Document Document Title
US07890999B2 RPC port mapper integrity checker to improve security of a provisionable network
A method for verifying port integrity in a network, comprising: accessing port binding information in a port authorization file in the network, querying a port mapper in the network for a mapped port assignment, comparing the port assignment to the port binding, and initiating a response based on the results of the comparing.
US07890998B2 System and method for selective authentication when acquiring a role
A system, method, and program product is provided that provides authentication on a per-role basis in a Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) environment. When a user attempts to acquire a role, the improved RBAC system determines whether (a) no authentication is required (e.g., for a non-sensitive role such as accessing a company's product catalog), (b) a user-based authentication (e.g., password) is required, or (c) a role-based authentication (e.g., role-specific password is required).
US07890997B2 Remote feature activation authentication file system
A system for providing a user with authorization to perform one or more functions using or otherwise involving a computational component is provided. The system includes an authentication file system 100 operable to (a) receive a request from a user for a second set of authentication information permitting a second set of operations to be performed on a computational component, wherein the computational component is operable to be installed by the user on the computational system, wherein the computational component contains a first set of authentication information permitting a first set of operations to be performed on the computational component; and wherein the first and second sets of operations are different; (b) generate an authentication file containing the second set of authentication information; and (c) transmit the authentication file to the computational system.
US07890991B2 Apparatus and method for providing security and monitoring in a networking architecture
An apparatus is described that provides security and monitoring in a networking architecture. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a physical layer interface that includes a physical layer receiver and a decoder for converting physical layer data from the physical layer receiver to data link layer information, wherein the decoder processes input data corresponding to the physical layer data based on rules conditioned on higher layer information to generate output data corresponding to the data link layer information; and a controller for provisioning the physical layer interface. Advantageously, the apparatus provides an architectural framework well suited to a low cost, high speed, robust implementation of flexible, advanced network security and monitoring features, traffic management, and network traffic analysis.
US07890988B2 Technique for delivering entertainment programming content including interactive features in a communications network
In delivering an entertainment program over a communications network, e.g., a cable TV network, interactive application data for realizing interactive features in the entertainment program are interjected into the program stream carrying the entertainment program on an as needed basis. Because the entire channel bandwidth is temporarily dedicated for transmission of the interactive application data, whose amount is relatively small compared with that of the video and audio data of the programming content, the interactive application data when transmitted appears as a short “burst,” causing a virtually unnoticeable interruption in the programming content delivery.
US07890987B2 Method and apparatus for improved acquisition and monitoring of event information table sections
A method for acquiring and storing schedule event information from a cyclical broadcast in an interactive television system comprising a Head end (20), transmission media (32) and a client device such as a set top box (28) and display TV (26). An request queue for particular Event Information Table (EIT) schedule sections (42) is created and serviced in optimal fashion by selecting a section from the EIT request queue with the least acquisition latency based on the current position in the EIT broadcast cycle, the set top box (28) processing speed and the sequence of EIT sections (42) requested.
US07890986B2 System and method for reducing channel change time
Presented herein are system(s) and method(s) for reducing channel change time. In one embodiment, there is presented a method for transmitting data. The method comprises receiving a request for video data from a client; transmitting a transaction header to the client, said transaction header comprising media metadata; and transmitting compressed video data to the client after transmitting the transaction header.
US07890985B2 Server-side media stream manipulation for emulation of media playback functions
A media server in a home entertainment network allows a media rendering device to act as a digital media receiver. The media server enables trick mode functions such as scan forward or reverse, slow motion, pause, and seek on rendering devices with capabilities limited to 1× playback. The media server receives commands from user input at the rendering device transmitted over the network to the media server. The media server manipulates the media stream before transmission over the network by deleting or adding frames to the media stream as necessary to emulate the desired playback functions and replacing frame timestamps to create a media stream that appears to the media rendering device as a sequential 1× stream. The transmitted media stream may not contain all of the media content stored in the corresponding media file on the media server, thus avoiding limitations on the download bandwidth and local client storage.
US07890984B2 Method and system of video on demand dating
Method and system of video on demand (VOD) dating. The method and system permitting a user to select video personals for on demand view. The video personal include recordings of individual interviews or other activities which may be used to introduce the individual to the user and/or to otherwise facilitate dating.
US07890983B2 Channel buffering method for dynamically altering channel number of internet protocol television
A channel buffering method is for dynamically altering a number of channels for an Internet protocol television (IPTV). The method is applicable for a home gateway (HG) having a channel section used for channel buffering. After the HG has received two consecutive channel-switching requests, the HG compares whether the two requests are similarly directed to switching a channel towards the same direction or not; if yes, a cumulative switching frequency is set, and two trimming numerical values are set through the cumulative switching frequency, and thus, the channel section for buffering the channels can be dynamically adjusted through the two trimming numerical values.
US07890982B2 Information processing apparatus and method, and program storage medium
This invention is intended to allow user to easily and quickly set the preset recording of television programs on recording devices. When setting the preset recording of a television program on a VCR, the user of a personal computer first accesses an EPG server on the Internet to download the preset recording data of that program. The personal computer converts the downloaded preset recording data into a G-code and transmits the G-code from a video mouse to the VCR as an infrared signal. The VCR decodes the received G-code, recognizes the program to be preset for recording, and sets the preset recording of the recognized program.
US07890976B2 Digital television and channel setting method thereof
The present invention relates to a video display device, and more particularly, to a digital television and channel setting method thereof that enables a setting of preferred channels according to genre by selecting a channel label.
US07890974B2 EPG generation apparatus, and EPG generation method
An electronic program guide (EPG) generation apparatus that generates an EPG, the apparatus comprising: an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding each program to be displayed in the EPG; a first determination unit configured to determine the size of a first display area representing the broadcast times of each program in the EPG, based on information regarding the broadcast times of each program included in the information regarding each program; a second determination unit configured to determine the size of a second display area for displaying, in the EPG, information regarding details of each program included in the information regarding each program, based on the information regarding each program; and a display controller configured to control the display, on a display means, of the EPG based on the sizes of the first and second display areas, determined by the first and second determination means.
US07890970B2 Brushless motor, and disk drive equipped with the same
In a brushless motor for use in a disk drive, a rotor is mounted onto a tube portion of a housing. A retaining claw is formed at an upper end of the tube portion. A turntable has a central concave portion which accommodates an upper portion of the tube portion of the housing. A retaining member is provided radially outside the central concave portion, and includes a plurality of retaining pieces extending to the inside of the central concave portion. When the rotor is mounted onto the housing, the retaining pieces come into contact with the retaining claw and then move upward. When the rotor moves upward relative to the housing, the retaining pieces come into contact with the retaining claw, thereby restricting upward movement of the rotor. Upward movement of the retaining pieces is restricted by contact between the retaining member and the turntable.
US07890967B2 Optical pickup device with heat radiating structure
An optical pickup device 50 comprising a laser diode 1, a photo detector 2, a housing 3 having an optical system for guiding light from the laser diode 1 to an optical disk and guiding light reflected on the optical disk to the photo detector, a wiring 5 to supply current to the laser diode 1, and a metallic cover 9 provided outside of the housing 3, wherein the laser diode 1 is bonded to the housing 3 by adhesive, a metallic member 10 is mounted on the surface of the laser diode 1 by connecting thermally, and the metallic member 10 is thermally connected to the cover 9 by solder.
US07890965B2 Disk carrying device for use with a small diameter disk or a large diameter disk
A disk carrying device including a transporting roller for carrying a disk, a turntable and a clamper for holding the disk, a trigger plate moved by carrying of the disk to a chucking position for changing a transmission route of driving force from the transporting roller to a cam plate, a first biasing means for urging the trigger plate to a position before moving, a guide base for pressing the disk on the transporting roller, an arm roller disposed on an opposite side of the guide base with respect to the transporting roller so as to move the guide base apart from the transporting roller, and a second biasing means disposed between the guide base and the arm roller. The second biasing means is extended when the disk is present between the guide base and the transporting roller and generates urging force pulling the guide base to the transporting roller.
US07890964B2 Methods and apparatus for contextual awareness in a groupware client
Methods and apparatuses provide contextual awareness to a groupware client with respect to an enterprise backend system. The groupware client generates a query or request for data within a context of the groupware client. A backend determines the context, which may include processing an indication of the context received with the query. Data is selectively chosen based on the context, and the selected data is provided to the groupware client to fulfill the request. In one embodiment, the backend determines a permission associated with the context.
US07890963B2 Vector replacement method
The present invention relates to computer-implemented method for generating one or more system calls from a command originating from a software process. The method comprises the steps of receiving the command from the software process; translating the command into a first set of system calls for execution by an operating system; intercepting said first set of system calls prior to execution by the operating system; and replacing said first set of system calls with a second set of system calls if said first set of system calls meets one or more predefined criteria. This interception and replacement may then be used to map one set of data references onto another set of data references. This mapping can provide flexible data storage, which is transparent to the software process and operating system.
US07890961B2 Method and apparatus for providing desktop application functionality in a client/server architecture
A method and apparatus for providing functionalities of desktop applications using a client/server architecture is provided. Data including a user's preferences and a script are provided to a client system. The script is configured to define a function of a control. The function allows the control to perform an operation using the received data. The use of the received data and script permits a user to have a desired interface and environment regardless of the native functionalities of the client system.
US07890959B2 System and method for message lifetime management
A system and method for message lifetime management. According to an embodiment of the invention, a front-end application process identifies during a user interface interaction cycle of the front-end application process at least one stateful message reported to the front-end application process by a back-end service process during a prior user interface interaction cycle of the front-end application process, the at least one stateful message having been stored in a message buffer by the front-end application process, queries the back-end service process to determine whether the at least one stateful message is currently valid, and removes the at least one stateful message from the message buffer if it is determined not to be currently valid.
US07890956B2 Method and system for implementing built-in web services endpoints
A method and system for implementing Web service built-in endpoints is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a built-in endpoint manager interface and a built-in endpoint implementation container.
US07890954B2 Method and system for communicating between application software
A system and method for communicating across multiple heterogeneous hosts using a two-tier software infrastructure where messaging software is used to handle all intra- and inter-host messaging and application software is divided into functional blocks called software entities where these entities communicate with one another through the messaging software. The messaging software communicates with other hosts using TCP/IP connection, where information about the registered entities such as location and state are communicated using a routing protocol such as RIP. This framework provides a new means of communication between functionally well-separated software components.
US07890953B2 Storage area network methods and apparatus with coordinated updating of topology representation
A digital data processing apparatus of the type that manages a SAN includes a first queue with entries representing tasks and a second queue with entries representing data that correspond to those tasks. Data in the second queue is grouped in accord with the task to which they correspond. A manager service updates the internal representation of the SAN (e.g., the representation of the SAN topology) by executing the tasks in the first queue one at a time, for example, atomically using a single-threaded process.
US07890952B2 Autonomic peer-to-peer computer software installation
Methods, systems, and products are provided for peer-to-peer computer software installation. Embodiments include receiving, by an observing install agent running on an observing host from a test install agent running on a test host, performance information describing the performance of software installed on the test host; determining, by the observing install agent, whether the performance information meets performance criteria for the observing host; and if the performance information meets the performance criteria for the observing host, installing the software on the observing host. In some embodiments, determining, by the observing install agent, whether the performance information meets performance criteria for the observing host is carried out by determining, whether the performance information meets performance criteria for the observing host in dependence upon a rule.
US07890949B2 Driver software installing system
A driver software installing system is provided with a computer connected to an electronic device. The system includes an installation system that performs installation of driver software in the computer in accordance with a procedure of an operating system of the computer, and a setup system that performs setup of the driver software that is installed in the computer by the driver software installation system. Further, the setup system includes an instructing module that instructs the installation system to generate identification information for identifying the driver software when the installation of the driving software is performed, an identifying module that identifies the driver software to be set up based on the identification information generated by the installation system in response to the instruction of the instructing module, and a setup module that performs setup operation for the driver software that is identified by the identifying module.
US07890939B2 Partial methods
Partial methods enable separation of method declaration and/or calls from method implementation. A partial method specifies a signature of a join or hook point in a class. Calls to a partial method specify a join or hook point in code that can optionally be linked with an actual method implementation of the same signature. Separate method implementations or other code related to a partial method are injected into a single program prior to execution. Unimplemented partial methods are treated as no operation instructions or otherwise ignored.
US07890938B2 Heterogeneous normalization of data characteristics
Methods, systems, and data structures are provided for normalizing data characteristics between applications. A first application is associated with a first data characteristic, and a second application is associated with a second data characteristic. A most-restrictive or common data characteristic is determined from the first and second data characteristics. The most restrictive or common data characteristic is enforced on access attempts to the first or second applications.
US07890937B2 Data processing system and method
The present invention relates to a data processing system including a first file converter converting a set of file formats into an extended markup language format, a software development tool, and a workflow processing system. The software development tool includes a second file converter for rendering the extended markup language format into a unified modeling language graphic, a renderer for rendering a unified modeling language format converted file, a modifier for graphic modification of the rendered file, a third file converter converting the unified modeling language format to the extended markup language format, and means for deploying an extended markup language format converted file to the workflow processing system. The present invention enables to provide a meta workflow system that can be implemented on the level of existing workflow systems by integration.
US07890936B2 Method of reverse read code to locate useful information
A method for reverse reading a computer program code to locate useful information includes receiving a selection of a line of the computer program code from a user, extracting one or more variables from the line of the computer program, searching the computer program code for one or more other lines of code that create and/or use the variables, and highlighting the other lines of code that create and/or use the variables.
US07890932B2 Test recording method and device, and computer-readable recording medium storing test recording program
A test recording method capable of preventing omission of tests for software to be delivered. When test input data is entered from a testing client, a data transmitter transmits the data to a testing server. Upon reception of test output data and a hash value from the testing server, an evaluation unit determines a test result, pass or fail, by comparing the test output data with the output pattern described in a test specification. The result recorder stores a test log in a log memory, the test log including the test result and the hash value received from the testing server.
US07890931B2 Visual debugger for stylesheets
A visual Debugger for stylesheets assists a user of stylesheets debug the stylesheets by: allowing the user to set breakpoints on the stylesheet; running to, and stopping at, the breakpoints; single stepping through each template rule as the rule is fired (both forward and backward); evaluating the template rule on the fly; showing the relationship between each template rule and the source document that provides the data; supporting stylesheets that call external programs written in Java or JavaScript; supporting stylesheets that include or import other stylesheets; supporting XML documents that use the “?xml-stylesheet” processing instruction to include stylesheets; supporting multiple debug sessions; and allowing the user to edit the stylesheet or source document and then allowing the debugger to be relaunched.
US07890929B1 Methods and system for a tool and instrument oriented software design
A Toolbox and Instrument software design and runtime system which simulates real-world Tools by providing Instruments for the Tools' configuration, control, and state monitoring before, during, and after runtime. A Tool is a software function which may be used to modify an existing object or to create a new object. Tools with related functionality are grouped by their containment within appropriately named, static classes, or object references, their grouping which represents a Toolbox. Each Tool accepts one or more input (operand) objects to be changed or zero operands if a new object will be created, and each Tool also a Configuration Instrument, a State monitoring instrument, and optional Control Instrument. Alternatively, the Control and State Instrument's functionality can be consolidated into a single Instrument, or the Control and Configuration Instrument's functionality can be consolidated into a single Instrument.
US07890928B2 Mechanism and system for representing and processing rules
This invention utilizes a concept called color, which implies a variation, and applies it to natural language attributes like verbs and nouns. The verb color is defined as a role or operation in which the field participates. The noun color is defined as a form of the field. The auxiliary verb color is defined as a path to the field from a known object reference. The noun color may be defined by the user or may be determined, based on the object state in which the field resides. Rules are defined by adorning the fields with one or more colors. Several types of rules are invented based on transformational properties of colors. Methods can be equated to rules, and invoked as rules. Thus, complex processes may be reduced to a set of rules, using the above mechanisms.
US07890927B2 Apparatus and method for configuring and editing a control system with live data
Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object. Configuration-time formulas contained objects are evaluated to constants prior to downloading to the control system.
US07890926B2 System and method for application development and deployment
The invention pertains to a system and method of application development on a web portal. In one embodiment, the user logs on to a web portal and is provided with various tools to choose from to write an application, compile the application and then test the application. After completing the development process of the application, the user could either choose to store the application on the web portal, thereby using the services of the web portal or download the application on to his own computer. The user is also given the option to deploy the application from the web portal, the portal being used as a server for servicing multiple clients, thereby using the server resources during deployment and avoiding the high cost of infrastructure.
US07890918B2 Method of designing semiconductor device
A method of designing a semiconductor device includes: (A) dividing a layout region of a semiconductor chip into matrix by a unit region; and (B) determining an interconnection layout such that an occupation ratio of a high-density region to the layout region is less than 50%. Here, the high-density region is a set of the unit regions in each of which interconnection density is higher than a predetermined reference value.
US07890916B1 Debugging using a virtual file system interface
Various approaches for controlling a circuit implemented on an integrated circuit device having programmable logic. According to one approach a hierarchy of directories and files are maintained in a virtual file system that is registered with an operating system. The directories and files are associated with resources of the programmable logic. Each file represents a respective data set of configuration data for an associated one of the resources, and at least one of the files is a clock control file that is associated with a clock control circuit on the integrated circuit. A first value is stored in the clock control circuit of the programmable logic in response to invocation of an operating system file access command that references the clock control file and specifies the first value. Advancement of a clock signal on the programmable logic is controlled in response to the first value stored in the clock control circuit.
US07890909B2 Automatic block composition tool for composing custom blocks having non-standard library cells in an integrated circuit design flow
An automatic custom block composition tool for composing custom blocks of an integrated circuit (IC) design that may include non-standard library cells. The tool includes program instructions that are executable to create and use a placement control file that includes instructions for use by the custom block composition tool to place the one or more non-standard library cells into the custom block layout. In addition, the program instructions may instantiate a leafcell for each non-standard and each standard library cell included in a netlist. The program instructions may access the placement control file and place each leafcell in a row of the custom block layout according to the placement control file. The program instructions may also pre-route power, clock and critical network signals, and generate a router control file used during remaining routing of the custom block by a conventional router tool.
US07890908B2 Method for verifying mask pattern data, method for manufacturing mask, mask pattern verification program, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for verifying mask pattern data includes preparing design circuit data on a design circuit which realizes a desired electrical operation. Data on a design circuit pattern having a structure which realizes the design circuit on a semiconductor substrate is prepared. Mask pattern data on a pattern of a mask used in order to produce the design circuit pattern is prepared. A circuit pattern which is to be obtained by processing a film using the pattern of the mask indicated by the mask pattern data is acquired. Circuit data on a circuit realized by at least a first part of the circuit pattern is produced. A circuit mismatch part where the circuit data and a part of the design circuit data which corresponds to the first part of the circuit pattern do not match up is detected.
US07890907B2 Computer program product for designing memory circuits having single-ended memory cells with improved read stability
A memory cell for interconnection with READ and WRITE word lines and READ and WRITE bit lines includes a logical storage element such as a flip-flop formed by a first inverter and a second inverter cross-coupled to the first inverter. The storage element has first and second terminals and a storage element supply voltage terminal configured for interconnection with a first supply voltage. A WRITE access device is configured to selectively interconnect the first terminal to the WRITE bit line under control of the WRITE word line, and a pair of series READ access devices are configured to ground the READ bit line when the READ word line is active and the second terminal is at a high logical level. A logical “one” can be written to the storage element when a second supply voltage, greater than the first supply voltage, is applied to the WRITE word line, substantially without the use of a complementary WRITE bit line.
US07890898B2 Method for semiconductor circuit
Capacity-gate voltage characteristics of a field-effect transistor having plural gates are measured against a voltage change in each one of the gates for an inverted MOSFET and for an accumulated MOSFET, respectively. These measurements together with numerical simulations provided from a model for quantum effects are used to determine flat band voltages between the plural gates and a channel. Next, an effective normal electric field is calculated as a vector line integral by using a set of flat band voltages for the measured capacity as a lower integration limit. Lastly, mobility depending on the effective normal electric field is calculated from current-gate voltage characteristic measurements and capacity measurements in a source-drain path, and the calculated mobility is substituted into an equation for a current-voltage curve between source and drain.
US07890891B2 Method and apparatus improving gate oxide reliability by controlling accumulated charge
A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in improving the gate oxide reliability of semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET) devices using accumulated charge control (ACC) techniques. The method and apparatus are adapted to remove, reduce, or otherwise control accumulated charge in SOI MOSFETs, thereby yielding improvements in FET performance characteristics. In one embodiment, a circuit comprises a MOSFET, operating in an accumulated charge regime, and means for controlling the accumulated charge, operatively coupled to the SOI MOSFET. A first determination is made of the effects of an uncontrolled accumulated charge on time dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) of the gate oxide of the SOI MOSFET. A second determination is made of the effects of a controlled accumulated charge on TDDB of the gate oxide of the SOI MOSFET. The SOI MOSFET is adapted to have a selected average time-to-breakdown, responsive to the first and second determinations, and the circuit is operated using techniques for accumulated charge control operatively coupled to the SOI MOSFET. In one embodiment, the accumulated charge control techniques include using an accumulated charge sink operatively coupled to the SOI MOSFET body.
US07890884B2 Exclusive use display surface areas and persistently visible display of contents including advertisements
In a computer system having a display surface; a portion of the display surface is reserved to allow contents rendered by a program to be persistently visible. In one embodiment, a shared portion of the display surface managed by a window manager may be reduced. In another embodiment, the window manager may work with a pixel resolution smaller than the operative pixel resolution of a display device driver. In one embodiment, HTML advertisements may be rendered in the reserved portion by an advertising rendering program, such as through a direct draw component. The direct draw component may be provided with an unreduced surface area to support direct drawing of displays. A cursor control device driver may likewise be provided with an unreduced surface area to monitor for cursor movements and events. In other embodiments, multiple portions of the display surface may be reserved and/or full screen applications may be accommodated.
US07890882B1 Content and proximity based window layout optimization
A content and proximity based window layout optimizer is described, including receiving a request to adjust one or more windows in a user interface, the one or more windows having content, determining an adjustment order based on the request, the adjustment order comprising a sequence of the one or more windows on which the request to adjust is applied successively, adjusting the one or more windows based on the request, the adjustment order, and the content of the one or more windows being adjusted.
US07890880B2 Method and device for interactive control of a machine
The invention relates to a method and a device for interactive control of a machine, whereby the operating parameters necessary for the working process of the machine are inputted into a data processing unit (12), for storing the operating parameters, using an input unit (10) with input fields in a form which guides the user. Working processes are thus carried out as a result of the inputs. A data set of the base rules for the working process of the machine is recorded in the data processing unit. A limited selection (11) of possible input choices is provided for the user by application of the data set based on the machine configuration and machine environment, which further comprise compatible parts for addition to the extant parts of a working process. Operator guidance is facilitated, whereby the user is provided with a limited selection (11), corresponding to the further parts of the process, on operating fields, by the input unit (10) on the surface (16) for manual input and/or for input using a manipulator (38).
US07890876B1 Electronic messaging contextual storefront system and method
An electronic messaging contextual storefront system and application provides electronic and instant messaging with contextual graphical and textual content which corresponds with or is related to the subject matter of an electronic or instant message string or chat stream. Graphical and textual content for the contextual storefronts is retrieved based upon detected keywords, and presented in contextual storefronts which are associated with conversation and text entry boxes or other parts of an electronic message system display. Selected graphical and textual content can be placed directly in the text stream or elsewhere in the display either by user commands or automatically by the system. The graphical and textual content is stored by subject matter or theme or by association with keywords in a relational database. Access to contextual storefront content can be tracked, accounted for and controlled by a payments processing system.
US07890875B2 IM conversation management
A method and apparatus for managing IM conversations is provided. In response to idle time and, preferably, read message status, particular current conversations are removed from a list of current conversations. The removed conversations may be moved to an archive which may be automatically maintained in response to size constraints. An archive interface is facilitated to review conversations, save all or portions thereof, delete, etc. The archived conversations are preferably associated with the contact for the conversation to show a history of conversations.
US07890874B2 Systems and methods for interactively displaying user images
In accordance with the present invention, an interactive user display application is provided. The application displays and refreshes images that are intended to represent users or members of a social network or other web-based service. Using these images, the interactive user display application allows a user of the application to interact with other users or their profiles while viewing their images or while interacting with or consuming media.
US07890860B1 Method and apparatus for modifying textual messages
A method and apparatus for modifying the context of messages based on a selected rule set are provided. The method comprises selecting a rule set from the database, scanning the message while comparing content of a textual message to the rule set, and determining textual modifications to the textual message based on the selected rule set to define a modified message having content that is different from the textual message.
US07890854B2 Web media asset identification system and method
Methods of dynamically identifying a server provided media asset on a client device are provided herein.
US07890853B2 Apparatus and machine-readable medium for generating markup language representing a derived entity which extends or overrides attributes of a base entity
A markup language document (e.g. an XML document) may contain a first instance of a markup language element having an attribute with a first, platform-independent value, a second instance of the element having the attribute with a second, platform-specific value, and an indicator that the second value overrides the first. Executable code may replace both of the first and second instances with a single instance having the attribute with the second value. Alternatively the markup language document may contain a first instance of a markup language element having a first, platform-independent attribute, a second instance of the element having a second, platform-specific attribute different from the first attribute, and an indicator that the second instance extends the first. In this case executable code may replace both instances of the markup language element with a single instance having the first attribute and the second attribute.
US07890852B2 Rich text handling for a web application
A method and apparatus for representing and controlling documents including rich text for Web based applications and browsers is provided so that editing of rich text can be facilitated within the browsers. The rich text is represented in a memory structure so that various formats may be flexibly maintained. Text, images, tables, links and the like are represented in the memory structure, which may be maintained in databases for eventual editing. A controller class and subsidiary classes represent the rich text and provide methods to convert html to the memory structure and back, representing the rich text in a relational database, retrieving the rich text from a relational database, and presenting the rich text for editing. A spell checking facility for the rich text is included.
US07890849B2 Concurrent presentation of media and related content lists
The concurrent presentation technique provides information about content related to a source media currently being presented to a user in a fashion that allows the user to keep viewing the source media while either interactively or non-interactively perusing a list of related content. Thus, the user can see a list of related content without interrupting the presentation experience, and if desired, the user can choose to interact with the list to obtain further information about available related content.
US07890845B2 Integrated MPE-FEC RAM for DVB-H receivers
A MPE-FEC memory chip and method for use in a DVB-H receiver, wherein the memory chip comprises a TS demux; a RS decoder; a system bus; and a RAM unit adapted to simultaneously interface to the TS demux, the RS decoder, and the system bus through time-multiplexing, wherein the RAM unit is adapted to (i) access multiple-words per clock cycle, and (ii) cache write and read accesses to reduce memory access from the TS demux and the system bus, and wherein the RAM unit is adapted to be clocked at a speed higher than an interfacing data-path to increase an effective throughput of the RAM unit. The RAM unit may comprise multiple RAM sub units, wherein while a first RAM sub unit is clock gated, the remaining multiple RAM sub units are accessible.
US07890841B2 Post-viterbi error correction method and apparatus
In an error correction method, a codeword is transmitted through a noisy communication channel and detected by a receiving device. An error detection code is then applied to the detected codeword to generate a syndrome. Where the syndrome is not all zero, the codeword is determined to contain some error. Accordingly, the method computes a set of potential error start positions for a plurality of error events based on a syndrome value corresponding to the syndrome. Next, a confidence value is computed for each of the plurality of error events at each of the potential error start positions in the refined set, and finally, a most likely error event in the detected codeword is corrected based on an error event and corresponding potential error start position having the highest confidence value.
US07890839B2 Radio communication apparatus suppressing correction error while maintaining communication quality, and method and program for error correction
An RSSI detection unit detects a level of a received signal. An error detection unit performs error detection of the received signal. An error correction control unit causes an error correction unit to perform error correction of the received signal only when the error detection unit detects an error and the level of the received signal detected by the RSSI detection unit is not lower than a predetermined value.
US07890838B2 Storage apparatus having nonvolatile storage module
According to one embodiment, a storage apparatus includes a first nonvolatile storage module, a second nonvolatile storage module, and an error checking and correction module. The first nonvolatile storage module undergoes a destructive read when data is read from it. The second nonvolatile storage module stores the address data representing the storage location in the first nonvolatile storage module at which data to be read is stored. The error checking and correction module checks for and corrects an error in the data stored at the storage location in the first nonvolatile storage module which is represented by the address data stored. The error checking and correction module writes the corrected data back into the first nonvolatile storage module.
US07890837B2 System and method for a common testing framework
In an embodiment, a method provides an input and an expected test output for a unit test. The unit test is executed using a module under test and the input, thereby generating an actual test output. The actual and expected test outputs are serialized into XML, so that comparison and extraction of differences between actual and expected test outputs can be performed using methods for comparisons and extraction of differences between XML documents, such as XML change detection or calculation of checksums.
US07890836B2 Method and apparatus of cache assisted error detection and correction in memory
A memory and a method of correcting and detecting an error in a codeword of a memory are presented. The method includes detection and correction of an error in a bit of the codeword by an error deception and correction engine, storing error correction information of the error in a cache. In the second detection of the same error in the same bit the correction of the error is done based on the stored error correction information.
US07890832B2 Method for accuracy improvement allowing chip-by-chip measurement correction
A method for allowing measurement corrections on a chip-by-chip basis. Error correction values are generated responsive to the input value to a circuit of the calibrated integrated circuit chip and to a measured value from the circuit of the calibrated integrated circuit chip. The error correction values are stored within an error correction table within a nonvolatile memory of the integrated circuit chip.
US07890823B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory system
According to one embodiment, an electrical package includes: an external input portion; an external output portion; a plurality of integrated circuits that is compatible with a compressed deterministic pattern test, each of the integrated circuits including: an input portion; a decompressor that is connected to the input portion; scan chains that are connected to the decompressor; a compactor that is connected to the scan chains; a selector that is connected to the compactor and the input portion to selectively output an output of the compactor or an output of the input portion; and an output portion that is connected to the selector.
US07890821B2 Channel impairment emulator systems and methods
Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved communication system test techniques. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless device test system is disclosed having a channel emulator for multipath and/or MIMO applications to allow the testing of wireless devices (e.g., WLAN devices) in a cabled environment.
US07890818B2 Read level control apparatuses and methods
Various read level control apparatuses and methods are provided. In various embodiments, the read level control apparatuses may include an error control code (ECC) decoding unit for ECC decoding data read from a storage unit, and a monitoring unit for monitoring a bit error rate (BER) based on the ECC decoded data and the read data. The apparatus may additionally include an error determination unit for determining an error rate of the read data based on the monitored BER, and a level control unit for controlling a read level of the storage unit based on the error rate.
US07890816B2 Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting remote control errors
Apparatus, systems and methods are described that facilitate the detection of errors within a remote control for a controlled device. A remote control detects an error condition during operation and transmits information regarding the error to a controlled device. The information regarding the error may be analyzed to determine the source of the problem in the remote control and/or possible solutions.
US07890809B2 High level operational support system
A high level Operational Support System (OSS) framework provides the infrastructure and analytical system to enable all applications and systems to be managed dynamically at runtime regardless of platform or programming technology. Applications are automatically discovered and managed. Java applications have the additional advantage of auto-inspection (through reflection) to determine their manageability. Resources belonging to application instances are associated and managed with that application instance. This provides operators the ability to not only manage an application, but its distributed components as well. They are presented as belonging to a single application instance node that can be monitored, analyzed, and managed. The OSS framework provides the platform-independent infrastructure that heterogeneous applications require to be monitored, controlled, analyzed and managed at runtime. New and legacy applications written in C++ or Java are viewed and manipulated identically with zero coupling between the applications themselves and the tools that scrutinize them.
US07890805B2 Regression testing of a printing system
A standard input for a regression test is processed in a printing system in a first (standard) configuration to generate a standard output. The standard output may include a standard PDL output and a standard bitmap. The standard input is processed in the printing system in a second configuration to be tested to generate regression test output. The regression test output may include a test PDL output and test bitmap. The regression test output and the standard output are compared to determine if changes included in the second configuration of the printing system produce an undesirable effect. Each standard input and corresponding standard output is identified by a unique test identifier and is stored.
US07890803B2 Constraint programming for reduction of system test-configuration-matrix complexity
A system for creating a system configuration data set includes an input operable to receive a set of system properties with attributes and values and a set of expressions representing a set of system test goals. The system further includes a processor operable to define a hierarchical tree structure with a plurality of nodes where each node represents one of the system properties and includes at least one of the attributes and the values and an output operable to output a set of system test data utilizing the hierarchical tree structure combined with the expressions. A method includes creating a hierarchical tree structure with a plurality of nodes where each node represents a system property. The method further includes receiving a set of expressions representing a set of system test goals and creating a set of system test data utilizing the hierarchical tree structure combined with the expressions.
US07890801B2 Method and computer-readable medium for verifying and saving an electronic document
A method and computer-readable medium are provided for saving the contents of a memory structure stored in a volatile memory. According to the method, corrupted portions of the memory structure are identified and an attempt is made to repair these portions. If the corrupted portions cannot be repaired, the saving of these portions is skipped. The uncorrupted and repaired portions of the memory structure are then saved to a data file stored on a mass storage device. If portions of the memory structure cannot be repaired or skipped, an attempt is made to save only the user data contained in the memory structure to the data file. In this manner, the user data contained in the memory structure may be saved to a data file even in cases of severe corruption.
US07890800B2 Method, operating system and computing hardware for running a computer program
A method for running a computer program on computing hardware, in particular on a microprocessor. The computer program includes multiple program objects designed as tasks, for example. Transient and permanent errors are detected during the running of the computer program on the computing hardware. To be able to handle these transient errors constructively when they occur in a computer system in such a way that the functionality and function reliability of the computer system are restored within the shortest possible error tolerance time, at least one program object that has already been sent for execution is set into a defined state on detection of an error and is restarted from this state. The program object is a runtime object of the computer program, for example, also known as a task. One or more tasks that are still being executed or have already been executed on occurrence of an error are restarted and run again.
