| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07849266B2 |
Method and system for grouping storage system components
Methods and systems are provided for associating a storage system component, e.g. a server, client, machine, sub-client, or other storage system component, with one or more other storage system components into a group. Storage preferences are defined for the group which is automatically associated with each component in the group. The storage preferences define how storage operations are to be performed on the storage system components. |
| US07849261B2 |
Temperature control to reduce cascade failures in a multi-device array
Method and apparatus for reducing a likelihood of a cascade failure in a multi-device array. The array preferably comprises a controller and a plurality of storage devices to define a memory space across which data are stored in accordance with a selected RAID configuration. The controller operates to sever an operational connection between the storage devices and a host device in relation to a detected temperature of at least one storage device of the array. Preferably, when a selected device reaches a first threshold temperature level, the controller arms for a potential shutdown. When a selected device reaches a second higher threshold temperature, the controller preferably powers down all of the devices and executes a self-reboot operation. The controller preferably monitors a temperature of the array while the devices remain powered down, after which the storage devices are powered up and data reconstruction operations take place as required. |
| US07849258B2 |
Storage apparatus and data verification method for the same
A controller unit for the storage apparatus executes the following: giving each data block, which is a data constituent unit, an identification number indicating that the relevant data has been sent from a host computer in response to an arbitrary write request from the host computer; storing, in a memory unit, a storage location in a hard disk drive unit to store the data, as well as the identification number, as an expected value, for the data to be stored in the hard disk drive unit; and in response to a read request from the host computer, comparing the identification number given to each data block, the constituent unit of the data read from the hard disk drive unit, with the expected value of the read data, thereby verifying that the read data is the data written to the hard disk drive in response to the arbitrary write request. |
| US07849253B2 |
Method for fast access to flash-memory media
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a flash-media controller used for writing new data from an external system to a local flash-memory device. The newly written data may replace old data previously written to the flash-memory device, and may be written directly to unused locations within the flash-memory device. The flash-media controller may comprise a table of block descriptors and sector descriptors used to track specified characteristics of each block and sector of the flash-memory device, thereby allowing for write sequences to non-contiguous sectors within a block. Accordingly, copy operations may be deferred under the expectation that they will eventually become unnecessary, thereby designating old data as having become stale. Once all data within a block has been designated as being stale, the block may be marked as unused and may be made available for subsequent write operations, thereby providing fast write access to the flash-memory device, and significantly reducing the number of required copy operations during data transfer to the flash-memory device. |
| US07849245B2 |
Bus-based communication system
A communications bus operates using transition coding, for example NRZI coding, with transition-dominant signalling. That is, when the signal takes a first binary value, binary “1”, the component drives the bus line to its opposite state, and, when the signal takes a second binary value, binary “0”, the component does not actively drive the bus line. During arbitration, each arbitrating component writes a unique arbitrand onto the bus, and arbitration is lost by each component that writes a binary “0” when at least one other component writes a binary “1”. The components preferably do not use transition-dominant signalling when transmitting data payloads. For such traffic they actively drive the binary “0”s as well as binary “1”s. |
| US07849243B2 |
Enabling flexibility of packet length in a communication protocol
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for transmitting a packet from a transmitter to a receiver along an interconnect and terminating transmission of the packet at a packet disconnect boundary, which has a length less than a payload length of the packet. After such termination, another packet such as a higher priority packet can be transmitted, or a remainder of the original packet may be transmitted as a separate packet. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07849241B2 |
Memory compression method and apparatus for heterogeneous processor architectures in an information handling system
The disclosed heterogeneous processor compresses information to more efficiently store the information in a system memory coupled to the processor. The heterogeneous processor includes a general purpose processor core coupled to one or more processor cores that exhibit an architecture different from the architecture of the general purpose processor core. In one embodiment, the processor dedicates a processor core other than the general purpose processor core to memory compression and decompression tasks. In another embodiment, system memory stores both compressed information and uncompressed information. |
| US07849240B2 |
Methods and systems of scanning an input device having multiple key switches
A method of having multiple devices share a circuit's input/output (I/O) terminals includes applying first and second input signals to first and second I/O terminals to generate first and second output signals at the second and first I/O terminals, respectively. The first and second I/O terminals are coupled to first, second, and third devices via a plurality of signal paths. The method determines which, if any, of the first, second, and third devices is activated based on the first and second output signals. In some embodiments, the three devices correspond to three key switches of a keyboard through which a user can enter operation instructions. In some other embodiments, the three devices correspond to three signal receivers, which are controlled by a local or remote signal source that transmits activation signals in a wired or wireless manner. |
| US07849238B2 |
Multiple-apparatus connection system and the method thereof
The present invention is a multiple-apparatus connection system; the multiple-apparatus connection system comprises a USB port, a controller, and a voltage determining device. The USB port connects to a peripheral device. The voltage determining device connects to the USB port to generate a detection voltage signal. The controller receives the detection voltage signal and determines the type of the connected peripheral device according to the detection voltage signal. |
| US07849223B2 |
Virtually synchronous Paxos
A variant of Paxos is referred to as Virtually Synchronous Paxos (VS Paxos). VS Paxos is a self-reconfigurable protocol that allows for delay only for reconfiguration decisions, without placing an artificial limit on regular decisions. In an implementation of VS Paxos, subject to any restriction on reconfiguration decisions, a leader may activate an unbounded number of consensus instances ahead. A VS Paxos technique permits unlimited progress during stability periods, in that a leader may initiate commands at any number of consensus instances without bound. VS Paxos waits for command completion only when configuration-changing commands occur. |
| US07849220B2 |
System using transport protocol objects located at a user agent location to provide translation between different instant messaging protocols
A system and method are presented in which a plurality of transport protocol objects (TPOs) are instantiated at an IM user agent. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of TPOs is adapted to provide a translation between a first IM protocol and a different IM protocol. |
| US07849216B2 |
Channel assignment for a multi-channel dual-radio mesh backhaul
In an example embodiment, a method for determining backhaul channel assignments for multi-channel dual radio mesh nodes. The method comprises acquiring collision domain data for each access point of an associated mesh network. A cost function is calculated for each access point of the associated mesh network, the cost function assigning a weighted value for each access point in a collision domain based on a number of access points in the collision domain. Backhaul channel assignments for selected for each access point that minimizes the cost function. |
| US07849214B2 |
Packet receiving hardware apparatus for TCP offload engine and receiving system and method using the same
A hardware apparatus for receiving a packet for a TCP offload engine (TOE), and receiving system and method using the same are provided. Specifically, information required to protocol processing by a processor is stored in the internal queue included in the packet receiving hardware. Data to be stored in a host memory is transmitted to the host memory after the data is stored in an external memory and protocol processing is performed by the processor. With these techniques, it is possible that a processor can operate asynchronously with a receiving time of a practical packet and it is possible to reduce an overhead that processor deals with unnecessary information. |
| US07849213B1 |
Secure communication architecture, protocols, and methods
A trusted network system includes a data center, a gateway, and a trusted sender registry that provide a secure network to allow one or more user clients to generate and send communications to one or more recipients. The data center, gateway and trusted sender registry act independently and/or conjunctively to increase the likelihood that only desirable communications enter the secure network formed by the data center and bounded by the gateway. The systems and methods of the present invention drastically reduce spam and network resources as well as provide enhanced messaging, document management, and tracking features that make communications more meaningful and more versatile to senders and recipients. |
| US07849211B2 |
Method and system for reliable multicast datagrams and barriers
Aspects of a method and system for reliable multicast datagrams and barriers are presented. Various aspects of the system may include a hub that enables storage of data received from a data source in a multicast group. The data source may be associated with a computer in a distributed cluster computing system. The hub may enable multicast of the received data to a plurality of data destinations in the multicast group. The data destinations may be associated with a corresponding plurality of computers in the distributed cluster computing system. The hub may enable reception of an acknowledgement from each of the plurality of data destinations. The hub may enable an acknowledgement to be sent to the data source. |
| US07849210B2 |
Optimizing the responsiveness and throughput of a system performing packetized data transfers
A mechanism for managing packetized data transfers in a system including a transmitting and a receiving device. The transmitting device may transmit data to the receiving device in a plurality of packets, each packet a predetermined number of data bytes wide. The transmitting device may include a transfer count unit to maintain a data transfer count based on a number of transmitted data bytes. The receiving device may program the transmitting device with a transfer count mark, which may be a number that corresponds to a specific count of the data transfer count. The transmitting device may calculate a difference between the data transfer count and the transfer count mark. If the difference between the transfer count and the transfer count mark is less than the predetermined number, the transmitting device may transmit a short data packet having less than the predetermined number of data bytes to the receiving device. |
| US07849206B2 |
Service for policy rule specification evaluation and enforcement on multiple communication modes
Policy rules for a particular communication mode are adapted and implemented for other communication modes in a dynamic and/or automated manner. Organization level and/or personal policies for one communication mode are evaluated and modified as necessary for other communication modes, which may be integrated with each other or distinctly managed. Rules may be adapted based on user, groups, or policy types. |
| US07849205B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing multiple endpoints through a single SIP user agent and IP address
A method and apparatus turns a typical home telephone system into a platform for delivery of web based content and services. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a broadband enabled telephone system for the home and a series of web servers that collect, package, and deliver personalized content and services to all of the telephone handsets throughout the home. With this end-to-end solution, any information or services available via the web can be delivered through a broadband enabled telephone system. Through the web, each member of a family can build a profile which defines what information and services they want available through the handset. In addition, each handset can be dynamically personalized for any family member. The color screens on the handsets become windows through which an individual can view and interact with a broad range of content and services. The audio channels thus become an extension of the voice based services, such as messaging and voice chat. |
| US07849204B2 |
Distributed network identity
A distributed network identity is provided. An identity provider stores a portion of a user's personal information. A service provider accesses user information from one or more identity providers. System entities such as identity providers and service providers can be linked to enable information sharing and aggregation. User policies and privacy preferences are provided to control how information is shared. A single sign-on architecture is provided where an identity provider is used to facilitate cross-domain authentication and to enhance user convenience. Service delegation features are also provided. |
| US07849197B2 |
Sharing a shared resource across logical partitions or systems
An apparatus and method for sharing a resource (such as a modem or virtual private network) allow virtualizing the shared resource in a simple and efficient manner that allows both accepting and initiating virtual or physical connections through the shared resource across logical partitions or systems. An L2TP tunnel is established between the server that owns the shared resource and the client that desires to use the shared resource. Messages are defined that allow the client to initiate an outgoing connection through the shared resource, and that allow the client to accept an incoming connection received from the shared resource. Once the connection is made, the client and ultimate destination communicate through the shared resource via point-to-point communications. |
| US07849195B2 |
Host identity protocol method and apparatus
A method of establishing a connection between a second host and an application socket on a first host. The method utilizes the Host Identity Protocol (HIP). The method includes the steps of establishing either a new or a selected existing HIP Security Association between the first and second hosts; creating a new or selecting an existing Tube Association between the application socket and the Security Association; and forming an association for the connection between the application socket, the Security Association, and the Tube Association. This establishes a connection between the second host and the application socket on the first host through the Security Association and the Tube Association. |
| US07849192B2 |
User-host-computer system with automatic allocation of user-sessions to virtualized blade-type-servers
A user-host-computer system includes at least two user computers, at least one host computer connectable to each of said user computers by a data network, each of said host computers running a virtualization program for virtualizing a plurality of single-user-guest-operating-systems as blade-type servers, a load balance relay unit implemented on each host computer, and a blade balancer application running on each virtualized blade-type server to connect to the load balance relay unit and reporting the current status data of the blade-type server to the load balance relay unit. |
| US07849187B2 |
Network status display device and method using traffic pattern map
A network status display device using a traffic pattern map is provided. The device includes: a traffic feature extractor extracting a port number of a port having the maximum occupancy of micro-flows and macro-flows for each network address section and host address section with reference to traffic information collected by an external traffic information collector, calculating and storing an occupancy rate of the port; a traffic status display unit making a network traffic pattern map expressed by destination-source network addresses and a host traffic pattern map expressed by destination-source host addresses and displaying the port information stored in the traffic feature extractor on the network traffic pattern map and the host traffic pattern map; and a traffic anomaly determination unit determining whether a network status is abnormal with reference to the network traffic pattern map and the host traffic pattern map and detecting and reporting a harmful or abnormal traffic which causes the abnormal network status. The device can determine whether the anomaly deteriorating the network performance exists and can easily and quickly detect the harmful or abnormal traffic which causes the anomaly by the use of the port information of the port having the maximum occupancy of the micro-flows and the macro-flows for each network address section and each host address section. |
| US07849185B1 |
System and method for attacker attribution in a network security system
A method for correlating event information comprises receiving a query associated with an attribute value of a detected event. The method continues by identifying a rule for determining the attribute value, the rule associated with a rule identifier. The method continues by identifying in a first table a rule update time associated with the rule. The method continues by determining attribute values for a plurality of detected events stored in a second table, wherein the plurality of detected events occurred after the rule update time and are associated with event identifiers. The method continues by storing in a third table the determined attribute values and the event identifiers. The method concludes by identifying in the third table one or more event identifiers associated with one or more attribute values that satisfy the query. |
| US07849174B2 |
Network management system, display method, and program
It was difficult to examine in which location of which device installation map an icon of a desired network device has been arranged. A link to the device installation map is displayed in correspondence to the network device and the icon indicative of the designated network device is emphasis-displayed. |
| US07849172B2 |
Method of analyzing non-preemptive DRAM transactions in real-time unified memory architectures
Systems and methods are disclosed for non-preemptive DRAM transactions. More specifically, the present invention relates to improvements in non-preemptive DRAM transactions in real-time unified memory architectures. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for determining access to non-preemptive DRAM devices. This method comprises determining real time need for access to the device and prioritizing access using a rate monotonic scheduling. |
| US07849169B2 |
Providing a reliable operating system for clients of a net-booted environment
A method and apparatus are provided for supplying a reliable and maintainable operating system in a net-booted environment. According to one embodiment, a network computer (NC) client boots from a boot image provided by an NC server. The boot image includes information identifying the location of one or more system volumes on the NC server that contain operating system software. In response to an attempt to modify the contents of the one or more system volumes, the NC client causes information identifying the modification to be recorded on the NC server separate from the one or more system volumes in a storage area associated with the NC client. |
| US07849167B2 |
Dynamic distributed adjustment of maximum use of a shared storage resource
A method, system, computer program product, and computer program storage device for dynamically adjusting a maximum limit of concurrent service requests directed to a shared storage resource that can be issued by a plurality of host devices is disclosed. The method, system, computer program product, and computer program storage device operate based on a rotating turn, in which a host device has a chance to be able to increase its currently available maximum number of concurrent service requests. |
| US07849166B1 |
Creation of secure communication connections through computer networks
To protect a user computer from eavesdroppers, a secure communication connection is created through a computer network. The secure communication connection may be created even when the user computer communicates with a web server computer that does not support secure communication connections. The secure communication connection may be to a protection server computer. Another communication connection may be formed between the protection server computer and the web server computer to allow the user computer to transfer data to the web server computer by way of the protection server computer. The creation of the secure communication connection may be by user request or automatic upon detection of protected address or data. |
| US07849165B2 |
Data backup, storage, transfer, and retrieval system, method and computer program product
A file storage and retrieval system, method and computer program product connects an account user's computer to a remote, secure, redundant system computer via the Internet. The system operates to copy selected data between the account user's computer and the system computer including, documents, music files, image files, and email in any file type or format. The system is compatible with all types of computers, including personal data assistants and mobile telephones, and all types of operating systems. The account user can view and download data from any computer, including PDA's and mobile telephones. If the user's computer fails for any reason, the copied data can be restored to a new or repaired computer or storage device. All of the software to operate the system is resident on the system computer with no hardware or software required on the account user computer beyond a conventional web browser. Further, the account user can access the storage and retrieval data from any computer from any location, such as home or office. The system also contains a scheduler, a contacts manager, a reminder generator and file transfer system for third-party users. |
| US07849164B2 |
Configuring a device in a network via steps
A device, which is encoded with ordered steps, is connected to a network. In an embodiment, each of the steps includes a type, a link that points at a respective tool, and a completion condition. The steps are sent from the device to an address in the network. A selection of one of the links is received from a user who is associated with the type. In response, the user interface for the tool that is pointed at by the link is sent to the user. The user interface includes tool commands. In response to receiving a tool command from the user, the tool command is performed, and if the tool command causes the completion condition for its step to be met, a completion command for the step is sent to the address in the network. In this way, setup activities are coordinated for configuring a device in a network. |
| US07849162B2 |
System and method for selecting a best-fit form or URL in an originating web page as a target URL for replaying a predefined path through the internet
A system and method for replaying a predefined path through a set of web pages. The system and method comprises selecting in chronological order a saved request in a request history. The saved requests correspond to a set of user requests made at a web page from the set of web pages. Furthermore, the present invention comprises determining whether the saved request is a form request, and if so finding a best fit form on the web page from the set of web pages and sending a replay request to the best-fit form. If the saved request is not a form request, making the replay request to a best-fit URL. |
| US07849161B2 |
System and methods for remotely recovering and purging data from a wireless device in a communications network
A system and methods are provided for remotely recovering and purging data from a wireless device in a communications network. The system includes a wireless device capable of executing a data recovery/purge application program for receiving a message from a communications device in the network. The application program retrieves the data in the wireless device, purges the data from the wireless device, and sends a return message, including the data retrieved from the wireless device, to the communications device. |
| US07849155B2 |
Apparatus and method of providing multimedia content
An apparatus and method for providing multimedia contents is provided. The apparatus includes an analyzing unit that analyzes a quantity ratio corresponding to a type of first multimedia content included in an album, a mood code generating unit that generates a mood code corresponding to the quantity ratio as the analyzed result, a content abstracting unit that abstracts a list of second multimedia content corresponding to the generated mood code, and a sending/receiving unit that sends at least one of the list and the second multimedia content included in the list. |
| US07849154B2 |
Acquiring, storing, and correlating profile data of cellular mobile communications system's users to events
A system to collect personal and demographic data from user's of cellular mobile communications system devices. This system uses a standard web browser to collect the personal and demographic data instead of the device itself because of the limited interactive experience available to cellular mobile communications system device users. After obtaining data from the user including the user's cellular mobile communications system device's cellular phone number, a message is sent to the device. When a link is the message is activated a small event collection data software module is downloaded to the cellular mobile communications system device. The return message to the data collection entity incorporates the cellular mobile communications system device's International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI) number. This number then ties the event data collected by the module to the personal and demographic information collected from the cellular mobile communications system device user. |
| US07849145B2 |
Method and system for providing joint viewing service of moving picture
Disclose is a method and system enabling joint viewing of moving picture while chatting. In order to match the screen being played and chatting message, a method for synchronizing contents playing times for the contents being played is further disclosed. A room master client among user clients joined the joint viewing room receives buffering state information from all clients in joint viewing and transmits playback start message to the clients in joint viewing according to the buffering state information. After contents playback is started, the room master client provides information on current contents playing time to the other user clients periodically, and the other clients synchronize contents playing times based on the current contents playing time of the room master client. |
| US07849142B2 |
Managing connections, messages, and directory harvest attacks at a server
A method and apparatus for managing connections, email messages, and directory harvest attacks at a server is disclosed. The server maintains a count of a parameter and compares the count to a specified maximum value, such that when the specified maximum value is met or exceeded, an action is taken by the server to limit the connections, email messages, or directory harvest attack. Actions include controlling the number of connections to the server from senders, controlling the flow of email messages injected to the server by senders, and controlling when rejection response messages are sent for invalid recipient email addresses to thwart a directory harvest attack. Senders are identified by one or more sender identifiers, which can be used to group senders together so that the same maximum value is applied collectively to all senders in the group. |
| US07849138B2 |
Peer-to-peer multi-party voice-over-IP services
A system and computer program product for establishing multi-party VoIP conference audio calls in a distributed, peer-to-peer network where any number of nodes are able to arbitrarily and asynchronously start or stop producing audio output to be mixed into a single composite audio stream that is distributed to all nodes. A single distribution tree is used that has optimal communications characteristics to distribute the composite audio signal to all nodes. An audio mixing tree is established and maintained by adaptively and dynamically adding and merging intermediate mixing nodes operating between user nodes and the root of the single distribution tree. The intermediate mixing nodes and the root of the single distribution tree are all hosted, in an exemplary embodiment, on user nodes that are endpoints of the distribution tree. |
| US07849134B2 |
Transaction accelerator for client-server communications systems
In a network having transaction acceleration, for an accelerated transaction, a client directs a request to a client-side transaction handler that forwards the request to a server-side transaction handler, which in turn provides the request, or a representation thereof, to a server for responding to the request. The server sends the response to the server-side transaction handler, which forwards the response to the client-side transaction handler, which in turn provides the response to the client. Transactions are accelerated by the transaction handlers by storing segments of data used in the transactions in persistent segment storage accessible to the server-side transaction handler and in persistent segment storage accessible to the client-side transaction handler. When data is to be sent between the transaction handlers, the sending transaction handler compares the segments of the data to be sent with segments stored in its persistent segment storage and replaces segments of data with references to entries in its persistent segment storage that match or closely match the segments of data to be replaced. The receiving transaction store reconstructs the data sent by replacing segment references with corresponding segment data from its persistent segment storage, requesting missing segments from the sender as needed. The transaction accelerators could handle multiple clients and/or multiple servers and the segments stored in the persistent segment stores can relate to different transactions, different clients and/or different servers. Persistent segment stores can be prepopulated with segment data from other transaction accelerators. |
| US07849130B2 |
Dynamic service-on-demand delivery messaging hub
An infrastructure for on-demand service delivery receiving a request for a service to be performed from a service consumer with an information payload; decomposing requested service into essential or primitive functions; dynamically composing a sequence of a plurality of service elements corresponding to the essential or primitive functions to accomplish the service by employing a function call and return decomposition and recomposition paradigm; creating a control header and information payload, the control header encapsulating the sequence; repeatedly dispatching the control header to each service element in the sequence until all service elements have processed the information payload; and returning the processed information payload to the service consumer. |
| US07849129B2 |
System and method for preventing throughput depression in power saving NAS system
To solve the problem of TCP timeout between NAS head and NAS client caused by the time required for disk drive power on, agent is installed on NAS client and a window size control program is installed on NAS head. The window size control program requests storing TCP/IP window size information at the agent at execution of the disk drive power on operation. After the disk drive power on operation completes, the window size control program requests restoring of TCP/IP window size on NAS client using the window size information stored in the agent. In another implementation, no agent is installed on NAS client. Rather, TCP/IP programs in both NAS client and NAS head are appropriately modified. The window size control program on NAS head issues a request to close TCP/IP session to TCP/IP program on the NAS client at the execution of the disk drive power off operation. After TCP connection is closed by TCP/IP program on the NAS head, the NFS program and TCP/IP program on NAS client tries to reestablish TCP/IP connection with NAS head. At that time, TCP/IP program on NAS client sets large initial send window size, and TCP/IP program on NAS head sends a large receive window size. After that, new session starts with large TCP/IP window size. |
| US07849127B2 |
Method and apparatus for a distributed control plane
A method and apparatus for a distributed control plane. In one embodiment of the invention, a primary control card distributes control plane process instances among one or more secondary cards, including a secondary control card and/or one or more Advanced Service Engine (ASE) cards. The primary control card associates particular control messages with particular control plane process instances. Upon a line card receiving a control message that is associated with a particular control plane instance, the line card forwards the control message directly to that particular control plane instance. |
| US07849125B2 |
Efficient computation of the modulo operation based on divisor (2n-1)
A system and method for computing A mod (2n−1), where A is an m bit quantity, where n is a positive integer, where m is greater than or equal to n. The quantity A may be partitioned into a plurality of sections, each being at most n bits long. The value A mod (2n−1) may be computed by adding the sections in mod(2n−1) fashion. This addition of the sections of A may be performed in a single clock cycle using an adder tree, or, sequentially in multiple clock cycles using a two-input adder circuit provided the output of the adder circuit is coupled to one of the two inputs. The computation A mod (2n−1) may be performed as a part of an interleaving/deinterleaving operation, or, as part of an encryption/decryption operation. |
| US07849122B2 |
Self-authenticating quantum random bit generators
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to self-authenticating, quantum random bit generators that can be integrated into an optoelectronic circuit. In one embodiment, a quantum random bit generator comprises a transmission layer that includes an electromagnetic radiation source coupled to a waveguide branching into a first, second, and third waveguides. The radiation source generates pulses of electromagnetic radiation in a first polarization state. Polarization rotators are operably coupled to the second and third waveguides and rotate pulses transmitted in the second waveguide into a second polarization state and rotate pulses transmitted in the third waveguide into a third polarization state. The system control generates a sequence of bits based on polarization basis states of the pulses transmitted in the first waveguide, and tomographically authenticates randomness of the sequence based on polarization basis states of the second and third pulses. |
| US07849117B2 |
Multi-term frequency analysis
Operator system algorithm with ability to aid strategic decision-making. Multi-Term Frequency analysis has many embodiments. It has the capability of recursiveness and feedback, and with the capacity to self-modify its operators, as well as having the capability to follow externally set rules, as contained in an axiom set, for example, or as custom imposed by a user. Operator system is set up in the context of basic axioms of a particular field of application, which direct to an extent what the operators do. A preferred embodiment extensively dealt with shows its application as a decision aid over the field of patents and technical literature, helping to organize in a productive manner a mass of data, with useful scores and indices as output. |
| US07849116B2 |
System and method for automated layout of collaboratively selected images
A system and method for automated layout of collaboratively selected images within a compilation for printing, viewing, etc. The images may be drawn from any number of albums owned by various users, and have associated rankings reflecting the users' behavior regarding the images (e.g., viewing, printing, recommending). Some number of images is selected for the compilation (e.g., the highest ranked images) and the images are arranged into chapters that correspond to the albums in which they are located. Within each chapter, images are ordered by time and grouped into clusters of related images (e.g., close in time, same event, same subject). Page templates are used to determine how many images to place on a page, and may be designed or redesigned so that the prominence (e.g., size) of each image corresponds to its ranking. The chapters, pages and/or images may be augmented with titles or captions. |
| US07849115B2 |
Method and apparatus for adapting computer-based systems to end-user profiles
The present invention relates to a method of adapting computer programs to user profiles, including providing a user with a questionnaire to determine at least one of the user's intelligence, personality, emotional state, computer experience, sensory skills, motor skills, education, and training; compiling a user profile based on data received from the questionnaire; modifying the computer programs used by the user based on the user's profile; and storing the user profile and the computer program modifications in a database for future utilization by the user. The modification of the computer programs includes modifying at least one of a user interface, workstation tools, input device and navigation, image presentation, analysis of information presented, and reporting. |
| US07849114B2 |
Method, system, and program product for generating a virtual database
The present invention provides a virtual database as well as a method, system, and program product for generating a virtual database. Specifically, under the present invention, Service Data Objects (SDOs) corresponding to a plurality of database tables are provided within a virtual container. Once provided, two or more of the SDOs are interrelated to yield the virtual database (having a Virtual Bounded Persistent Memory). In accordance with the present invention, the database tables can be stored within a single (e.g., conventional) database, or databases. In addition, the virtual database can be generated and removed on-demand. Still yet, the virtual database of the present invention can be queried using standard Structured Query Language (SQL) queries. |
| US07849113B2 |
Query statistics
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with selectively acquiring and utilizing query statistics are described. One example method includes selectively acquiring statistics associated with search queries submitted to a search process during a sample period. The statistics may be associated with an index and tokens associated with the index and search queries. The method may also include selecting tokens and/or queries to optimize based, at least in part, on the statistics. In one example, whether and/or how the tokens and/or queries are optimized may depend on estimating index fragmentation based, at least in part, on the statistics. |
| US07849110B2 |
Database garbage collector
A database garbage collector that removes appropriate database entries accessed during a recent transaction. |
| US07849106B1 |
Efficient mechanism to support user defined resource metadata in a database repository
A method and apparatus for facilitating the management of metadata is disclosed, specifically by associating metadata with an XML schema. The database system provides a method that allows end users to maintain additional information describing resources. User-defined metadata attributes are associated as an XML schema which in turn is mapped to a table, referred to as the user metadata table. The XML schema contains user-defined information specifying the metadata that the end-user wants the system to store and maintain. Additionally, a reference is created between an entry in the user metadata table and its corresponding resource entry in the resource table. The resources are accessed directly or by issuing queries against the user metadata table. The querying of the user metadata table gains the benefit of fast and efficient query results and access time. |
| US07849101B2 |
Method and system for enabling an electronic signature approval process
The present invention includes a computer-implemented method and an Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP). The method and system allows a user to enable an electronic signature approval process for modification of data in a transaction. The method includes accessing a table that corresponds with the transaction and adding a signature field having a property sheet to the table. The method also includes defining a select property in the property sheet with a select parameter. The select property configured to provide approval of modified data in the transaction upon entry of a valid electronic signature. |
| US07849097B2 |
Mining latent associations of objects using a typed mixture model
A typed separable mixture model is used to mine associative relationships between sets of objects. Instead of modeling only one type of co-occurrence among the sets of objects, the typed separable mixture model can model multiple different types of co-occurrences among more than two sets of objects, and co-occurrences that exist in different contexts. |
| US07849092B2 |
System and method for identifying similar media objects
The systems and methods described create a mathematical representation of each of the media objects for which user ratings are known. The mathematical representations take into account the subjective rating value assigned by a user to the respective media object and the user that assigned the rating value. The media object with the mathematical representation closest to that of the seed media object is then selected as the most similar media object to the seed media object. In an embodiment, the mathematical representation is a vector representation in which each user is a different dimension and each user's rating value is the magnitude of the vector in that dimension. Similarity between two songs is determined by identifying the closest vectors to that of the seed song. Closeness may be determined by subtracting or by calculating the dot product of each of the vectors with that of the seed media object. |
| US07849089B2 |
Method and system for adapting search results to personal information needs
A method and system for adapting search results of a query to the information needs of the user submitting the query is provided. A search system analyzes click-through triplets indicating that a user submitted a query and that the user selected a document from the results of the query. To overcome the large size and sparseness of the click-through data, the search system when presented with an input triplet comprising a user, a query, and a document determines a probability that the user will find the input document important by smoothing the click-through triplets. The search system then orders documents of the result based on the probability of their importance to the input user. |
| US07849086B2 |
Document processor and computer readable medium
A document processor includes: a processing unit that performs a process instructed by a user to an electronic document; a first storing unit that stores at least one of keywords of an attribute element respectively for a plurality of attribute elements; a second storing unit that coordinates at least one attribute element of the plurality of attribute elements with a user, and that stores the at least one attribute element; a determining unit that determines whether or not the stored keyword is included in the processed electronic document; an attribute element specifying unit that specifies the attribute element of the plurality of attribute elements satisfying a prescribed condition on the basis of a keyword determined to be included in the electronic document; and an inquiry unit that inquires about whether or not the specified attribute element is allowed to be stored in the second storing unit. |
| US07849084B2 |
Method and system for dynamic event matching
A method for dynamic event matching. A domain model for each domain is defined. Individual requirements and preferences of a user are modeled to create a personal model. Dynamic requirements of a specific domain for the user are modeled. A dynamic event is generated. The dynamic event is obtained using an information server for format transformation to create an event model. The personal model is matched with the event model using a content-based method according to the domain model and the dynamic event. The user is informed of the matching results. The matching results are adjusted according to user feedback. |
| US07849081B1 |
Document analyzer and metadata generation and use
A document analyzer receives a collection of text-based terms associated with a document. The document analyzer performs a statistical analysis on the text-based terms to identify a distribution of where the text-based terms appear in the document and relative frequency indicating how often the text-based terms appear in the document. The document analyzer utilizes the distribution and relative frequency information derived from the statistical analysis to rank multiple themes associated with the document. For example, a received listing of multiple themes may not be presented in any useful order, although it can be assumed that the themes in the listing are present in the document. Based on application of distribution and relative frequency information derived from the analysis, the document analyzer can identify which themes are most relevant to the document as a whole and/or which of themes correspond to different portions (e.g., pages or sections) of the document. |
| US07849079B2 |
Temporal ranking of search results
An information dissemination system ranks the search results based on a temporal weight assigned to each search result. The temporal weight is an indication of the importance to a user that varies with time. For each search result, the information dissemination system calculates a temporal weight that is based on the temporal proximity of the event that is related to the search result. The temporal weight may be used to re-rank the search results. |
| US07849077B2 |
Document ranking with sub-query series
Systems, methods, media, and other embodiments associated with ranking documents by providing a search engine with a series of sub-queries generated from an original query are described. One example system includes input logic for receiving a query. The example system may include a relaxation logic configured to produce sub-queries from the query. The sub-queries may describe metadata string matching, content string matching, and/or metadata numerical attribute analysis. The sub-queries may be provided by an output logic to a search engine in an order that facilitates defining document relevance without requiring post-retrieval relevance ranking. |
| US07849074B2 |
Annotation of query components
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture that may be used to create and share annotations for query components, such as query conditions, in an effort to share domain knowledge, are provided. The annotations may be created by users with particular domain knowledge and may contain information useful to other users when building queries including the annotated query components. An annotation may indicate a particular format or syntax for an associated query component. In some cases, a replacement to the associated query component is suggested. |
| US07849073B2 |
Load balancing for complex database query plans
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for improving performance of parallel database query plans are described. An exchange operator is positioned in a query tree. A child operator of the exchange operator is parallelized into a plurality of parallel child operators, each of the parallel child operators coupled to the exchange operator in a respective branch of a plurality of parallel branches of the query tree. An output of each of the plurality of parallel child operators may be buffered at the exchange operator. Furthermore, child operators of the plurality of parallel child operators may also be parallelized. Query plans of any form and containing any number of operators may be parallelized in this manner. Any number of parallel branches may be used, independent of the number of operators in the original plan. The parallelized query plans achieve effective load balancing across all branches. |
