| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07891283B2 |
Collapsible ballistic resistant defense unit
A collapsible ballistic resistant unit generally comprising an armored front panel, a ballistic resistant window slidably mounted to the front panel for selective movement between fully extended and fully retracted positions, first and second side panels hingedly mounted to opposing sides of the front panel, each movable between extended and retracted positions, and first and second casters mounted to the unit to provide rolling mobility thereto. |
| US07891282B1 |
Booster for handgun silencers
A booster apparatus that is to be used with an autoloading handgun is provided. The proposed novel device utilizes a piston with five spokes which are secured against rotational movement by interfacing with five of ten indexing notches that are machined on the stopping flange of the booster housing. There are ten indexing notches provided which allows for ten positions of orientation for the silencer in relation to the bore of the host firearm. Unnecessary rotational movement is prevented by the indexing notches which are robust and secure the piston in place. This device when utilized with a handgun silencer will facilitate the proper semi automatic function of the host firearm. |
| US07891280B2 |
Method for cutting PCB
An exemplary method for cutting a first printed circuit board (PCB) into a plurality of second PCBs, the method includes: providing a plurality of first dimension parameters of the first PCB; providing a plurality of second dimension parameters and an interval parameter of the second PCB; performing a process for selecting a best calculating mode and a corresponding cutting parameter according to the first dimension parameters, the second dimension parameters, and the interval parameter; calculating coordinate parameters of each second PCB; and cutting the first PCB into the plurality of second PCBs. |
| US07891279B2 |
Shear resistant rivet and saw chain
A saw chain rivet is provided including a flange, and a hub extending from a side of the flange. A shoulder defined by a junction between the hub and the flange has properties optimized to resist shear forces. The hub may be optimized for ease of rivet head formation. |
| US07891277B2 |
Convertible circular saw apparatus usable as either a miter saw or a table saw
A convertible miter/table saw comprises a base frame supporting a lower, miter saw table rotatable about a vertical axis. A circular saw assembly, namely a saw blade and motor, is mounted on a rear pedestal of the table and pivotable about a horizontal axis, the miter saw table providing a turntable and having a lower saw slot for receiving the saw blade. In miter saw mode, the swivel position of the miter saw table is adjusted and the circular saw blade moved downwards into the lower saw slot. In table saw mode, an upper saw table connected to the rear of the base frame is pivoted about a horizontal axis from a raised, generally vertical position to a lowered, generally horizontal position in which a slot in the upper saw table accommodates the circular saw blade when the latter is aligned therewith. |
| US07891276B2 |
System and method for controlling the length of a discrete segment of a continuous web of elastic material
In a system and method for controlling the length of a discrete segment of an elastic web, a wound off tension of the web is determined during unwinding from a wound roll. The unwound web is delivered to a processing station while being maintained in tension. A discrete segment of the web is transported away from the processing station for at least a time t wherein the discrete segment decreases in length to a recovered length. The recovered length is predicted based at least in part on the wound off tension and in response to the predicted recovered length, at least one of the following is controlled: 1) the speed at which the web is delivered to the processing station, 2) the tension in the continuous web as it is delivered to the processing station, and 3) the length of the discrete segment at the processing station. |
| US07891274B2 |
High strength fastener system
A fastener system is constructed wherein the installation and removal drive surfaces intersect an enlarged core diameter in a transitional surface that extends between the installation and removal surfaces of adjacent wings. The transitional surface has a concave form that conforms to the core diameter. The projections of the driver in the system are formed in a blunt shape. |
| US07891273B2 |
Insulation stripping tool
A pliers-type insulation stripping tool includes an adjusting device for adjusting the cutting profile provided by the knife edges of a stack of parallel lamellar cutting blades pivotally connected at one end with a knife holder for independent pivotal movement about a first pivot axis parallel with the tool handle pivot axis. The knife holder is connected for longitudinal displacement on one the clamping jaws of the tool handles, thereby to remove a severed length of the insulation layer from the insulated conductor. |
| US07891272B2 |
Robotic harmonic flex-drive
A robotic harmonic flex-drive has an outer generally cylindrical spline having inner diameter gear teeth and an inner generally cylindrical spline having outer diameter gear teeth concentric to the outer spline. A wave generator including a pair of rollers disposed adjacent to an outside surface of the outer spline and an inner surface of the inner spline deforms the outer and inner splines into ellipses whereby the inner diameter gear teeth of the outer spline engage the outer diameter gear teeth of the inner spline at a pair of diametrically opposed points along a major axis of the deformed outer and inner splines. |
| US07891271B2 |
Slide locking motorcycle kick arm
A slide locking motorcycle kick arm with a foot pedal and a kick arm shaft that is attachable to an engine kick starter, where the foot pedal can rotate to be in the kick start position and rotated out of the way when kick starting is completed. The foot pedal can be locked in either position, only when the foot pedal slides to the end of the kick arm shaft, and can be locked in the rotated position. |
