to track the region of interest. |
| US07831072B2 |
Multispectral imaging biometrics
Methods and systems are provided for performing a biometric measurement on an individual. A purported skin site of the individual is illuminated under a plurality of distinct optical conditions during a single illumination session. Light scattered beneath a surface of the purported skin site is received separately for each of the plurality of distinct optical conditions. A multispectral image of the purported skin site is derived from the received light. A biometric function is performed with the derived multispectral image. |
| US07831071B2 |
Image processing system
In order to start a frequency analysis process before completion of acquisition of an image so as to shorten a processing time, a first frequency analysis unit performs one-dimensional frequency analysis on each pixel line. A second frequency analysis unit collects a predetermined number of one-dimensional frequency analysis results from the first frequency analysis unit and performs further one-dimensional frequency analysis so as to obtain a final two-dimensional frequency analysis result. |
| US07831069B2 |
Digital image search system and method
A method and system for matching an unknown facial image of an individual with an image of an unknown twin using facial recognition techniques and human perception is disclosed herein. The invention provides a internet hosted system to find, compare, contrast and identify similar characteristics among two or more individuals using a digital camera, cellular telephone camera, wireless device for the purpose of returning information regarding similar faces to the user The system features classification of unknown facial images from a variety of internet accessible sources, including mobile phones, wireless camera-enabled devices, images obtained from digital cameras or scanners that are uploaded from PCs, third-party applications and databases. The method and system uses human perception techniques to weight the feature vectors. |
| US07831066B2 |
Pocket identification collection kit (PICK)
A group of components in a container that forms a kit that is compact for fitting in a pocket and has means for rapidly collecting and recording identification information of personnel in the field and processing collected information at a computer processing station. The kit provides a means for linking collected and recorded biometric data of individuals through the use of a photographic image and a unique identifier. Complete biometric data, photographic data, and biographical information are processed into internationally accepted and law enforcement standards for later use. A method that allows personnel to rapidly collect, record, and link types of identification information and later process collected in a secure location. |
| US07831063B2 |
Small event detector in presence of clutter
A system and method for displaying a plurality of images. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) an event detector configured to detect at least one true target in the plurality of images using a threshold based on average and peak pixel values, (2) an image processor configured to define at least one corresponding region-of-interest for the at least one true target, (3) at least one display configured to display the plurality of images on at least one display and (4) a region-of-interest display separate from the at least one display and configured to display the at least one region-of-interest. |
| US07831062B2 |
Arrangement of objects in images or graphics to convey a machine-readable signal
The present invention provides methods and systems related to arranging objects (e.g., circles, dots and other shapes) in images and graphics to convey a machine-readable signal. One claim recites a method including: integrating a plurality of objects in an image or graphic, the objects being arranged in a pattern that is machine-readable by a programmed computer processor, the plurality of objects being integrated in the image or graphic so that the pattern is hidden in the image or graphic through cooperation with design elements of the image or graphic; and providing a visible structure for aiding in machine-reading of the pattern by the programmed computer processor. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well. |
| US07831059B1 |
Self-cooled electro-magnetic audio transducer
An electro-magnetic audio transducer that is self-cooling by inhaling and exhausting an area that is separated from the reminder of the transducer by an instantaneous decrease or increase, respectively, of the pressure within that area by the movement of a coil when electrically excited. The coil being wound on a bobbin that defines an interior cavity that changes in size as the coil is excited causing that size to increase or decrease thus inhaling or exhausting, respectfully, air into or out of the cavity by the pressure change. That movement of air resulting in convective cooling of the coil and transducer. The bobbin encircling a magnetic pole piece with a cooling cap on top thereof with slots therethrough through which air is drawn in opposite directions as the size of the cavity within the bobbin changes size as the coil is electrically excited. |
| US07831058B2 |
Microphone positioning structure
A microphone positioning structure is connected to an audio output device, and is composed of a sound tube, an end of which is connected with the audio output device; an earplug part which is located at a tail end of the aforementioned sound tube; an ear-hook part, an end of which is connected with the aforementioned sound tube. An end of the sound tube is plugged into the audio output device such as a trumpet or a loudspeaker, the ear-hook part is hung on a user's auricle for positioning, and the earplug part is inserted into the user's ear. In addition, while listening, the ear-hook part is hung and fixed on the user's auricle; therefore, the earplug part will not be subjected to a force, and it will not be fallen off due to a force of gravity and a shaking. |
| US07831052B2 |
Method and acoustic system for generating stereo signals for each of separate sound sources
In a method and an acoustic system that generate a stereo signal for each of multiple. separate sources, a blind source separation of at least two microphone signals is conducted to acquire BSS filters. Each of the microphone signals is filtered with its own filter transfer function that is the quotient of a power density spectral portion of the respective sound source and the overall power density spectrum of the respective microphone signal, such that two stereo signals are obtained for each microphone signal. An approximation of the signals to be separated, for example for each of two hearing devices, is thereby possible. |
| US07831050B2 |
Fast multi-photon key distribution scheme secured by quantum noise
A key distribution scheme comprising a generation and reception system and a specific operation protocol is described. This system allows fast and secure key distribution in optical channels by two stations A and B. One or two true-random physical sources are used to generate random bits and a random sequence received provides the cipher to the following one to be sent. A starting shared secret key is used and the method can be described as a one-time-pad unlimited extender. The minimum probability of error in signal determination by an eavesdropper can be set arbitrarily close to the pure guessing level of one-half and the security of the method comes from the quantum noise of light as well as from the starting secret key. This system allows for optical amplification without security degradation within its operational boundaries. |
| US07831044B2 |
Data processing device
A data processing device of the invention has an ID creator unit (300) which adds ID information which is set by a CPU and the number of sectors, and outputs a result of the addition as ID information; a scramble SEED value table (103) which produces an initial scramble SEED value, by using the ID information which is outputted from the ID creator unit (300); a normal scramble filter (104) which produces a scramble SEED value (402) for data to be transferred; a frame jumping scramble filter (301) which holds a scramble SEED value of a jumping destination (401) in preparation for jumping; and a selector (105) which selects one of the scramble SEED value (401) and the scramble SEED value (402) and outputs the selected value to the normal scramble filter (104). Accordingly, the data processing device can perform a scrambling process and a de-scrambling process, without depending on the reliability of the data being transferred. |
| US07831040B2 |
DES hardware throughput for short operations
A symmetric key cryptographic method is provided for short operations. The method includes batching a plurality of operation parameters (1503), and performing an operation according to a corresponding operation parameter (1505). The symmetric key cryptographic method is a Data Encryption Standard (DES) method. The short operations can be less than about 80 bytes. The short operations can be between 8 and 80 bytes. The method includes reading the batched parameters from a dynamic random access memory (1504), and transmitting each operation through a DES engine according to the operations parameter (1505). |
| US07831039B2 |
AES encryption circuitry with CCM
Circuitry for encrypting at least a part of an input data flow and generating a tag based on the input data flow with the same ciphering algorithm and the same key including a first ciphering branch arranged to encrypt the at least part of the input data; a second ciphering branch arranged to generate the tag; and a single key schedule unit arranged to receive the key, to generate at least one sub-key based on the key and to provide the at least one sub-key to the first and second ciphering branches. |
| US07831038B1 |
Smart interface technology
The present invention overcomes interface problems between proprietary handset ports on telephone base units and voice/data accessory products by allowing a user to automatically calibrate the telephone accessory product for an optimal interface match with the intended telephone base unit. This is accomplished through the use of a “Smart Interface Technology” (SIT) integrated chip set consisting of a full custom analog and semi-custom digital integrated circuit. The SIT incorporates three different methods for “learning” the characteristics of 4-wire port modular interfaces found in all telephone station sets. Basically, these methods determine the appropriate 4-wire terminal configurations, the transmit and receive channels of the intended telephone base unit, and adjust the channel sensitivities until an optimal and clear signal is provided for the user. |
| US07831033B2 |
Method of preference driven segmentation routing
A method and apparatus are provided for assigning a plurality of agents to a plurality of contacts. The method includes the steps of providing an ordered list of agent preferences for each contact of the plurality of contacts, providing an ordered list of contact preferences for each agent of the plurality of agents and assigning an agent of the plurality of agents to a contact of the plurality of contacts based upon the preferences lists of both the contact and agent. |
| US07831029B2 |
Single telephone number access to multiple communications services
A platform provides access to multiple telecommunications services via a single telephone number. These services may include, for example, voicemail services, facsimile messaging services, paging services, and outbound calling services. A guest caller may call the single phone number to speak to a subscriber, leave a voicemail message for a subscriber, leave a facsimile message for a subscriber, or place a page to a subscriber. A subscriber may call the phone number to place outbound calls. In addition, a subscriber may call the single phone number to retrieve or send facsimile messages and/or voicemail messages. A subscriber may also call the phone number to configure service options. For instance, a subscriber may select routing options and choose what services are available to guest callers. |
| US07831028B2 |
System and method for call tracking
A system for collecting caller information comprises an interexchange switch adapted to extract caller information associated with a call directed to a telephone number, the interexchange switch further adapted to forward caller information to a server manager, the server manager adapted to forward caller information to a server. The server stores the caller information and parses campaign information from the caller information. The system accumulates the campaign information and forwards the campaign information over the Internet. The server manager may be adapted to execute a script. The script may include executing an option selected from the group consisting of: recording the call, activating voicemail, recording a lost lead capture, requesting the caller's name, and forwarding the call. |
| US07831026B1 |
Call progress information in cable telephony
An apparatus for obtaining and displaying call progress information of a telephone call on the monitor of the television, including means for communicating control signals that flow in either direction between the apparatus and a set top box that controls the television. |
| US07831024B2 |
Slit-slat collimation
This invention is directed to a collimator and collimation techniques. Specifically, the invention is directed to a collimator and method for collimation wherein the collimator combines the resolution and sensitivity properties of pinhole Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging with the 2D complete-sampling properties of fan-beam collimators. |
| US07831021B1 |
Target assembly with electron and photon windows
An X-ray target assembly includes a substrate, a target supported by the substrate adapted to generate X-rays when impinged by an electron beam, and an enclosure over the target providing a volume for the target. The enclosure is made of a material substantially transparent to electrons. The volume is substantially vacuum or filled with an inert gas. |
| US07831019B2 |
System and methods for characterizing a substance
A system and methods for characterizing an unknown substance is described. One of the methods include determining an effective atomic number of the unknown substance as a first function of a first gradient of a first line. |
| US07831016B2 |
Radiation dosimetry apparatus and method, and dosimeter for use therein
In order to overcome or at least mitigate difficulties in compensating for movement of the target, for example a tumour during radiotherapy, a dosimetry apparatus and method embodying the present invention employ a dosimeter having at least one radiation detector and at least one magnetic position sensor located a predetermined distance apart. Radiation level readings from the radiation detector and position readings from the position sensor are monitored and correlated, conveniently according to time, to obtain the position of the radiation detector when a particular radiation level was detected. |
| US07831015B2 |
Combining X-ray and ultrasound imaging for enhanced mammography
A mammography system includes a patient support with a breast opening. Beneath the patient support, an x-ray source transmits x-rays through a breast of a patient extending through the opening. An opposing x-ray detector receives the x-rays to obtain an x-ray image of the breast. The x-ray source and x-ray detector rotate around the opening while maintaining a fixed relation relative to one another, and a container is filled with a fluid and positioned proximate to and aligned with the opening to receive the breast. An ultrasound transmitter transmits sound waves through the breast when positioned within the fluid. An opposing ultrasound receiver receives the sound waves to obtain an ultrasound image of the breast. In a preferred embodiment, the mammography system positions the ultrasound transmitter and/or ultrasound receiver at a first position when obtaining the x-ray image of the breast and a second position when obtaining the ultrasound image of the breast. In other preferred embodiments, mammography methods correspond thereto. |
| US07831014B2 |
Breast treatment machine
An apparatus for irradiating a breast of a patient includes a radiation source, a structure adapted to hold a breast of a patient in receiving a radiation from the radiation source, and a vacuum source. The structure includes a member having an interior generally conformal to a shape of the patient's breast when the breast is uncompressed or pendulous. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a negative pressure in the interior of the member, whereby in use of the apparatus with the patient in a supine position, the breast is held in the generally uncompressed shape. A method of irradiating a breast of a patient includes the steps of placing a breast of a patient in a structure which includes a member having an interior generally conformal to a shape of the patient's breast when pendulous or uncompressed, applying a negative pressure in the interior, thereby bringing the breast in contact with the member in the generally uncompressed shape, and delivering a radiation beam to the breast of the patient in a supine position. |
| US07831010B2 |
Shift register circuit
A bidirectional shift register in which an operation margin is not lowered when a shift direction of a signal is switched is provided. A unit shift register SRk at one stage of a plurality of stages of shift registers includes a gate line drive unit, a forward shift unit, and backward shift unit each capable of operating as one-stage shift register. The gate line drive unit outputs a gate line drive signal Gk to a gate line GLk in response to a previous-stage forward signal Gnk−1 and a subsequent-stage backward signal Grk+1. The forward shift unit performs only forward shift to output a forward signal Gnk to the subsequent-stage in response to the previous-stage forward signal Gnk−1, and the backward shift unit performs only backward shift to output a backward signal Grk to the previous-stage in response to the subsequent-stage backward signal Grk+1. |
| US07831005B2 |
Jitter suppression circuit
In a circuit suppressing jitters without a synchronizing clock signal and an increase of a circuit scale, input data is regenerated by a data regeneration circuit in a broadband, a predetermined signal pattern which generates phase deviations exceeding a predetermined value is detected from the data regenerated by the data regeneration circuit by a pattern detection circuit, a reverse phase deviation signal having reverse phase deviations of phase deviations corresponding to the predetermined signal pattern is generated by a reverse phase deviation generating circuit, and an output signal of the data regeneration circuit is canceled by a phase deviation correcting circuit with the reverse phase deviation signal. |