| US07849067B2 |
Extensible data provider querying and scheduling system
Embodiments provide an independent layer between an application user interface and various data sources so that both the user interface and data sources can be added to, removed, or modified without affecting the other. The independent layer provides scalability to allow data sources and data providers to be plugged into a system in an easy manner. In one or more embodiments, the independent layer provides a common set of query APIs that can be used by client applications to make queries on one or more data sources. The independent layer then communicates the queries to one or more data providers associated with individual data sources. Queries are executed on the data sources and results are returned back up through the data providers and independent layer for consumption by a client application. In at least some embodiments, the client application comprises a web browser that makes use of the independent layer. |
| US07849064B2 |
Application programming interface combining asset listings
A system, method and API for processing and providing a unified list of the content offerings of multiple content sources. |
| US07849063B2 |
Systems and methods for indexing content for fast and scalable retrieval
Systems and methods for query processing and indexing of documents in connection with a content store in a computing system are provided. In various embodiments, an indexing model is provided that is optimized for fast, efficient and scalable retrieval of documents satisfying a query, including the mixed use of forward and inverted indexing representations, including algorithms for achieving a balance between the two representations. When processing queries, fast and efficient generation of reverse chronologically ordered posting lists is enabled for efficient execution of logical operators on query result sets. A term expand index is also provided wherein the overall terms included in the term expand index are decomposed into a plurality of lexicon files, which are combined when convenient for fast, scalable efficiency when performing queries of the content in the content store. |
| US07849062B1 |
Identifying and using critical fields in quality management
Methods and systems for identifying critical fields in documents, for example so that quality improvement efforts can be prioritized on the critical fields. One aspect of the invention concerns a method for improving quality of a data processing operation in a plurality of documents. A set of documents is sampled. An error rate for fields in the documents is estimated based on the sampling. Critical fields are identified based on which fields have error rates higher than a threshold. |
| US07849061B2 |
Graphical representation of disorganized database records in an IMS database
A method and system for displaying database record organization characteristics of IMS databases. In one embodiment, the method involves receiving information associated with a plurality of database records from an IMS database (e.g., information associated with ranges of database records). The database information may comprise information concerning database record organization characteristics. A working storage array may be built to consolidate the information associated with the plurality of database records. A plurality of view envelopes may be constructed. The plurality of view envelopes, along with a legend, may be graphically displayed on a display. User input may be received to request “inspection”, “identification”, “inspection/identification”, or “detailed inspection” of a selected view envelope. Various methods may be used to “mark”, “unmark”, and “submit” at least one DBR to the mainframe computer system for reorganization. Display of database record organization characteristics after reorganization may also be requested by the user. |
| US07849060B2 |
System and method for managing log information for transaction
A system and method for managing log information is provided. The system includes an index/record/catalog management module that determines if a page to be updated is newly allocated; a storage management module that manages a free page list and a non-committed free page list and, if the index/record/catalog module determines that the page to be updated is newly allocated, allocating a new page from the free page list or the non-committed free page list; and a buffer management module that sets identification information on a buffer page corresponding to the new page. |
| US07849059B2 |
Data classification systems and methods for organizing a metabase
Systems and methods for managing electronic data are disclosed. Various data management operations can be performed based on a metabase formed from metadata. Such metadata can be identified from an index of data interactions generated by a journaling module, and obtained from their associated data objects stored in one or more storage devices. In various embodiments, such processing of the index and storing of the metadata can facilitate, for example, enhanced data management operations, enhanced data identification operations, enhanced storage operations, data classification for organizing and storing the metadata, cataloging of metadata for the stored metadata, and/or user interfaces for managing data. In various embodiments, the metabase can be configured in different ways. For example, the metabase can be stored separately from the data objects so as to allow obtaining of information about the data objects without accessing the data objects or a data structure used by a file system. |
| US07849058B2 |
Storage system determining execution of backup of data according to quality of WAN
There is provided a storage system providing a storage volume and being coupled via a network to a secondary storage system for storing a backup of data stored in the storage volume, the storage system copies data stored in the storage volume to the secondary storage system, upon receiving an instruction to create a backup; records the size of the data copied; predict the size of data to be copied in the future based on the recorded size of the copied data; records a usable bandwidth of the network at a time when the data is copied to the secondary storage system; predicts a usable bandwidth in the future based on the recorded usable bandwidth of the network; and predicts a time period required for copying data to the secondary storage system based on the predicted size of data to be copied and the predicted usable bandwidth of the network. |
| US07849057B1 |
Identifying snapshot membership for blocks based on snapid
An on-disk structure of a file system has the capability to efficiently manage and organize data containers, such as snapshots, stored on a storage system. A multi-bit, monotonically increasing, snapshot identifier (“snapid”) is provided that represents a snapshot and that increases every time a snapshot is generated for a volume of the storage system. The snapid facilitates organization of snapshot metadata within, e.g., a data structure used to organize metadata associated with snapshot data. In the illustrative embodiment, the data structure is a balanced tree structure configured to index the copy-out snapshot data blocks. The snapid is also used to determine which blocks belong to which snapshots. To that end, every block that is used in a snapshot has an associated “valid-to” snapid denoting the newest snapshot for which the block is valid. The oldest snapshot for which the block is valid is one greater than the valid-to field of the next older block at the same file block number. |
| US07849052B2 |
Electronic document manager
A system and method for managing electronic files and tasks in a way that is intuitive to the users, mimicking their environment, but “Process-Blind’. The system and method comprise a configurable structure that facilitates the accurate filing and subsequent locating of electronic files in underlying document/record management applications. The manager enables users, with permissions, to communicate with each other regarding these files and their work through ad-hoc workflows that are created by the user as needed, then retained as documentation of events. The manager provides an efficient, secure, auditable handling of unstructured data that is free of predetermined inflexible processes and is not dependant on specific underlying document management software. |
| US07849050B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing impact and lineage of multiple source data objects
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to list flattened single source object relationships in a first segment of a multiple source relationship table. Same-as multiple source object relationships are calculated. Same-as multiple source object relationships are then populated in a second segment of the multiple source relationship table. |
| US07849049B2 |
Schema and ETL tools for structured and unstructured data
A system and method of making unstructured data available to structured data analysis tools. The system includes middleware software that can be used in combination with structured data tools to perform analysis on both structured and unstructured data. Data can be read from a wide variety of unstructured sources. The data may then be transformed with commercial data transformation products that may, for example, extract individual pieces of data and determine relationships between the extracted data. The transformed data and relationships may then be passed through an extraction/transform/load (ETL) layer and placed in a structured schema. The structured schema may then be made available to commercial or proprietary structured data analysis tools. |
| US07849040B2 |
Method for using isometries on the space of signatures to find similar sets of data
A method for finding sets of data (SDDs) which are similar to a target SDD, is invented. By virtue of the isometrics on the space of equivalence signatures the lengths of the equivalence signature vectors of similar SDDs must be equal. A filter is then applied to the database of SDDs to find those SDDs that have the same length of the equivalence signatures vectors as that of the target SDD. With this, a significant reduction in the number of SDDs to be compared with the target for a final determination of similarity is obtained. This is an improvement over the state of the art wherein the computational expensive process of performing a complete search against the entire corpus must be applied. |
| US07849038B2 |
Method for using the second homotopy group in assessing the similarity of sets of data
A method for finding sets of two-dimensional data (S2DDs), which are similar to a target S2DD, is invented. The method leverages a new category of signatures, called equivalence signatures, to characterize the S2DDs. These signatures have the salient feature that, at worst, they change in a bounded manner when changes are made to the S2DD and when used to find S2DDs that are similar to a target S2DDs, they allow for a significant reduction in the number of SDDs to be compared with the target. This is an improvement over the state of the art wherein the computational expensive process of performing a complete search against the entire corpus must be applied. |
| US07849036B2 |
Method for monitoring a decision-making process when pursuing an objective in economic, technical, and organizational fields
A method for controlling a decisional process when pursuing an aim in a specific application domain, such as economic, technical, and organizational fields. In the process, a system of agents is created, including creator cognitive agents of portable knowledge objects and constructor agents of knowledge objects by adding supplementary knowledge elements to the knowledge objects created. The system launches the decisional process by tracking the observation of an abnormality in the actual data of the application domain by the creation of an initial knowledge object representative of an alarm index and causes several decisional paths to be established linked to this object, under different points of view of different agents, each in its domain, and the decision is made following merging of decisional paths. |
| US07849031B2 |
Optimizing traffic predictions and enhancing notifications
Travel-demand forecasting methods are described for predicting traffic volume based, at least in part, on user-entered data in the form of origin/destination data pairs, user preferences, demographic data and other types of socioeconomic data. This data can source a prediction algorithm or be used to calibrate or more make accurate a current algorithm. Methods and systems are described for, among other things, optimizing traffic predictions, forecasting traffic patterns using user-assigned trip patterns, associating rich attribute information to navigation routes, exposing personal-logistic information to a group, communicating traffic-situation-generated alerts based on user information, optimizing a presentation of user-defined traffic routes, and presenting location indications based on proximity (temporal or geographical). |
| US07849028B2 |
Electrical package analysis gateway
A method and system is provided for analyzing a package having components. The package may include electrical or computer components. The method and system uses a computer program to receive inputted data and extract data from files. The computer program also selects the best sub-program to analyze the data to compute the parameters for packaging the components and designing the package, and displays the results of the analysis. |
| US07849025B2 |
Modification of relational models
Described herein is a system that facilitates modifying a relational model. The system includes a first model component that is a relational model that includes a plurality of atoms. The system further includes a modifier component that automatically assigns values to a plurality of atoms in the relational model by clustering atoms of the relational model to create a second model component, wherein the second model component is a relational model. |
| US07849019B2 |
Method and arrangement for managing licenses
The number of releasable licenses is registered in a first entity, the resource to be used being attributed and/or having withdrawn from it, by a second entity, a releasable license for use which is registered in the second entity and/or a license. In a synchronization step the difference between the number of licenses allocated for use since a previous synchronization step and the licenses released again in this time is repeatedly reported from the second entities to the first entity respectively, this difference being taken as a basis for reducing or increasing the number of releasable licenses registered in the first entity, and conversely the resultant number of releasable licenses is reported from the first entity to the second entity and is registered there as the number of releasable licenses. |
| US07849018B1 |
Tracking download of an application component
Recording information used in determining a licensing fee related payment is disclosed. An application is provided without a component associated with the application, where the component is associated with a licensing fee. Information associated with obtaining the component for use with the application is received. At least some of the received information is recorded, where the recorded information is used in determining licensing fee related payment to be paid for the component. |
| US07849017B2 |
Enforced seat-based licensing
A method and system for enforcing seat-based licensing is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a license server stores a license count, a value which indicates how many licenses are available for a particular software application. At installation, an installation launcher queries the license server to determine if a license is available for the software application. If a license is available, the software is installed and the license count is decreased. At uninstall, the license count is increased to free up a license for any system on the network. In this manner, a licensor or a system administrator may keep electronic records of software installations and of how many licenses are used. The methods and system also allow for automated enforcement of a seat-based licensing scheme. |
| US07849013B2 |
Secure online purchasing
In a method of purchasing online, a client device of a customer communicates a purchase selection which is received by a vendor computer system. The vendor computer system, in response, communicates a cost of the purchase selection and fund confirmation address to the client device. The client device communicates a payment authorization for the cost that is received by a fund guardian. The client device also communicates biometric information. The fund guardian confirms the availability of sufficient funds to pay the cost. The biometric information is applied along with a stored biometric print to authenticate the customer. The vendor computer system communicates a fund confirmation address which is received by the fund guardian. When sufficient funds are available to pay the cost, and when the customer is authenticated, the fund guardian communicates a fund confirmation to the vendor computer system at the fund confirmation address. |
| US07849012B2 |
Web-based methods and systems for exchanging information among partners
A method for exchanging information within a partnership is provided. The method uses a web-based system that includes a server coupled to a centralized database of business data relating to the partnership and at least one client system. The server has a plurality of analytical tools. The method includes providing forms stored within the server as web pages for the insertion of updated partnership business data and causing the forms to be displayed on a client system, uploading forms that include updated partnership business data to the server, downloading the web pages to authorized users requesting the updated partnership business data, accessing the plurality of analytical tools including an authorization for expenditure tool wherein the authorization for expenditure tool enables an authorized user to submit a request for a proposed expenditure within the partnership, and tracking the proposed expenditure request using the authorization for expenditure tool through an approval process within the partnership. |
| US07849011B1 |
Automated banking machine bootable media authentication
An automated banking machine is provided that selectively controls the booting of the machine for different storage device drives. The machine may include at least one computer. The automated banking machine may also include at least one transaction function device, such as a cash dispenser, in operative connection with the computer. The computer of the machine may include a BIOS setup program with a BIOS program password and at least one BIOS boot password. When no alternative bootable media is detected, the computer is operative to automatically boot from a specified default bootable media. If an alternative bootable media is detected, the computer is operative to prompt a user to input the BIOS boot password. If the inputted password is valid, the computer is operative to boot from the alternative media. If no password is inputted, the computer is operative to automatically boot from the default bootable media. |
| US07849009B2 |
Methods and apparatus for mapping sources and uses of consumer funds
The present invention provides exemplary bill paying service methods and systems. One such bill paying service method (1000) includes enrolling a subscriber (Step 1010) who is a debtor to a first creditor and who has authorized debits to be taken from a designated account. The designated account is adapted to periodically receive a payroll deposit on a first regular schedule that is over time in excess of a minimum payment on a first debt owed by the debtor to the first creditor. The designated account is periodically debited, and any funds obtained are used to credit a custody account (Step 1012). The first creditor is paid (Step 1016), on behalf of the debtor and from the custody account, on a second regular schedule that differs from the first regular schedule. Paying the first creditor occurs in an amount calculated for an accelerated repayment of the first debt (Step 1014). Such excess is used to accelerate the repayment of various loans and debts according to what particular application at that time will have the greatest long-term beneficial effect. |
| US07849006B2 |
Online staging of auction settlement transactions
A method for paying for an auction item at least partially using an online payment system by a payor to compensate a payee includes receiving at a host computer system payment information relating to a transaction. The payment information includes comprising at least a payee identifier, a first payment amount, and an auction identifier. The auction identifier relates to an auction that was won by the payor that was for the auction item. The method also includes generating a transaction identifier at the host computer system and transmitting the transaction identifier to the payor. The method further includes receiving at a retail location a payment and using the transaction identifier to relate the payment to the transaction. The method further includes making a second payment amount available to the payee. The second payment amount may be based on the payment. |
| US07849005B2 |
Electronic funds transfer method
A method of conducting an online transaction, said method including the steps of providing a transaction manager, registering a user with the transaction manager, registering a merchant with the transaction manager, the user requesting a unique transaction identifier from the transaction manager to cover the purchase, the transaction manager providing the user with a unique transaction identification, the user requesting the merchant for a transaction to purchase a product or service, the user providing the transaction identification to the merchant, the merchant providing the transaction identification to the transaction manager, the transaction manager validating the transaction identification, the transaction manager providing the merchant with a unique transaction number if the transaction identification is valid, and the transaction manager depositing payment into the merchant's financial institution account. |
| US07849004B2 |
Total structural risk model
The present invention generally relates to financial data processing, and in particular it relates to credit scoring, consumer profiling, consumer behavior analysis and modeling. More specifically, it relates to risk modeling using the inputs of credit bureau data, size of wallet data, and, optionally, internal data. |
| US07848999B2 |
Buyer-driven purchasing loyalty system and method using an electronic network
Disclosed is a method and system for effectuating a buyer-driven and buyer-executed commerce system. The system allows prospective buyers and sellers of goods and services to anonymously exchange conditional Requests For Bids and Conditional Sales Offers based on the buyer's guaranteed ‘purchasing loyalty’ for a self-defined minimum quantity of goods or services, and/or quality of goods of services and/or the length of time or price to which the buyer would agree to be bound or any combination of those condition's. That buyer guarantee permits a seller to easily pre-determine their offers based on the calculated value of ‘capturing’ that buyer's ‘guaranteed purchasing loyalty’. In a preferred embodiment, the method and system of the present invention includes a controller which receives Requests For Bids from prospective buyers and also receives, stores and displays to prospective buyers, bindable sales proposals from a multitude of prospective sellers. Potential buyers are therefore protected from bidding too much and being bound by the bid before having an opportunity to see what the marketplace has to offer. Further, because only the buyer is permitted to bind a seller, the buyer may submit an RFB more than once, changing any or all of the condition's to which he would agree to be bound in order to explore multiple offers from sellers and to better understand how changing one or more of the conditions affects the offers from the sellers. |
| US07848998B1 |
Convertible hybrid securities
The present invention is directed to a method comprising the step of issuing one or more convertible hybrid securities by an issuer to one or more investors. The issued hybrid securities may have (1) a legally enforceable covenant (e.g., an RCC) and (2) a mandatory deferral which may require the issuer to withhold certain payments upon an occurrence of specified events. The hybrid securities may be convertible by the investor or callable by the issuer. Upon conversion by an investor, the issuer may make a payment to the investor in an amount of preferred stock up to the par value of the hybrid securities and an amount of common stock for the amount paid over the par value of the hybrid securities. The preferred stock may comprise a dividend rate. The dividend rate may be (1-statutory tax rate) times a coupon for the hybrid securities. The issuer may settle with the investor, or all of the investors, upon the issuer calling the hybrid securities. |
| US07848992B2 |
Rate of return stops and capital return transactions
A method and system for managing and selling investments via electronic means. An investor can establish sell order criteria based upon a preset desired rate of return. The broker thereby monitors the investment and automatically sells it on behalf of the investor once the prescribed sell order criteria are met. The investor can effectively lock in a rate of return prior to its sale without monitoring. Also provided is a method and system for returning to the investor a portion of the initial investment. Once the investment reaches a predetermined value, three simultaneous events occur. A portion or all the initial invested capital is returned to the investor for purposes of reinvestment. The investment instrument is transferred to the broker as collateral, given that its value appreciated relative to the initial purchase amount. Yet the investor still owns the “rights” to the capital appreciation for the life of the investment. |
| US07848983B1 |
Method, software program, and system for structuring risk in a financial transaction
A computer-implemented method and system along with a processor readable medium for structuring a financial transaction. The invention includes the steps of associating, by a computer system, a first senior holder and a first subordinate holder with a first credit having a first obligation to make at least one payment, including holding in a first sub-pool a first subordinate obligation of the first obligation to pay the first subordinate holder from the first credit; associating, by the computer system, a second senior holder and a second subordinate holder with a second credit having a second obligation to make at least one payment, including holding in a second sub-pool a second subordinate obligation of the second obligation to pay the second subordinate holder from the second credit; and structuring in at least one computer memory, payments from the second subordinate holder financial instrument to perform the obligation of the first credit for the benefit of the first senior holder to the extent that the first credit enters a default state and payments due the first senior holder from all obligations in the first sub-pool to make the payments are not available. |
| US07848972B1 |
Electronic bill presentment and payment systems and processes
EBPP systems and processes which employ a common document model/data model to accommodate the interests and preferences of billers, customers, financial institutions, other EBPP organizations and others in the context of EBPP specifically and electronic commerce more generally. The common document model/data model allows the biller to outsource billing activities to the EBPP organization while retaining control over the billing information or how or where bills will be presented. Billers are incentivized to use the system because they avoid the expense and effort of building a customized system in house, but get the same advantages of an in house system while leveraging the expertise of an outside EBPP organization who operates across a range of industries, customers, geographical locations and financial fields. The systems also allow billers enhanced opportunities to build brand and customer relationships not offered in paper-based billing systems. Customers are incentivized to use the system because they can pay all or most all of their bills in one place, the place of their choice with bills presented how they choose, and because they may communicate more effectively with billers if and when things go wrong rather than wasting inordinate time on the telephone attempting to sort things out with uninformed people as is often the case in paper based billing systems where the relevant data never seems to catch up with the biller's customer service personnel. The result is a ubiquitous EBPP presence that makes everyone's life easier and better by reducing bill generation and payment burdens. |
| US07848966B2 |
Method and system for managing real property transactions having internet access and control
In general, the invention is directed to a system for managing real estate transactions that includes a data interface and an application server. The data interface is configured to access property data for a number of properties listed for sale. The application server operatively connected to the data interface and configured to monitor a first search activity of a first buyer, where the first search activity is associated with at least one of the number of properties and monitor a second search activity of a second buyer, where the second search activity is associated with the at least one of the number of properties. The application server is further configured to generate an activity alert providing notification of the first search activity and the second search activity to a seller, where the at least one of the number of properties is listed for sale for the seller. |
| US07848965B1 |
System and method of offering media content
A system and method of offering media content is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a selection of a disaggregated media content item from a user computer at a server via an online site that offers a catalog of items. The method also includes identifying a catalog item related to the selected disaggregated media content item. Further, the method includes displaying a detail interface via the online site, the detail interface including details related to the disaggregated media content item and a recommendation of the identified catalog item. A graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed that includes a song-level detail page including a plurality of details related to an individual song available for download via an online site. The GUI includes at least one recommendation of at least one other item associated with a performer of the individual song, where the other item(s) are offered via the online site. |
| US07848960B2 |
Methods for an alternative payment platform
Methods and systems are provided for providing an alternative payment platform, including method and systems for providing a platform for presenting an alternate offer to a user who is engaged with a primary offer and receiving an indication of the user's engagement with the alternate offer, wherein the user's engagement with the alternate offer serves as an alternative form of payment for an item associated with the primary offer. Such methods and systems may further include methods and systems for selecting one or more alternate offers engagement with which serves as an alternative form of payment for an item associated with a primary offer, presenting the selected alternate payment offers to a user, receiving an indication of engagement with at least one of the alternate offers, receiving payment in exchange for presenting the accepted offer and providing payment to the offeror of the primary offer. |
| US07848958B2 |
Method for conducting an on-line bidding session with bid pooling
The invention presents a method for conducting an on-line bidding session to accumulate a collective bid for a property. The bidding session is conducted over a computer network that includes a central computer, a number of remote computers, and communication lines connecting the remote computers to the central computer. According to the method, at least one bidding group is registered in the central computer. The bidding group can be an association, institution, or group of investors formed for the purpose of bidding together for the property. The bidding group has a total bid for the property which is tracked in the central computer. The central computer receives bids entered from the remote computers by members of the bidding group. Each bid includes an individual bid amount which is contributed to the total bid of the group to accumulate the collective bid for property. |
| US07848957B2 |
System for ordering products and forecasting customer interest
The invention relates to a system for ordering a product and forecasting consumer interest, including a computer, software executing on the computer for listing a plurality of products for purchase, software executing on the computer for determining when a user views a product of the plurality of products, software executing on the computer for determining when a user orders a product of the plurality of products, software executing on the computer for tolling the views of each product and for tolling the orders of each product, software executing on the computer for identifying a first customer based on the tolled views, and software executing on the computer for identifying a second customer based on the tolled orders. |
| US07848952B2 |
Method and system for increasing advance orders
A system and method are described for increasing advance orders for goods or services. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving advance orders for a product with a specified release date from a plurality of buyers and moving up the release date if a goal is met, wherein the goal is based at least in part on the number of advance orders received. |
| US07848951B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing specifically targeted advertising and preventing various forms of advertising fraud in electronic books
A method and apparatus for providing specifically targeted advertisements and preventing various forms of advertising fraud in electronic books. In one embodiment, the method includes; receiving or having access to the contents of books; receiving or having access to subscriber target criteria; receiving, creating, or having access to advertisements; receiving or having access to information from subscribers ;receiving or having access to requests for electronic books; determining or having access to whether subscriber target criteria for the advertisements is satisfied by the information from the subscriber requesting the electronic books; selecting a set of advertisements for electronic books by choosing advertisements having associated subscriber target criteria that are satisfied by the information from the subscriber requesting the electronic books; inserting the selected advertisements for electronic books into the electronic books; and providing access to the electronic books to the subscribers who requested electronic books. |
| US07848948B2 |
Internet-based product brand marketing communication network configured to allow members of a product brand management team to communicate directly with consumers browsing HTML-encoded pages at an electronic commerce (EC) enabled web-site along the fabric of the world wide web (WWW), using programable multi-mode virtual kiosks (MMVKS) driven by server-side components and managed by product brand management team members
An Internet-based product brand marketing communication network allowing members of a consumer product brand management team to communicate directly with consumers present at HTML-encoded pages of an electronic commerce (EC) enabled Web-site along fabric of the World Wide Web (WWW), using programmable Multi-Mode Virtual Kiosks (MMVKs) driven by server-side components and managed by product brand management team members and/or authorized parties. When a consumer's Web browser encounters an MMVK tag along the WWW, the MMVK is generated and automatically plays through its display modes, inviting and allowing the consumer to review and interact with advertising spots, promotional spots, and brand information resources displayed within the GUI of the MMVK, along the fabric of the WWW where the MMVK has been installed. Web-based subsystems are provided for programming these display modes. |
| US07848946B2 |
Sales history decomposition
A statistical system and method for filters sales history to yield two demand series—one that is time insensitive (i.e. function of price and promotional activities only) and another that is price & promotional activities insensitive (i.e. function of temporal factors only). Once this task is completed, then specialized econometric techniques can be used to model the former and specialized time series techniques can be used to model the latter. In one embodiment, the present invention provides method and related system comprising the iterative steps of: mapping definitions of sales data; time slotting of the sales data; aggregating the sales data; initial estimating of a trend in the sales data; computing de-trended sales history using the trend estimate; regressing to remove price, seasonal, and marketing instruments effects; removing the estimated seasonal, price and marketing instrument effects from the sales data; re-estimating trend effects from the sales data having the removed estimated seasonal, price and marketing instrument effects; and computing a de-trended and de-seasonalized sales data. |
| US07848945B2 |
System and method for indexing travel accommodations in a network environment
A method for evaluating travel accommodations is provided that includes identifying a plurality of hotel properties and assigning a hotel marketability index score to one or more of the properties such that one or more of the properties may be ranked. The hotel marketability index score may be based on a selected one or more characteristics associated with one or more of the hotel properties, the characteristics including rate competitiveness, hotel availability, hotel location within a cluster location, and hotel quality within the cluster location. |
| US07848943B2 |
System and method for supporting purchase or production of products by potential demand prediction
To support a purchase or a production of a product by accurately predicting a sold amount of the product. A system that supports a purchase or a production of a product, the system including an input section for accepting an input of a history of a supplied amount and a sold amount of the products, a function generating section for representing a conditional probability function showing probability distribution of a sold amount when the sold amount is restricted by the supplied amount by means of a potential demand probability function including a parameter showing probability distribution of the sold amount when it is supposed that the sold amount is not restricted by the supplied amount and computing a value of the parameter maximizing a value of a likelihood function of the conditional probability function using the input history as a sample to generate the potential demand probability function, and a supplied amount computing section for computing a supplied amount of the product maximizing a profit by a sale of the product, based on the generated potential demand probability function and a predetermined selling price and supplying price of the product, and outputting the amount as a quantity of the product to be purchased or produced. |
| US07848942B2 |
Distribution of integrated business process models
A process modeling tool provides a process designer with the ability to design an integrated business process model that includes a series of tasks for achieving a desired result. The process modeling tool allows the process designer to associate sub-sets of the tasks with entities who will perform the task sub-sets, and to extract distributed process models that each include one of the task sub-sets from the integrated process model for distribution to, and execution, by, the various entities. The distributed process models execute independently and in synchronization with one another, and transfer control therebetween as necessary to achieve the result of the integrated process model. Accordingly, the process designer is allowed to use established techniques for the design, verification, and monitoring of the integrated process model, while the entities are allowed to use local process enactment engines for implementing their portion of the overall process. |
| US07848941B2 |
Business analysis and management systems utilizing enterprise metrics
A system utilizing enterprise metrics measurement groups, including but not limited to: 1) CLARITY (or “alignment”) is the overall level of agreement and understanding among the members of the organization or organizational unit; 2) INVOLVEMENT is a measure of how effectively the organization's members are engaged in carrying out the tasks that are viewed as important to it; 3) LEVERAGE is the degree to which the existence of an organization provides its members with greater influence than they would have a independent individuals; 4) PRIORITY is a measure of the perceived impact of all the issues examined in an EnCompass study; 5) RELATIVE PRIORITY is a measure of the perceived impact of a selected issue, as compared with that of the other issues under consideration; and 6) INTEGRATION measures the degree of interconnection between two organizations or organizational units, by examining the links between them. |
| US07848936B2 |
Method for providing updated protocols in a medical radiology information system
In a method, a device and a computer program product for provision of protocols for configuration of a medical apparatus in the framework of a medical examination, the protocols are decentrally generated at a medical apparatus and are relayed to a central radiology information system. From the central RIS server the modified protocol can be relayed to arbitrary further instances via a network. The method employs a consistency mechanism which ensures that a set of protocols remains consistent and uniform given changes of one protocol. |
| US07848933B2 |
Error monitoring of a Dolby Digital AC-3 bit stream
Methods and apparatus for broadcasting high quality audio “studio direct” with the same digital information employed in the studio by the video producer with AC-3 digital audio signals for broadcast to integrated receiver decoders (IRD). Control over individual data bits such as copyright bits is maintained by determining the bit status, comparing it to a preferred status, changing the status if it does not comply with the preferred status, and reevaluating cyclical redundancy check value in each data packet to avoid disruption in the data transmission. The system includes an uplink device which automatically checks, logs and reports errors in Dolby Digital AC-3 signals by a monitor which employs a processor, a digital audio card and an SMPTE timecode reader. The monitor employs a state machine that finds AC-3 packets, locks into the packets and detects discontinuities or loss of signal. A sound card having an input for receiving house reference AES clock pulses enables the AES clock of the playback signal to be locked to the frequency of a production house master as a time code reader or an editor's contact closure match video and audio signals playback. |
| US07848930B2 |
Control mechanism for audio rate adjustment
A system and method for controlling rate adjustment of audio data to prevent underflow or overflow. In a dual audio/video system, a device can receive two input transport streams. To prevent underflow or overflow of audio data when audio data from a first transport stream is displayed in accordance with a sample rate derived from a second transport stream, a control for rate adjustment is used to match the source sample rate with the display rate. This rate adjustment module can be designed to add or drop audio samples based on a time base comparison or on a STC, PTC, and display rate comparison. |
| US07848918B2 |
Abbreviation expansion based on learned weights
A method and system for identifying expansions of abbreviations using learned weights is provided. An abbreviation system generates features for various expansions of an abbreviation and generates a score indicating the likelihood that an expansion is a correct expansion of the abbreviation. A expansion with the same number of words as letters in the abbreviation is more likely in general to be a correct expansion than an expansion with more or fewer words. The abbreviation system calculates a score based on a weighted combination of the features. The abbreviation system learns the weights for the features from training data of abbreviations, candidate expansions, and scores for the candidate expansions. |
| US07848913B2 |
Emulator-enabled network connectivity to a device
An emulator is capable of connecting to an information interface that can communicate information from an information source to an information sink in a format native to the information sink. The emulator comprises an emulation controller capable of coupling to the information interface, a network controller coupled to the emulation controller and capable of coupling to an external network, and a storage. The storage holds an instruction sequence executable on the emulation controller. The instruction sequence comprises a code for receiving network information from the external network and a code capable of converting the network information to the native format for transfer to the information sink. |
| US07848912B2 |
System and method for predicting performance of electrical power cables
A computer simulation method is disclosed for simulating an electrical cable having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in an insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor injected with a fluid composition comprising at least one dielectric enhancement fluid component so as to at least partially fill the interstitial void volume at an initial time. The simulation method comprises for a selected length of the simulated cable, defining a plurality of radially arranged finite volumes extending the selected length of the simulated cable, and estimating the radial temperature of each finite volume. For a selected time period after the initial time, performing a series of steps at least once and outputting or otherwise using the value of the new concentration for the dielectric enhancement fluid component within each finite volume. |
| US07848909B2 |
Computing prediction results during an unbroken online interactive session
One embodiment of the invention provides a computer-implemented method for providing prediction results to an application system during an interactive session with a user. In this embodiment, the method includes receiving a first set of input values from the application system, using a data mining model along with the first set of input values to compute a first prediction result, and saving state information generated from the computation of the first prediction result. The method further includes receiving a second set of input values from the application system, and using the data mining model along with the state information and the second set of input values to compute a second prediction result. |
| US07848906B2 |
Appendable system and devices for data acquisition, analysis and control
An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface. |
| US07848901B2 |
Tracing thermal data via performance monitoring
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and processor are provided for tracing thermal data via performance monitoring. A performance monitor is set into a tracing mode. Temperatures are sensed by a digital thermal sensor over a time period. The sensed temperatures are stored in a data structure and a trace of the sensed temperatures is graphically displayed. |
| US07848900B2 |
System and method for calculating the thermal mass of a building
The invention comprises a system for calculating a value for the effective thermal mass of a building. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system. One or more processors receive measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than the control system and compare the temperature measurements from the first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements obtained by said HVAC control system and said outside temperature measurements. The processors then calculate one or more rates of change in temperature at said first location. |
| US07848899B2 |
Systems and methods for testing integrated circuit devices
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for testing integrated circuit devices within an environment that is representative of the application environment in which an integrated circuit device will be used. In at least one embodiment, the testing system comprises a second reference integrated circuit device that provides flexibility in testing, allowing only the input to a first reference integrated circuit device of an application system to be tapped and not necessarily both input to and output from the first reference integrated circuit device to be tapped. In some embodiments, the input to the first reference integrated circuit device may be subsequently modified by a controller. The controller is configured to tap first test data transmitted to the first reference integrated circuit device of the application system, and transmit second test data to both the second reference integrated circuit device and at least one integrated circuit device under test, the second test data comprising at least a portion of the first test data. Reference response data received from the second reference integrated circuit device may then be compared with output from the at least one integrated circuit device under test. |