US07890798B1 Computer cluster with second-node instance of application having access to state snapshot of first-node instance of application
A computer cluster includes a first computer for running a first instance of an application and a second computer for running a backup instance of the application. The first node provides for creating a snapshot in volatile RAM of a state associated with the application while it is running. Initially, the snapshot can be created in the form of pointers to RAM used by the application so that the snapshot overlaps application data, but sections of the snapshot can be moved in RAM when the application needs to modify a section of its memory. The snapshot can then be transferred to a shared disk. In the event of a failure of the first node, the backup instance can begin processing from the state represented by the snapshot rather than from initial conditions.
US07890795B1 Auto-adapting cache memory system and memory
A system, method and computer program product for detecting a failed storage device within an “n” device array. The “n” device array is configured to store “n” device array formatted data. The “n” device array is reconfigured into an “n−1” device array. The “n” device array formatted data is written to the “n−1” device array in an “n−1” device array format.
US07890794B1 Handling SAS topology problems
A method is used in handling SAS topology problems. It is detected that a chain of SAS expanders has a bad expander that prevents communicating normal SAS data streams along the chain. Expanders are disabled in the chain, and are enabled in turn while updating a flag indicating the most recently enabled good expander, until the chain fails. Expanders are disabled in the chain, and are enabled in turn but the enabling stops after enabling the expander indicated by the flag.
US07890792B2 Server switching method and server system equipped therewith
There is disclosed a high speed switching method for a disk image delivery system fail-over. A management server sends a disk image of an active server in advance to a standby server. When receiving a report that the active server has failed, the management server judges whether or not it is possible for the standby server to perform the service of the failed active server based on service provision management server information held by the management server and if possible, instructs the standby server to perform the service of the active server. Even if the disk image delivered in advance is different from the disk image of the failed active server, switching of is the service to the standby server can be performed more quickly through resetting the setting values of unique information and installing the additional pieces of software on the standby server by the management server than redelivering an appropriate disk image.
US07890784B2 Power supplying mode switching controller, image forming apparatus, and image reading apparatus
A power supplying mode switching controller is disclosed. The power supplying mode switching controller includes a main controller which controls an image forming apparatus, a power supply circuit which has a normal mode and a power saving mode, an I/O controller which switches the power supply circuit to the normal mode when a factor returning to the normal mode is generated in the power saving mode, and an SD interface to which an SD card is attached. The I/O controller includes a first attaching change detecting circuit which detects an attaching change of the SD card to the SD interface, and when the first attaching change detecting circuit detects the attaching change of the SD card to the SD interface in the power saving mode, the I/O controller switches the power supply circuit to the normal mode and informs the main controller of the attaching change of the SD card.
US07890783B2 Method and system for discovering a power source on a peripheral bus
Improved techniques to recognize a power source on a peripheral bus and/or determine power available from the power source via the peripheral bus are disclosed. Typically, the peripheral bus is supported by a cable connected between a host device and an electronic device. In this case, the host device is a power source (e.g., power adapter or battery pack) and the cable is used to provide power from the power source to the electronic device. Hence, by understanding the power available from the power source, the electronic device can manage its power utilization so as to operate in a stable and reliable manner. The electronic device is, for example, a portable computing device. Examples of portable computing devices include a Portable Digital Assistant (PDA) and a portable media player.
US07890780B2 Systems and methods for managing power for data storage devices
An information handling system may include a processor, a tape drive coupled to the processor, and a cache control module. The cache control module may be configured to receive a request from the processor for the tape drive; determine whether the tape drive is powered off; determine whether the tape drive needs to be powered on to process the request; and respond to the request on behalf of the tape drive if it is determined that (a) the tape drive is powered off and (b) the tape drive does not need to be powered on to process the request.
US07890778B2 Power-off methods for portable electronic devices
In some embodiments of the invention, a graphical user interface in an electronic device with a touch screen display and power switch includes one or more user-interface objects to assist a user in powering-off the device while avoiding unintended power-off events due to inadvertent contact with the power switch or the touch screen display.
US07890777B2 System and method for collecting power management parameters in a computing device for power over Ethernet
A system and method for collecting power management parameters in a computing device for power over Ethernet (PoE). Computing devices such as portable computers can include a collection component that is responsible for gathering power management information from various parts of the computing device. The collected power management information can then be sent to a LAN on motherboard device for use in a PoE allocation scheme.
US07890774B2 System and method for fast querying of encrypted databases
A system, method, computer program product, and data management service that allows any comparison operation to be applied on encrypted data, without first decrypting the operands. The encryption scheme of the invention allows equality and range queries as well as the aggregation operations of MAX, MIN, and COUNT. The GROUPBY and ORDERBY operations can also be directly applied. Query results produced using the invention are sound and complete, the invention is robust against cryptanalysis, and its security strictly relies on the choice of a private key. Order-preserving encryption allows standard database indexes to be built over encrypted tables. The invention can easily be integrated with existing systems.
US07890772B2 Multi-function printing device
A document processing device configured to communicate with a first device and a user input device. The document processing device includes a controller having memory. The controller is operable to receive a first communication from the first device. The first communication includes a job to be processed by the printing device and a first shortcut access code associated with the job. The first shortcut access code is stored in the memory of the controller. The controller is also operable to receive a second communication from the user input device. The second communication includes a second shortcut access code. The controller holds the job to be processed until the controller receives the second communication and verifies the second shortcut access code matches the first shortcut access code.
US07890760B2 Secure method of termination of service notification
A method for notifying a client device of termination of at least one service provided to the client device by a server system within an enterprise network is disclosed. The method includes the step of establishing authentication data and notification data, where the authentication data is related to the notification data, and sending the authentication data to the client device for storage during a provisioning operation. When the server system identifies a termination of service, it sends the notification data to the client device, which may then authenticate the received notification data using the authentication data.
US07890753B2 Secure mode for processors supporting MMU and interrupts
A digital system is provided with a secure mode (3rd level of privilege) built in a non-invasive way on a processor system that includes a processor core, instruction and data caches, a write buffer and a memory management unit. A secure execution mode is thus provided on a platform where the only trusted software is the code stored in ROM. In particular the OS is not trusted, all native applications are not trusted. A secure execution mode is provided that allows virtual addressing when a memory management unit (MMU) is enabled. The secure execution mode allows instruction and data cache to be enabled. A secure execution mode is provided that allows all the system interruptions to be unmasked. The secure mode is entered through a unique entry point. The secure execution mode can be dynamically entered and exited with full hardware assessment of the entry/exit conditions. A specific set of entry conditions is monitored that account for caches, write buffer and MMU being enabled. The structure of the activation sequence code accounts for caches, write buffer and MMU being enabled. The structure of the exit sequences code accounts for caches, write buffer and MMU being enabled. A specific way is provided to manage a safe exit of secure mode under generic interruptions and allows return from interruption through entry point and activation sequence and a proper resuming of the secure execution. A specific way is provided to manage the MMU in secure mode and provide data exchange between secure and non-secure environment.
US07890748B1 System and method for HIPAA compliant communication
The present invention is a system and method for subscribers to communicate electronically over the internet while meeting HIPAA confidentiality requirements. It entails establishing a secure virtual private network (VPN) or higher level domain and enrolling subscribers. Communications sent between subscribers via the VPN or domain have confidential information attached. Unsecured notifications can be sent to the receiving subscriber directing them to log on to the VPN or domain to retrieve the secured message.
US07890747B2 Display of decrypted data by a graphics processing unit
A system, method, and processor executable instructions are disclosed for offloading encryption and/or decryption processing to a system having a parallel processing structure that may include a graphics processing unit. Lookup tables support executing encryption/decryption transformations solely on the graphics processing unit. In one version, the look-up tables support Rijndael encryption/decryption transformations. Also, a system, method, and processor executable instructions are disclosed for visualizing decrypted ciphertext.
US07890734B2 Mechanism for selecting instructions for execution in a multithreaded processor
In one embodiment, a multithreaded processor includes a plurality of buffers, each configured to store instructions corresponding to a respective thread. The multithreaded processor also includes a pick unit coupled to the plurality of buffers. The pick unit may pick from at least one of the buffers in a given cycle, a valid instruction based upon a thread selection algorithm. The pick unit may further cancel, in the given cycle, the picking of the valid instruction in response to receiving a cancel indication.
US07890731B2 Clearing selected storage translation buffer entries based on table origin address
An instruction is provided to perform clearing of selected address translation buffer entries (TLB entries) associated with a particular address space, such as segments of storage or regions of storage. The buffer entries related to segment table entries or region table entries or ASCE addresses. The instruction can be implemented by software emulation, hardware, firmware or some combination thereof.
US07890727B2 Key-controlled object-based memory protection
A processing unit includes an authority check for controlling access by the processing unit to pages of memory according to whether a hardware protection key set currently loaded in an authority mask register allows access to the pages. In particular, each page of memory is assigned a page key number that indexes into the hardware protection key set. The currently loaded hardware protection key set specifies those page key numbers that are currently accessible to the processing unit for the execution context. Each hardware key within the hardware protection key set is associated with a particular data object or group of data objects. Thus, effectively, the currently loaded hardware protection key set identifies which data objects or groups of data objects are currently accessible. Software keys are assigned to data objects and dynamically mapped to hardware protection key sets, such that when a module is called, the software keys assigned to that module are mapped to the hardware protection key set to be loaded for controlling current access to memory.
US07890720B2 Snapshot system
A storage system including: a disk device including an original volume and a plurality of snapshot generations; and a storage control unit which includes a processor unit. The processor unit receives write data to a storage area of the original volume, and determines whether data stored in the storage area of the original volume is already copied to the snapshot volume or not; if the data stored in the storage area of original volume is not already copied to snapshot volume, the processor unit copies the data from original volume to the snapshot volume, when a use capacity of the snapshot volume is larger than threshold amount by the copy, the processor unit indicates a specified snapshot generation, the processor unit migrates data of the specified snapshot generation from the snapshot volume to tape device; the processor unit deletes information of the specified snapshot generation in the snapshot volume.
US07890718B2 System and method for performing time-flexible calendric storage operations
A system and method are provided for creating a non-standard calendar that may have customized attributes, such as number of days in a month, first day of a month, number of months in a year, first month of a year, number of years, or other customized attributes. Such non-standard calendars may be similar to non-standard calendars used by companies, enterprises or other organizations, such as a fiscal calendar, academic calendar, or other calendar. A storage management system manager may have a database of storage policies that include preferences and frequencies for performing storage operations, and associations with a non-standard calendar. The storage manager can initiate storage operations based on the storage policy using data that may be identified according to selection criteria, and determine a time to perform the storage operation according to a non-standard calendar.
US07890715B2 Suspension of an asynchronous remote copy pair system having a primary controller and a remote controller
This invention relates to an asynchronous remote copying (ARC) system adapted to operate as a remote copy pair by communicating between primary storage and remote storage of a remote copy pair. The system comprises a primary controller for receiving a write command and writing data to primary storage; a remote controller for receiving a write command and writing data to remote storage; an ARC controller for suppressing the release of the write command to the remote controller if a delay between receiving the write command and the time when the remote storage may accept the data is more than a threshold delay, and the primary controller suppresses recording the data in primary storage until release of the write command to the remote storage.
US07890712B2 Method, apparatus and program product for managing memory in a virtual computing system
A method for managing memory in a virtual computing system is provided. The method comprises providing updated monitor data for a plurality of data domains in the virtual computing system and determining based upon the updated monitor data provided whether there is a memory constraint in a memory of the virtual computing system. Further, the method comprises calculating based upon the updated monitor data, when the memory constraint is determined, a total release-amount of the memory that is to be released by the virtual computing system in order to relieve the memory constraint and issuing a notification to release the total release-amount of the memory in order to relieve the memory constraint. The method further comprises assessing based upon the updated monitor data, when the memory constraint is ended, a reuse-amount that can be reused by the plurality of virtual guests.
US07890709B2 Recording medium, apparatus for reproducing data and method thereof
In one embodiment, the recording medium includes a management area storing management information. The management information includes navigation information for reproducing data from the recording medium, and the navigation information including region information. The region information indicates at least one geographic region in which reproduction of the data is permitted.
US07890705B2 Shared-memory multiprocessor system and information processing method
Large-scale table format data on a common memory is sorted in parallel by a plurality of processors. A record to be processed is divided and assigned at first to the processors. Next, each processor counts the number of local appearances of item value numbers related to the record to be processed. Next, the number of local appearances of the item value numbers counted at the processors is converted into the global accumulation of item value numbers, i.e., the accumulation to be commonly used between the processors. Finally, each processor utilizes the global accumulation as a pointer to change the order of the assigned records.
US07890704B2 Implementing an enhanced hover state with active prefetches
A system and method for implementing an enhanced hover state with active prefetches. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a snooper in a processing unit receives a system-wide update complete operation indicating a completion of a storage-modifying operation targeting a particular address, where the storage-modifying operation results in a modified first cache line in a first cache memory. The snooper determines if a second cache memory held a second cache line associated with the particular address prior to receiving the system-wide update complete operation. If so, the snooper issues a prefetch request for a copy of the modified first cache line to replace the second cache line in the second cache memory. The snooper updates the second cache memory with a copy of the modified first cache line.
US07890703B2 Cache injection using semi-synchronous memory copy operation
A system, method, and a computer readable for inserting data into a cache memory based on information in a semi-synchronous memory copy instruction are disclosed. The method comprises determining a start of a semi-synchronous memory copy operation. The semi-synchronous memory copy operation is checked for a given value in at least one cache injection bit. In response to the given value in the cache injection bit, a predefined number of lines of destination data is copied into at least one level of cache memory.
US07890699B2 Processing unit incorporating L1 cache bypass
A circuit arrangement and method bypass the storage of requested data in a higher level cache of a multi-level memory architecture during the return of the requested data to a requester, while caching the requested data in a lower level cache. For certain types of data, e.g., data that is only used once and/or that is rarely modified or written back to memory, bypassing storage in a higher level cache reduces the likelihood of the requested data casting out frequently used data from the higher level cache. By caching the data in a lower level cache, however, the lower level cache can still snoop data requests and return requested data in the event the data is already cached in the lower level cache.
US07890697B2 System and program for demoting tracks from cache
Provided are a method, system, and program for destaging a track from cache to a storage device. The destaged track is retained in the cache. Verification is made of whether the storage device successfully completed writing data. Indication is made of destaged tracks eligible for removal from the cache that were destaged before the storage device is verified in response to verifying that the storage device is successfully completing the writing of data.
US07890689B2 Virtual appliance management
Various approaches for virtual appliance management are described. In one approach a virtual appliance repository stores one or more virtual appliances and is coupled to the host computer via a network. A storage device stores a transceiver program capable when executed on said host computer of requesting and receiving the virtual appliances, and generating for each received virtual appliance a respective local copy on the host computer of each received virtual appliance. The local copy is private to the host computer. The transceiver program further binds the virtual appliances to the host computer and obtains user data relevant to the virtual appliances. The transceiver program runs each of the virtual appliances from the respective private local copies on the host computer.
US07890688B2 Method and apparatus for providing a high-speed communications link between a portable device and a docking station
A docking station is provided with a SerDes component, one or more peripheral device I/O ports, and at least one high-speed serial I/O port for interfacing the docking station with a high-speed serial communications link. A portable device that can be docked on the docking station is also provided with a high-speed serial I/O port. A high-speed serial communications link is provided between the high-speed serial I/O port of the docking station and the high-speed serial I/O port of the portable device to enable serial data to be communicated between the portable device and the docking station. Providing the serial communications link obviates the need for a large connector with a high pin count for interfacing the portable device with the docking station. In addition, the inclusion of the SerDes component in the docking station eliminates the need for a southbridge IC on the motherboard of the portable device, or at least enables a southbridge IC having less complexity to be used on the motherboard of the portable device.
US07890686B2 Dynamic priority conflict resolution in a multi-processor computer system having shared resources
A system and method for fair dynamic priority conflict resolution in a multi-processor computer system having shared resources wherein each multi-processor seeking access to said shared resource possesses a common priority level. In the occurrence of a priority tie or when a single port is active, a typical dynamic conflict resolution scheme is altered to ensure fair resolution of the conflict or tie. Upon determination that a priority conflict tie exists, one of the processor elements is selected based on a predetermined priority level. The identity of the selected processor element and the configuration of the conflict priority tie is stored. Upon a subsequent conflict priority tie having the same configuration as a previous priority conflict tie, the processor elements selected in previous ties are prevented from being selected in subsequent priority conflict ties until all of the processor elements in a particular priority tie configuration have been selected. In situations involving a single active port, established dynamic conflict resolution schemes are modified to provide fair access and reduce priority tie conflicts.
US07890683B2 Communication system that exchanges host and device roles of first and second communication apparatuses
In a communication system, one of a plurality of communication apparatuses that acts as a host controls data transmission and the other communication apparatuses that act as devices perform data transmission under control of the host over a predetermined communication interface. The communication apparatuses have both host and device roles, and are configured to exchange the host and device roles by using a predetermined communication protocol are connected to the predetermined communication interface. A first apparatus acts as a host and a second apparatus as a device. The second apparatus transmits information concerning the second apparatus to the first apparatus. The first apparatus compares the transmitted information with information concerning the first apparatus to determine whether or not to switch the host and device roles according to a predetermined criterion. In response to an affirmative determination, the host and device roles are switched by using the predetermined communication protocol.
US07890677B2 Chassis management access console via a local KVM display
A local KVM module with an on-screen display interface in which a chassis management controller is included within a list of servers which may be accessed by the local KVM module. The local KVM module includes keyboard, mouse and video connectors as well as a tiering network connector. When accessing the local KVM module, the CMC is presented as any other blade server, but with the name Chassis Management Controller (CMC). When a user selects the CMC module from the onscreen display, the user is presented with a text console, where the user can login to a text terminal interface of the CMC module. The text interface can be implemented as for example, a serial connection via a local area network (LAN) or through a tiny telnet client via a chassis private network.
US07890675B2 Apparatus, system, and method for real time job-specific buffer allocation
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dynamically allocating buffers during the execution of a job. A plan module sets a buffer allocation plan for the job using data access history that contains information about the number and nature of data access events in past executions of the same job. A buffer module allocates buffers during the execution of the job, and alters the buffer allocation to improve performance for direct access events for those portions of the job that the buffer allocation plan indicates have historically included predominantly direct access events. The buffer module alters the buffer allocation to improve performance for sequential access events for those portions of the job that the buffer allocation plan indicates have historically included predominantly sequential access events. A history module then collects data access information about the current execution and adds that information to the data access history.
US07890673B2 System and method for accessing non processor-addressable memory
A system and method for addressing memory and transferring data, which in some embodiments include one or more processor translation look-aside buffers (TLBs) and optionally one or more I/O TLBs, and/or a block transfer engine (BTE) that optionally includes a serial cabinet-to-cabinet communications path (MLINK). In some embodiments, the processor TLBs are located within one or more common memory sections, each memory section being connected to a plurality of processors, wherein each processor TLB is associated with one of the processors. The BTE performs efficient memory-to-memory data transfers without further processor intervention. The MLINK extends the BTE functionality beyond a single cabinet.
US07890671B2 Program initiation control apparatus
A CPU reads a system initialization program from a first recording area and stores the read system initialization program to an internal memory, and then reads the system initialization program from the internal memory and executes the system initialization and initialization of a second recording area. A DMA control unit transfers a system control program included in the program from the first recording area to the second recording area without through the CPU. A memory management unit manages a processing state of the transfer of the system control program to the second recording area by the DMA control unit. The CPU reads the program from the second recording area and executes the system control in collaboration with the memory management unit.
US07890670B2 Direct memory access transfer completion notification
DMA transfer completion notification includes: inserting, by an origin DMA engine on an origin node in an injection first-in-first-out (‘FIFO’) buffer, a data descriptor for an application message to be transferred to a target node on behalf of an application on the origin node; inserting, by the origin DMA engine, a completion notification descriptor in the injection FIFO buffer after the data descriptor for the message, the completion notification descriptor specifying a packet header for a completion notification packet; transferring, by the origin DMA engine to the target node, the message in dependence upon the data descriptor; sending, by the origin DMA engine, the completion notification packet to a local reception FIFO buffer using a local memory FIFO transfer operation; and notifying, by the origin DMA engine, the application that transfer of the message is complete in response to receiving the completion notification packet in the local reception FIFO buffer.
US07890663B2 Identifying nodes in a ring network
Methods are provided for determining a master node on a ring network. According to one embodiment, a first node on the ring network initiates circulation of an arbitration token by (i) determining an arbitration token timeout period has elapsed and (ii) transmitting the arbitration token to a neighboring node. Upon receipt of the arbitration token by a node, it determines its relative priority by comparing its ID to an ID field of the arbitration token, initialized by the first node. If the node is determined to be higher priority, then it overwrites the ID field and retransmits the arbitration token onto the ring network. If the node is determined to be lower priority, then the node retransmits the arbitration token without overwriting the ID field. If the node is determined to be of equal priority and the node is the first node, then it assumes the master node role.
US07890661B2 Proximity synchronizing audio gateway device
A digital audio gateway device for use in a wireless network of digital audio playback devices. The gateway device is wirelessly linked to one or more digital audio playback devices to provide a gateway to the Internet for the digital audio playback devices. In addition to functioning as a gateway, the device provides additional functionality and may act as a cache of digital audio data for the various digital audio players connected in the wireless network and may also act to automatically update digital audio content on the audio players, synchronize digital audio content and playlists between the digital audio players and continue automatically or upon user request a particular playlist as the user moves from one digital audio player to another.
US07890659B2 Conforming web services to an updated contract
Example embodiments address current problems associated with changes in service contracts by providing automated mechanisms to update portions of an existing service implementation. For example, one mechanism modifies an implementation's skeleton (e.g., methods, method signatures, data structures, etc.) in order to conform to changes to an NPDL (e.g., WSDL) contract. In such an embodiment, the developer may only need to make the necessary changes, if any, to the business logic, which typically will not be known from the contract definition. Accordingly, such automatic modifications to the implementation facilitate a developer's adopting a contract based approach to web service development.
US07890657B2 System and method for correct routing and enforcement policy in a network having address or port translation
The present invention incorporates an intermediary proxy rules device that has access to information regarding network address and port bindings or network address and port translations. This intermediary function communicates translated address information to other devices on the network, such as the policy and charging rule function and policy and charging enforcement function. The full communication and coordination of this information coordinates correct translation address information and other necessary information to these PCRF and PCEF devices, which eliminates many of the problems associated with the session set-up and maintenance with other networks.
US07890656B2 Transmission system, delivery path controller, load information collecting device, and delivery path controlling method
A transmission system, having a plurality of delivery server side routers which communicate with a plurality of delivery servers for delivering a content; and a client side router which communicates with a client device for receiving the content, is configured to include: a database for storing server load states of the plurality of delivery servers, and respective individual link load states for a plurality of delivery paths between the plurality of delivery server side routers and the client side router; and a path control unit for determining a minimum load state delivery path having a minimum load state among the plurality of delivery paths, based on sums of the server load states and the respective individual link load states stored in the database.
US07890653B2 Operation history utilization system
A user agent unit includes an pattern extracting unit which extracts a frequent operation pattern of the log data that fulfills predetermined conditions from the operation log data registered in the operation log data database a pattern database which memorizes the frequent operation pattern; a pattern monitoring unit which monitors an operation pattern, from the operation log data to be newly registered, that correspond with the frequent operation pattern registered in the pattern database; and a pattern classifying unit which specifies the operator of the frequent operation pattern memorized in the pattern database.
US07890651B2 Sending content from multiple content servers to clients at time reference points
In an embodiment, a request is received from a client that includes a content identifier that identifies content. Content servers are determined that store the content, which is divided into frames. Time reference points and a time period are determined. The time period separates each of the time reference points. Logical groups of the frames are sent from the content servers to the client at the time reference points. The client receives the frames, reorders the frames into a play order, and displays the frames in the play order.
US07890650B2 Method and device for transmitting information in a network, as well as a corresponding network
A method and a device for transmitting information in a network having at least three subscribers, as well as a corresponding network, the information being transmitted in at least a first frame of a predefined length and structure, and the first frame on a first transmission path being transmitted in a loop to the next, second subscriber in each instance, given a predefined transmission direction, the information being additionally transmitted in a second frame having the same length and structure as the first frame, the second frame on a second transmission path being transmitted to a one-after-the-next, third subscriber, the second transmission path and, thus, the second frame skipping the second subscriber, and an assessment being made in dependence upon at least one criterion, thus information, length or structure.
US07890644B2 Parallel tasking application framework
Particular embodiments generally relate to a parallel tasking framework. Network devices may use discovery messages to determine which services are being offered by different devices. The services provided using the framework allow parallel processing of tasks using modules found in devices. Distribution of modules from one of the devices to other devices may be provided to process a project, which may be any analysis that needs to be performed on data. A project may be made up of tasks that need to be performed where each task may process at least part of the data for the project. The parallel tasking framework allows a device to use processing resources from other devices when other devices are not using the full availability of their processing resources.
US07890643B2 System and method for providing program credentials
A system for providing a client's credentials to a computer program comprises a database remote from the client and a single signon server module. The single signon server module can receive a request for the client's credentials from the computer program, determine whether the client's credentials are stored in the database, and send the client's credentials from the database to the computer program in response to a determination that the client's credentials are stored in the database. The single signon server module can store the client's credentials in the database in response to a determination that the client's credentials are not stored in the database. The single signon server module can encrypt the client's credentials prior to storing the client's credentials in the database and can decrypt the client's credentials prior to sending the client's credentials to the computer program.
US07890638B2 Communication between a real world environment and a virtual world environment
Gateway systems and methods are disclosed for allowing for communication between a real world environment and a virtual world environment. A gateway system in one embodiment is implemented between the virtual world environment and the real world environment. For a session being initiated from a real world user to a virtual world user, the gateway system receives a signaling message from the real world user to initiate the session with the virtual world user, and processes the signaling message to identify a virtual world identifier assigned to the virtual world user. The gateway system converts the signaling message to a communication request message in a protocol used in the virtual world environment, and transmits the communication request message to the virtual world user to establish the session. When the session is established, the virtual world user and the real world user may communicate via voice and/or data.
US07890628B2 Method for controlling services
A method and apparatus are provided for controlling services provided at a first electronic device at a second electronic device. A plurality of electronic devices connected to a network provide services in the form of providing data to the network, or allowing the data to be manipulated. Each service is represented as a manipulable data object created at the device providing the service. Each object contains sufficient information to allow the service the object represents to be controlled. The objects are transmitted over the network and are stored in an object list maintained by a master device. Any compatible device may then retrieve an object from the object list and use the information contained in it to fully control the service.
US07890625B2 Method and apparatus for network to recommend best mode for user communication
The present disclosure generally provides techniques and apparatuses for producing, for an initiating end user, a recommended mode of communication corresponding to a targeted end user in a network environment, based on a plurality of network accessible or determinable inputs. For example, the identity of an initiating end user, the identity of a targeted end user, the current activity of the targeted end user, the communication preferences of the targeted end user, information from available databases, and other available or determinable data may be used by a contact liaison to produce a recommended mode of communication.
US07890624B2 Method for reducing variability and oscillations in load balancing recommendations using historical values and workload metrics
The present invention provides a method of preventing harmful variability and oscillation in weight based, dynamic load balancing environments. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods to effectively determine the magnitude of weight changes in dynamic load balancing environments based on the workload magnitude and server farm capacity. This method depends on the development of new multi-system characteristics such as a relative workload metric to characterize the workload of the system relative to the collective capacity of all of the systems to handle the workload.
US07890620B2 Monitoring system and monitoring method
The monitoring technology capable of reducing total monitoring cost without degrading the monitoring capability in accordance with the configuration of the large-scale service system and quickly comprehending the state of the service system after the configuration change. A monitoring system in which information processing apparatuses constituting the service system are objects to be monitored has a monitoring manager program and a plurality of monitoring agent programs, and objects to be monitored having the same performance characteristics are sorted into the same groups. In each of the groups, parties where monitoring is carried out at a short monitoring interval and parties where the monitoring is carried out at a long monitoring interval are provided. The performance of objects to be monitored in the party of the long monitoring interval is estimated from the performance of the objects to be monitored in the party of the short monitoring interval.
US07890618B2 Method and system for provisioning and maintaining a circuit in a data network
A method and system are provided for provisioning a circuit in a data network without manual intervention. A network management module receives an order for provisioning the circuit and then, based on the order, transmits a request to a legacy logical element module to configure a logical circuit in one or more network devices in the network. The network device may be a switch. The circuit may be a frame relay circuit or an ATM circuit. A method and system are also provided for maintaining a network circuit in a data network. The network circuit includes both a logical circuit and a physical circuit. A legacy physical element module sends a request for logical circuit data to a legacy logical element module through a network management module in communication with the legacy physical element module and the legacy physical element module. Based on the request, the legacy logical element module retrieves the logical circuit data from one or more network devices in the network and transmits the data to the legacy physical element module through the network management module. Upon receiving the logical circuit data, the legacy physical element module troubleshoots the physical circuit to maintain the network circuit.
US07890612B2 Method and apparatus for regulating data flow between a communications device and a network
A network security device which acts as an “airlock” for traffic between a communications device and a network. Data is screened using rules based analysis by the security device to counter various threats, including viruses, phishing, attempts to “hijack” communications, communications with known malicious addresses or unknown addresses, and transmission of sensitive information. Data packets can be reassembled into files for screening, and decoded or expanded as necessary, but is never executed. The data path for the data being screened is kept separate from the operations of the network security device itself, so that the device is incorruptible—its programming cannot be compromised from outside sources. Updates for rules and entry of sensitive data for screening, etc., must be done through a physical interface, not via the normal data communications channel. The device is invisible—it cannot be “seen” by the network, and thus cannot be attacked.
US07890607B2 Execution apparatus for executing a function in response to a request received via a network, and method of accepting a request received via a network
An execution apparatus for executing a function in response to a request received via a network obtains interface information representing an interface via which a component that provides a function accepts a request, and generates an interface for allowing the execution apparatus to accept a request via a network, based upon the obtained interface information of the component that accepts the request received via the network.
US07890606B2 Information processing apparatus and method, and program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus that transmits information to a server, the apparatus including: connection determination means for determining whether a portable terminal has been connected to the information processing apparatus; information acquisition means for, when the connection determination means determines that the terminal has been connected to the information processing apparatus, acquiring, from the terminal, identification information of the terminal and operation information concerning playing of a content played by the terminal; and transmission means for transmitting, to the server, play history information of the terminal together with the identification information of the terminal, the play history information of the terminal being composed of the operation information acquired by the information acquisition means.
US07890605B1 System and method for pre-installing of virtual private server files
A system, method and computer program product for managing Virtual Private Servers, including launching a plurality of active Virtual Private Servers (VPSs) in user space of a computing system; generating a plurality of inactive VPSs, wherein data related to the inactive VPS comprises a set of files and links stored in a dedicated container; upon request from a user for a VPS, activating one of the inactive VPSs using the dedicated container using data related to the inactive VPS that comprises a set of files and links stored in a dedicated container; and configuring the activated VPS based on user parameters. The configuring step can include configuring any of URL names, IP addresses, passwords, resource allocations, DNS names, hostnames, VPS administrative functions, and VPS user password. The generating step optionally runs as a background process, or at a time of low system load. The generating step can include generating a plurality of inactive VPSs of any of mail server, web server, database server, FTP server, and game server. The generating step can also setting up a disk partition for each inactive VPS, and copying files associated with each inactive VPS that is being pre-installed to the disk partition.
US07890600B2 Data optimization system for decreasing data transmission volume from server to client
A method, system, and computer program product for decreasing a volume of data transmitted from a server to a client device in a data processing network, the server processing a received request for a resource from the client device, the processed requested resource comprising data embedded in a file of elements, the elements defining a format of the data. The method comprises the steps of: intercepting the processed requested resource; a first parsing step, parsing the processed requested resource to identify at least two occurrences of a formatting element; associating an identifier with the identified formatting element; a second parsing step, parsing the processed requested resource to extract each of the data elements associated with the identified formatting element; and constructing a code set comprising the identifier and each of the extracted data elements associated with the identifier.
US07890599B2 Pause and replay of media content through bookmarks on a server device
A method, apparatus, and system of pause and replay of media content through bookmarks on a server device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a server device includes authenticating a user of a client device, communicating a media content to the client device through a network, processing a pause request of the client device to pause the media content, storing a bookmark location indicating a current playback location of the media content in the client device on the server device, processing a play request of the user to play the media content from the bookmark location (e.g., the play request may be received from a different client device of the user), and communicating the media content from the bookmark location to the user.
US07890595B2 Method of and system for providing enhanced user control of computer chat
A method of and system for providing enhanced user control of computer chat minimize a chat window in response to user input and then restore the chat window in response to receipt of a message from a sender, in which the message has a predetermined characteristic. The user input may include activation of an intelligent or smart minimize function. An example of a predetermined characteristic that may cause the chat window to be restored in the intelligent minimized mode is the presence of the user's name in a chat message. Other examples of predetermined characteristics that may cause the chat window to be restored include the text of the message being in a bold font or otherwise marked as being urgent, the sender of the message being on an exception list or occupying a management position with respect to the recipient. Embodiments may include a shout function by which a sender can override the intelligent mode. Embodiments include informing the other chat participants when a participant is in intelligent minimize mode.
US07890593B2 Sectional E-mail Transmission
A process of segmenting a single email so that portions of it may be directed to or away from select recipients is disclosed. The sender highlights portions of the email and right clicks (or key command, button, or menu item) and selects an option to select recipients. The operator interface then provides the sender with the option of selecting recipients from their address book or the server's address book. To speed the process along, the sender may select those already on the To, Cc, or Bcc distribution lists. The sender then selects whether those chosen will receive the highlighted portion or if they will be excluded from receiving it. Lastly, the sender will have the option of providing text that is unique to each of the selected groups.