| US07831003B2 |
Apparatus and method for phase recovery using independently decodable component codes of channel code in wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for phase recovery in a wireless communication system employs independently decodable component codes. The apparatus includes a decoding unit for decoding the input signal to thereby output the decoding value; an estimation unit for estimating phase errors of the received signal by estimating phase errors of the each component codeword in the received signal to thereby generate phase error estimation values; and a correction unit for correcting the phase of received signal using the phase error estimation values to thereby generate the phase corrected signal in an effective manner. |
| US07831002B2 |
System, apparatus and method for synchronizing a spreading sequence transmitted during a plurality of time slots
A system for synchronizing a spreading sequence transmitted during a plurality of time slots includes a plurality of communication stations. Each communication station includes: (a) a control unit; (b) a spreading sequence unit for originating the spreading sequence; (c) at least one of a transmitter and a receiver; (d) at least one delay unit responding to the control unit for imparting a first delay to the spreading sequence presented to the transmitter unit and responding to the receiver unit for imparting a second delay to the spreading sequence presented to the receiver unit; and (e) a synchronizing sequence generator coupled with the transmitter unit. The synchronizing sequence unit in a first station presents a synchronizing sequence for transmission accompanying spread information transmitted during selected time slots. A receiver unit in a second station employs the synchronizing sequence in cooperation with the spreading sequence for despreading received spread information. |
| US07831000B2 |
Method for time synchronization in distributed control system
A method for time synchronization in a distributed control system includes the steps of: when a sync is received from a master-side, confirming both a reception time point of the corresponding sync and a compensation time point of a previous frequency, and determining if a result obtained by confirming the two time points corresponds to a preset Frequency Compensation Interval (FCI); performing only a time offset compensation operation when the result obtained by confirming the two time points does not correspond to the preset FCI; and performing both time offset and frequency compensation operations when the result obtained by confirming the two time points corresponds to the preset FCI. |
| US07830996B2 |
Display apparatus and control method thereof
A display apparatus which processes an input image signal to display it thereon having a connector which is connected with an external source, a differential signal receiver which processes a differential signal from the external source, and a differential signal controller which generates a predetermined temporary differential signal using a single ended signal transmitted from the external source and outputs it to the differential signal receiver. Thus, the display apparatus generates a temporary differential signal corresponding to an input single ended signal to process it as a differential signal, and a control method thereof. |
| US07830995B2 |
Multi-band single-carrier modulation
Multi-band single-carrier modulation. A novel approach is presented by which interference compensation may be performed for signals received by a piconet operable device. The piconet operable device may be implemented within a region that includes two or more SOPs (Simultaneously Operating Piconets). Estimation of the level and location of interference is performed and the input to a decoder (within the piconet operable device) is selectively weighted to ensure that the effect of any existent interference within the signal received by the piconet operable device is minimized. Different interference levels are dealt with differently. For one example, portions of the received signal having undergone a large amount of interference may be simply treated as erasures with respect to the input the decoder. For another example, portions of the received signal having undergone some smaller degree of interference, but some interference nonetheless, may be de-weighted before being provided to the decoder. |
| US07830994B2 |
Channel estimation system and method
Channel estimation for high mobility OFDM channels is achieved by identifying a set of channel path delays from an OFDM symbol stream including carrier data, inter-channel interference noise and channel noise; determining the average channel impulse response for the identified set of channel path delays in each symbol; storing the average channel impulse responses for the identified channel path delays; generating a path delay curvature for each channel path delay in each symbol based on stored average channel impulse responses for the identified channel path delays; estimating the carrier data in the symbols in the OFDM symbol stream in the presence of inter-channel interference noise and channel noise from the OFDM symbol stream and the average impulse responses for the identified channel path delays; reconstructing the inter-channel interference noise in response to the path delay curvature, the identified set of channel path delays and estimated carrier data; and subtracting the reconstructed inter-channel interference noise from the OFDM symbol stream to produce a symbol stream of carrier data and channel noise with suppressed inter-channel interference noise. |
| US07830993B2 |
Sample decimation in a GNSS receiver
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for processing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. In one embodiment, at least one wide-band Radio Frequency (R/F) filter of a signal processing pathway is utilized to pass a plurality of signals from a plurality of satellite navigation systems as a combined signal set. The plurality of signals of the plurality of satellite navigation systems is split based upon the respective frequency of each of the plurality of signals to facilitate reducing the clock rate used to subsequently process each of the plurality of signals. |
| US07830991B2 |
Frequency selective automatic gain control with dual non-symmetric attack and release times and interference detection feature
A digital signal processing-based receiver architecture performs automatic gain control (AGC) for a frequency hopping spread-spectrum communications receiver that may be subjected to one or more sources of interference or jamming. Rather than set the AGC gain at a fixed, best hoped for value, and then attempt to rely on decoding or interleaving to interpolate lost or degraded data, the present invention, through repeated but aperiodic transitions or hops across a plurality of frequency bins of interest, develops a gain profile for the plurality of frequency bins, and uses the gain profile to adjust, on a hop-by-hop basis, the gain for the channel/bin to which the receiver is listening, so as to maintain the average aggregate input signal power at an optimal ADC loading factor. |
| US07830989B2 |
Ultra wideband impulse radar
In one embodiment, a wafer scale radar antenna module (WSAM) is provided that includes: a substrate; a plurality of antennas adjacent the substrate; an RF feed network adjacent the substrate, the RF feed network coupling to a distributed plurality of amplifiers integrated with the substrate, wherein the RF feed network and the distributed plurality of amplifiers are configured to form a resonant network such that if a timing signal is injected into an input port of the RF feed network, the resonant network oscillates to provide a globally synchronized RF signal to a plurality of integrated antenna circuits, wherein each integrated antenna circuits includes a corresponding subset of antennas from the plurality of antennas, and wherein each integrated antenna circuit includes a pulse shaping circuit having a plurality of selectable delay paths, each pulse shaping circuit being configured to rectify and level shift a version of the globally synchronized signal through selected ones of the selectable delay paths to provide an pulse train output signal; and a controller operable to control each integrated antenna circuit such that only selected pulses from the pulse train output signal are transmitted through the integrated antenna circuit's subset of antennas to form transmitted pulses. |
| US07830988B2 |
MIMO decoder and MIMO decoding method
A MIMO decoder, which is capable of changing a search area of a transmission signal vector in accordance with a change in a channel matrix, includes: a generalized inverse vector matrix calculation unit for calculating a generalized inverse matrix of Moore-Penrose derived from a channel matrix indicative of a radiowave propagation environment; a search area limiting processing unit for performing weighting for each eigenvector calculated from the channel matrix in inverse proportion to a square root of an eigenvalue corresponding to the eigenvector, and determines the search area of the transmission signal vector centered at the generalized inverse matrix solution of Moore-Penrose based on the weighted result; and a most likelihood estimation unit for searching for a transmission signal vector by use of a most likelihood estimation based on the search area determined by the search area limiting processing unit. |
| US07830986B1 |
Method and apparatus for a phase/frequency locked loop
A phase/frequency detector module allows operation as either a phase locked loop or a frequency locked loop. As a phased locked loop (PLL), the phase detector module is configured to decode phase differences between a reference signal and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) signal into phase correction signals that are updated at the rate of the VCO signal. An accumulation of the phase correction signals is implemented to form an accumulated phase error signal, which is then sampled at a lower rate than the VCO signal to accommodate slower components of the PLL, such as a digital to analog converter (DAC). As a frequency locked loop (FLL), the phase detector module is configured with frequency counters, so that frequency error may instead be detected. Any reduction of gain caused by the frequency counters is inherently equalized by the phase detector module. |
| US07830985B2 |
Analog front-end having built-in equalization and applications thereof
An analog front-end having built-in equalization includes a control module and a tunable gain stage. The control module is operably coupled to provide a frequency response setting based on a channel response of a channel providing high-speed serial data to the analog front-end. The tunable gain stage includes a frequency dependent load and an amplifier input section. The frequency dependent load is adjusted based on the frequency response setting. The amplifier input section is operably coupled to the frequency dependent load and receives the high-speed serial data. In conjunction with the frequency dependent load, the amplifier input section amplifies and equalizes the high-speed serial data to produce an amplified and equalized serial data. |
| US07830983B2 |
Method to minimize degradation in a D-MPSK hierarchical modulation system
The present invention provides a method to minimize degradation in a D-MPSK hierarchical modulation system by adding additional data throughput (i.e., secondary information) as an offset to the primary signal transmitted by a SDARS terrestrial repeater. The present invention provides techniques for adding the additional throughput as Level 2 data by transmitting offset phase and/or amplitude information across adjacent OFDM symbols and/or adjacent frequency subcarriers. |
| US07830979B2 |
Distortion compensation amplification device and correction method
A distortion compensation amplification device which supplies a transmission signal while a distortion of the amplified transmission signal is compensated, the distortion compensation amplification device including a correction unit which corrects a carrier leak and an image of the transmission signal based on a correction value. The distortion compensation amplification device includes a modulation unit which modulates the transmission signal supplied from the correction unit. The distortion compensation amplification device includes a correction value calculating unit which calculates the correction value based on the transmission signal supplied from the modulation unit. The distortion compensation amplification device includes a test signal output unit which supplies a test signal to the correction unit in order to calculate the correction value of the correction value calculating unit when the transmission signal is not transmitted. |
| US07830976B2 |
Iterative channel and interference estimation with dedicated pilot tones for OFDMA
Estimation of channel characteristics and interference level in a time-varying multi-carrier multi-user systems is carried out concurrently. To perform the estimation, a multitude of data symbols and dedicated pilot symbols are transmitted over the channel. Next, an initial estimate value is selected for the interference level. The initial estimate value for the interference level is used together with the received pilot symbols to provide a first estimate of the channel. The first estimate of the channel is used to determine a new updated value for the interference level, which in turn, is used to update the value of the first estimate of the channel iteratively. The iterations continue until the iteratively updated values of the interference level and channel satisfy predefined limits. The data symbols and the final updated value of the channel are subsequently used to provide a second estimate for the channel. |
| US07830973B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting preamble packet in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing system
There is provided an apparatus for detecting a preamble packet in an orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system, including: a cross-correlation calculating means for calculating a cross-correlation value between a received signal and previously stored preamble pattern values for an OFDM symbol region (N-point); a delay means for delaying the calculate cross-correlation value as much as a M-point interval; a receiving power measuring means for measuring a receiving power for the guard interval; and a dividing means for calculating a final cross-correlation value by dividing the delayed cross correlation value by the measured power. |
| US07830969B2 |
Encoding devices for scalable data streaming
A device and method thereof for encoding data. The device can include a segmenter adapted to receive the data and segment at least a portion of the data into regions. The device can also include a scalable encoder coupled to the segmenter, the scalable encoder adapted to scalably encode at least one of the regions into scalably encoded data. |
| US07830967B1 |
Video camera
Embodiments provide a video camera that can be configured to highly compress video data in a visually lossless manner. The camera can be configured to transform blue and red image data in a manner that enhances the compressibility of the data. The data can then be compressed and stored in this form. This allows a user to reconstruct the red and blue data to obtain the original raw data for a modified version of the original raw data that is visually lossless when demosacied. Additionally, the data can be processed in a manner in which the green image elements are demosaiced first and then the red and blue elements are reconstructed based on values of the demosaiced green image elements. |
| US07830966B2 |
Image encoding device
The object of the present invention is to provide an image encoding device and decoding device which allows the maximum compression rate to be achieved with a visually uniform level of picture quality.The present invention has a characteristic pixel extractor 0309 which encodes input images by small region unit in accordance with an irreversible compression method, decodes the encoded data which is created, and utilizes the input image and decoded image obtained after decoding to extract characteristic pixels, a characteristic distortion calculator 0311 which utilizes characteristic pixels to calculate characteristic distortion of the decoded image in relation to the input image, and an encoding parameter controller 0312 which controls parameter values determining the degree of data compression in line with the extent of characteristic distortion. The regions of picture quality of a visually uniform level thus obtained are all compressed using an image compression method with a high compression efficiency, thus allowing the maximum compression rate to be achieved. |
| US07830963B2 |
Decoding jointly coded transform type and subblock pattern information
Techniques and tools are described for decoding jointly information. For example, a decoder decodes a variable length [“VLC”] signaled at macroblock level that jointly represents a transform type signal level, transform type, and subblock pattern. The decoder decodes one or more VLCs signaled at block level, each jointly representing a transform type and subblock pattern. The decoder may select between multiple VLC tables for the VLCs signaled macroblock level and/or block level. |
| US07830961B2 |
Motion estimation and inter-mode prediction
An inter-mode for encoding a video macroblock is selected based on a comparison of at least two rate-distortion values associated with inter-modes. The number of potential inter-modes for encoding the video macroblock is initially reduced based on the rate-distortion calculation of the SKIP mode between the current macroblock and the collocated macroblock (corresponding to a 0,0 motion vector). Motion estimation is performed on the remaining inter-modes to identify reference blocks and motion vectors. The number of calculations performed in identifying the reference blocks and motion vectors is potentially reduced because associations between inter-modes are recognized and leveraged. |
| US07830958B2 |
Seamless switching of scalable video bitstreams
A seamless bitstream switching schema is presented. The schema takes advantage of both the high coding efficiency of non-scalable bitstreams and the flexibility of scalable bitstreams. Small bandwidth fluctuations are accommodated by the scalability of the bitstreams, while large bandwidth fluctuations are tolerated by switching among scalable bitstreams. This seamless bitstream switching schema significantly improves the efficiency of scalable video coding over a broad range of bit rates. |