| US07848897B2 |
Dynamic real-time power system monitoring
A method and system for real-time monitoring of a power system having a plurality of locations forming a transmission and distribution grid, wherein each location includes a plurality of connected components. A plurality of pseudorandom signals are injected at selected locations in the power system. A plurality of power system data are collected at other locations in the power system in response to the injected signals. A dynamic behavior of the power system is determined through a synchronized cross-correlation of the injected signals with the collected power system data. The dynamic behavior of the power system is analyzed to assess a dynamic stability and security state of the power system. The real-time, dynamic stability and security state of the power system is displayed to an operator at a monitoring station. The operational stability and security state can be depicted on an overlay of the nationwide power system grid. |
| US07848895B2 |
Predicting changes in hydrofrac orientation in depleting oil and gas reservoirs
Stress rotation due to depletion can be estimated in reservoirs having an impermeable reservoir boundary. More specifically, the isotropic change in stress due to depletion, and the uniaxial stress resulting from a change in pore pressure across an impermeable boundary are both modeled as perturbations to an initial stress state. These perturbations can result in a rotation of the principal stress directions. Estimates of the stress rotation are helpful for hydraulic fracturing operations, because fracture tends to occur in a plane perpendicular to the least principal stress. |
| US07848894B2 |
Non-destructive inspection apparatus
A free-hand inspection apparatus for non-destructively inspecting a structure includes an array and an inertial sensor. The array includes a plurality of elements for transmitting and receiving inspection signals towards and from a structure being inspected. The inertial sensor measures acceleration and angular rotation rate in X, Y, and Z directions of the array. |
| US07848892B2 |
Automatic threshold setting for quantitative polymerase chain reaction
Disclosed are systems and methods for identifying and quantitating the presence of one or more DNA species in a sample population through PCR amplification. DNA species quantitation includes a determination of a threshold fluorescence value used in the assessment of the PCR amplification reaction. Various embodiments of the present invention incorporate an enhancement function useful in selecting appropriate threshold fluorescence values and facilitate the determination of DNA concentrations by quantitative PCR based methodologies. |
| US07848890B2 |
Method and system for predicting gene pathway using gene expression pattern data and protein interaction data
Provided are a method and system for predicting pathways of genes that serve the same biological purpose using gene expression pattern data and protein interaction data. The method of predicting a gene pathway includes: a first step of generating partial pathways from gene expression pattern data by using a pathway extraction algorithm, and matching the partial pathways to express them as a graph; a second step of generating partial pathways from protein interaction data by using a pathway extraction algorithm, and matching the partial pathways to express them as a graph; and a third step of combining a graph made in the first step and a graph made in the second step by using a graph matching algorithm to make a combined graph. |
| US07848889B2 |
Automated analysis of multiplexed probe-target interaction patterns: pattern matching and allele identification
Disclosed are methods and algorithms (and their implementation) supporting the automated analysis and interactive review and refinement (“redaction”) of the analysis within an integrated software environment, for automated allele assignments. The implementation, preferably with a software system and a program referred to as the Automated Allele Assignment (“AAA”) program, provides a multiplicity of functionalities including: data management by way of an integrated interface to a portable database to permit visualizing, importing, exporting and creating customizable summary reports; system configuration (“Set-up”) including user authorization, training set analysis and probe masking; Pattern Analysis including string matching and probe flipping; and Interactive Redaction combining real-time database computations and “cut-and-paste” editing, generating “warning” statements and supporting annotation. It also includes a thresholding function, a method of setting thresholds, a method of refining thresholds by matching an experimental binary string (“reaction pattern”) setting for that probe, probe masking of signals produced by probes which do not contribute significantly to discriminating among alleles. |
| US07848888B2 |
Method for identification of biologically active agents
The present invention provides a method for screening for the effect of a test agent on a population of biological specimens, preferably insects, comprising the steps of providing a population of specimens, administering at least one test agent to the population, creating a digitized movie showing the movements of members of the population, measuring at least one trait of members of the population, and correlating the traits of the population with the effect of the test agent. The invention also provides a method for preparing a medicament useful for the treatment of a mammalian disease. |
| US07848886B2 |
Collision prediction apparatus
A collision prediction ECU of a collision prediction apparatus estimates a state of presence of a detected front obstacle. At this time, the collision prediction ECU estimates the state of presence on the basis of road shape data supplied from a navigation ECU of a navigation apparatus. Further, the collision prediction ECU checks and corrects the calculated road gradient value. At this time, the collision prediction ECU corrects the gradient value on the basis of road gradient data supplied from the navigation ECU. Further, the collision prediction ECU changes a collision avoidance time on the basis of travel environment data supplied from the navigation ECU. Moreover, the collision prediction ECU obtains an ETC gate pass-through signal from the navigation ECU and determines whether the vehicle is passing through the gate. The collision prediction apparatus performs collation prediction on the basis of the corrected values. |
| US07848881B2 |
Automatic past error corrections for location and inventory tracking
A system is provided for tracking and maintaining an inventory of location of containers that are stored on cargo ships or in a container yard. The system includes one or more sensors, such as GPS and INS sensors for obtaining real-time position information, as well as a processor configured to automatically provide post processing to recover lost data and to correct erroneous data, such as when real-time position signals are blocked or distorted, the post processing performed by estimating trajectories and correcting the location errors. Post-processed positioning techniques are continuously applied to the stored position data to iteratively determine calibrated position locations to provide calibrated second trajectory segments in a real-time fashion. The calibrated second trajectories are then used to identify the errors in the past real-time position data as soon as a segment of the second calibrated trajectory becomes statistically trustworthy. Corrections can be automatically made in inventory locations stored in a database to correct position errors for the containers. |
| US07848877B2 |
Displaying and/or programming airplane systems based on clearances and/or instructions
Methods and apparatuses for receiving, by an airplane, one or more clearances and/or instructions from a control system via a data link between the control system and a system of the airplane, are described herein. The system of the airplane may then facilitate a user in accepting or rejecting at least one of the received one or more clearances and/or instructions, and if accepted, may load the clearance and/or instructions and/or adjust controls to correspond to the clearance and/or instructions. Further, the system of the airplane may be adapted to display at least instructions indicia of whether the received instructions are met to a user. |
| US07848876B2 |
System and method for determining a vehicle traffic route
Coordinate based vehicle navigation services are provided using text based traffic route information and associated coordinate data received from an off-vehicle source. Traffic route information indicative of a traffic route from an initial location to a destination may be received. The traffic route information may lack geographic coordinate data defining the traffic route. A way-point along the traffic route may be determined based on the traffic route information. Way-point information defining the way-point along the traffic route may be sent to an off-vehicle information provider. The way-point information may lack geographic coordinate data defining the way-point. Way-point geographic coordinate information defining the way-point may be received and the traffic route information may be associated with the way-point geographic coordinate information. |
| US07848874B2 |
Control system and method for starting an engine with port fuel injection and a variable pressure fuel system
A fuel control system includes a pressure comparison module that generates a pressure control signal when a fuel supply pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure value, a temperature comparison module that generates a temperature control signal when a temperature of an engine is greater than a predetermined temperature value, and a pre-crank fuel module that selectively dispenses pre-crank fuel prior to cranking the engine based on the pressure control signal and the temperature control signal. A related fuel control method is also provided. |
| US07848870B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for negative pressure generating apparatus
A control apparatus for a negative pressure generating apparatus, includes an ejector that generates a negative pressure whose magnitude is larger than that of a negative pressure to be taken from an intake passage in an intake system for an internal combustion engine provided in a vehicle; a state change device that makes the ejector function or stop functioning; and a prohibition control device that prohibits the state change device from making the ejector function, when the vehicle is transiently decelerated. |
| US07848869B2 |
Controller of internal combustion engine of compression ignition combustion type
A controller of an internal combustion engine capable of spark ignition combustion and compression ignition combustion which restrains the degradation of operation performance and exhaust performance at the time of combustion type switching. The controller includes control means for performing combined combustion which leads to ignition combustion by a pressure rise by spark ignition combustion through adjustment of an internal cylinder temperature and a combustion speed at the end of compression, wherein the combined combustion is performed in the process of combustion type switching between spark ignition combustion and compression ignition combustion based on a result of determination of whether or not combustion type switching is possible, thus implementing a smooth combustion type switching. |
| US07848867B2 |
Coasting deceleration control for a vehicle
A vehicle coasting deceleration control system has a motor/generator arranged in a drive-train of a vehicle. A controller is configured to determine a driver demand regarding deceleration of the vehicle at a time of coasting accompanied by an accelerator releasing operation. The controller is further configured to control the motor/generator to decelerate the vehicle according to the determined driver demand regarding deceleration. |
| US07848865B2 |
Method and system for applying materials to crops
Disclosed is a material delivery system and method for applying material to one or more crops. A sensor, or crop sensing head, moves over or near the crops and obtains crop data. An applicator is configured to apply the material onto the crop(s). An applicator controller can control the applicator. A material delivery vehicle has a delivery vehicle controller configured to control the material delivery vehicle and an agriculture controller in communication with the delivery vehicle controller, applicator controller, and sensor. The agriculture controller can determine the needs of the crops and adjust the movement of the delivery vehicle based on the needs of the crops. |
| US07848864B2 |
System for estimating vehicle states for rollover reduction
A system and method for estimating vehicle states, such as vehicle roll-rate, vehicle roll angle, vehicle lateral velocity and vehicle yaw-rate, for use in rollover reduction. The system includes an extended Kalman filter observer responsive to a steering angle signal, a yaw-rate signal, a roll-rate signal, a speed signal and a lateral acceleration signal that calculates an estimated yaw-rate signal, an estimated roll-rate, an estimated roll angle and an estimated lateral velocity. The system also includes a lateral velocity estimation processor responsive to the roll-rate signal, the estimated roll angle signal, the estimated lateral velocity signal and the lateral acceleration signal that calculates a modified lateral velocity estimation signal when the vehicle is operating in a non-linear region. |
| US07848862B2 |
On-vehicle device
An on-vehicle device with a storage unit that includes a transfer unit that transfers data stored in the storage unit to another on-vehicle device of equal capability that is also equipped with a storage unit. In the on-vehicle device, the transfer unit is configured by a data transfer jack provided to each of the on-vehicle device and the another on-vehicle device, and a data transfer cable for connecting the transfer jacks. |
| US07848860B2 |
Machine loss-of-control detector and shutdown system
A method and system are described for machine loss of control detection. In one aspect, the method and system detect operator intended motion of the machine or a part of it and actual motion of the machine or a part of it; and determine machine loss of control in response to whether actual motion is materially different from operator intended motion. Actual motion is determined from angular motion signals from a gyroscopic angular sensor and, optionally, linear motion signals (e.g. acceleration via one or more accelerometers). Machine loss of control determination may be used to stop the actual motion (e.g. stopping power or fuel an engine, bypassing hydraulic fluid flow, etc). The method and system are adaptable to machines having one or more driving and actuating systems capable of malfunctioning in such a way as to cause the machine to move uncontrollably. |
| US07848859B2 |
Device and method for evaluating a sensor signal indicating a position of an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle
A device and a method for evaluating a sensor signal indicating the position of an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the device compares the sensor signal to a first comparison level, and an idle state is ascertained if the first comparison level is undershot. When a start of the motor vehicle from rest is detected, a departure from the idle state is inferred if a second comparison level, which is lower than the first comparison level, is exceeded. |
| US07848858B2 |
Vehicular drive system
Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy.A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy. The mechanism 16 is also placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-output operation of the engine 8, so that the required electric reaction of first electric motor M1 can be reduced, whereby the required size of the first electric motor M1, and the required size of the drive system 10 including the electric motor M1 can be reduced. |
| US07848857B2 |
System and method for braking in an electric vehicle
An electric traction system for an electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a generator coupled to the engine, a power bus coupled to the generator, a power storage unit coupled to the power bus, a drive controller coupled to an electric motor and to the power bus, and a vehicle controller coupled to the drive controller. The generator is configured to receive electrical power regenerated onto the power bus by the electric motor in order to provide mechanical power to the engine, and the engine is configured to dissipate the mechanical power in order to provide a braking function. |
| US07848854B2 |
Prime mover output control system
A prime mover control system is provided that can prevent magnification of power fluctuation, included in a feedback signal, that occurs between a generator and a power system, and that enables stable operation of the prime mover to continue, without disturbing the power system. In the case where a deviation detection device (1a) that receives as input an output-power command value signal indicating a command value that is a target for the output power of a generator driven by a prime mover and an output-power signal indicating the present value of the output power, and that outputs a deviation signal indicating the deviation between the command value and the present value of the output power, and in the case where a control device (3a) that receives as an input the deviation signal and outputs a control output signal for controlling the output of the prime mover, a filtering device (2a) is provided that, in the output-power signal, the deviation signal, or the control output signal, attenuates or eliminates predetermined frequency components caused by periodic fluctuations, in the output power of a generator, that occur due to discrepancy between the output of the prime mover and the generator output power. |
| US07848853B2 |
System and method for controlling hydronic systems having multiple sources and multiple loads
A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of on-demand sources, semi-on-demand sources, and intermittent sources that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits. |
| US07848852B2 |
Air conditioner
An indoor unit includes an indoor side transmitting and receiving section, a relay which is put in a closed state in a standby state, and an indoor control section which controls the relay on the basis of an output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section. An outdoor unit includes an outdoor side transmitting and receiving section, and a power circuit. Then, the indoor control section of the indoor unit does not bring the relay into the closed state upon determining that the connection wiring lines which connect the indoor unit with the outdoor unit are miswired on the basis of a reception output of the indoor side transmitting and receiving section when operation starts from a standby state in which the supply of power of the outdoor unit is stopped. |
| US07848851B2 |
Controller of work piece-conveying robot
A controller for work piece-conveying robot having: a coordinate system storage section for storing one or more manual jog feed coordinate systems; a working area setting section for setting to a machine tool a working area to which the manual jog feed coordinate system is assigned; a hand position obtaining section for obtaining a current position of the robot hand at each specified sampling period; a determination section for determining whether or not the current position of the robot hand obtained by the hand position obtaining section is within the working area set by the working area setting section; and a coordinate system switching section for switching a present manual jog feed coordinate system to the manual jog feed coordinate system assigned to the working area if it is determined by the determination section that the current position of the robot hand is within the working area. |
| US07848850B2 |
Method for driving robot
A method for driving a robot in a manner of imitation by watching (non-contact manner) based on the movement of a moving object, which has a complicated shape often causing self-occlusion, is provided. A plurality of image data of the robot is associated with pre-arranged operation commands and stored in an image corresponding operation command storing means 11. In order to have the robot perform a movement, the moving objecting caused to perform a desired movement, and at the same time, image data of the moving object are obtained as robot operational image data in time-series. The image data specifying and operation command generating means 14 specifies image data corresponding to the operational image data included in the robot operational image data in time-series among the plurality of image data stored in the image corresponding operation command storing means 11, and provides a pre-arranged operation command corresponding to the specified image data to the robot as an operation command to drive the robot. Owing to this, such problems as complicated shape and self-occlusion of the moving object are eliminated, and the robot performs the movement in an imitating manner by watching. |
| US07848845B2 |
Remotely programmable food product holding system
A remotely programmable food product holding system includes a hand held computer and a food product holding apparatus. The computer includes a processor, touch screen display, and a first communication interface. Data is entered into the hand held computer and transmitted to the food product holding apparatus. The holding apparatus includes a second communication interface, a timer system, and a temperature control system. The timer and temperature control systems are programmed by data transmitted from the hand held computer. A method of remotely programming a food product holding apparatus includes the steps of coupling a hand held computer to a food product holding apparatus, downloading data from the food product holding apparatus, comparing the downloaded data with a file stored in the computer, displaying differences found in the comparison, updating the downloaded data in accordance with the stored file, and uploading the updated data to the food product holding apparatus. |
| US07848844B2 |
Substrate grinding method and device
A grinding method wherein the correlation between the amount of inertial grinding occurring in performing spark-out by a grinding unit and the maximum load current in a motor of the grinding unit is grasped, and a correction value for the amount of inertial grinding corresponding to the maximum load current is preliminarily obtained. When the wafer thickness measured by a thickness measuring gauge has reached the sum of a desired value and the correction value (=the amount of inertial grinding) corresponding to the maximum load current, the spark-out is started. Accordingly, the wafer thickness becomes the desired value after the inertial grinding in performing the spark-out. |
| US07848839B2 |
System, method, and medium for an endpoint detection scheme for copper low-dielectric damascene structures for improved dielectric and copper loss
A system, method and medium of detecting a transition interface between a first dielectric material and an adjacent second dielectric material in a semiconductor wafer during a chemical-mechanical polishing process includes impinging an incident light of a predetermined wavelength on the semiconductor wafer at a first time, detecting at least one first intensity of at least one first reflected light, impinging the incident light of the predetermined wavelength on the semiconductor wafer at a second time, detecting at least one second intensity of at least one second reflected light, and determining a difference between the at least one first intensity and the at least one second intensity. If the difference between the at least one first intensity and the at least one second intensity is above a predetermined threshold, the chemical-mechanical polishing process is terminated. |
| US07848837B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring the quality of a machining operation
A method for monitoring the quality of a machining operation, such as a friction stir welding operation, in which a tool is rotatably driven by a motor during the machining operation. The energy consumption of the motor is determined from the initiation and to the completion of the machining operation. That energy consumption is then compared against a predetermined energy threshold. In the event that the energy consumed during the machining operation is less than the predetermined threshold, an error signal is generated. |
| US07848833B2 |
Flexible fixing system for product testing
A flexible/adjustable fixing system (100) for fixing a workpiece (40) includes an information management module (10), a plurality of driving devices (20), and a positioning device (30). The information management module receives and processes the position information of the workpiece. The driving devices electronically couple with the information management module. The positioning device includes a platform (31) and a plurality of positioning pins (32). One end of the workpiece is positioned in a certain area of the platform. Each respective pin is attached to a corresponding driving device. When the driving device receives an order/signal from the information management module, the positioning pin is selectably driven relative to (e.g., toward, away from) the workpiece by the driving device. |
| US07848831B2 |
Real-time operating optimized method of multi-input and multi-output continuous manufacturing procedure
A real-time operating optimized method of multi-input and multi-output continuous manufacture procedure includes steps as follows: first, using plurality of pivotal operation conditions in the manufacture procedure as optimized variables, and using the technical target associating with the pivotal operation conditions as the objective function, then, calculating on line the grades vector between pivotal operation conditions and the technical target at current time according to historical data of pivotal operation conditions and the technical target, using correlation integral method or other methods, at last, using this grades vector to define the adjustment direction of the operation conditions. When the grades vector is positive or negative, the pivotal operation conditions should be adjusted in order to change the grades vector to zero. |
| US07848829B2 |
Methods and module class objects to configure absent equipment in process plants
Methods and module class objects to configure equipment absences in process plants are disclosed. An example disclosed method of creating a configuration entity for use in configuring a process plant comprises creating a class object representative of a process entity within the process plant that includes a first data structure representative of one or more process elements that make up the process entity; and creating a module object based on the class object that includes a second data structure, the second data structure to include a configurable first indication to represent whether a specific process element that conforms to a first one of the one or more process elements that make up the process entity is absent. |
| US07848827B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for wireless diagnostics
A diagnostic concentrator includes a first interface that is capable of receiving a signal sent from a field device to a process controller. The signal includes a primary process variable and additional information. The diagnostic concentrator also includes a controller that is capable of generating a message corresponding to the received additional information and a second interface that is capable of transmitting the generated message. The first interface may be a HART interface. The second interface may be a wireless interface or a network interface. The message may be transmitted to a diagnostic monitor or a process controller. The first interface may receive a plurality of signals sent from a plurality of field devices to the process controller. The controller may generate a plurality of messages corresponding to the plurality of additional information in the signals and transmit the messages via the second interface. |
| US07848825B2 |
Master/slave mode for sensor processing devices
A computer system having two or more controllers operating in a Master/Slave configuration is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes: a sensor panel having a first portion for generating a first set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the first portion, and a second portion for generating a second set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the second portion; a first device for receiving and processing the first set of output signals from the first portion of the panel; and a second device for receiving and processing the second set of output signals from the second portion of the panel, wherein the first and second devices operate cooperatively in a Master/Slave configuration. |
| US07848823B2 |
Cardiac stimulation system
Some embodiments of pacing systems employ wireless electrode assemblies to provide pacing therapy. The wireless electrode assemblies may wirelessly receive energy via an inductive coupling so as to provide electrical stimulation to the surrounding heart tissue. In certain embodiments, the wireless electrode assembly may be pivotable so that the proximal end of the wireless electrode assembly may be shifted to a position against the heart wall after the distal end has been secured to the heart wall. |
| US07848819B2 |
Medical device programming safety
Techniques for increasing the safety of medical device programming using general purpose hardware, such as a general purpose personal computer, are described. Some embodiments include a watchdog module that is serviced by the general purpose hardware, a mediator module that monitors programming instructions from the general purpose hardware, and/or a safe mode input that may be activated by a user. In some embodiments, a system comprises an implantable medical device, an intermediate device, a computing device that communicates with the implantable medical device via the intermediate device. The intermediate device may provide any one or more of the safety measures described above. In some embodiments, the intermediate device is dedicated hardware, and critical programming functions are provided by the intermediate device, rather than the general purpose hardware. In some embodiments, an implantable medical device provides one or more of the above-discussed safety features, rather than a separate intermediate device. |
| US07848818B2 |
System and method for neurological stimulation of peripheral nerves to treat low back pain
According to one embodiment, a system for neurological stimulation of peripheral nerve fibers to treat low back pain is provided. The system includes stimulation electrodes adapted to be implanted in tissue proximate a network of peripheral nerve fibers located in and innervating a painful region of the low back area and to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to the network of peripheral nerve fibers located in and innervating the painful region of the low back area. The system also includes a stimulation source adapted for implantation into the person's body and operable to generate electrical stimulation pulses for transmission to the electrodes for delivery to the network of peripheral nerve fibers located in and innervating the painful region of the low back area to relieve pain in the painful region of the low back area. |
| US07848814B2 |
System for transcutaneous energy transfer to an implantable medical device with mating elements
System for transcutaneous energy transfer to an implantable medical device adapted to be implanted under a cutaneous boundary having a housing having a first surface adapted to face the cutaneous boundary, the first surface of the housing of the implantable medical device having a first mating element, therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. An external power source has housing having a first surface adapted to be placed closest to the cutaneous boundary, the first surface of the housing of the external power source having a second mating element and a primary coil capable of inductively energizing the secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. The first mating element and the second mating element are configured to tactilely align the external power source with the implantable medical device. |
| US07848813B2 |
System and method for real-time remote monitoring of implantable medical devices
A patient monitor is configured to interrogate an implantable medical device (IMD) and receive data from the IMD in response to the interrogation. The data received from the IMD includes electrogram (EGM) data, which the patient monitor frequency modulates for transmission, in real-time, onto a conventional telephone line. The frequency modulated EGM data that is transmitted from the patient monitor may in turn be displayed, in real-time, at a remote monitoring station in response to commands provided by a remote (DTMF) signal from a receiving station. |
| US07848809B1 |
PAC therapy
An implantable cardiac device is programmed to detect and classify premature atrial contractions (PACs). In the described implementation, the device uses timing based techniques to distinguish PACs from native sinus P-waves. The device is also able to detect and count a salvo of consecutive PACs for diagnostic purposes. |
| US07848805B2 |
Modular medical device, base unit and module thereof, and automated external defibrillator (AED), methods for assembling and using the AED
A modular automated external defibrillator (AED) system includes a base unit and at least one interconnected module. The base unit typically includes a functional circuit and includes an interface that couples the functional circuit to the module. Likewise, the module includes an interface that couples the module to the base unit By manufacturing such modular AED models instead of one-piece, i.e., integrated, AED models, a manufacturer can reduce the cost and complexity of its manufacturing process. Furthermore, the manufacturer may be able to bring such a modular AED to market more quickly than it could bring an integrated model of the AED to market. Moreover, a modular AED allows the manufacturer and customer flexibility in respectively providing and selecting feature sets. In addition, a customer can obtain replacements for broken modules, and the manufacturer can provide cheaper upgrades by upgrading a module or base unit instead of upgrading the entire AED. |
| US07848803B1 |
Methods and systems for facilitating stimulation of one or more stimulation sites
Methods of facilitating stimulation of a stimulation site within a patient include implanting a distal portion of a first stimulating member such that the distal portion of the first stimulating member is in communication with a first stimulation site located within a patient, securing the distal portion of the first stimulating member at a first securing site with a first securing device positioned proximal to the first stimulation site, forming a first loop of at least 360 degrees with a portion of the first stimulating member proximal to the first securing device, securing the first loop with a second securing device at a second securing site having a position that is greater than or equal to substantially 180 degrees but less than or equal to substantially 315 degrees along the first loop from the first securing site, and positioning the second securing device and a stimulator to be coupled to a proximal end of the first stimulating member to maintain a curve in the first stimulating member of at least 45 degrees between the second securing device and the stimulator. |
| US07848801B2 |
Iontophoretic systems, devices, and methods of delivery of active agents to biological interface
A transdermal delivery device to passively deliver active agents to a biological interface includes an active agent reservoir comprising a first active agent of a first polarity; an outer active agent membrane taking the form of an ion-exchange membrane of a second polarity, an interfacial layer having a plurality of freely diffusible monovalent co-ions of the first polarity and having a first side adjacent to the outer active agent membrane and a second side configured to contact a biological interface. |
| US07848798B2 |
Live finger detection by four-point measurement of complex impedance
Method and sensor assembly determining the condition of a structure, especially for confirming if a measured fingerprint is on a live finger, by measuring characteristics of close to the structure surface, the sensor comprising a first pair of current supply electrodes coupled to a current source, providing an electrical current to the skin, at least two pickup electrodes at chosen and different positions relative to the current supply electrodes, at least a first of said pickup electrodes being coupled to an instrument for measuring the voltage between said first pickup electrode and at least one of the pickup or current supply electrodes, storage means for a predetermined set of values characterizing a certain condition of the surface, and means for comparing the characteristics from each pickup electrode with the measurements of the other pickup electrodes and with the predetermined set of characteristics for determining the surface condition. |
| US07848796B2 |
Division approximation for implantable medical devices
Methods and devices for performing division approximation in implantable and wearable self-powered medical devices. The present invention provides rapid methods for performing an approximation of division on fixed point numbers, where the methods are easily implemented in small, low power consumption devices as may be found in implantable medical devices. One example of use is in rapidly determining the approximate ratio between foreground and background activity in seizure detection algorithms. Some methods approximate the ratio of Numerator (N) to Denominator (D) by raising 2 to the power of the difference in the number of zeros to the left of the Most Significant Set Bit (MSSB) of D vs. N. Some methods may also pad bits to the right of the approximate ratio MSSB using bits from the right of the N MSSB, and/or pre-process the smaller of D or N by rounding the value upward. Methods may be implemented in firmware and/or in discrete logic. |
| US07848795B2 |
Determination of sleep depth
The invention relates to a mechanism for determining the depth of sleep of a subject. In order to obtain information about the continuum of the depth of sleep in a user-friendly way without a need for high computational power, EEG signal data is obtained from a subject, REM sleep periods of the subject are detected, and a measure indicative of irregularity in the EEG signal data is derived. Based on the measure and the depicted REM sleep periods, a sleep depth index and state information are produced, where the index is indicative of the depth of sleep of the subject and the state information indicates whether or not the EEG signal data is obtained during a REM sleep period. The detection of the REM periods may be based on a bioimpedance measured from EEG electrodes simultaneously with the EEG measurement or on EOG signal data measured from the subject. |
| US07848792B2 |
Detection of apneae and hypopneae in an active implantable medical device
An active implantable medical device for diagnosis and/or therapy that is able to detect the occurrence of apnea and hypopnea. The detection of an occurrence of respiratory apneae or hypopneae is performed by collecting the patient's endocardial acceleration (EA), and determining at least one parameter, i.e., a peak acceleration, (PEA I, PEA II) that is a function of this collected endocardial acceleration. An apnea or hypopnea alert signal is then conditionally delivered as a function of the value taken by this (these) parameter(s). |
| US07848791B2 |
Optical coherence tomography apparatus and methods
In one aspect, the invention relates to an imaging probe. The imaging probe includes an elongate body having a proximal end and distal end, the elongate body adapted to enclose a portion of a slidable optical fiber, the optical fiber having a longitudinal axis; and a first optical assembly attached to a distal end of the fiber. The first optical assembly includes a beam director adapted to direct light emitted from the fiber to a plane at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis, a linear actuator disposed at the proximal portion of the elongated body, the actuator adapted to affect relative linear motion between the elongate body and the optical fiber; and a second optical assembly located at the distal portion of the elongate body and attached thereto, the second optical assembly comprising a reflector in optical communication with the first optical assembly, the reflector adapted to direct the light to a position distal to the elongate body. |
| US07848789B2 |
Hybrid magnetic-base and impedance-based position sensing
A position sensing system includes a probe adapted to be introduced into a body cavity of a subject. The lasso-shaped probe includes a magnetic field transducer in the rigid section proximal to the flexible lasso-shaped distal section which has at least one probe electrode. A control unit is configured to measure position coordinates of the probe using the magnetic field transducer. The control unit also measures an impedance between the at least one probe electrodes and one or more points on a body surface of the subject. Using the measured position coordinates, the control unit calibrates the measured impedance and provides an indication of the deformation and deflection of the flexible lasso-shaped distal section in relation to the magnetic field transducer in the rigid proximal section. |
| US07848788B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging probe
Herein is disclosed a magnetic resonance imaging probe, having a probe shaft including a magnetic resonance antenna, and a spring tip attached to a distal end of the antenna. |
| US07848784B2 |
Apparatus for saving power by using location information and method thereof
An apparatus and method of saving power using location information, which can control power consumption of a mobile terminal in a sparse cell environment is provided. The power saving apparatus using location information comprises a transceiver for receiving a location information set from a base station having the stored location information set, a controller for receiving the location information set from the transceiver, and activating any one of a plurality of modes by using the location information set, where each of the plurality of modes utilizes a different power consumption level. |
| US07848782B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving network resource planning in a wireless communication network
Prior to being admitted into the network, a base station establishes a set of operating parameters. Next, a search is performed to determine the presence and configuration of neighboring base stations and current network conditions. Based on the search results, an improved operating configuration is determined for the base station and the base station's operating parameters are adjusted. Once the base station is admitted to and is operating in the network, the base station continues to monitor neighboring base stations and network conditions and adjusts its operating parameters accordingly. |
| US07848780B2 |
Communication device for controlling the use of content
In a communication terminal using UIM, when a message disabling use of a content is received not by a communication terminal containing the content to disabled, but by another communication terminal containing the same content, the content stored in a storage unit of the communication terminal which has received the message is not disabled. Mobile phone 100-1 using UIM stores a program in correlation with a telephone number stored in the UIM. When mobile phone 100-1 receives a management message to delete a program, mobile phone 100-1 interprets the content of the management message. Mobile phone 100-1 obtains a telephone number from the UIM, and deletes the content stored in correlation with the telephone number according to the management message interpreted. |
| US07848779B2 |
Storage medium for a cellular telephone
A storage medium for a cellular telephone is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a cellular telephone having a housing assembly, and a Modular Hard Disk Drive (MHDD) storage medium that couples to the housing assembly as an integral portable accessory unit. The housing assembly can have a wireless transceiver that exchanges messages with at least one among a plurality of cellular base stations, and a controller that manages operations of the wireless transceiver and the MHDD storage medium. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07848776B2 |
Dual mode communication system, dual mode communication method and dual mode communication user equipment
A dual mode communication system, with user equipment selectively connectable to a plurality of communication systems, for switching communication systems to which the user equipment should be connected, detects that the remaining battery level fell below a first threshold in the user equipment communicating over the W-CDMA system. In the system it is determined whether or not the user equipment can communicate using the GSM system, which can be operated with lower power consumption than the W-CDMA system. When it is determined that communication can be established with the GSM system, the system switches from a connection between the user equipment and the W-CDMA system to a connection between the user equipment and the GSM system without interrupting the communication over the W-CDMA. |
| US07848772B2 |
Methods and systems for audio and video communication
Systems for audio and video communication used in a mobile electronic device are provided. An embodiment of a system comprises a display object generation unit, an acoustic object generation unit and a transport unit. The display object generation unit repeatedly generates display objects corresponding to intensity of light sensed by an image sensor module of the mobile electronic device. The acoustic object generation unit repeatedly generates acoustic objects corresponding to sound signals detected by a microphone of the mobile electronic device. The transport unit simultaneously transports the generated display and acoustic objects to a computer host when the mobile electronic device operates as a webcam. |
| US07848769B2 |
System and methods for providing updated mobile station location estimates to emergency services providers
A wireless communication system, including apparatuses and methods, for handling emergency calls from wireless communication devices to emergency services providers and for automatically providing updated location estimates for the wireless communication devices to during such emergency calls absent any request therefor. The updated location estimates are generally provided in response to a detected occurrence of a triggering event within the wireless communication system. In the exemplary embodiments, such triggering events include the passage of a pre-determined threshold period of time and the handover of an emergency call between cells or sectors of the wireless communication system in response to movement of the wireless communication device from which the emergency call is being made. Further, according to at least one exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication system may selectively limit the provision of updated location estimates based on whether movement of a wireless communication device is substantial or insubstantial. |
| US07848768B2 |
Network system and communication device
A network system includes at least first and second communication devices connected in a network. The first communication device includes an inquiry device for inquiring the attributes of the second communication device to the second communication device via the network. The second communication device includes an attribute holding device for holding the attributes and a search device for searching for the attributes held in the attribute holding device in response to the inquiry and responds back with the search result to the inquiry device. The attribute holding device and the search device operate in a data link layer. |
| US07848764B2 |
System for providing location predictive advertising
A system is described for providing location predictive advertising. The system may include a processor, a memory, and an interface. The memory may store an advertisement. The interface may communicate with an electronic device. The processor may determine a first geographic location of an electronic device which is travelling in a direction. The processor may identify a first geographic region which may encompass the first geographic location of the electronic device. The processor may determine a second geographic region which is located in the direction of travel of the electronic device. The processor may determine an advertisement associated with the second geographic region in accordance with the electronic device being located within the first geographic region. The processor may provide the advertisement to the electronic device. |
| US07848757B2 |
Apparatus and method for extending mobility in a mobile ad hoc network
Mobility in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) can be extended by using fixed network resources to support MANET-level communication between a traveling MANET node and the remainder of the MANET. The IPv6 protocol is used over the fixed network resources to support the MANET-level communication, and mobility-supporting features of the IPv6 protocol are exploited without modifying the IPv6 protocol. |