US07890592B2 Processing data obtained from a presence-based system
Functionality is described for collecting data from a presence-based system, such as an instant messaging system. The functionality can extract information from the collected data based on one or more rules. For instance, the functionality can identify presence data and/or message data that includes predetermined key words. The functionality can formulate result information based on the extracted information for presentation to a recipient. Based on these operations, the collected data supports a data-mining operation, as well as the traditional role of facilitating communication among the participants of the presence-based system. The result information can correspond to a report that presents aggregated findings, optionally organized into one or more demographic categories, or the result information can correspond to an advertisement, etc.
US07890590B1 Variable bayesian handicapping to provide adjustable error tolerance level
A Bayesian spam filter calculates multiple handicap values, each of which is mapped to a selectable error tolerance level. Users operate a user interface component such a slider to select a desired error tolerance level. The Bayesian spam filter utilizes the corresponding handicap value for its filtering operations. Thus, the users of the anti-spam program can adjust their error tolerance levels up and down as desired.
US07890584B2 System for information capture
A system for information capture for use in an environment is provided. Each node in a knowledge network associated with a first piece of expertise information that communicates with at least one other node associated with the first piece of expertise information is aggregated to form a first expertise network. Each node in the first expertise network associated with a second piece of expertise information that communicates with at least one other node associated with the second piece of expertise information is aggregated to form a second expertise network. Visual representations of the knowledge network, the first expertise network, and the second expertise network are generated. Trends and patterns are determined using the visualization of the knowledge network, the visualization of the first expertise network, and the visualization of the second expertise network.
US07890583B2 Establishment and maintenance of collaborative communication associations based on multiple contextual criteria
A method, system, and computer program for dynamically setting up collaborative associations between a group of users, computing resources, and/or communication devices, where the constituents of the collaborative association are chosen based on a variety of contextual criteria. The dynamic collaboration enabler component determines the explicit identities of the parties that should be a part of the collaboration. The group of individual entities involved in the collaboration can change dynamically during the lifetime of the collaboration, based on appropriate changes in the contextual data. Such contextual data refers to both state variables associated with the collaboration software or infrastructure itself, or to the state of entities external to the collaboration. The duration of the collaborative association is specified either explicitly or through a set of context related conditions. The dynamic context enabler can detect when the set of termination conditions is satisfied and then automatically remove the collaborative association.
US07890582B2 System and method for providing the regional community service based on mobile blog in mobile terminal
Disclosed is a system for providing a moblog-based regional community service through a mobile terminal. The system includes a location-based community server for setting a plurality of main arenas by dividing a geographical area in a regional unit, setting and storing one or more virtual spatial locations, the one or more virtual spatial locations being a projection of real spatial public locations, as spots in one of the main arenas, receiving information on posts registered in spots transmitted through a mobile terminal by providing one or more pieces of information on the spots belonging to the main arena from information on a location of the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal, and storing the received information on posts with a link with the spots.
US07890577B2 Inter-domain context transfer using context transfer managers
A method and apparatus for improved context transfer in heterogeneous networks is presented. Context information is collected from source entities in a first access network by a context transfer manager and transmitted to a context transfer manager of a second access network which forwards the context information to target entities therein, in one of the context transfer managers at least a part of the context information is translated from a format supported in the first access network to another format supported in the second access network. The method may be carried out proactively preceding a handover or reactively following a handover. In one embodiment, context transfer within one access domain is performed directly between access routers, whereas context transfer between different access domains is performed via the context managers. In another embodiment, beacons from access points are counted in order to determine candidates for a pending handover.
US07890574B2 Internet operating system through embeddable applet-style application
An Internet-based operating system providing data and application software stored on a server that may be selectively downloaded to a client device upon request, allowing server-based applications to be accessed and executed on the client device. The end user, operating a client device may access a wide variety of application software with no need to purchase, install, and maintain the software on his machine. Using an easy-to-use GUI, a user selects an application, opens existing or creates new files. The application executable code is identified by a link embedded in a stream of markup language, typically XML. The operating system allows complex applications to be executed on thin clients having limited memory/storage capacity.
US07890568B2 Service-to-device mapping for smart items using a genetic algorithm
Systems and methods allow service-to-device mapping using genetic algorithm logic by which services are mapped onto best-suited smart items selected from a plurality of smart items of a sensor network. As part of the mapping, and/or subsequent thereto, a deployment of the service(s) onto the smart items is initiated. A sorted repair structure indicating an ordering of services in accordance with a hierarchy of atomic services and composite services based on a composition of services for one or more devices of a sensor network is determined. One or more derived generation structures are determined based on genetic algorithm logic that is operable on the sorted repair structure. A service is mapped onto at least one device of the sensor network, based on one of the derived generation structures. As a result, users may achieve a desired result in a fast, convenient, and reliable manner, even when executing the deployment remotely or automatically.
US07890562B2 Sine wave generator with dual port look-up table
An automatic test system that includes low cost and accurate circuitry for generating sinusoidal signals. Each sinusoidal signal generator includes a look-up table that can, for each phase on sine wave, output two digital values representing an in-phase and a quadrature-phase value of the sine wave. Simple circuitry can be used to address the look-up table to output in-phase and quadrature-phase values. The in-phase and quadrature-phase values can be applied to down-stream circuitry, such as error correction circuitry, that uses an in-phase and a quadrature-phase value to process the sine wave without the need for a relatively complex phase shifter in the down-stream circuitry. A dual-port memory may be used to implement the look-up table so that both an in-phase and a quadrature-phase value may be obtained from a single block of memory that stores a representation of a sine wave.
US07890561B2 Random number generator
A random number generator, a method, and a computer program product are provided for producing a random number seed. Each oscillator within an array of oscillators operates at a different frequency. The operating frequencies of each oscillator are not harmonically related, such that no integer multiple exists between the frequencies of any two oscillators. In one embodiment, the outputs of the array of oscillators connect to a multiple input latch. The multiple input latch also receives a sample signal, which is a clock signal. The clock signal samples the outputs of the array of oscillators, and the multiple input latch in conjunction with the random number determination logic (“RNDL”) produces a digital output (0 or 1) for each oscillator within the array. The RNDL uses these digital outputs to create a random number seed.
US07890560B2 Random number generating circuit, semiconductor integrated circuit, IC card and information terminal device
A random number generating circuit receives as input a first digital random number signal generated at a first generating rate and produces as output a second digital random number signal having a second generating rate that is twice as high as the first generating rate. A semiconductor integrated circuit, an IC card and an information terminal device comprising the random number circuit is provided.
US07890556B2 Content recording apparatus, content playback apparatus, content playback system, image capturing apparatus, processing method for the content recording apparatus, the content playback apparatus, the content playback system, and the image capturing apparatus, and program
A content recording apparatus includes: a content management file storing section that stores a content management file that records hierarchical entries organized in a virtual hierarchical structure; a content inputting section that inputs content files; a virtual management information creating section that creates virtual management information for virtually managing each of the inputted content files, on the basis of the content file; a meta data creating section that creates meta data related to each of the inputted content files, on the basis of the content file; and a recording control section that records file entries, which are the hierarchical entries including the created virtual management information, into the content management file, and records meta data entries, which are the hierarchical entries including the created meta data, at a lower hierarchical level than the file entries in the content management file.
US07890553B2 Information recording apparatus and information recording method
An information recording apparatus recording contents on a recording medium and managing the contents by using a content management file includes a control unit that checks a recording state of the recording medium loaded in the information recording apparatus to determine how to set up the content management file to be recorded on the recording medium and recording means for recording the content management file on the recording medium. The control unit determines the file setup of the content management file on the basis of the recording capacity of an area where the contents can be recorded on the recording medium. The recording means records the content management file in accordance with the file setup on the recording medium.
US07890551B2 Active file change notification
Techniques and systems, including computer program products, for providing timely file change notification. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes a recorder that records changes to one or more files in a file system and a broker that receives and responds to change notification request from external applications. The recording of changes can be system- initiated and can pertain to changes occurring anywhere in the file system. The recorder and broker can perform asynchronously from each other and can persist independently of the external applications.
US07890549B2 Collaboration portal (COPO) a scaleable method, system, and apparatus for providing computer-accessible benefits to communities of users
The present invention, known as The Collaboration Portal (COPO), relates generally to the field of automated entity, data processing, system control, and data communications, and more specifically to an integrated method, system, and apparatus for providing computer-accessible benefits for communities of users. It provides a framework for provisioning computer-accessible benefits for communities of users, and can efficiently and robustly distribute the processing in behalf of those users over a decentralized network of computers. The field of the invention generally encompasses enabling appropriate and desired communication among communities of users and organizations, and providing information, goods, services, a works, opportunities, and connections among users and organizations.
US07890546B2 Analytical server including metrics engine
Disclosed is a method for determining database queries to be sent by an analytical server to a Relational Dababase Monitoring System (RDBMS) by using hierarchical level metadata to describe the various structures within the database.
US07890544B2 Metadata driven customization of a software-implemented business process
In a method of customizing a software-implemented business process on a mobile computing device, customized metadata defining customizations of the business process are provided. Next, the metadata is deployed to the mobile computing device and stored in a data store of the mobile computing device. The customizations defined by the metadata are then applied to the software-implemented business process.
US07890542B1 Non-intrusive data logging
The invention relates to enabling a user to log data of a block diagram without using a functional logging block within the block diagram. There is a first timing identifier for a first data set based on a timing characteristic of the first data set. There is also a first task identifier established by an execution engine that is associated with a first data set. The logging of the data associated with the first data set is based on the first timing identifier and the first task identifier.
US07890540B2 Browsing meta data for an enterprise service framework
Methods and apparatus are provided, including computer program products, for browsing meta data for an enterprise service framework. An agent receives a request to retrieve information about or relating to one or more aspects in a back end system. A portion of meta data is read. The meta data is stored in a repository and represents the back end system. The portion of meta data that is read is based on the request. The agent formats the portion of the meta data to produce a response in a normalized format. The response in the normalized format is transmitted in response to the request.
US07890537B2 Custom caching
Methods and systems are presented for custom caching. Application threads define caches. The caches may be accessed through multiple index keys, which are mapped to multiple application thread-defined keys. Methods provide for the each index key and each application thread-defined key to be symmetrical. The index keys are used for loading data from one or more data sources into the cache stores on behalf of the application threads. Application threads access the data from the cache store by providing references to the caches and the application-supplied keys. Some data associated with some caches may be shared from the cache store by multiple application threads. Additionally, some caches are exclusively accessed by specific application threads.
US07890536B2 Generating templates of nodes to structure content objects and steps to process the content objects
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for generating templates of nodes to structure content objects and steps to process the content objects. A template is generated having a plurality of first level nodes representing a flow of tasks. A set of second level nodes representing a flow of steps is generated for at least one of the first level nodes to collectively perform the task represented by the first level node. A content object including information for a step represented by the node is associated with at least one node in the second level. Links are generated among the first level nodes and in each set of second level nodes indicating a logical ordering of the nodes and a direction of the flow of the tasks represented by the first level nodes and the flow of steps represented by the second level nodes. An end-user graphical user interface is generated from the generated nodes and links to direct an end user through the flow of tasks and steps represented by the nodes.
US07890531B2 Method for resolving permission for role activation operators
A method for resolving permissions using role activation operators to evaluate permissions assigned to a user in a role context inheritance hierarchy. The method comprises several steps. A step of retrieving a plurality of activated roles within a role context that match roles assigned to a user, wherein one or more permissions in the role context inherit from one or more permissions in a parent role context in a role context permission inheritance hierarchy. A step of determining an aggregate permission for each of the plurality of activated roles, wherein a role activation operator determines how an activated role is evaluated. A step of processing the aggregate permissions for the plurality of activated roles. A step of resolving a final permission for the user.
US07890529B1 Delegations and caching in a distributed segmented file system
A system for implementing a distributed, segmented file system includes file servers that each are configured to control separate segments of the distributed-file system, the file servers including: a memory interface configured to communicate with a memory storing at least one of the segments of the distributed file system; a communication interface coupled to at least another of the file servers; and a processor coupled to the memory interface and the communication interface and configured to control, read, and write to file system objects stored in the memory. The system further includes means for transferring permission for access to a requested file system object from an owner server currently controlling a segment where a requested object resides to an access-requesting server.
US07890527B1 Backup search agents for use with desktop search tools
Various methods and systems for implementing agents that facilitate end user searches of a backup catalog via a desktop search tool are disclosed. One method involves: receiving a search request from a desktop search tool, which is configured for use by an end user of a backup system; searching a backup catalog, maintained by the backup system, in response to the search request; and providing a result of searching the backup catalog to the desktop search tool.
US07890526B1 Incremental query refinement
A method of incrementally refining queries and updating query result lists without requiring a user to provide an explicit indicator of query submission. In the method, one or more query related character patterns are defined. Entry of query defining characters by a user is monitored to detect entry of a defined query related character pattern. The user is provided with one or more suggested query refinement options and an updated query result list each time a defined query related character pattern is detected. The query related character patterns may be a character pattern that indicates a word has been input by the user.
US07890525B2 Foreign language abbreviation translation in an instant messaging system
A system for automatically providing foreign language abbreviation translation in an instant messaging system that identifies a foreign language abbreviation translation database based on a user indicated source culture. The foreign abbreviation translation database stores abbreviation translations for foreign language abbreviations frequently used by people from the user indicated source culture. The system locates a candidate term in an instant message and compares the candidate term to the foreign language abbreviations in the foreign language abbreviation translation database. In the event that the candidate term matches one of the foreign language abbreviations in the identified foreign language abbreviation translation database, the corresponding translation is retrieved and displayed. The comparison of the candidate term with the foreign language abbreviations may include automatically obtaining a transliteration of the candidate term. The disclosed system advantageously enables translation of foreign language abbreviations to be performed in real-time.
US07890524B2 Dynamic database access via standard query language and abstraction technology
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture that allow saved abstract queries to be referenced from within query statements constructed using standard query languages, such as Structured Query Language (SQL), are provided.
US07890521B1 Document-based synonym generation
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically generates synonyms for words from documents. During operation, this system determines co-occurrence frequencies for pairs of words in the documents. The system also determines closeness scores for pairs of words in the documents, wherein a closeness score indicates whether a pair of words are located so close to each other that the words are likely to occur in the same sentence or phrase. Finally, the system determines whether pairs of words are synonyms based on the determined co-occurrence frequencies and the determined closeness scores. While making this determination, the system can additionally consider correlations between words in a title or an anchor of a document and words in the document as well as word-form scores for pairs of words in the documents.
US07890519B2 Summarizing data removed from a query result set based on a data quality standard
A method, article of manufacture and apparatus for graphically summarizing the data in an initial query result set, including when rows are removed from the result set by applying a data quality standard is disclosed. When a user selects to change the data quality standard, a group of target rows are identified and removed from the user's display. A bitmap is generated to graphically represent the location of each row in the initial result set, including removed rows. A bitmap to summarize the data values for one or more columns in the initial result set may also be created. Thus, a user may quickly obtain an intuitive view of what the data looks like, without the need for complex analysis or graphing packages.
US07890518B2 Method for creating a scalable graph database
Embodiments of a method for creating a graph database which is arranged to store or process data in the form of graph tuples comprising n-parts, are described. In an embodiment, each tuple-part is encoded into a unique part identifier (hereinafter called a UPI), each UPI comprises a tag at a fixed position within the UPI. The tag indicates the datatype of the encoded tuple-part. The content data for the tuple-part is encoded in a code that is configured to reflect the ranking or order of the content data, corresponding to each datatype, relative to other tuples in a set of tuples. For content data that comprises a character-string, the code comprises a hashcode; and for content data that comprises or includes a numeric value, the code comprises an immediate value that directly stores the numeric value without encoding.
US07890516B2 Recommending queries when searching against keywords
A query including one or more current search terms is received from a user and executed against a target database. When the query yields a number of results less than a defined search threshold (a.k.a. an “unsuccessful” search), the current search terms are compared with an associations database. The associations database includes associations between search terms in previously-executed queries that yielded less than a threshold number of results and replacement search terms that were substituted to generate a successful query yielding at least the threshold number of results. Upon finding a match between one or more of the search terms and the current search terms, the associations between the search terms and the replacement search terms are used to identify suggested replacement search terms and present them to the user.
US07890512B2 Automatic image annotation using semantic distance learning
Images are automatically annotated using semantic distance learning. Training images are manually annotated and partitioned into semantic clusters. Semantic distance functions (SDFs) are learned for the clusters. The SDF for each cluster is used to compute semantic distance scores between a new image and each image in the cluster. The scores for each cluster are used to generate a ranking list which ranks each image in the cluster according to its semantic distance from the new image. An association probability is estimated for each cluster which specifies the probability of the new image being semantically associated with the cluster. Cluster-specific probabilistic annotations for the new image are generated from the manual annotations for the images in each cluster. The association probabilities and cluster-specific probabilistic annotations for all the clusters are used to generate final annotations for the new image.
US07890510B2 Method and apparatus for analyzing community evolution in graph data streams
Improved techniques are disclosed for detecting patterns of interaction among a set of entities and analyzing community evolution in a stream environment. By way of example, a technique for processing data from a data stream includes the following steps/operations. A data point of the data stream representing an interaction event is obtained. An interaction graph is updated on-line based on the data point representing the interaction event. The updated interaction graph is stored in a nonvolatile memory. An interaction evolution is determined off-line from the updated interaction graph stored in the nonvolatile memory.
US07890507B2 System and method of joining data obtained from horizontally and vertically partitioned heterogeneous data stores using string-based location transparent search expressions
Described are a system and method for accepting a string-based search expression, parsing the search expression into an expression tree, distributing the tree (or portion thereof) across heterogeneous repositories, and merging the results. The system is data-location transparent, encapsulates a federation model within query nodes and query trees. A client application produces and issues the search expression to the system. One type of expression tree node is an attribute node corresponding to an attribute included in the search expression. Metadata is associated with the attribute node for identifying each repository that supports the attribute represented by that attribute node. A call passes to the expression tree to perform the search, which occurs in a recursive-descent traversal of the tree. The search completes in a single tree traversal. Sub-trees receive a relevant portion of the search expression to translate into a query expression specific for each type of searched repository.
US07890506B2 User interface control apparatus and method thereof
The invention provides a user interface control apparatus and a method thereof, which can enhance operability of a user interface by replacing a presentation of a user interface designed by a developer of an application program with a UI component that is easy to use and is customizable for each user. A client computer acquires application software program that includes an element describing a presentation of a user interface and an element describing a data model expressed in the user interface by having a communication unit access an application server through a network. A UI component search unit searches a personal UI component library for a UI component having a presentation preferred by a user, which is replaceable with an element of the data model. A UI component replace unit replaces a second element of the application software with the searched for UI component.
US07890501B2 Visual tags for search results generated from social network information
Search results, including sponsored links and algorithmic search results, are generated in response to a query, and are marked based on frequency of clicks on the search results by members of social network who are within a predetermined degree of separation from the member who submitted the query. The markers are visual tags and comprise either a text string or an image.
US07890498B1 User interface for a medical informatics system that incorporates an examination timeline
A user interface for a medical informatics system displays medical information including information regarding medical examinations. A patient history timeline and a relevant exams timeline, which include a plurality of elements, are displayed such that an element represents a medical examination. A position of an element on the timeline indicates an acquisition time for a medical examination relative to other medical examinations on the timeline. An element displays information about a corresponding medical examination, including: a date, to indicate acquisition of the medical examination; information to indicate whether images are available for the corresponding medical examination; and information to indicate whether a report is available for the corresponding medical examination. A user may extract additional information about an exam through use, of a cursor control device, including: information to indicate a location of images for a medical examination; general information about the medical examination; and a plurality of menu items to permit a user to select functions for the medical examination.
US07890494B2 System and/or method for processing events
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to processing information regarding events. In one particular example, a stabbing query may be formulated in response to an event. One or more sets are associated with and/or mapped to nodes of a tree.
US07890486B2 Document creation, linking, and maintenance system
A document creation and citation system designed to maintain a database of reference documents. The content of a selected document may be automatically scanned and indexed by the system. The selected documents may also be manually indexed by a user prior to the upload. The indexed documents may be uploaded and stored within a database for later use. The system allows a user to generate new documents by selecting content within the reference documents stored within the database and inserting the selected content into a new document. The system allows the user to customize and augment the content of the new document. The system also generates citations to the selected content retrieved from the reference documents. The citations may be inserted into the new document in the appropriate location and format, as directed by the user. The new document may be uploaded into the database and included with the other reference documents. The system also maintains the database of reference documents so that when changes are made to a reference document, the author of a document referencing the changed document will be alerted to make appropriate changes to his document. The system also allows visual comparison of documents so that the user may see differences in the text of the documents.
US07890485B2 Knowledge management tool
A document processor for use with an indexing application comprising: a content extractor proxy that implements a pre-defined programmatic interface for content extractors; a data store; and an extended document metadata processor; wherein: the content extractor proxy receives a signal from the indexing application identifying a target document; and the document metadata processor creates from the target document extended document metadata for storage in the data store.
US07890481B2 System and method for managing binary large objects
The invention regards a system (10) and method for managing BLOBs. The system combines a file subsystem (20) and a database subsystem (30), wherein the database subsystem (30) comprises relations between file names of files (40) comprising a BLOB (50) and BLOB names. In the event of modification of a file (40) containing a BLOB (50), a new file, having a new file name, is created, where a relation between the new file name and the BLOB name is created within a database transaction in the database subsystem (30). By thus extending the ACID-properties of database transactions to files, it is ensured that operations on BLOBs in the system (10) meet the ACID-requirements while keeping the efficiency of operations on files.
US07890480B2 Processing of deterministic user-defined functions using multiple corresponding hash tables
A deterministic UDF processing mechanism processes user-defined functions (UDFs) using multiple hash tables. Data access patterns for a UDF are collected, and an appropriate hash table set is then determined for the UDF from the data access patterns. If a UDF accesses some similar columns and some disjoint columns, the similar columns are grouped together, and one or more hash tables are allocated to the similar columns. Disjoint columns are allocated their own hash tables. In addition, the allocation of hash tables may be adjusted based on historical access patterns collected over time. By dynamically allocating and adjusting sets of hash tables to a deterministic UDF, the performance of the UDF is greatly increased.
US07890479B2 Efficient XML schema validation of XML fragments using annotated automaton encoding
An XML schema is compiled into an annotated automaton encoding, which includes a parsing table for structural information and annotation for type information. The representation is extended to include a mapping from schema types to states in a parsing table. To validate a fragment against a schema type, it is necessary simply to determine the state corresponding to the schema type, and start the validation process from that state. When the process returns to the state, fragment validation has reached successful completion. This approach is more efficient than a general tree representation. Only the data representation of the schema information is handled, making it much easier than manipulating validation parser code generated by a parser generator. In addition, only one representation is needed for schema information for both document and fragment validation. This approach also provides a basis for incremental validation after update.
US07890478B2 Projected business objects
A computer-readable medium including instructions for performing a method for implementing a reusable template entity within a software system. The method includes retrieving a template entity from a repository in response to a request, wherein the template entity contains a plurality of elements related to a plurality of roles associated with the template entity and determining, based on metadata related to the at least one template entity and the request, a list of elements from the plurality of elements to undergo state modification. The method further includes adapting the template entity according to the list of elements to yield a projected entity and providing an instance of the projected entity.
US07890468B2 Rollback support in distributed data management systems
A rollback support method for transactions a node among nodes in a distributed system, including modifying a disposable cache copy of data as part of transaction, propagating a version state and/or a data state of the modified cache to any of the nodes, verifying non-violation of a transaction semantic and/or a replication policy relating to the transaction, committing the transaction to any nodes if successful, revising a version state of other reliable replicas and disposable cache copies in the system based on the version state of the modified disposable cache copy, the disposable cache copies being members of a membership-based view, and updating a data state of other reliable replicas in the system based on the data state of the modified copy, and aborting the transaction if it fails, including restoring the disposable cache copy based on any reliable replicas and/or disposable cache copies in the system.
US07890458B2 Capturing database workload while preserving original transactional and concurrency characteristics for replay
A method and apparatus for capturing database system workload and replaying that workload in a database system is provided. According to one aspect, in order to subject a test database system to the same workload to which the production database system actually would be subjected, a database server in the production system captures and records workload that the database server receives from external entities. This captured workload is processed. Processes external to a database server in the test database system send the processed workload to that database server. As a result, the test database system is subjected to the same workload to which the production database system originally was subjected. The foregoing technique permits a database administrator to determine how the production database system will fare if the difference that is present in the test database system is introduced into the production database system.
US07890457B2 Transactionally consistent database workload replay
A method and apparatus for capturing database system workload and replaying that workload in a database system is provided. According to one aspect, in order to subject a test database system to the same workload to which the production database system actually would be subjected, a database server in the production system captures and records workload that the database server receives from external entities. This captured workload is processed. Processes external to a database server in the test database system send the processed workload to that database server. As a result, the test database system is subjected to the same workload to which the production database system originally was subjected. The foregoing technique permits a database administrator to determine how the production database system will fare if the difference that is present in the test database system is introduced into the production database system.
US07890456B2 Sharing of database objects
A system may include reading a provider database mapping of file identifiers to page numbers of the provider database, determining one or more shared database objects of the provider database based on the provider database mapping, and registering the one or more shared database objects in a local namespace of a reader database.
US07890453B2 Method and system for maintaining engineering project documentation
A method of configuration controlling a hierarchy of data arrays is disclosed, each data array in the hierarchy having at least one version, each version of each data array in the hierarchy being associated with one version of at least one other data array in the hierarchy, each data array comprising at least one data entry, each data entry comprising a plurality of fields, the plurality of fields comprising a version field and at least one characteristic field having a characteristic, the version field indicating which version of that data array the associated characteristic fields belong to. The method comprises the steps of: (i) defining a package of data arrays comprising a predetermined version of at least two data arrays in the hierarchy and in which at least one of the data arrays is to be updated to a new version based on a previous version; and (ii) appending a new version indicator indicative of the new version to each data entry having the previous version in the at least one of the data arrays. By associating data entries with more than one version, the need to copy all the data entries within a data array to be updated is obviated. This in turn reduces the amount of additional data which needs to be created and can simplify the relationships between characteristics in different levels of the hierarchy.
US07890450B2 Policy creating apparatus, policy creating method, and computer product
A policy integrity validating unit validates whether a system model can achieve an objective set up in a policy without violating a constraint set up in the policy when a system model is operated according to a procedure set up in the policy. When the policy integrity validating unit determines that there is no integrity between a policy created by a system administrator and the system model, an alternate policy creating unit creates an alternate policy that replaces the policy created by the system administrator. Upon receipt of the alternate policy, the policy integrity validating unit validates integrity between the alternate policy and the system model. When the policy integrity validating unit determines that there is integrity between the alternate policy and the system model, a policy creating apparatus presents the alternate policy to the system administrator.
US07890449B2 Method for performance bottleneck diagnosis and dependency discovery in distributed systems and computer networks
A method for performance bottleneck diagnosis and dependency discovery in distributed systems and computer networks includes receiving a real-valued end-to-end measurement matrix, a number of end-to-end measurements, a number of time points, a number of network components, a loss function, and a plurality of constraints on output matrices. The method further includes learning basic output matrices by best approximation of a transpose of the real-valued end-to-end measurement matrix, selecting a first threshold based on a real-valued mixing-weights matrix and a second threshold based on a real-valued delay matrix, converting the real-valued mixing-weights matrix and the real-valued delay matrix into respective binary matrices using the first threshold and the second threshold, and returning the real-valued mixing-weights matrix, the real-valued delay matrix, and the respective binary matrices to represent bottlenecks dependencies of the distributed system or computer network.
US07890444B2 Visualization of data availability and risk
The advanced data availability tool uses predictive analysis to fill gaps in a data set and then displays actual data, predicted data, and confidence intervals for the actual data and the predicted data. The advanced data availability tool has a data collection tool, a data table created by the data collection tool, a data table analyzer, a predicted data table, and an enhanced data display.
US07890443B2 Learning classifiers using combined boosting and weight trimming
A “Classifier Trainer” trains a combination classifier for detecting specific objects in signals (e.g., faces in images, words in speech, patterns in signals, etc.). In one embodiment “multiple instance pruning” (MIP) is introduced for training weak classifiers or “features” of the combination classifier. Specifically, a trained combination classifier and associated final threshold for setting false positive/negative operating points are combined with learned intermediate rejection thresholds to construct the combination classifier. Rejection thresholds are learned using a pruning process which ensures that objects detected by the original combination classifier are also detected by the combination classifier, thereby guaranteeing the same detection rate on the training set after pruning. The only parameter required throughout training is a target detection rate for the final cascade system. In additional embodiments, combination classifiers are trained using various combinations of weight trimming, bootstrapping, and a weak classifier termed a “fat stump” classifier.
US07890442B2 Method and system for autocompletion of multiple fields in electronic forms
A method and system for autocompletion of multiple fields in electronic forms that generates “inference networks” (Bayesian networks), and evaluates them to suggest likely options for user selection while filling out fields in corresponding electronic forms. The disclosed Bayesian networks are generated and evaluated based on a broad set of information. The information used by the disclosed system for generating an inference network includes form previously selected field values. The information used in the disclosed system to evaluate an inference networks while a current instance of a given form is being filled out includes values previously entered by a current user into preceding form fields, and values of ambient variables that are external to the forms, such as current day of the week, current time of day, etc. When the inference network is evaluated in this way, posterior probabilities are determined for values of fields not yet filled out in the current form instance. These posterior probabilities are used to present value options for the unfilled fields in a way that makes selection of the most-probable options convenient to the user.
US07890440B1 Systems and methods for evaluating a group detection tool
Systems and methods for evaluating a group detection tool are described. One described method includes a set of data including a collection of asserted links between pairs of individuals, creating a sorted list of the individuals present in the collection of asserted links, and creating a square co-occurrence matrix describing the collection of asserted links, the square co-occurrence matrix including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns each containing the sorted list of individuals. The method also includes inserting a link indicator in each cell of the square co-occurrence matrix, the link indicator having a first value if a first individual associated with the row and a second individual associated with the column are linked and a second value if they are not, identifying a plurality of square sub-co-occurrence matrices in the square co-occurrence matrix, generating a statistic for a characteristic of at least one class of the plurality of square sub-co-occurrence matrices, and identifying one of the plurality of sub-co-occurrence matrices for each of the at least one class of square sub-co-occurrence matrices. The method further includes evaluating the performance of the group detection tool by: applying the group detection tool to the set of data, and determining the extent to which a plurality of individuals in the at least one square sub-co-occurrence matrix are associated in one or more groups generated by the group detection tool.
US07890434B2 Portable intelligent shopping device
A method for selling items by a vendor in a shopping venue includes steps of: receiving a first signal from a mobile information processing device, the signal including a list of items of interest; and transmitting a second to the mobile information processing device, the second signal indicating that at least one of the items of interest from the list is available in the shopping venue.
US07890432B2 Infrastructure with meter communication capabilities
A system for providing franking services includes one or more networks, one or more postage meters, and a postal infrastructure data center connected to the one or more meters through the one or more networks, wherein the postal infrastructure data center establishes communication with the one or more meters as required.
US07890431B2 Trial access for media files from media list
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for sharing media files. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a file sharing application configured to initiate a communication session with a file server, where the file server manages download requests for media files listed on a dynamic list. Use of the media files is subject to a trial period that corresponds to a period that the media files remain on the dynamic list. The system further includes trial period checking logic configured to retrieve a new dynamic list and check whether a trial period for a media file has expired by determining whether the media file is listed on the new dynamic list and offer presentation logic configured to offer a user a license for continued use of a media file that has an expired trial period. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US07890426B2 Method and system for verifying check images
In one embodiment, example software is operable to determine a first hash value for an electronic check image, with the check image operable to generate an image replacement document. The hash value is associated with the electronic check image. The electronic check image and the associated hash value is communicated to a recipient for processing.
US07890423B2 Methods and systems for adjusting account terms based on purchase transaction information
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a financial account. The disclosed systems and methods may include providing a financial account offer to a customer. The disclosed systems and methods may also include receiving an acceptance of the offer, providing the financial account, setting an account variable equal to a first account value, and monitoring the financial account. The monitoring may further comprise resetting the account variable equal to a second account value when a number of purchase transactions corresponding to a currently monitored time period are less than a threshold value. Furthermore, the account variable may be reset equal to a third account value when the number of purchase transactions corresponding to the currently monitored time period are greater than or equal to the threshold value and a number of purchase transactions corresponding to the previous time period were less than the threshold value.
US07890418B2 Hedging risks associated with variable priced orders for derivative financial products
Systems and methods are provided for executing a hedge transaction in connection with the execution of a derivative product order in which the price of the derivative product is defined by one or more variables. The hedge transaction may be executed at an exchange or match engine that is different from the exchange or match engine executing the derivative product order. The execution of derivative product transaction may be contingent on the existence of an appropriate hedge transaction. Alternatively, a best efforts approach may be used to fill the hedge transaction order after executing the derivative product transaction.
US07890417B2 Electronic block trading system and method of operation
A system and method are described and disclosed that are used for effecting large block trades of securities in an automated and anonymous matter in which fair pricing is carried out using features of the NBBO. The automated trading the system and method also will carry out negotiations to effect a trade in certain circumstances, though the preferred method of effecting trades is by automated trading. However, regardless of the trading method, anonymity of the trading counterparties is preserved. The system and method also tests the NBBO for each of the traded securities to ensure it is valid before an automated trade may take place.
US07890415B1 Representation of order in multiple markets
A trading process represents an order that it is handling at multiple market processes simultaneously. Each of the market processes and the trading process follow a two-phase commit protocol, wherein permission to execute the order is obtained from the process controlling the order, and then the order is executed. Accordingly, multiple executions of an order are prevented. The control process is typically the trading process that originated the order. However, in some market methodologies, the market process may assume control over the order. Permission to execute the order is explicitly given by a trading process. Permission to execute the order may be inferred after a market process determines that no other market processes have control over the order.