| US07830955B2 |
Adaptive margin and band control
Configuration or otherwise controlling parameters of a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) system related to power, band usage and margin is based on collected operational data. Operational data are collected from at least one DSL system operating under a known configuration and/or a profile. A target profile is selected based on binder-level information. The collected operational data is analyzed and conditions for changing the DSL system configuration to the target profile are evaluated, including any applicable transition rules pertaining to changing profiles. If the conditions hold, then the DSL system is instructed to operate with the target profile. Binder-level information can include deployment point information, topology information, and/or crosstalk coupling information. The controlled parameters may have values that are chosen using one or more spectrum balancing methods. Such spectrum balancing methods may be executed infrequently, and may make use of all binder-level information that is available. |
| US07830950B2 |
Processing a sequence of samples of a signal using downsampling
For processing a sequence of samples of a signal, it is assumed that the signal comprises a carrier that is modulated by a code composed of a sequence of chips. A method of wiping-off an influence by the carrier on the sequence of samples and downsampling the sequence of samples (step 105; step 205; step 301) is shown, as well as utilizing the downsampled sequence of samples as a new sequence of samples for further processing (step 108; step 209; step 302). Also shown are a corresponding processing component 72, a corresponding electronic device 71, a corresponding system, a corresponding software program code and a corresponding software program product. |
| US07830949B2 |
Cross correlation circuits and methods
Embodiments of the present invention include techniques for performing cross correlations. In one embodiment the present invention includes a cross correlation system for use in a communication system comprising a wireless receiver receiving a signal including a first sequence of data values and converting the first sequence of data values into a sequence of digital data values, the wireless receiver further comprising a plurality of cross correlators that each receive the digital data values and cross correlate the digital data values with a corresponding plurality of different binary reference patterns, wherein if the first sequence of data values correlates with one of said plurality of binary reference patterns, one of said cross correlators generates a peak. In one embodiment, the cross correlators are partitioned into stages. In another embodiment, the received data values are loaded into a memory that is shared by the cross correlators to reduce hardware requirements. |
| US07830947B2 |
Furnace installation and method for melting down metallic or metal-containing charge materials
To increase the efficiency in a furnace installation for melting down metallic or metal-containing charge materials, where an electrode system with a roof (6) for operating the melting-down process mainly with secondary energy can be swung into position on a lower shell part (14, 15) of a furnace (A, B), an upper shell part (17) can be swung into position on the lower shell part (14, 15) to form a premelting vessel (16). The upper shell part (17) includes a vessel wall (18) that substantially upwardly extends the vessel wall of the lower shell part (14, 15) in and additionally has a roof (7). |
| US07830946B2 |
Grating enhanced solid-state laser amplifiers
A novel method and apparatus for suppressing ASE and parasitic oscillation modes in a high average power laser is introduced. Such an invention, as disclosed herein, uses diffraction gratings to increase gain, stored energy density, and pumping efficiency of solid-state laser gain media, such as, but not limited to rods, disks and slabs. By coupling predetermined gratings to solid-state gain media, such as crystal or ceramic laser gain media, ASE and parasitic oscillation modes can be effectively suppressed. |
| US07830945B2 |
Laser apparatus in which laser diodes and corresponding collimator lenses are fixed to block, and fiber module in which laser apparatus is coupled to optical fiber
A laser apparatus includes: a plurality of laser diodes respectively having light-emission points and being fixed to a block so that the light-emission points are aligned along a direction; and a collimator-lens array integrally formed to contain a plurality of collimator lenses which are arranged along a direction and respectively collimate laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser diodes. The block has a lens-setting surface which is flat, perpendicular to optical axes of the plurality of laser diodes, and located on the forward side of the plurality of laser diodes at a predetermined distance from the light-emission points, and the collimator-lens array is fixed to the block so that an end surface of the collimator-lens array is in contact with the lens-setting surface. |
| US07830944B2 |
Surface-emitting laser and optical apparatus formed by using surface-emitting laser
A surface-emitting laser has an active layer between a first distributed Bragg reflector and a second distributed Bragg reflector. The first distributed Bragg reflector is formed so as to have a resonant mode and a first longitudinal mode different from the resonant mode included in the reflectivity stop band and a second longitudinal mode different from the resonant mode and the first longitudinal mode excluded from the reflectivity stop band. Oscillation is suppressed in the first longitudinal mode and in the second longitudinal mode. As a result, the surface-emitting laser can oscillate in a single longitudinal mode, suppressing longitudinal mode hopping. |
| US07830940B2 |
Nitride semiconductor laser element having nitride semiconductor substrate and nitride semiconductor layer laminated thereon with nitride semiconductor substrate and nitride semiconductor layer having recesses formed in high dislocation density region of nitride semiconductor substrate and nitride semiconductor layer having portions with different film thicknesses
A nitride semiconductor laser element comprises a nitride semiconductor substrate and a nitride semiconductor layer laminated thereon, wherein the nitride semiconductor substrate has a high dislocation density region and a low dislocation density region containing lower dislocation than that of the high dislocation density region, and has at least one recess formed in at least the high dislocation density region, the nitride semiconductor layer has a first nitride semiconductor layer in which the grown film thickness in the lateral direction from the side faces of the recess in the substrate is greater than the grown film thickness in the heightwise direction from a region other than the recess, and a second nitride semiconductor layer that is disposed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and contains indium, and the first nitride semiconductor layer and second nitride semiconductor layer have recess over the recess in the nitride semiconductor substrate. |
| US07830939B2 |
Low cost InGaAIN based lasers
A method and structure for producing lasers having good optical wavefront characteristics, such as are needed for optical storage includes providing a laser wherein an output beam emerging from the laser front facet is essentially unobstructed by the edges of the semiconductor chip in order to prevent detrimental beam distortions. The semiconductor laser structure is epitaxially grown on a substrate with at least a lower cladding layer, an active layer, an upper cladding layer, and a contact layer. Dry etching through a lithographically defined mask produces a laser mesa of length lc and width bm. Another sequence of lithography and etching is used to form a ridge structure with width won top of the mesa. The etching step also forming mirrors, or facets, on the ends of the laser waveguide structures. The length ls and width bs of the chip can be selected as convenient values equal to or longer than the waveguide length lc and mesa width bm, respectively. The waveguide length and width are selected so that for a given defect density D, the yield YD is larger than 50%. |
| US07830936B2 |
Calibration of laser systems
A method for a laser system to compensate a variability of a signal converter in the laser system includes generating a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of a laser and adjusting a signal of the signal converter based on at least the temperature signal. A laser transceiver includes a memory, a controller, a bandwidth circuit, and a modulation driver. The controller generates at least one control signal set by a host in the memory. The bandwidth circuit is a programmable low-pass filter (LPF) receiving the control signal and at least one input terminal receiving at least one data signal. The programmable LPF filters the data signal based on the control signal. The modulation driver has at least one input terminal receiving the filtered data signal. The modulation driver provides a modulation current to a laser in response to the filtered data signal. |
| US07830934B2 |
Multi-chamber gas discharge laser bandwidth control through discharge timing
A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling bandwidth in a multi-portion laser system comprising a first line narrowed oscillator laser system portion providing a line narrowed seed pulse to an amplifier laser system portion, may comprise utilizing a timing difference curve defining a relationship between a first laser system operating parameter other than bandwidth and the timing difference and also a desired point on the curve defining a desired timing difference, wherein each unique operating point on the curve corresponds to a respective bandwidth value; determining an actual offset from the timing difference at the desired point on the curve to an actual operating point on the curve; determining an error between the actual offset and a desired offset corresponding to a desired bandwidth; modifying the firing differential timing to remove the error between the actual offset and the desired offset. |
| US07830930B2 |
Semiconductor laser device
A semiconductor laser device includes: a laminated body including an active layer, a cladding layer provided on the active layer, and a contact layer provided on the cladding layer, the laminated body having a first and second end face forming a resonator for light emitted from the active layer; and an electrode provided on the contact layer and including an ohmic section injecting a current into the active layer and a first current adjustment section provided between one end of the ohmic section and the first end face. The ohmic section contains a metal which has a smaller work function than any metal constituting the current adjustment section. |
| US07830926B1 |
Tunable device, method of manufacture, and method of tuning a laser
This description relates to an apparatus, a method of manufacturing, and a method of tuning optical and/or electrical parameters of semiconductor devices and materials, thin film materials, or other devices. In one example, a laser is tuned to produce an adjustable output wavelength by coupling the laser to a tuning material or base such as, for example, a piezoelectric base using a suitable attachment method. The laser includes of a tunable material that is sensitive to stress and/or strain. Stress and/or strain applied to the laser from the tuning material results in an electronically variable output wavelength. As an example, applying a voltage to a piezoelectric base that serves as a tuning material can cause the base to expand or contract, and the expansions and contractions from the base are coupled to the tunable material of the laser, thus varying the wavelength of the output light from the laser. Additionally, other devices that are sensitive to stress and/or strain can be adjoined in a similar manner and can result in an electronically variable output of the devices. Examples of other examples are disclosed herein. |
| US07830925B1 |
Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. |
| US07830922B2 |
Generation of clock signal from received packet stream
A receiving unit receiving packets of a packet stream having an evaluating unit for comparing the arrival times of the packets to a generated clock signal. The generated clock signal is used in transmitting information carried in the packets from the receiving unit. From the delays, a signal producing unit determines a characteristic delay value, which is characteristic of or typical of the statistical distribution of the delays. This characteristic delay value may be an average of the smallest delays of the distribution of delays for the latest received packets, and is used for adjusting the frequency of the generated clock signal. The average may be calculated or derived from all of the smallest delays of the distribution obtained for a predetermined share of the latest received packets. |
| US07830921B2 |
Apparatus and method of encoding and decoding audio signal
In one embodiment, at least first and second channels in a frame of the audio signal are independently subdivided into blocks if the first and second channels are not correlated with each other. The first and second channels are corresponding subdivided into blocks such that the lengths of the blocks into which the second channel is subdivided correspond to the lengths of the blocks into which the first channel is subdivided if the first and second channels are correlated with each other. First information may be generated to indicate whether the first and second channels are independently subdivided or correspondingly subdivided. |
| US07830913B2 |
Method of processing data in a medium access control (MAC) layer
A method of processing data in a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer through which at least one first channel is mapped to a second channel in a transmitting end of a wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, a MAC layer data block is configured by including at least one higher layer data block received through the at least one first channel and adding a header thereto which includes at least one field which indicates at least two types of information. Furthermore, the MAC layer data block is transferred to a lower layer through the second channel. |
| US07830910B2 |
System for providing interactive broadcast service and method thereof
A system for providing an interactive broadcast service and method thereof are disclosed, by which a communication service and an interactive broadcast service can be unitedly supported in an IMS (Internet protocol Multimedia Subsystem) environment. The present invention includes a first server receiving a message of the protocol from the UE and making a registration for a service subscription for the UE from subscription-related information included in the message, a first media server receiving a multimedia stream of the broadcast service to be transmitted to the registered UE from a corresponding broadcasting network, and a second media server connected to the broadcasting network, converting interaction data inserted in the message of the protocol received from the UE to a signal format supported by the broadcasting network. |
| US07830908B2 |
Systems and methods of reducing delay in decoding
In one embodiment, a method includes inserting a packet containing an interpolated timestamp into a burst media stream. The insertion is responsive to a channel change request. The burst media stream includes a series of cached frames. |
| US07830907B1 |
Frame structure for OFDM signaling, including beacons and traffic
Provided is a frame structure for filtered OFDM signaling, wherein once every frame a central controller passes redundant broadcast data for a short time (e.g. 16 symbol times) over all frequencies in use. This broadcast, called a beacon, may carry control information, frame structure information, and other data. The rest of the frame is divided into other assignments, including broadband redundantly coded channels for broadcast, ALOHA contention access, or point-to-point transmissions, and including traffic channels that may use only some of the assigned frequencies intended primarily for point-to-point access. This allows a mix of TDMA and FDMA point-to-point and broadband access. This system may be controlled by a central coordinator, which issues reservations. This system allows devices on a frequency-selective channel to communicate with scheduled operations. |
| US07830905B2 |
Speculative forwarding in a high-radix router
A system and method for speculative forwarding of packets received by a router, wherein each packet includes phits and wherein one or more phits include a cyclic redundancy code (CRC). A packet is received and phits of the packet are forwarded to router logic. A cyclic redundancy code for the packet is calculated and compared to the packet's cyclic redundancy code. An error is generated if the cyclic redundancy codes don't match. If the cyclic redundancy codes don't match, a phit of the packet is modified to reflect the error, the CRC is corrected and the corrected CRC is forwarded to the router logic along with the phit reflecting the CRC error. At the router logic, a check is made to see if the packet is still within the router logic. If the packet is still within the router logic and there was a CRC error, the packet is discarded. If, however, the packet is no longer within the router logic and there was a CRC error, the packet is modified so that the next router discards the packet. |
| US07830899B2 |
Obtaining channel status in a network-based data transport architecture
A buffer circuit for use in a node in a network-based data transport system is configurable for providing channel status information of all channels associated with a given signal in the network-based data transport system. The buffer circuit includes a memory and a controller coupled to the memory. The controller is operative: (i) to receive channel status information from a plurality of different channel status sources; (ii) to select one of the channel status sources for supplying the channel status information at a given point in time; and (iii) to store the channel status information corresponding to the selected channel status source in the memory. |
| US07830896B2 |
Server load balancing using IP option field approach to identify route to selected server