| US07848751B2 |
System and methods for data communications in a wireless communication system
In one embodiment, a mobile communication device is configured to selectively enable user data communications after registration in a wireless communication network. The mobile device sends, via its radio, feature compliance information to the network. In response to the feature compliance information being sent, the mobile device receives, via the radio, configuration information which is derived based on the feature compliance information and location information of the mobile device. The mobile device then selectively enables the user data communications based on the received configuration information. In particular, the mobile device enables the user data communications when the location information indicates that the mobile device is operating in a particular country and the feature compliance information indicates feature compliance for the particular country. On the other hand, the mobile device disables the user data communications when the location information indicates that the mobile device is operating in the particular country and the feature compliance information indicates a lack of feature compliance for the particular country. |
| US07848750B2 |
System for changing location registration
A mobile terminal, which is registered to either a first mobile communication network or a second communication network, determines whether it is possible to register to the first mobile communication network on the basis of control information received from the second mobile communication network. Then, the mobile terminal attempts to register to the first mobile communication network a predetermined number of times in a case that it is determined that it is possible to register to the first mobile communication network. |
| US07848747B2 |
System and method for enhancing the performance of wideband digital RF transport systems
A system and method for enhancing the performance of wideband digital RF transport systems is disclosed, which enables the transport of different bandwidth segments on a plurality of wideband channels by selecting an optimal clock sample rate for each bandwidth segment to be transported. Thus, the bandwidth segments are proportionally allocated so that an optimum amount of bandwidth can be transported at the serial bit rate. |
| US07848745B2 |
Radio access point testing method and testing apparatus
The normality verification and radio characteristics test of a radio communication system are executed. RF-SWs (radio-frequency coaxial switches) change-over the paths of signals which are transmitted to and received from an access terminal function portion included in an access point. RF-SWs connect the access terminal function portion 122 with a desired one of radio analog portions. A test function controller controls the changeover operations of the RF-SWs in accordance with information designated by a maintenance apparatus (OMC). An access point controller controls in accordance with received test sort information, one or more of (1) an antenna failure test, (2) a receiver failure test, and (3) a transmitter failure. |
| US07848744B2 |
Electronic communications device status determination
Methods and systems are provided for alerting a calling or message sending party as to whether a desired receiving wireless electronic communication device is off or out of range for sending and receiving transmissions. When a call is placed to a wireless telephone or when a message or page is placed to a wireless communication device such as a pager, text messaging device, or personal digital assistant, the operational status of the receiving wireless telephone or other wireless communication device is checked by the wireless network in which the wireless device operates. A message or call is returned to the calling party or sender to alert the calling party or sender if the desired receiving device is off or out of range so that the calling party or message sending party may choose an alternate means of communicating with the desired receiving party. |
| US07848742B2 |
Bandwidth saving on certain interfaces in a telecommunication system
Saving bandwidth on the Abis interface in mobile communication systems. When congestion appears on an Abis full rate channel communication is switched over to half rate while keeping full rate on the radio interface. Thereby possibilities are still available for good error correction and control on a highly interfered radio channel. |
| US07848740B2 |
Electronic transactions
A method in a user equipment for enabling use thereof in electronic transactions is disclosed. In the method control information is received at the user equipment (1) from a management entity (12). The user equipment is provided with transaction means based on the received control information. |
| US07848735B2 |
Communication control apparatus, method of controlling sender terminal number, and computer product
A transmission-request control unit controls a first transmission request in which a third communication terminal is designated as a receiver with a terminal number of a first communication terminal as a sender terminal number, and controls a second transmission request including the first transmission request and a transmission request in which a second communication terminal is designated as a sender with a terminal number of the second communication terminal as the sender terminal number by acquiring the terminal number of the second communication terminal corresponding to the first communication terminal from a terminal-number storing unit. |
| US07848733B2 |
Emergency wireless location system including a location determining receiver
A wireless location system may include geolocation of a wireless device connected to Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) adapter. The VoIP adapter may include a wireless transceiver or a wireless location determining receiver that facilitates the location of a wireless device connected to the VoIP adapter. The wireless transceiver or the location determining receiver may provide location information to an emergency dispatcher. |
| US07848731B1 |
System and method for communicating a combined digital signal for wireless service via integrated hybrid fiber coax and power line communication devices for a distributed antenna system over shared broadband media
A signal conditioner (SC) and method for communicating via a shared transport medium (STM) between a BTS and remote antenna entity (RAE). A first SC connects to the BTS and a second SC connects to the RAE. Each SC connects to a cable modem or BPL modem that interfaces to the STM. The first SC receives an RF signal carrying an analog baseband signal (ABS) representing digital signals for multiple communication channels. The first SC generates a CDS based on power level measurements of the ABS, and then transmits the CDS to the second SC via the STM. The second SC recovers the CDS, converts the CDS to another ABS, generates an RF signal carrying the other ABS, and transmits this RF signal to the RAE for transmission away from the RAE. The first SC and second SC also facilitate communication of a CDS from the RAE to BTS. |
| US07848729B2 |
System and method for saving power consumption of sensor based on context information in wireless sensor network
A system and method for saving sensor power consumption based on context information on a wireless sensor network are provided. Basic context information is received from inside and outside of a network system including at least one sensor, wherein context information based on the basic context information is determined by inference, a group of expected services corresponding to the context information is determined, a sensor operation mode according to the group of expected services is determined, and control data is transmitted to the sensor according to the sensor operation mode. Accordingly, a sensor operation mode is adaptively determined according to changes of context information so that power consumption of a sensor can be saved. |
| US07848727B2 |
Integrated radio frequency module
A radio frequency (RF) module includes a multilayer substrate having dielectric layers and metallization layers that include one or more circuit elements. The metallization layers are located between the dielectric layers. The RF module also includes a symmetric transmission input associated with the multilayer substrate, an RF element on the multilayer substrate to provide RF functionality, and a balun integrated in the substrate behind the symmetric transmission input. |
| US07848726B2 |
High-frequency receiver and adjacent interference wave reducing method
A high-frequency receiver alleviates an influence of adjacent interference waves in a location where an identical set of broadcast channels can be received with different broadcast waves which are broadcast or relayed in frequency bands different from one another by satellites and ground repeater(s). The I and Q signals are passed to a pair of variable LPFs. A demodulation unit is provided for each of said different broadcast waves to demodulate the I and Q signals derived from the broadcast wave into a demodulated signal. One of the demodulated signals which has a better reception quality is selected for output. Based on a reception level and a noise evaluation information (e.g., the bit error rate) for a selected demodulated signal, a controller controls the bandwidths of the variable LPFs so as to optimize the reception level and the noise evaluation information for the selected demodulated signal. |
| US07848725B2 |
RF transmitter with stable on-chip PLL
A phase locked loop (PLL) a phase detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a controlled oscillator, and a feedback divider. The phase detector is coupled to produce a difference signal based on a difference between phase of a reference oscillation and phase of a feedback oscillation. The charge pump is coupled to convert the difference signal into an up-signal or a down signal. The loop filter coupled to filter the up signal or the down signal to produce a control signal. The controlled oscillator is coupled to generate an output oscillation based on the control signal. The feedback divider is coupled to generate the feedback oscillation from the output oscillation based on a divider value. The loop filter includes a first resistor-capacitor circuit and a second resistor-capacitor circuit. The first resistor-capacitor circuit is calibrated using a first calibration technique and the second resistor-capacitor circuit is calibrated using a second calibration technique. |
| US07848724B2 |
Variable gain amplifier for low voltage applications
An integrated communications system. Comprising a substrate having a receiver disposed on the substrate for converting a received signal to an IF signal. Coupled to a VGA for low voltage applications and coupled to the receiver for processing the IF signal. The VGA includes a bank pair having a first bank of differential pairs of transistors and a second bank of differential pairs of transistors. The bank pair is cross-coupled in parallel, the IF signal is applied to the bank pair decoupled from a control signal used to control transconductance output gain of the bank pair over a range of input voltages. A digital IF demodulator is disposed on the substrate and coupled to the VGA for low voltage applications, for converting the IF signal to a demodulated baseband signal. And a transmitter is disposed on the substrate operating in cooperation with the receiver to establish a two way communications path. |
| US07848720B2 |
Method and apparatus for auto-tuning of a radio fm-receiver
In a method of auto-tuning a radio FM-receiver the receiver frequency band is scanned until a FM signal is received meeting criteria for identifying the signal as being of a predetermined quality, particularly coming from a valid FM station. At least during tuning it is permanently established whether or nor the FM signal meets the criteria, whereafter the results thereof are read a predetermined number of times, and the FM signal is only stored if at least most of these times the criteria are met. Particularly, the results are read 10 times and the FM signal is only stored if at least 8 times thereof the criteria are met. |
| US07848718B2 |
Method apparatus comprising integrated circuit and method of powering down such circuit
The present invention relates to a mobile apparatus comprising an integrated circuit to operate predefined functions, which integrated circuit is susceptible to be set in a standby operating mode wherein which said circuit can resume operation within a predefined delay. The circuit comprises configuration sequential logic having defined states that need to be stored before the circuit enters in standby mode. The mobile apparatus further comprises a power down unit for storing the states of the configuration sequential logic into a low leakage storage area during standby mode that reduces standby current considerably. |
| US07848715B2 |
Circuit and method
Implementations related to circuits including an oscillator and a switch-mode DC/DC converter are presented herein. |
| US07848713B2 |
Common mode signal attenuation for a differential duplexer
Techniques for attenuating undesired signal components from a differential duplexer are described. The duplexer provides a differential received signal at RX+ and RX− ports. This differential received signal includes an undesired common mode signal, which may come from a transmit signal. The common mode signal is attenuated with a common mode trap in an impedance matching network coupled to the RX+ and RX− ports. The matching network includes a first passive circuit coupled between the RX+ port and a first node, a second passive circuit coupled between the RX− port and a second node, and the common mode trap coupled between the first and second nodes. In one design, the common mode trap includes a first inductor coupled between the first node and a common node, a second inductor coupled between the second node and the common node, and a capacitor coupled between the common node and circuit ground. |
| US07848711B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and radio communication method
A radio communication apparatus for performing transmission and reception based on radio communication includes: a power suppressor for coupling loop interference signal for attenuating signal power of a received signal to suppress the coupling loop interference signal power of the received signal; and a transceiver having a coupling loop interference signal removal function for analog domain and/or a coupling loop interference signal removal function for digital domain, for removing a coupling loop interference signal contained in a signal output from the power suppressor for coupling loop interference signal. |
| US07848710B2 |
Radio having adjustable resonant circuits
A radio circuit includes a mixing module, a first adjustable resonant circuit and a second adjustable resonant circuit. The mixing module is coupled to mix a first signal having a first carrier frequency with a second signal having a second carrier frequency to produce a mixed signal having a frequency sum component and a frequency difference component. The first adjustable resonant circuit is tuned to resonant at a frequency corresponding to one of the frequency sum component and the frequency difference component. The second adjustable resonant circuit is tuned to resonant at a frequency corresponding to another one of the frequency sum component and the frequency difference component, wherein the first and second adjustable resonant circuits alter the mixed signal to produce a converted signal. |
| US07848709B2 |
Multi-mode crystal oscillator
In one embodiment of the present invention, two crystal oscillator circuits are coupled in parallel to provide differing performance according to mode. Generally, a first circuit provides low phase noise and high accuracy while a second circuit provides greater phase noise within an acceptable tolerance while consuming significantly less power in a low power mode of operation. The second circuit includes an entirely separate amplifier for the low power operation that tolerates a relatively smaller input signal swing but that consumes even less power. The first circuit, which comprises selectable amplification elements, and the second circuit are coupled in parallel with selectable resistive elements and capacitive elements to provide varying amounts of amplification and filtering according to whether an operational mode is in a startup mode, a normal mode, or a low power mode of operation. |
| US07848704B2 |
Location system for bluetooth enabled devices
A method, apparatus, and system for tracking and locating BT enabled devices is described. A network of BT sniffers can be used to rapidly locate lost devices and their owners. Wearable child devices maintain low power contact with parent devices until such time as a signal limit is reached, at which point the parent devices alarm. An optional network of fixed sniffing devices can be used to coordinate a search for lost child devices once an alert is issued to the system. |
| US07848697B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus including: a conveying unit, which conveys a sheet; a stacking unit on which the conveyed sheet is stacked; a processing unit, which processes the stacked sheet; a buffering unit, which allows the sheet conveyed to the stacking unit by the conveying unit to pass, and buffers a predetermined number of sheets to be passed during an operation of the processing unit; a transferring unit, which receives the buffer sheets and transfers the predetermined number of buffer sheets from the buffering unit to the stacking unit; and a controlling unit, which controls a sheet conveying speed to make a speed when the transferring unit transfers the buffer sheet lower than a speed when the transferring unit receives the buffer sheets to prevent the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit from interfering the transferring unit during an operation of transferring the sheet. |
| US07848693B2 |
Endless belt type fusing device and image forming apparatus employing the same
A fusing device that is provided on a printing passage of an image forming apparatus and fuses an image transferred to a print medium, the fusing device including: a heating roller; a pressure roller to press the print medium fed along the printing passage against the heating roller; a separation roller to separate the print medium from the heating roller; a fusing pressure belt that winds around the pressure roller and the separation roller; a first elastic member to pressure the pressure roller towards the heating roller along a first line; and a second elastic member to pressure the separation roller towards the heating roller, wherein the first line passes through a center of the pressure roller and forms an angle towards the separation roller with a second line that passes through a center of the heating roller and the center of the pressure roller. |
| US07848687B2 |
Image forming device and deviation correcting method
In an image forming device, a main controller unit controls the image forming device, a motor controller unit controls individually rotational speeds of a plurality of motors rotating image carriers respectively, and a deviation detection unit detects a deviation of the color image. In the main controller unit, a speed signal transmitting unit transmits a speed signal, indicating a target rotational speed for correcting the deviation, to the motor controller unit. An enabling-signal transmitting unit transmits, to the motor controller unit, a speed-change enabling signal after passing of a predetermined time from a time an imaging reference signal, which is indicative of a start and an end of an image region of each color, indicates an end of a corresponding image region immediately after transmission of the speed signal. |
| US07848686B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device uses a two-component developer including at least carriers and toners. The toners are supplied to an image bearing member bearing an electrostatic latent image so that a toner image is developed from the electrostatic latent image. The developing device has a developing roller arranged to oppose the image bearing member; and a magnetic roller arranged to oppose the developing roller. The magnetic roller retains the two-component developer to supply toners to the developing roller. The developing roller and the magnetic roller are rotationally driven in directions to be opposite from one another at an opposed position, and a magnetic pole of the magnetic roller and a magnetic pole of the developing roller have magnetic polarities different from one another at the opposed position. A surface roughness of the magnetic roller is greater than a surface roughness of the developing roller. |
| US07848679B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a standard exposure device (1) adjusted to emit light of a predetermined light quantity, and a control device configured to determine light quantity of the pre-charge exposure device in an image-forming period based on the first and the second charging current values, wherein first charging current value is detected when an area on a photosensitive member surface is recharged by the contact charging member, in a case where the photosensitive member is exposed by turning on the standard exposure device without turning on a pre-charge exposure device, and second charging current value is detected when an area on the photosensitive member surface is recharged by the contact charging member, in a case where the photosensitive member charged by applying a predetermined voltage by the contact charging member is exposed by turning on the pre-charge exposure device without turning on the standard exposure device. |
| US07848678B2 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus comprising an image holding member that is rotationally driven, the image holding member comprising, on a substrate, a subbing layer and a photosensitive layer, a volume resistance value of the subbing layer decreasing in a rotation axis direction of the image holding member, from one end portion of a light source side of the image holding member towards another end portion of the image holding member, a charging unit, a latent image formation unit, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a charge removal unit comprising a light source that, after transfer of the toner image, irradiates the surface of the image holding member from one side thereof, in a rotation axis direction of the image holding member, with charge removing light, to remove the charge from the surface of the image holding member. |
| US07848676B2 |
Internal output type image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a main apparatus body, an image reading block located above the main apparatus body, a sheet output portion provided with a sheet output tray onto which each sheet is ejected upon completion of image forming operation, the sheet output portion being located between the main apparatus body and the image reading block and opening at least frontward to permit retrieval of sheets from the sheet output tray, and a front cover section provided on a front side of the main apparatus body, the front cover section including front openable covering members. The front cover section has a striped portion having a surface in which ridges and furrows are formed and a flat portion having a flat surface. The flat portion includes a first flat portion located in an area adjacent to the sheet output tray. |
| US07848675B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An intermediate transferring unit (120) is provided with a main cleaning member (29a) together with an auxiliary cleaning member (50). A main cleaning width (Wb1) of the main cleaning member (29a) is smaller than a width dimension (Wb) of an intermediate transferring belt (12). The auxiliary cleaning member (50) covers an outer remaining area (M), so that toners remaining on the remaining area (M) are scraped off by the auxiliary cleaning member (50). The toners scraped off by the auxiliary cleaning member (50) are collected in a toner collecting portion provided in an apparatus main body. |
| US07848672B2 |
Fusers including heater for pre-heating fuser belt, printing apparatuses and methods of fusing toner on media with pre-heating of fuser belt
Fusers, printing apparatuses and methods of fusing toner on media are disclosed. An embodiment of the fusers comprises a pressure roll including an outer surface; a continuous fuser belt including an inner surface and an outer fusing surface contacting the outer surface at a nip; and a heater disposed inside of the fuser belt, the fuser belt being rotatable relative to the heater. The heater includes at least one heating surface contacting the inner surface and adapted to pre-heat a portion of the fuser belt before the portion is rotated to the nip, and to heat the pre-heated portion at the nip. |
| US07848670B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes an image carrier, a developer carrier, a biasing unit disposed upstream of a developing area, and a controller configured to control the biasing unit, and a cleaning member disposed downstream of the developing area to remove the liquid developing agent remaining on the developer carrier. A latent image held on the image carrier may be developed with the liquid developing agent, including charged toner and a carrier liquid, at the developing area where the developer carrier faces the image carrier. The controller causes the biasing unit to apply a first bias voltage to the surface of the liquid developing agent held on the developer carrier during developing, or a second bias voltage thereto during cleaning. |
| US07848663B2 |
Image forming apparatus configured to determine the position of an image carrier
One embodiment of the present invention can include an image forming apparatus having an image carrier, a light emitting portion capable of emitting a light towards a predetermined position, a light receiving portion capable of detecting a light amount of incident light from the predetermined position, a light emission control portion capable of changing an outgoing light amount of the light emitting portion, and a determining portion capable of determining whether or not the image carrier is disposed in the predetermined position based on a change in detected light amounts at the light receiving portion including a change in the outgoing light amount of the light emitting portion. |
| US07848662B2 |
Delay interferometer and demodulator
A delay interferometer and a demodulator including the delay interferometer and a balanced photodetector are provided. A half mirror splits an optical signal into first and second split beams of light which travel on first and second optical paths, respectively. A first reflector being disposed on the first optical path reflects the first split beam of light toward the half mirror. The second reflector being disposed on the second optical path reflects the second split beam of light toward the half mirror. At least one phase compensator being disposed between the half mirror and at least one of the first and second reflectors includes a medium that exhibits thermooptic effect and has temperature dependency of refractive index. The half mirror couples the first and second split beams of light to generate at least first and second coupled beams of light. |
| US07848656B2 |
Method of operating and optimising a WDM transmission system and computer program product
A method of operating a WDM transmission system with at least one transmitter and at least one receiver connected by means of a dispersive transmission line. The proposed method comprises the successive steps of successively: a) setting a tunable dispersion pre-compensation value at a transmitter-side Tunable Dispersion Compensation Module in operative connection with the transmitter to a first predetermined value (PRE°); b) setting or adjusting a tunable dispersion post-compensation value at a receiver-side Tunable Dispersion Compensation Module (7) in operative connection with the receiver to a second value (POST°) in order to optimize at least one characteristic (monitored performance like BER, eye opening, Q factor BER) of a transmitted signal at the receiver; and then c) simultaneously tuning the transmitter-side Tunable Dispersion Compensation Module and the receiver-side Tunable Dispersion Compensation Module with opposite respective dispersion shifts in order to further optimize said characteristic of the transmitted signal. |
| US07848652B2 |
Wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network system and method of generating optical source
A wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network system is provided. A central office generates a multi-mode light having a mode interval equal to a period interval of a multiplexing filter of the remote node and the multi-mode light is used to control a wavelength of an uplink transmission optical signal of the optical network unit. A remote node multiplexes the multi-mode light with the multiplexing filter to transmit the multiplexed multi-mode light to the optical network unit and demultiplexes the uplink transmission optical signal to transmit the demultiplexed uplink transmission optical signal to the central office. An the optical network unit generates the uplink transmission optical signal by modulating a data signal with a Fabry-Perot laser which uses the multiplexed multi-mode light as an injection optical source. Accordingly, it is possible to control a wavelength of a transmitter of the optical network unit by using the injection optical source generated by the central office. |
| US07848647B2 |
Optical switch and optical waveform monitoring device utilizing optical switch
The polarization direction of an optical signal is changed by a polarization controller so as to be orthogonal to a main axis of a polarizer. A control pulse generator generates control pulses from control beam with a wavelength which is different from the wavelength of the optical signal. The optical signal and the control pulse are input to a nonlinear optical fiber. In the nonlinear optical fiber, the optical signal, during a time period in which the optical signal and the control pulse coincide, is amplified with optical parametric amplification around a polarization direction of the control pulse. The optical signal, during the time period in which the optical signal and the control pulse coincide, passes through the polarizer. |
| US07848646B2 |
Optical, network, node apparatus and method for recovery path fault
Normality of links on a spare path or the links and nodes is monitored. When the spare path cannot be used, at least any one of nodes at both ends in a segmented path section is changed to another node on a working path. The segmented path section is changed to set another spare path. When a fault monitoring section which can accumulatively detect abnormal information is changed to the changed partial working path section, alarm generation in the fault monitoring section is prevented to release the prevention after completion of the change. |
| US07848644B2 |
Method and an apparatus to provide optical equipment protection
A method and an apparatus to provide optical equipment protection have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes splitting an incoming optical signal into a first and a second optical signals, sending the first and the second optical signals to a first and a second equipments in an optical network node, respectively, the second equipment being a protection module for the first equipment, monitoring a first and a second outgoing optical signals from the first and second equipments, and declaring a failure of the optical network node if only one of the first and the second outgoing optical signals has failed. Other embodiments have been claimed and described. |
| US07848637B1 |
Hidden camera disguised as tissue box
A hidden camera disguised as a tissue box so as for the hidden camera to have the semblance of a tissue box includes: a base, a casing engaged with and fixed in position to the base, a battery chamber, a supporter positioned above the battery chamber and configured to support a tissue pack, and a camera unit including a lens unit and a printed circuit board. The lens unit includes a lens positioned immediately behind a lens aperture of the casing. |
| US07848635B2 |
Modular stereoscopic rig
The present invention relates to a rig for a stereoscopic camera system. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a modular stereoscopic rig system. The modular rig system comprises a plurality of interchangeable bases, a first camera mounting module for mounting a first camera to one base and a second camera mounting module for mounting a second camera to the same base. |
| US07848627B2 |
Photographic apparatus
A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller. The movable platform has an imager and is movable and rotatable in an xy plane. The controller performs a movement control of the movable platform for a translational movement and an inclination correction during an imaging operation by the imager that commences when a shutter release switch is set to the ON state. The translational movement includes a first stabilization for correcting hand shake caused by yaw and a second stabilization for correcting hand shake caused by pitch. The inclination correction is based on an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus formed by rotation of the photographic apparatus around the optical axis, as measured with respect to a level plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force. The controller performs the inclination correction based on the inclination angle that is calculated before the imaging operation commences. |
| US07848623B2 |
Video apparatus
A video apparatus has a digital decoder generating a first digital stream, a video source of a first analogue signal, a video encoder and a first video decoder connectable to the video source for generating a second digital stream based on the first analogue signal. A switch is coupled to the first video decoder and to the digital decoder to notably mix the second digital stream and the first digital stream into an output digital stream to the video encoder. |
| US07848622B2 |
Optical storage medium for real-time recording AVI-format file and method thereof
A method of real-time recording a file with an AVI format on an optical storage medium is provided, in which the optical storage medium is a write-once type medium and employs a file system without multi-section record. According to the method, in the AVI format, a dummy chunk is used to cover a linking loss area generated between every continuous recording area, thus avoiding the AVI format being destroyed by the linking loss area. |
| US07848621B2 |
File format translation
Providing data for a stream multiplexer without generating any additional elementary stream file, including: receiving elementary stream data; generating pointer information for the elementary stream data; and generating a modification script using the pointer information, wherein the modification script specifies a process for modifying the elementary stream data for the stream multiplexer. |
| US07848620B2 |
Method for managing chapters
A method for managing chapters is disclosed. When data such as broadcasting program are recorded and chapters are set (e.g., automatically) based on a predetermined time interval in a disc recorder, such as a DVD recorder, embodiments of a method and apparatus of the invention can selectively integrate the last chapter of the recorded program with a chapter prior to the last chapter. The method can efficiently set the number of chapters without deteriorating random access performance. The method can efficiently manage navigation information according to chapter separation. |
| US07848618B2 |
Unified recording and pause buffer format
A unified recording format allows both recorded programs and paused buffered broadcasts to be stored in memory as a common virtual stream. As content is received on a channel, it is placed into the virtual stream with newer content at the start of the stream and progressively aging content migrating farther downstream. A front section of the stream effectively operates as a pause buffer, as the currently tuned broadcast program is recorded in this section and is responsive to pause/resume commands. Recorded programs are also stored as part of the same virtual stream. Pointers are used to identify the boundaries of the pause buffer, as well as the beginning and end of each recorded program in the virtual stream. |
| US07848616B2 |
Processing device and method for time domain change of A/V data stream
A processing device and method for time domain change of A/V data stream comprises a starting threshold setting unit for setting a starting threshold; a detecting module for detecting whether the A/V data stream having a SCR domain change; a counting unit comprising a counter for recording a continuous probable times of the SCR domain change according a detecting result of the detecting module; a comparing unit for comparing the counter with the starting threshold; and a time domain change procedure performing unit for performing a time domain change procedure of the A/V data stream for synchronization of a STC according a detecting result of the comparing unit. Accordingly, since the frequency of the time domain change will be lower, the corresponding response of the decoder will be in time for playing as well. |
| US07848615B2 |
Medium for storing subtitle data structure of an audio/ video program and method for displaying the same
The present invention provides a medium for storing a subtitle data structure of an audio/video program and a method for displaying the same. The subtitle data structure of the audio/video program includes a plurality of character packages and a background image package, wherein each character package further has a header that includes the start and the end of a presenting time stamp (PTS), X-Y coordinates of the character, X length, Y length and a color (or colors) of the character, as well as pixel data for displaying the character. Compared with prior art, using the subtitle data structure of the present invention can considerably save the required medium capacity for storing the subtitle data. |
| US07848614B2 |
Viewing program control method and video recording apparatus
In the content automatic recording and playback, if the recording and the playback are conducted according to a taste, the user's taste takes precedence and is emphasized. To cope with this situation, a scenario is disposed as a condition to restrict the taste. In the recording and the playback, the scenario acts upon the taste to guide the user to easily view contents matching the scenario. As a result, only by setting the scenario, it is possible to enhance the possibility to guide the user's taste according to a desire (scenario) while recording the contents matching the taste. |
| US07848611B2 |
Storage system and digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system is provided, in which an editing storage connected to plural digital image editing apparatuses can be managed as a virtual storage in a collective manner and an editing storage connected to other digital image editing apparatuses can be handled as the editing storage connected to the digital image editing apparatus. The digital broadcasting system includes a digital image editing apparatus, a storage system having an editing storage and a management storage, and a sending apparatus, wherein a first access path from the digital image editing apparatus to the editing storage and a second access path from the digital image editing apparatus through a virtual storage in the management storage are provided as access paths to the digital image data stored in the editing storage, and the access through the first and second access paths is controlled based on the use of the editing storage. |
| US07848609B2 |
Detachable fiber holder platform and assembly
A fiber holder platform includes a support, a clamp configured to secure a cable to the support, and a securing mechanism configured to detachably secure the platform to a fiber holder and alternatively to a heat oven. A fiber holder assembly includes the fiber holder platform and the fiber holder, in a detachable or integral configuration. |
| US07848607B2 |
Fabrication of nanowires
A method of forming a nanowire is disclosed. In one embodiment, a primary preform is formed comprising at least one central region and a support structure. The primary preform is then drawn to a cane, which is then inserted into an outer portion, to form a secondary preform. The secondary preform is then drawn until the at least one central portion is a nanowire. The method can produce nanowires of far greater length than existing methods, and can reduce the likelihood of damaging the nanowire when handling. |
| US07848605B2 |
Method of making optical probes for non-invasive analyte measurements
An optical probe for non-invasively measuring an analyte property in a biological sample of a subject, comprises a plurality of illumination fibers that deliver source light from an optical probe input to a sample interface, a plurality of collection fibers that deliver light returned from the sample interface to an optical probe output, and wherein the illumination and collection fibers are oriented substantially perpendicular to the sample interface and the illumination and collection fibers are stacked in a plurality of linear rows to provide a stack of fibers arranged in a rectangular pattern. The optical probe is amenable to manufacturing on a scale consistent with a commercial product. Methods of making such probes are described. |
| US07848599B2 |
Optical device with large thermal impedance
Embodiments of an optical device, an array of optical devices, and a technique for fabricating the optical device or the array are described. This optical device is implemented on a substrate (such as silicon), and includes a thermally tunable optical waveguide that has good thermal isolation from its surroundings. In particular, a portion of a semiconductor in the optical device, which includes the optical waveguide, is free standing above a gap between the semiconductor layer and the substrate. By reducing the thermal coupling between the optical waveguide and the external environment, the optical device can be thermally tuned with significantly less power consumption. |
| US07848597B2 |
Data processing
In an image scaling method, an image (10) having an original row/column resolution NO is scaled into a scaled image (30) having a target row/column resolution NT. A filter set comprising α filters is provided, where α being equal to a quotient of the target resolution NT and a common denominator k of the original resolution NO and the target resolution NT. The common denominator k is a positive number larger than one. For at least one row/column (16/18) of image elements (12), a filtered image element (32) of the scaled image (30) is formed, for each filter in the filter set, by filtering at least one image element (12) of the at least one row/column (16/18) using the filter. This image element formation is repeated up to k times over the at least row/column (16/18) to form a scaled row/column (36/38) of image elements (32) of the scaled image (30). |
| US07848593B2 |
Method of producing and displaying an aerial photograph data set
In the method of obtaining captures images, there is overlaps in images in the flight direction and in a direction (cross direction) that crosses the flight direction. A predetermined number of the captured images containing overlapping sections that include a target point are selected out of the obtained images in the flight direction and/or the cross direction. From the overlap sections of these captured images, selected images are obtained by selecting image sections within a specific range that contains the target point. Using the flight direction and the cross direction as axes for a matrix, the selected images are arranged to create an aerial photograph data set. |
| US07848589B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying edge enhancement based on image characteristics
An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, capable of applying edge enhancement to an image based on characteristics of the image. |
| US07848584B2 |
Reduced dimension wavelet matching pursuits coding and decoding
Embodiments related to coding and/or decoding data, including for example image data, using wavelet transform and matching pursuits are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wavelet transform is applied to data to produce transformed data. The transformed data is scanned to produce reduced dimension data, and a matching pursuit is performed in the reduced dimension data. |
| US07848583B2 |
Motion encoding of still images
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for encoding a series of still images. The first image is captured and stored, then for each subsequent image of the series, that image is captured and compared to the first image or the previous image and difference information between the first or previous image and each subsequent image of the series is stored, resulting in one output file that contains the base image and difference information for each subsequent image, thereby reducing the amount of storage needed to store a series of images. |
| US07848582B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus, program of image processing method and recording medium recording program of image processing method
An image processing method for decoding input encoded image data, which has undergone encoding processing by a predetermined format, image processing the decoded image data, and encoding the image-processed data to create output encoded data includes repeating the process of decoding, image processing and encoding processing and outputting the image data in image processing units subject to the image processing; and sorting the encoded data obtained from the repeated processing step and creating the output encoded data in an order defined by the format of the output encoded data for performing encoding processing on one picture plane. In this case, the repeated processing step includes decoding the input encoded data in the image processing units and outputting image data, image processing the decoded image data in the image processing units, and encoding processing the image-processed data in encoding processing units. |
| US07848574B2 |
Classifying an input character
A method for classifying an input character is disclosed. Character models are used. Each character model is associated with an output character and defines a model specific segmentation scheme for that output character and an associated segment model. The model specific segmentation scheme defines a minimum length corresponding to a number of points in a stroke of the output character and a minimum length threshold. Using each of the character models, the input character is decomposed into segments and the segments are evaluated against the segment model of the respective character model to produce a score indicative of the conformity of the segments with the segment model. The character model that produced the highest score is selected and the input character is classified as the output character associated with the character model that produces the highest score. |
| US07848572B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program
An image processing method according to the present invention includes extracting from a document image an area to be determined, calculating the number of closed loops within the extracted area, and making a determination based on the calculated number of closed loops, whether the area is a character area. This invention makes it possible to determine with a high accuracy whether an area to be determined is a character area. |
| US07848571B2 |
Computer-implemented method for efficient image segmentation using automated saddle-point detection
One embodiment relates to a computer-implemented method of image segmentation using automated saddle point detection. An edge map is created by edge detection, and a distance map is generated based on the edge map. Saddle points are detected using the distance map. Connector pixels are determined using the saddle points, and connector pixels forming valid connecting paths are marked as edge pixels. Finally, flood filling is performed within edges to designate image segments. Other features, aspects and embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US07848568B2 |
Medicine bag and color reproduction system
A color reproduction system using a medicine bag including a bag adapted to accommodate a medicine therein, and a color chart provided on an outer surface of the bag. The medicine bag includes a first medicine bag having a first color chart and located at a first location and a second medicine bag having a second color chart and located at a second location remote from the first location. The color reproducing system includes: a first device, located at the first location, and operable to read the first color chart so as to generate first color data; and a second device, located at the second location, and operable to transmit image data of an object and second color data of the second color chart to the first device. The first device corrects the image data by using a correction value based on the first color data and the second color data, and displays the corrected image data. |
| US07848567B2 |
Determining regions of interest in synthetic images
An algorithm for finding regions of interest (ROI) in synthetic images based on an information driven approach in which sub-blocks of a set of synthetic image are analyzed for information content or compressibility based on textural and color features. A DCT may be used to analyze the textural features of a set of images and a color histogram may be used to analyze the color features of the set of images. Sub-blocks of low compressibility are grouped into ROIs using a type of morphological technique. Unlike other algorithms that are geared for highly specific types of ROI (e.g. OCR text detection), the method of the present invention is generally applicable to arbitrary synthetic images. The present invention can be used with several other image applications, including Stained-Glass collages presentations. |