US07890410B1 Automated trial order processing
A trading process wishing to perform market depth discovery sends a trial order to a market process. The trading process and the market process are both operative on a platform. The market process receives the trial order and enters the trial order into its order book. When responding to market inquiries from trading processes, the market process ignores the trial order. At some point, the market process selects the trial order for pairing with an active contra-side order, as if the trial order was a regular order, and sends a pairing report for zero shares to the trading process that originated the trial order. The market process then removes the trial order from its order file, and pairs the regular orders in its order file such that their pairing priority is unaffected by the trial order.
US07890409B2 System and method for providing reallocation and reverse optimization of a financial portfolio using a parametric leptokurtic distribution
A system and method for providing reallocation and reverse optimization of a financial portfolio using a parametric leptokurtic distribution are provided. A time series including risk factors applicable over at least one time horizon, a portfolio including financial assets, a quantile, and one or more risk adjusted return points for the financial assets is stored. The financial assets are associated with the risk factors. A subordinated parametric distribution model exhibiting leptokurtic behavior is generated. A function of expected tail loss for the quantile based on the subordinated parametric distribution model exhibiting leptokurtic behavior is expressed. A set of portfolio asset weight changes for each of the financial assets is determined based on the expected tail loss at each such time horizon and for each risk adjusted return point. Reallocation of the portfolio is provided based on the portfolio asset weight changes for each risk adjusted return point for the portfolio.
US07890405B1 Method and system for enabling collaboration between advisors and clients
A common collaboration tool enables advisors, their clients and other participants to interact in a coordinated manner in various areas of interest. A client authorizes selected advisors as well as other participants to view, discuss, modify and perform other operations in response to the client's request for services. A client defines the scope of authorization for advisors and/or other participants for security and confidentiality reasons. Advisors (and/or participants) access information submitted (or authorized) by the client to collaborate as a cohesive team in sharing information, devising a plan, addressing client's concerns, drafting (or modifying) a document and performing other services for the client.
US07890399B2 Obtaining consent for electronic delivery of compliance information
A method and related system obtains consent from an individual for computer-aided delivery of compliance information. Initially, a computer-readable data storage device is provided to the individual. The device stores the compliance information and computer-executable instructions. By inserting the device into a computer, the instructions are executed and the individual is prompted by the computer to consent to the computer-aided delivery of additional compliance information. Once consent is indicated, it is communicated from the individual's computer to another computer such as a server over, for example, a modem connection. Having secured the individual's consent, the additional compliance information can be delivered to the individual's computer as, for example, a file attachment to an email message.
US07890395B2 Method and system for processing tax pertaining to a goods and services transaction
A method and system for processing tax pertaining to a transaction between a seller and buyer. The transaction triggers a tax due to a tax imposing jurisdiction (TIJ). The transaction has been authorized to be financed for the tax due to the TIJ by a financing network. First transaction data fields are received as data that includes an indication of the tax due to the TIJ and is sufficient for determining the tax due to the TIJ. Second transaction data fields are generated as a copy of the first transaction data fields. A tax transaction identification is assigned to the transaction and appended to the second transaction data fields. An audit and verify process is performed on the second transaction data fields. Results of the audit and verify process are merged into the second transaction data fields. The second transaction data fields are transferred to a transaction data warehouse.
US07890393B2 Method and system for completing a transaction between a customer and a merchant
A computer-implemented method and system for completing a transaction between a customer (10) and at least one merchant (20), including the steps of: (a) initiating a transaction by the customer (10) with a merchant (20); (b) communicating an authorization request, including customer data and transaction specific data, by the merchant (20) to a transaction system (26); (c) authenticating the customer (10) by the transaction system (26); (d) authorizing the transaction by the transaction system (26); (e) communicating the authorization response by the transaction system (26) to the merchant (20); and (f) completing the transaction between the merchant (20) and the customer (10). An apparatus for implementing the method is disclosed.
US07890381B1 Interface for management of computer games
A system for managing computer game activities, includes a software module for interfacing to a user and receiving commands from a user; a plurality of games, each game including a wrapper that controls DRM aspects of a user's access to the games; a plurality of skins stored in a local cache on a computer, the skins controlling visual aspects of presentations of the games, each skin being associated with a distributor who provided a particular game to the user. The software module periodically contacts a first server to update skins, games and user settings. The user settings are stored on the first server and permit the user to play the games from another computer. At least one of the games was downloaded from a second server, and the skin corresponding to that game is associated with the second server. The software module provides a mechanism for paying for games. The wrapper restricts the user to playing only a trial version of the game, unless the user pays for the full version of the game. The software module provides a mechanism for adding games that were previously installed to a list of games associated with the software module. The added games are handled the same as games that were downloaded through the software module. The skins include any combination of customizable fonts, colors, logos, text, and window shape. The software module periodically contacts the first server to receive updates and additional features for the games.
US07890379B2 Methods, systems, and products for facilitating electronic purchases
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for facilitating electronic purchases. A record of a customer's selection of items is received at a merchant's server. Some items in the record are associated with a different merchant and were selected from the different merchant's website. The merchant inspects the record for items associated with the different merchant. The merchant sends a recommendation to the customer to remove a different merchant's item and to instead add a substitute item associated with the merchant.
US07890378B2 System and method for generating a search query using a category menu
One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods, which allow a more efficient shopping experience. A cascading commerce menu provides access to a plurality of product, service, and/or content categories. In one embodiment, the cascading commerce menu is stored on a client computer, thereby providing quick access to the menu.
US07890376B2 System and method for location based content correlation
A method and a system to correlate location and content. For example hyperlinked content can be received from a user including current geographical position data. The current geographical position data can be extracted from the hyperlinked content. Location or geographically-based content can be selected based on the current geographical position data. The geographical based content can be returned to the user.
US07890374B1 System and method for presenting music to consumers
The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and system for providing user requested music. The method comprises of receiving user input that defines a plurality of music search parameters. Some of the music search parameters may describe music content attributes. Thereafter, the process searches for music samples based upon the user provided search parameters. The process then presents music samples to the user.The method also determines if the user wants to buy any of the presented music samples, a set of music samples similar to the music purchased and/or a set of music samples different than the music bought.
US07890372B1 Electronic device for verifying a user's personal information and associated method
An electronic point-of-sale authorization device is removably attachable to an auxiliary register system for verifying the identity of a user during point-of-sale transactions. The device may include a user interface, a microprocessor coupled with a memory, displays, fingerprint and card readers, an electronic pen and a communication link. The device may further include a mechanism for pivotally oscillating the housing and a mechanism for linearly reciprocating a telescopic support rod. A user interface may be communicatively linked to the pivotally oscillating mechanism and linearly reciprocating mechanism such that the housing may pivotally oscillate about a pivot axis while the support rod telescopically reciprocates along a vertical axis respectively. In addition, the housing may be freely rotated about the pivot axis while each of the support rod and the mounting bracket remain at static positions.
US07890369B2 Relevant online ads for domain name advertiser
Systems and methods of the present invention allow for providing suggested domain names on webpages. A webpage is placed on a website associated with an original domain name. A domain name module generates suggested domain names based on the properties of the webpage (e.g. webpage content and keywords), and/or based on the properties of the original domain name (e.g. domain name itself), and/or based on the properties of a network connection to the webpage (e.g. search terms and user's geographical location). Suggested domain names are displayed on the webpage. A user visiting the webpage may notice an appealing domain name among the suggested domain names. Then the user may register, purchase, or backorder it. The invention may be used as a marketing technique for registration, sale, or resale of the domain names.
US07890363B2 System and method of identifying trendsetters
A system and method for determining and identifying trendsetters within a member population, such as an online community. The trendsetters can then be used for a number of useful purposes, such as predicting future product/service trends, evaluating advertising techniques, identifying collectible items in an electronic auction, influencing search engines and recommender systems, etc. In a similar fashion, the counterparts to trendsetters, namely, trend rejecters and trend laggards can also be identified and compiled.
US07890360B1 System and method for automated analysis of sourcing agreements and performance
A system and method is provided for sourcing agreement and performance analysis comprising the steps of identifying scenarios for material requirements, identifying scenarios for supply environments, identifying terms of existing and/or prospective sourcing agreements, identifying a set of sourcing agreement utilization policies, identifying inventory-related and shortage costs scenarios, and computing future sourcing performance based on the identified scenarios, existing or prospective sourcing agreements, and sourcing agreement utilization policies. Various cost/risk and other future performance measures (e.g., scenarios, metrics, etc.) are output from the stated computing step and business decisions.
US07890358B2 Accessibility insurance coverage management
Accessibility insurance coverage management is provided. An insurance server receives a coverage request from a requester that includes a user identifier corresponding to a user (i.e. policyholder). The insurance server matches the user identifier with a stored policyholder identifier and retrieves accessibility data corresponding to the matched policyholder identifier. If required, the insurance server updates the policyholder's accessibility data by receiving accessibility data from an accessibility database server. The insurance server identifies the policyholder's coverage using the user's accessibility data along with the user's policy information. The insurance server sends a message to the requester which indicates an amount of the particular item corresponding to the coverage request the insurance server covers. The insurance server receives accessibility service bills on a frequent basis, such as monthly. The insurance server verifies the billing information, pays the bill, and updates policyholder claims paid to date information.
US07890357B2 System and method for identifying and evaluating nanomaterial-related risk
A system, method, and processor-readable medium are provided for quantitatively evaluating risk associated with nanotechnology. An insurance company computing system obtains nanomaterial-related data from a variety of sources, including nanomaterial sensors such as differential mobility analyzers located on-site at an insured facility. The insurance computing system uses the obtained data and a computerized model to compute a risk score that is used in evaluating the insurability of the facility or the operating entity. An insurance policy or modifications to an existing insurance premium are subsequently produced based on the computed risk score.
US07890354B2 Systems and methods for long-term care insurance with immediate and ongoing health care maintenance benefits
Methods and systems related to long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance policies are priced by stratifying potential purchasers according to risk factors which are explored during the underwriting process. In addition to coverage for long-term care, immediate health care benefits are provided to the purchasers in the form of an interactive health management program. The health management program may include contact between health care advisors and the availability of a wide range of health care services to provide positive health planning and resources to the policyholders. Underwriting and portions of the health management program may be provided through automation to reduce overhead expenses.
US07890351B2 Managing utilization
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a consumer of medical services to engage with a provider of medical services in real time over the Internet using a computer-based brokerage system, accessing stored information related to past engagements of the consumer using the computer-based brokerage system, and determining allocation of a fee between the consumer and a third party for an engagement between the consumer and the provider based at least in part on the information related to the past engagements of the consumer.
US07890349B2 Resource monitoring system for processing location related information in a healthcare enterprise
A system supports creation and modification of a flexible and comprehensive location structure model able to track patients in a healthcare (or other) setting and identify suitable patient locations and location availability via a user friendly display interface. A method processes location related information for use in facilitating movement of a patient in a healthcare enterprise. The method involves establishing a profile comprising information identifying multiple locations available to accommodate a patient for different purposes. The profile incorporates attributes including a location type identifier, and a location characteristic of clinical significance influencing availability of a particular location to a patient having a particular medical condition. The profile is employed in providing a user with an indication of location availability in response to user command.
US07890340B2 Method and system for allowing a neurologically diseased patient to self-monitor the patient's actual state
In a method for allowing a patient suffering from a neurological disease and being treated with medication to self-monitor his or her current state, information regarding the motor functions and/or verbal and/or cognitive abilities of the patient are interactively acquired upon using a computer located for easy and repeated access by the patient, and at least one criterion number or a statement describing the state is determined on the basis of this information by an expert system at the computer and is made available to the patient by an output device at the computer.
US07890332B2 Information processing apparatus and user interface control method
An information processing apparatus can set one of a plurality of setting values for a setting item. A guidance holding unit holds guidance information for voice output for each of the plurality of setting values. A document information acquisition unit acquires document information as limiting information which limits a range of a settable setting value. A guidance selection unit and a guidance change unit acquire pieces of guidance information to be output by voice on the basis of the pieces of guidance information corresponding to the plurality of setting values held in the guidance holding unit and the limiting information acquired by the document information acquisition unit. A voice information output unit outputs, by voice, the acquired pieces of guidance information to be output by voice.
US07890325B2 Subword unit posterior probability for measuring confidence
Speech recognition such as command and control speech recognition generally use a context free grammar to constrain the decoding process. Word or subword background model are constructed to repopulate dynamic hypothesis space, especially when word spareness is at issue. The background models can be later used in speech recognition. During speech recognition, background and conventional context free grammar decoding are used to measure confidence. The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
US07890323B2 Digital filtering method, digital filtering equipment, digital filtering program, and recording medium and recorded device which are readable on computer
Included in the digital filtering equipment for extracting a feature quantity from a speech signal in order to execute a speech recognition based on an inputted speech signal are: a) an waveform determining section for obtaining an inputted speech signal and quantizing the speech signal waveform; b) a division value operating section for summing a quantized signal data in a prescribed adjoining region to divide the summation value by the number of summed data, with respect to a data quantized at each point by the waveform determining section, whereby a division value is obtained with the data being centered; c) a comparison section for comparing a division value calculated by the division value operating section and the quantized data calculated in the division value operating section to output logical truth of a comparison result, with respect to each data; and d) a conversion section for converting the quantized data into the selected data points based on an output from the comparison section. Thus, the feature quantity can be extracted only by applying an integer summation and comparison operation, so that performance of arithmetic operation is extremely simplified to be fast and inexpensive.
US07890322B2 Method and apparatus for speech signal processing
A method for speech signal processing is provided. Energy attenuation gain values are set for background noise signals corresponding to obtained background noise frames subsequent to an erasure concealment frame, so that differences between the energy attenuation gain values of the background noise signals corresponding to the background noise frames and the energy attenuation gain values of signals corresponding to their respective previous frames are within a threshold range. Energy attenuation of the background noise signals corresponding to the background noise frames is controlled by using the energy attenuation gain values. An apparatus for speech signal processing is also provided in embodiments of the present invention. By using the embodiments of the present invention, the energy transition between the area of erasure concealment signal and the area of background noise signal may be made natural and smooth, so as to improve the audio comfortable sensation of the listener.
US07890319B2 Signal processing apparatus and method thereof
An improved and computationally efficient signal processing is provided to estimate and reduce noise in a sampled signal. Hence, a first filter recursive filters a vector in the signal in one direction along the vector, a second filter recursive filters the vector in the opposite direction to the first filter along the vector, and a combining section combines the results of the first and second filters. Coefficients of the first and second filters are dependent on a position in the vector.
US07890318B2 Informing troubleshooting sessions with device data
A method for troubleshooting a problem with a device includes acquiring device data for the device, receiving a user's query concerning a device in a natural language, presenting possible refinements to at least a portion of the user's query for defining a problem statement, presenting candidate solutions that are associated with the defined problem statement in a knowledge base, at least one of the presentation of possible refinements and the presentation of candidate solutions being informed by device data that is linked through a diagnostic model of the device to at least one of the problem statements and candidate solutions.
US07890310B2 Method for analysis of control systems
The present invention provides a framework to let users systematically analyze, and design controllers for, complex non-linear dynamic systems modeled in a block diagram environment. By extracting linearized models from non-linear plant models (block diagrams), users can use one or more control design and tuning methodologies available for linear systems. Complex side effects, such as cross-coupling and exogenous disturbances, are viewable and can be dealt with in real-time during a design. The results of a design are automatically implemented in a block diagram.
US07890309B2 System and method for analyzing a business process integration and management (BPIM) solution
A system for analyzing a business process integration and management (BPIM) solution includes an assembler which assembles a plurality of solution artifacts to form a platform independent solution template, a simulator which simulates an execution of a BPIM solution based on the platform independent solution template, and an analyzer for analyzing a performance of the BPIM solution.
US07890306B2 Optimal methodology for allocation and flowdown
A system and method of implementing a top-down flow down of at least one system requirement to allocate variability to system components such that overall system response meets the at least one system requirement, includes specifying a target value for the system response, and using a non-linear model to relate response variable values to targeted variable values and targeted mean values of the response variable values.
US07890302B2 Distributed imaging array system
A system, apparatus, and method for astronomical activity monitoring and imaging using a plurality of distributed remotely-reprogrammable observing devices communicating with a server, and providing astronomical activity monitoring and imaging information. In one embodiment the observing devices may also have sensors coupled to provide atmospheric data that further characterizes the astronomical activity monitoring and imaging information. Furthermore, remote reprogramming of observing device by broadcast data transmitted by a satellite is provided.
US07890301B2 Method for cluster head selection in networks accessed by mobile devices
Representative embodiments are directed to distributed sensor systems from which measurement data is extracted using mobile devices. Representative embodiments record access attempts by the mobile devices and calculate the probabilities of future access by a mobile device to sensor devices using the recorded information. Collection points are selected in response to the probabilities of future access. Additionally, memory management and data prioritization may occur that is at least partially dependent upon the probabilities of future access.
US07890300B2 Method for monitoring a field device
A method for monitoring a field device connected via a data bus with a control unit. To prevent unauthorized tampering with the field device, the control unit requests, at intervals of time, an individual identifier of the field device. The requested individual identifier is compared with an identifier stored in the control unit. An alarm is produced or a warning, in the case of a change in the requested individual identifier.
US07890295B2 Real time self-adjusting calibration algorithm
A method of calibrating glucose monitor data includes collecting the glucose monitor data over a period of time at predetermined intervals. It also includes obtaining at least two reference glucose values from a reference source that temporally correspond with the glucose monitor data obtained at the predetermined intervals. Also included is calculating the calibration characteristics using the reference glucose values and corresponding glucose monitor data to regress the obtained glucose monitor data. And, calibrating the obtained glucose monitor data using the calibration characteristics is included. In preferred embodiments, the reference source is a blood glucose meter, and the at least two reference glucose values are obtained from blood tests. In additional embodiments, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes linear regression and, in particular embodiments, least squares linear regression. Alternatively, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes non-linear regression. Data integrity may be verified and the data may be filtered.
US07890294B2 Systems for structural clustering of time sequences
Arrangements are provided for performing structural clustering between different time series. Time series data relating to a plurality of time series is accepted, structural features relating to the time series data are ascertained, and at least one distance between different time series via employing the structural features is determined. The different time series may be partitioned into clusters based on the at least one distance, and/or the k closest matches to a given time series query based on the at least one distance may be returned.
US07890289B2 Portable terminal for measuring reference tilt and method of measuring reference tilt using the same
The present invention discloses a portable terminal that measures a reference tilt and a method of measuring the reference tilt using the same. The portable terminal includes a movement sensor for measuring a tilt of the portable terminal using a gravitational acceleration value, and a controller for dividing a preset time into separate time sections and measuring an acceleration value in each separate time section by using the movement sensor, calculating a standard deviation of the accelerations in each separate time section and determining one time section in which movement is minimal, and calculating a tilt of the portable terminal from an average of the accelerations in the determined one time section or a sum of weight acceleration values therein and setting the calculated tilt as the reference tilt of the portable terminal.
US07890285B2 Scalable integrated tool for compliance testing
Methods, tools, systems and computer readable media for compliance testing instrumentation and/or software. Data from one or more analytical instruments and/or software is inputted, and calculations are performed on the data to produce one or more outputs. At least one of the outputs may be compared to first and second test limits, and compliance status of the at least one output relative to the first and second test limits is reported.
US07890282B2 Estimation of crystal efficiency with axially compressed sinogram
The present invention provides a method for estimating crystal efficiency in a PET detector that takes axial compression into account. It does so via an iterative methodology in which a μ-map is first generated and then is used to obtain a solution for the equation L ⁡ ( ɛ i ) = ∑ n ∈ N ⁢ ⁢ y n ⁢ log ⁢ ∑ i , j ∈ span ⁢ ⁢ g ij ⁢ ɛ i ⁢ ɛ j ⁢ x ij - ∑ i , j ∈ span ⁢ ⁢ g ij ⁢ ɛ i ⁢ ɛ j ⁢ x ij , wherein gij is a geometric factor for LOR(i,j), εi and εj are the efficiencies for crystal i and crystal j, and xij is the line integral of the source distribution along LOR(i,j). Once efficiencies are determined, they are used to calibrate the PET detector.
US07890280B2 Method and a system for determining a physical property as a function of position
A method and system for determining a physical property as a function of position. A data series including data point from one or more channels is obtained by frequency modulation continuous wave. A number of data points correspond to Nda different values of frequency of modulation. One or more processing steps are performed including at least part of said primary data series to obtain at least one secondary data series comprising N (N>Nda) data points from the values of frequency of modulation. The secondary data series from frequency domain is transformed to obtain at least one back scattering curve in space domain, and optionally the back scattering curve(s) to one or more physical properties as a function of position.
US07890276B2 Pressure relief valve monitoring
A pressure relief valve monitoring system and method is disclosed. In one aspect there is an online pressure relief valve monitoring system that includes at least one acoustic sensor located about a pressure relief valve that obtains ultrasonic measurements therefrom. One or more temperature sensors located about the pressure relief valve obtain temperature measurements therefrom. A data acquisition system receives the ultrasonic measurements from the at least one acoustic sensor and the temperature measurements from the one or more temperature sensors. An online monitor monitors the measurements received by the data acquisition system for detection of a leak about the pressure relief valve. The online monitor detects the presence of the leak as a function of the ultrasonic measurements and temperature measurements.
US07890274B2 Method for quantifying hole flow rates in film cooled parts
A method for measuring a flow rate through a cooling hole of a film cooled part includes the steps of 1) measuring a transient thermal response of an internal surface temperature corresponding solely to an inside portion of a cooling hole for a film cooled part resulting from a flow of fluid through the part, the fluid having an initial temperature that is different from an initial temperature of the film cooled part, 2) mathematically characterizing the transient thermal response, and 3) determining the cooling hole flow rate from the mathematical characterization.
US07890267B2 Prognostic and diagnostic method for cancer therapy
The present invention provides novel methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of cancer within a patient, and for determining whether a subject who has cancer is susceptible to different types of treatment regimens. The cancers to be tested include, but are not limited to, prostate, breast, lung, gastric, ovarian, bladder, lymphoma, mesothelioma, medulloblastoma, glioma, and AML. Identification of therapy-resistant patients early in their treatment regimen can lead to a change in therapy in order to achieve a more successful outcome. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for diagnosing cancer or predicting cancer-therapy outcome by detecting the expression levels of multiple markers in the same cell at the same time, and scoring their expression as being above a certain threshold, wherein the markers are from a particular pathway related to cancer, with the score being indicative or a cancer diagnosis or a prognosis for cancer-therapy failure. This method can be used to diagnose cancer or predict cancer-therapy outcomes for a variety of cancers. The markers can come from any pathway involved in the regulation of cancer, including specifically the PcG pathway and the “stemness” pathway. The markers can be mRNA, microRNA, DNA, or protein.
US07890264B2 Waterflooding analysis in a subterranean formation
A method of analyzing a subterranean formation. The method includes specifying a volume of interest in the subterranean formation, specifying an injector wellsite that penetrates the volume of interest, specifying a first producer wellsite and a second producer wellsite, each of which penetrates the volume of interest, calculating a first Injectivity-Productivity Index (IPI) for a first injector-producer wellsite pair which includes the injector wellsite and the first producer wellsite, calculating a second IPI for a second injector-producer wellsite pair which includes the injector wellsite and the second producer wellsite, determining whether the first IPI is substantially equal to the second IPI to obtain an analysis result, and adjusting a wellsite operation based on the analysis result.
US07890254B2 Point-of interest display system
A point-of-interest display system includes an updateable database which interfaces with a microprocessor which receives data from a GPS receiver providing the system with current vehicle location and direction of travel information. A display provides the operator textural and elemental graphic display information, and easily accessible control switches allow the operator to select upcoming highway exits, categories of points of interest, and points of interest and display directions to a selected entry.
US07890252B2 Map-data-generation device and map-generation method used therefor, and navigation device and route-search method used therefor
A map-data-generation device and a map-generation method used therefor, and a navigation device and a route-search method used therefor are provided. The map-data-generation device generates hierarchical guide-route-search-map data by using information about a road link of level 2 (reference level), the road link generating a guide-object road. A first upper-level-link-determination unit determines a level-3 link by performing level-raising processing by using level-2-link information. A second-upper-level-link-determination unit acquires a plurality of links of levels (levels 4 to 8) higher than level 3 by performing the level-raising processing by using information about the level-3 link, and specifies an upper level map to which the link belongs on the basis of the range of a distance between a departure-point link and a destination-point link.
US07890251B2 Onboard information terminal and map information providing apparatus and map information providing system using them
A map information providing system has a map information providing apparatus 1 and an onboard information terminal 3. The map information providing apparatus 1 selects a road represented by the coordinate point string data indicating a newly established road in accordance with distribution request information obtained from the onboard information terminal, and distributes the distribution road information containing the coordinate point string data about the road selected to the onboard information terminal. The onboard information terminal obtains the distribution road information containing the coordinate point string data from the map information providing apparatus, and generates, in the same format at least in part as the map information, road data for adding a new road to a road network represented by the map information stored in a map information storing section from the coordinate point string data contained in the distribution road information obtained, and generates new map information from the road data and map information.
US07890246B2 Method of interpolating traffic information data, apparatus for interpolating, and traffic information data structure
Systems and methods of interpolating traffic information data may accumulate, for each link, a link travel time and a congestion degree at a plurality of trip times. The systems and methods may determine, for each link, whether at least one of the link travel time and the congestion degree properly exists at each of the plurality of trip times, and may interpolate, for each non-existent at least one of the link travel time and the congestion degree, an acceptable value.
US07890245B2 Diagnostic method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine
A device and a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which an actual value is determined based on a lambda value and compared with a setpoint value. Based on the comparison, a correction value for a controlled variable is determined and stored. An error is detected if the correction value changes abruptly.
US07890240B2 Brake system fault pedal gain change method and system
A brake system fault pedal gain change method and system for brake pedal simulator equipped vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles is provided. In the event of a brake system booster fault, the method alerts the driver by way of tactile feedback. Additionally, the disclosed method provides a controlled means to gradually increase required brake pedal force during a brake system fault to avoid an abrupt change in brake pedal force when the brake system boost is depleted.
US07890238B2 Method for detecting damage in the shift-control actuator of an automated manual transmission
A method for diagnosing damage in the shift control actuator of an automated manual transmission, involving at least one of the following steps: (a) determining a shift control actuator is damaged if an actual period needed for synchronizing a gear differs from a nominal time period for synchronizing the gear; (b) moving a shift-control actuator to a limit stop after selection of a gear, and determining a shift-control actuator is damaged if the limit stop that has been reached is an internal limit stop of the shift-control actuator and not a gear transmission limit stop; (c) determining the shift-control actuator is damaged if an actual speed during the overlap phase is not within a speed range within which the engine speed is expected to lie during the overlap phase.
US07890234B1 Vehicle occupant classification system
A vehicle seat pressure sensor includes a light source, a non-fiber optical polymer sheet, a boundary layer and a detection unit. The non-fiber optical polymer sheet is composed of non-woven flexible optical polymer material and has a first surface with a peripheral edge surrounding the first surface. The peripheral edge of the optical polymer sheet is aligned with the light source such that light emitted from the light source projects into the optical polymer sheet through the peripheral edge. The boundary layer is disposed along the first surface of the optical polymer sheet. The detection unit is disposed relative to the optical polymer sheet to detect changes in attenuation of light emitted from the peripheral edge of the optical polymer sheet in response to elastic deformation of the boundary layer and the optical polymer sheet.
US07890232B2 Airbag system
A first processing circuit determines a collision of a vehicle based on an output from a sensor for detecting a collision of the vehicle. A second processing circuit outputs a signal to deploy an airbag based on an output from the first processing circuit. A communication unit controls information communication between the first processing circuit and an electronic control unit outside the airbag system. A first power supply unit generates a first driving voltage for driving the first and second processing circuits based on a voltage of an outside power supply. The first power supply unit includes backup power supply unit that supplies a backup voltage when the voltage of the outside power supply falls. A second power supply unit supplies a second driving voltage to the communication unit based on an output of the first power supply unit. A power supply control unit stops the supply of the second driving voltage from the second power supply unit to the communication unit on detection of a fall in the voltage of the outside power supply.
US07890230B2 Vehicle motion control device and method
The objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle motion control device capable of controlling the driving force distribution to the wheels with superior stability and response while effectively utilizing the tire grip. Specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle motion control device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a driving device for driving the wheels based on a driving force/load distribution ratio, having: a force detection unit for detecting forces that act on the wheels; a target distribution ratio calculating unit for obtaining nonlinear terms by use of a group of parameters including the forces detected by the force detection unit, and obtaining a target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio so as to minimize the nonlinear terms, the nonlinear terms being included in elements of a system matrix of equations of state that describe a state of motion of the vehicle; and a driving device control unit for controlling the driving device based on the target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio.
US07890228B2 Power source monitoring system for AGVs and method
An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and method has at least one AGV with a drive assembly, a rechargeable power source on-board the AGV configured to supply power to the drive assembly, and a controller on-board the AGV. The controller on-board the AGV is configured to substantially continuously monitor at least two conditions including an operating condition of the AGV, a state of charge of the power source, and an electrical power supplied for recharging the rechargeable power source, wherein the controller determines when the rechargeable power source of the AGV is to be recharged, and controls a recharging process of the power source based upon at least one of the monitored conditions.
US07890226B2 Apparatus and method of vessel emission management
An emission management system (200) for a vessel (100) adapted to travel on water. The emission management system includes a monitoring assembly (202) for monitoring an emission from the vessel. The monitoring assembly is adapted to automatically detect the emission from the vessel and generate a data set representative of a vessel location at a time the emission occurred. The emission management system also includes a data storage system (210) in communication with the monitoring assembly for recording the data set generated by the monitoring assembly.
US07890224B2 Model train control system
A system which operates a digitally controlled model railroad transmitting a first command from a first client program to a resident external controlling interface through a first communications transport. A second command is transmitted from a second client program to the resident external controlling interface through a second communications transport. The first command and the second command are received by the resident external controlling interface which queues the first and second commands. The resident external controlling interface sends third and fourth commands representative of the first and second commands, respectively, to a digital command station for execution on the digitally controlled model railroad.
US07890223B1 Railroad signal aspect compliance monitoring systems and methods
A system for remotely monitoring compliance with a railroad signal associated with a section of railroad track includes a remote aspect compliance subsystem for monitoring compliance with an indication for the section of railroad track represented by an aspect of the railroad signal. The remote aspect compliance subsystem selectively generates corresponding compliance messages, which are communicated via a network to server for display and processing.
US07890218B2 Centralized multi-zone cooling for increased battery efficiency
A system for managing battery temperature is described. The system may include a cooling system which may include a fluid. A cabin circulation subsystem may be coupled to the cooling subsystem and may utilize the fluid for cabin cooling. A separate battery circulation subsystem may also may also be coupled to the cooling subsystem so that it may additionally utilize the fluid for battery cooling. A control may be present in order to regulate movement of the fluid to the cabin circulation subsystem and/or to the battery circulation subsystem.
US07890217B2 Integrated real-time power and solar farm control system
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling power in renewable solar energy sources. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling a renewable energy solar farm, where the farm may include one or more renewable energy sources. The method may include measuring aggregate energy output of the renewable energy solar farm and measuring individual source energy output of the one or more renewable energy sources. The method may also include controlling energy production from the one or more renewable energy sources via a controller based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, where the controller facilitates communications with the one or more renewable energy sources.
US07890216B2 Control valve and positioner diagnostics
Valve positioning systems may include one or more components and a controller. Components may include one or more electric-to-pressure output converters, relays, gas supplies, and/or actuators. A controller may adjust a position of a valve by sending a signal. The valve positioning system may individually monitor components and determine the condition of each component being individually monitored. The valve positioning system may determine if a component will fail prior to failure and/or determine if a problem will occur in a component prior to the problem occurring.
US07890215B2 Optimized control system for cooling systems
A cooling system for providing conditioned air to a facility includes a chiller or other cooling subsystem, a cooling tower subsystem and one or more air handling units or process cooling units. The cooling subsystem may advantageously include one or more chillers (e.g., variable speed chillers, constant speed chillers, absorption chillers, etc.) and chilled fluid pumps. The cooling tower subsystem includes one or more cooling tower units and condenser fluid pumps. In some implementations, the air handling unit has a cooling coil and a variable volume fan. In some implementations, direct expansion (DX) cooling systems comprise compressors, evaporators and air-cooled, water-cooled or evaporatively-cooled condensing systems. Such systems can be controlled to reduce energy waste, improve occupant comfort and/or improve the thermal characteristics of the process cooling unit. The cooling system further comprises a control system which is configured to evaluate a cooling load value at the air handling unit and use the cooling load value to calculate at least one operational setpoint. The operational setpoint may advantageously be selected to improve the energy efficiency of the overall cooling system.
US07890210B2 Network-based robot control system and robot velocity control method in the network-based robot control system
Provided are a network-based robot control system and a robot velocity control method in the network-based robot control system. A client calculates a robot control velocity according to its reception state of video data frames captured by a robot, generates a robot control message including the calculated robot control velocity, and transmits the robot control message to the robot. The robot then changes its velocity according to the robot control velocity included in the received robot control message. In this way, the velocity of the robot is controlled according to the video data reception state of the client, thereby allowing a user to easily control the robot regardless of the performance of the client.
US07890208B2 Mail processing system with unique mailpiece authorization assigned in advance of mailpieces entering carrier service mail processing stream
A mailing list is created including destination addresses for mailpieces to be submitted to a carrier service for delivery. A unique mailpiece identifier associated with mailpieces on the mailing list is generated by the carrier or other trusted third party. The unique mailpiece identifier is printed on the mailpiece with which it is associated. The mailpieces with the printed unique identifier are submitted to the carrier service. The carrier service obtains the printed unique identifier from the mailpiece. The obtained unique identifier from each said mailpiece is utilized to verify that data associated with the mailpiece has been processed by the carrier or trusted third party. When the unique number has been obtained from the mailpieces, the carrier service, if desired, may note this fact in the carrier records to prevent reuse of the unique identifier.