A router for routing data from a client through load-balancing nodes to a selected load-balanced server among a plurality of servers in a network involves: receiving, at a last load balancing node associated with a selected server among the plurality of servers, a first packet of a server reply to a request from the client; storing identifiers of ingress interfaces on which the packet arrives, in a send path list for server load balancing, as the first packet of the server reply is routed from the last load balancing node to the client using hop-by-hop decisions; receiving subsequent packets of the client request; and forwarding the subsequent packets to the selected server only on a route that is defined by the send path list and without hop-by-hop routing decisions. Packet flows are routed from the same client to the same server without hop-by-hop routing decisions or repeated load-balancing decisions. |
| US07830892B2 |
VLAN translation in a network device
A network device for implementing VLAN translation on a packet. The network device includes a user network interface port for receiving and transmitting packets to customers of a network. The network device also includes a network to network interface port for communicating with a second network device in the network. A packet received at the user network interface port is classified, translated based on a predefined provider field associated with the packet, and encapsulated with a tag that is removed when the packet is transmitted from the user network interface port to a customer. |
| US07830891B2 |
Method of and system for providing quality of service in IP telephony
A method and system for providing quality of service in an IP telephony session between a calling party and a called party establishes a high quality of service ATM virtual circuit for the session between first and second devices, each of the devices having ATM capability and IP capability. The first and second devices provide bidirectional translation between IP media and ATM media. The system transports IP media for the session between the calling party and the first device, and between said called party and a second device. The virtual circuit transports ATM media for the session between the first and second devices. An intelligent control layer provides IP and ATM signaling to set up the session. |
| US07830890B2 |
Method of doing business over a network by transmission and retransmission of digital information on a network during time slots
The present invention is a method of doing business over a network that: receives a request for transmitting digital information after a start time and before an end time, determines the time required to transmit the digital information based on the number of packets in the information and the network speed, schedules a transmit time for the digital information, and accepts the digital information for transmission only if the time required to transmit is less than or equal to the difference between the transmit time and the end time. Pricing of the transmission can be determined by the priority of transmission, whether the information is transmitted the first time or rescheduled, and whether the user receives an acknowledgment. |
| US07830889B1 |
Systems for scheduling the transmission of data in a network device
In a network device, a line card includes a first scheduler configured to perform scheduling for data units of a first type and a second scheduler that is connected in series to the first scheduler and configured to perform scheduling for data units of a second type. The schedulers may be configured in a variety of ways to achieve certain data unit flow characteristics. |
| US07830888B2 |
Method and system of providing differentiated services
A method for combining Internet protocols in a Differentiated Services model environment is described. The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Common Open Policy Service (COPS) are combined together to provide methods of setting up a session and tearing down a session, while maintaining Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) policies. The Open Settlement Policy (OSP) is also combined with SIP and COPS. This combination provides for an interchange of parameters between session setup, teardown, authorization, policy, Quality of Service (QoS), and usage reporting. |
| US07830885B2 |
Communication network apparatus and method
A communication network apparatus and method for routing communication signals from a source device to a receiving device. The apparatus performs only local processing on communication signals to thereby increase the speed of processing the signals. A plurality of the processing nodes are combined into a plurality of sub-networks that comprise the network apparatus. Each processing node of a sub-network need only process address information pertaining, to the node's current layer, one layer above it, if any, and one layer below it, if any. |
| US07830884B2 |
Flexible method for processing data packets in a network routing system for enhanced efficiency and monitoring capability
According to an embodiment of the invention, a network device such as a router or switch provides efficient data packet handling capability. The network device includes one or more input ports for receiving data packets to be routed, as well as one or more output ports for transmitting data packets. The network device includes an integrated port controller integrated circuit for routing packets. The integrated circuit includes an interface circuit, a received packets circuit, a buffer manager circuit for receiving data packets from the received packets circuit and transmitting data packets in one or more buffers and reading data packets from the one or more buffers. The integrated circuit also includes a rate shaper counter for storing credit for a traffic class, so that the integrated circuit can support input and/or output rate shaping. The integrated circuit may be associated with an IRAM, a CAM, a parameter memory configured to hold routing and/or switching parameters, which may be implemented as a PRAM, and an aging RAM, which stores aging information. The aging information may be used by a CPU coupled to the integrated circuit via a system interface circuit to remove entries from the CAM and/or the PRAM when an age count exceeds an age limit threshold for the entries. |
| US07830883B1 |
Modifying duplicate packets to have different transport formats
This invention includes methods and packet switches that modify duplicate packets to have different transport formats. A packet switch receives a plurality of duplicate packets from a switching fabric and modifies two or more of the duplicate packets so that the modified duplicate packets have different transport identifiers. The packet switch then transmits one of the duplicate packets on each of a plurality of ports of the packet switch. |
| US07830879B2 |
Network-based data distribution system
A network-based data distribution system includes a physical layer device connectable to a network processor operative in a link layer or higher layer. The physical layer device is configurable for interfacing with a plurality of destination devices via corresponding physical layer links. The physical layer device is operative to receive data traffic from the network processor and to replicate at least a portion of the data traffic at a physical layer for distribution to at least two of the plurality of destination devices associated with the physical layer links. |
| US07830877B2 |
Congestion level management in a network device
Management of congestion level, in a computer-related context, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system generating a plurality of computer network-related tables during system operation. A number of the tables are each separately indexed by a different index. The system includes at least one tangible computer-readable medium adapted to store, at each indexed location, a swap count providing an indication of the congestion level of the indexed location. The system also includes insert logic stored as instructions on the at least one medium for execution. When executed, the insert logic is operable to: i) insert, when a predetermined condition has been satisfied, a new entry by overwriting the current entry stored in the indexed location having the lowest swap count; and ii) update the swap counts in each of the indexed locations in a manner that maintains the total swap count at least substantially constant over time. |
| US07830874B2 |
Versatile radio packeting for automatic meter reading systems
Methods and systems of providing positive outage notification are described. In some examples, the system determines there is an outage at a facility and transmits multiple messages notifying a utility of the outage. In some examples, the messages are received at multiple message collectors. In some examples, the system determines restoration procedures based on the messages. |
| US07830872B2 |
Signal processing device, method, and computer readable medium
To provide a signal processing section of a software radio device or the like which can dynamically change connection itself of an internal function structure at the time of execution. A switching module ISM1(2) or the like selects and uses one of the plurality of the routing tables (60) or the like prepared according to the signal processing and executes routing control to respective processing modules a11 or the like based on the input data packet. The processing module a11 or the like executes each processing by using a parameter table or the like indicating the processing to be performed in accordance with the data packet. A signal processing device (1) or the like inputs a parameter packet containing an identifier such as the processing module a11 or the like and the content of the parameter table such as the processing module a11 or the like via a rewriting path from the outside and transmits the parameter packet to the processing module a11 or the like specified by the identifier according to a predetermined condition, thereby dynamically rewriting the content of the parameter table via the rewriting path. |
| US07830870B2 |
Router and method for transmitting packets
The router of the invention comprises a routing table and an NAT table, which comprises an internet routing field for recording an address where a routing path to a WAN is stored, an intranet routing field for recording an address where a routing path to an LAN is stored, and a routing flag field for recording information indicating whether the NAT table stores an address where a routing path to a destination address is stored. When receiving a packet to a destination address, the router checks whether the NAT table records the address where a routing path to the destination address is stored. The router transmits the packet based on the routing information of the NAT table if the result is positive. If the result is negative, the router selects a routing path to the destination address from the routing table and transmits the packet base on the selected routing path. |
| US07830869B2 |
Establishing connection across a connection-oriented first telecommunications network in response to a connection request from a second telecommunications network
A first multi protocol label switching (MPLS) enabled Internet Protocol (IP) data network is able to transmit data to a second MPLS enabled IP network via a legacy optical network, which would not otherwise be able to handle the user network interface (UNI) protocols required to be used within an MPLS network environment, by means of configuring the legacy optical network and its traditional network management system (TNMS) so that they simulate or emulate an MPLS enabled optical network. The simulation/emulation of an MPLS network is performed as follows: when a first legacy network element (NE) receives a connection request (a UNI request) from the MPLS network under a UNI protocol, the UNI request is passed to the TNMS, which then sets the required connection across the legacy network via a second edge NE to an NE of the second IP network. Once the connection has been set, the TNMS instructs the edge NE to send a return signal to the requesting network indicating that the connection has been successfully set. Data packets may then be transmitted across the network. |
| US07830868B2 |
System and method for effecutating a SIP call in a network environment including IMS
In one embodiment, a scheme is disclosed for routing a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call in a network environment including a circuit-switched (CS) network and an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network. When a SIP call is originated by a user equipment (UE) device in the CS network domain, call information associated with the call is provided to an application server (AS) node disposed in the IMS network. At the AS node, a pool of E.164 numbers are maintained as IP multimedia routing numbers (IMRNs) which are mapped to or otherwise associated with called party SIP URIs. The AS node dynamically allocates a select IMRN with respect to a called party's SIP URI received from the UE device and returns it to the UE device. The dynamically allocated IMRN is then utilized for routing the SIP call towards the called party. |
| US07830863B2 |
Voice over internet protocol call continuity
An apparatus and a method for providing call continuity to a VoIP terminal user responsive to degrading call quality. The quality of a VoIP call is assesses by monitoring the quality of the corresponding IP packet traffic using conventional IP packet quality measures such as, for example, jitter, packet loss and packet delay. When a quality trend indicator crosses a predetermined threshold, a continuity call is originated to the user from a mechanism connected to the IP network. The continuity call uses a connection infrastructure different from the one used by the VoIP terminal such as, for example, a mobility infrastructure (cellular), a wireline infrastructure, a wireless data protocol infrastructure or other similar infrastructure. The continuity call is connected to the user, the original call is bridged with the continuity call and the leg of the original call to the user is dropped. |
| US07830862B2 |
System and method for modifying speech playout to compensate for transmission delay jitter in a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network
A system and method for reducing delay introduced by de-jitter buffers in a VoIP network is presented. The method aspect for receiving and presenting speech data received from a VoIP network comprises monitoring speech-related packets received from a packet network and based on the monitoring, either maintaining a normal speech rate, compressing the speech rate or expanding the speech rate. The speech associated with the received packets is played out (presented audible via a speaker or other means) at the normal, compressed or expanded speech rate. |
| US07830861B2 |
Method and apparatus for functional architecture of voice-over-IP SIP network border element
In order to provide a single common cost-efficient architecture for real time communication services for audio, video, and data over internet protocol, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system and architecture is provided by placing border elements (BEs) at the interface boundaries between the access network the user devices use and the VoIP infrastructure. The BEs use SIP protocol as the access call control protocol over any access networking technologies, for example, IP, Ethernet, ATM, and FR, and provides all services transparently to the end users that use SIP-enabled devices.To enable a scalable system, the SIP BEs are decomposed into separate communicating entities that make the SIP BE scalable and provide new capabilities not previously available by a self-contained SIP BE. Further, multiple levels of decomposition of a SIP BE can be provided by the present invention supporting a flexible and scalable SIP BE design that further improves system efficiencies and cost advantages as compared to use of single integrated border or edge elements. Further, a scalable SIP BE, made up of a plurality of physical entities for optimization of a large scale design, acts as a single integrated functional entity to logically execute a set of functions at the border of a VoIP infrastructure. |
| US07830857B2 |
Credit-based wireless network scheduling
A scheduler having improved fairness is disclosed, for scheduling packets or other data blocks for transmission from a plurality of transmission elements in timeslots in a communication system. The scheduler determines credit measures for respective ones of the transmission elements, with each of said credit measures being a function of a reserved portion of an available bandwidth and a scheduled portion of said available bandwidth for a corresponding one of the transmission elements. The scheduler selects one or more of the transmission elements for scheduling in a given one of the timeslots based on the credit measures. The scheduler in an illustrative embodiment may be implemented in a network processor integrated circuit or other processing device of the communication system. |
| US07830856B2 |
Data transmission system, frame structure, and method for radio transmission of data
A data transmission system transmits first data bursts from a base station to mobile stations. The first data bursts at least in some cases contain two or more data blocks that are intended for different mobile stations. The data transmission system furthermore transmits second data bursts from at least one of the mobile stations to the base station and produces guard time intervals between successive data bursts. |
| US07830855B2 |
Method and apparatus for data allocation in an overlap-enabled communication system
A communication system is dynamically configured to use some or all of the communication channel bandwidth. Regions of the communication channel are prioritized, and bandwidth is allocated in accordance with priorities and requested data rate. |
| US07830850B2 |
Class-switching in class-based data communcations network
In a wireless class-based data communications network, a class-switching method includes configuring a wireless two-way RF data communication device, of a wireless class-based data communications network, to adopt a different class designation of another wireless two-way RF data communication device of a proximate wireless class-based data communications network such that the particular wireless two-way RF data communication device joins the proximate wireless class-based data communications network. Another class-switching method includes communicating a command to a wireless two-way RF data communication device of a wireless class-based data communications network to change its class designation to that of another wireless two-way RF data communication device of a proximate wireless class-based data communications network such that the wireless two-way RF data communication device joins the proximate wireless class-based data communications network. |