| US07848566B2 |
Object recognizer and detector for two-dimensional images using bayesian network based classifier
A system and method for determining a classifier to discriminate between two classes—object or non-object. The classifier may be used by an object detection program to detect presence of a 3D object in a 2D image (e.g., a photograph or an X-ray image). The overall classifier is constructed of a sequence of classifiers (or “sub-classifiers”), where each such classifier is based on a ratio of two graphical probability models (e.g., Bayesian networks). A discrete-valued variable representation at each node in a Bayesian network by a two-stage process of tree-structured vector quantization is discussed. The overall classifier may be part of an object detector program that is trained to automatically detect many different types of 3D objects (e.g., human faces, airplanes, cars, etc.). Computationally efficient statistical methods to evaluate overall classifiers are disclosed. The Bayesian network-based classifier may also be used to determine if two observations (e.g., two images) belong to the same category. For example, in case of face recognition, the classifier may determine whether two photographs are of the same person. A method to provide lighting correction or adjustment to compensate for differences in various lighting conditions of input images is disclosed as well. As per the rules governing abstracts, the content of this abstract should not be used to construe the claims in this application. |
| US07848563B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting a defect of a pattern
In a pattern inspection apparatus, influences of pattern brightness variations that is caused in association with, for example, a film thickness difference or a pattern width variation can be reduced, high sensitive pattern inspection can be implemented, and a variety of defects can be detected. Thereby, the pattern inspection apparatus adaptable to a broad range of processing steps is realized. In order to realize this, the pattern inspection apparatus of the present invention performs comparison between images of regions corresponding to patterns formed to be same patterns, thereby determining mismatch portions across the images to be defects. The apparatus includes multiple sensors capable of synchronously acquiring images of shiftable multiple detection systems different from one another, and an image comparator section corresponding thereto. In addition, the apparatus includes means of detecting a statistical offset value from the feature amount to be a defect, thereby enabling the defect to be properly detected even when a brightness difference is occurring in association with film a thickness difference in a wafer. |
| US07848555B2 |
Computer aided detection of microcalcification clusters
A method for computer-aided detection of microcalcification clusters using a digital computer obtains digital mammography data for a single view image and normalizes and filters the image data to reduce noise. A first mask is generated and applied to the image data for defining the breast structure, forming a first cropped image. A second mask is generated and applied to the image data for defining muscle structure, forming a second cropped image. An artifact mask corresponding to vascular calcifications and known imaging artifacts is generated and applied to the first and second cropped images, defining first and second artifact-masked cropped images. In a repeated sequence, portions of each artifact-masked cropped image are processed using an enhancement algorithm and reducing edge effects to obtain a set of microcalcification cluster candidates and suspected microcalcification clusters. Image processing algorithms remove false positives from the listing of microcalcification clusters and classify candidate microcalcification clusters to identify true positives. |
| US07848545B2 |
Method of and system for image processing and computer program
A trimmed image is obtained by trimming for cutting out from a photographic image obtained by taking a photograph of an object including a reference part, and one or more other part which has a common centerline with the reference part and is arranged in a direction in which the centerline of the reference part extends, an image of an area including a part or the whole of the reference part and said other part along a trimming centerline. The centerline of the reference part is obtained and the degree and the direction of inclination of said other part are detected from the photographic image. The trimming centerline is inclined by a larger angle away from the centerline toward the direction of the inclination of said other part as the degree of inclination increases. |
| US07848539B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method for the image processing apparatus, and storage medium storing computer program for executing the control method of the image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a production unit that can produce data by putting original image data into a first region and copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image data into a second region, and a processing unit that can perform predetermined processing to the original image data put in the first region. The image processing apparatus further includes a composite image data producing unit that can produce composite image data based on both of the original image data to which the predetermined processing is performed and the copy-forgery-inhibited-pattern image data put in the second region of the data. |
| US07848528B2 |
Hands-free microphone with wind break
A wind break device for a microphone includes an airflow diverter and a flow separation edge partially bordering a microphone end of the airflow diverter. The microphone zone located between the flow separation edge and is part of the recirculation zone. The microphone is located in the microphone zone. Airflow separates from one of the airflow diverter or the flow separation edge. The separated airflow is directed as one of recirculating airflow or a major airflow and the recirculating airflow is directed into the recirculation zone. The major airflow is directed over the microphone zone and the recirculation zone to reduce the level of pressure fluctuations experienced by the microphone in the microphone zone. |
| US07848526B2 |
Method of receiving session key in home network and method of reproducing content using the same
A method of receiving a session key in a home network and a method of reproducing content using the same. The method of receiving a session key from a home server in a home network, includes: (a) whenever one of members of the home network changes, receiving and storing the session key and a session version indicating a session key generation sequence; (b) receiving a license necessary for reproducing predetermined content; and (c) determining a session key necessary for reproducing the predetermined content based on an encoding session version (ESV), which is a session version extracted from the license, and the stored session version. A home server transmits a session key and a session version to a user device whenever a subscriber to a home network changes, and the user device determines a session key using the session version, thereby performing a variety of domain administration by freely transmitting content between user devices. |
| US07848524B2 |
Systems and methods for a secure recording environment
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing electronic keys that are used to encrypt and decrypt secure, captured data in a customer center. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: establishing a secure communication over a network between the key management system and a retrieval component; transmitting a duplicate copy of at least one electronic key to a cache that is electrically coupled to the retrieval component; receiving a request to retrieve the electronic keys; and transmitting the retrieved electronic keys for decrypting the stored data. |
| US07848520B2 |
Partial encryption storage medium
An electronic storage device has a segment of digital video content recorded thereon as a data structure with a first set of data packets encrypted under a first encryption process and a second set of data packets encrypted under a second encryption process. The first set of video data packets and the second set of video data packets, when unencrypted, represent duplicate copies of the same video information. A third set of data packets contains unencrypted video data that is contextually contiguous to the first set of data packets and the second set of data packets. The first and third set of data packets represents all video content in the segment of digital video content as does the second and third set of data packets. |
| US07848517B2 |
Secure open-air communication system utilizing multi-channel decoyed transmission
A secure, open-air communication system utilizes a plurality of “decoy” data signals to hide one or more true data signals. The true data signal(s) are channel hopped with the plurality of decoy data signals to form a multi-channel “scrambled” output signal that is thereafter transmitted in an open-air communication system. The greater the number of decoy signals, the greater the security provided to the open-air system. Further security may be provided by encrypting both the true and decoy signals prior to scrambling and/or by utilizing a spatially diverse set of transmitters and receivers. Without the knowledge of the channel assignment(s) for the true signal(s), an eavesdropper may be able to intercept (and, with time, perhaps descramble) the open-air transmitted signals, will not be able to distinguish the true data from the decoys without also knowing the channel assignment(s). |
| US07848513B2 |
Method for transmitting security context for handover in portable internet system
A method for transmitting a handover security context of a first access point, when an access terminal from a service cell of a first access point is connected to a packet access router, to a service cell of a second access point connected to the packet access router, is provided. The handover security context transmitting method includes confirming whether a handover confirmation message transmitted from the access terminal has a security context therein; when the handover confirmation message has a security context therein, confirming whether the security context has security-related information therein; when the security context has security-related information therein, confirming whether the security context has a traffic-related key or a pairwise master key; and transmitting an information instruction message including the security related information confirmed in the security context, the security-related information, the traffic-related key, and the pairwise master key through the PAR to the second AP. |
| US07848503B2 |
Method for processing an untaken call on a called communication terminal
The invention relates to a method for processing an untaken call on a called communication terminal, where at least for the untaken call a communication address for a caller or his calling communication terminal is entered in a caller list associated with the called communication terminal. An instruction given by the caller during or after the call suppresses a return call which can be initiated by the entry in the caller list. |
| US07848501B2 |
Storage abuse prevention
The subject invention provides a unique system and method that facilitates mitigation of storage abuse in connection with free storage provided by messaging service providers such as email, instant messaging, chat, blogging, and/or web hosting service providers. The system and method involve measuring the outbound volume of stored data. When the volume satisfies a threshold, a cost can be imposed on the account to mitigate the suspicious or abusive activity. Other factors can be considered as well that can modify the cost imposed on the cost such as by increasing the cost. Machine learning can be employed as well to predict a level or degree of suspicion. The various factors or the text of the messages can be used as input for the machine learning system. |
| US07848497B2 |
Communication device and communication method
A communication device and a communication method capable of transmitting data after confirming a destination device in one SMTP communication. A transmitter communication device carries out a communication request to a recipient communication device and SMTP communication is started. The recipient communication device transmits information of a recipient stored in a storage unit to the transmitter communication device under a prescribed procedure. Before receiving the data, the recipient communication device suspends the communication protocol with a communication channel maintained. The transmitter communication device displays the received information of the recipient on a display unit, and suspends the communication protocol with the communication channel maintained. Accordingly, a user can confirm a transmission destination from the display. After confirming the transmission destination, the user instructs to transmit the data. Accordingly, the communication protocol is continued and the data can be transmitted. |
| US07848495B2 |
Voice communication apparatus
A voice communication apparatus is interposed between a telephone set and a public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a broadband network which can provide a frequency bandwidth broader than a frequency bandwidth of the public switched telephone network. The apparatus selects one of the PSTN and the broadband network, from which a voice signal is input. The apparatus takes account of the selected network, frequency characteristics of the selected network and of the telephone set, and appropriately adjusts frequency characteristics of a voice signal transmitted between the telephone set and the selected network by means of transmitter and receiver band-pass filter units. As a result, both the telephone set and the counterpart communication terminal can receive a voice signal of better transmission quality. |
| US07848493B2 |
System and method for capturing media
A method and system are disclosed for capturing media during a recording session using a separate input device for each of plural audio sources. An exemplary method includes producing audio data with the separate input device, processing the audio data to identify a portion of audio data having a first audio characteristic, and storing an audio record for each identified portion of audio data. Each audio record is associated with temporal data used in determining a sequence of the identified portion of audio data in relation to other identified portions of audio data from other separate input devices, and each audio record is associated with identity data representing identifying characteristics for the identified portion of audio data. |
| US07848481B2 |
X-ray CT apparatus
In an X-ray CT apparatus, an X-ray source and an X-ray detector mounted in a guide arm are freely movable in such a direction as to approach to and separate from a sample. With respect to this movement, the center of gravity of the whole containing respective constituent elements mounted in the guide arm is kept on the rotational axis by a weight balance adjusting mechanism. The weight balance adjusting mechanism contains a movable weight which is freely movable to the guide arm. The movement of the movable weight is controlled so that a difference between the rotational moment around the rotational axis is offset and substantially equal to zero. The moving passage of the movable weight is set on a straight line which is parallel to the moving direction of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and does not pass through the rotational axis. |
| US07848480B2 |
X-ray CT scanner and data processing method of X-ray CT scanner
An X-ray CT scanner includes X-ray tubes including a first X-ray tube and a second X-ray tube having fan angles different from each other, X-ray detectors including a first X-ray detector and a second X-ray detector which are respectively arranged to face the first X-ray tube and the second X-ray tube, collection data processing means for executing weighting processing to each of pieces of collection data including first collection data obtained by the first X-ray detector and second collection data obtained by the second X-ray detector to generate image data combined to be smooth in a direction corresponding to a channel direction of detection elements provided in the X-ray detectors, and image generating section for performing processing including image reconstruction processing with respect to pieces of collection data weighted by the collection data processing section to generate image data. |
| US07848477B2 |
Shift registers
A shift register including shift register units substantially cascaded is disclosed. Each shift register unit is controlled by first and second clock signals opposite to each other for generating an output signal. Each shift register unit includes first and second switch devices and first and second devices. The first switch device provides the output signal through an output node. The first driving device drives the first switch device according to a first input signal to activate the output signal. The second driving device provides a first voltage signal, according to the first clock signal, to drive the first switch device and de-activate the output signal. When the first switch device de-activates the output signal, the second switch device provides the second voltage signal to the output node according to the second clock signal. A level of the first voltage signal is lower than a level of the second voltage signal. |
| US07848476B2 |
Channel seating tool for nuclear fuel assembly and method for seating channel on the assembly
A tool to slide a channel on a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly, the tool includes: a plate having a slot to receive a handle of the fuel bundle and a lower surface that engages an upper edge of the channel; at least one post extends up from the plate, and an arm is attached to a pivot on the post and includes a first end to receive a downward force and a second end adapted to engage the handle of the fuel bundle to apply an upward force to the handle and push down on the channel. |
| US07848473B2 |
Phase interpolator having a phase jump
A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating phase controlled data, based on a roaming tap interpolator. The present invention recognizes that roaming tap interpolators have inherent nonlinearities and discontinuities at the boundaries of each interpolation region. A roaming tap interpolator is disclosed that shifts the interpolation curve in time in order to avoid the undesired artifacts in the interpolation curve. A roaming tap interpolator generally comprises a plurality of delay elements that delays a first signal to generate a plurality of interpolation regions each having an associated phase; a multiplexer to select one or more of the interpolation regions; and an interpolator to process the selected one or more of the interpolation regions to generate a second signal. In addition, according to the present invention, the roaming tap interpolator includes a delay unit that selectively delays one or more of the first signal and the second signal to generate an interpolation signal, the interpolation signal selectively having a first phase or a second phase. |
| US07848472B2 |
Synchronization method of data interchange of a communication network, and corresponding circuit and architecture
A semiconductor substrate integrated electronic circuit includes a transmitter block and a receiver block connected through a communication network (4). A data signal having a transmission period is generated on a first line that is received by the receiver block. A congestion signal is generated on a second line from the receiver block to the transmitter block when a congestion event of the receiver block occurs in order to interrupt the data signal transmission. A synchro signal is generated on a third line starting from the transmitter block, this synchro signal indicating to the receiver block that the data signal comprises a new datum. The congestion signal also interrupts the synchro signal transmission when a congestion event of the receiver block occurs. |
| US07848463B2 |
Adaptive time-filtering for channel estimation in OFDM system
Time filtering channel estimates in a wireless communication system, such as an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) system, can be used to improve the quality of channel estimates. The characteristics of an optimal channel estimate time filter can depend on the manner in which the channel estimate is determined as well as the time correlation of channel estimates. A receiver can implement an adaptive time filter for channel estimates in which the time filter response can vary based on channel estimate parameters. The channel estimate parameters can include the manner of determining channel estimates, a time correlation of channel estimates, and an estimated Doppler frequency. The time filter response can be varied continuously over a range of responses or can be varied discretely over a predetermined number of time filter responses. |
| US07848462B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception system having improved receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcasting transmission/reception system having improved receiving performance and signal processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter according to the present invention includes a data pre-processor which processed robust data and generates robust data packet of predetermined format, a TS stream generator which combines robust data packet with a normal data packet to generate a TS stream of a predetermined format, a randomizer which randomizes the TS stream output from the TS stream generator, a convolution encoder which performs convolution encoding with respect to the robust data of the data output from the randomizer, and a RS encoder which performs RS encoding with respect to the data output from the convolution g encoder. Accordingly, digital broadcasting receiving performance can be improved in a poor multipath channel, while maintaining compatibility with existing transmission/reception system. |
| US07848460B2 |
Interference suppression method and apparatus
A composite baseband signal includes a desired signal component modulated according to a first modulation scheme and an interfering signal component modulated according to a second modulation scheme. Information is recovered from the composite signal by applying a phase rotation associated with the second modulation scheme to the composite signal to generate a rotated signal. Based on the rotated signal, a channel model associated with the desired signal component and interference cancelling filter coefficients associated with the interfering signal component are generated. The rotated signal is filtered according to the interference cancelling filter coefficients to suppress the interfering signal component from the rotated signal. The filtered signal is equalized based on branch metrics derived from the channel model and symbol hypotheses rotated in accordance with a difference in phase rotations associated with the first and second modulations to recover information from the desired signal component. |
| US07848457B2 |
Constant delay zero standby differential logic receiver and method
A differential receiver circuit on an integrated circuit consumes substantially no standby power, has constant propagation delay regardless of the input common mode bias, has acceptable common mode rejection and includes first and second pass circuits and buffers to receive differential input signals. The first pass circuit provides a true output signal based on a differential between the “true” buffered signal and the complimentary buffered signal. The second pass circuit provides a “complementary” output signal based on a differential between the complimentary buffered signal and the “true” buffered signal. The differential receiver circuit rejects common mode biases that may be present on the received differential signals without varying propagation delay times. |
| US07848455B2 |
Transmission circuit comprising multistage amplifier, and communication device
Provided is a transmission circuit which is capable of compensating for an offset voltage and a sensitivity characteristic of a PA, and operating with low distortion and high efficiency. A regulator 18 supplies, to a PA 201, a voltage which is controlled in accordance with an amplitude signal to which a first offset value has been added. A regulator 19 supplies, to a PA 202, a voltage which is controlled in accordance with an amplitude signal to which a second offset value has been added. The PA 201 amplifies, in accordance with the voltage supplied from the regulator 18, a phase-modulated signal outputted from a phase modulator 13. The PA 202 amplifies, in accordance with the voltage supplied from the regulator 19, an output signal of the PA 201. A digital block 11 controls the first and second offset values in accordance with temperature information T measured by a temperature measuring section 21. |
| US07848454B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
Modulated signal A is transmitted from a first antenna, and modulated signal B is transmitted from a second antenna. As modulated signal B, modulated symbols S2(i) and S2(i+1) obtained from different data are transmitted at time i and time i+1 respectively. In contrast, as modulated signal A, modulated symbols S1(i) and S1(i)′ obtained by changing the signal point arrangement of the same data are transmitted at time i and time i+1 respectively. As a result the reception quality can be changed intentionally at time i and time i+1, and therefore using the demodulation result of modulated signal A of a time when the reception quality is good enables both modulated signals A and B to be demodulated with good error rate performances. |
| US07848453B2 |
Independent LO IQ tuning for improved image rejection
A transmitter includes a first amplifier to amplify an in-phase oscillator signal to produce an in-phase mixing signal and a second amplifier to amplify a quadrature-phase oscillator signal to produce a quadrature-phase mixing signal. A first mixer mixes the in-phase mixing signal with a first information signal to produce a first output signal. A second mixer mixes the quadrature-phase mixing signal with a second information signal to produce a second output signal. The first output signal and an inverted second output signal are summed to produce a transmitter output signal that includes an image signal caused by a phase imbalance between the in-phase and quadrature-phase mixing signals. An image monitor monitors the image signal and reduces or eliminates the phase imbalance by independently adjusting a phase of the in-phase mixing signal and/or a phase of the quadrature-phase mixing signal. Consequently, a power of the image signal is reduced or eliminated. |
| US07848450B2 |
Methods and apparatus to pre-compensate for I/Q distortion in quadrature transmitters
Methods and apparatus to pre-compensate for in-phase/quadrature (I/Q) distortion in quadrature transmitters are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises coupling a portion of an analog baseband in-phase signal to an analog baseband quadrature signal through an impedance, and selecting a resistance value for the impedance to pre-distort the analog baseband quadrature signal to compensate for an error introduced by modulation of the analog baseband in-phase signal and the analog baseband quadrature signal. |
| US07848449B2 |
Offset compensation device
In an electronic device having a circuit outputting a vector sum of two quadrature vector signals, an offset compensating device compensates the offset contained in the vector sum. The offset compensating device aims to flexibly adapt to deviation in characteristics and performances and various fluctuations, and to compensate offset stably and accurately. The offset compensating device includes a deviation monitor unit creating a vector signal by A/D-converting the aforementioned vector sum and by quadrature-demodulating it and monitoring the deviation of the DC components superposed on the vector signal, and an adaptive control unit updating the compensation vector determined in advance, based on adaptive algorithm minimizing expectation value of the product of the inner product between an increment vector and the compensation vector, and the latest deviation vector, and adding the compensation vector to an offset vector to be inputted, while being superposed on the input signal, to a circuit. |
| US07848448B2 |
Method of generating reference signal in wireless communication system
A method of generating a reference signal includes acquiring a base sequence and acquiring a reference signal sequence with a length N from the base sequence. Good PAPR/CM characteristics of the reference signal can be kept to enhance performance of data demodulation or uplink scheduling. |
| US07848446B2 |
Reduction of peak-to-average-power ratio in a telecommunications system
A single-carrier signal is generated from a number, N, of symbols in a way that results in a low PAPR. This includes generating an initial set of N complex frequency components from the N symbols. Ns different sets of N complex frequency components are generated by, for each of Ns times, permuting the initial set of N complex frequency components by one of Ns possible permutations. Ns different sets of M complex frequency components are generated by mapping each of the Ns different sets of N complex frequency components onto a set of M carrier frequencies. After shaping, an IDFT generates a candidate set of N time-domain symbols from each of the Ns different sets of M complex frequency components. That one of the Ns different candidate sets of N time-domain symbols that is associated with the smallest PAPR is selected for further processing. |
| US07848442B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and method in multi-input/multi-output communications systems
A signal processing apparatus in a multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) communication system includes a transmitting end in which a code rate is differently set and a respectively different modulation method is performed at each antenna in consideration of a channel situation of each transmission antenna, coded bits are separately interleaved, and then collectively interleaved to transmit data, and a receiving end in which received data is collectively deinterleaved and then decoded and deinterleaved separately according to each reception antenna, and a channel situation of each signal received from multiple transmission antennas is estimated and fed back to the transmitting end. A different coding rates and modulation method are used at each transmission antenna and the spatial interleaving is performed to obtain a diversity gain in a space domain, and thus, the communication quality can be enhanced. |
| US07848440B2 |
Multi-channel communication method and apparatus using plural Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations
A technique for estimating channel data probability in a multi-user or multiple-input multiple-output communication system is disclosed. The technique uses parallel Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation to select a plurality of hypothetical channel data patterns. Channel data bit probabilities are obtained by summing conditional bit probabilities, where the conditional bit probabilities are conditioned on an observation of the multi-channel signal and the hypothetical channel data patterns. |
| US07848438B2 |
Method and apparatus for pilot signal transmission
A pilot (or reference) transmission scheme is utilized where different transmitters are assigned pilot sequences with possibly different cyclic time shifts. A pilot signal is transmitted concurrently by the transmitters in a plurality of pilot blocks, and a receiver processes the plurality of received pilot blocks to recover a channel estimate for at least one of the transmitters while suppressing the interference due to the pilot signals from the other transmitters. |
| US07848434B2 |
Channel estimator and related method for smoothing channel responses of a multi-carrier system
A channel estimator and a related method for smoothing channel responses of a multi-carrier system. The channel estimator includes a channel response computing circuit for computing at least one of a target channel estimation and a reference channel estimation by utilizing a computing algorithm, wherein the target channel estimation and the reference channel estimation corresponds to a sub-carrier channel respectively. |
| US07848432B2 |
System and method for efficiently storing macroblocks in SD-RAM
Presented herein are systems and methods for efficiently storing macroblocks in DRAM. The macroblocks are stored contiguously allowing each macroblock to be written and overwritten in a single write transaction. Additionally, in one embodiment, as many as five macroblocks can be written or overwritten in a single write transaction. |
| US07848431B2 |
Video encoding/decoding method and apparatus for motion compensation prediction
A video encoding apparatus includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included. |
| US07848430B2 |
Video and graphics system with an MPEG video decoder for concurrent multi-row decoding
A video and graphics system processes video data including both analog video, e.g., NTSC/PAL/SECAM/S-video, and digital video, e.g., MPEG-2 video in SDTV or HDTV format. The video and graphics system includes a video decoder, which is capable of concurrently decoding multiple SLICEs of MPEG-2 video data. The video decoder includes multiple row decoding engines for decoding the MPEG-2 video data. Each row decoding engine concurrently decodes two or more rows of the MPEG-2 video data. The row decoding engines have a pipelined architecture for concurrently decoding multiple rows of MPEG-2 video data. The video decoder may be integrated on an integrated circuit chip with other video and graphics system components such as transport processors for receiving one or more compressed data streams and for extracting video data, and a video compositor for blending processed video data with graphics. |
| US07848429B2 |
Hierarchical coding and decoding method
The method comprising a wavelet-based spatial analysis step comprising filtering operations of the picture at the high resolution format and horizontal and/or vertical decimation operations of the filtered picture to supply subband signals, is wherein a decimation operation is carried out according to a factor different from an even value and corresponds to the quotient of the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the first and second format such that the low frequency picture thus obtained relative to the low frequency subband signals, corresponds to the second format. |
| US07848428B2 |
System and method for reducing visible artifacts in video coding using multiple reference pictures
In video compression systems, a system and method for reducing visible artifacts in video coding using multiple reference pictures are provided. A first GOP characterized by a “bbIbbBbbBbbB” structure and a second GOP characterized by “bbIbbQbbMbbQ” GOP structure may be used to reduce “I” frame clicking. The “B,” “b,” “Q,” and “M” pictures may be inter-coded by using multiple prediction dependencies, including dependency to a next GOP “I” picture, to smooth out discontinuities across GOPs in a video sequence. Prediction dependencies may be based on a weighing scheme where assigned weights are a function of the temporal distance between reference pictures and the picture being encoded. A first video compression system may be used for the first GOP and may encode “I,” “B,” and “b” pictures. A second video compression system may be used for the second GOP and may encode “I,” “Q,” “M,” and “b” pictures. |
| US07848425B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding stereoscopic video
Stereoscopic video is encoded and decoded by using the MAC defined by the existing MPEG-4 standard. The stereoscopic video is divided into one image as a single video object, and another image as auxiliary information for the image established as the video object. The auxiliary information includes a horizontal disparity map, a vertical disparity map, luminance residual texture, and chrominance residual texture, which are respectively allocated to auxiliary components of the MAC according to importance and complexity of the images, encoded, and then output as a single encoding stream. |
| US07848419B2 |
Video encoding/ decoding method and apparatus for motion compensation prediction
A video encoding method includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included. |
| US07848415B2 |
Video encoding/decoding method and apparatus for motion compensation prediction
A video encoding apparatus includes selecting one combination, for each block of an input video signal, from a plurality of combinations. Each combination includes a predictive parameter and at least one reference picture number determined in advance for the reference picture. A prediction picture signal is generated in accordance with the reference picture number and predictive parameter of the selected combination. A predictive error signal is generated representing an error between the input video signal and the prediction picture signal. Encoding the predictive error signal, information of the motion vector, and index information indicating the selected combination is included. |
| US07848410B2 |
Video decoding methods and devices
A video decoding method. The first frame of video data is acquired, the first frame is assigned to the backward reference frame and the forward reference frame respectively, and a frame buffer is emptied. Next, the next frame of the video data is acquired, and frame type is then determined. If the frame is a B-frame, corresponding decoding operations are implemented according to the determining result, and the frame is temporarily stored in the frame buffer. |
| US07848407B2 |
Methods, circuits, and computer program products for syntax parsing in H.264 compliant video decoders
A method of processing H.264 compliant can include allocating a plurality of regions in a memory internal to an H.264 compliant syntax parser circuit for concurrent storage of a plurality of slice headers associated with respective H.264 slice data to be processed. Related circuits and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US07848403B1 |
Enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain for multi-carrier signals
A technique for enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain for multi-carrier signals is described. The input to a transmitter chain is modified by an enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain, prior to being applied to the transmitter. The enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain modifies and smoothen the amplitude of the signal. The modified and smoothen signal has its picks reduced which results to lower Crest Factor. The input to the enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain could be a baseband, an intermediate frequency (IF) or radio frequency (RF) signal. When the signal is an IF or RF signal it needs to be down converted to baseband before applied to enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain. The enhanced reconditioning equalizer filter chain could be implemented in digital or analog domain. |
| US07848401B2 |
Method and system for static data-pattern compensated adaptive equalizer control
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method is offered that includes characterizing a data correlation matrix for an idle pattern offline in a filter environment and, further, using a static adaptive control scheme with a static value of a data-pattern compensation matrix to achieve a compensated adaptive equalizer control. In more specific embodiments, the adaptive control scheme is used with a ZF adaptation scheme in conjunction with a constant adaptation matrix. In other embodiments, the adaptive control scheme is used with a fast steepest-descent method using a variable adaptation matrix. In still other embodiments, the adaptive control scheme is used with a constant adaptation matrix, whereby a value of is statically calculated. If the adaptive control scheme is used with a decoupling matrix, a value of is statically calculated. An inverter is used between the data correlation matrix and the data-pattern compensation matrix. |
| US07848400B2 |
Retransmission of reordered/coded data in response to presumed receiver decoding failure
A method having enhanced decoding operations associated with receiving multiple Radio Frequency (RF) Burst(s) is provided. Multiple RF burst(s) are received where the multiple RF Burst(s) include first RF bursts and second RF Burst(s). The second RF bursts may be transmitted in parallel or in response to a decoding error associated with the first RF burst. The received RF burst(s) are equalized and deinterleaved to yield extracted soft samples. Then the first estimated bit sequences and second estimated bit sequences are decoded from the extracted soft samples. A set of possible bit sequences may then be pruned based on based on combined knowledge of the first estimated bit sequence and the second estimated bit sequences. This pruned set may be compared using a sequence detector and the combined first estimated bit sequences and second estimated bit sequences to select a decoded bit sequence. This allows a sequence detector to use a combination of the original decoded data and the reordered decoded data as constraints when applying a turbo code technique to decode the data. The combination of the original coded data and reordered coded data results in a performance enhancement by providing further constraints. |
| US07848394B2 |
Reconfigurable transceiver architecture for frequency offset generation
A first serial transceiver has a reference clock, a first transmitter, and a first receiver. The first receiver includes (i) a phase detector, and (ii) a phase rotator. The phase rotator is driven by the reference clock. A first multiplexer is coupled to the first receiver. The first multiplexer receives the phase detector output and a control signal. When the first serial transceiver is in a test configuration, the first multiplexer passes the control signal to the phase rotator, thereby varying the frequency of the phase rotator output. A second multiplexer is coupled to the first transmitter. The second multiplexer receives a reference clock signal and the phase rotator output. When the first serial transceiver is in a test configuration, the second multiplexer passes the phase rotator output to the first transmitter. The first transmitter thereby transmits a serial data stream that varies in frequency from said reference clock. |
| US07848392B2 |
Rake receiver and de-spreading method thereof
The invention relates to a rake receiver and a method for de-spreading thereof. A plurality of noise branches is adopted for producing a plurality of noise components in the rake receiver. Next, a noise combining unit adjusts each noise component according to a plurality of noise weights, so as to combine the noise components to obtain an interference-plus-noise estimation value. The rake receiver eliminates the noises in the main signal generated by the signal branches through using the interference-plus-noise estimation value. Therefore, the performance of a receiving terminal can be enhanced. |
| US07848391B2 |
Interference cancellation in a spread spectrum receiver
A method of cancelling interference induced by a coherent interference source in a spread spectrum receiver comprising the steps of: quantifying (44; 94) first interference values induced by the coherent interference source (SCH) in symbols on a first spread spectrum physical channel (P-CCPCH; CPICH); calculating (46, 48, 50; 96, 98, 100) second interference values induced by the coherent interference source in symbols on a second spread spectrum channel (DPCH) from the first interference values; and applying (18; 74) a correction value, derived from the second interference values, to the symbols on the second spread spectrum channel. |
| US07848389B2 |
Method and apparatus for scaling parameter estimation in parametric generalized rake receivers
A wireless communication receiver, such as the receiver included in a wireless communication transceiver implemented in a base station or in a mobile station of a wireless communication network, includes a parametric G-RAKE receiver circuit and a method that compute parametric scaling parameters on a per transmission interval basis. In one embodiment, measured impairment correlations are obtained for an individual transmission slot and used to estimate instantaneous values of the scaling parameters. One or both of those instantaneous values are then constrained according to one or more defined limits. In other embodiments, multiple transmission slots are used to increase the number of measurements available to estimate the scaling parameters, with parameter constraining optionally applied. Further embodiments use iterative methods and/or solve for one parameter, and use the results to obtain the other parameter(s). One or more of these embodiments can be improved through the use of error correction/detection information. |
| US07848388B2 |
Minimizing estimation time for rake fingers with help of a speed sensor
An electronic equipment includes a RAKE receiver that includes at least one finger having a settable delay, a transducer operable to provide a signal indicative of motion of the electronic equipment, and a delay estimator circuit operative to calculate a duration between fading nulls of a received signal based on the motion signal of the electronic equipment. The time delay of the at least one finger is set based on the duration between fading nulls. |
| US07848387B2 |
Receiver parametric covariance estimation for transmit diversity
A parametric form of G-Rake and chip equalization for closed-loop transmit diversity is provided, that accounts for impairment correlation between transmit antennas. In a closed-loop transmit diversity system, the base station transmits a signal from two or more antennas, using one of a predetermined set of relative phase offsets at one of the antennas. The parametric estimation of the impairment or data covariance is performed by summing terms, including a term for each possible phase offset. The terms are weighted by fitting parameters. The fitting parameters are jointly solved by fitting the impairment or data covariance estimate to a measured impairment or data covariance. In another aspect, a measured impairment covariance is formed by exploiting a special relationship between the pilot channels of the different transmit antennas. |
| US07848386B2 |
Frequency hopping RF transceiver with programmable antenna and methods for use therewith
A (radio frequency) RF transmission system includes an RF transmitter that generates an RF signal at a sequence of selected carrier frequencies. A frequency hop module, coupled to the RF transmitter generates the sequence of selected carrier frequencies. A programmable antenna is tuned to each of the sequence of selected carrier frequencies to transmit the RF signal via an antenna current. |
| US07848385B2 |
Radio communication device and constellation control method
Provided is a radio communication device which can make ACK reception quality and NACK reception quality to be equal to each other. The device includes: a scrambling unit (214) which multiplies a response signal after modulated, by a scrambling code “1” or “e−j(p/2)” so as to rotate a constellation for each of response signals on a cyclic shift axis; a spread unit (215) which performs a primary spread of the response signal by using a ZAC sequence set by a control unit (209); and a spread unit (218) which performs a secondary spread of the response signal after subjected to the primary spread, by using a block-wise spread code sequence set by the control unit (209). |
| US07848384B2 |
Device and method for ultrawideband reception using a super-regenerative detector
Receiver and reception method of receiving pulsed ultrawideband radio-frequency signals employ an amplification phase, an oscillation phase sensitive to an instability control signal, a shaping phase, and a demodulation phase, and further including an adaptation control step for adapting the receiver or the reception method to the type of signals to be received. |
| US07848379B2 |
LED-based optical pumping for laser light generation
Laser light generating solutions are provided that use one or more light emitting diodes to optically pump a laser light generating structure. The laser light generating structure can include organic or inorganic laser material. The light emitting diodes can be located on the same substrate as the laser light generating structure or on a separate substrate that is connected to the substrate with the laser light generating structure. Various other features can be included to enhance the optical pumping and/or enable electrical pumping of the active structure when it includes an inorganic laser material. |
| US07848376B2 |
Quantum cascade laser structure