US07890204B2 Method of determining mounting condition
To provide a method for determining a mounting condition to be set for at least one apparatus among apparatuses for manufacturing component-mounted boards. The method includes: determining, from among the apparatuses, a specific apparatus which satisfies a predetermined standard in performance associated with a manufacturing operation; obtaining the mounting condition associated with the manufacturing operation from the specific apparatus determined in the determining; and setting the mounting condition obtained in the obtaining for an apparatus other than the specific apparatus.
US07890203B2 Wiring forming system and wiring forming method for forming wiring on wiring board
A wiring forming system comprises: maskless exposure unit which directly exposes an unexposed board by using exposure data generated based on design data relating to an wiring board; post-development inspect unit which tests the board after development, by using the exposure data and the image data of the board exposed and developed by the maskless exposure unit; etching unit which etches the developed board; and post-etching inspect unit which tests an etching pattern formed on the etched board, by using etching inspect data generated based on the design data and the image data of the board etched by the etching unit.
US07890202B2 Method for creating wafer batches in an automated batch process tool
A method of batching substrates in an automated processing tool, the automated process tool and a system for batching substrates in the automated process tool. The method includes selecting a first container containing a first group of substrates; simultaneously transferring each substrate of the first group of substrates into a batching station of the automated processing tool; selecting a second container containing a second group of substrates; selecting less than all substrates of the second group of substrates; and transferring each substrate of the less than all substrates of the second group of substrates to the batching station to form a third group of substrates.
US07890201B2 Production planning system
A production planning system creates executable an production plan for a production workplace while adjusting production capacity giving consideration to a period where production capacity is fixed in each workplace, a period where management of workers between workplaces is possible, and a period where it is not necessary to consider production capacity because of new employment of workers.
US07890199B2 Storage medium storing sound output control program and sound output control apparatus
A sound output control apparatus includes a controller for a user to perform a stroke operation. The controller is provided with an acceleration sensor for detecting accelerations of two axes, for example. The sum of the accelerations is calculated, and the output of a sound is controlled in accordance with a change in the sum of the accelerations. More specifically, when the sum of the accelerations exceeds each of threshold values associated with strings of a string instrument such as a guitar, a sound corresponding to the threshold value is output.
US07890196B2 Magnetic and optical rotating storage systems with audio monitoring
A device includes an integrated circuit, a fan that cools the integrated circuit, and an audio monitoring module that analyzes audio signals that are based on noise generated by the fan during operation. The audio monitoring module is integrated into the integrated circuit.
US07890195B2 Controller interface with multiple day programming
A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.
US07890194B2 Robotics programming interface
A programming interface for a hardware system includes an embedded layer for programmatic access to a physical realization of hardware, a simulation system for simulation of the hardware, and a diagnostics engine that analyzes and compares feedback data from the simulation system and the physical realization. The programming interface may be usefully employed, for example, in the design, purchase, and deployment of robotics for semiconductor manufacturing.
US07890187B2 Lead assembly having a tethered sensor and methods related thereto
A lead including a tether with a sensor for measuring a physiologic parameter within the body and methods for implanting such devices are disclosed. An illustrative lead includes a lead body with one or more conductors, an electrode, and a tether extending from the lead body including a sensor for measuring a physiologic parameter within the body such as blood pressure, blood chemistry or blood gas. A method of implanting a lead includes disposing a lead body of the lead at a first position within a patient, anchoring the lead body at the first position, flowing a sensor and tether tethered to the lead body to a second position, and measuring a physiologic parameter using the sensor at the second position.
US07890185B2 Treatment of disorders by unidirectional nerve stimulation
Apparatus for treating a condition of a subject is provided. An electrode device is adapted to be coupled to longitudinal nervous tissue of the subject, and a control unit is adapted to drive the electrode device to apply to the nervous tissue a current which is capable of inducing action potentials that propagate in the nervous tissue in a first direction, so as to treat the condition. The control unit is further adapted to suppress action potentials from propagating in the nervous tissue in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US07890179B2 Bone stimulation system
A device for stimulating the osteogenesis of a traumatized bone is mounted on a bone stabilizing implant. The device comprises a first component part comprising a first electrode, an isolating element, which is mounted at the first component part and a second component part comprising a second electrode. The second component part is mounted at the isolating element such that the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically isolated from each other. The power generation unit is electrically coupled both to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The first component part is designed to be attached to the implant in such a manner that the second component part intrudes in a region defined by a trauma within the bone. Further described is a medical system for stimulating the osteogenesis of a traumatized bone, the medical system comprising a bone stabilizing implant, which is adapted to be fixed to the traumatized bone, and an osteogenesis stimulation device as has been described above is mounted thereon.
US07890175B1 Connector assembly for use with medical devices
Connector assemblies for use with implantable medical devices having easy to assemble contacts are disclosed. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of contact housings, sealing rings and leaf spring contact elements to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a medical lead cable. Contact grooves for positioning the leaf spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together.
US07890174B2 Medical electrical lead with deployable fixation features
A medical electrical lead adapted to be at least partially implanted in a cardiac vessel includes a fixation feature operable to change from an undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration in which the fixation feature is adapted to engage an inner surface of the cardiac vessel. A tendon is disposed within a lumen of the lead and is operatively connected to the fixation feature and adapted to cause the fixation feature to change from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration for acute and/or chronic fixation of the lead. In one embodiment, the fixation feature includes a deflectable region of the lead which in the deployed configuration causes a surface of the lead body to engage the inner surface of the cardiac vessel. In another embodiment, the fixation feature includes a radially expandable structure for engaging the inner surface of the vessel in the deployed configuration.
US07890173B2 Implantable transducer devices
Receiver-stimulators comprise a nearly isotropic transducer assembly, demodulator circuitry, and at least two tissue contacting electrodes. Use of near isotropic transducers allows the devices to be implanted with less concern regarding the orientation relative to an acoustic energy source. Transducers or transducer elements having relatively small sizes, typically less than ½ the wavelength of the acoustic source, enhance isotropy. The use of single crystal piezoelectric materials enhance sensitivity.
US07890170B2 Rate aberrant beat selection and template formation
A cardiac rhythm management system can be used to detect episode beats associated with cardiac events in a subject's body. These events may be monitored and depolarization morphology information can be derived for candidate arrhythmic beats in an arrhythmia episode. An arrhythmic beat morphology template may be formed from selecting at least one of the candidate arrhythmic beats based upon user's labeling according to specific morphologies of one or more candidate episodes. Methods of use are also presented.
US07890169B2 Cardiac rhythm management system selecting between multiple same-chamber electrodes for delivering cardiac therapy
A cardiac rhythm management system selects one of multiple electrodes associated with a particular heart chamber based on a relative timing between detection of a depolarization fiducial point at the multiple electrodes, or based on a delay between detection of a depolarization fiducial point at the multiple electrodes and detection of a reference depolarization fiducial point at another electrode associated with the same or a different heart chamber. Subsequent contraction-evoking stimulation therapy is delivered from the selected electrode.
US07890166B2 Regional therapies for treatment of pain
Enhanced therapies for treating pain are described. The therapies include subcutaneous stimulation of tissue in proximity to a source of pain at low frequencies (less than about 20 Hz) and high frequencies (greater than about 50 Hz). The therapies further include administering a pain treating agent at a predetermined time relative to application of the high or low frequency stimulation. Delivery of the pain treating agent via an implantable infusion system is described. Coordination of output of an infusion device and a pulse generator to provide coordinated therapy is also discussed.
US07890164B2 Iontophoresis device
An shaped iontophoresis device is capable of permeating an active agent (e.g., a drug solution) into an oral cavity, a skin cancer, or the like by iontophoresis in a pinpoint manner. A catheter-type iontophoresis device includes a small working electrode assembly and a small non-working electrode assembly at the tip of a holding portion. A first ion exchange membrane and a fourth ion exchange membrane at the tips of the assemblies are brought into close contact with a target area so that a drug solution is permeated by iontophoresis in a pinpoint manner. The working electrode assembly and the non-working electrode assembly are attached to the tip of a rod-shaped member. The rod-shaped member is detachable from the tip of the holding portion, and is exchangeable integrally with the portion. The iontophoresis device may advantageously take the form of a rod or catheter.
US07890163B2 Method and apparatus for detecting fibrillation using cardiac local impedance
A cardiac rhythm management (CRM) system detects tachyarrhythmia using cardiac local impedance indicative of cardiac local wall motion. A cardiac local impedance signal indicative of an impedance of a cardiac region is sensed by using a pair of bipolar electrodes placed in that cardiac region. Tachyarrhythmia such as VF is detected by analyzing one or more cardiac local impedance signals sensed in one or more cardiac regions.
US07890161B2 Method for detecting the myocardial state of the heart and a measuring apparatus for performing this method
A method for detecting the myocardial state of a heart with a measuring apparatus which includes inserting a bipolar cardiological measuring electrode (4) into a heart division (8) at an acute attachment angle (9) on the myocardium (6) of less than 90°, measuring a cardiological stimulation signal such as an IEGM in sequential cardiac cycles, and in addition, determining the positive and negative maximum amplitudes Vp and Vn of the IEGM, ascertaining an asymmetry factor η of the stimulation signal (IEGM) of sequential cardiac cycles according to the equation η=(Vp−|Vn|)/(Vp+|Vn|) and storing the asymmetry factor η of sequential cardiac cycles for analysis.
US07890156B2 Medical image display method and apparatus
A medical image display method of this invention includes an organ display step for displaying an image of a predetermined organ including a desired blood vessel in a medical image on a display unit; a blood vessel selection step for selecting the desired blood vessel from the image of the predetermined organ displayed by the organ display step and designating a specific position of the desired blood vessel; and an image display step for displaying a pseudo image in a pseudo imaging mode as if a contrast, agent were made to flow through the blood vessel selected in the blood vessel selection step. The pseudo image of the flow of the contrast agent in the blood vessel assists doctor in conducting diagnoses and therapies.
US07890154B2 Selection of ensemble averaging weights for a pulse oximeter based on signal quality metrics
A method and a system for ensemble averaging signals in a pulse oximeter, including receiving first and second electromagnetic radiation signals from a blood perfused tissue portion corresponding to two different wavelengths of light, obtaining an assessment of the signal quality of the electromagnetic signals, selecting weights for an ensemble averager using the assessment of signal quality, and ensemble averaging the electromagnetic signals using the ensemble averager.
US07890151B2 Opening and closing device for cellular phone
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for opening and closing a portable terminal. The apparatus includes a second cam, which has an upper rib to be latched with the upper portion of the housing and a lower rib to be latched with the bottom of the housing, thereby providing structural stability. In addition, frictional wear and noise can be suppressed while the second cam moves, thereby improving the service life and reliability of the device.
US07890148B2 Mobile station used for CDMA mobile communication systems
A mobile station for a CDMA communication system which comprises a transmitting section that transmits a location registration request signal to a base station, and a receiving section that receives an acknowledge signal transmitted from the base station after the location registration request signal from the transmitting section is received by the base station. A control section prohibits the power supply to the receiving section for a predetermined period of time if the acknowledge signal from the base station is not received within a predetermined period of time after the location registration request signal has been transmitted.
US07890147B2 Portable terminal device
A portable terminal device, which closes AV incoming call notification sound ringing at a headset when incoming call notification sound ringing processing through an AV profile competes with incoming call notification sound processing through a hands-free profile between a cellular phone and a headset, and when an in-band notification mode is set at the cellular phone, connects a sound link to perform communication through the hands-free profile, and starts ringing of an incoming call notification sound through the hands-free profile.
US07890146B2 Method and system for providing selected service by displaying numbers and strings corresponding to inputted buttons
A method and system for providing a mobile service is disclosed. In one embodiment, both of numbers and characters, corresponding to numeric buttons entered by a user, are displayed on two separate display regions, respectively. According to one embodiment, a voice call or wireless Internet service being selected by the user can be quickly performed. Furthermore, it does not need to learn how to use, it is easy for a user to access information quickly, and to enhance the user convenience because a user can select one of various services via one button push.
US07890144B2 Successive interference cancellation receiver processing with selection diversity
Techniques are provided to support successive interference cancellation (SIC) receiver processing with selection diversity whereby each of NT transmit antennas may be turned on or off. One symbol stream may be transmitted from each transmit antenna. A SIC receiver recovers the transmitted symbol streams in a specific order. Up to NT! orderings are evaluated. For each ordering, NT post-detection SNRs are obtained for NT transmit antennas and used to determine NT data rates, where the data rate is zero if the post-detection SNR is worse than a minimum required SNR. An overall data rate is computed for each ordering based on the NT data rates. The ordering with the highest overall data rate is selected for use. Up to NT symbol streams are processed at the data rates for the selected ordering and transmitted. The transmitted symbol streams are recovered in accordance with the selected ordering.
US07890143B2 Multi-transceiver system with MIMO and beam-forming capability
A system and method for communicating with a second communication system utilizing a plurality of antennas. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise determining whether communicating with the second communication system utilizing a plurality of antennas in a first configuration, which comprises a beam-forming configuration, is preferable to utilizing a plurality of antennas in a second configuration, which comprises a MIMO or MISO configuration. If it is determined that the first configuration is preferable to the second configuration, the communication system may be configured to communicate with the second communication system by utilizing at least a portion of the plurality of antennas in the first configuration. If it is determined that the second configuration is preferable to the first configuration, then the communication system may be configured to communicate with the second communication system by utilizing at least a portion of the plurality of antennas in the second configuration.
US07890142B2 Portable telephone sound reproduction by determined use of CODEC via base station
To realize high quality reproduction of sound on a portable telephone by suppressing deterioration in quality of sound data being provided through a wireless communication network while sustaining the quality of sound in the portable telephone there is provided sound data to a portable telephone through a wireless base station, the wireless base station transmitting sound data to the portable telephone by codec, the sound data being encoded previously in compliance with the codec of the portable telephone.
US07890141B2 Wireless terminal adapted for detachably connecting with a radio
A wireless terminal is disclosed that interfaces a radio on a radio card to a wireless terminal with a single two-lead cable that is capable of carrying both: (1) RF signals from the radio card to an antenna on a wireless terminal, and (2) radio status signaling from the radio card to a display on the wireless terminal. The wireless terminal comprises (1) an antenna, (2) a first visual indicator that indicates to a user of the wireless terminal when a radio is transmitting, and (3) a signal lead for carrying an RF signal from the radio to the antenna and for carrying a first baseband signal from the radio to the first visual indicator.
US07890138B2 Mechanism for remotely accessing a portable computer including wireless communication functionality
A portable computer system such as a laptop computer system includes a computing subsystem that includes a processor that may execute instructions that implement application software, and a storage coupled to the processor that may store information. The laptop computer system also includes a wireless subsystem that may communicate with a wireless network. In addition, the wireless subsystem may receive an incoming communication and determine whether a requesting user is an authorized user. The processor may retrieve at least a portion of the information from the storage and send the retrieved information to a destination via email, for example, in response to a request by the requesting user for the information.
US07890134B2 Communications device methods and apparatus including ergonomic key layout and intuitive user interface
A portable communications device, e.g., a cell phone with a simplified user interface and easy to use keys is described. For many input/selection opportunities the user is presented with at most 4 options. This allows navigation between applications, pages and selection of actions corresponding to pages to be supported using relatively few keys, e.g., 4 keys, thereby allowing the number of keys on the phone to be kept small and the key size large. Prompts are used to present most options with keys being lighted in some embodiments when the key corresponds to a valid input option and delighted when the key does not correspond to a valid input option. Presentation of a dial prompt may be limited to times when a call can be placed successfully. In various embodiments a cell phone is implemented with less than 10 keys in total but in other embodiments more keys are used.
US07890133B2 Mobile wireless communications device providing pattern/frequency control features and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, and a plurality of antennas also carried by the portable housing. Each antenna may have a different gain pattern at a different respective operating frequency, and the antennas may have different shapes to define different gain patterns at a given operating frequency. The mobile wireless communications device may further include a frequency/pattern diversity controller for controlling the wireless transceiver to preferentially operate with the plurality of antennas.
US07890130B2 Method for controlling inter-cell interference in a mobile communication system
A method for controlling inter-cell interference (ICI) in a mobile communication system by transmitting uplink control information from a base station in a home cell to a terminal of a neighboring cell based on ICI amount information measured at the base station. The ICI control method includes receiving an uplink signal at a base station and extracting inter-cell interference amount information from the uplink signal, generating uplink control information based on the extracted inter-cell interference amount information, and transmitting the uplink control information to a terminal in a neighboring cell. The terminal schedules an uplink resource including selecting frequency bands for an uplink signal by referring to the uplink control information.
US07890123B2 Personalized location information for mobile devices
Providing location information on a mobile device includes receiving signals from external devices. Each signal includes information that specifies a geographic location for the external device that has provided the signal. A geographic location for the mobile device is calculated by using the information contained in each of the received signals. A representation of the geographic location of the mobile device is generated. The representation of the geographic location is included within an electronic message that provides information describing a user of the mobile device to other users of an electronic communications system. The electronic message is transmitted to another device to provide an indication of the geographic location for the user to one of the other users of the electronic communications system.
US07890120B2 Method of locating a cellular terminal
A method of locating and tracking a cellular terminal (1) is described. The method comprises the detection of one or more handover events that take place when the cellular terminal (1) moves between transmission regions (3) of a cellular terminal network provider. Information regarding the handover events is recorded within a database (4) so that the location of the cellular terminal (1) can be calculated. The calculation of the location of the cellular terminal (1) is achieved by either comparing the information with previously stored data or by extracting information regarding the location and geometry of the individual transmissions regions (3) such that a handover region (9) can be calculated. The precise location and area of the handover regions (9) takes account of various factors including power, time of flight of the transmitted signals and timing synchronization within transmission regions (3) and the effects of shadowing of the transmitted signals.
US07890118B2 Method, system and apparatus for detecting a position of a terminal in a network
In a position detection system utilizing a WLAN supporting multiple data transfer rates, it is possible to reduce the number of required installed base stations, so system construction costs can be lowered. In a wireless station, a transmitted signal is judged at the time of transmission, and in case it is normal user data, the signal is transmitted by setting optimal transmission parameters for which a high communication throughput with wireless communication is obtained, and in case it is a position detection signal, the aforementioned signal is transmitted by setting transmission parameters for which the service range is increased. As a transmission parameter for which the service range is increased, a low data transfer rate or a long preamble length is used.
US07890115B2 Method of scheduling uplink resources in cellular communication system
A method of scheduling resources in an uplink of a wireless cellular communication system, comprising the steps of measuring, by each user equipment in a present cell, pilot strengths of adjacent cells to find base stations within adjacent cells on which the user equipment has the strongest inter-cell interferences and to calculate values of the inter-cell interferences in an uplink direction which is caused by the user equipment on said base stations within said adjacent cells; grouping all user equipments within the present cell based on the calculated values of the inter-cell interferences; grouping used sub-carriers based on the groups of the user equipments so that each group of user equipments corresponds to one group of sub-carriers; allocating each group of sub-carriers to the user equipments included in the group of user equipments selected corresponding to the group of sub-carriers; and based on the allocation of the group of the sub-carriers, calculating a modified signal noise interference power ratio of each user equipment on the corresponding group of sub-carriers, and performing a multi-user equipment resource scheduling algorithm.
US07890112B2 Radio device having fewer route disconnections and switchings by using control packets to maintain radio links
The route maintenance unit outputs a period setting request to the period setting unit when the communication unit normally receives a Hello packet for the first time. The period setting unit sets a link connection confirmation period in response to the period setting request and outputs the set period to the route maintenance unit. The route maintenance unit maintains a radio link between the radio device in which the route maintenance unit is provided and an adjacent device upon receiving a data packet other than a Hello packet from the adjacent radio device even if a Hello packet is not received in the link connection confirmation period. Consequently, route disconnection or switching occurs less often.
US07890109B2 Mobile terminal device for receiving packet-oriented radio signals
A mobile terminal device for a mobile telecommunication system is adapted to receive a telephone call, receive packet-oriented radio signals, and select at least one transmission service which is transmitted using the packet-oriented radio signals. The mobile terminal device is further adapted to receive a signal regarding a time slot from the network of the mobile telecommunication system, the time slot being determined in accordance with the selected transmission service. During the at least one time slot, the reception of the packet-oriented radio signal is suspended in order to receive a radio paging signal which signals a telephone call addressed to the mobile transmission device so that the mobile terminal device remains accessible to telephone calls during reception of the packet-oriented radio signals.
US07890107B2 Handover execution and communication resumption in wireless access system
Handover execution and communication resumption in a wireless access system is provided. Performing a handover includes communicating with a serving base station through a first communication link and receiving from the serving base station, handover information associated with at least one candidate target base station. The method also includes transmitting handover indicator to the serving base station indicating a handover operation to a selected target base station and performing a ranging procedure with the selected target base station to establish a second communication link with the selected target base station while maintaining the first communication link with the serving base station. The method also includes being released from the serving base station in response to a handover complete status message from the selected target base station to the serving base station, or resuming normal communication with the serving base station if the handover fails with the selected target base station.
US07890105B2 Method and associated apparatus for increment accuracy of geographical foreign agent topology relation in heterogeneous access networks
One aspect of the present invention regards a method of coordinating the handoff of a mobile carrier between a first access network and a second access network, the method including handing off from a first access network that the mobile carrier is currently operating within to a second access network and building physical access network topology based on the handing off without input from either the first access network or the second access network.
US07890098B2 Staggered sectorization for terrestrial reuse of satellite frequencies
A satellite radiotelephone system can include a space-based component and a plurality of ancillary terrestrial components. The space-based component is configured to provide wireless radiotelephone communications over a satellite radiotelephone frequency band. The plurality of ancillary terrestrial components are configured to terrestrially reuse at least one of the satellite radiotelephone frequencies, at least some of the ancillary terrestrial components terrestrially reusing the at least one of the satellite radiotelephone frequencies in a staggered sectorization. Related methods are also discussed.
US07890090B2 Dynamic mobile call forwarding by local area service discovery
A mobile communication device as described herein is configured to support a wireless service discovery routine within a wireless local area. The service discovery routine identifies compatible devices in the vicinity of the mobile device, where the compatible devices represent potential forward-to devices for purposes of call forwarding for the mobile device. The mobile device receives one or more potential forward-to telephone numbers during the service discovery routine, selects a designated forward-to telephone number, and generates a call forwarding request that identifies the designated forward-to telephone number. The service discovery routine is carried out using one wireless communication protocol, and the call forwarding request is carried out using a different wireless communication protocol (e.g., a cellular protocol).
US07890083B2 Method of tracking stolen mobile device connected to wireless or wired network
A method of tracking a lost mobile electronic device connected to a wireless or wired network is provided. The method includes: storing user identity information included in a user identity card inserted into the mobile device, a warning message, and information regarding a destination of the warning message; and when a new user identity card is inserted into the mobile device, comparing user identity information stored in the new user identity card with the stored user identity information and automatically transmitting the warning message to the destination of the warning message if the user identity information stored in the new user identity card is not identical to the stored user identity information. Accordingly, it is possible to easily track a lost mobile electronic device connected to a wireless or wired network.
US07890076B2 Mixer circuit and method
A method of providing an input signal to a mixer circuit comprises coupling an output signal from a low-noise amplifier circuit to a mixer input of the mixer circuit via an AC coupling circuit, comprising an inductive of capacitive coupling circuit. For capacitive coupling configurations, a coupling capacitor is configured to have a capacitance value determined as a function of a transconductance sensitivity of the mixer circuit. For balanced output configurations of the low-noise amplifier circuit, matched coupling capacitors are used for coupling the balanced output signals to respective inputs of the mixer circuit. In one embodiment, the mixer circuit comprises a quadrature mixer circuit, which may be in a balanced or double-balanced configuration. In another embodiment, the mixer circuit comprises a four-phase mixer circuit, which may be configured as a balanced four-phase mixer circuit coupled to the low-noise amplifier circuit via inductive or capacitive embodiments of the coupling circuit.
US07890070B2 Filter circuit arrangement
A filter circuit arrangement for filtering of a radio-frequency signal has a first tunable filter and a phase regulation loop in order to hold the first tunable filter to a transmission phase constant relative to the frequency of the radio-frequency signal. The filter circuit arrangement has a second tunable filter arranged parallel to the first tunable filter in the phase regulation loop. The first tunable filter and the second tunable filter exhibit different attenuation characteristics and are fashioned and connected within the phase regulation loop so that: a capture range of the filter circuit arrangement, in which a tuning of the phase regulation loop to a radio-frequency signal to be filtered is possible is dominated by the attenuation characteristic of the second tunable filter, and so that the transmission behavior of the filter circuit arrangement in operation is dominated by the attenuation characteristic of the first tunable filter, given a tuned phase regulation loop. A circuit arrangement for generation of a local oscillator signal has an oscillation generator and a filter circuit arrangement as described above arranged downstream of the oscillation generator.
US07890068B2 Communication system, transmitting device, and receiving device
A receiving device includes a first demodulator operable to demodulate data transmitted by at least one of a plurality of propagation paths in a first channel having transfer functions which are different from one another; a second demodulator operable to demodulate data transmitted by at least one of a plurality of propagation paths in a second channel having transfer functions which are different from one another; and a data processor operable to merge the data demodulated by the first demodulator and the data demodulated by the second demodulator.
US07890067B2 Linear RF amplifier with polar feedback
A system for power amplification of an RF signal including polar feedback control. The system may include a feedback-controlled modulator configured to modulate an RF signal based on a feedback-corrected control signal. The modulator is further configured to generate a modulated RF signal. The system also may include a phase shifter configured to correct the phase of the modulated RF signal based on a feedback phase control signal. The system further includes a power amplifier in communication with the modulator and/or the phase shifter. The amplifier is configured to amplify the modulated RF signal and to generate an amplified RF output signal. The system also includes a feedback network configured to generate polar feedback signals, including the feedback-corrected control signal and/or the feedback phase control signal.
US07890066B2 Radio frequency integrated circuit electro-static discharge circuit
The radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit includes an integrated circuit pad and a radio frequency (RF) ESD circuit. The integrated circuit pad provides coupling to an antenna. The RF ESD circuit is coupled to the integrated circuit pad, wherein the RF ESD circuit provides ESD protection at the integrated circuit pad, provides coupling of inbound RF signals from the antenna to low noise amplifier, and provides coupling of outbound RF signals from a power amplifier to the antenna.
US07890062B2 Fast correction of power measurements of signals having a changing frequency
Power measurements of a signal having a changing frequency are corrected by acquiring samples of the signal, matching the samples of the signal to a sequence of frequencies indexed to correction transforms, and applying the correction transforms to the samples of the signal. Additionally, an apparatus corrects power measurements of a signal having a changing frequency and includes an acquisition block for acquiring samples of the signal, a sequence controller for matching the samples of the signal to a sequence of frequencies indexed to correction transforms and a correction block for applying the correction transforms to the samples of the signal.
US07890056B2 RFID reader architecture
A highly integrated and low-cost reader for a radio frequency identification (RFID) system is realized by providing a transmitter operable to generate an outbound radio frequency (RF) signal and a receiver operable to receive an inbound RF signal having a frequency similar to a frequency of the outbound RF signal on a single integrated circuit. Since the inbound RF signal may include not only a modulated RF signal produced by an RFID tag responsive to the outbound RF signal, but also a blocking signal corresponding to the outbound RF signal, the receiver additionally includes a block cancellation module operable to substantially cancel the blocking signal from the inbound RF signal using the outbound RF signal and to substantially pass the modulated RF signal before down-conversion of the modulated RF signal.
US07890054B2 Rectifier circuit and radio communication device
A rectifier circuit includes a bias circuit that outputs a first direct-current voltage and a second direct-current voltage; a first MOS transistor that has a gate and a source; and a second MOS transistor that has a gate, a source, and a drain connected to the source of the first MOS transistor. Only the first direct-current voltage is applied between the gate and the source of the first MOS transistor, and only the second direct-current voltage is applied between the gate and the source of the second MOS transistor. The rectifier circuit also includes a coupling capacitor that has a first end which is connected to the source of the first MOS transistor, and a second end to which an alternating-current signal is input.
US07890053B2 Communication system
A communication system includes a transmitter including a transmission circuit unit that generates an RF signal for transmitting data and an electric-field-coupling antenna that transmits the RF signal as an electrostatic field, a receiver including an electric-field-coupling antenna and a reception circuit unit that subjects an RF signal received by the electric-field-coupling antenna to reception processing, and a surface-wave propagating means for providing a surface wave transmission line made of a conductor that propagates a surface wave radiated from the electric-field-coupling antenna of the transmitter along a surface of the surface wave transmission line.
US07890050B2 Methods of reducing interference including determination of feeder link signal error and related systems
Methods of reducing interference in a satellite communications system may include receiving a plurality of feeder link signals and time aligning the plurality of feeder link signals to provide time aligned feeder link signals. At least two of the time aligned feeder link signals may be combined to provide reduced interference of at least one of the feeder link signals. Related systems are also discussed.
US07890049B2 Retransmission apparatus and method in wireless relay communication system
Apparatus and method for performing Automatic Retransmission reQuest (ARQ) in a wireless relay communication system are provided, which include performing ARQ with the base station (BS), transmitting data successfully received from the BS to mobile station (MS), and retransmitting corresponding data to the MS when a retransmission indication message is received from the BS. Since the relay station (RS) relays only the errorless data to the receiver, the reliability of the data received at the receiver can be enhanced. The load on the RS can be reduced because the transmitter controls the ARQ.
US07890045B2 Waste toner recovering mechanism and image forming apparatus
A technique is provided which allows an agitation paddle, which flattens waste toner in a waste toner container, to rotate at a sufficiently low rotation speed and contributing to a decrease in cost with the saving of space and a simple configuration. A waste toner recovering mechanism includes a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a linking member, and a one-way clutch which is disposed between an agitation paddle and the second rotating member and which transmits only a rotational driving force from the second rotating member rotating in a first rotation direction to the agitation paddle. Here, the support positions of the linking member relative to the first and second rotating members and the length of the linking member are set so that a rotation angle range of the second rotating member while the first rotating member rotates in one turn is narrower than 180°.
US07890040B2 Fusing unit and image forming apparatus using the same
A fusing unit is formed along a printing path in an image forming apparatus and fuses an image transferred to a printing medium. The fusing unit includes: a heat source; a nip plate which is heated by the heat source, and includes a nip part to heat and press the printing medium; and a reflection member to reflect heat generated by the heat source toward the nip part. A belt member is rotatably provided about the heat source, the nip plate and the reflection member, and guides the movement of the printing medium. A driving roller faces the nip part and rotatably drives the belt member. The nip plate and the driving roller form a fusing nip, which quickly heats and provides for quick fusing of a toner image to a printing medium.
US07890039B2 Sheet separation device, sheet conveyance apparatus, and image forming system
A sheet separation member having a separation pick includes a substrate made of hard material, which is swingable around a support shaft connected to a stable member, and a wrapping member made of resin softer than the substrate for wrapping the substrate. A leading end of the substrate is integrally molded with the wrapping member using inert molding, and a leading end of the wrapping member protrudes from the leading end of the substrate by not more than 5 mm.
US07890037B2 Self adjusting metal stripper fingers
A plurality of stripper fingers in a fuser assembly are provided to assist in preventing damage to the fuser roll caused by prior art fingers. In the present invention, skiis are positioned away back from the tip of the stripper finger. These skiis extend beyond the lower surface of the stripper finger and are enabled to lift the tip away from the fuser surface during a paper jam or hard stripping situation.
US07890034B2 Image forming apparatus
Provided is an image forming apparatus, including: a first image bearing member; a first transfer member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer member; a colored toner image forming portion; a second image bearing member; a second transfer member; and a transparent toner image forming portion for forming the transparent toner image wherein the transparent toner image forming portion is provided on an upstream side with respect to the colored toner image forming portion in a movement direction of the intermediate transfer member, and a distance between a most upstream end of the second contact area and the second transfer member in a rotation direction is larger than a distance between a most upstream end of the first contact area and the first transfer member in a rotation direction.
US07890033B2 Developing device, process unit, and image forming apparatus which prevents ingrass of the developing agent in the vicinity of the developing member
A developing device that prevents the formation of agglomerated masses of developing agent in the bottom of the developing agent housing chamber near the developing roller and the supply roller, and that maintains the fluidity of the developing agent in the bottom of the developing agent housing chamber, while minimizing any increase in size of the developing device. The developing device includes an agitator disposed higher than the developing roller, the regulating blade, and the supply roller, and that agitates a non-magnetic one component developing agent within the developing agent housing chamber; and a developing agent ingress prevention member disposed higher than the supply roller, and lower than the agitator, and the side surface or edge portion of the developing agent ingress prevention member near the developing roller is higher than the topmost point of the supply roller, and lower than the lowermost point of the regulating nip formed by the contact of the developing roller and the regulating blade.
US07890025B2 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus including drum and shaft coupling members transmitting driving forces to a photosensitive drum and a developing roller, respectively
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The main assembly includes first and second rotatable main assembly drive transmission members. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a drum coupling member, provided on one axial end of the drum, for engaging the first m transmission member and transmitting a first rotational driving force to the drum, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly, and a shaft coupler provided on one axial end of the developing roller, for transmitting a second rotational driving force with a deviation permitted between an axis of the second transmission member and an axis of the developing roller. The shaft coupler includes an engaging portion for engaging the second transmission member and receiving the second rotational driving force, when the cartridge is mounted to the main.