| US07830848B2 |
Network-wide clear channel assessment threshold
Overall network throughput may be increased in a wireless network through a common network-wide clear channel assessment (CCA) threshold. Each access point performs measurements, and determines suitable CCA thresholds and throughput estimates for each data rate. Results are reported to a central controller that determines the network-wide CCA threshold. The network-wide CCA threshold is then used by all access points and mobile stations. |
| US07830844B2 |
Power saving in a device compatible with cellular and WLAN networks
A mobile communication device is able to communicate with wireless local area network and with a cellular network. A communication system is able to route a communication session between the mobile communication device and another communication device either by way of the wireless local area network or the cellular network. The communication system is able to trigger the mobile communication device via the cellular network to search for and attempt to connect to the wireless local area network. The mobile communication device, in response to reception of signaling via the cellular network, is able to activate a wireless local area network interface of the mobile communication device and to establish a connection to the wireless local area network. |
| US07830843B2 |
Method for allocating IP address in a mobile communication system
Disclosed is a method for allocating an IP address. The interface ID value of an IP address allocated to a mobile terminal upon IP communication in a mobile communication system is set by using country information, mobile network information and a telephone number stored in the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal enables IP communication with a receiving-side mobile terminal even if the mobile terminal has information related to only the telephone number of the receiving-side mobile terminal. |
| US07830842B2 |
System and method for determining the mobility of nodes in a wireless communication network
A system and method for determining the mobility of a node (102) in a wireless communication network (102). The system and method determine the distance between the node (102) and at least one stationary neighboring node (102, 106, 107) at at least two or more time points, using at least two moving average filters, to arrive at two distance values. The system and method then determine the relative velocity based on the at least two distance values, and thus determine whether the node (102) is mobile. |
| US07830840B2 |
Apparatus and method for implementing SDMA in multi-user multi-antenna system
An apparatus and method for implementing SDMA in a multi-user multi-antenna system are provided, in which SDMA users are selected from among total users according to channel state information of the total users, and the number of transmission streams to be allocated to each of the SDMA users is determined by a tree search method. |
| US07830839B2 |
Method for data message transmission
A method (200) of operation in a communication system (100) when a mobile node (107) is served in a network (103, 105) which is not its home network (101). The mobile node: (a) when attached to a first service node (117) identifies (203) a second service node (123) as a candidate service node to which it can become attached by an attachment handover procedure; (b) obtains (205) a new Care Of Address for use in association with attachment of the mobile node to the second service node; (c) notifies (207) the second service node of its identity and of its new Care Of Address; and (d) notifies (213) a Home Agent for the mobile node of the identity of the second service node and/or of the new Care Of Address. |
| US07830837B2 |
Method of data communication in a wireless communication system
A method of data communication in a wireless communication system is disclosed. A method of receiving data in a user equipment of a wireless communication system comprises receiving scheduling information from a network, the scheduling information including downlink (DL) resource assignment information and an indicator; if the scheduling information includes a first UE identity and the first indicator has a first value, utilizing the scheduling information as configuration information of a persistent scheduling to receive a downlink data packet from the network; and if the scheduling information includes the first UE identity and the first indicator has a second value, utilizing the scheduling information to receive a retransmission data packet from the network. |
| US07830833B2 |
Method and apparatus for ranking of media services and program packages
A method for improved presentation of media information for wireless communication is described herein. Media services and program packages are ranked and ranking information is delivered to a mobile device along with the media information. The ranking information is then used by the mobile device to arrange the media services in a ranked order. The ranking information can also be used to assign a default service that is displayed whenever the mobile device is activated or whenever a selection is made to view media content. The ranking information can also be used to arrange program packages in a ranked order for subscription purposes. |
| US07830827B2 |
Method and device of handling multi-user/multi-service
The present invention discloses a method of handling multi-user/multi-service in a wireless communication system comprising an access point, characterized in that the method includes the steps of: converging, by the access point, data packets of multi-user/multi-service and encapsulating the data packets of multi-user/multi-service into a container in the access point; coding and modulating, by the access point, the data encapsulated in the container; and mapping, by the access point, the coded and modulated data in the container to physical resources and emitting via a traffic channel the coded and modulated data in the container. According to the present invention, efficiency of a wireless communication system can be enhanced while delay can be reduced. |
| US07830822B2 |
System and method for performing key-based refresh of routing information
A Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP) speaker can associate a “key” with a set of one or more source address/group address pairs within a Source Active (SA) message and send the SA message to a MSDP peer. Initially, the MSDP speaker sends both the key and the source address/group address pairs associated with that key. Subsequently, the MSDP speaker can simply resend the key, without also sending all of the associated source address/group address pairs, in order to refresh the SA information at the peer. Additionally, several keys can be sent in a single message. |
| US07830820B2 |
Method and apparatus for directional networking topology management
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product to managing links in a network. A directional link management system comprises a network manager, a router, a situational awareness database, a neighbor discovery module, a topology manager, and a data link manager. The network manager provides performance parameters for a wireless network. The router routes information to neighbor nodes provides information about links between nodes in the wireless network environment. The situational awareness database stores information about the nodes. The neighbor discovery module detects a presence of a new node. The topology manager identifies a set of links for a node using the set of performance parameters, information about the links, and information about the nodes. The data link manager manages the identified links. |
| US07830817B1 |
Vocoder selection based on location of client device
Methods and systems for selecting data rates are described in a wireless network. The distance between a client and a base station serving the client device is determined. Based on that distance, a minimum threshold data rate is selected such that a larger distance corresponds to a higher minimum threshold data rate and a smaller distance corresponds to a smaller minimum threshold data rate. An actual data rate, not less than the minimum threshold data rate, is then selected, and signals are transmitted between the client device and the base station at the actual data rate. The actual data rate may be increased if there exists unused available bandwidth in the network. Events such as a change in distance or a timer expiring may result in a recalculation of the minimum threshold data rate. |
| US07830815B1 |
Method and apparatus for measuring and extracting proximity in networks
A method and apparatus for measuring and extracting proximity in networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method receives a network from a user for analysis and extraction of a smaller proximity sub-graph. The method computes a candidate sub-graph and determines at least one Cycle Free Escape Conductivity (CFEC) proximity of at least two nodes in accordance with the candidate sub-graph. The method then extracts and presents a proximity sub-graph that best captures the proximity. |
| US07830812B2 |
Monitoring system for a mobile communication network for traffic analysis using a hierarchial approach
This invention relates to systems, methods and computer program code for testing, troubleshooting and evaluation of mobile phone network. We describe a method of processing network data which includes a plurality of session related parameters. The method comprises inputting one or more queries, a query defining a statistic relating to said parameters and to be computed from said network data, formatting a query to define said statistic in terms of one or more intermediate statistics from which said statistic is computable, operating with said formatted query to determine said one or more intermediate statistics, and storing these in a data store for analysis, preferably indexed by said parameters. Preferably entries for the parameters are stored at time positions in a data pipe. |
| US07830811B2 |
Terminal apparatus, terminal apparatus control method, network system, network system control method, program and recording medium
There is provided a terminal apparatus capable of, when the volume of packets received by the terminal apparatus is abnormally increased, disconnecting the terminal apparatus from a network and continuously performing a process other than a process regarding received packets by the steps of detecting the number of packets received from the network in a predetermined time, logically disconnecting the terminal apparatus from the network when the number of packets exceeds a predetermined value, and reconnecting the terminal apparatus to the network after a predetermined time has elapsed. |
| US07830808B2 |
Path status monitoring method and device
In a path status monitoring method and device which can enhance or reduce a band more rapidly, for example, SONET frames FR serially connected over 32 frames to which frame Nos. FN (“0”-“31”)) are assigned are cyclically generated respectively for paths P0-P2 in a cycle TC (=64 ms). After output timing delays TD0-TD2 of the frames FR are shifted by an optimal delay interval D (=21 ms) between the paths P0-P2 based on the number of the paths “3”, the output timing delays TD1 and TD2 are restored by preliminarily obtained transmission delays for the paths P1 and P2 to the path P0. When the frames FR are transmitted through each of the paths P0-P2, statuses (path statuses MST) where a reception fault has occurred in each of the paths P0-P2 are collected to be stored in the frame whose frame No. FN=“0”. |
| US07830806B2 |
Monitoring a network path
The present invention relates to the monitoring of paths along which signals are carried in a telecommunications network, in particular to determine if a path has been altered. Each path has a transit time associated therewith for data transport along that path. The method comprises the steps of: monitoring the difference between the transit time of a first signal path and the transit time of a second signal path, such that a change in the difference between the transit times of the two paths can be detected; and, in dependence at least in part on any such detected change, generating an alarm signal. The alarm signal can be used to indicate to a customer that one of the paths has been re-routed. |
| US07830803B2 |
Network for setting up connections between nodes
Networks (8) for setting up connections between nodes (1,2) via request messages (R1) and allocation messages (A1) are made more efficient by providing the request messages (R1) with indications for indicating the first node's capabilities with respect to different signalling procedures and by providing the allocation messages (A1) with instructions for instructing the first nodes (1) to use one of the signalling procedures. Only one round trip is needed. The indications comprise first preference values for the first signalling procedure (wavelength switching) and second preference values for the second signalling procedure (waveband switching). The instructions comprise signalling information and signalling procedure assignments. The second nodes (2) run label assignment algorithms for making the signalling procedure assignment in dependence of the preference values. The first nodes (1) derive further signalling information from the signalling information, which signalling information is related to the first signalling procedure and which further signalling information is related to the second signalling procedure. |
| US07830802B2 |
Method for preventing IP multicast data stream to overload communication system by distinguishing all kinds of services
According to the method for preventing IP multicast data stream from overloading the communication system by distinguishing multiple services, when a multicast data packet ‘packet (key)’ with its key value being ‘key’ reaches the forwarding layer, if it doesn't find the matching multicast route entry or matching multicast forwarding entry, and it satisfies the requirement of multicast protocol Assert state machine, then it searches for current-limiting policy list L (type, key) according to the key, and applies the searched current-limiting policy to multicast forwarding and packet up-sending. If it finds the matching multicast route entry and the protocol requests sending the multicast data packet to the protocol processor, the new multicast forwarding entry P_M(key) is formed with the current-limiting policy of distinguishing the service type(key), and P_M(key) is used to forward and up-send. The above-mentioned three current-limiting types may be used separately or combined freely. |
| US07830801B2 |
Intelligent fabric congestion detection apparatus and method
An intelligent fabric congestion control apparatus and method are provided to receive data packets from source endpoints and output the data packets to destination endpoints. The apparatus and method include a counter, a timer, and a controller. The counter increments from a preset value when a data packet is received at an egress queue and decrements when the data packet is output from the egress queue. The timer starts timing in response to the incrementing of the counter from the preset value. The controller performs one of resetting the timer when the counter is decremented to the preset value prior to the timer reaching a first threshold, and detecting a persistent congestion when the timer reaches the first threshold. |
| US07830799B2 |
Adjusting a transmission rate
In one embodiment, data is received from a plurality of token devices and the rate of transmission is adjusted to match a lowest reception rate of the plurality of token devices using the data. |
| US07830798B2 |
Determining of telegram lengths
Described is a method for determining a telegram length in an operating apparatus for communicating between the operating apparatus and a field device via a network. The method comprises composing a first telegram in the operating apparatus. The first telegram comprises a predeterminable first telegram length, and the composed first telegram is despatched via the network to the field device. After the first telegram has been despatched, the operating apparatus waits for the receipt of a second telegram, which second telegram is received by the operating apparatus via the network. After successful receipt of the second telegram, the first telegram length is increased by a predeterminable value. Increasing the value takes place until receiving the second telegram fails. After the receipt of the second telegram has failed, the first telegram length that has resulted in successfully receiving the second telegram is provided. |
| US07830792B1 |
Call center communications system for handling calls to a call center
The invention provides a call center communication system to handle calls to a call center by obtaining absolute address for a call center resource from a call center resource processor prior to directing the call to the call center resource. The invention includes a first communication system that receives and processes the initial signal to select a call center resource processor and generates and transmits an address query for the call center resource processor. After receiving an address response including an absolute address for the call, the first communication system processes the address response to generate route information to cause a second communication system to route the call to a call center resource in call packets containing the absolute address. The first communication system transmits the route information including the absolute address for the second communication system. After receiving the call through the first communication system, the second communication system routes the call packets including the absolute address for the call center resource. At the call center resource, no translation of the call is needed to direct the call to the call's final destination. Therefore, complex routing equipment at the call center resource can be eliminated. Because the absolute address is identified at the call center resource processor, the invention may also transmit service data over the same communications equipment as the call from the network element system to the call center resource. Separate communications equipment at the call center resource for service data can be eliminated. |
| US07830791B2 |
Method and system for routing network communications