A quantum cascade laser structure in accordance with the invention comprises a number of cascades (100), each of which comprises a number of alternately arranged quantum wells (110a to 110j) and barrier layers (105 to 105j). The material of at least one quantum well (110a to 110j) as well as the material of at least one barrier layer (105 to 105j) is under mechanical strain, with the respective strain being either a tensile strain or a compression strain. The quantum wells (110a to 110j) and barrier layers (105 to 105j) are engineered in the quantum cascade laser structure in accordance with the invention so that existing strains are largely compensated within a cascade (100). In the quantum cascade laser structure in accordance with the invention, each material of the quantum wells (110a to 110j) has only one constituent material and the material of at least one barrier layer (105d, 105e, 105f) has at least two constituent materials (111a, 111b, 112a, 112b, 113a, 113b). |
| US07848372B2 |
Modular diode laser assembly
An extremely versatile diode laser assembly is provided, the assembly comprised of a plurality of diode laser subassemblies mounted to a stepped cooling block. The stepped cooling block allows the fabrication of a close packed and compact assembly in which individual diode laser subassembly output beams do not interfere with one another. |
| US07848370B2 |
Electronically phase-locked laser systems
Semiconductor diode lasers are phase-locked by direct current injection and combined to form a single coherent output beam. The optical power is amplified by use of fiber amplifiers. Electronically control of the optical phases of each emitter enables power efficient combining of output beams to be maintained under dynamic conditions. |
| US07848368B2 |
Fiber laser system
A powerful fiber laser system is configured with at least one large-area multi-clad rare-earth doped fiber, which is configured with a MM core capable of propagating a single mode laser emission at a first wavelength, and with at least one pumping assembly capable of generating an optical pump output at a wavelength shorter than the first wavelength of the rare-earth doped fiber. The pumping assembly has a plurality SM fiber lasers coupled to a SM-MM combiner which is operative to lunch the pump output into the cladding of the rare-earth doped fiber so that the powerful fiber laser system is operative to deliver a power of up to 20 kW. |
| US07848365B2 |
Apparatus for receiving cable TV broadcasting program, and multiplexer and de-multiplexer thereof
Provided are an apparatus for receiving cable broadcasting programs and a multiplexer and a de-multiplexer thereof for reducing data amount processed in a Cable CARD and for correcting synchronization of descrambled data stream. The apparatus includes: a multiplexing unit for filtering a broadcasting stream to select only programs selected by a viewer and multiplexing the selected programs; a conditional-access processing unit for receiving the multiplexed streams and processing the multiplexed streams for conditional access (descrambling); and a de-multiplexing unit for de-multiplexing the multi stream from the conditional-access processing unit and correcting a program clock reference (PCR). |
| US07848364B2 |
Exploitation of null packets in packetized digital television systems
A system and method for adding auxiliary data DA to an output data stream from a statistical multiplexer is disclosed. An auxiliary multiplexer accepts a statistically multiplexed data stream, and substitutes auxiliary data packets for null data packets. The auxiliary multiplexer controls the number of null packets in the statistically multiplexed data stream by controlling the target bandwidth BT of the statistical multiplexer, or by modifying the statistical multiplexer equation to make the auxiliary data stream a participant in the negotiation process of allocating throughput among the data sources. |
| US07848344B2 |
Method for transmitting subscriber-specific data
During the transmission of subscriber-specific data, particularly via a transfer medium and according to a transmission principle based on time slot transmission with time slot separation, the transfer medium used by several subscribers can also be efficiently used when the data rates of the data transmitted in the transmission direction (SRI) and the reception direction (ERI) for at least one subscriber using the transmission are differently, i.e. asymmetrically distributed. To this end, the data to be transmitted for each subscriber are transmitted, as in the case of a symmetric data distribution, in at least two time slots (ZS) per a periodically returning time frame (ZR, ZR1, ZR6) and corresponding to the asymmetrical distribution of the ratio of a number of transmission data packets (SDP) to reception data packets (EDP) in a plurality n half time frame of the time frame (ZR, ZR1 ZR6) with n being greater or equal to 2 or ε N. |
| US07848340B2 |
System and method for transmission of data in packet ring network system
A packet ring network system is disclosed which enables plurality of packet rings to perform packet transfer via a plurality of links while preventing multiple reception of packets and broadcast stream in a normal state where no failure has occurred. The packet ring network system includes a first packet ring and a second packet ring, each packet ring having a plurality of inter-ring connecting nodes, and each of the plurality of inter-ring connecting nodes in the first packet ring is connected with each of the plurality of inter-ring connecting nodes in the second packet ring in a one to one relationship so that the packet rings are connected with each other. When one of the inter-ring connecting nodes receives a packet to be broadcasted via a link connecting the first and second packet rings the node performs bidirectional flooding of the broadcast packet such that the packet arrives at a predetermined cleave point, and the node uses the source address of the other node so as to falsify the source. |
| US07848338B2 |
Network-based reliability of mobility gateways
A gateway node provides an interface connectivity between communication networks. The gateway node is configured to be operably connected to another gateway node as well as to a base station providing connectivity for a plurality of mobile terminals over a radio interface. Further, the gateway node is configured to send a first peer status report message indicating the respective status of a group of functions of the gateway node which are predetermined to be vital to an application connectivity over the gateway node of selected ones of said plurality of mobile terminals. The first peer status report message is sent periodically. |
| US07848336B2 |
Dynamically anchoring a communication session in an IP network
Anchoring a communication session for a mobile node involves a signaling node that intercepts a routing information request sent by a switching center of a circuit-switched network. The routing information request requests routing information for the communication session. Subscription information associated with the mobile node is retrieved. Whether the mobile node is eligible to be anchored in a packet-switched network is established. Anchoring of the communication session in the packet-switched network is initiated if the mobile node is eligible to be anchored in the packet-switched network. |
| US07848335B1 |
Automatic connected virtual private network
A virtual private network (VPN) tunnel is established that extends from a source spoke to a destination spoke in a hub-and-spoke enterprise network. Prior to establishing the VPN tunnel, packets are sent from the source spoke to the destination spoke through the hub network. In this manner, packets are not dropped while the VPN tunnel is being set up. The VPN tunnel is established by querying a server for the network address of a destination router in the destination spoke, then setting up the VPN tunnel using a secure communication protocol. An extension to the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol is used to obtain the private network address of the destination router during setup of the VPN tunnel. A forwarding table is updated after the VPN tunnel is established to reroute the packets through the new VPN tunnel. |
| US07848334B2 |
Method and device for transferring data packets
A device is coupled to a first network and a second network and comprises a first storage element and a second storage element. The device stores data packets originating from the first network in the first storage element and stores data packets destined for the second network in the second storage element. In particular, the device slaves the writing of a data packet intended for the second network into the second storage element to the reading of the data packet from the first storage element so that the transfer time inside the device is constant for all the data packets. |
| US07848330B2 |
Communication apparatus and method
A communication apparatus includes a receiving device configured to receive a physical frame in which a plurality of MAC frames, each having a sequence number, are aggregated. A reception buffer which stores MAC frames of the physical frame received by the receiving device. A determination device determines whether or not the first MAC frame in the physical frame received by the receiving device has been successfully received. A reception buffer management device determines, when the first MAC frame has been successfully received, a MAC frame to be forwarded to an upper layer, on the basis of the sequence number of the first MAC frame, and extracts the MAC frame from the reception buffer. |
| US07848329B2 |
Handoffs in hierarchical mobility label-based network
A system establishes a communication path between a mobile node and a first label edge router, registers the mobile node at the first label edge router, and creates a mobility binding at the first label edge router. The system also establishes a label switched path between the first label edge router and a second label edge router by propagating the mobility binding in the system, and establishes communication between the mobile node and a corresponding node over the label switched path. The system further maintains the communication between the mobile node and the corresponding node over the system when the mobile node moves from one physical location to another physical location and causes a handoff of the mobile node between two layer 2 grooming networks. |
| US07848326B1 |
Packet switch appliance with a packet switching and packet processing daughter board
A packet switch appliance for connection to a packet switching network, the packet switch appliance has a motherboard that includes a processor, a network switch chip, and a connector. The packet switch appliance also includes a daughter board configured to be removably connected to the motherboard through the connector. The daughter board may include one or more of a network switch chip and a processor unit. |
| US07848321B2 |
Method for high speed search tables switching and packet forwarding apparatus
The present invention is directed to rapidly replacing an output destination port with a bypass port and replacing packet output header information with bypass header information when a port accommodated by a router within an IP or MPLS network becomes faulty. The present invention provides a packet forwarding apparatus that accommodates two output ports. The packet forwarding apparatus is embodied in a structure having an element for storing the output information about each of a plurality of pieces of input header information, an element for storing the output information about an output port that is associated with input header information and used as a bypass in the event of a fault, and an output information address rewrite processor for writing, in the event of an output port failure, the output information address associated with an output port that should serve as a bypass. |
| US07848320B2 |
Method and system of storage area network switch addressing
A method of storage area network switch addressing is provided which includes disconnecting from a first port of a switch addressable by an address of a first address format, connecting to a second port of the switch addressable by a second address format, and accessing the second port using the address. |
| US07848317B2 |
Communication module system having an interface module and interface module
A communication module system has an interface module for interconnection with at least one communication module, the interface module containing an input, via which the interface module receives first data and/or messages, a first transmission path and a second transmission path being provided in the interface module, a coupling element being provided in the second transmission path, which coupling element is implemented in such a way that the first data and/or messages are at least partially combined to form second data and/or messages. |
| US07848316B2 |
Hierarchical data collection network supporting packetized voice communications among wireless terminals and telephones
A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc. |
| US07848311B2 |
Communication apparatus
An internal terminal that connects to a DNS server, the server storing and managing a telephone number for communication and an external NAPTR record, the internal terminal including: a terminal communication controller that accesses the DNS server and notifies the DNS server of a telephone number for the communication; a terminal-side controller that obtains, when the DNS server is informed of the communication telephone number, an external NAPTR record being corresponding to the communication telephone number; an IP service presence determination unit that determines whether the external NAPTR record has function service information related to IP communication; and a display that displays the available IP communication service function of the destination corresponding to the communication telephone number, when it is determined that the external NAPTR record has the IP communication service function. |
| US07848310B1 |
Providing transparent virtual private network connectivity across intermediate networks
A routing protocol, such as the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), is extended in a manner that allows the protocol to opaquely carry routing attributes associated with an origin of a routing advertisement, e.g., a customer network of associated with a virtual private network (VPN). These attributes are carried within routing communications using a separate attribute set, and are automatically utilized when delivering the routing advertisement to other customer networks associated with the VPN. As a result, the customer networks are isolated from the routing attributes used within an intermediate network coupling the customer networks. |
| US07848308B2 |
Method for transmitting response information in mobile communications system
A method for transmitting radio resources in a mobile communication system is disclosed. The method includes receiving a random access channel (RACH) preamble from a plurality of UEs and transmitting response information associated with the received preambles over a common channel wherein the plurality UEs can access the common channel and receive corresponding information. If a HARQ scheme is used when a UE transmits data to the eNode-B using uplink radio resources allocated over the RACH, the eNode-B does not pre-allocate uplink radio resources required for re-transmission and performs allocation of radio resources for a first transmission of HARQ. If the re-transmission is required, the eNode-B allocates the radio resources required for the re-transmission with the NACK signal. If re-transmission is not required, the present invention can reduce an amount of wasted radio resources. |
| US07848306B2 |
Coexistence of access provider and in-home networks
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and devices that coordinate access to a common medium between two networks. Typically, a gateway is employed that requests resources from a home central coordinator and/or access coordinator. If resources are not available from the home central coordinator and the access coordinator, a neighbor network protocol is performed to obtain additional resources. |
| US07848299B1 |
Wireless communication apparatus and response signal spreading method
A wireless communication apparatus capable of minimizing the degradation in separation characteristic of a code multiplexed response signal. In this apparatus, a control part (209) controls both a ZC sequence to be used in a primary spreading in a spreading part (214) and a Walsh sequence to be used in a secondary spreading in a spreading part (217) so as to allow a very small circular shift interval of the ZC sequence to absorb the interference components remaining in the response signal; the spreading part (214) uses the ZC sequence set by the control part (209) to primary spread the response signal; and the spreading part (217) uses the Walsh sequence set by the control part (209) to secondary spread the response signal to which CP has been added. |
| US07848286B2 |
Wireless local area network (WLAN) and channel selection method of WLAN station
In a wireless local area network (WLAN) and a channel selection method of a WLAN station, a station newly entering the WLAN captures packets from WLAN service channels, which packets are provided by at least one access point (AP) for a predetermined measuring time. The WLAN calculates, from the captured packets, busy factors indicative of the load on each WLAN service channel so as to confer a priority between WLAN service channels. The WLAN selects channels according to the conferred priority. |
| US07848285B2 |
Method and apparatus for high rate packet data transmission
In a data communication system capable of variable rate transmission, high rate packet data transmission improves utilization of the forward link and decreases the transmission delay. Data transmission on the forward link is time multiplexed and the base station transmits at the highest data rate supported by the forward link at each time slot to one mobile station. The data rate is determined by the largest C/I measurement of the forward link signals as measured at the mobile station. Upon determination of a data packet received in error, the mobile station transmits a NACK message back to the base station. The NACK message results in retransmission of the data packet received in error. The data packets can be transmitted out of sequence by the use of sequence number to identify each data unit within the data packets. |
| US07848277B2 |
Power management methods and systems
Power management methods and systems for a first station and a second station in an ad-hoc network. Each station enters the normal beacon interval (NBI) every certain number of beacon intervals (BIs) for data transmission, a Listen Interval (LI). When a station switches to a power-saving mode, it first determines the number of “beacon-window-only beacon intervals (BBIs)” within a LI. In addition, each station broadcasts a beacon frame comprising at least information about “the remaining number of BIs (RBI)” within a beacon window. Once the first station correctly receives the beacon frame from the second station, the first station predicts the NBI of the second station according to the RBI. At the NBI of the second station, the first station transmits data frames to the second station. |
| US07848270B2 |
Minimizing energy usage in a wireless portable unit based on motion of the device
A method for minimizing energy usage in a portable unit in a wireless communications system incorporates means to locally generate information on motion of the portable unit and to adapt a transmission from the portable unit based upon such motion information so that energy usage is minimized. By applying this method, information concerning motion of the portable unit is utilized in order to adapt transmissions from the portable unit in such a way that less energy is consumed. In the case of a portable telephone, connection time is thereby primarily increased, because it is then that most energy is used for transmission. In many cases standby time is also increased because many telephones also transmit information during standby, for example during so-called roaming. |
| US07848269B2 |
Mobile communication system, core network apparatus, and mobile communication terminal
A mobile communication system for relaying user data includes a plurality of base station apparatus and a core network apparatus. Each of the base station apparatus forms a cell for connecting to a terminal through a wireless link. The core network apparatus can be connected to the base station apparatus. Even when the terminal moves between the base station apparatus while the terminal is in an active mode in which the terminal is communicating, the core network apparatus which is connected to the terminal keeps itself connected to the terminal. |
| US07848268B2 |
Fault tolerance in wireless networks
A network includes a plurality of logical access entities. Each access entity includes one or more communication interfaces. The network further includes a plurality of logical node entities. Each logical node entity includes one or more communication interfaces that are configured to wirelessly communicate in a redundant manner with any of the logical access entities. In an embodiment, a communication degradation in the network is assessed, and the network is configured as a function of that assessment to provide fault tolerance within the network. |
| US07848260B2 |
System and method of unstructured analysis through the application of multiple structure maps
A system and method of unstructured information analysis through the application of multiple structure maps. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes providing a mapping framework implemented as a coupled collection of nodes, attaching the information elements to the collection of nodes, coupling the information elements with at least one two-way hard relationship line, and providing a viewer to present the information elements visually with at least one logical structure. |
| US07848254B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining equivalence and generalization of a network model
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining equivalence and generalization of a network model. A method is provided for determining whether two networks are equivalent. A model of at least two networks is obtained, and then simplified using one or more normal form rules. A test is then performed to determine if the two simplified network models are equivalent (e.g., isomorphic). A first network M is said to be generalized by a second network N, M≦N, if every test that satisfies M also satisfies N. A first network M is said to be equivalent to a second network N, N≡M, if M generalizes N and N generalizes M. |
| US07848249B1 |
Method for computing FRR backup tunnels using aggregate bandwidth constraints
Systems and methods for estimating aggregate bandwidths of primary traffic flows are provided. Tighter upper bounds on aggregate bandwidths for arbitrary combinations of primary traffic flows may be computed. These tighter bounds are highly useful in configuring backup tunnels to protect a node in the event of failure in that the total backup bandwidth burden on individual links may be determined more accurately to permit optimal use of available backup bandwidth capacity. |
| US07848248B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring one way transmission delay
A method and apparatus enabling the measurement of one way delay in each of the two directions of transmission from a single location are disclosed. The method measures a first roundtrip delay at a first location between a first endpoint and a second endpoint over a first communication network, and measures a second roundtrip delay between a third endpoint and a fourth endpoint over a second communication network with symmetric delay characteristics. The method performs synchronous recordings of a test signal that is sent simultaneously from the second endpoint to the first endpoint and from the fourth endpoint to the third endpoint, to measure an arrival time (t1) of the test signal over the first communication network, and, an arrival time (t2) of the test signal over the second communication network t2, where the arrival times (t1) and (t2) are used to calculate an one way transmission delay in the first communication network. |
| US07848247B2 |
Service providing method based on service subscriber level on cable network
Provided is a method for providing a service based on a subscriber level. The method includes the steps of: a) initializing a Data Back-off Start (DBS) value and a Data Back-off End (DBE) value; b) acquiring subscriber information from an external management system; c) acquiring service flow identifier (SFID) and service identifier (SID) information from an object model for quality of service (QoS) based on information on Service Class Name (SCN) of the subscriber acquired in the step b); d) creating manufacturing automation protocol (MAP) according to a priority by grasping the SID information based on the service level and controlling the DBS value and the DBE value of a cable modem (CM); and e) transmitting the created MAP to the cable modem. |
| US07848246B2 |
Method and system for confirming connection of layer-1 label switched path(L1-LSP) in GMPLS-based network
Provided is a method and system for confirming label switched path (LSP) connection in a global multi-protocol label switching (GMPLS)-based network. The method includes: collecting LSP hierarchy information; selecting one of a plurality of paths between first and second clients according to the LSP hierarchy information; and confirming the connection of the selected path. |
| US07848245B1 |
Network-wide connection-based debug mechanism
An improved mechanism for analysing connection establishment/teardown process or identifying failure points (i.e. nodes) in a PNNI network through the use of a novel debug IE (information element) that is propagated along the communication path for a given connection to activate diagnostic functions on targeted switching devices. The mechanism comprises a method that is initiated by embedding a debug information element (IE) in a data packet that is propagated to various switching devices (the nodes) along the communication path. The debug IE is encoded such that it will be recognized by selected switching devices along the path, but ignored by other non-selected switching devices. Further encoding identifies targeted switching devices that are suspected to be possible failure points to confirm that they are functioning properly. Upon receipt and extraction of the debug IE from the data packet, the targeted switching devices are instructed to automatically perform one or more analysis functions to verify their operation. The results of these tests are then forwarded to an operator of the targeted switching devices, such as a network operator or a vendor that supplies the targeted switching devices to the network. |
| US07848244B1 |
SONET network outage impact measurement
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus is presented for determining minutes of outage. Information associated with a facility hierarchy is acquired. In one embodiment, the facility hierarchy is a SONET facility hierarchy. Outage is determined for each level in the hierarchy and a correlation is performed on the outages associated with each level in the hierarchy. |
| US07848241B2 |
Method and apparatus for handoff control in mobile communications systems
A mobile communications system includes a first base station to service a first set of connections from a first set of mobile communications devices to a communications network. A set of neighboring base stations is in communication with the first base station. In an embodiment of the invention, the first base station prioritizes the first set of connections according to first predetermined criteria and prioritizes the set of neighboring base stations according to second predetermined criteria. The prioritization lists are used in deterministic ways to alleviate potential congestion in backhaul links and optimize the overall performance of system and improved quality of service. |
| US07848238B1 |
Using VoIP-quality metrics to dynamically adjust the EV-DO reverse activity bit
Methods and systems are provided for using VoIP-quality metrics to dynamically adjust the EV-DO reverse activity bit (RAB). In one embodiment, an EV-DO access node provides VoIP service to EV-DO access terminals, which comprises (i) providing EV-DO service in a wireless coverage area and (ii) providing transport service over a packet-data network. The access node measures reverse noise rise (RNR) in the wireless coverage area. The access node further measures, over the packet-data network, each VoIP-quality metric in a set of one or more VoIP-quality metrics. The access node then determines whether to set or clear the RAB in the wireless coverage area based at least in part on the measured RNR and at least in part on the one or more measured VoIP-quality metrics. |
| US07848236B2 |
Differentiation of quality classes to different PDUs with support for multiple terminals
The present invention concerns a method of configuring quality parameters in a packet-based transmission flow for packets within the flow, and still further a method of transmitting packet-based transmission flows comprising packets of configured quality classes within a session capable of handling at least two distinguishable flows, the method comprising the steps of: receiving packets of a first flow as a first flow of the session, analyzing the received packets in terms of the configured quality classes, separating those segments of the packets of a configured quality class, which configured quality class differs from a quality class of said first flow of the session. Also, a corresponding reception method is disclosed, and respective transmitter and receiver devices are disclosed. |
| US07848230B2 |
Sharing performance measurements among address prefixes of a same domain in a computer network
In one embodiment, performance measurements may be obtained at a local domain from a set of one or more responding targets of a particular remote domain. The performance measurements may then be applied to prefix-specific policies of any corresponding destination address prefix within the particular remote domain, such that traffic destined to a particular prefix of the particular remote domain may be routed from the local domain based on the corresponding prefix-specific policies and applied performance measurements. |
| US07848226B2 |
Communication system, switch
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a communication system comprises: a. a first information processing device; b. a first communication line and a first backup line connected to the first information processing device, respectively; c. a second information processing device; d. a second communication line and second backup line connected to the second information processing device, respectively; e. a first switch comprising: a first port connected to the first communication line; a second port connected to the second backup line; and a controller for performing of: detecting a failure of the first port; switching the second backup line; and sending a notification; and f. a second switch comprising: a third port connected to the first backup line; a fourth port connected to the second communication line; and a controller for performing of: receiving the notification; switching the first backup line and the second communication line. |
| US07848222B2 |
Pulsed wave interconnect
A method for transmitting signals along an interconnect in a VLSI system comprising receivers is disclosed. The VLSI based systems operate in the high Giga hertz range. The signals are transmitted along the interconnect as a localized wave packet i.e. as a pulse. The interconnect may be either electrically linear or nonlinear in nature. |
| US07848221B2 |
Method and system for detecting adjacent channel interference from OFDM/OFDMA based broadband wireless access
Disclosed are a method and system for detecting adjacent channel interference between two systems having neighboring frequencies. The method and system calculates a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) output for one or more upper and lower frequency side null subcarriers and center data subcarriers of a frequency channel. Power values are calculated for the upper and lower frequency side null subcarriers and the center data subcarriers for use in determining a presence of adjacent channel interference (ACI). |
| US07848213B2 |
Data storage device
A storage device including a storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic or magnetic marks. At least one probe is mounted on a common frame, the common frame and the storage medium designed for moving relative to each other for creating or detecting said marks. Each probe includes a tip facing the storage medium, a read sensing element, a write element and a capacitive platform, that forms a first electrode and is designed for a voltage potential applied to it independent from a control signal for said read sensing element and for said voltage potential applied to said capacitive platform being independent from a control signal for said write heating element. It further comprises a second electrode arranged in a fixed position relative to the storage medium forming a first capacitor together wherein said first electrode and a medium between the first and second electrode. |
| US07848209B2 |
Optical pickup and optical information processing apparatus with light sources of three different wavelengths
An optical pickup apparatus for performing recording, reproduction and deletion of information onto each of three types of optical recording mediums including light sources of a blue wavelength zone, light sources of a red wavelength zone and light sources of an infrared wavelength zone. The optical pickup apparatus also has a single object lens which condenses a light from any of the light sources and a single aberration correction device disposed in a common light path between each of the light sources and the object lens. |
| US07848200B2 |
Method and apparatus of reproducing multilevel information
A method of reproducing multilevel information using a light spot. The multilevel information is recorded by defining virtual cells at regular intervals on tracks of an optical information recording medium and varying sizes of information pits in the cells. The method includes the steps of obtaining cell boundary values, each of the cell boundary values being obtained by performing sampling when the center of the light spot reaches a boundary between adjacent cells, calculating cell boundary value metrics on the basis of the cell boundary values and prestored reference values for the cell boundary values, calculating path metrics on the basis of the cell boundary value metrics, selecting a path metric having a minimum value of the path metrics, and reproducing the multilevel information on the basis of the path metric having the minimum value of the path metrics. |
| US07848199B2 |
Spindle motor controlling method and optical disk drive using the same
An optical disk drive includes a spindle motor, a power source, a microprocessor, and a comparator. The spindle motor is for supporting a disk. The power source supplies a first voltage to drive the spindle motor to rotate. The microprocessor signals the power source to supply a second voltage to slow down rotational speed of the spindle motor when receiving a power-off signal. The comparator compares the rotational speed with a predetermined value. The microprocessor signals the power source to stop supplying power to the spindle motor when the rotational speed is smaller than the predetermined value. A controlling method for controlling the spindle motor in the optical disk driver is also provided. |
| US07848198B2 |
Information processing device, access device, recording medium, information processing method, and information processing program
An information processing device for processing specific information recorded to a recording medium that has a characteristic identification unit and a processing unit. The characteristic identification unit identifies the reflection characteristic of the recording medium. The processing unit processes the specific information recorded to the recording medium according to the identified reflection characteristic. The reflection characteristic is either a first characteristic such that the reflectance of light reflected by a recorded region of the recording medium (referred to as first reflectance) is greater than the reflectance of light reflected by an unrecorded region of the recording medium (referred to as second reflectance), or a second characteristic such that the first reflectance is less than the second reflectance. |
| US07848193B2 |
Disc device
The present invention provides a disc device capable of normally reproducing recorded information on a disc type recording medium while complementing the recorded information in a damaged portion of the recording medium with complementary information, and capable of constantly holding useful complementary information. The complementary information for complementing the recorded information in the damaged portion of the optical disc is acquired from a server and saved in a storage area of a storing unit, and the recorded information on the optical disc is reproduced while complementing the recorded information in the damaged portion with the complementary information. When a capacity of a free space in the storage area is less than a capacity necessary for saving acquired new complementary information, usefulness of the complementary information is evaluated based on time elapsed from last referenced time, a reference count, and an acquisition required expense for the complementary information saved in the storage area, the complementary information is deleted from the storage area in order of lower usefulness to enlarge the free space, and the new complementary information is saved in the free space. |
| US07848188B2 |
Device and method for use in optical record carrier systems
A signal-processing device (301) for controlling a focus actuator (309) in an optical disc system (30), wherein the signal processing device (309) generates a focus actuator control signal (CS) to be supplied to the focus actuator (309). The focus actuator control signal (CS) is based on a focus error signal (FE) and a central aperture signal (CA). If the central aperture signal (CA) is equal to or above a certain threshold value the focus actuator control signal will correspond to the focus error signal (FE). However, when the central aperture signal is below the threshold value the focus actuator control signal will have a predefined level. By providing a focus actuator control signal (CS) in accordance herewith it is possible to extend the regions of the focus error signal (FE) in which the relative distance between the focus point and the data layer of the record medium (304) is not correctly represented. The provision of the control signal (CS) enables improvements of the start-up and recovery performance of optical disc systems, especially under vibrating conditions. |
| US07848187B2 |
Information reproducing/recording apparatus
The present invention provides an information reproducing/recording apparatus capable of executing tracking servo normally in short time at the time of loading an information recording medium. At the time of executing a tracking servo process on a BD (Blu-ray Disc)-R capable of recording information selectively on a land track or a groove track during loading of the BD-R, the polarity of a tracking error signal adapted to trace of the land or the groove is temporarily determined on the basis of statistical information indicative of a result of a statistic taken to see which one of the BD-R that records information on the land track and the BD-R that records information on the groove track is more frequently used. On the basis of the tracking error signal of the polarity, an optical pickup is driven to execute tracking servo. |
| US07848185B2 |
Optical pickup
An optical pickup includes a blue laser source; a red laser source; an infrared laser source; a blue light objective lens focusing blue light emitted from the blue laser source onto an optical storage medium; and a red and infrared light objective lens focusing red light emitted from the red laser source and infrared light emitted from the infrared laser source onto the optical storage medium. The optical pickup contains a blue light startup mirror separating the blue light from the red and infrared light. The blue light startup mirror is disposed along optical paths extending from the blue laser source, the red laser source, and the infrared laser source to the blue light objective lens and the red and infrared light objective lens. The optical pickup also contains a low blue light transmittance plane and low blue light reflectance plane along an optical branch path extending from the blue light startup mirror to the red and infrared light objective lens. The configuration greatly restrains the spilling of the blue light into the red and infrared light objective lens, preventing degradation of the red and infrared light objective lens. |
| US07848184B2 |
Reproducing method for reproducing real time data from a disk-shaped information recording medium
A standard reproduction model for ensuring real time reproducing on a disk-shaped information recording medium, includes a pickup (102) that reads the real time data from the information recording medium, a buffer memory (103) that temporarily stores the real time data read by the pickup, and a decoding module (104) that reads the real time data from the buffer memory (103) and processes the read real time data. An access time Tacc of the standard reproduction model is expressed by the following formula, Tacc=A·dN+Trev+B where dN is a difference in rotational speed of the disk-shaped information recording medium, Trev is a rotation waiting time at a target access position, A and B are constants. |
| US07848180B2 |
Antenna apparatus, receiving apparatus and watch using magnetic sensor
The antenna circuit 42 includes: an MI magnetic sensor having an electric property which changes in accordance with a magnetic field change; a radio-frequency signal generator S1 to apply a radio-frequency signal to the MI magnetic sensor Z1; an inverter 92 to invert the radio-frequency signal; an adder 94 to reduce the radio-frequency signal by adding the inverted signal with a received signal obtained by the MI magnetic sensor Z1; and detectors D1 and D2 to detect the received signal in which the radio-frequency signal has been reduced. Further, included are a resonant circuit 620 including a magnetic sensor circuit Z1 and a resonant element such as quartz to retrieve a magnetic field change of a resonant frequency from a detected magnetic field change; and a resistance R0. Further, the magnetic sensor circuit 610 includes a magnetoresistance element 612, a DC power source 611 and a resistance R1. |
| US07848178B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same includes a phase detection unit configured to compare a phase of a first reference clock and a phase of a second divided reference clock to output a comparison result signal and a phase control and division unit configured to generate the second divided reference clock by dividing a second reference clock by a predetermined ratio according to the comparison result signal outputted from the phase detection unit and adjusting a phase of the second reference clock. |
| US07848176B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A word control circuit activates word lines corresponding to a start row address and a next row address overlappingly in the continuous mode. Accordingly, even in the case where the start address indicates an end memory cell connected to a word line, the switching operation of the word line becomes unnecessary. Memory cells connected to different word lines can be thus accessed in a sequential manner. That is, a controller accessing a semiconductor memory device can access the memory without data interruption. This can prevent the data transfer rate from lowering. Furthermore, it is made unnecessary to form a signal and a control circuit for informing a controller of the fact that a word line is being switched so that the construction of a semiconductor memory device and a control circuit of the controller can be simplified. This results in reduction of the system cost. |
| US07848174B2 |
Memory word-line tracking scheme
A word-line tracking system for a memory array having a plurality of memory cells, the word-line tracking system comprises a dummy row having substantially identical structure as one or more regular rows of the memory cells, the dummy row including a dummy word-line having a first and a second end at the opposite longitudinal ends of the dummy word-line, the first end being connected to a word-line driver, a self timing generator configured to receive a clock signal and generate a pulse signal in sync with the clock signal for the dummy word-line driver, the self timing generator having a first terminal for receiving a feedback signal to determine the falling edge of the pulse signal, a voltage-to-current converter connected to the second end of the dummy word-line, a current-to-voltage converter connected to the feedback terminal, and a wire connecting the voltage-to-current converter to the current-to-voltage converter. |
| US07848169B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes first and second memory circuits that are disposed in different power source blocks and operate in synchronization with a clock, first and second delay circuits that are connected between output terminals of one memory circuits and input terminals of the other memory circuits, and a determination circuit that determines whether it is a situation that can cause malfunction based on an input signal and an output signal in the memory circuits and outputs a determination result as an error detection signal. To the first and second memory circuits, different initial values are given, and it is monitored whether a signal is sent and received between the memory circuits in a toggle state or not. Thus, occurrence of a situation that can cause malfunction can be simply and quickly detected. |
| US07848165B2 |
Methods of operating phase-change random access memory devices
A phase-change random access memory (PRAM) device includes a plurality of banks, a plurality of column redundancy cell arrays, and a plurality of column redundancy write drivers. Each of the plurality of column redundancy cell arrays corresponds to at least one of the banks. Each of the plurality of column redundancy write drivers corresponds to at least one of the column redundancy cell arrays. The column redundancy write drivers are configured to transmit respective redundancy test data to the corresponding ones of the column redundancy cell arrays in response to a test control signal, which may be activated in response to each program pulse for writing data. Related test and access methods are also discussed. |
| US07848164B2 |
Semiconductor memory device having redundancy memory block and cell array structure thereof
A semiconductor memory device having a redundancy memory block and a cell array structure thereof, the semiconductor memory device having a plurality of sub-mats constituting a memory cell array, wherein each of the plurality of sub-mats includes a plurality of normal memory blocks of which each includes a plurality of normal memory cells and that are disposed adjacent one another; and at least one redundancy memory block having the same structure as the plurality of normal memory blocks, being disposed adjacent at least one of the plurality of normal memory blocks and having a plurality of redundancy memory cells for a row and column repair, thereby enhancing a redundancy efficiency. |
| US07848163B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for driving the same
A semiconductor memory device includes: a delay locked loop (DLL) clock buffer for buffering a system clock in response to the a buffer enable signal; a DLL circuit for generating a delay locked loop (DLL) clock by performing a delay locking operation using the buffered system clock; and a DLL clock buffer controller for generating the buffer enable signal in response to a code signal and a clock enable signal, the code signal containing information about whether to perform the delay locking operation. |
| US07848162B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit having write controlling circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a write controlling circuit configured to selectively provide a fixed pulse or a variable pulse according to a level of a test mode signal in a write operation mode, thereby adjusting a pulse width of an internal write pulse that is a current pulse driving an internal memory cell in response to the fixed pulse or the variable pulse. |
| US07848160B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor storage device includes a plurality of memory cells connected to first and second column trees, and a sensing circuit reading data from the memory cells. The sensing circuit performing a read operation by electrically connecting the column tree, which is connected to a read-selected memory cell, to a sensing node and electrically connecting the column tree, which is connected to a non-selected memory cell, to a reference sensing line. |
| US07848157B2 |
Page buffer circuit of memory device and program method
A page buffer circuit of a memory device including a plurality of Multi-Level Cells (MLCs) connected to at least a pair of bit lines includes a Most Significant Bit (MSB) latch, a Least Significant Bit (LSB) latch, a data I/O circuit, an inverted output circuit, a MSB verification circuit, and a LSB verification circuit. The MSB latch is configured to sense a voltage of a sensing node in response to a control signal and store an upper sensing data, and output an inverted upper sensing data, or store an input data and output an inverted input data. The LSB latch is configured to sense a voltage of the sensing node in response to the control signal, and store and output a lower sensing data, or store and output an input data received through the MSB latch. The data I/O circuit is connected to the MSB latch and a data I/O line, and is configured to perform the input and output of a sensing data or the input and output of a program data. |