US07890021B2 Developing cartridge and image forming apparatus
A developing cartridge includes a developer carrying member for supplying a developer to an image bearing member; a protecting member provided movably between a closing position where the protective member covers the carrying member and an opening position where the protective member exposes the carrying member; a shifting member for shifting the cartridge, mounted to the mounting portion, between a operable position where the carrying member operably opposes the image bearing member and a separation position where the carrying member is moved away from the operable position; a grip portion provided movably between a first position and a second position; and an interrelating member for interrelating the cartridge with the grip portion. In a state where the cartridge is mounted to mounting portion, the interrelating member shifts the cartridge from the separation position to the operable position by the shifting member while moving the protecting member from the closing position to the opening position in interrelation with movement of the grip portion from the first position to the second position, and shifts the cartridge from the operable position to the separation position by the shifting member while moving the protecting member from the opening position to the closing position in interrelation with movement of the grip portion from the second position to the first position.
US07890019B2 Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus having movable cartridge supporting member
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a main body, cartridge support, an engaging portion, and a pressure member. The support supports a plurality of cartridges and moves between a first position in the main body and a second position for mounting and detaching the cartridges. The engaging portion is provided to one of the support and the main body at a position corresponding to the second position for at least one cartridge. The pressure member is provided to the other and is elastically urged to disengageably engage the engaging portion. When the support moves from the first to the second position, a load required for movement of the support at the second position is larger than a load required for the movement at other positions than the second position, by engagement of the pressure member with the engaging portion.
US07890018B2 Architecture for an image-forming device
An image forming device includes a body having a top, a bottom, a front and a back. In one embodiment, a plurality of horizontally-aligned imaging units, each comprising a photoconductive member, transfer toner images to an intermediate transfer mechanism located below the plurality of imaging units. A pick mechanism may pick media sheets from a media input tray and feeds the media towards the front of the body. For duplex printing, the media sheets may travel along a duplex path that extends along the front of the body. In one embodiment, an access door at the front of the body pivots between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, a user may gain access to both media paths.
US07890017B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a pair of first frames that support an axis of each of a fixing roller and a pressing roller and a pair of second frames arranged in parallel to an axial direction of the fixing roller to connect the first frames to each other. The second frames include cover portions that cover an upper peripheral surface and a lower peripheral surface of the rollers. A coupling member couples the cover portions to each other and has a bridge structure between the cover portions.
US07890016B2 Charging apparatus, image forming unit that employs the charging apparatus, and image forming apparatus that employs the image forming unit
A charging apparatus includes a charging roller and a cleaning member. The charging roller charges a surface of an image bearing body. The cleaning member extends in a longitudinal direction parallel to the charging roller and that cleans the charging roller. The charging apparatus includes a bearing and a supporting member. The bearing supports a shaft of the charging roller. The cleaning member is mounted to the supporting member the cleaning member is held between the supporting member and the charging roller. The supporting member includes a surface to which the cleaning member is mounted, the surface being a curved surface configured to a circumferential surface of the charging roller. The supporting member includes a surface to which the cleaning member is mounted, the surface including a flat portion extending upstream with respect to rotation of the charging roller and a curved portion extending downstream.
US07890014B2 Image forming apparatus with air blowing device for cooling rotary member
An image forming apparatus has: a rotary member which conveys a sheet; a blowing device which blows a cooling air to cool the rotary member; and a blow-off member which blows the cooling air from the blowing device toward the rotary member. The cooling air is blown toward the portion of the rotary member serving as a downstream side of the rotary member and a blow-off direction of the cooling air is opposite to a rotating direction of the rotary member.
US07889998B2 Optical receiver for visible light communication and light communication system using the same
An optical receiver for visible light communication includes a lens system for converging visible light for light communication and an optical filter for passing converged visible light to the optical receiver. A photoelectric transmission device detects data from visible light for light communication in a VLC system. An optical filter is positioned between the lens system and the photoelectric transmission device, the optical filter having a first film for transmitting visible light and a second film arranged/grown around the first film to transmit ultraviolet rays or infrared rays. A first optical detects data from visible light passing through the first film of the optical filter. A second optical detector detects the intensity of light transmitting the second film. The encoding, encoding rate or intensity of the optical transmitted signal can be adjusted in response to the detection of at least the second optical detector.
US07889997B2 Portable wireless terminal for visible light communication
A portable wireless terminal for performing visible light communication with other devices through free space includes an optical detector for generating an electrical signal after photoelectrically converting some of optical signal input from free space and outputting the electrical signal; a reflector for retro-reflecting the others of the optical signal incident on the concave grooves, the reflector having a reflection surface on which at least one concave groove is formed; and a modulator for outputting the retro-reflected optical signal after data modulation.
US07889996B2 Optical-signal-path routing in a multi-chip system
Embodiments of a system are described. This system includes an array of chip modules (CMs) that are configured to communicate data signals with each other via optical communication. In a given CM module, optical signal paths, such as waveguides, are routed in the same way as in the other CMs in the array. In this way, a common optical design in the CMs may be used in the system to prevent data conflicts during the optical communication.
US07889993B2 Optical transceiver module having a front facet reflector and methods for making and using a front facet reflector
A reflector for use in an optical transceiver module and methods for making and using the reflector are provided. The methods for making the reflector reduce the amount of processing and handling of the wafer that are required, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and increasing yield. The reflector may have a diffraction-inducing structure formed thereon such that light received from the light source is redirected in a plurality of directions, including toward a lens that couples light into an end of a transmit fiber and in at least one other direction for being sensed by a detector that converts the detected light into electrical energy.
US07889991B2 Planar lightwave circuit based tunable 3 port filter
The invention relates to a tunable optical add/drop module (TOADM) monolithically integrated on a single planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing virtual pupils at the interface between the channel waveguides and the slab waveguide on the PLC for focusing each wavelength channel, and additional on-chip lenses on the PLC for transforming the focal plane of the spatially dispersive demultiplexer into a substantially flat plane at the edge of the PLC. On-chip lenses are realized as reflective surfaces within slab waveguiding regions having a surface curvature to provide optical power.
US07889990B2 Optical line terminal capable of active bandwidth allocation for passive optical network system
In a GPON system conforming to ITU-T Recommendations G.984.3, an optical line terminal is provided which has an active bandwidth allocation function that preferentially puts small bandwidth signals in a particular segment of a frame, e.g., at a head of the frame, to prevent fragmentations that may occur particularly when allocating small bandwidths of about 100 kbits/s.
US07889986B2 Image-taking apparatus
An image-taking apparatus includes: a face-detecting section that detects a face in a subject image; and a face-metering section that meters individual faces when the faces are detected by the face-detecting section, thereby obtaining metered values for the respective faces. The apparatus further includes a calculation section that calculates correct exposure values for the respective faces based on the metered values obtained by the face-metering section. The apparatus further includes a shooting section that performs, in response to a single shooting instruction, shootings with correct exposures for the respective faces based on the correct exposure values for the respective faces calculated by the calculation section.
US07889984B2 Focal point detection device of camera and method of detecting focal point thereof
A focal point detection device includes a focal point detection section which detects a focal point state of an object image corresponding to each of focal point detection regions. A group selection section selects focal point detection regions as a group. A judgment section determines a focal point detection region in which detection of the focal point state is enabled in the selected group. An automatic focal point detection region selection section selects, when detection of the focal point detection regions can be performed in the selected group, a focal point detection region in the selected group, and selects, when detection of the focal point detection regions cannot be performed, a focal point detection region outside the selected group. A control section drives an imaging optical system in accordance with the focal point state corresponding to the focal point detection region selected.
US07889981B2 Weather-sealing structure of a lens barrel
A weather-sealing structure of a lens barrel includes an inner annular member and an outer annular member which are concentrically arranged to be movable relative to each other, and a water-repellent ring made of synthetic leather which is impregnated with a water repellent, one of two sides of the water-repellent ring being fixed to one of an inner peripheral surface of the outer annular member and an outer peripheral surface of the inner annular member. The other of the two sides of the water-repellent ring includes a hair-implanted surface including a large number of hairs which is in contact with the other of the inner peripheral surface of the outer annular member and the outer peripheral surface of the inner annular member to be slidable thereon.
US07889980B2 Graphical representation of enclosed inspection area
An apparatus for generating a visual representation may include an elongated flexible member adapted to be removably inserted into an enclosure; a dispensing mechanism operable to selectively dispense and retract the elongated flexible member; a counter configured to determine an amount of the elongated flexible member dispensed by the dispensing mechanism; a controller configured to receive the amount of the elongated flexible member dispensed from the counter and determine a rate at which the elongated flexible member is dispensed; and a display in data communication with the controller. The controller causes the rate at which the flexible member is dispensed to be displayed in relation to a visual representation of the enclosure on the display.
US07889974B2 Method and apparatus for editing images, and method and apparatus for reproducing the edited images
A reception unit receives data streams. A moving image data for normal reproduction selector acquires moving image data for use with normal reproduction and identification information. A position specifying unit specifies the position at which moving image data for use with special reproduction is present, and so forth. A reproduction unit reproduces moving image data for normal reproduction, at a standard frame rate. An instruction receiving unit receives instructions from a user to the effect that moving image data for special reproduction be reproduced in slow motion. A reproduction determining unit specifies moving image data for special reproduction which are necessary for a slow-motion reproduction. A data acquiring unit acquires, based on the specified position thereof, the moving image data for special reproduction based and reproduces the acquired moving image data in slow motion.
US07889972B2 Method and apparatus for traversing a multiplexed data packet stream
A method for traversing a multiplexed data packet stream including choosing a starting location in a multiplexed data packet stream, making a bi-directional search from the starting location to locate a nearest system stream object; and traversing the system stream as a doubly-linked list of objects. Traversing the system stream preferably includes traversing object links of the doubly-linked list of objects. The objects are further preferably cached with an LRU process. Multiple disjoint locations in the system stream can be accessed with a virtual linked list. The virtual linked list can be used to search forwardly, backwardly, or both forwardly and backwardly.
US07889971B2 Method, apparatus, and program for image filing
In the case where an image data set stored in a recording medium of an image server or the like is linked to a Web page, an error message is prevented from being shown even if the image data set is deleted. Confirmation means confirms a storage period for the image data set. If the storage period has expired, character image generation means generates a character image data set of the same format and having the same file name as the image data set. The character image represented by the character image data set indicates deletion of the image data set. Compression means compresses the image data set and the compressed image data set is stored in another recording medium. The image data set is then deleted. When an access to the image data set is attempted, the character image data set is referred to.
US07889967B2 Information editing and displaying device, information editing and displaying method, information editing and displaying program, recording medium, server, and information processing system
Disclosed herein is an information editing and displaying device for editing information using an editing screen area and a reference screen area, the information editing and displaying device including: an operating section; an editing input section; a search requesting section; a search result displaying section; an instruction determining section; and an information transferring section.
US07889966B2 Information processing apparatus and method as well as program storage medium
An information processing apparatus is disclosed which allows image data to be used commonly by a plurality of personal computers. A check box of a copy option setting window is selected in order to delete AV contents of an original recorded on a HDD after the AV contents are copied from the HDD into an external recording medium. A check box is selected in order to set so that AV contents recorded as compression data of the MPEG 2 system on the HDD are copied onto the external recording medium after they are converted into compression data of the MPEG 1 system which has compatibility with a video CD.
US07889959B2 Composite material for cable floatation jacket
A composite material for a cable floatation jacket is provided. The composite material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer matrix, and a plurality of carbon constituents interspersed in the thermoplastic elastomer matrix. The carbon constituents comprise a plurality of carbon fibers, and a plurality of carbon microballoons attached to each of the carbon fibers. The composite material in heated liquid form can be extruded onto a cable core to produce the floatation jacket.
US07889955B2 Micromachined optical pressure sensor
A pressure sensor including: a deflectable diaphragm including a substantially central boss and channel; and, an optical waveguide having first and second arms, wherein the first arm is substantially aligned with an edge of the boss and the second arm is substantially aligned with an edge of the channel.
US07889953B2 System and method for managing images using parent-child relationship
A system and method is disclosed for managing disk images used to manufacture information handling machines. In various embodiments of the invention, a disk image is initially created using an image builder server. A “definition,” also known as a “manifest,” of the image is stored on the image builder server using XML. Once the image is verified and accepted as a base disk image, it is designated as the “parent” image. Subsequently, one or more “children” images are created by copying and modifying the manifest of the parent image and creating a new entry. Predetermined linkage indicators are used to designate the association of the parent image with one or more child images. When the parent image is modified, the linkage indicators are used to propagate corresponding modifications to the associated child images, thereby ensuring coherency in the family of images.
US07889946B1 Facilitating computer-assisted tagging of object instances in digital images
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates computer-assisted tagging of objects in a digital image. During operation, the system receives locations for one or more objects-of-interest in the digital image. Next, the system determines likelihoods of specific tags being assigned to the objects-of-interest. The system then automatically assigns tentative tags to the objects-of-interest based on the determined likelihoods. Next, the system displays the assignments of tentative tags to a user, and receives corrections to the assignments, if any, from the user.
US07889942B2 Dynamic range compensation-dependent noise reduction
Methods and corresponding apparatus are presented that perform dynamic range compensation (DRC) and noise reduction (NR) together on a pixel-by-pixel basis, adjusting the noise reduction parameters in response to the dynamic range compensation decisions. By such a modification of image noise reduction parameters based on the dynamic range compensation gain or, more generally, other such factors, these techniques make it possible to perform DRC on noisy images, achieving an image with low and uniform noise levels.
US07889941B2 Efficient segmentation of piecewise smooth images
A fast and robust segmentation model for piecewise smooth images is provided. Local statistics in an energy formulation are provided as a functional. The shape gradient of this new functional gives a contour evolution controlled by local averaging of image intensities inside and outside the contour. Fast computation is realized by expressing terms as the result of convolutions implemented via recursive filters. Results are similar to the general Mumford-Shah model but realized faster without having to solve a Poisson partial differential equation at each iteration. Examples are provided. A system to implement segmentation methods is also provided.
US07889940B2 Film grain generation and addition
High-frequency noise is generated that approximates the appearance of traditional “film grain” for a digital video signal. By adding a relatively small amount of film grain noise, the video can be made to look more natural and more pleasing to the human viewer. The digital film grain generation can be used to mask unnatural smooth artifacts in digital video such as “blockiness” and “contouring” in the case of compressed video and/or used to provide visual enhancements or special effects to any digital video stream. The digital film grain generator can control grain size and the amount of film grain to be added.
US07889939B2 Technique for simulating film grain using frequency filtering
Simulation of film grain in an image can occur by compressing a video image, then transmitting compressed video together with a message containing at least one parameter indicative of the original film grain, to a decoder, and restoring the original grainy appearance of images by having the decoder simulating film grain based on the content of the film grain message. To improve efficiency, one or more parameters of film grain information undergo scaling in accordance with a target pixel block size for pixel blocks in the image. Such scaling allows for the use of conventional circuitry for performing block-based operations in connection with the film grain simulation.
US07889934B2 Image processing apparatus and processing method thereof
An image processing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus comprises an image input device, an external memory, and an encoder. The image input device captures pictures, and the external memory stores the captured pictures. The encoder further comprises a moving picture compression unit, a still picture compression unit, and a recording unit. The moving picture compression unit and the still picture compression unit share the external memory and work simultaneously when at least one of the captured pictures is to be stored in both video and still image format. The recording unit records the compressed pictures.
US07889929B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer readable medium storing program and data signal embedded with the program
An image processing apparatus includes a feature region extracting section, a feature amount calculating section, a position calculating section, first and second selecting sections and a correction factor calculating section. The feature region extracting section extracts feature regions. The feature amount calculating section calculates feature amounts of the extracted feature regions. The position calculating section calculates positions of the extracted feature regions. The first selecting section selects pairs of feature regions, which are estimated to be common in the first and second images, based on the feature amounts and the positions. The second selecting section narrows down the selected pairs of feature regions based on similarity in relative positional relation between the feature regions of the first and second images. The correction factor calculating section calculates a correction factor used to correct position shift between the first and second images based on the narrowed pairs of feature regions.
US07889926B2 Image dictionary creating apparatus, coding apparatus, image dictionary creating method
An image processor obtains character images included in input image and the character codes for identifying the characters represented by the character images, classifies the character images included in the input image into a plurality of character image groups based on the obtained character codes, determines typical image patterns constituting the input image based on the character images classified in the character image groups, assigns indices for identifying the image patterns to the determined image patterns, and codes the occurrence position information of the character images included in the input image and the indices of the image patterns corresponding to the character images so as to be associated with each other.
US07889925B2 Method, system and computer program for encoding and decoding a pixelized target graphic symbol
Method, system and computer program product for encoding a pixelized target graphic symbol by obtaining an encoded pixel cluster that is encoded with a code that is characteristic of the target graphic symbol and pixelizing the target graphic symbol using at least one encoded pixel cluster. A document having printed thereon such optically readable target graphic symbols is decoded by optically scanning or photographing the document at sufficiently high resolution to obtain a pixel array all of whose pixels are discretely identifiable. The pixel array is processed so as to identify discrete graphic symbols each comprising one or more respective pixel clusters, at least one which in each discrete graphic symbol is identified and decoded so as to determine an identity of the discrete graphic symbol associated therewith.
US07889922B2 Method and system for histogram calculation using a graphics processing unit
A method for histogram calculation using a graphics processing unit (GPU), comprises storing image data in a two-dimensional (2D) texture domain; subdividing the domain into independent regions or tiles; calculating in parallel, in a GPU, a plurality of tile histograms, one for each tile; and summing up in parallel, in the GPU, the tile histograms so as to derive a final image histogram.
US07889909B2 Pattern matching method and pattern matching program
It is an object of the invention to provide a suitable method for identifying depression/protrusion information in a design data; and a program and an apparatus for the same; for example, even in the case that similar portions are arranged, to provide a method for enabling a pattern matching with high precision between the design data and an image obtained by an image formation apparatus or the like; and a program and an apparatus for the same. To attain the above object, a pattern matching method, wherein, using information concerning a depression and/or a protrusion of the pattern on the design data, or a pattern portion and/or a non-pattern portion on the design data, pattern matching is executed between the pattern on the design data and the pattern on said image; and a program for the same are provided.
US07889906B2 Image processing system for use with a patient positioning device
Three camera rigs are connected by wiring to a computer. The computer is also connected to a treatment apparatus. A mechanical couch is provided as part of the treatment apparatus such that under the control of the computer the relative positions of the mechanical couch and the treatment apparatus may be varied. The camera rigs obtain video images of a patient lying on the mechanical couch. The computer processes these images to generate a three-dimensional model of the surface of the patient relative to the treatment apparatus.
US07889905B2 Fast 3D-2D image registration method with application to continuously guided endoscopy
A novel framework for fast and continuous registration between two imaging modalities is disclosed. The approach makes it possible to completely determine the rigid transformation between multiple sources at real-time or near real-time frame-rates in order to localize the cameras and register the two sources. A disclosed example includes computing or capturing a set of reference images within a known environment, complete with corresponding depth maps and image gradients. The collection of these images and depth maps constitutes the reference source. The second source is a real-time or near-real time source which may include a live video feed. Given one frame from this video feed, and starting from an initial guess of viewpoint, the real-time video frame is warped to the nearest viewing site of the reference source. An image difference is computed between the warped video frame and the reference image. The viewpoint is updated via a Gauss-Newton parameter update and certain of the steps are repeated for each frame until the viewpoint converges or the next video frame becomes available. The final viewpoint gives an estimate of the relative rotation and translation between the camera at that particular video frame and the reference source. The invention has far-reaching applications, particularly in the field of assisted endoscopy, including bronchoscopy and colonoscopy. Other applications include aerial and ground-based navigation.
US07889895B2 Method and apparatus for identifying pathology in brain images
A method and apparatus for identifying pathology in a brain image comprises the steps of firstly determining the location of the midsagittal plane (MSP) of the brain illustrated in the image under examination by identifying the symmetry of the two hemispheres based on the determination of up to 16 approximated fissure line segments (AFLSs). Those AFLSs with a larger angular deviation from the MSP than a predefined threshold are considered as outlier AFLSs while the rest are taken as inlier AFLSs. The ratio of the number of the outlier AFLSs to the number of inlier AFLSs is then calculated. A comparison of the ratio with a further predetermined threshold value is made and if the ratio exceeds the further predetermined threshold value, pathology is present in the brain image.
US07889893B2 Method and device for verifying the authenticity of a captured biometric characteristic
The invention relates to a method of checking the authenticity of biometric sensing performed optically, in which a body organ (6) placed on a main face (2) of a prismatic optical element (1) is illuminated (8) with total internal reflection, and then the reflected radiation carrying the biometric image of said body organ is picked up (9). The method comprises the steps of superposing on the main illumination (8) on the main face (2) of the prismatic optical element (1), encoding illumination (14) in such a manner that it is the encoded combined radiation that is reflected by said main face (2) and picked up (9), and comparing (17) the encoded combined radiation with the encoding of the encoding illuminating radiation; thereby detecting the authenticity of the reflected radiation conveying the biometric image associated with the body organ placed on the main face.
US07889891B2 Object determining device, imaging device and monitor
An object determining device for selecting a target face for processing from plural faces in an image, includes a face detecting unit that detects faces from an image; a face information recording unit that records the face detected in the past by the face detecting unit and the detection history relating to this detection as associated with each other; and a face selecting unit that selects a target face for processing, from the faces included in the image based upon the detection history. The object determining device includes a face information updating unit that, in a case where the face detected by the face detecting unit is not present in the face information recording unit, newly registers the face, and in a case where the face is present, updates the face information.
US07889890B2 Image capture apparatus and control method therefor
At least one exemplary embodiment can control light emission so as to facilitate a face area of a subject to be adequately photographed. In the at least one exemplary embodiment, respective face areas of the subject can be detected from captured image signals acquired before and after preliminary light emission, and a luminance comparison calculation can be performed between the detected face areas from the captured image signals, so that light amount control can be performed in an area centered on the face area of the subject.
US07889889B2 Method and device for registering a handwritten personal signature and for recognizing the authenticity of the signature
A method and device for registering a handwritten personal signature and for judging its authenticity by comparison with previously registered measured values and data derived therefrom. Signature data is acquired by registering a signature handwritten on a surface by a three-dimensional inertial sensing system having rate-of-rotation sensors and linear acceleration sensors. The data is subjected to a subsequent procedure of recognition or verification or comparison with other signatures. Hence not only tracking is performed with reference to the tip of a writing implement, but the dynamics of the signature are registered and evaluated by numerical calculation and adopted as the basis for the subsequent comparison, effectively ruling out the possibility of fraudulent duplication or tracing-over of a signature by an unauthorized third party. The dynamics i.e. acceleration and deceleration phenomena and rates of rotation as the signature are executed and effectively registered. From them, supplementary measured variables are calculated and specific characteristics are defined from those variables. Those variables are adopted as the basis for comparison, the degree of accuracy of the verification that the signature is genuine can be substantially increased.
US07889886B2 Image capturing apparatus and image capturing method
In an image capturing apparatus, a video input unit (2) captures the image of an object and sequentially acquires image data associated with the image capturing, a model data memory (6) stores model data associated with the first feature quantity calculated from a feature point of the object in a model image, a principal object detection unit (3) calculates the second feature quantity from a feature point of the object in the acquired image data, a state change estimation unit (4) estimates, on the basis of the second feature quantity and the model data, the timing when the object satisfies a predetermined condition, and an image input processing control unit (7) stores the image data corresponding to the estimated timing in an image recording unit (5). This configuration makes the image capturing apparatus acquire an image in a more proper state without large-capacity memory.
US07889881B2 Ear canal speaker system method and apparatus
An earpiece adapted to transmit acoustic sound into an year, the earpiece having a flexible ear canal engagement member that is adapted to be repositioned longitudinally inwardly by way of some form of an extension member. When the extension member is released, the member contracts to a first position, thereby increasing a portion of its cross-sectional diameter at some portion thereof to engage the ear canal of a user's ear to securely fit the device to the user's ear.
US07889880B1 Hearing aid wind-vortex noise preventer blanket accessories
This invention is directed to the elimination of the cause of hearing aid wind noise pollution which is referred to here as that form of audible vibrations generated by the energy of wind-produced vortices and eddy currents at the ear area and amplified by the hearing aid circuitry in the form of objectionable roar or burbles. Said invention constitutes a disposable porous blanket accessory provided for covering the obstructions and irregularities of the hearing aids in their operating mode and any pertinent outer ear area to prevent the formation of audible wind eddies, vortices, and burbles in the airstream. Said blanket is press-applied by use of an adhesive backing which is so affixed on the blanket surface as to preserve the porous nature of the blanket and its acoustic and electronic compatibility properties by either coating or impregnating only the individual fibers of the blanket surface to be so treated and thus retaining said properties.
US07889878B2 Speaker array apparatus and method for setting audio beams of speaker array apparatus
To provide a speaker array apparatus and a method for setting audio beams in a speaker array apparatus, in which the degree of freedom in the place where the speaker array apparatus is installed is high, and a user can set audio beams easily. A speaker array apparatus 1 sweeps a range of from 0 degree to 180 degrees in front of a speaker array 10 with audio beams based on an audio signal limited to a band where the angles of the audio beams can be adjusted. The speaker array apparatus 1 collects direct sounds or reflected sounds of the audio beams through a nondirectional microphone 2. The speaker array apparatus 1 analyzes the collected audio data, detects peaks not lower than a threshold value, and checks symmetry among the peaks. When there is a symmetry, the angles where the peaks were detected are set as angles with which audio beams of respective channels of a surround-sound should be output. Thus, outgoing angles of the audio beams can be set in optimum positions in accordance with the shape of a room or the installation position where the speaker array apparatus is installed.
US07889877B2 Device for generating a medium stream
The invention relates to a device for generating a medium stream, having a chamber, which chamber comprises chamber walls lying opposite one another and at least one medium opening for the medium stream, which medium stream can be generated in the chamber by a diaphragm, which diaphragm, in an inactive operating state of the device, is arranged substantially untensioned in the chamber between the chamber walls lying opposite one another, and associated with which diaphragm is a drive device, responsive to electrical drive signals, for driving the diaphragm to deform the same, the drive device being designed to impose a deformation on the diaphragm in an active operating state of the device, during which deformation the diaphragm has an inner mechanical tension.
US07889876B2 Loudspeaker driver assemblies
An improved driver assembly for a panel loudspeaker includes a retaining element for locating the voice coil with respect to the magnet assembly and forming a surface for removable attachment of the driving assembly to a radiating member. In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element is injection moulded from a hydrogel material with Shore A hardness in the range 0 to 20.
US07889875B2 Class-D driving method for stereo load
The present invention provides a class D amplifier and method for driving a tri-wired stereo amplifier. Additionally, the class D amplifier includes a first filter, a second filter, a processor, a 2D-quantitizer, a signal generator, and a logic circuit. The class D amplifier and method of the invention can reduce cost of production and increase processing efficiency. More particularly, the class D amplifier and method of the invention are processed in an optimal feedback mode, so as to reduce the reciprocal effect between the two channels, and avoid mismatch of the two amplifiers.
US07889873B2 Microphone aperture
Microphone array for achieving a substantially frequency-independent directivity using a plurality of microphones disposed along a rectilinear array. The rectilinear array is at least as long as the wavelength of the lowest frequency, where a useful directivity is desired. The rectilinear array has a first end and a second end. The microphones close to the first end are intended for the highest frequencies and the microphones close to the second end are intended for the lowest frequencies. The mutual spacing of the microphones is frequency-dependent. The signals from the individual microphones are band-pass filtered, the passbands and cut-off frequencies of the individual band-pass filters being adapted to the frequency band the individual microphones are intended for. The individual band-pass filters are adapted such that the amplitude of the summated signal after band-pass filtering is substantially the same when a sinus-shaped test signal is used, the amplitude of said test signal being constant and the frequency of said test signal varying within the frequency range where the microphone array is to have a substantially frequency-independent directivity.
US07889871B2 Apparatus for multichannel sound reproduction system
The sound reproduction of a multichannel sound reproduction system with a plurality of speakers which is connected to the output of an FM stereo receiver is controlled by a control signal derived from the reception quality. Preferably, the control signal from the FM stereo receiver for controlling the stereo and mono components is also employed to control the multichannel sound reproduction system. For example, stereo, pseudo-stereo or mono reproduction are provided in the multichannel sound reproduction system in response to the stereo component within the output signal.
US07889862B2 Key update mechanism
A memory stores data in an encrypted form. A modifiable register stores a memory address, a0, defining a boundary separating the memory into two regions. The lower region stores data encrypted using a key B, and the upper region stores data encrypted using a different key A. Data stored on the boundary address is encrypted using key A. Accordingly, when data is read from a memory address a, key A is used to decrypt the data if a≧a0, and key B is used if a
US07889856B2 System and method for providing RBT in communication network
Disclosed are systems and methods for providing ring back tones in a communication network. At first, a ring back tone device for storing and playing the ring back tone customized by a subscriber is established in the communication network. Whether a subscriber is a ring back tone service register subscriber is judged with a certain triggering mode, such as intelligent network triggering, signaling interception triggering, call forwarding triggering or switching device triggering. If it is judged the subscriber is a ring back tone service registered subscriber, a connection between the originating switching device and the terminating switching device and a connection between a switching device and the ring back tone device are established. When the called terminal is idle, the ring back tone device provides a piece of customized ring back tone to the calling subscriber for replacing traditional ring back tone.
US07889852B2 Remote communications with a vending machine using call back
In a communications system, a computer network server (2) is arranged to communicate simultaneously with a plurality of remote computers 201 . . . 20n. A remote embedded application in the form of a vending machine (1) has a module (12) that is arranged to communicate with the computer network server (2) such that file transfer sessions are carried out between the server and the vending machine (1). The server (2) is arranged to cause call request data to be transmitted to the module (12) and the module (12) is arranged to initiate a call back to the server (2) or other designated server, in response to the call request data. The call request data is transmitted using calling line identification (CLI). The module (12) is arranged to detect the call and the CLI; to not answer the call; and to initiate a call back to the server (2) or other designated server, after having received the call with CLI. The call request data may alternatively be transmitted to the module (12) in the form of a short message service (SMS) message.
US07889850B2 Customer relationship management for customer service requests
A method of establishing a telecommunication service over a communication network between a user and a telecommunications services agent using a computer terminal. The method includes providing information regarding the telecommunication service to the user, by the agent interacting with a customer service application. The method also includes retrieving information regarding complementary services that are related to the telecommunication service, by the agent interacting with the customer service application, and describing the retrieved information regarding the complementary services to the user. The method further includes automatically checking, by the customer service application, to determine if a computer terminal entry has been made by the agent indicating that the user has acknowledged receiving the information regarding complementary services, and establishing the telecommunication service for the user only when the customer service application indicates that the user has acknowledged receiving the information regarding the complementary services.
US07889849B2 Mobile device conference calls via private branch exchange
Communication systems and methods are described that enable mobile devices to route telephone calls via an enterprise telephone system. The communication system is configured to receive via a data channel a request from the mobile device. The mobile device corresponds to a user making a call. The server receiving the request includes a private branch exchange (PBX) and one or more other servers hosted by or coupled to the enterprise. A first call leg is initiated over a first voice channel in response to the request. The first call leg is coupled to the server and mobile device. Numerous second call legs are initiated over a second voice channel, and the second call legs are coupled to the server and numerous client devices corresponding to an intended call recipients. A voice conference call is formed between the mobile device and client device by joining the first and second call legs.
US07889848B2 Telecommunication service with pre-paid access
A method and system for implementing pre-paid telephone service with direct dial pre-paid access and direct dial or indirect dial post paid access. The method includes receiving a telephone call and routing the telephone call to a pre-paid platform if the access designation is a direct dial access designation other than 1 or 011. The system includes a local exchange carrier configured to receive a telephone call and route the call to a long distance carrier, where the long distance carrier is configured to route the call to a pre-paid platform if the access designation is a direct dial access designation other than 1 or 011.
US07889847B2 Computer-based method and apparatus for controlling, monitoring, recording and reporting telephone access
A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizing a computer-based telephony management unit to connect institutional telephones with outside telephone lines. The unit provides institutional users with fully automated, direct dial and collect calling privileges for local, long distance, and international calls. The unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users, for recording calling transactions made by the users, and for managing user monetary accounts. The unit can record up to 400 hours of conversation in a digital format. The unit provides various administrative capabilities, including user account management, audit trails, transaction reports, centralized management and report capabilities, and detection of fraudulent calling.
US07889841B2 X-ray imaging system for performing automated multi-step imaging of patient anatomy
An X-ray imaging system performs automated multi-step imaging of patient anatomy and includes an X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device supports automated movement of an X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to patient anatomy in a series of pre-programmed steps. A multi-step programming interface enables a user to select, (a) a start position for X-ray imaging at a first location of a portion of patient anatomy and (b) an end position for X-ray imaging at a second location of a portion of patient anatomy. A computation processor automatically determines a series of pre-programmed steps comprising multiple incremental distances to be moved by the X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to the portion of patient anatomy in response to predetermined data including, (i) the selected start and end positions, (ii) the length of the portion of patient anatomy imaged in an individual step and (iii) the amount of overlap desired between successive X-ray images. An imaging controller initiates automated multi-step imaging of the portion of patient anatomy by the X-ray imaging device in response to data representing the determined series of pre-programmed steps and user command.
US07889840B2 System and method for predicting material fatigue and damage
A method and system for determining damage prediction of a component. The component may be critical component used in an aircraft or other vehicle experiencing cyclic loading. The method and system determines the ΔK, Kmax and Kinternal values for the component and utilizes these values in order to predict damage and/or failure of the component.
US07889838B2 Interferometer for quantitative phase contrast imaging and tomography with an incoherent polychromatic x-ray source
An interferometer for X-rays, in particular hard X-rays, for obtaining quantitative phase contrast images, includes a standard polychromatic X-ray source, a diffractive optical beam splitter other than a Bragg crystal in transmission geometry, and a position-sensitive detector with spatially modulated detection sensitivity.