A method and system of routing information packets through a network is presented. The method may include receiving an information packet at a node in a network, wherein the information packet contains information relating to a new metric, forming a new routing protocol based on the new metric information contained in the information packet, and implementing the new routing protocol on the node, wherein the new routing protocol computes routing information based on the new metric information. |
| US07830789B2 |
Method for accommodating signal paths to ring network
According an aspect of the embodiment, there is provided a method for accommodating signal paths to a ring network. A demand chain is defined as a series of traffic demands in which each traffic demand shares one of the pair of terminal nodes pointed thereby with at least one adjacent traffic demand and the number of pairs of terminal nodes pointed by traffic demands in the series of traffic demands is maximized. Each traffic demand of the demand chain is corresponded to a demand accommodating route which is defined as a route between the pair of terminal nodes on the ring network pointed by the each traffic demand and arranged in a predetermined rotation direction on the ring network. Then, signal paths required by traffic demands each pointing a pair of terminal nodes both included in the demand accommodating route chain are accommodated to the demand accommodating route chain. |
| US07830788B2 |
Mobile communication network system
If a trouble, which occurred in a node managing positional information, has been solved, the positional information can be restored only by transmitting a position registration request addressed to one multicast address without need to transmit multiple position registration requests addressed to multiple mobile terminals (MN). There are included a home agent, a mobile anchor point and a communication node, each of which is a node connected to a network. Each node receives a position registration from a mobile terminal, copies a binding cache to produce a backup binding cache, and maintains and manages the backup binding cache. When recovering from a trouble, each of the home agent, mobile anchor point and communication node searches for the backup binding cache to acquire the binding cache held before occurrence of the trouble; then designates an already registered multicast address for a mobile terminal stored in the acquired binding cache; sends a packet of position registration request to the mobile terminal; regards the acquired binding cache as being valid when a response to the position registration request packet is received from the mobile terminal; and then continues to maintain and manage the acquired binding cache. |
| US07830785B2 |
System and method for restoration in a multimedia IP network
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable media for modifying IP backbone link weights such that multicast traffic and unicast traffic will not travel on a same path between nodes. The method comprises assigning link weights to nodes within an IP backbone such that multicast forwarding paths and unicast forwarding paths are failure disjoint, and delivering undelivered multicast packets using IP unicast encapsulation to the loopback address of next hop router on a multicast tree upon link/interface failure. |
| US07830783B2 |
Method and circuit for reducing the crest factor
The invention relates to a method for reducing the crest factor, comprising the following method steps: (a) IFFT transformation of a data symbol to be transmitted; (b) looking for all peak values within a frame of the IFFT-transformed data symbol the amount of which is above a predetermined threshold; (c) providing a sample correction function; (d) allocating a scaling and phase rotation to the sample correction function according to the amplitude and position of the peak values found; (e) generating a correction signal in the frequency domain from a linear combination of rotated and scaled vectors according to the scaling and position determined; (f) modifying, particularly reducing the peak value of the data symbol to be transmitted by subtracting the correction signal, and IFFT transformation of the peak-value-modified data symbol into the time domain. The invention also relates to a circuit for reducing the crest factor. |
| US07830782B2 |
Method of using guard tones in OFDM systems for increasing robustness
The present invention provides a method and system for increasing communication robustness between wireless communication devices by transmitting data on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) guard tones. In one embodiment, punctured bits are sent on the guard tones. In an alternate embodiment, the full bandwidth provided by the guard tones in used to determine the optimal puncture pattern. The present invention can also use guard tones to duplicate data from those tones which are experiencing channel interference. The receiver feeds back information about tones in interference, and the transmitter send the interfered data on the guard tones. Guard tones are used for sending feedback information to the transmitter in order to increase system robustness. This provides the transmitter with information on how to use the guard tones and adapt the transmission data rates to maximize system performance. |
| US07830778B2 |
Optical information recording medium
An optical information recording medium having a disk-shaped substrate formed with spiral grooves on one main surface, and having an optical reflection layer formed with grooves at the surface corresponding to the grooves of the substrate for reflecting a laser beam, an optical recording layer, a protective layer, and an optical transparency layer in this order on the main surface thereof. The optical information recording medium has a main information area and a sub-information area to the inner circumferential side thereof, in which the track pitch TrB of the grooves in the sub-information area is about 0.32 μm or less, and the depth D of the grooves and the half-band width W of the grooves satisfy a relation represented by: W≧2D+70, whereby the difference between the reflectivity at the land surface and the reflectivity at the groove surface in the sub-information area can be restricted to less than 30%, thereby preventing occurrence of mis-decipherment for BCA marks. |
| US07830777B2 |
System and method for selectively enabling or disabling an optical device using optical blocking material on an energy masked area of the optical device
A system for selectively enabling or disabling an optical device, such as an optical disc, includes an optical blocking material bonded or otherwise integrated into the optical device. In a specific embodiment, the optical blocking material includes a dye, such as an energy-sensitive dye. The optical blocking material is initially applied to the optical device during production using a spin coating or other suitable technique. An area of the optical device that will prevent a function of the device is then masked, and sufficient energy is applied to the unmasked area to activate the optical blocking material of the unmasked area while leaving the masked area unactivated. In a specific embodiment, the masked area corresponds with a lead-in area of an optical disc. The optical blocking material of the masked area remains non-transparent to disable the optical device until a second application of energy at a retail location. |
| US07830775B2 |
Writeable optical recording of multilevel oriented nano-structure discs
A method of performing writable optical recording of a medium to form multilevel oriented nano-structures therein, comprises steps of providing a disc-shaped, writable recording medium having a planar surface; and encoding data/information in the medium by forming a plurality of multilevel nano-structured pits in the surface by scanning with a focused spot of optical energy to form at least one data track therein, including scanning the optical spot in a cross-track direction while rotating the disc about a central axis. |
| US07830772B2 |
Objective optical system and optical information recording/reproducing device having the same
There is provided an objective optical system for an optical information recording/reproducing device. The objective optical system includes an optical element having an annular zone structure on at least one surface. The annular zone structure includes annular zones configured to have at least one step formed, at a boundary between adjacent ones of the annular zones, to extend in a direction of an optical axis. The at least one step is provided to cause a predetermined optical path length difference between a light beam passing through an outside of the boundary and a light beam passing through an inside of the boundary. The predetermined optical path length difference given to a first light beam by the at least one step is approximately equal to an odd multiple of a first wavelength λa. Abbe number of material of the optical element satisfies a condition of 15<νd<35. |
| US07830769B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
A recording apparatus that performs at least recording on a recording medium including a user-data recording area, a first temporary-management-information recording area, one or plural second temporary-management-information recording areas, and area-use-state presenting areas includes a recording unit that performs the recording on the recording medium and a controlling unit that controls the recording unit. The controlling unit determines whether information recording is successful and controls, when it is determined that the information recording fails, the recording unit to record temporary management information in the second temporary-management-information recording area in which temporary management information should be recorded following the second temporary-management-information recording area corresponding to the area-use-state presenting area in which the information recording fails, and, then, perform information recording in the area-use-state presenting area associated with the second temporary-management-information recording area. |
| US07830759B2 |
Objective lens drive, optical pickup, and optical disc apparatus
An objective lens drive includes a lens holder holding first and second objective lenses and moved at least in a focusing direction substantially parallel to optical axes of the objective lenses and in a tracking direction orthogonal to the focusing direction; a support supporting the lens holder movably at least in the focusing and tracking directions; a first adjusting unit provided between the first objective lens and the lens holder and adjusting a tilt of the first objective lens in a direction about an axis in a first direction being any direction in a plane orthogonal to the focusing direction; and a second adjusting unit provided between the second objective lens and the lens holder and adjusting a tilt of the second objective lens in a direction about an axis in a second direction being in a plane orthogonal to the focusing direction and substantially orthogonal to the first direction. |
| US07830758B2 |
Optical disk drive and pickup device
An optical disk drive includes focusing means, moving means for moving the focusing means in a direction perpendicular to a track direction, light detection means having a first light acceptance section accepting a light beam reflected by one information recording layer and a second light acceptance section accepting stray light reflected by another information recording layer, tracking error signal generating means for generating and correcting the tracking error signal using an output of the second light acceptance section, and tracking control means, wherein the second light acceptance section is composed of a disk inner area and a disk outer area, and where the stray light is accepted without accepting the light beam, and the tracking control means removes an offset caused by the stray light using a difference between the output of the disk inner area and the output of the disk outer area. |
| US07830749B2 |
Method of filtering pump noise
A method of filtering out pressure noise generated by one or more piston pumps, where each pump is connected to a common downstream piping system, and where the discharge pressure is measured by a pressure sensitive gauge, wherein the instantaneous angular position(s) of the pump(s)' crankshaft or actuating cam is/are measured simultaneously with the discharge pressure and used as fundamental variables in an adaptive mathematical noise model. |
| US07830748B2 |
Method for acoustic imaging of the earth's subsurface using a fixed position sensor array and beam steering
A method for seismic surveying includes disposing a plurality of seismic sensors in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface to be evaluated. A seismic energy source is repeatedly actuated proximate the seismic sensors. Signals generated by the seismic sensors, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the seismic energy source are recorded. The recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface. The processing includes stacking recordings from each sensor for a plurality of actuations of the source and beam steering a response of the seismic sensors such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of sensors. |
| US07830744B2 |
Method for determining reservoir permeability form borehole Stoneley-wave attenuation using Biot's poroelastic theory
Method for determining reservoir permeability from Stoneley wave attenuation extracted from conventional sonic logs by inversion of the full Biot wave equations for a porous medium. Frequency-dependent Stoneley-wave attenuation is extracted by analyzing array sonic measurements. Then, based on Biot's full theory applied to a borehole model and the standard logs (gamma ray, caliper, density, neutron, resistivity, sonic, etc.), a simulation model with the same parameters as the Stoneley-wave measurements is built. Next, a theoretical Stoneley-wave attenuation is computed for a given permeability. Finally, reservoir permeability is determined by comparing the modeled Stoneley-wave attenuation with the measured Stoneley-wave attenuation by an iterative inversion process. |
| US07830743B2 |
Sequential access memory method
A sequential access memory (“SAM”) device, system and method is provided that includes a memory array configured to store a group of bytes on each of a plurality of rows. A plurality of bit-lines transfer each of the group of bytes into and out of the memory array, and a pre-charging unit is configured to pre-charge the plurality of bit-lines once per each transfer of one of the group of bytes into or out of one of the plurality of rows. The device operates by accessing a memory array in a SAM device by activating a selected row in the memory array, pre-charging a plurality of bit-lines that provide access to the memory array, and accessing the memory array before the plurality of bit-lines are pre-charged a second time. |
| US07830737B2 |
SMI memory read data capture margin characterization circuits and methods
The present invention is directed to margin characterization of memory devices, such as interface ASICs connected to SDRAM. The circuits and method perform margin characterization on a chip during wafer test; however the characterization could also be performed at module test or in a system. |
| US07830735B2 |
Asynchronous, high-bandwidth memory component using calibrated timing elements
Disclosed herein are embodiments of an asynchronous memory device that use internal delay elements to enable memory access pipelining. In one embodiment, the delay elements are responsive to an input load control signal, and are calibrated with reference to periodically received timing pulses. Different numbers of the delay elements are configured to produce different asynchronous delays and to strobe sequential pipeline elements of the memory device. |
| US07830727B2 |
Apparatus and method for low power, single-ended sensing in a multi-port SRAM using pre-discharged bit lines
An apparatus and method for low power, single-ended sensing in a multi-port static random access memory (SRAM) using pre-discharged bit lines includes holding a bit line associated with the memory cell at a zero voltage potential when the memory cell is not being accessed; releasing the bit line from being held at a zero voltage potential when the memory cell is being accessed; charging the bit line to a first voltage potential greater in value than the zero voltage potential during an access of the memory cell, wherein charging the bit line to a first voltage potential occurs for a first predetermined period of time after access to the memory cell has begun; and sensing the memory cell contents during an access of the memory cell, wherein sensing of the memory cell contents occurs for a second predetermined period of time after access to the memory cell has begun. |
| US07830723B2 |
Nitride read-only memory cell and nitride read-only memory array
A NROM memory device includes an array of memory cells and first and second bit lines. The first and second bit lines are coupled to opposite sides of the memory cells. During an erase operation, one of the sides of the memory cells receives a positive voltage and the other side couples to a common node or a limited current source. Methods are also disclosed that can easily screen for marginal memory cells based on a threshold voltage distribution of the memory cells. |
| US07830718B2 |
Mitigation of data corruption from back pattern and program disturb in a non-volatile memory device
In one of the disclosed embodiments, a write algorithm is used to remove errors due to back pattern effects, cell-to-cell capacitive coupling, and program disturb in memory cells. Original data to be programmed is adjusted prior to an initial programming operation of the memory cells. The original data is then programmed into the memory cells in another programming operation. In an alternate embodiment, a read adjustment weight data value is associated with each series string of memory cells. The weight data value is used to compensate data read during an initial word line read. The weight data value is updated after each read and read adjustment such that the adjusted weight data value is used on the subsequent read operations. |
| US07830716B2 |
Non-volatile memory string module with buffer and method
During first portion of a first read cycle determining that a first input of a sense amplifier is to receive information based upon a state of a storage cell during a first portion of a read cycle, and determining that a conductance at the first input is substantially equal to a conductance at a second input of the sense amplifier during the first portion. A plurality of NAND string modules are connected to a global bit line of a memory device that includes a memory column where a plurality of NAND strings and a buffer are formed. |
| US07830711B2 |
Memory system and data writing method