| US07848150B2 |
Flash memory device and method of operating the same
A flash memory device and a method of operating the same is disclosed, in which the conditions of voltage (or current) applied during the reading operation are differently adjusted according to an accumulated number of times of a programming operation, an erasing operation or a reading operation (an accumulated number of operation cycle). Even if a level of the threshold voltage is changed to a level which differs from that of the target voltage by an increase of the accumulated number of operation cycle regardless of the programming operation (or the erasing operation) being normally performed, the reliability of the reading operation can be enhanced to prevent a malfunction of the memory cell from being generated. |
| US07848147B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and writing method of the same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and a writing method thereof are provided. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a cell array, a controller configured to receive input data from an outside source, an address latch unit configured to store a Y-address of the input data and X-addresses respectively corresponding to at least two wordlines, over which the input data is written, based on an address of the input data output from the controller, and a page buffer configured to receive the input data from the controller and temporarily store the input data. The controller writes the data stored in the page buffer over the two wordlines in the cell array based on the at least two X-addresses and the Y-address. |
| US07848146B2 |
Partial local self-boosting of a memory cell channel
A method for partial local self-boosting of a memory cell channel is disclosed. As a part of memory cell channel partial local self-boosting, an isolating memory cell located on a source side of a program inhibited memory cell is turned off and a gating memory cell located on a drain side of the program inhibited memory cell is used to pass a pre-charge voltage to the program inhibited memory cell to provide a pre-charge voltage to a channel of the program inhibited memory cell. Moreover, a pre-charge voltage is passed to a buffering memory cell located on the source side of the program inhibited memory cell to provide a pre-charge voltage to a channel of the buffering memory cell and the gating memory cell that is located on the drain side of the program inhibited memory cell is turned off. During programming, a program voltage is applied to the gate of the program inhibited memory cell where a channel voltage of the program inhibited memory cell is raised above a level raised by the pre-charge voltage. |
| US07848144B2 |
Reverse order page writing in flash memories
To store, in a memory block whose word lines are written successively in a word line writing order, a plurality of data pages that are ordered by logical page address, the pages are written to the word lines so that every page that is written to any one of the word lines has a higher logical page address than any page that is written to a subsequently written word line, regardless of the sequence in which the pages are received for writing. Alternatively, the pages are written to the word lines so that for every pair of written word lines, the word line of the pair that is earlier in the writing order has written thereto a page having a higher logical page address than at least one page written to the other word line of the pair. |
| US07848142B2 |
Fractional bits in memory cells
Methods, devices, modules, and systems for programming memory cells can include storing charges corresponding to a data state that represents an integer number of bits in a set of memory cells. Programming memory cells can include storing a charge in a cell of the set, where the charge corresponds to a programmed state, where the programmed state represents a fractional number of bits, and where the programmed state denotes a digit of the data state as expressed by a number in base N, where N is equal to 2B, rounded up to an integer, and where B is equal to the fractional number of bits represented by the programmed state. |
| US07848139B2 |
Memory device structures including phase-change storage cells
A conductive write line of a memory device includes a resistive heating portion for setting and resetting a phase-change material (PCM) storage cell of the device. A dielectric interface extends between the resistive heating portion of the write line and a side of the storage cell, and provides electrical insulation while allowing for thermal coupling between the resistive heating portion and the storage cell. A width of the resistive heating portion of the write line may be less than a width of the storage cell and/or may be less than a width of adjacent portions of the write line, between which the resistive heating portion extends. The side of the storage cell may define a channel of the storage cell through which the write line passes, such that the resistive heating portion is located within the channel. |
| US07848137B2 |
MRAM and data read/write method for MRAM
An MRAM according to the present invention is provided with a magnetic recording layer being a ferromagnetic layer and a pinned layer connected to the magnetic recording layer through a nonmagnetic layer. The magnetic recording layer includes a magnetization switching region, a first magnetization fixed region and a second magnetization fixed region. The magnetization switching region has reversible magnetization and overlaps with the pinned layer. The first magnetization fixed region and the second magnetization fixed region are both connected to the same one end of the magnetization switching region. Also, the first magnetization fixed region and the second magnetization fixed region respectively have first fixed magnetization and second fixed magnetization whose directions are fixed. One of the first fixed magnetization and the second fixed magnetization is fixed in a direction toward the above-mentioned one end, and the other is fixed in a direction away from the above-mentioned one end. |
| US07848135B2 |
Piezo-driven non-volatile memory cell with hysteretic resistance
A piezoelectrically programmed, non-volatile memory cell structure includes a programmable piezo-resistive hysteretic material (PRHM) that is capable of being interconverted between a low resistance state and high resistance state through applied pressure cycling thereto; a piezoelectric material mechanically coupled to the PRHM such that an applied voltage across the piezoelectric material results in one of a tensile or compressive stress applied to the PRHM, depending upon the polarity of the applied voltage; and one or more electrodes in electrical communication with the PRHM, wherein the one or more electrodes are configured to provide a write programming current path through the piezoelectric material and a read current path through the PRHM. |
| US07848134B2 |
FB DRAM memory with state memory
A memory chip with a plurality of FB DRAM cells, having a word line coupled to a first FB DRAM cell and a second FB DRAM cell is disclosed. The memory chip further has a first bit line coupled to the first FB DRAM cell, and a first state memory circuit coupled to the first bit line. The memory chip further includes a second bit line coupled to the second FB DRAM cell, and a second state memory circuit coupled to the second bit line. The memory chip further includes a sense amplifier, which can be coupled to the first FB DRAM cell, the second FB DRAM cell, the first state memory circuit or the second state memory circuit. |
| US07848130B1 |
Method and apparatus for improving SRAM write operations
A memory cell includes an access transistor, first and second pull-up transistors, first and second pull-down transistors, and a first search transistor. The access transistor is connected to a first word line and connected between a first bit line and a first data node. The first pull-up transistor is connected to a first power supply point and the first data node, and the second pull-up transistor is connected to the first power supply point and the second data node. The first pull-down transistor is connected to a second power supply point and the first data node, and the second pull-down transistor is connected to the second power supply point and the second data node. The first search transistor is connected to the second data node and includes a source terminal connected to a third power supply point comprising a voltage less than the voltage at the second power supply point. |
| US07848126B2 |
Integrating current regulator and method for regulating current
Current regulators and related method for regulating a current through a load. The current regulator may include, for example, a first circuit configured to determine an amount of current that flows through the load; and a second circuit configured to cause a voltage to be applied across the load, the voltage having a duty cycle that depends on the amount of the current flowing through the load. |
| US07848125B2 |
Keep-alive for power stage with multiple switch nodes
A keep alive circuit for recharging bootstrap capacitors in multiple totem-pole switching power stages using N-channel field effect transistor or NPN bipolar junction transistor switching devices during 100% or substantially 100% duty cycle operation of one of the totem pole pairs. |
| US07848121B2 |
Advanced matrix converter and method for operation
A matrix converter may be provided with AC switches that comprise bi-directional sets of semiconductor switches that are gated with a common gating link. A low loss diode-bridge based snubber may facilitate introduction of time delay between sequential operations of the bi-directional set of semiconductor switches. The matrix converter may be operated in a three-phase mode with only one gating signals for each AC switch, in contrast to prior-art matrix converters which may require use multiple gating signals for each AC switch. |
| US07848118B2 |
Bi-directional DC-DC converter and method for controlling the same
A bi-directional DC-DC converter has a transformer for connecting a voltage type full bridge circuit connected to a first power source and a current type switching circuit connected to a second power source. A voltage clamping circuit constructed by switching elements and a clamping capacitor is connected to the current type switching circuit. The converter has a control circuit for cooperatively making switching elements operative so as to control a current flowing in a resonance reactor. |
| US07848114B1 |
Ballast housing with an integral circuit board grounding device
An electronic ballast and ballast housing having an integral ground for a circuit board positioned within the housing. A ‘snap in’ capture means holds circuit board under flexion so as to press a circuit grounding means in electrical contact with an integral grounding device attached to the ballast housing and providing electrical continuity between the circuit grounding means and the ballast housing. The coupler includes a grounding tab with a fulcrum extension extending from the housing and holding a ground plane surface of the circuit board by means of serrated teeth. An alignment tab disposed on a housing wall receives an alignment slot disposed in the circuit board so as to provide proper alignment of the electrical contacts. The coupler includes an overhead extension that engages a jumper wire in the circuit of the circuit board. |
| US07848112B2 |
Semiconductor device
On a case member of a semiconductor device, a screw block terminal or the like for connection to external equipment is attached. The screw block terminal or the like arranged on a region inside a base plate is attached to a terminal attachment member. Terminal attachment member has wall-like bodies, similar to wall-like bodies formed on a sidewall portion, formed along the direction of extension of terminal attachment member. On one end of terminal attachment member in the direction of extension, a side fitting portion is formed that corresponds to the wall-like body, and by fitting the side fitting portion to a space between sidewall portion and the wall-like body, terminal attachment member is fixed on case member. Thus, a semiconductor device is provided that allows high degree of freedom with simpler structure, as to the position of attaching a screw block terminal or a pin terminal to the case member. |
| US07848108B1 |
Heatsink with periodically patterned baseplate structure
A heatsink including an electromagnetic bandgap structure reduces electromagnetic interference caused by an integrated circuit in an electronic device. One embodiment provides a heatsink having a base with an array of electrically-conductive, thermally-conductive patches spaced apart in two dimensions of a reference plane and having a thickness perpendicular to the reference plane. The patches are interconnected by a plurality of branches. Each branch connects adjacent patches and has a width in the reference plane of less than a width of each adjacent patch. A plurality of thermally conductive cooling fins coupled to a surface of the base and extend normal to the reference plane. The cooling fins may be formed of a thermally-conductive, electrically non-conductive material or may be coupled to the base by a thermally-conductive, electrically non-conductive material. The periodically patterned structure of the base, together with a solid metal layer of a circuit board, form an electromagnetic bandgap structure that reduces certain frequencies of electromagnetic noise caused by the integrated circuit. |
| US07848105B2 |
Apparatus for air cooling of an electronic device
An apparatus for air-cooling an electronic device is disclosed. A contoured panel channels a flow of air within the housing of an electronic device so as to channel the flow of air more directly over heat producing elements such as the microprocessor and peripheral cards. A sensor can also be employed to determine whether the panel is present and properly placed. If not, measures can be taken to reduce the heat generated by the heat producing elements. For example, a warning can be displayed, or the microprocessor can be instructed to enter sleep mode. |
| US07848103B2 |
Computer enclosure
A computer enclosure includes an absorber plate, a thermoelectric converter, and a refrigerator. The absorber plate is arranged in the computer enclosure to absorb heat generated in the computer enclosure. The thermoelectric converter is arranged in the computer enclosure to receive heat absorbed by the absorber plate, and then convert the absorbed heat to electrical energy. The refrigerator is arranged in the computer enclosure to receive the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric converter, and then work to generate cold air to dissipating heat in the computer enclosure. |
| US07848099B1 |
Hard disk drive holder
A hard disk drive holder includes main body, spindle slidably mounted to the main body, handle rotatably connected to the main body via the spindle, and hook slidably mounted to the main body. The handle includes claw and locking tongue. The handle rotates between closed and opened positions. When the handle is at closed position, if the spindle slides from a first position to a second position, the locking tongue gradually extends out of the main body. When the handle rotates to closed position, if the spindle isn't at first position, the claw engages with a blocking piece of the hook and compels the hook to slide from a third position towards a fourth position until the claw goes over the blocking piece. A first spring biases the spindle to second position. A second spring biases the handle to opened position. A third spring biases the hook to third position. |
| US07848096B2 |
Mounting apparatus for storage device
A mounting apparatus is provided for a storage device. The mounting apparatus includes a bracket, and an operating device. The bracket includes a first fixing arm, and a second fixing arm each forming a latching portion on an inside surface thereof, for engaging the storage device. The first fixing arm forms a receiving arm perpendicularly extending out from an end thereof. A sliding arm perpendicularly extends out from the second fixing arm and slidably received in the receiving arm. A locking portion is formed on the sliding arm. The operating device is rotatably attached to the received arm. The operating device includes an operating portion exposed out of the bracket, and an engaging surface. The operating portion is manipulated to allow the engaging surface to engage and disengage a side of the locking portion facing the second fixing arm. |
| US07848091B2 |
Dual-screen mobile display device
A dual-screen mobile display device, which embodies a dual-screen display according to a user's selection. The dual-screen mobile display device for a mobile device includes an image signal supply part for supplying a first image signal and a second image signal. A first active matrix organic light emitting display panel displays the first image signal. A housing mounts the first active matrix organic light emitting display panel. A second active matrix organic light emitting display panel is adapted to be inserted in and pulled out from the housing and displays at least one of the first image signal or the second image signal. A moving mechanism moves the second active matrix organic light emitting display panel outside of the housing. A fixing part fixes the second active matrix organic light emitting display panel when the second active matrix organic light emitting display panel is moved outside of the housing. |
| US07848089B2 |
Keyboard assembly
A keyboard assembly includes a main keyboard and a numeric keyboard. The main keyboard includes a first connector formed on a first end surface and a second connector formed on a second end surface. The numeric keyboard includes a third connector formed on a first side surface and a fourth connector form on a second side surface. When the numeric keyboard is located at the first end surface of the main keyboard, the fourth connector is connected to the first connector. When the numeric keyboard is located at the second end surface of the main keyboard, the third connector is connector is connected to the second connector. |
| US07848088B2 |
Mounting apparatus for power supply
A mounting apparatus for mounting a power supply having a first connector on a front side, includes an enclosure, a bracket, and a board. The enclosure includes a rear wall defining an opening for the power supply passing therethrough. The bracket is mounted to the enclosure below the opening, capable of supporting the power supply. A second connector protrudes up from a front end of the bracket, configured for engaging with the first connector of the power supply. The board is attached to a rear side of the power supply, to cover the opening of the rear wall. A plurality of latching slots is defined in the enclosure or the bracket. A plurality of hooks is formed on the board, to engage in the plurality of latching slots. |
| US07848078B2 |
Method of communication at a blast site, and corresponding blasting apparatus
Blasting operations for mining frequently involve a large number of detonators for a single blasting event. An important step in the execution of a blast is to perform a roll-call to check that all detonator assemblies placed at the blast site are in communication with a blasting machine, and forming operative components of the blasting apparatus. Disclosed herein are blasting apparatuses and methods of blasting that streamline this roll-call step, thereby reducing time consumed in the blasting process. |
| US07848077B2 |
Electrostatic chuck device
An electrostatic chuck device provided with a dielectric plate with a surface embossed to give it a plurality of projections, an electrode, and an external power source, wherein substrate supporting surfaces of the plurality of projections are covered by conductor wiring and the conductor wiring electrically connects the substrate supporting surfaces of the plurality of projections. At the time of substrate processing, when the embossed projections contact the back of the substrate, the back of the substrate and the conductor wiring is made the same in potential due to the migration of the charges, the generation of force between the back of the substrate and the conductor wiring being in contact with the same is prevented, and a rubbing state between the two is prevented. Due to this, the electrostatic chuck device reduces the generation of particles, easily and stably removes and conveys substrates, and realizes a high yield and system operating rate. |
| US07848076B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing an electrostatic chuck with reduced plasma penetration and arcing
A method and apparatus for providing a fluid distribution element for an electrostatic chuck that reduces plasma formation and arcing within heat transfer fluid passages. One embodiment comprises a plate and a dielectric component, where the dielectric component is inserted into the plate. The plate is adapted to be positioned within a channel to define a plenum, wherein the dielectric component provides at least a portion of a fluid passage coupled to the plenum. A porous dielectric layer, formed upon the dielectric component, provides at least another portion of a fluid passage coupled to the plenum. In other embodiments, the fluid distribution element comprises various arrangements of components to define a fluid passage that does not provide a line-of-sight path from the support surface for a substrate to a plenum. |
| US07848070B2 |
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure and a circuit using the same
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure is disclosed. The ESD protection structure includes an active device. The active device includes a plurality of drains. Each of the drains has a contact row and at least one body contact row. The at least one body contact row is located on the active device in a manner to reduce the amount of voltage required for triggering the ESD protection structure. |
| US07848068B2 |
ESD protection circuit using self-biased current trigger technique and pumping source mechanism
A circuit capable of providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes a first transistor including a first gate and a first source, the first gate being connected to a conductive pad, an impedance device between the first source and a first power rail capable of providing a resistor, a second transistor including a second gate and a second source, the second source being connected to the first power rail through the impedance device, and a clamp device between the first power rail and a second power rail, wherein the clamp device is capable of conducting a first portion of an ESD current and the second transistor is capable of conducting a second portion of the ESD current as the conductive pad is relatively grounded. |
| US07848066B2 |
Motor drive device and electronic device using the same
A motor drive device includes: chopping signal generation means for generating a chopping signal Sa when drive current of a driver has reached a first threshold value; chopping signal cut-off means for cutting off the chopping signal Sa when the drive current has reached a second threshold value which is greater than the first threshold value; and overcurrent protection means for generating an overcurrent protection signal Se when the drive current has reached a third threshold value which is greater than the first threshold value and its continuation time has reached a predetermined threshold value time. Thus it is possible to simultaneously obtain the constant current chopping function and the overcurrent protection function and to improve its reliability and safety. |
| US07848059B2 |
Magnetoresistive effect device and magnetic random access memory using the same
A magnetoresistive effect element includes a magnetization fixed layer having substantially fixed magnetization direction. A magnetization variable layer has a variable magnetization direction, consists of a magnetic alloy that has a BCC structure and is expressed by Fe1-x-yCoxNiy (0≦x+y≦1, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1), and contains at least one additive element of V, Cr, and Mn in a range of 0 |
| US07848056B2 |
Thin film magnetic head having thermal expansion layer for suppressing thermal protrusion
A thin film magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole layer conducting a magnetic flux to the recording medium so that the recording medium an be magnetized in a direction orthogonal to a surface thereof; a return yoke layer disposed on a trailing side of the main magnetic pole layer; an intermediate protective layer partially disposed on a magnetic shield layer; and a thermal expansion suppressing layer having an edge located on the intermediate protective layer and being in contact with the return yoke layer in an area where the intermediate protective layer is not formed. If the thin film magnetic head is affected by ambient temperature environment, the thermal expansion suppressing layer suppresses the shift of the main magnetic pole layer and the return yoke layer toward the air bearing surface. This suppresses thermal protrusion from occurring on the thin film magnetic head due to ambient temperature environment. |
| US07848054B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic write head having a corner notched conformal, wrap-around, trailing magnetic shield for reduced adjacent track interference
A perpendicular magnetic write head having a conformal wrap around trailing shield. The write head includes a write pole that can be configured with a trapezoidal shape as viewed from the Air Bearing Surface (ABS) and which includes a wrap around trailing magnetic shield. The magnetic shield has a trailing portion that is separated from the leading edge of the write pole by a non-magnetic trailing gap, and has side shield portions that are separated from first and second side portions of the write pole by first and second non-magnetic side gaps. The magnetic shield can be configured with notches at either side of the trailing portion of magnetic shield. These notches can extend in the trailing direction by a distance that is preferably ¼ to 1 times the trailing gap thickness. The width of the straight, trailing portion of the shield is preferable ½ to 1 times of the main pole width. |
| US07848051B2 |
Internal disc drive filter assembly
An assembly comprises a housing and a rotatable data disc within the housing. The rotatable data disc creates a gas flow within the housing when the rotatable data disc rotates. The assembly further comprises a filter at a perimeter position of the rotatable data disc positioned to capture a portion of the gas flow, a first support element fixed relative to the housing and adjacent an upstream side of the filter, wherein the portion of the gas flow circumscribes the first support element and a second support element fixed to the housing and adjacent a downstream side of the filter, wherein the portion of the gas flow also circumscribes the second support element. |
| US07848050B2 |
Positioning control system and method therefor
There is provided with a positioning control system which includes: a head moving unit configured to move a head for recording or reproducing information with respect to a disk capable of recording information; a position detecting unit configured to detect a position of the head; an error detecting unit configured to detect a position error signal of a detected head position with respect to a predetermined target position; a compensation controller configured to generate control input by performing phase lead compensation and phase delay compensation for the position error signal and supply the control input to the head moving unit; and a gain controller configured to control at least one of gains the phase lead compensation and the phase delay compensation based on frequency components contained in the position error signal and an amplitude of the position error signal. |
| US07848049B2 |
Magnetic disk apparatus and magnetic disk access control method
A magnetic disk apparatus includes a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, a reverse-pulse detector, and a re-magnetizer. The magnetic disk includes a data recording area and a servo-pattern area. The magnetic regions of the servo-pattern area have been pre-magnetized in the same direction or pre-magnetizing direction. The magnetic head is arranged to reciprocate radially of the magnetic disk. The reverse-pulse detector is provided for reading the servo-pattern area with the magnetic head before data recording or reproducing with respect to the data recording area is performed. The reverse-pulse detector detects, from servo reproduction signal pulses, reverse pulses corresponding to the reversal of magnetization direction relative to the pre-magnetizing direction. The re-magnetizer causes the magnetic head to perform the re-magnetizing of the magnetic regions in the servo-pattern area when the count of reverse pulses is not smaller than a threshold number. |
| US07848048B1 |
Patterned media magnetic recording disk drive with write clock phase adjustment for write head track misregistration
A patterned-media magnetic recording disk drive has compensation for write head track misregistration (TMR) from the track centerline. As the disk rotates, the read head detects angularly spaced servo sectors and generates a position error signal (PES) which is used by the servo control system to maintain the read head on track. As the disk rotates, the read head also detects angularly spaced synchronization marks, which are used to control the write clock so that magnetization reversal of the magnetic write field from the write head is synchronized with the position of the data islands. If there is TMR of the write head, there will be an effective shift of Δφ in the timing of when the center of the data islands pass through the write field. The disk drive includes write clock phase adjustment circuitry that correlates the PES with Δφ to compensate for TMR of the write head. |
| US07848047B2 |
Patterned media magnetic recording disk drive with write clock phase adjustment for data pattern circumferential misalignment
A patterned-media magnetic recording disk drive compensates for circumferential misalignment of data island patterns among the data tracks as a result of errors in fabrication of the master template used to make the disks. Each data track on the disk has its pattern shifted from a generally radial or arcuate line by a certain amount of pattern circumferential misalignment (PCM). The disk drive includes a write clock where writing to the data islands is controlled by detection of synchronization marks by the read head, and circuitry to adjust the phase of the write clock to compensate for PCM. The phase difference between the data pattern of the selected data track where data is to be written and the data pattern of the track where the synchronization marks are being detected is the difference in their respective PCM values. |
| US07848046B2 |
Magnetic disk apparatus
According to one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic disk apparatus having a magnetic disk having magnetic dot lines each including magnetic dots arrayed at equal intervals in a down track direction, and a read/write head which uses a plurality of adjacent magnetic dot lines as one track and sequentially performs read and write on the magnetic dots included in the magnetic dot lines constituting the track, in which the magnetic dots included in each of the magnetic dot lines in each track of the magnetic disk are displaced in the down track direction from the magnetic dots included in the adjacent dot line in the track depending on a possible skew angle between the read/write head and the track so that the magnetic dots are sequentially accessed by the read/write head. |
| US07848043B1 |
Circuits, systems, and methods for low noise biasing of magnetic-resistance sensors
Circuits, systems, and methods for generating bias for a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor in a magnetic storage device. The circuits generally include an amplifier having an input coupled to a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor, a feedback resistive element having an output coupled to the MR sensor, and a feedback control circuit having a first input coupled to an output of the amplifier, an output coupled to an input of the feedback resistive element, and a second input coupled the output of the feedback resistive element, wherein the feedback control circuit is configured to provide a bias current to the MR sensor through the feedback resistive element. The methods generally include amplifying a signal from the MR sensor to produce an amplified signal, producing a feedback signal from the amplified signal, the feedback signal having a predetermined bias characteristic, and applying the feedback signal to the MR sensor. The systems generally include those that embody one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The present invention advantageously provides for low noise output from the preamplifier by locating all or most of the potentially noisy bias generating circuitry at the post-amplification side of the feedback loop. |
| US07848034B2 |
Flat spring plate and lens actuator with same
A flat spring plate includes an outer closed-loop frame having a plurality of evenly spaced outer connection parts and a plurality of elongated side frame members each interconnected between the two corresponding adjacent outer connection parts, an inner closed-loop frame concentric with and surrounded by the outer frame, and a plurality of spring parts interconnected between the respective outer connection parts of the outer frame and the respective inner connection parts of the inner frame. The inner frame includes a plurality of evenly spaced inner connection parts. Each of the spring parts includes a U-shaped part adjacent to the corresponding outer connection part, a curved part adjacent to the corresponding inner connection part, and an elongated intermediate part interconnected between the U-shaped part and the curved part. Each elongated intermediate part is substantially parallel to the corresponding side frame member of the outer frame. |
| US07848032B1 |
Imaging lens assembly
This invention provides an imaging lens assembly comprising, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface; a second lens element with positive refractive power having a convex image-side surface; a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface, both being aspheric; a fourth lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, both its two surfaces being aspheric; and a stop disposed between the first and second lenses. |
| US07848029B2 |
Retractable zoom lens
A retractable zoom lens includes sequentially from an object side, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lens group having negative refractive power, a third lens group having positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power. The third lens group includes sequentially from the object side, a first lens that is a positive lens, a second lens that is a positive lens, and a third lens that is a negative lens. The retractable zoom lens performs variable magnification by independently moving the respective lens groups along the optical axis. Further, the retractable zoom lens satisfies given conditions and maintains high optical performance while enabling a wider angle and a reduction of overall length. |
| US07848026B2 |
Chirped metamaterials
An apparatus includes a medium that is a metamaterial over a frequency range. The medium includes a stack of layers or slabs. A mechanical, electrical, or magnetic property of the layers or slabs of the stack varies monotonically between neighboring ones of the layers or slabs. |
| US07848025B2 |
Transparent articles prepared from thermoplastic compositions having high flow and ductility, and method of preparing articles
Disclosed herein is a camera lens comprising a thermoplastic composition comprising a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate copolymer comprising soft block ester units derived from an alpha, omega C6-20 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, a dihydroxyaromatic compound, and a carbonate source, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a melt volume rate of 13 to 25 cc/10 min at 250° C. and under a load of 1.2 Kg and a dwell time of 6 minutes, according to ASTM D1238-04, and wherein the camera lens has an effective lens area of 0.5 to 100 mm2. A method of making the camera lens, and a camera lens comprising a thermoplastic composition comprising a redistribution product of a poly(aliphatic ester)-polycarbonate, are also disclosed. |
| US07848024B2 |
Cylindrically shaped optical beamsplitter
An optical beamsplitter comprises an optically-transparent material and a partially-reflective layer therein. The optically-transparent material has a cylindrically shaped exterior surface which provides advantages. |
| US07848022B2 |
Imaging device and method for a bonding apparatus
An imaging device and method of a bonding apparatus in which the imaging device includes: a high-magnification optical system having first and second high-magnification optical paths that extend to multiple imaging planes through a high-magnification lens and have different optical path lengths from the high-magnification lens to the respective imaging planes correspondingly to multiple subject imaging ranges which are at different distances from the high-magnification lens; and a low-magnification optical system having a low-magnification optical path that extends to an imaging plane through a low-magnification lens and having a field of view wider than those of the high-magnification optical paths. The imaging elements on the respective imaging planes in the high-magnification optical system are adapted to image semiconductor chips, while the imaging element on the imaging plane in the low-magnification optical system is adapted to image a lead frame. |
| US07848019B2 |
Microscope calibration apparatus and method and stage including calibration apparatus
A stage for supporting a specimen slide and for calibrating a microscope includes a base and a calibration component integral with the base. The calibration component includes at least one calibration element for positional calibration and at least one calibration element for optical calibration. Calibration of the microscope can be performed without the need for independent calibration slides. The calibration component may be a glass calibration component or may be defined by a calibration element formed or etched through the base. |
| US07848018B2 |
Automatic microscope provided with an illumination field arranged in the aperture diaphragm plane of a condenser
In an automatic microscope, there is the task to satisfy the demand for an economical, compact structure, especially a miniaturization as an essential aspect. The automatic microscope contains an optical system having the following: an illumination field (1) which is at least approximately arranged in the aperture diaphragm plane (ABE) of a condenser (2) and is used for the illumination of the object; an imaging optic (4); and, an image-providing sensor (5) arranged in the image plane of the imaging optic. |
| US07848017B2 |
Microscope device
A microscope device including a coherent light source, an illuminating optical system which has light beam splitting means that splits the coherent light source into light beams and phase-modulating means disposed near a pupil conjugate plane and adapted for modulating the phases of two of the light beams and projects illuminating light spatially modulated into an interference fringe structure by causing the two light beams to interfere with each other near the plane of a sample, an imaging optical system for forming an image of the sample with diffracted light, imaging means, and image processing means for creating a sample image by computation of the image captured by the imaging means each time the phase of the spatial modulation is modulated. |
| US07848016B2 |
High-NA projection objective
A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object surface onto an image surface of the projection objective has an object-side imaging subsystem for creating a final intermediate image closest to the image surface from radiation coming from the object surface and an image-side imaging subsystem for directly imaging the final intermediate image onto the image surface. The image-side imaging subsystem includes a last optical element closest to the image surface and is designed for creating a convergent beam having an aperture sin α≧0.8 in the last optical element. The image-side imaging subsystem includes, in this order along a propagation direction of radiation: a primary negative lens group having overall negative refractive power; an intermediate positive lens group having overall positive refractive power; a secondary negative lens group having overall negative refractive power; and a final positive lens group having overall positive refractive power and including the last optical element, where the last optical element has a convex entry surface having a radius RLOE of curvature with RLOE/NA<40 mm. |
| US07848015B2 |
Compact two-element infrared objective lens and IR or thermal sight for weapon having viewing optics
A compact objective lens is disclosed which is particularly suitable for infrared optical systems. The lens features a simple design with only two lens elements, namely a first lens element receiving incident radiation and having front and rear surfaces, and a second lens element receiving incident radiation from the first element and having front and rear surfaces. The lens forms an image of a scene on a focal plane. At least three of the four surfaces of the elements are aspheric surfaces. The lens has an f-number less than about 2, a field-of-view less than about 30 degrees, and an effective focal length less than about 6 inches. The elements are made from a material selected to pass radiation in the infrared band of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g., germanium. The lens is suitable for use as an objective lens for a long-wave infrared sight for small arms, e.g., rifle or shoulder-launched surface to air missile launching system, i.e., a lens optimized for operating in the electromagnetic spectrum between about 7.5 and about 15 micrometers. |
| US07848014B2 |
Erbium and Erbium/Ytterbium cladding pumped hybrid optical amplifier
An optical fiber amplifier apparatus and optical signal amplification method are provided. In one example, the amplifier apparatus comprises an optical combiner that is configured to receive an input optical signal to be amplified and a pump light beam. The optical combiner combines for output the input optical signal and the pump light beam. A first cladding pumped optical fiber in which Erbium is the only optically active dopant is coupled to the optical combiner to receive the pump light beam and the input optical signal. The first cladding pumped optical fiber pre-amplifies the input optical signal and passes the pre-amplified input optical signal and power of the pump light beam not absorbed by the first cladding pumped optical fiber. A second cladding pumped optical fiber is provided that is coupled to the first cladding pumped optical fiber. Erbium and Ytterbium are optically active dopants in the second cladding pumped optical fiber. The second cladding pumped optical fiber absorbs power of the pump light beam that was not absorbed by the first cladding pumped optical fiber to further amplify the pre-amplified input optical signal to produce an output amplified optical signal that is a desired amplified version of the input optical signal. |
| US07848010B2 |
Optical apparatus, and wavelength conversion laser light source, image display apparatus, and laser light source device adopting such optical apparatus
A wavelength conversion laser light source includes: a non-linear optical crystal of an oxygen octahedral structure, having added thereto a metal ion in other components than a main component; a light source for projecting light into the non-linear optical crystal in an operation mode; and a refractive index recovery mechanism for carrying out a recovery operation for recovering a refractive index of said non-linear optical crystal as shifted overtime due to light projected into the non-linear optical crystal in the operation mode with an applied external energy into the non-linear optical crystal in a non-operation mode in which light is not injected to the non-linear optical crystal. |
| US07848008B2 |
Structural color display
Disclosed is a structural color display including: (a) a pattern forming member which forms a plurality of cells each lined up in two dimension; and (b) a light transmissive image display sheet comprising a color showing layer which shows a structural color, the light transmissive image display sheet being faced to the pattern forming member, wherein each cell is independently controlled to reflect a light from a light source corresponding to an image pattern to be displayed, provided that the reflected light is made to enter in the image display sheet from a side facing the pattern forming member by a predetermined incident angle corresponding to the cell. The pattern image forming member comprises the element having a plurality of microscopic mirrors arranged in a rectangular array and being individually rotated. |
| US07848003B2 |
Semi-transparent/transflective lighted interferometric devices
In certain embodiments, a device is provided that utilizes both interferometrically reflected light and transmitted light. Light incident on the device is interferometrically reflected from a plurality of layers of the device to emit light in a first direction, the interferometrically reflected light having a first color. Light from a light source is transmitted through the plurality of layers of the device to emit from the device in the first direction, the transmitted light having a second color. |
| US07848002B2 |
Method for aligning die to substrate
A method for aligning a micro-mirror device die having a plurality of micro-mirror devices formed on a semiconductor substrate and fixing the micro-mirror device die on the semiconductor substrate can be provided. The method comprises a first alignment step of aligning a first guide portion of the micro-mirror device die and a second guide portion of the package substrate and a fixing step of fixing the micro-mirror device die on the package substrate in a position aligned by the first alignment step using the first and second guide portions. |
| US07848001B2 |
Method and system for interferometric modulation in projection or peripheral devices
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. |
| US07848000B2 |
Birefringent spectral filter with wide field of view and associated communications method and apparatus
A spectral filter is adapted for use in a receiver, for example in a short range submarine laser signal path, wherein the relative orientations of the receiver is such that the signal may appear diffusely or at an unknown point in a wide external field of view around an optical axis of the receiver. A narrow band spectral filter in the receiver has cascaded stages of tunable retarders with includes multi-conjugate stages that tolerate light that is oblique to normal, up to a diverging internal field of view angle up to about 10°. A fisheye lens assembly refracts incoming light from a wider external field of 170° or more and directs the light into the filter over the narrow internal field of view. Calibration and feedback control can be provided to stabilize the discriminated wavelength peak, which remains at the same center wavelength over the span of the internal field of view notwithstanding the difference in retarder thicknesses traversed along paths that are normal to the retarders versus oblique to the optical axis. |
| US07847998B2 |
Polarizing, photochromic devices and methods of making the same
Provided is an optical element including: a substrate; at least one at least partially ordered orientation facility connected to at least a portion of the substrate; and an at least partial coating connected to at least a portion of the at least partially ordered orientation facility. The at least partial coating includes at least one at least partially ordered anisotropic material. At least one photochromic-dichroic compound is at least partially aligned with at least a portion of the at least partially ordered anisotropic material. |
| US07847995B2 |
MEMS device and optical switch
A micro electro mechanical system device includes a fixed electrode that includes a first electrode group, and a movable electrode that moves with respect to the fixed electrode as voltage is applied and includes a second electrode group that opposes the first electrode group, wherein electrodes of at least one among the first electrode group and the second electrode group are connected via a resistor. |
| US07847993B2 |
Hologram element, illuminator, and projector
The disclosure is directed to hologram elements, illuminators, and projectors. In one example, a hologram element comprises a relief structure configured to diffract incident light to form a first illumination pattern and a second illumination pattern on an illuminated surface. The second illumination pattern may form a specific mark for uniquely identifying the hologram element. In certain embodiments, the second illumination pattern is formed outside an illumination area. In other embodiments, the second illumination area is formed inside the illumination area. |
| US07847989B2 |
Method for conversion of a colour space using separate chromatic and luminance look-up tables
According to the method, starting from the chromatic components xS, yS of the color vector to be converted, the components of an intermediate color vector RINT-CR, GINT-CR, ΣINT-CR are-interpolated, whose chromatic components, expressed in the source color space are: xINT-CR=xS, yINT-CR=yS; starting from the luminance component SS of the color vector to be converted and from the luminance component ΣINT-CR of the intermediate color vector, the luminance component ΣD of the converted color vector is interpolated; the chromatic components RD, GD of the converted color vector are calculated from its luminance component ΣD and from the components of the intermediate color vector RINT-CR, GINT-CR, ΣINT-CR. The conversion methods of the prior art are substantially improved. |