US07889837B2 X-ray computed tomographic apparatus
A rotor is rotatably supported in a gantry housing having a substantially sealed structure. An X-ray tube is provided in the rotor. A cooler is provided in the rotor and cools a refrigerant within the X-ray tube. An X-ray detector is provided in the rotor. A reconstruction unit reconstructs an image on the basis of an output of the X-ray detector. A radiator is fixed inside the gantry housing at a position opposite to an exhaust opening of the cooler when the rotor is stationary.
US07889834B2 Method for preparing reconstructed CT image data records and CT system
A method and CT system are disclosed for preparing reconstructed CT image data records. In at least one embodiment of the method, an initial material distribution of an examination object is determined from CT data records determined from among at least two different spectral weightings with local energy-determined attenuation values, and local measurement-spectrum-dependent weighting functions are determined using this material distribution, enabling local measurement-spectrum-dependent attenuation functions to be calculated, and the distribution of local reference materials to be determined, with the help of plausibility considerations, from a list of reference materials over at least one specified region of interest in the examination object on the basis of previously calculated local measurement-spectrum-dependent attenuation functions.
US07889830B2 Nuclear reactor downcomer flow deflector
A nuclear reactor having a coolant flow deflector secured to a reactor core barrel in line with a coolant inlet nozzle. The flow deflector redirects incoming coolant down an annulus between the core barrel and the reactor vessel. The deflector has a main body with a front side facing the fluid inlet nozzle and a rear side facing the core barrel. The rear side of the main body has at least one protrusion secured to the core barrel so that a gap exists between the rear side of the main body adjacent the protrusion and the core barrel. Preferably, the protrusion is a relief that circumscribes the rear side of the main body.
US07889829B2 Nuclear fuel assembly protective grid
An integral multilevel debris-catching system for a nuclear reactor fuel assembly having a lower protective grid incorporating laterally offset debris-catching arches at several elevations, extended solid fuel rod bottom end plugs and a bottom debris-filtering nozzle. Dimples and opposing opposite springs and the debris-trapping arches, which are spaced from the end plugs, are all located at elevations below the fuel cladding.
US07889824B2 System and method for alignment of clock to data
A system and method for training a clock signal are described. The method includes determining a first position of a clock signal by training the clock signal using a first test data, determining a final position of a clock signal by training the clock signal using a second test data, and using the offset between these positions to speed up subsequent trainings.
US07889821B2 System and method for canceling interference in a communication system
A filter settings generation operation includes sampling a communication channel to produce a sampled signal. The sampled signal is spectrally characterized across a frequency band of interest to produce a spectral characterization of the sampled signal. This spectral characterization may not include a signal of interest. The spectral characterization is then modified to produce a modified spectral characterization. Filter settings are then generated based upon the modified spectral characterization. Finally, the communication channel is filtered using the filter settings when the signal of interest is present on the communication channel. In modifying the spectral characterization, pluralities of spectral characteristics of the spectral characterization are independently modified to produce the modified spectral characterization. Modifications to the spectral characterization may be performed in the frequency domain and/or the time domain. One particular spectral modification that is performed is raising of the noise floor of the spectral characterization to meet a budgeted signal-to-noise ratio. Other spectral modifications include modifying spectral components corresponding to an expected interfering signal. In modifying these spectral characterizations, spectral components corresponding to a plurality of expected interfering signals may be modified.
US07889819B2 Methods and systems for sampling frequency offset detection, correction and control for MIMO OFDM systems
Methods and systems that are capable of detecting and correcting the sampling frequency offset as part of signal synchronization in MIMO OFDM systems. An exemplary MIMO OFDM system includes a transmitter with a number of OFDM modulators that provide data to antennas for transmission across a channel to a receiver. The OFDM modulators include a training symbol inserter that may insert a matrix of pilot tones into the data. The data including the matrix of pilot tones is received by a receiver having a number of OFDM demodulators including a synchronization circuit. The synchronization circuit uses the matrix of pilot tones to detect and correct the sampling frequency offset as part of the signal synchronization. The synchronization circuit may apply an open loop process including sampling frequency offset estimation, phase rotation, and channel estimation. Alternatively, the synchronization circuit may apply a closed loop process including error generation, loop filtering and accumulation as well as sampling frequency offset estimation, phase rotation, and channel estimation.
US07889817B2 Apparatus and method for receiving a radio signal
The present invention relates to a radio frequency signal receiver, and more particularly, to a radio frequency signal receiver of a communication system, in which local devices exchange a radio frequency signal with each other. The object of the present invention is to provide a radio frequency signal receiver that exactly restores data from a received signal without a complex circuit restoring a phase of a received signal. It is another object of the present invention to provide a radio frequency signal receiver that eliminates noise when the noise is included in the received signal, estimates an exact data rate of the received signal, and exactly restores received information based on the estimated data rate thereof.The radio frequency signal receiver includes: a phase converting unit converting a phase of a received digital signal to predetermined angles to produce a plurality of output signals having different phases; and decoding units decoding the plurality of output signals from the phase converting unit, respectively.According to the present invention, data may be restored from a received signal without a complex circuit restoring a phase of a received signal. Moreover, when noise is included in the received signal, the noise is eliminated, an exact data rate of the received signal is estimated, and received information may be exactly restored.
US07889816B2 Clock and data recovery circuit and communications apparatus including the clock and data recovery circuit
A clock and data recovery circuit that includes a unit to output N-phase clocks each of which has a phase shifted from the others by a time T2 obtained by dividing a clock period P1 by N, a unit to obtain sampling data serially transferred every time T2, a unit to convert the sampling data into first N-bit parallel data every period P1, a unit to convert the first N-bit parallel data into second N-bit parallel data indicating a change point in the sampling data, and a unit to use the second N-bit parallel data as input of phase information and output third N-bit parallel data indicating substantially a center position of the change point. N is an integer greater than 2 and data of the first N-bit parallel data at a position equal to the position indicated by the third N-bit parallel data is determined to be recovered data.
US07889814B2 Transmitting and receiving apparatus for supporting transmit antenna diversity using space-time block code
A transmitter and a receiver are disclosed herein that support transmit antenna diversity using space-time block coding in a wireless communication system. The transmitter produces symbol combinations containing, as their elements, input symbols, the inversions and conjugates of the symbols, and symbols obtained by rotating the phases of the symbols once, forms a matrix having symbols in at least two columns orthogonal to each other with the symbol combinations, and transmits the matrix. The receiver detects symbols that minimize maximum likelihood (ML) decoding metrics over all possible symbols using channel gains from transmit antennas to a receive antenna. Also, the receiver selects candidate symbols among all possible symbols according to the characteristics of transmitted modulation symbols and detects symbols that minimize the ML decoding metrics.
US07889808B2 Interpolation based QR decomposition for MIMO-OFDM systems using D-SMC Demodulator with per chunk ordering
In accordance with the invention, a method includes determining either the number of tones per chunk required to compute per-chunk order responsive to a sub-band bandwidth, a coherence bandwidth and number of chunks, or the number of chunks responsive to a sub-band bandwidth and a coherence bandwidth; determining an order for each chunk; and determining, for each chunk, QR decompositions for all its tones according to the determined order.
US07889803B2 Time and frequency domain based approaches for fine timing and frequency estimations
A method and apparatus for estimating timing and frequency offsets in an ISDB-T and ISDB-TSB receiver. In different embodiments, the method comprises estimating timing and frequency offsets by different estimation processes; assigning weights to the timing and frequency offsets according to the channel condition; and calculating timing and frequency offsets using the estimates of timing and frequency offsets and the weights.
US07889801B2 Multi transmit antenna synchronization channel transmission cell ID detection
A method and apparatus for detecting a cell identification (ID) by determining the number of transmit (TX) antennas used for transmission; applying at least two codes to the reference symbols (RSs) transmitted from the TX antennas, to determine a set of de-coded RSs; in the event it is determined that there is more than one TX antenna used for transmission, grouping the de-coded RSs from the TX antennas and summing the de-coded RSs within the group; equalizing the grouped de-coded RSs; and determining the code of the at least two codes that gives the maximum correlation so as to obtain the cell ID.
US07889794B2 Extracting key frame candidates from video clip
A method of analyzing a digital video clip to determine candidate frames for subsequent key frame selection, includes: performing a global motion estimate on the video clip that indicates translation of a scene or camera, or scaling of the scene; and forming a plurality of video segments based on the global motion estimate and labeling each segment in accordance with a predetermined series of camera motion classes. The method further includes extracting key frame candidates from the labeled segments and computing a confidence score for each candidate by using rules corresponding to each camera motion class and a rule corresponding to object motion. An important feature of the invention is that the rules corresponding to camera motion include extracting a candidate frame for a pan segment with a confidence score related to a translation amount during the pan, and not extracting candidate frames for object motion based frames for fast pan and zoom segments, and the rule corresponding to object motion includes extracting a candidate frame for a fixed segment with a confidence score related to the segment length.
US07889793B2 Method and apparatus for effectively compressing motion vectors in video coder based on multi-layer
A method and apparatus of improving the compression efficiency of a motion vector by efficiently predicting a motion vector in an enhancement layer from a motion vector in a base layer in a video coding method using a multi-layer are provided. The method includes obtaining a motion vector in a base layer frame having a first frame rate from an input frame, obtaining a motion vector in a first enhancement layer frame having a second frame rate from the input frame, the second frame rate being greater than the first frame rate, generating a predicted motion vector by referring to a motion vector for at least one frame among base layer frames present immediately before and after the same temporal position as the first enhancement layer frame if there is no base layer frame at the same temporal position as the first enhancement layer frame, and coding a difference between the motion vector in the first enhancement layer frame and the generated predicted motion vector, and the obtained motion vector in the base layer.
US07889791B2 Method and apparatus for scalable compression of video
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a fully scalable compressed representation of video sequences, so that they may be transmitted over networks, such as the Internet, for example. Because the signal is scalable, users receiving the signal can obtain the signal at the appropriate resolution and quality that their system will handle or that they desire.The invention implements a “motion compensated temporal wavelet transform” in order to enable compression of the video in a scalable fashion while still taking advantage of inter-frame redundancy in a manner which is sensitive to scene and camera motion.The motion compensated temporal wavelet transform is implemented by decomposing the video sequence into a set of temporal frequency bands and then applying a sequence of motion compensated lifting operations to alternately update an odd frame sub-sequence based upon an even sub-sequence and vice versa in a manner which is sensitive to motion.
US07889788B2 Stream generation apparatus, stream generation method, coding apparatus, coding method, recording medium and program thereof
A stream generation apparatus of the present invention is a stream generation apparatus which generates a stream including coded pictures and a command for managing a buffer which holds a decoded picture, the command being added to one of the coded pictures as a reference picture. It includes a judging unit which judges whether or not the coded picture to which the command is added is skipped at the time of trick-play, an adding unit which adds, in the case where the coded picture is judged to be skipped, repetition information indicating the same contents as the command to another coded picture that follows, in decoding order, the coded picture judged to be skipped and that is not skipped at the time of the trick-play, and a generating unit which generates the stream including the coded pictures, the command and the repetition information.
US07889787B2 Ultrasound transmit beamformer integrated circuit and method
The invention provides a novel method of transmit beamforming, which allows compact analog implementation of complex digital algorithms without compromising their features. It is aimed to support envelope shaping, apodization, and phase rotation per channel and per firing. Each of three embodiments represents a complete transmit channel driven by pulse-width modulated (PWM) waveforms stored in a conventional sequence memory. PWM signals controls the transmit pulse envelope (shape) by changing the duty cycle of the carrier. Beamformation data are loaded prior to a firing via serial interface. Under the direction of a controller, the circuitry allows high precision (beyond sampling rate) phase rotation of the carrier. It also provides transmit apodization (aperture weighting), which maintains an optimal trade-off among low sidelobe level and widening of the mainlobe. Implementing such an IC, the manufacturing cost of a high-end ultrasound system can be reduced. Equally, the proposed solution makes the benefits of digital transmit beamformers available to midrange and entry-level machines since it merely requires a modified programming of the sequence memory.
US07889786B2 Operating frequency reduction for transversal FIR filter
A method and system for reducing the frequency of operation for a transversal Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the transversal filter operates in such a way that it has an even and odd row of data, which are latched on rising and falling edges of the clock respectively. This allows the clock frequency to be reduced by a factor of 2, and thus allows the use of more power efficient latches. A reduction in the frequency of operation causes the high speed latches within the transversal filter to hold the data bits twice as long as is required, which changes the desired impulse response of the FIR filter. A circuit is required to select the appropriate data bits from the output of the appropriate half-speed latch, and subsequently scale it to apply the co-efficient gain. Each of the subsystems is analog, and operates in accordance with a synchronous clock system. In a more general embodiment of the invention, the data is provided to Q shift registers that operate at a clock rate which is reduced by a factor of Q.
US07889783B2 Multiple data rate communication system
Seamless wideband support is afforded by utilizing split-band data streams. For wideband signals, the 8 kHz bandwidth is divided into a low band, with approximately 0-4 kHz bandwidth, and a high band, with approximately 4-8 kHz bandwidth. Narrowband functions and services operate on the low band, while wideband functions and services operate on both low and high bands.
US07889776B2 High-power semiconductor laser
A light source includes a semiconductor laser diode and a narrow spectral and spatial bandwidth reflector in optical communication with respect to the semiconductor diode laser and aligned with the output beam of the diode laser, such that a portion of the light in the output beam is reflected back into the laser.
US07889773B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an InP substrate, an AlGaInAs-based first layer, an AlGaInAs-based second layer, an InGaAsP-based third layer, and an InGaAsP-based fourth layer. The first and second layers have compositions which are same or substantially same as each other on an interface therebetween. The composition of the layer varies such that a band gap continuously increases from the first layer side toward the third layer side. The compositions of the second and third layers are set such that energy levels of a valence band maximum are substantially equal to each other on an interface between the second and third layers. The composition of the third layer varies such that a band gap continuously increases from the second layer side toward the fourth layer side. The compositions of the third and fourth layers are same or substantially same as each other on an interface between the third and fourth layers.
US07889767B2 Self-coherent combining technique for high power laser implementation and method
An optical arrangement comprising first and second guided structures for providing first and second beams of electromagnetic energy and a node for coherently combining said first and second beams in free space, that is, with an unguided structure. In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second structures are first and second fiber oscillators. The first and second fiber oscillators may be of unequal lengths. The node may be implemented with a polarizing beam splitter or a semi-reflective surface. Beam shaping optics are included in the node to collimate the first and second beams and provide a flat profile mode thereof. The outputs of plural first and second fiber oscillators are combined via plural nodes to provide a single high energy output beam. Amplifying elements may be disposed between nodes. The plural nodes may be disposed in a single integrated structure along with an outcoupler mirror to coherently phase lock the outputs of the plural oscillators.
US07889765B2 Apparatus and methods for utilizing variable rate program streams in a network
Apparatus and methods for transparently using otherwise wasted bandwidth associated with variable-rate program streams to deliver additional content. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched architecture (BSA), and the program streams are loaded up to a target rate using “null” packets and then delivered over the network infrastructure to a plurality of hub sites. The streams are then unloaded to reproduce the original variable streams, and the bandwidth vacated by removal of the null packets used as the transport mechanism for additional (e.g., non time-sensitive) content to be delivered to the subscribers. The process can also be substantially automated and anticipatory (through, e.g., transmission of null bit insertion data downstream). The invention can also advantageously be implemented with minimal modifications to existing infrastructure, and supports business and operational supervisory processes. Network server, QAM modulator, and CPE apparatus implementing the aforementioned methodologies are also disclosed.
US07889761B2 Method and system for providing bandwidth allocation and sharing in a hybrid wired/wireless network
Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for bandwidth allocation and sharing in a hybrid wired/wireless network. Bandwidth allocation and sharing may include reserving bandwidth for a first access device, a first access point and/or a first switch. In response to a communication session associated with one or more of the first access device, first access point and first switch, at least a portion of the reserved bandwidth may be allocated for use by the first access device, first access point and/or first switch. At least a portion of the reserved bandwidth may be utilized during the communication session. At least an unused remaining portion of the reserved bandwidth may be utilized for communication by one or more of a second access device, a second access point and a second switch.
US07889752B2 Dual ported network physical layer
A switching physical layer (PHY) device comprises a first termination network, a switching transmitter, and a switching receiver. The first termination network communicates with a first network connector. The switching transmitter includes first and second outputs, which communicate with the first termination network and a second termination network, respectively. The switching transmitter selectively outputs a transmit signal to a selected one of the first and second termination networks based on a control signal. The switching receiver includes first and second inputs, which communicate with the first and second termination networks, respectively. The switching receiver receives a receive signal from the selected one of the first and second termination networks.
US07889751B2 Low power wireless communication system
A transmitter, a receiver, and a transceiver for use in a wireless communication system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the radio frequency (RF) transmitter comprises a first parallel-to-serial converter to convert first parallel data corresponding to a I quadrature baseband signal component into a first set of serial data bits, a second parallel-to-serial converter to convert second parallel data corresponding to a Q quadrature baseband signal component into a second set of serial data bits, and one or more stages having a first XOR gate coupled to a gate terminal of a first transistor and a second XOR gate coupled to a gate terminal of second transistor. The first XOR gate has a pair of inputs coupled to the first set of serial data bits and a first clock (e.g., an I clock) that corresponds to the I quadrature baseband signal component, and has a first output coupled to drive the gate terminal of the first transistor, while the second XOR gate has a pair of inputs coupled to the second set of serial data bits and a second clock (e.g., the Q clock) that corresponds to the Q quadrature baseband signal component, and has a second output coupled to drive the gate terminal of the second transistor. The first and second outputs are summed at a node to obtain a single-side band (SSB) RF output.
US07889747B2 Apparatus, system, and method for integrating a wireless network with wired field devices in a process control system
A system for integrating a wireless network with wired field devices includes a field unit that communicates with the wired field devices using a first wired field device protocol. A gateway wirelessly communicates with the field unit and communicates over a network using one or more second wired field device protocols. The gateway also converts between the first wired field device protocol and the one or more second wired field device protocols. The gateway could further permit access to the wired field devices by a component of the process control system (such as a process controller, asset management tool, or configuration tool) that does not support the first wired field device protocol. At least one of the field unit and the gateway could appear as a multiplexer or linking device to the component of the process control system, such as a HART multiplexer or a Foundation Fieldbus or Profibus linking device.
US07889745B2 Systems and methods for multi-layer interworking
Systems, modules, computer-readable mediums and methods for multi-layer interworking are provided. An identified traffic path is selected from one or more traffic paths. The identified traffic path is selected based on information indicative of traffic path parameter information associated with the identified traffic path relative to traffic path parameter information associated with the other traffic paths. A transport trail is identified from one or more transport trails. Whether the identified transport trail from one or more transport trails is suitable for assignment is determined. The determination is made based on information indicative of the transport trail parameter information associated with the identified transport trail relative to transport trail parameter information associated with the other transport trails. The selected identified traffic path is assigned to the identified transport trail if the identified transport trail is determined to be suitable for assignment.
US07889744B2 Method and apparatus for automatic synchronization of monitoring points of a network management system along a permanent virtual circuit
A method and apparatus for automatic synchronization of monitoring points for a network management system (“NMS”) along a permanent virtual circuit (“PVC”) is disclosed. A NMS in an asynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”) network coupled to a plurality of ATM switches is operative to monitor each of the plurality of ATM switches storied in a monitoring service object corresponding to a PVC. The NMS receives at least one notification from at least one ATM switch of the plurality of ATM switches indicating an ATM switch has been added or removed from the PVC. In response to the at least notification, the NMS adds at least one ATM switch to the monitoring service object or removes at least one ATM switch from the monitoring service object.
US07889743B2 Information dissemination method and system having minimal network bandwidth utilization
An information disseminating apparatus that transmits information between nodes of a network while expending minimal or no network bandwidth for transmitting the information. The apparatus can include a message processor that generates or receives a message to be transmitted from a first note to a second node in the network, and a transmitter that transmits data packets in a sequence that represents the message from the first node to the second node. The apparatus may further include a plurality of queues each associated with a class and services one or more data packets each having a marker that corresponds to the class, and a queue processor that dequeues the data packets from the queues in accordance to the sequence and the class associated with each of the queues.
US07889741B1 Methods and apparatus for packet classification based on multiple conditions
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a condition test vector, selecting a key from a plurality of keys, and determining whether the key selected and a condition value satisfy a condition relation. The accessing being based on an index value. The condition test vector including a first plurality of bit values defining the condition relation, a second plurality of bit values defining a key selector, and a third plurality of bit values defining the condition value. The selecting being based on the second plurality of bit values. Each key from the plurality of keys including a combination of bit values representing a portion of a data packet. A result is defined based on the determining.
US07889739B2 Label and exp field based MPLS network device
A network device receives a label-switched-path (LSP) labeled data packet, maps the LSP labeled data packet to an input queue, maps a data packet in the input queue to an output queue based on a received LSP label value and a received exp label value, and transmits the LSP labeled data packet from the output queue.
US07889735B2 Method and apparatus for defending against denial of service attacks in IP networks based on specified source/destination IP address pairs
A method and apparatus for defending against a Denial of Service attack wherein a target victim of an attack has recognized the existence of an attack and identified its source. The carrier network which provides service to the victim automatically receives one or more IP (Internet Protocol) source/destination IP address pairs from the victim, and then limits (e.g., blocks) the transmission of packets from the identified source address to the identified destination address. The carrier may implement this filtering capability as a stand-alone box included in the network, or as a line card incorporated into otherwise conventional network elements already present in the network. The source/destination address pairs to be blocked may be advantageously communicated from the victim with use of security signatures and with use of redundant connections from the victim to the carrier network to ensure receipt even under congested network conditions.
US07889731B1 Method and system for wireless network-based messaging service message delivery
A system and non-transitory computer storage medium storing a computer program for delivering messages to a wireless access terminal are provided. A messaging center is in communication with a 1xEV-DO network. The messaging center is arranged to receive a message having a telephone number as a destination address for delivery to the wireless access terminal. The messaging center has a storage device and a central processing unit. The storage device stores a mapping between the telephone number, a mobile static identifier corresponding to a user of the wireless access terminal and a destination address corresponding to an IP address of the wireless access terminal in the 1xEV-DO network. The central processing unit is in communication with the storage device. The mapping between the telephone number and the IP address is based on a correspondence between the telephone number and the mobile static identifier. The mapping is evaluated to determine the IP address of the wireless access terminal in the 1xEV-DO network and the message is transmitted to the wireless access terminal using the 1xEV-DO network.
US07889730B1 Compression and decompression for network systems
Method and system for processing a source protocol data unit (PDU) is provided. The method includes receiving the source PDU at a local router; determining whether to compress the source PDU or process the source PDU without compression; compressing the source PDU and setting a flag indicating that the source PDU is compressed; and transmitting the compressed source PDU via a network link. The system includes a host system that generates a source PDU; a local router that receives the source PDU and determines whether to compress the source PDU or process the source PDU without compression; compresses the source PDU and sets a flag indicating that the source PDU is compressed; and transmits the compressed source PDU via a network link to a remote router.
US07889729B2 System and method for reevaluating granted arbitrated bids
A system and method are provided for fairly distributing grants for access to switch outputs, through crossbars, between switch input channels. Crossbars are granted access between specified switch inputs and switch outputs, and the least recently used input channels are associated with selected switch outputs. A history of the previous channel transaction is maintained for each switch output, and channels are nominated in a rotation through a priority channel list. The present invention bid grant algorithm permits information packets to be transferred across a switch in the time between a bid submission and a bid grant.
US07889724B2 Multi-station media controller
A system including a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations each having at least one media asset, and a controller to allow a user to link a first media asset of a first one of the stations to a second media asset of a second one of the stations. When the user schedules the first station to broadcast the first media asset at a specified time, the controller automatically causes the second station to broadcast the second media asset at the specified time.
US07889723B2 Virtual burst-switching networks
A time-shared network comprising edge nodes and optical core nodes may be dynamically divided into several embedded networks, each of which covering selected edge nodes. At least one of the edge nodes may host an embedded-network controller operable to form multiple-source flow-rate allocation requests each of the requests specifying flow-rate allocations to a plurality of paths from several source nodes to several sink nodes. A core node may also host an embedded-network controller or several embedded-network controllers. The time-shared network may use both time-division multiplexing and burst switching.
US07889718B2 Determining physical location of network devices
Determining a physical location of a network device includes determining a network address associated with the network device and correlating the network address with a physical location. The network address associated with the network device is an address of the network device, an address of a router coupled to the network device or an address of an other device at a same physical location as the network device. The other device may be a gas meter or an electric meter. A table may be consulted for the location information.
US07889714B2 Apparatus and method for testing voice systems in a telecommunication network
A test controller for use in a telecommunication system is provided for inexpensively and quickly testing a telecommunication device. The test controller receives a test call from an originating terminal and allocates a voice path within the telecommunication device for the test call to establish a call connection for the test call between the originating terminal and a destination terminal via the allocated voice path and a packet-switched network.
US07889710B2 Wireless mesh network with locally activated fast active scheduling of wireless messages
A wireless mesh network is formed by nodes having a regular active schedule for transmitting and receiving messages, and a fast active schedule mode that is locally activated when a demand exists for transmission of a larger number of messages. As each node transmits a message to another node, the transmitting node includes a message buffer queue parameter that indicates the number of messages in the transmitting nodes, pending message queue. The receiving node determines, based upon the message buffer queue parameter received and its own capacity, whether to continue on the regular schedule, or to activate the fast active schedule. If the fast active schedule is activated, the receiving node sends a special acknowledge message back to the sending node, so that both nodes will transmit and receive messages over a fast active schedule link until the message buffer of the sending node has been reduced and the fast active schedule can be deactivated in favor of the regular active schedule.
US07889709B2 Distinguishing between data packets sent over the same set of channels
Embodiments of the present invention distinguish a first type of data packet transmitted over a random access communication channel of a wireless cellular communications system from a second type of data packet transmitted over the same random access communication channel, allowing the first and second data packet data packet types to share a common set of random access channels through the use of different types of channel coding. This reduces data packet collision probability by eliminating the need to segregate the set of random access channels according to data packet type. Backward compatibility with legacy base stations that handle only the first data packet type is maintained in that no changes to the first data packet type are needed.
US07889705B2 Mobile terminal and method for notifying access router of IP address in wireless network
A mobile terminal and method of notifying an access router of an Internet protocol (IP) address of the mobile terminal in a wireless network are provided where a mobile terminal notifies an access router of an IP address of the mobile terminal, performing duplicate address detection (DAD) with respect to an automatically-configured IP address are performed, and a notification message including the IP address resulting from the performing of the DAD are transmitted to the access router. The access router is notified by using the notification message. The mobile terminal uses the IP address, based on whether there is a response with respect to the notification message transmitted to the access router after the performing of the DAD.
US07889699B2 Method for selecting serving node in multi-hop wireless mobile communication system
Provided is a multi-hop wireless mobile communication system where a plurality of nodes exist. To select a serving node to be provided with a service, a Mobile Station (MS) receives relay information provided for serving node selection from at least two nodes and selects a first mode of selecting a node that requires the minimum time for unit data transmission/reception as the serving node or a second mode of selecting a node that can transmit and receive the maximum data per unit time as the serving node, based on the received relay information, in order to select the serving node.
US07889698B2 Transmission rate control method, mobile station, and radio network controller
A transmission rate control method for controlling, at a mobile station, a transmission rate of uplink user data, based on a dedicated absolute transmission rate of uplink user data received via a dedicated E-AGCH which is transmitted using a dedicated identifier for the mobile station or a common absolute transmission rate of uplink user data received via a common E-AGCH which is transmitted using a common identifier for mobile stations which satisfy a predetermined condition, includes: storing, at the mobile station, the common absolute transmission rate of the uplink user data received via the common E-AGCH; and deleting, at the mobile station, the stored common absolute transmission rate of the uplink user data when changing a serving cell for the mobile station.
US07889690B2 Method, wireless communication system, communication apparatus, and tangible machine-readable medium for establishing a routing path during a network entry process of a subscriber station based on a multi-hop relay standard
A method, a wireless communication system, a communication apparatus, and a tangible machine-readable medium for establishing a routing path during a network entry process of an SS based on a multi-hop relay standard are provided. The wireless communication system comprises a BS, an SS, and an RS. The SS transmits an RNG-REQ of the SS by a ranging CID to the BS through the RS. The BS allocates an SS CID and a routing path for the SS, and transmits an RNG-RSP having the SS CID and the routing path by a path CID to the RS. The RS updates the SS CID and the routing path into a routing table of the RS after receiving the RNG-RSP, and transmits the RNG-RSP having the SS CID by the ranging CID to the SS.
US07889684B2 Method for managing a terminal device
A method for managing a terminal device includes: setting management commands; sending the management commands to a terminal device; and obtaining executed results of the management commands from the terminal device. Another method for managing a terminal device, comprising: setting management commands; configuring a terminal device with the management commands; and obtaining executed results of the management commands from the terminal device.
US07889680B2 Merging anonymous routers in end-to-end network topology inference
Algorithms are described that facilitate the inference of a network topology by estimating router co-ordinates and merging anonymous routers. The algorithms have practical applications in the inference of a network topology as part of the provision of a network service that is based on the underlying topology and where knowledge of the actual topology allows improved performance.
US07889677B1 SS7 network planning and forecasting tool
A Signaling System 7 (SS7) tool for planning an SS7 network having a plurality of network elements is provided herein. The SS7 tool is configured to obtain current traffic data from the SS7 network and determine a current peak utilization of each of the network elements based upon the traffic data. The SS7 tool is further configured to obtain pending reconfiguration plan data and to determine a preliminary reconfiguration based upon the reconfiguration plan data. The SS7 tool also obtains subscriber load data to forecast future peak utilization of the SS7 network by determining for each of the network elements, the impact of at least one of the following: the subscriber load data, the reconfiguration plan data for that element, and an element status. The SS7 tool then automatically recommends a reconfiguration of the network based upon said forecasted peak utilization.
US07889675B2 Method and system for multi-layer network routing
Each node of a telecommunications network determines interface point connection type attributes available for each signal type supported by the node. Each signal type represents a different connection routing layer within the telecommunications network. Adaptation costs involved in traversing from one connection routing layer to another connection routing layer in the node are calculated. The connection type attributes and adaptation costs are included in a link state advertisement broadcasted by each node in the telecommunications network. A route calculation is performed for a desired signal to determine a route through the telecommunications network for the signal. The route calculation takes into account the various connection type attributes, availability, and adaptation costs in determining the shortest route for the signal through the telecommunications network.
US07889674B2 Zigbee network device for assigning addresses to child nodes after constructing cluster-tree structure, address assigning method and routing method
An address assigning method in a ZigBee network environment formed of a plurality of devices (or nodes), includes: linking the plurality of nodes in a cluster-tree structure; requesting desirable address blocks from a lowest level to a second highest level of the tree ancestor nodes desirable address blocks, respectively; and assigning the desired address blocks to descendents using a top-down procedure.
US07889672B2 Communication apparatus and method of calculating round trip time
A communication apparatus which transmits data to a transmission destination, and receives, from the transmission destination, an acknowledgement indicating that the data has been received stores, in a memory, first specific data for specifying a plurality of transmission data, and transmission time data indicating transmission times of the plurality of transmission data. Based on second specific data contained in the acknowledgement, the communication apparatus searches the memory for first specific data for specifying transmission data corresponding to the acknowledgement, and calculates a round trip time based on the transmission time of the transmission data specified by the found first specific data, and a reception time at which the acknowledgement is received.
US07889670B2 Dynamic modem bandwidth checking
Methods, systems, devices, and software are disclosed for providing controlled access to network characteristic data stored at a subscriber premises. In one embodiment, Internet services are provided to a subscriber through a subscriber's modem, connected to the Internet through an access network, and to a number of data terminals on a local network. The modem is adapted to receive and/or generate data from the connected networks and devices for use in generating network characteristic data. This data is stored in an access-controlled data storage module. Content providers may then login to the modem and query network characteristic data. The modem is configured to authenticate the content provider, and, if authorized and available, return the queried data to the content provider. The content provider may then communicate information to the subscriber's data terminal through the modem, according to the network characteristic data returned by the query.
US07889669B2 Equalized network latency for multi-player gaming
A method is provided for equalizing latency among a group of connections that are being used by the same latency-sensitive application, such as for multi-player network gaming. Delay is added to the packet flow in each connection as necessary at the provider edge router connecting the application server to the network. An NMS connected to the provider edge router continuously monitors the round-trip delay of each connection, determines the additional delay of each connection required to equalize the delays, and informs the provider edge router. The provider edge router buffers traffic on each connection for the respective duration as indicated by the NMS. The NMS may also reroute some of the connections over higher latency resources to reduce the amount of buffering required, which provides the additional advantage of using what might otherwise be less used or economically less valued resources.
US07889663B1 Evaluation of handoff in wireless networks using emulation
Test equipment operable to evaluate handoff in wireless networks can be configured as an infrastructure test system or a client mobility test system. The infrastructure test system includes a plurality of client emulating devices and a client motion emulator for testing real access points. Each client emulating device is operable to emulate multiple individual virtual mobile devices (“virtual mobile devices”). The client motion emulator computes a mathematical representation of the modeled network and motion of virtual mobile devices in that network. The client motion emulator employs the mathematical representation to calculate path loss between virtual mobile devices and the real access points in the modeled network. The calculated path loss information is transmitted to the virtual mobile devices. Path loss of communications from a virtual mobile device to an access point is implemented via a programmable attenuator.
US07889661B2 Constrained multipath routing method in a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) network
Disclosed herein is a constrained multipath routing method. In a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network, network conditions and traffic engineering requirements assigned to each link are set. The amount of assignments of each traffic requirement assigned to each link and a minimum value of each maximum link utilization α are calculated. A traffic rate (Xijkl) in which the degree of resource utilization is minimized in the minimized maximum link utilization α is calculated using the calculated amount of assignments of each traffic requirement and which is assigned to each link. Multiple paths corresponding to each traffic requirement and traffic division ratios of the multipath are calculated using the calculated traffic rate.