A data writing method is disclosed. In a memory system comprising a NAND flash memory and a controller which controls the memory, the memory system storing data provided from a host to the NAND flash memory, the data writing method comprises a steps of specifying a column address in which a column failure which has occurred in the NAND flash memory by the controller, and a step of, during writing into the NAND flash memory, writing data of a first logic level into a memory cell which corresponds to the specified column address regardless of write data provided from the controller. |
| US07830709B2 |
Integrated circuit, method of reading data stored within a memory device of an integrated circuit, method of writing data into a memory device of an integrated circuit, memory module, and computer program
A memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells, each of which comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an active material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the memory cells are grouped into memory cell groups, each memory cell group defining a memory cell group area and being configured such that corresponding first electrodes are individually addressable, and corresponding second electrodes are commonly addressable via a common select device provided within the memory cell group area of the memory cell group. |
| US07830704B1 |
Compact magnetic random access memory cell with slotted bit line and method of manufacturing same
Embodiments of the invention provide compact magnetic random access memory cell, comprising a word line; a bit line comprising a slot formed therein; a magnetic storage element disposed between the word line and the bit line; an access transistor located below the bit line and aligned with the slot therein; and a conductor passing through the slot in the bit line electrically connect the magnetic storage element to the access transistor. |
| US07830703B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having SRAM cell units each comprising a pair of a first driving transistor and a second driving transistor, a pair of a first load transistor and a second load transistor, and a pair of a first access transistor and a second access transistor, wherein each of the transistors comprises a semiconductor layer projecting upward from a substrate plane, a gate electrode extending on opposite sides of the semiconductor layer so as to stride over a top of the semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film interposed between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer, and a pair of source/drain areas formed in the semiconductor layer; and the first and second driving transistors each have a channel width larger than that of at least either each of the load transistors or each of the access transistors. |
| US07830702B2 |
Synthetic molecular spring device
Synthetic molecular spring device featuring: (a) a synthetic molecular assembly, SMA, each scalable chemical module including: (i) at least one atom, M, (ii) at least one complexing group, CG, complexed to an atom, M, (iii) at least one axial ligand, AL, reversibly physicochemically paired with at least one atom, M, complexed to a complexing group, CG, (iv) at least one substantially elastic molecular linker, ML, having body and two ends with at least one chemically bonded to another component of SMA; (b) activating mechanism, AM, operatively directed to an atom-axial ligand pair, whereby following activating mechanism, AM, sending activating signal, AS/AS′, to an atom-axial ligand pair for physicochemically modifying the atom-axial ligand pair, there is activating at least one cycle of spring-type elastic reversible transitions between contracted and expanded linear conformational states of molecular linker, ML. Optionally includes (v) chemical connectors, CC, and/or, (vi) binding sites, BS. |
| US07830697B2 |
High forward current diodes for reverse write 3D cell
A nonvolatile memory device includes at least one memory cell which comprises a diode and a metal oxide antifuse dielectric layer, and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically contacting the at least one memory cell. In use, the diode acts as a read/write element of the memory cell by switching from a first resistivity state to a second resistivity state different from the first resistivity state in response to an applied bias. |
| US07830694B2 |
Large array of upward pointing p-i-n diodes having large and uniform current
A first memory level includes a first plurality of memory cells that includes every memory cell in the first memory level. Each memory cell includes a vertically oriented p-i-n diode in the form of a pillar that includes a bottom heavily doped p-type region, a middle intrinsic or lightly doped region, and a top heavily doped n-type region. The first plurality of memory cells includes programmed cells and unprogrammed cells, wherein programmed cells comprise at least half of the first plurality of memory cells. Current flowing through the p-i-n diodes of at least 99 percent of the programmed cells when a voltage between about 1.5 volts and about 3.0 volts is applied between the bottom heavily doped p-type region and the top heavily doped n-type region is at least 1.5 microamps. |
| US07830689B2 |
Power converter
First and second bases and composing a coolant path structure are arranged at the middle stage of the power converter, and semiconductor modules and a capacitor are arranged on both surfaces of the coolant path structure. Furthermore, through-holes are formed in the first and second bases, and cables of DC and AC circuits are laid via the through-holes. |
| US07830687B2 |
Adaptive power electronics interface for hybrid energy systems
An adaptive hybrid energy system is provided. The system includes a first DC energy source that generates a first DC output by converting a first type of energy into an electrical output. Additionally, the system includes at least a second DC energy source that generates a second DC electrical output by converting a second type of energy into an electrical output. The system further includes a cascaded multilevel converter electrically connected to the first and second DC energy sources to convert a DC electrical output into a sinusoidal electrical output when at least one of the first and second DC energy sources is operable. |
| US07830684B2 |
Reverse biasing active snubber
The present invention provides a transient suppression circuit for use with a rectifier coupled to a transformer. In one embodiment, the transient suppression circuit includes a triggering section configured to provide a timing signal corresponding to a dead time of the rectifier. Additionally, the transient suppression circuit also includes a biasing section coupled to the triggering section and configured to apply a reverse bias voltage to the rectifier based on the timing signal. |
| US07830683B2 |
Current control type converter
A current control type converter has a converter section and a control section that includes three controllers. A first controller calculates and outputs an active current instruction value by proportional-plus-integral control to perform proportional integration of a deviation between the value of a DC voltage outputted from the converter section and a DC voltage instruction value. A second controller calculates and outputs an active voltage correction value by proportional-plus-integral control to perform proportional integration of a deviation between the active current instruction value from the first controller and the value of an active current inputted to the converter section. A third controller calculates and outputs a reactive voltage correction value by proportional-plus-integral control to perform proportional integration of a deviation between the value of a reactive current inputted to the converter section and a reactive current instruction value. |
| US07830677B2 |
Switching power converter controlled by a winding voltage sampler
This invention discloses a switching power converter controlled by a winding voltage sampler, including an input circuit with an input end, an output circuit with an output end, one or more switches, a controller to regulate on/off of the switch, a winding voltage sampler, and a transformer including a primary-side coil assembly connecting the switch and the winding voltage sampler, and a secondary-side coil assembly. The output circuit connects the secondary-side coil assembly; the winding voltage sampler detects preset reference voltage of the primary-side coil assembly for the controller to regulate output voltage. |
| US07830675B2 |
Switching power supply device and method of starting the same
To reduce power loss during standby.In a switching power supply device using a first power supply circuit (11) having a small output and a second power supply circuit (12) having a large output, the first power supply circuit (11) is continuously kept in an operating state and the second power supply circuit (12) is started by using an electric power generated in the first power supply circuit (11). |
| US07830673B2 |
Handheld electronic device including multi-compartment shielding container and associated methods
A handheld electronic device may include a portable housing and a shielding container within the portable housing. The shielding container may include a shielding frame and a shielding lid carried thereby. A printed circuit board may be within the shielding container. The shielding frame may include a planar base with at least one opening therein, a pair of opposing side walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of opposing end walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom. Also, the shielding frame may include at least one intermediate partition wall integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom to define a plurality of container compartments. The partition wall may also extend only partway between the opposing side walls to define at least one partition end gap therewith. |
| US07830670B2 |
Sliding card carrier
A system and method is provided for individually changing the peripheral cards of an electronic device, when the cards are operationally held inside a chassis on a rack cabinet. Included is a platform for holding the peripheral cards, and a slide carrier mounted on the chassis for moving the platform with cards into and out of the internal chamber of the chassis. Importantly, this is done while the chassis remains stationary on the rack cabinet. When moved outside the chassis chamber, each peripheral card can be individually handled (i.e. installed or removed) without contact or operational interference with other peripheral cards held on the platform. Adapters on the platform can be adjusted to accommodate the dimensions of each peripheral card. |
| US07830669B2 |
Contact bank
A contact bank, which can be terminated, or is terminated, at least one terminal module serving for signal communication and being adapted to allow telecommunications lines to be connected therewith, or at least one supplementary module, of a telecommunications distribution point, which is connected to a terminal module, whereby the contact bank further is mountable or mounted in the telecommunications distribution point, includes: (a) a plurality of tapping contacts directly and permanently electrically connected to the contacts of the module in the terminated condition of said contact bank; (b) a smaller number of outlet contacts than of tapping contacts; (c) a plurality of remote-controllable switches for selectively electrically connecting said outlet contacts to said tapping contacts; and (d) a control device for controlling the plurality of switches. |
| US07830668B2 |
Power supply unit for mobile workstation and method
A power supply unit for a mobile computerized device includes a housing having a handle, a battery positioned within the housing, and a detector configured to detect user interaction with the handle. The power supply unit may comprise a removable power supply unit for a mobile computerized device, having a detector generating a signal in response to detecting user interaction with the handle. |
| US07830662B2 |
Computer system with fan module
A computer system includes a chassis and a fan module attached to the chassis. The fan module includes a rotor, a side panel coaxial with the rotor, and a cylindrical cover extending from the side panel for encasing the rotor. One side of the rotor is covered and protected by the side panel, while another side of the rotor is bare. The chassis includes an air vent for exposing the bare side of the rotor. An airflow-guiding part inwardly protrudes from an edge of the air vent and abuts the cylindrical cover of the fan module. |
| US07830661B2 |
Laptop computer support
An article for supporting a computer on a user's lap that cools the computer and isolates the user from heat, and methods of manufacture. Some embodiments include a body, a top surface, a bottom surface, a hollow area in between, an aperture through the top surface to the hollow area, and either a fan to move air through the aperture or an indentation in the top surface to allow air to circulate by the computer. Embodiments include a foam portion, a plastic portion that provides stiffness, a fabric covering and one or more side or rear openings to allow airflow. The fan may be powered from a USB port on the computer. |
| US07830660B2 |
Cooling unit and display apparatus having the same
A cooling unit to cool the display apparatus including a heat generating unit to generate heat and a casing to accommodate the heat generating unit, the cooling unit includes a cooling fan to generate air flow; a duct which is coupled with the casing and forms a cooling path to connect the cooling fan and the heat generating unit; an inlet portion which is provided to one side of the casing to communicate with the duct; an inlet grill which is provided in the inlet portion to guide air to be inhaled in a direction inclined to a rear surface of the casing; an outlet portion which is provided to an other side of the casing to communicate with the duct, being spaced from the inlet portion; and an outlet grill which is provided in the outlet portion to guide air to be exhaled in a direction inclined to a rear surface of the casing, wherein the exhaled direction provided by the outlet grill is different from the air-inhaling direction provided by the inlet grill. With this configuration, the cooling path is effectively provided to enhance cooling efficiency and thermal reliability. |
| US07830659B2 |
Blocking device adapted in a blade server and blade server
A blocking device adapted in a blade server and a blade server are provided. The blade server includes a chassis and a plurality of blocking devices. The chassis includes an opening, a plurality of connecting interfaces and a plurality of convection holes. The connecting interfaces are placed in parallel to connect respective CPU blades. Each convection hole corresponds to a connecting interface. Each of the blocking devices corresponds to a convection hole and includes two blocking plates and a pushing object. The two blocking plates block the convection hole and include a hinge and a torsion spring. When a CPU blade is connected to the connecting interface, the pushing object displaces to make the two blocking plates rotate about a respective hinge to expose the convection hole. When the CPU blade is removed, the torsion springs make the two blocking plates rotate back to block the convection hole. |
| US07830658B2 |
Housing with cooling for electronic equipment
A housing for electronic equipment comprises a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a liquid-containing medium and a gas. This heat exchanger comprises a medium inlet and a medium outlet and a flat heat exchanger mat. The mat comprises a number of parallel, equidistant capillaries of heat-conducting material and wires of heat-conducting material which are attached in heat-conducting contact to the capillaries, extend in transverse direction relative thereto and have a mutual distance in the order of magnitude of the diameter of the wires, wherein air can flow along the wires for heat exchange between this air and the medium flowing through the capillaries. The heat exchanger is embodied such that the air flows along the mat and at least a substantial part of the air is prevented from flowing through the mat, and that it is ensured that the air flows along the wires in longitudinal direction of these wires. |
| US07830655B2 |
Electronic device
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a chassis, a housing, a communication unit, and a holder. The chassis includes a conductive portion. The housing, in the chassis, has structure to hold a first storage device. The housing is configured to house the first storage device or a second storage device that requires structure to hold it to be conductive. The communication unit is configured to be located between the chassis and the first or second storage device. The communication unit includes a communication module and a case made of a nonconductive material to ensure the wireless communication function of the communication module. The holder made of a conductive material is provided to the case to hold the second storage device in the housing. The holder includes a fixing portion to fix the second storage device and a conducting portion electrically connectable to the conductive portion. |
| US07830654B2 |
Screw-less fastening device
A screw-less fastening device is used for fastening a peripheral into a housing. The peripheral and the housing respectively have a first positioning hole and a second positioning hole. The screw-less fastening device includes a body and a fastening bracket. The interior of the body has two track slots and two plugging slots. The track slot includes a first slanted surface and a second slanted surface. The body slides between a first location and a second location. The fastening bracket is assembled in the body, and includes a base portion, two contacting portions and two plugging portions. The contacting portions are located in the track slots, and contact the first slanted surface and the second slanted surface. The two plugging portions are located in the plugging slots. |
| US07830652B2 |
Monitor and monitor correction apparatus thereof
A monitor correction apparatus and a monitor having the same are provided. The monitor having the monitor correction apparatus includes a display panel and a first frame. The first frame covers a perimeter of the display panel and defines a display area. The monitor correction apparatus includes a front bezel that is integrally formed with the first frame and covers a part of the display area. Moreover, the monitor correction apparatus includes guide pins that are formed inside the first frame and near the front bezel. The monitor correction apparatus also includes a flexible printed circuit board which has at least one guide hole to be inserted by the guide pins. One end of the flexible printed circuit board extends into the front bezel. An optical sensor is disposed on the flexible printed circuit board and inside the front bezel and has an optical signal receiving zone. |