| US07847988B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An image reading apparatus includes a visible light source; an infrared light source; at least three one-dimensional photoelectric conversion elements extending in a main scanning direction and having respective different spectral sensitivity characteristics; an imaging optical system configured to form an image of image information of an original placed on an original holder and irradiated by the visible light source and the infrared light source on the one-dimensional photoelectric conversion elements; a driving unit configured to change relative optical positions of the imaging optical system and the original in a sub-scanning direction; and a control unit configured to obtain visible-light image information and infrared-light image information of the original by controlling turning-on operations of the visible light source and the infrared light source at every reading in the main scanning direction and by performing relative movement of the image optical system and the original in the sub-scanning direction. |
| US07847987B2 |
Method of compensating a zipper image by a K-value and a method of calculating a K-value
A method is disclosed as including scanning a first pixel of an image with a primary scanning line of a sensor, and scanning a second pixel of the image with a secondary scanning line of the sensor, wherein the first pixel is separated from the second pixel by a pitch of one or more scan lines. A compensation value is determined for one or more pixels of the image, wherein the compensation value is determined based, at least in part, on a mathematical operation comprising pixel values associated with the first and second pixels and the pitch. The method further includes compensating the one or more pixel values based, at least in part, on the compensation value, wherein the compensation value compensates for a reflection of light between the first and second scanning lines when the first and second pixels are scanned. |
| US07847986B2 |
Multiband color management
Systems and methods providing multiband color management are described. In one aspect, source peripheral device primary color spectra are determined. Target peripheral device primary color spectra are also identified. Source and target color spaces are respectively modeled based on the source and target peripheral device primary color spectra. Color management is implemented using the source and target color spaces. |
| US07847982B2 |
Communication apparatus and facsimile communication method
A communication apparatus (transmitting a first side image and a second side image of each document scanned by a scanner at a scanning position in a feeding process to a receiver according to a facsimile transmission protocol) comprises: a facsimile controller which transmits an MPS to the receiver on each completion of the transmission of the image of each side while retransmitting the MPS to the destination terminal when an MCF returned from the receiver in response to the MPS is not detected within a certain period of time; and an MCF detection unit which allows the facsimile controller to detect the MCF based on a fact that the number of times of reception of the MCF has reached a preset number of times. |
| US07847981B2 |
Image forming device and method transporting sheet for printing after encoding of paper fingerprint data is complete
An image forming device is provided which is capable of printing paper fingerprint data encoded into code data on a paper sheet without inducing significant degradation of printing performance due to the slowing of the printing speed. In order to halt paper sheet transport until the processing of sending composite image data, including paper fingerprint data, to a printer has completed, a control component issues to a paper sheet transport control component instructions to halt paper sheet transport temporarily after the scanning of paper fingerprint. The paper sheet transport control component halts paper sheet transport after receiving these instructions. Subsequently, when composite image data is sent to the printer and is ready to be printed on the paper sheet, the control component issues to the paper sheet transport control component instructions to resume paper sheet transport. The paper sheet transport control component resumes paper sheet transport after receiving these instructions. |
| US07847980B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus performs a density adjustment process for generating an image containing a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image for warning against the use of copy products. To help users to easily adjust the density of a latent image portion and a background portion in the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image, the image processing apparatus determines a density relationship of the latent image portion and the background portion by performing a plurality of adjustment operations, in combination, different in the amount of adjustment relating to the range of variable density in at least one of the latent image portion and the background portion, and sets, based on the density relationship, the density data of each of the latent image portion and the background portion in the data of the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image. |
| US07847978B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image reading method
An image reading apparatus is provided which includes a contact image sensor comprised of a plurality of sensor chips arranged in series, an analog image processor for processing an analog image signal from the contact image sensor, a unit for conducting black shading correction for each pixel and a unit for conducting white shading correction for each pixel. The image reading apparatus further includes a unit for digitally monitoring a black offset value corresponding to each chip with respect to the signal that has been processed by the analog image processor and a unit for adding and subtracting a black offset variation amount for each chip in the previous stage of the unit for conducting black shading correction for each pixel, and corrects black offset based on an instruction of a control unit. |
| US07847971B2 |
Layout processing method, information processing apparatus, and computer program
A layout processing method changes the layout of a template having a plurality of data areas in accordance with contents data to be assigned in each of the plurality of data areas. The method includes a displaying step, first and second setting steps, and a layout step. In the layout step, the size of a first data area is maintained, changed, or expanded based on the size of contents data assigned in the first data area and based on changes in the size of a second data area associated with the first data area. An information processing apparatus and a control program stored on a computer-readable medium are also provided. |
| US07847968B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for bookbinding processing
It is possible to provide an information processing apparatus capable of appropriately processing a job for case binding without depending on the sequence of page data constituting the job, a method for controlling the apparatus and a program. To accomplish this, a job for case binding is inputted, and the inputted job is stored in storage means of the image processing apparatus. A bookbinding cover attribute is set for page data to be a cover, in the job stored in the storage means. The order of output of page data in the job is determined based on the set attribute. The page data in the job stored in the storage means are read and outputted to a printer unit in accordance with the determined output order. |
| US07847965B2 |
Image forming apparatus and confidential data transmitting method
The calling image forming apparatus includes an image processing unit that encodes read image data, a communication controlling unit and modem that performs facsimile transmission for each page of encoded data that has been encoded, and an image memory that stores confidential data, which are data that should be confidential for the communication counterpart (callee). When the facsimile transmission is performed for each page of the encoded data, the image forming apparatus notifies the counterpart image forming apparatus that the confidential data are added and transmitted at the end of the page and performs the facsimile transmission of the confidential data added to the end of the page when a notification of transmission permission is received from the image forming apparatus. |
| US07847964B2 |
Document delivery system
A mail terminal senses insertion of a document into the terminal, scans the document in response to the sensed document insertion, and transmits the scanned document electronically over a telephone network. A host server receives the document over the telephone network, determines the name of the addressee from the received document, looks up document delivery instructions stored in a memory in association with the name of the addressee, and delivers the document to the addressee according to the delivery instructions. The mail terminal also prints documents that it receives from the host server. |
| US07847959B2 |
Point of sale printers providing secure network tunneling
A processor implemented method and data processing system are provided for providing secure network tunneling. A request is received at a printer to transmit data to a network server. A secure network tunnel is established between the printer and the network server. The data is transmitted from the printer to the network server over the secure network tunnel. A server acknowledgement is received at the printer that the data has been received by the network server. |
| US07847954B2 |
Measuring the shape and thickness variation of a wafer with high slopes
A system with two unequal path interferometers, with a first flat, a second flat, and a cavity between the first and second flats, a holder to receive an object in the cavity such that an optical path remains open between the first and second flats, and a motor coupled to the holder such that the object may be tilted in the cavity to allow for measurements of, and a radiation assembly to direct collimated radiation to the interferometer assembly, a collecting assembly to collect radiation received from the interferometer assembly, and a controller comprising logic to; vary a wavelength of the radiation, record interferograms, extract phases of the interferograms to produce phase maps, determine from each map areas with high slopes, tilt the holder to allow measurement of the high slope areas, and process measurement that covers the entire surface of the object. |
| US07847953B2 |
Homodyne laser interferometer probe and displacement measurement system using the same
A low-cost homodyne laser interferometer probe of simple structure is provided which allows predetermined performance to be easily obtained by a simple adjustment, and a displacement measurement system using the same is also disclosed. The homodyne laser interferometer probe includes an optical fiber (1) for guiding light, a collimator lens (2) that receives the light from the optical fiber (1), a ¼ wavelength plate (3) that receives light from the collimator lens (2) and that converts the light from linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, a beam splitter (4) for dividing light from the ¼ wavelength plate (3) into reference light and measurement light, a first focal lens (5) that receives the reference light from the beam splitter (4), a reflection mirror (6) for reflecting the reference light from the first focal lens (5), and a second focal lens (7) that receives the measurement light from the beam splitter (4). Here, the reference light from the reflection mirror (6) is returned to measurement means along the same route. The measurement light from the second focal lens (7) is applied to a measurement object (8), and the measurement light (signal light) from the measurement object (8) is returned to the measurement means along the same route. |
| US07847946B2 |
Verification apparatus and methods for optical inspection machine
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for verifying one or more operational conditions of an optical inspection machine. A row of grooves (1-5) that simulate a reagent pad containing a specific type of analytes at known concentrations can be used for verification of the operation of the machine. Apparatus can include a row of grooves (1-5), each with different geometry, configured on an insertable device (20). The insertable device (20) can be positioned so that the row of grooves (1-5) can be illuminated by the readhead of the machine. If the optical inspection machine provides results corresponding to the known type(s) and concentrations of analyte(s), proper operation of the optical inspection machine is indicated. If the simulated type and concentration of specified reagen is not indicated, improper operation is indicated. Measurement error due to non-machine error is indicated when the known type and concentration of the analyte simulated by the rows (1-5) is indicated. |
| US07847945B2 |
Making and using doppler shifted measurements in gas filter correlation radiometry
A method is provided for making and using measurements in gas filter correlation radiometry. A Gas Filter Correlation Radiometer (GFCR) instrument is moved in a region of space surrounding a heavenly body. An atmosphere of the heavenly body is viewed with the GFCR instrument along a first view direction with the atmosphere and the GFCR instrument experiencing a relative velocity of approximately zero. The atmosphere is also viewed with the GFCR instrument along at least one second view direction that is angularly separated from the first view direction such that atmospheric spectra associated with the second view direction appears Doppler shifted with respect to atmospheric spectra associated with the first view direction. A gas filter correlation radiometry application is performed using the measurement signals obtained from the different view directions. |
| US07847944B2 |
Multi-path flow cell correction
A Method of correcting a multi-path absorbance measuring system is suggested. The multi-path absorbance measuring system has a plurality of n measuring path: The method is executed by correcting the signal of the measuring paths based on a determined linearization function. |
| US07847943B2 |
Web measurement device
A sensor is provided that measures web caliper using optical and magnetic measuring devices. The optical measuring devices may employ a confocal chromatic aberration method to accurately determine the distance to the moving web and the magnetic devices may be ferrite core coil and target. Means of stabilizing a moving web are included for improving dynamic measurement accuracy. |
| US07847942B1 |
Peripheral interface device for color recognition
A peripheral interface device for determining the color of a surface, where the surface color may then be used to determine device position and identify objects. Embodiments provide a device capable of directing different colors of light (e.g., red, green and blue) onto a surface and measuring relative intensities of the reflected colors to determine the color of the surface. The reflection and measurement of each color may be performed separately. Alternatively, composite-colored light may be directed at the surface, which may then be filtered to extract the different colors and enable measurement of their relative intensities. As such, the device can detect regions of a given color and regions of different shades of the same color, which may then be used to determine the position of the device and/or identify an object. |
| US07847940B2 |
Methods and apparatus for correcting banding of imaged regular patterns
A multi-channel imaging head is calibrated in accordance with a pre-determined regular pattern to minimize swath-to-swath and inter-swath variations during the imaging of the regular pattern. The imaging parameters of the imaging head are optimized in accordance with the pre-determined regular pattern. |
| US07847939B2 |
Overlay measurement target
In an overlay metrology method used during semiconductor device fabrication, an overlay alignment mark facilitates alignment and/or measurement of alignment error of two layers on a semiconductor wafer structure, or different exposures on the same layer. A target is small enough to be positioned within the active area of a semiconductor device combined with appropriate measurement methods, which result in improved measurement accuracy. |
| US07847936B2 |
Evaporative light scattering device and methods of use thereof
Apparatus for the detection of analytes in a fluid, for example the eluant from a liquid chromatography is described. Solvent is evaporated from the eluant to produce a stream of particles when analyte is present in the fluid. The resultant stream of particles is passed through one or more beams of radiation, typically visible light, and radiation scattered by the particles is detected at least at a first angle to a beam of radiation and at a second, different, angle to a radiation beam to produce a signal indicative of the presence of the analyte.Chromatographic apparatus incorporating the detector and methods of operating the detector and chromatographic apparatus are also described. |
| US07847930B2 |
High-sensitivity method for detecting differences between the physically measurable properties of a sample and a reference
A method for detecting differences between physically measurable properties of a sample and a reference sample. A two-dimensional reference field is generated and first and second two-dimensional patterns are produced respectively from the reference sample and the sample. A correction is made to sample response functions to eliminate time-dependent and location-dependent fluctuations of the detector. |
| US07847929B2 |
Methods and apparatus for inspecting a plurality of dies
A method for inspecting a plurality of dies, that are typically disposed on a surface of a semiconducting wafer. Each of the dies includes respective functional features within the die. The method consists of identifying within a first die a first multiplicity of the functional features having respective characteristics, and measuring respective first locations of the first multiplicity with respect to an origin of the first die. Within a group of second dies a second multiplicity of the functional features having the respective characteristics is identified, respective second locations of the second multiplicity are measured. The second locations are compared to the first locations to determine a location of an origin of the group of the second dies. |
| US07847928B2 |
Inspection device and inspection method
An inspection device for inspecting defects of an inspection object including a light source for irradiating a luminous flux to the inspection object; an optical system for guiding reflected light from the inspection object; a photoelectric image sensor having a plurality of photoelectric cells arranged, for converting the light guided to detection signals; a detection signal transfer unit having channels each constituted by a signal correction unit, a converter and an image formation unit, and corresponding to each of a plurality of regions formed by dividing the photoelectric image sensor, respectively; and an image synthesis unit for forming an image of the surface of the object by synthesizing partial images outputted; the inspection device inspecting defects of the object by processing the synthesized image; whereby it becomes possible to correct a detection signal from said photoelectric cell close to a predetermined reference target value. |
| US07847924B2 |
Performance of an atom interferometric device through complementary filtering
A technique is disclosed which offers an improvement in the performance of an atom interferometric (AI) sensor, such as one that is used in an accelerometer or a gyroscope. The improvement is based on the recognition that the AI-based device, which is associated with superior low-frequency performance, can be augmented with a conventional device having a superior high-frequency performance, as well as a wider frequency response, compared with that of the AI-based device. The disclosed technique combines acceleration measurements from the AI-based device, which is characterized by transfer function G(s), with acceleration measurements from the conventional device that have been adjusted by a complementary function, 1−Ĝ(s), where Ĝ(s) is an approximation of G(s). The conventional device has a considerably wider bandwidth than that of the AI-based device, and the quasi-unity transfer function of the conventional device makes possible the 1−Ĝ(s) adjustment of the measurements provided by the conventional device. |
| US07847922B2 |
Method and an apparatus for capturing three-dimensional data of an area of space
In a method for capturing three-dimensional data of an area of space, a plurality of measuring beams (Ls) are sent out to a plurality of measuring points. A detector (50) receives a plurality of reflected beams (Lr) which are reflected by the measuring points (34a). A plurality of distances to the measuring points (34a, 34b) are determined as a function of the reflected beams (Lr). According to one aspect of the invention, at least one object (30) which comprises a hidden channel (66) having a visible entry opening (72) is located in the area of space. A rod-shaped element (32) is inserted into the channel (66) in such a manner that a free end (70) protrudes from the entry opening (72). A first distance to a first measuring point (34a) and a second distance to a second measuring point (34b) are determined. An orientation (74) of the hidden channel (66) is determined as a function of the first and the second distances. |
| US07847916B2 |
Liquid recovery apparatus, exposure apparatus, exposure method, and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate by projecting an image of a pattern onto the substrate via a projection optical system and a liquid that fills a gap between the projection optical system and the substrate. The exposure apparatus has a liquid recovery mechanism with a drive section powered by electric power supplied from a commercial power source and an uninterruptible power source separate from the commercial power source. When the commercial power source has a failure, the supply of electric power to the drive section is switched to the uninterruptible power source. |
| US07847913B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal material is used in which the maximum angle of the optical axis change by liquid crystal molecule when a voltage of one polarity is applied is larger than 45 degrees and a condition of |2Ps·A|>|5(V)Clc·A| is satisfied where Ps (nC/cm2) is the magnitude of the spontaneous polarization per unit area, A (cm2) is the electrode area of the pixel and Clc (nF/cm2) is the liquid crystal capacity per unit area. The transmittance in the liquid crystal part is increased and excellent display can be performed without the provision of a storage capacitor. Consequently, the storage capacitor is unnecessary, so that the aperture ratio of the liquid crystal panel can be increased. |
| US07847910B2 |
Display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel according to the present invention includes: a common wiring (4) formed above a TFT array substrate (30) and having a first terminal (5); a first transparent conductive film (6) formed above the common wiring (4); an interlayer insulating film (15) formed above the first transparent conductive film (6) and having a first terminal portion contact hole (17) formed outside a display area (54) and inside a sealing material (50); and a terminal pad (20) formed above the interlayer insulating film (15) and electrically connected to the common wiring (4) through the first transparent conductive film (6) in the first terminal portion contact hole (17). |
| US07847908B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal display panel which includes a pair of substrates and liquid crystal sandwiched between the pair of substrates, the liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of sub pixels, each sub pixel of the plurality of sub pixels including a pixel electrode and a counter electrode, and the pixel electrode and the counter electrode generating an electric field for driving the liquid crystal, wherein a terminal portion is formed in a region outside a display region on one substrate out of the pair of substrates, the terminal portion includes a lower electrode portion and an upper electrode portion which is formed on the lower electrode portion and is electrically connected with the lower electrode portion, and the upper electrode portion is constituted of a first transparent conductive film and a second transparent conductive film which is formed on the first transparent conductive film. |
| US07847907B2 |
Display substrate, method of fabricating the same, and liquid crystal display device having the same
A display substrate, a method of fabricating the same, and a liquid crystal display apparatus having the same. The display substrate includes a storage electrode extending over first and second areas formed on a substrate, a insulating layer pattern formed on the storage electrode, and first and second pixel electrodes formed on the insulating layer pattern. At least one of the first and second pixel electrodes has at least one recess. The insulating layer pattern has first and second openings formed in the first and second areas corresponding to the storage electrode. Accordingly, electric short circuits between the first and second pixel electrodes is prevented due to the recess or the openings during the manufacturing process for the first and second pixel electrodes. |
| US07847897B2 |
Optical compensation film and liquid crystal display
To provide a liquid crystal display, particularly TN type liquid crystal display capable of remarkably improving brightness inversion resistance at a high contrast with a simple configuration and an optical compensation film which realizes the aforementioned properties, the liquid crystal display includes a pair of polarizing plates, each of the polarizing plates being disposed on an outer side of a liquid crystal layer having a twisted structure, the liquid crystal layer being disposed between substrates facing to each other, at least one of the substrates having an electrode, each of the polarizing plates including a polarizing film, a protective film, and an optical compensation film, wherein the optical compensation film includes a compound having a discotic structure unit, and the compound having a discotic structure unit is aligned such that the average alignment direction of the molecular major axis of the discotic structure unit at each side of the upper and lower optical compensation films facing to the polarizing film cross each other at an angle of not greater than the crossing angle of absorption axes of the pair of polarizing plates. |
| US07847896B2 |
In-plane switching liquid crystal display including viewing angle compensation film using +A-plate
Disclosed is an in-plane switching liquid crystal display. The in-plane switching liquid crystal display uses at least one A-plate and adjusts the optical axis direction and the retardation value of the A-plate, thereby improving the contrast characteristic at a front and at a predetermined inclination angle of the in-plane switching liquid crystal display while minimizing a color shift according to viewing angles in the black state. |
| US07847895B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
An exemplary transflective liquid crystal display device (2) has a liquid crystal panel (20), and a backlight module (29) adjacent to the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first color filter substrate (210), a thin film transistor substrate (220), a second color filter substrate (230), a first liquid crystal layer (240) being provided between the first color filter substrate and the TFT substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer (250) being provided between the second color filter substrate and the TFT substrate. |
| US07847893B2 |
Display device and method of fabricating the same
A display device includes a gate line and a data line aligned on a substrate, wherein the gate line and the data line cross each other to define a pixel area on the substrate, a gate electrode branching from the gate line, a source electrode branching from the data line on the gate electrode, a drain electrode spaced apart from the source electrode, a reflective electrode extending from the drain electrode, wherein the reflective electrode is formed in the pixel area, and an insulating layer pattern formed on the reflective electrode, wherein a protrusion pattern is provided at a surface of the insulating layer pattern. |
| US07847892B2 |
Array panel for liquid crystal display device with light shielding and method of manufacturing the same
An array panel for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a gate line and a gate electrode on the substrate, wherein the gate line is connected to the gate electrode, a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the gate electrode, an active layer on the gate insulating layer, an ohmic contact layer on the active layer, a data line, a source electrode, and a drain electrode on the ohmic contact layer, wherein the data line, the source electrode, and the drain electrode are formed of molybdenum, a passivation layer on the data line, the source and drain electrodes, and a pixel electrode on the passivation layer, wherein the ohmic contact layer has the same shape as the data line, the source, and drain electrodes, and the active layer has the same shape as the data line, and the source electrode, and the drain electrode except for a channel area between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and the channel area has a “U” shape. |
| US07847887B2 |
Protective film for polarizing plate, polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display device
To provide a protective film for a polarizing plate that shows a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR40) of 30 g/m2·day or less at 60° C. and a relative humidity of 40%, a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR95) 80 g/m2·day or more and 300 g/m2·day or less at 60° C. and a relative humidity of 95% and a value obtained by dividing the difference between WVTR95 and WVTR40 by the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR60) at 60° C. and a relative humidity of 60%, or (WVTR95-WVTR40) /WVTR60, 2.0 or more. |
| US07847883B2 |
Reflective liquid crystal display device
The invention is directed to the higher contrast in a liquid crystal display device (LCD) having a lighting portion as a front light. A lighting portion is formed by interposing an organic EL layer between a transparent substrate and a transparent substrate. A light shield layer is formed covering a cathode layer of the organic EL element layer. The lighting portion is disposed above the reflective LCD. The reflective LCD has a polarizing plate, a light scattering layer, an opposing substrate, a common electrode, a liquid crystal layer, and a TFT substrate. When the refractive indexes of seven layers of an anode layer, the transparent substrate, a resin layer, the polarizing plate, the light scattering layer, the opposing substrate, and the common electrode are defined as n(1), n(2), n(3), n(4), n(5), n(6), and n(7) respectively, the relation of 1.33>n(k)/n(k+1)>0.75(k=1−6) holds. |
| US07847882B2 |
Backlight assembly, liquid crystal display apparatus having the same, and method thereof
A backlight assembly includes a light source, a light-guide plate, a reflective sheet, a first prism sheet, a second prism sheet and a lateral reflective sheet. The light source generates light. The light-guide plate guides the light and has a plurality of first prism patterns adjacent to each other. The first prism patterns are formed on a first surface of the light-guide plate. The reflective sheet is disposed adjacent the first surface of the light-guide plate. The first and second prism sheets are disposed on a second surface of the light-guide plate. The lateral reflective sheet is disposed on the second prism sheet. The lateral reflective sheet includes reflective protrusions substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the light source. Therefore, brightness and display quality may be enhanced. |
| US07847880B2 |
Light guiding plate with refractive member, backlight assembly having the same, and display device having the same
A light guiding plate, a backlight assembly having the light guiding plate and a display device having the backlight assembly include a light guiding plate body, a polarization transformation layer on a surface of the light guiding plate body to transform a polarization component of light emitted through the light guiding plate, and a polarization extraction layer on the polarization transformation layer. |
| US07847874B2 |
Display panel and method of manufacturing a display substrate of the display panel
A display panel includes n gate lines, a data line, a first pixel and a second pixel. The gate lines extend in a first direction. The data line extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first pixel includes a first pixel electrode connected to one of the (n−1) gate lines to receive a data voltage through the data line. The second pixel includes a second pixel electrode and a light-blocking pattern. The second pixel electrode is connected to the (n)-th gate line to receive the data voltage through the data line. The first light-blocking pattern overlaps with the second pixel electrode to possibly reduce a luminance difference between the first and second pixels. |
| US07847872B2 |
Liquid crystal display and test method thereof
A liquid crystal display includes a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix and having first and second sub-pixel electrodes differentiated in size from each other. First and second switching elements are connected to the first and second sub-pixel electrodes, respectively. First and second gate lines are connected to the first and second switching elements, respectively. A data line is connected to the first and second switching elements to transmit a data voltage. First and second gate shorting bars are connected to the first and second gate lines, respectively. The gate lines connected to the respective sub-pixels are connected to two or four gate shorting bars to allow an array test and a visual inspection test, and to thereby detect a bridge between respective sub-pixel electrode neighbors in a simplified manner. |
| US07847871B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical device includes a plurality of storage capacitors each in a corresponding pixel. Each storage capacitor includes a first capacitor electrode and a second capacitor electrode with a dielectric film therebetween. The first capacitor electrode is made of the same film as one of the semiconductor films in pixel transistors. The second capacitor electrode is provided at a layer over the gate electrode of the pixel transistors. The second capacitor electrode has a first main portion opposite to the first capacitor electrode and an extending portion that extends from the first main portion to at least partially cover the second junction region. An interlayer insulation film insulates the extending portion from the pixel transistor. |
| US07847861B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding video pictures, and method and apparatus for decoding video pictures
The H.264 standard has introduced a new coding method for intra-coded pictures, which is named “intra prediction”. The basic idea of intra prediction is to predict a block using reconstructed neighbour pixels. Thus, only the residual information needs to be encoded. Scalable video coding adds some scalable extension to H.264, in terms of spatial, temporal and SNR scalability. An improved encoding method for scalable video comprises generating from a video picture a first and a second picture with higher resolution than the first picture, wherein each macroblock in the first picture has a plurality of corresponding macroblocks in the second picture, intra-coding the first picture on macroblock level, wherein for each macroblock a prediction direction is determined, generating a first residual picture, intra-coding the second picture on macroblock level, wherein for each macroblock the prediction direction of the corresponding macroblock of the first picture is reused, and generating a second residual picture. |
| US07847858B2 |
System and method for controlling photoflash
A system for controlling photoflash includes a signal processing unit, a calculating unit, a photoflash module and an adjusting unit. The photoflash module includes a capacitor. The signal processing unit is configured for analyzing image information to get a current brightness value of the image, and the calculating unit is configured for calculating a first photoflash time of the photoflash module based on a first voltage value of the capacitor via analyzing the current brightness value. The adjusting unit is configured for adjusting the first photoflash time to get a second photoflash time according to a second voltage value of the capacitor, and outputting the second photoflash time to the photoflash module to control flashing of the photoflash module. |
| US07847856B2 |
Digital camera
The present invention discloses a digital camera having a camera body and a lens unit removably mounted on the camera body, in which the camera body calculates, based on information related to the lens unit, an optimum moving speed as an optimum speed for moving the lens unit upon causing the lens unit to perform focusing by an imager AF method (hill-climbing method). |
| US07847854B2 |
Imaging apparatus with AF optical zoom
A novel imaging apparatus capable of correcting a focus state by an AF detection value both simply and surely has been disclosed. The imaging apparatus comprises an auto-focus drive section for moving a lens, an AF processing section for calculating an AF detection value indicating the focus state from imaging data, a luminance processing section for calculating a luminance value from the imaging data, a correction section for calculating a corrected AF detection value by correcting the calculated AF detection value by the calculated luminance value, and a control section for controlling the auto-focus drive section based on the calculated corrected AF detection value. The imaging data is data not having been subjected to auto-exposure processing. |
| US07847851B2 |
Method of controlling digital photographing apparatus and digital photographing apparatus using the method
Disclosed are a digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus that allow a user to easily identify the current position of an image displayed on a display within a sequence of images and to easily identify a consecutive sequence of related images. The apparatus and method include displaying a lattice-shaped index on the display, which can be displayed at the same time as an image. At least one of the images represented as a region of the index relates to at least one other image represented as a region of the index. Regions of the index representing images that relate with one another have the same distinguishing characteristic, such as the same color, luminance, shading or shape to show that they are related. |
| US07847845B2 |
Image sensor with charge multiplication
An image sensor includes an array of pixels arranged into two or more subarrays and each subarray captures charge; and an output charge-coupled device that receives charge from the array of pixels; wherein the output charge-coupled device is divided into substantially two equal first and second portions in which either one portion receives charge from only one subarray or both portions receive charge respectively from a subarray, and the first portion of the charge-coupled device is a charge-multiplying charge-coupled device in which charge is amplified, and the second portion of the charge-coupled device does not amplify charge. |
| US07847838B2 |
Noise reduction apparatus, method and program for controlling same, image sensor and digital camera
Image data pixels indicative of the pixels in a noise-reduction target area having a size of 5×5 pixels is extracted from a plurality of types of CCD-RAW data having red, green and blue color components. A filter for reducing uncorrelated noise is calculated. Uncorrelated noise is removed by performing a filter operation using the calculated filter while correlativity of the CCD-RAW data is maintained. These processing steps are repeated for one frame of CCD-RAW data. After uncorrelated noise has been removed, spatial pixel processing such as an aperture correction is applied. |
| US07847835B2 |
Still camera with audio decoding and coding, a printable audio format, and method
A digital still camera comprises an imaging system for capturing a single image of printed material containing a printed audio format; a processor for extracting encoded audio data from the image; a decoder for receiving and decoding the encoded audio data to an audio signal; and an audio output for outputting the audio signal as audio. |
| US07847833B2 |
Digital camera device providing improved methodology for rapidly taking successive pictures
An in-camera two-stage compression implementation is described that reduces the latency between snapshots to a fraction of that otherwise required by other systems that either process complete compression following each snapshot or that incorporate heavy, bulky, and expensive RAM hardware capable of maintaining several raw luminosity records (unprocessed file containing a digital image). In the 1st stage compression the raw luminosity record is quickly, yet partially, compressed to available RAM buffer space to allow a user to expeditiously capture a succeeding image. When the higher-priority processes, the user shooting pictures, and stage one compression subside, a 2nd stage compression, which is slower but more effective, decompresses the earlier partially-compressed images, and re-compresses them for saving in flash memory until they are distributed to a remote platform to be finally converted to the JPEG2000 format. |
| US07847832B2 |
Electronic camera that reduces processing time by performing different processes in parallel
An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a subject and generates image data; a first bus to which the image data generated by the image capturing device are output; an image memory that is connected to the first bus and temporarily stores the image data on the first bus; a plurality of image data conversion devices connected to the first bus that individually convert the image data on the first bus; a second bus through which conversion outputs from the plurality of image data conversion devices are provided to individual output destinations; and an adjustment device that performs timing adjustment or multiplexing of a plurality of conversion outputs to ensure that the plurality of conversion outputs do not collide on the second bus. |
| US07847825B2 |
Image capturing apparatus
An image capturing apparatus (107-1) which captures an image of an object moving in a space where a light source (109) is placed, the light source emitting light whose intensity varies in a predetermined cycle, the imaging capturing apparatus includes: an imaging device (102-1) for capturing the image of the object and the light from the light source (109); a signal processing unit (103-1) for generating, from a signal outputted from the imaging device (102-1), an image signal that includes a picture sequence synchronized with an imaging apparatus drive signal obtained from the outside; and a phase difference detection unit (105-1), a phase different adjustment unit (106-1), and a drive signal generation unit (104-1), for generating a signal that is synchronized with the intensity variations of the light from the light source (109) which is captured by the imaging device (102-1), and outputting, as the imaging-apparatus drive signal, the generated signal into the signal processing unit (103-1). |
| US07847818B2 |
Television with disc loader, disc presence display device
The present invention is directed to eliminate mistaken recognition of the presence of the disc even when displaying the presence of the disc with one light emitting element. In a television incorporating a slot-in type disc loader in which an LED emits light with a pulse signal output from an output terminal of the microcomputer when the power is turned OFF, which light of the LED is interrupted by the insertion of the disc thereby turning ON the power, the display control signal fixed to “L” is output from the output terminal when the pulse signal “L/H” is input to the input terminal of the microcomputer from the disc detecting section when the power is turned OFF and the disc is not inserted. The light emitting diode does not flash and is in a light out state by the display control signal, and thus the fact that the disc is not present in the slot is accurately notified. |
| US07847816B2 |
Imaging apparatus
In an imaging apparatus having two imaging devices, a converter module which synthesizes the two signals of each horizontal line produced from the two imaging devices to thereby convert the two signals into a single composite signal, a line memory which cooperates with the converter module to convert the signals, a line delay module which accumulates the output signals from the converter module, a line memory which cooperates with the line delay module to accumulate the signals, an exposure controller, an auto focus controller, a white balance controller, a color signal processor module, a luminance signal processor module, and an arithmetic processor module for stereo imaging process, the output signals from the plurality of imaging devices are converted to the single composite signal and processed on a one-channel processing basis. |
| US07847815B2 |
Interaction based on facial recognition of conference participants
In one embodiment, a method includes capturing a facial image of a participant to a video conference session from a video stream of the video conference session. A database containing a plurality a stored facial images is then accessed in an attempt to match the facial image with one of the stored facial images. Each stored facial image is associated with information in the database associated with a person, the information being retrieved in the event of a match. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. |
| US07847813B2 |
Dynamic multimedia content stream delivery based on quality of service
A method and apparatus are disclosed for intelligently delivering components of a multimedia content stream (e.g., audio component, video component, etc.) to a telecommunications terminal based on the quality of service (QoS) for transmissions received at the terminal. The illustrative embodiment is disclosed in the context of an interactive voice response system, but is applicable in a wide variety of other telecommunications systems and applications. |
| US07847812B2 |
Focusing control method for reading/writing optical disc
A label pattern can be created on a label side of an optical disc under well focus control. An optical disc is first loaded in an optical disc drive with the label side thereof facing to an optical head of the optical disc drive. Then, the optical head is actuated along a focusing direction. Meanwhile, a light intensity addition signal is generated in response to optical signals reflected from the optical disc and received by the optical head. A closed-loop control operation of the optical head is performed according to the light intensity addition signal after the light intensity addition signal up-crosses a threshold. Then, a label pattern can be defined on the label side of the optical disc with the closed-loop control operation. |
| US07847811B2 |
Optical scanner
An optical scanner includes a frame, a light source, an optical member, and a spacer. The light source emits a light beam. The optical member is mounted on the frame to guide the light beam to a scanning target. The spacer maintains the optical member at a predetermined position with respect to the frame. The spacer is formed of a photocurable resin that is cured in response to a predetermined light having a wavelength within a prescribed range. |
| US07847810B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided. A second photoconductor is disposed at a downstream side of a first photoconductor in a moving direction of a medium. First and second exposure units form first and second electrostatic latent images on the first and second photoconductors line by line at first and second exposure timing intervals in first and second exposure enabling time periods based on successive lines of first and second image data, respectively. A correction unit corrects at least one of the first and second exposure timing intervals. A change unit changes the second exposure enabling time period so as to suppress a difference between the number of the successive lines of the first image data and the number of the successive lines of the second image data. |
| US07847809B2 |
Image display method, image display processing program, and image display apparatus
In an image display method for providing display in a predetermined color order using a plurality of color signals of image data for an electro-optical modulation device which modulates light emitted from a light source in accordance with signals, color distribution ratios for the plural color signals are established such that errors caused due to response delays of the electro-optical modulation device from the color signals can be reduced to the minimum value or almost the minimum value at the time of display in the predetermined color order. |