US07889656B2 Binned duration flow tracking
Binned Duration Flow Tracking (BDFT) method tracks the duration of packet flows in a resource limited environment by storing packets identifying the beginning and the end of a flow in bins, with each bin covering an independent and arbitrary length of time. Bins are “aged” periodically, based on the range of time which the bin covers. A query as to the flow duration returns the bin number which that flow is in; the bin number is then translated into a range of time. Each bin is a counting bloom filter. The size of the bloom filters, range of the count, and number of hashes used are all parameters of the algorithm which affect memory usage, processing required, and accuracy.
US07889654B2 Loss tolerant transmission control protocol
Provided are apparatuses and methods for transmitting or receiving data packets in a data block in a communication network with a transport protocol. In one example, a loss tolerant TCP protocol is used in which a maximum segment size (MSS) may be adapted to a minimum granularity of a congestion window. Also, proactive forward error correction (FEC) packets may be added to a window of the data block. The number of proactive FEC packets may be determined, for example, based on an estimate erasure rate. In addition, reactive FEC packets may be added to the data block. Also, a receiver may receive data packets in a data block and process a selective acknowledgment (SACK) responsive to the data packets received.
US07889653B2 Method, output unit, and terminal for reconstructing non-continuous packetized data
Provided is a method for reconstructing non-continuous packetized data of a continuous data stream from a data connection into a reconstructed continuous data stream at the receiving point of a packet-based network, the method including gathering measurements of the data connection; predicting at least one value characterizing the data connection based on the gathered measurements using an estimation method; evaluating a de-jittering delay for the data connection based upon the at least one value characterizing the data connection; and delaying and converting the data packets based on the evaluated de-jittering delay.
US07889652B1 Traffic engineering using extended bandwidth accounting information
A system distributes extended traffic accounting information of bandwidth availability on links throughout a network. For example, routers within the network utilize an extended reservation protocol to calculate bandwidth availability information for links. In calculating the bandwidth availability information, the extended reservation protocol accounts for not only the amount of bandwidth reserved on each of links via the resource reservation protocol itself, but also for the bandwidth usage by other traffic on the links, such as Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) traffic or Internet Protocol (IP) traffic. The routers exchange bandwidth availability information using a routing protocol to gain network-wide knowledge of bandwidth availability.
US07889646B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing admission control in a regional/access network based on user preferences
Traffic is admitted to a network that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by obtaining from a user of the network policy information associated with services accessed through the network. Communication is established between a node in the network and the NSP and/or the ASP and between the node in the network and the CPN using a resource reservation protocol (RSVP) to request resources for a flow having one of the services associated therewith between the NSP and/or the ASP and the CPN. A determination is made at the node in the network whether to grant or deny access to the RAN to the flow based on the policy associated with the one of the services.
US07889643B2 Method of providing multimedia service of mobile communication terminal and mobile communication terminal for performing the same
A method of providing a multimedia service to a mobile communication terminal, which includes selecting a content to be downloaded, and selectively downloading the content using a streaming mode when the content cannot be downloaded using a progressive mode.
US07889639B2 Fiber channel switch and computer system using the same
The fiber channel switch is capable of protecting data even if communication for adjusting reserves of access rights, which is performed by communication means, is interrupted. The fiber channel switch comprises: a plurality of connection terminals connected to a host computer and a physical storage unit via fiber channels; a storage virtualization unit producing a virtual storage unit; a first communication unit for communicating with another fiber channel switch; an access adjusting unit for adjusting an access reserve between the fiber channel switches; a unit for setting a master-slave relation between the fiber channel switches; a block control unit for blocking access between the host computer and the physical storage unit via the fiber channel switch if the fiber channel switch is set as a slave when the communication between the fiber channel switches is interrupted.
US07889634B1 Method and apparatus for transmitting an OFDM signal
An apparatus includes a transmitter to transmit a first orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing signal including a first signal burst with a plurality of first fields of a first type. Each of a plurality of pair fields includes a second field of a second type and a third field of a third type. The second type is different than the first type and the third type is different than the first type and the second type. Each first field in the first signal burst is transmittable prior to a corresponding pair field of the plurality of pair fields. Each second field of a given pair field comprises an indicator to indicate whether a first field is transmitted subsequent to the given pair field. A controller selects a number of pair fields to be transmitted in the first signal burst of the first orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing signal.
US07889620B2 Optical pickup device and optical disk device
A light source emits light with a first wavelength and light with a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength toward an optical disk from adjacent positions. An optical receiver detects light reflected from the optical disk. An astigmatism-generating element generates light used for focus control in a condition where a focusing position on one of two perpendicular cross sections including an optical axis of the light reflected from the optical disk is located ahead of the optical receiver and a focusing position on the other cross section is located behind the optical receiver are included. The astigmatism-generating element is a Fresnel mirror configured to include a plurality of reflecting mirrors. A level difference between the reflecting mirrors adjacent to each other is distributed in a range from a depth of substantially (natural number/2) times the first wavelength to (natural number/2) times the second wavelength.
US07889619B2 Hologram recording/reproducing apparatus and light source apparatus
A hologram recording/reproducing apparatus records data as a hologram by applying signal and reference light beams to a hologram-recording medium, obtains a diffracted light beam by applying a reproduction light beam to the hologram, and reproduces the data using the diffracted light beam. The hologram recording/reproducing apparatus includes an external-cavity light source, a polarization-control element that changes a polarization angle of a light beam emitted from the external-cavity light source, a polarizing-beam-splitting element that splits the light beam to obtain two light beams and that changes a ratio between amounts of the two light beams, a photoreceptor that receives one of the two light beams, a spatial light modulator that receives the other beam and that generates signal, reference, and reproduction light beams, and a control unit that changes the polarization angle or polarization state of the light beam.
US07889609B2 Enhanced linearity DVD writing current circuit
A writing current circuit (42) supplies a controlled electrical current to a laser diode (34) for recording data swiftly onto a DVD (16). A plurality of current sources (62) in the writing current circuit (42) supply electrical current directly to the laser diode (34). Each current source (62) respectively receives a single output signal from a current control register (52) included in the writing current circuit (42) which activates or deactivates the current source (62) for supplying a particular quantity of current to the laser diode (34). In one aspect, a pair of current reference signals received by the current source (62) control electrical current supply to the diode (34). Incorporated into these controlling reference signals is a simulation of electrical characteristics of the diode (34). In another aspect, each current source (62) responds to a logical inverse of the output signal from the current control register (52) for controlling overshoot in voltage applied across the diode (34).
US07889608B2 Information-signal recording and reproducing apparatus, related method, and related computer program
A recording medium includes a plurality of signal recording layers. A head reproduces two information signals from respective places in the recording medium on a time sharing basis. The reproduced signals are stored in a buffer memory before being outputted therefrom at first and second transfer rates respectively. The reproduced signals are transmitted from the head to the buffer memory on a time sharing basis and at a third transfer rate higher than the first and second transfer rates. Information amounts of the respective reproduced signals continuously transmitted from the head to the buffer memory are decided on the basis of a given relation among parameters including intra-layer seek times and inter-layer seek times related to the head, and the first, second, and third transfer rates.
US07889603B2 Recording medium, method of creating file of the recording medium, and method and apparatus for reproducing the same
A recording medium, a method of creating a file of the recording medium, and a method and apparatus for reproducing the same are disclosed. In the recording medium including a plurality of recording layers, the method of creating a file of the recording medium includes continuously recording a stream data file within a first recording layer and a second recording layer among the plurality of recording layers, which are adjacent to one another, and forming a PlayList file so as to enable seamless playback of the recorded stream data file, wherein the PlayList file includes a presentation start time (IN-Time), at which playback begins, positioned in the first recording layer, and a presentation end time (OUT-Time), at which playback is ended, positioned in the second recording layer.
US07889602B2 Watch with a multifunctional display
Watch provided with a multifunctional aperture display capable of displaying symbols corresponding to one or several special functions and to the date. The movement of the display discs is ensure by bidirectional motors and the display discs or mobiles have several series of digits of different colour for differentiating the display of the different functions.
US07889593B2 Method and apparatus for generating a sequence of clock signals
A clock generator circuit generates a sequence of clock signals equally phased from each other from a master clock signal. The clock generator is formed by inner and outer delay-locked loops. The inner delay-locked loop includes a voltage controlled delay line that delays a reference clock applied to its input by a plurality of respective delays. Two of the clock signals in the sequence are applied to a phase detector so that the signals at the outputs of the delay line have predetermined phases relative to each other. The outer delay-locked loop is formed by a voltage controlled delay circuit that delays the command clock by a voltage controlled delay to provide the reference clock to the delay line of the inner delay-locked loop. The outer delay-locked loop also includes a phase detector that compares the command clock to one of the clock signals in the sequence generated by the delay line. The outer delay-locked loop thus locks one of the clock signals in the sequence to the command clock. As a result, all of the clock signals in the sequence generated by the delay line have respective predetermined phases relative to the phase of the command clock. One of the clock signals in the sequence is selected by a multiplexer to clock a command data latch at a time corresponding to the delay in coupling a command data bit to the latch.
US07889592B2 Non-volatile memory device and a method of programming the same
Provided are a non-volatile memory device and a method of programming the same. The method includes: performing a program operation; performing a program verify read operation; and performing a pass/fail determine operation simultaneously with one of a verify recovery operation and a bit line setup operation, after the performing of the program verify read operation.
US07889589B2 Memory including periphery circuitry to support a portion or all of the multiple banks of memory cells
A memory including periphery circuitry configured to support multiple banks of memory cells. The periphery circuitry includes switches that are set to put the periphery circuitry into a first mode to support a portion of the multiple banks of memory cells and a second mode to support all of the multiple banks of memory cells.
US07889587B2 Fuse programming schemes for robust yield
A program circuit generates first and second currents to program the fuse. The second current is higher than the first current. A control circuit controls generating the first and second currents in succession.
US07889585B2 Balancing a signal margin of a resistance based memory circuit
A resistance based memory circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a first transistor load of a data cell and a bit line adapted to detect a first logic state. The bit line is coupled to the first transistor load and coupled to a data cell having a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure. The bit line is adapted to detect data having a logic one value when the bit line has a first voltage value, and to detect data having a logic zero value when the bit line has a second voltage value. The circuit further includes a second transistor load of a reference cell. The second transistor load is coupled to the first transistor load, and the second transistor load has an associated reference voltage value. A characteristic of the first transistor load, such as transistor width, is adjustable to modify the first voltage value and the second voltage value without substantially changing the reference voltage value.
US07889584B2 Semiconductor memory device having input first-stage circuit
A semiconductor memory device of the present invention determines a logic level of a signal based on a predetermined reference voltage. And the memory device has an input terminal to which a reference signal having the reference voltage is input, a low-pass filter connected to the input terminal for passing a component of the reference voltage of the reference signal and eliminating undesired high frequency components, and one or more input first-stage circuits to each of which an output of the low-pass filter and a signal having the logic level to be determined are connected. In the memory device, the low-pass filter has predetermined attenuation at least at a frequency of an operating clock.
US07889578B2 Single-strobe operation of memory devices
An arrangement of memory devices and a controller is based on an interface with a reduced pin count relative to a known memory device and controller arrangement. Facilitating the reduced pin count interface the reduction of multiple strobe signal to a single strobe signal. In addition, a packet header transmitted on the data bus followed by a payload, includes an encoded indication of the type of the payload. Aspects of the present application relate to providing a traditional memory device with external logic devices, where the logic devices handle the single strobe and the packet header, thereby permitting single strobe operation.
US07889576B2 Semiconductor storage device
This invention provides static random access memory (SRAM). The SRAM has a plurality of memory cells arranged in row and column directions. The plurality of memory cells each have a latch circuit in which input and output terminals of a pair of inverters are cross-connected and which maintains complementary levels at a pair of storage nodes, and a pair of write transistors provided between the pair of storage nodes and a prescribed power supply voltage. Further, the gate potentials of the pair of write transistors are respectively controlled according to a row address, a column address, and write data.
US07889573B2 Time reduction of address setup/hold time for semiconductor memory
In the storage device of the invention, latch control is performed on a series of signals in response to latch control signals. Latch control terminals are provided to which the latch control signals are input respectively and a plurality of signal terminals to which a series of signals are input. Herein, a plurality of latch circuits is provided so as to correspond to the plurality of signal terminals, respectively. The plurality of latch circuits are located within a specified distance from their associated signal terminals respectively and within a specified distance from the latch control terminals. The delays of signal transmission from the signal terminals to their associated latch circuits can be equalized and the delays of signal transmission from the latch control terminals to which the latch control signals for executing latch control are input to the latch circuits can be equalized. This contributes to a reduction in the skew of the latch characteristics of the signals.
US07889571B2 Buffering systems methods for accessing multiple layers of memory in integrated circuits
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to data storage and computer memory, and more particularly, to systems, integrated circuits and methods for accessing memory in multiple layers of memory implementing, for example, third dimension memory technology. In a specific embodiment, an integrated circuit is configured to implement write buffers to access multiple layers of memory. For example, the integrated circuit can include memory cells disposed in multiple layers of memory. In one embodiment, the memory cells can be third dimension memory cells. The integrated circuit can also include read buffers that can be sized differently than the write buffers. In at least one embodiment, write buffers can be sized as a function of a write cycle. Each layer of memory can include a plurality of two-terminal memory elements that retain stored data in the absence of power and store data as a plurality of conductivity profiles.
US07889570B2 Memory device input buffer, related memory device, controller and system
Provided are an input buffer of a memory device, a memory controller, and a memory system making use thereof. The input buffer of a memory device is enabled or disabled in response to a first signal showing chip selection information and a second signal showing power down information, and the input buffer is enabled only when the second signal shows a non-power down mode and the first signal shows a chip selection state. The input buffer is at least one selected from the group consisting of a row address strobe input buffer, a column address strobe input buffer, and an address input buffer.
US07889569B2 System, method and storage medium for controlling asynchronous updates to a register
A system for controlling asynchronous updates to a register, the system including a generally accessible register that is asynchronously updateable by hardware and software. The system also includes protection logic that is in communication with the register. The protection logic includes circuitry to prevent a hardware update to the register from being overwritten by a software update.
US07889563B2 Memory device and method of controlling read level
Provided are memory devices and read level controlling methods. A memory device may include: a memory cell array that includes a plurality of memory cells; a counter that counts a number of memory cells with a threshold voltage included in a reference threshold voltage interval among the plurality of memory cells; a first decision unit that compares the counted number of memory cells with a threshold value to thereby decide whether to set a read level based on the reference threshold voltage interval; and a second decision unit that generates a new reference threshold voltage interval based on the comparison result between the counted number of memory cells and the threshold value.
US07889560B2 Alternate row-based reading and writing for non-volatile memory
A set of storage elements is programmed beginning with a word line WLn adjacent a select gate line for the set. After programming the first word line, the next word line WLn+1 adjacent to the first word line is skipped and the next word line WLn+2 adjacent to WLn+1 is programmed. WLn+1 is then programmed. Programming continues according to the sequence {WLn+4, WLn+3, WLn+6, WLn+5, . . . } until all but the last word line for the set have been programmed. The last word line is then programmed. By programming in this manner, some of the word lines of the set (WLn+1, WLn+3, etc.) have no subsequently programmed neighboring word lines. The memory cells of these word lines will not experience any floating gate to floating gate coupling threshold voltage shift impact due to subsequently programmed neighboring memory cells. The word lines having no subsequently programmed neighbors are read without using offsets or compensations based on neighboring memory cells. The other word lines are read using compensations based on data states within both subsequently programmed neighboring word lines.
US07889557B2 NAND flash memory device with increased spacing between selection transistors and adjacent memory cells
A memory device capable of enlarging an interval between a source selection transistor and a memory cell adjacent to the source selection transistor, enlarging an interval between a drain selection transistor and a memory cell adjacent to the drain selection transistor, or enlarging the intervals between the source selection transistor and the memory cell adjacent to the source selection transistor and between the drain selection transistor and the memory cell adjacent to the drain selection transistor, prevents the memory cell adjacent to the source or drain selection transistor from being degraded in programming speed due to program disturbance.
US07889553B2 Single-poly non-volatile memory cell
A non-volatile memory cell includes: a substrate including diffusion regions for a read-out transistor; a capacitor formed in a poly-silicon layer adjacent the substrate, the capacitor including a floating gate for the read-out transistor and a control gate, the floating gate and the control gate each having finger extensions, the finger extensions from the floating gate interdigitating with the finger extensions from the control gate; anda programming line coupled to the control gate.
US07889552B2 Non-volatile semiconductor device
A nonvolatile semiconductor device according to example embodiments may include a plurality of memory cells on a semiconductor substrate and at least one selection transistor on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the at least one selection transistor may be disposed at a different level from the plurality of memory cells. The at least one selection transistor may be connected to a data line and/or a power source line via a first contact and/or a third contact, respectively. The at least one selection transistor may be connected to the plurality of memory cells via a second contact and/or a fourth contact. The active layer of the at least one selection transistor may contain an oxide. Accordingly, the nonvolatile semiconductor device according to example embodiments may include a selection transistor having a reduced size.
US07889549B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory and data programming/erasing method
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a first gate electrode formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate through a first gate insulating film; a second gate electrode formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate through a second gate insulating film and being adjacent to the first gate electrode through an insulating film; a charge trapping film formed at least in a trap region surrounded by the semiconductor substrate, the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode; and a tunnel insulating film formed between the charge trapping film and the second gate electrode. In one of programming and erasing, electrons are injected into the charge trapping film from the second gate electrode through the tunnel insulating film by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling.
US07889545B2 Apparatus and method of nonvolatile memory device having three-level nonvolatile memory cells
An apparatus and operating method of a nonvolatile memory device having three-level nonvolatile memory cells is used to store more than one bit of data in a nonvolatile memory cell. In addition, the data can be selectively written through a write-verify operation, thereby improving write operation reliability. The operating method includes providing a memory cell array having first through third nonvolatile memory cells where each memory cell is capable of storing one among first data through third data corresponding to first through third resistance levels, respectively. Each of the resistance levels is different from one another. First and the third data are written to the first and third nonvolatile memory cells, respectively, during a first interval of a write operation. Second data is written to the second nonvolatile memory cell during a second interval of the write operation.
US07889544B2 High-speed controller for phase-change memory peripheral device
Peripheral devices store data in non-volatile phase-change memory (PCM). PCM cells have alloy resistors with high-resistance amorphous states and low-resistance crystalline states. The peripheral device can be a Multi-Media Card/Secure Digital (MMC/SD) card. A PCM controller accesses PCM memory devices. Various routines that execute on a CPU in the PCM controller are activated in response to commands in the host-bus transactions. The PCM system increases the throughput of one or more phase-change memory devices by performing one or more of a read-ahead memory operation, a write-ahead memory write operation, a larger page memory write operation, a wider data bus memory write operation, a multi-channel concurrent multi-bank interleaving memory read or write operation, a write-cache memory write operation, and any combination thereof.
US07889542B2 Method of addressing digital data
A magnetic memory storage device with at least one magnetic storage element comprising electrical addressing leads to inject electrical current directly through a single magnetic memory storage element. The number of electrical addressing leads is at least one more than the number of magnetic memory storage elements.
US07889539B2 Multi-resistive state memory device with conductive oxide electrodes
A memory cell including conductive oxide electrodes is disclosed. The memory cell includes a memory element operative to store data as a plurality of resistive states. The memory element includes a layer of a conductive metal oxide (CMO) (e.g., a perovskite) in contact with an electrode that may comprise one or more layers of material. At least one of those layers of material can be a conductive oxide (e.g., a perovskite such as LaSrCoO3-LSCoO or LaNiO3-LNO) that is in contact with the CMO. The conductive oxide layer can be selected as a seed layer operative to provide a good lattice match with and/or a lower crystallization temperature for the CMO. The conductive oxide layer may also be in contact with a metal layer (e.g., Pt). The memory cell additionally exhibits non-linear IV characteristics, which can be favorable in certain arrays, such as non-volatile two-terminal cross-point memory arrays.
US07889536B2 Integrated circuit including quench devices
An integrated circuit includes a line, at least two quench devices coupled to the line, and a resistivity changing material memory cell coupled to the line. The at least two quench devices are configured to quench a write signal on the line during a write operation of the memory cell.
US07889535B2 F-SRAM margin screen
A process of testing an integrated circuit containing a programmable data storage component containing at least two ferroelectric capacitors coupled to complementary state nodes that includes applying a disturb voltage prior to a recall operation. Also, a process of testing an integrated circuit containing a programmable data storage component containing at least two ferroelectric capacitors coupled to complementary state nodes that includes adjusting a disturb voltage and determining if a screening data value and a read data value meet a criterion for determining a limiting disturb voltage.
US07889533B2 Semiconductor device using magnetic domain wall movement and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device using a magnetic domain wall movement and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device includes a magnetic layer that is formed on a substrate and has a plurality of magnetic domains, and a unit that supplies energy to move a magnetic domain wall in the magnetic layer. The magnetic layer is formed parallel to the substrate, and includes a plurality of prominences and a plurality of depressions alternately formed along a lengthwise direction thereof. The magnetic layer has a stepped form that secures a reliable movement of the magnetic domain wall in units of one bit.
US07889528B2 Rectifier circuit, power supply circuit, and semiconductor device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rectifier circuit that can suppress deterioration or dielectric breakdown of a semiconductor element due to excessive current. A rectifier circuit of the present invention includes at least a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a diode which are sequentially connected in series in a path which connects an input terminal and one of two output terminals, and a transistor. The second capacitor is connected between one of a source region and a drain region and a gate electrode of the transistor. Further, the other one of the source region and the drain region and the other one of two output terminals are connected each other.
US07889527B2 Electrical power source, operational method of the same, inverter and operational method of the same
An electric power source in which a plurality of inverters operate on the same frequency and the plurality of inverters are connected in parallel so that a resistance value expressed by (1−β·G)/(α·G) where α is the output voltage feedback gain, β is the output current feed forward gain, and G is the inverter current gain, is made to be the equivalent output impedance; and is an electrical power source in which the cross-current between the inverters are made to be an acceptable value or below by adjusting the output of each of the inverters by controlling the equivalent output impedance by modifying both or either one of the output voltage feedback gain α or the output current feed forward gain β.
US07889526B2 Cat-ear power supply having a latch reset circuit
A cat-ear power supply is operable to generate a DC voltage and draws current from an AC power source near the beginning and end of a half-cycle of the AC power source. A controllably conductive switching circuit selectively charges an energy storage capacitor to produce the DC voltage and become conductive to charge the energy storage capacitor near the beginning of the half-cycle of the AC power source. A latch circuit controls the controllably conductive switching circuit to become non-conductive in response to the magnitude of the DC voltage. A switch voltage monitor circuit controls the controllably conductive switching circuit to become non-conductive and resets the latch circuit when the magnitude of a switch voltage across the switching circuit exceeds a predetermined switch voltage threshold. The switching circuit becomes conductive to charge the energy storage capacitor near the end of the half-cycle when the magnitude of the switch voltage drops below the predetermined switch voltage threshold.
US07889524B2 Integrated bi-directional converter for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
This invention relates to a power module for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle including an integrated converter having a rectifier changing AC to DC, a DC/DC converter changing from a first voltage to a second voltage, and a battery storing electrical energy. The integrated converter operates in three modes 1) AC plug-in charging mode, 2) boost mode supplying power from the battery to the electrical bus and 3) buck mode supplying power from the electrical bus to the battery. The integrated converter utilizes the same single inductor during each of the three operating modes to reduce cost and weight of the system.
US07889521B2 Three-pin integrated synchronous rectifier and a flyback synchronous rectifying circuit
A three-pin integrated synchronous rectifier is the synchronous rectifier chip where the quantity of connection pins is the smallest possible quantity. The three-pin integrated synchronous rectifier uses a control pin to receive a control signal used as a power bias voltage and a synchronous pulse to make the synchronous rectifier chip operate normally. The control signal is obtained from the output pin of an auxiliary winding via a diode. The other pins are respectively the drain pin and the source pin of an internal power transistor and are connected with the output winding and the voltage output terminal for transmitting the power of the transformer to supply current for the loading.
US07889517B2 Power system with power converters having an adaptive controller
A power system having a power converter with an adaptive controller. The power system is coupled to a load and includes a power system controller that receives a signal indicating a system operational state of the load and selects a power converter operational state as a function thereof. The power system also includes a power converter with a power switch that conducts for a duty cycle to provide a regulated output characteristic at an output thereof. The power converter also includes a controller that receives a command from the power system controller to enter the power converter operational state and provides a signal to control the duty cycle of the power switch as a function of the output characteristic and in accordance with the command, thereby regulating an internal operating characteristic of the power converter to improve an operating efficiency thereof as a function of the system operational state.
US07889515B2 EMI shielding assemblies and related methods of retaining components thereof together
In one exemplary embodiment, an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding apparatus generally includes a shield and a gasket. The gasket includes at least one tab formed monolithically with the gasket and attached to a support or portion of the gasket. The at least one tab is movable relative to the support from a first, pre-installed configuration in which the at least one tab is generally co-planar with the support to a second, installed configuration in which the at least one tab extends generally outwardly relative to the support. Movement of the at least one tab from the first configuration to the second configuration may position the at least one tab at least partially within the at least one opening of the shield. Frictional engagement of the at least one tab within the at least one opening may help retain the relative positioning of the gasket to the shield.
US07889508B2 Plug-in unit-mounting structure and electronic apparatus
A plug-in unit-mounting structure which makes it possible to efficiently mount plug-in units having different sizes in all slots. PIUs of printed board type which are different in size are mounted using respective mounting frames associated therewith. Box-shaped PIUs are also mounted using respective mounting frame associated therewith. However, no guide rail is provided on the metal shelf per se, for guiding each PIU for mounting the same therein.
US07889505B1 Camouflage retractable media system
A camouflage retractable media system for efficiently providing media devices (e.g. speakers, etc.) that retract out-of-sight when not in use. The camouflage retractable media system generally includes a casing including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a first opening and wherein the first opening extends through the first end. A chamber extends within the casing, wherein the chamber interconnects with the first opening. A drive unit extends within the chamber and a media device extends from the drive unit. A cap is positioned adjacent the first opening of the casing, wherein the cap includes a camouflage covering with respect to a surrounding environment. The drive unit selectively extends the media device outwardly from the first opening when in use and retracts the media device back within the chamber when not in use.
US07889499B2 Integrated replaceable energy storage and coolant module
There is disclosed a self-contained electronic apparatus containing at least some power-dissipating components which may require cooling. The self-contained electronic apparatus may also include a removable and replaceable energy storage module. The removable and replaceable energy storage module may include a power element to provide electrical energy for the self-contained electronic apparatus and a cooling element to cool at least a portion of the power dissipating components.
US07889493B2 Cover structure and electronic device using the same
A cover structure comprises: a substrate defined a sliding slot and an opening adjacent to the sliding slot; a covering board defined a receiving portion; an alignment plate defined a salient point, and an aperture aligned with the opening; the alignment plate is fixed on the substrate, the covering board is slidably positioned in the sliding slot and between the substrate and the alignment plate, and the salient point is received in the receiving portion to lock the covering board.
US07889488B2 Electronic apparatus having lock unit
A lock unit used for an electronic apparatus that includes a foldable and unfoldable housing that has a first surface that is foldable, and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface includes a lock member that locks the housing in a folded state, an operation member that moves the lock member and releases a lock of the housing by the lock member, and a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force applied to the operation member to the lock member by changing an operating direction of the operation member to another direction, and moves the lock member in the other direction, wherein the operation member is provided on the second surface, and an operating direction of the operation member is a first direction perpendicular to the second surface, the lock member projecting in a second direction orthogonal to the first surface, and a moving direction of the lock member being a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.
US07889486B2 Display device and rotatable stand thereof
A display device including a rotatable stand and a display module provided on the rotatable stand is provided. The rotatable stand includes a base, a sleeve provided on the base, a composite washer, and a rotatable structure. One end of the sleeve is connected with the base. The composite washer has a flexible material layer and a rigid material layer. Further, the rotatable structure is disposed through the sleeve, the display module is adapted to be fixedly connected with one end of the rotatable structure, and the composite washer is disposed between the display module and the sleeve. The first rigid material layer contacts the display module, and the flexible material layer is disposed between the sleeve and the second rigid material layer.
US07889485B2 Display device module and method of handling the same
A display device module includes a display panel having a first side and a second side, a first receiving container having a first side and a second side, the first side receiving the first side of the display panel, and a grip protrusion formed on the second side of the first receiving container for engaging a jaw of a gripper.
US07889482B2 Display assembly for refrigerator
A display assembly for a refrigerator includes: a display; a frame having a mounting part for mounting the display and provided on an outer wall surface of a refrigerator; and a tilting unit fixed to the display and the mounting part and allowing the display to be tilted. A direction of a screen of a display unit can be controlled, and thus, restrictions of a viewing angle of the display can be overcome.
US07889481B2 Secondary computing device display
A secondary computing device display system includes a removable attachment mechanism operable to removably attach a secondary computing device display to a primary computing device display. The removable attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment member, operable to lockably attach to the secondary computing device display, and a second attachment member, comprising a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion. The first and second clamping portions are operable to removably clamp the primary computing device display within a gap defined between the first and second clamping portions. The first and second attachment member are frictionally rotatable with respect to each other along a first axis and a second axis. A surface of the primary computing device display is adapted to engage the second attachment member and utilize friction to reduce the amount of pressure sufficient to removably clamp.
US07889477B2 High voltage power supply for static neutralizers
A high voltage power supply for a static neutralizer is disclosed. The high voltage power supply includes a resonant converter and a load with an emitter module having an emitter, reference electrode, and a capacitance value. The resonant converter is disposed to have a resonant frequency and an output coupled to the load. The resonant converter generates an output waveform with an amplitude sufficient for generating to ions by corona discharge when the load receives the output waveform. The load is predominantly capacitive when the resonant converter is operating at the resonant frequency.
US07889469B2 Electrostatic discharge protection circuit for protecting semiconductor device
A discharge circuit holds the potential difference between a power supply terminal and reference potential terminal at a predetermined value. The gates of a first pMOSFET and first nMOSFET are connected to an input terminal. A second pMOSFET is connected between the first pMOSFET and power supply terminal, and has a gate to which a first signal is supplied. A second nMOSFET is connected between the first nMOSFET and reference potential terminal, and has a gate to which a second signal is supplied. A detection circuit outputs the first signal which turns on the second pMOSFET and the second signal which turns on the second nMOSFET, while the potential difference is held at the predetermined value. The detection circuit outputs the first signal which turns off the second pMOSFET and the second signal which turns off the second nMOSFET, while the potential difference deviates from the predetermined value.
US07889467B2 Protection circuit, and semiconductor device and light emitting device using such protection circuit
In a protection circuit connected, via lines including an inductance component, to a circuit to be protected, a first transistor is arranged on a path to ground from a connection point of the protection circuit and the line. A second transistor is arranged on a path to ground from a connection point of the circuit to be protected and the line, and extracts, from a connection point, a current corresponding to a current flowing in the first transistor. The first and the second transistors are NPN bipolar transistors having a base and an emitter are commonly connected. A resistor is connected between the base and the emitter of the first transistor, and a diode is connected between the base and a collector.
US07889466B2 Fault circuit interrupter with bi-directional sensing
A bi-directional fault circuit interrupter system having mis-wiring protection via numerous different poles. There are at least three different transformers wherein at least two of the transformers are differential transformers and at least one transformer is a neutral transformer. There is also at least one actuator which is used to switch the switches back and forth to selectively connect the electrical current to the fault circuit.
US07889465B2 GFCI that cannot be reset until wired correctly on line side and power is applied
An apparatus and method for preventing the miswiring of a protection device. The protection device includes line terminals and load terminals. The protection device further includes a latching mechanism, adapted to move between a closed state which establishes electrical contact between said line and load terminals, and an open state which prevents electrical contact between said line and load terminals; and an initial reset prevention mechanism, adapted to prevent said latching mechanism from being set in said closed state until power is applied to said line terminals.
US07889464B2 Leakage current detection interrupter with fire protection means
A leakage current detection interrupter with fire protection means, comprising: (i) a leakage current protection circuit, (ii) an electrical cord with metallic fire shields, and (iii) a fire protection circuit, wherein, in operation, the leakage current protection circuit and the fire protection circuit detect a fault condition including a leakage current, a ground fault and a fire hazard, and disconnect the source of electricity from the at least one user accessible load when leakage current, ground fault or fire hazard is detected. The electrical cord with metallic fire shields, the fire protection circuit, and the indicator circuit can be combined with any ground fault circuit interrupter, arc fault circuit interrupter, immerse detection circuit interrupter, appliance leakage current interrupter and electronic leakage current interrupter.
US07889463B1 Fused lead wire for ballast protection
A ballast having fused leads protects against uncommon, but harmful, ballast failures. The fused leads prevent a current in the primary coil of the ballast from exceeding a potentially damaging value. A thermal protector shorts the primary ballast coil if the temperature of the secondary ballast coil exceeds a potentially damaging value. Since the thermal protector permanently disables the ballast, potentially damaging repetitive overheating of the ballast is prevented.
US07889462B2 Protective circuit for protection of an appliance, in particular an electric motor, against thermal overloading
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a protective circuit for protection of an appliance, in particular of an electric motor, against thermal overloading. In at least one embodiment, the protective circuit includes a first and a second terminal for connecting a temperature detection element; a detection unit for detecting whether a resistance value of the temperature detector element which is connected between the first and the second terminals, is in a first or a second resistance range; a short-circuit detector for identifying whether there is a short circuit between the first and the second terminals; signaling outputs for emitting signal messages to an evaluation unit when the detected resistance value is in the second resistance range and/or when a short circuit has been identified by the short-circuit detector; and a third terminal, which is connected to the second terminal via a predetermined resistance.