| US07830645B2 |
Dielectric ceramics and multi-layer ceramic capacitor using same
Dielectric ceramics represented as: CaxZrO3+aMn+bLi+cB+dSi and comprising: based on 100 mol of CaxZrO3 (where 1.00≦x≦1.10), 0.5≦a≦4.0 mol, and 6.0≦b+c+d≦15.0 mol, in which 0.15≦b/(c+d)≦0.55, and 0.20≦d/c≦3.30 or multi-layer ceramic capacitor using the same. |
| US07830642B2 |
Disc apparatus
A disc apparatus which can judge accurately whether or not a spindle motor is at fault due to a short circuit is provided.A disc apparatus (1) includes a spindle motor (3) which rotates a disc (2), a differential operational amplifier (5) which successively detects output voltages of the spindle motor (3), and a failure judgment unit (10) which calculates an average voltage of the plural output voltages and judges whether or not the spindle motor (3) is at fault in accordance with the average voltage and the output voltages. When counting number of occurrences of a specific state which indicates that one of the two output voltages detected successively is larger than the average voltage and other of the two output voltages is smaller than the average voltage, the failure judgment unit (10) judges that the spindle motor (3) is at fault. Consequently, the failure judgment unit (10) can rapidly and accurately judge the failure in the spindle motor (3) without the influence from the unexpected change of the output voltages. |
| US07830641B2 |
Tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor with a Co-Fe-B free layer having a negative saturation magnetostriction
A tunneling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensor with a free layer made of a Co—Fe—B alloy is disclosed. The Co—Fe—B free layer has an Fe content of not greater than 10 atomic percent, and a B content of not greater than 10 atomic percent. The free-layer structure can include a first free layer lying on a barrier layer and a second free layer lying on the first free layer. The first free layer is made of an alloy selected from Co—Fe, Co—B and Co—Fe—B alloys, while the second free layer is made of an alloy selected from Co—B and Co—Fe—B alloys. |
| US07830638B1 |
Structure and method for localizing solder ball strain on hard disk drive suspension gimbal
In a flexure assembly for a hard disk drive suspension, a structure for preventing strains introduced by solder ball bonding from affecting the pitch static attitude (PSA) and other characteristics of the flexure assembly is presented. The structure includes a flexure that features two side rails that support a gimbal tongue, with the side rails also supporting a laterally extending bridge which is attached at its two ends to the side rails. The bridge is wide enough at its central portion to accommodate the flex trace circuit bonding pads, yet narrow enough at its ends to relieve strains caused by solder ball bonding and cooling and prevent those strains from significantly affecting the PSA. The gimbal tongue is thus, to an effective extent, mechanically and thermally isolated from the solder ball bonding pads, while at the same time the bridge provides strong mechanical support for the solder ball bonding pads. |
| US07830630B2 |
Circuit and method for detecting the phase of a servo signal
A detector recovers servo data from a servo signal generated by a read-write head, and determines the head-connection polarity from the recovered servo data. Such a detector allows a servo circuit to compensate for a reversed-connected read-write head, and thus allows a manufacturer to forego time-consuming and costly testing to determine whether the head is correctly connected to the servo circuit. |
| US07830624B2 |
Laser bonding camera modules to lock focus
A method for assembling lens modules using laser bonding of external ramped surfaces. The method includes providing a lens housing with a sidewall with ramped surfaces and providing a lens barrel with external ramped surfaces. The lens barrel is positioned in contact with the lens housing such that the ramped surfaces of the lens barrel mate with the ramped surfaces of the lens housing. The lens barrel is rotated to focus a lens on an image sensor. With a laser, the method includes forming at least two bonds at an interface between the lens barrel and the lens housing such as proximate to the mating ramped surfaces. The bonds are located at equidistant points about the periphery of the lens module. The bonds may be circular or may be elliptical such as with a width along the interface that is at least twice the height of the bond. |
| US07830622B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens comprises, in order from an object side: an aperture stop; a first lens having a positive refractive power in a meniscus form having a convex surface facing toward the object; a second lens having a positive or negative refractive power in a meniscus form having a concave surface facing toward the object; and a third lens having a positive or negative refractive power in an aspheric form at both surfaces, wherein conditional expressions given below are satisfied: νd1>50 (1) νd3>50 (2) 0.7 |
| US07830620B2 |
Imaging lens and imaging apparatus
An imaging lens includes a first lens having a negative power and including a concave surface facing an image side, a second lens having a positive power, a third lens having a positive power, an aperture diaphragm, a fourth lens, which is a biconvex lens having a negative power, a fifth lens having a positive power and including a convex surface facing the image side, and a sixth lens having a positive power and including a convex surface facing an object side, which are arranged in this order from the object side. The Abbe number of a material forming the fourth lens with respect to the d-line is 30 or less. When the focal length of the entire lens system is f and a composite focal length from the fourth lens to the sixth lens is f456, the imaging lens satisfies following conditional expression: 1.00 |
| US07830616B2 |
Zoom lens, optical apparatus and manufacturing method
A zoom lens comprises, in order from an object, a first lens group G1 having negative refractive power, a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power, and a third lens group G3 having positive refractive power. The first lens group G1 consists of one spherical negative lens and one spherical positive lens with an air space therebetween, and the conditional expression 0.50<(DG1+DG2+DG3)/fw<1.75 is satisfied, where DG1 to DG3 denote the thickness of the first lens group G1 to third lens group G3 respectively on the optical axis, and fw denotes the focal length of the zoom lens in the wide-angle end state. |
| US07830614B2 |
Zoom lens system and electronic imaging apparatus that uses the same
A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a positive third lens group. Upon zooming from the short focal length extremity to the long focal length extremity, each of the first to third lens groups move along the optical axis. The first lens group includes a negative first sub-lens element, a second sub-lens element having a weak negative refractive power and at least one aspherical surface, and a positive third sub-lens element. The zoom lens system satisfies the condition, 0.5<(ra−rb)/(ra +rb)<1.2 (1), where ra designates the radius of curvature of the object-side surface of the second sub-lens element and rb designates the radius of curvature of the image-side surface of the second sub-lens element. |
| US07830606B2 |
Optical device and crystallization device
An optical device comprises a first cylindrical lens array in which a plurality of first lens segments each having a first radius of curvature and a first width so as to divide laser light into a plurality of light components are arranged, and a plurality of second lens segments each having a second radius of curvature and a second width, and provided in at least one position of the first cylindrical lens array so as to be arranged between adjacent first lens segments. |
| US07830605B2 |
Longitudinal interference fringe pattern projection lens, optical system, and three-dimensional image acquisition apparatus
A longitudinal interference fringe pattern projection lens with a lens body is provided. The lens body includes a lens first surface that has two convex portions or two concave portions that extend in parallel to each other in a constant direction and have the same shape, and a lens second surface. Laser light passing through one convex or concave portion interferes with laser light passing through the other convex or concave portion to form a longitudinal interference fringe pattern. |
| US07830604B2 |
Projection lens, image projection apparatus and optical apparatus
The projection lens that projects a light flux from an object onto a projection surface. The projection lens includes a negative lens unit having a negative optical power, and a correction mechanism that tilts the negative lens unit with respect to an optical axis of the projection lens such that field tilt is generated in a direction opposite to a direction of field curvature generated at the projection surface. The projection lens reduces the generation of field curvature and its variation using a simple configuration. |
| US07830602B2 |
In-vehicle stereoimage display apparatus
An in-vehicle stereoimage display apparatus includes a display device, an erecting unit magnification lens module spaced from and facing toward a display screen of the display device for forming an erecting unit magnification stereoimage of an image displayed on the display screen, a lens movement mechanism for movably supporting the erecting unit magnification lens module, and a controller for changing the position of the erecting unit magnification lens module in accordance with the travel velocity of a vehicle. In one example, the controller increases the distance between the vehicle driver's eyes and the erecting unit magnification stereoimage as the travel velocity of the vehicle increases. |
| US07830600B2 |
Electric roll-up limit detection device
An electric roll-up limit device includes a tube coupled by a tube rotor to an electric motor. The tube rotor contains a rocker bar that extends from the tube and activates a lower limit switch when a sheet of material is fully unrolled from the tube. A base below the tube rotor contains a pull bar cavity and an actuator device with a rotatable support frame and a rotatable actuator lever. The support frame supports the actuator lever and prevents it from rotating in one direction to activate an upper limit switch. A spring couples the rotation of the support frame and the actuator lever. When the sheet is fully rolled onto the tube, the pull bar cap retracts into the pull bar cavity and butts against the support frame. This causes the support frame to release the actuator lever, which then rotates to activate the upper limit switch. |
| US07830597B2 |
Optical system having selectable field for inspection
An optical system for viewing an object has a plurality of lenses and a main optical axis coincident with the centers of the lenses. The optical system further comprises a low magnification optical subsystem that is operative to view the object at a first magnification and a high magnification optical subsystem that is operative to view the object at a second magnification that is higher than the first magnification. The high magnification optical subsystem has a high magnification optical axis along which light rays that are received from the main optical axis are transmitted. A movable element is locatable on the high magnification optical axis and is movable in directions transverse to the axis for receiving and transmitting light rays. |
| US07830588B2 |
Method of making a light modulating display device and associated transistor circuitry and structures thereof
An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope. |
| US07830586B2 |
Transparent thin films
An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process. IMods can be used as test structures for the evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials. |
| US07830581B2 |
Method and system for laser amplification using a dual crystal pockels cell
A system for laser amplification includes a dual-crystal Pockels cell which is used to control emission of laser pulses from an ultra-fast laser. The Pockels cell is constructed to enable adjustment of the rotational orientation of one crystal relative to the other crystal. The rotational orientation of one or both crystals in the Pockels cell is adjusted to control sidebands in the laser pulse. |
| US07830578B2 |
Apparatus for electronically controlled holograms
A complex micromirror or LCD array device that performs complex optical or electro-optical transforms is described. Both real and imaginary parts of a light beam are modulated in amplitude to give a spatially and temporally modulated beam. |
| US07830576B2 |
Scanning optical apparatus and method, and image forming apparatus
A scanning optical apparatus includes a plurality of rotatable polygonal mirrors for scanningly deflecting laser beams; a plurality of optical members provided across optical paths of the beams deflected by the rotatable polygonal mirrors; vibration detecting means for detecting vibration of at least one of the optical members during driving of the rotatable polygonal mirrors; phase control means for controlling a phase relation between the rotatable polygonal mirrors on the basis of an output of the vibration detecting means. |
| US07830571B2 |
System, apparatus and method for document management
An improved approach for managing a document having a plurality of versions is provided. For example, a scanned version of an edited hardcopy of the document is received from an image capture device and uploaded to an electronic database. The scanned version of the hardcopy of the document is linked to a previous electronic version of the document in the database as an update of the previous electronic version. A grouping of a plurality of electronic versions of the document is maintained in the database. |
| US07830566B2 |
Image processing method and device enabling faithful reproduction of appearance and further preferred color reproduction of appearance, image output device and digital camera using the same, and image processing program for executing the image processing method and recording medium on which the program is recorded
The image processing method and device photograph a subject or transparent image to acquire calorimetric values of a subject image, acquire chromaticity information and illuminance information of a light source illuminating the subject and the transparent image, perform on the calorimetric values of the subject image chromatic adaptation correction based on the chromaticity information and the acquired illuminance information and contrast correction based on the illuminance, and correct the corrected calorimetric values to be output by an amount of flare in outputting the subject image, thereby enabling faithful reproduction of appearance. The method and device further perform at least one of contrast conversion and chroma conversion on the calorimetric values of the subject image based on a chromaticity value in a case where a degree of adaptation or an adaptation luminance is set higher than that determined for an illuminating color of the light source before performing the chromatic adaptation correction, thereby enabling faithful reproduction of appearance and preferred color reproduction of appearance. |
| US07830565B2 |
Image capture device with rolling band shutter
A device and method for compensating for motion in image capture are provided. A processor (205) initiates partially concurrent scanning sweeps (208,209) across a digital image sensor (203) to obtain sets of digital values (210,211). At least a first set of digital values (210) and a second set of digital values (211) are stored in memory (206). An image construction module (213) compares ones of the first set of digital values (210) with ones of the second set of digital values (211) to estimate an amount of motion. The estimation may be accomplished by determining a moment between the first set of digital values (210) and the second set of digital values (211). Upon compensating for any motion, resulting digital values (412) are written to memory (206) as a compensated image. To improve an overall signal to noise ratio, noise reduction filters may also be applied to the first set of digital values (210), the second set of digital values (211), or combinations thereof. |
| US07830558B2 |
Digital camera and controlling method therefor
In a digital camera performing wireless communication, the communication speed of the wireless communication is changed according to the state of the wireless communication, and a clock frequency associated with producing packet data according to the changed communication speed is also changed. |
| US07830556B2 |
Information providing system
The information providing system according to the present invention comprises: a code transmission unit that can transmit an image acquired by reading the image that is printed on the print medium and in which the code is embedded, or can transmit the code extracted from the acquired image; an information providing unit that receives the acquired image, or the code extracted from the acquired image, and transmits information corresponding to the image or information used for acquiring the information corresponding to the image; an image receiving/acquiring unit that receives the information corresponding to the image, or receives the information used for acquiring the information corresponding to the image and can acquire the information corresponding to the image; and an information changing unit that can change the information corresponding to the image in the information providing unit. |
| US07830552B2 |
Black white image scaling having print density control and polarity detection
A scaling system and method for scaling a bitonal image that has print density control. A system for scaling a bitonal image is provide that includes: a polarity detection system for detecting a polarity of the bitonal image; a pixel reduction system that generates a scaled image by reducing pixel pairs down to single scaled pixels by selectively applying either a normal or reverse set of pixel reduction rules, wherein an applied set of pixel reduction rules is determined based on a detected polarity; and a line density control system that allows the scaled image to be made lighter or darker by changing the applied set of pixel reduction rules. |