| US07891260B2 |
Seat sensor apparatus for occupant presence detection
An occupant presence sensor apparatus disposed in a seat includes first and second substantially non-compliant force translation plates generally parallel to the seating surface of the seat, an elastomeric mat disposed between the first and second force translation plates, and a switch mechanism disposed between the first and second force translation plates within an opening formed in the elastomeric mat. The elastomeric mat includes a distributed array of hollow protuberances that extend toward and contact the force translation plates, and the mat has a stiffness that normally provides a clearance between the switch mechanism and one of the force translation plates. When an occupant of specified or higher weight sits on the seating surface, the protuberances collapse and the force translation plates activate the switch mechanism. |
| US07891259B2 |
Human dummy system for evaluating comfort of seat
A human dummy system for evaluating the comfort of a seat comfort includes sensor units and a data processing unit. The sensor units are attached to the relevant joints of a human dummy, and detect the angles of the relevant joints. The data processing unit calculates information about relative locations of adjacent joints on the basis of the information about the angles of the relevant joints, and calculates the absolute location of a specific joint through coordinate system transformation between the information about relative locations and the joints of the human dummy. |
| US07891247B2 |
Method and system for detecting an anomaly and determining its size
A method for detecting an anomaly and measuring its size may include generating a wave signal into a structure being evaluated and collecting at least one of any front and back scattered wave data and any side scattered wave data caused by the wave signal impacting an anomaly. The method may also include processing the at least one front and back scattered wave data and side scattered wave data to measure a size, location, and shape of the anomaly. |
| US07891243B2 |
Sensor for the contactless detection of the level of a liquid and adhering high-conductivity medium, especially blood, through a non-metal wall of a container
The invention relates to a sensor for the contactless detection of the level of a liquid and adhering high-conductivity medium, especially blood, through a non-metal container wall. The sensor has a pulse generator (1) that generates brief pulses which, via a low-ohm resistor (2), namely, the measuring resistor, actuate an electrode (4) installed on the outside of the container wall. A fast-action difference amplifier that has a high common-mode rejection (6) and that taps a voltage drop at the measuring resistor (2) caused by the level-dependent pulse current, then said difference amplifier amplifies this voltage drop by a fixed factor and feeds the signal to a downstream peak detector (7) with filtering in order to obtain a level-dependent direct voltage and also feeds it to a downstream voltage comparator (8) which, by comparing the output voltage of the peak detector (7) to an adjustable setpoint voltage (9), generates a switching signal that changes from “low state” to “high state” as soon as a rising filling level causes the measuring electrode (4) to be sufficiently covered and conversely when the filling level sinks below the electrode (4) or reacts inversely to the change in the filling level as soon as the polarity of one of the stages consisting of the pulse generator (1), the difference amplifier (6), the peak detector (7) and the voltage comparator (8) is inverted. |
| US07891242B2 |
Sensing device
The present invention discloses a sensing device, wherein a hemispherical container containing a liquid dielectric, and the hemispherical container has more than two pairs of electrodes, and the liquid dielectric can trigger the conduction states of the electrodes. A corrosion-resistant material envelops the container. A precision valve is arranged in the container and used to adjust the level of the liquid dielectric and the sensitivity of the sensing device. A buffer necking part is also arranged in the container and used to prevent from non-expected vibration-induced contact between the electrodes and the liquid dielectric. A leakage-proof detection device envelops the hemispherical container, the liquid dielectric, the precision valve, and the buffer necking part and functions to prevent from the leakage of the liquid dielectric. Thus, the present invention can provide an adjustable multi-directional tilt-sensing device for level control. |
| US07891241B2 |
Remote fire extinguisher station inspection
An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station. |
| US07891239B2 |
Flow meter and flow volume controlling device
To provide a flow meter, and a flow volume controlling device equipped therewith, capable of reducing pressure loss while obtaining a flow rectifying effect in a measurement fluid. A flow meter for measuring the flow volume of a measurement fluid, equipped with a flow path wherein the measuring fluid flows, and a flow rectifier that is disposed within the flow path, where the flow rectifier has holes for rectifying the flow of a measurement fluid, and has an area that is wider than the flow path cross-sectional area in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the flow path extends. The flow volume controlling device is provided with the flow meter, a controlling valve, and controlling means for adjusting the flow volume of a fluid that flows through the flow path of the flow meter through controlling the controlling valves based on information regarding the flow volume detected by the flow meter. |
| US07891238B2 |
Thermal anemometer flow sensor apparatus with a seal with conductive interconnect
A flow sensor apparatus and method. A seal with a conductive interconnect is provided that includes a mass flow sense element mounted to a housing containing a thick film and/or thin film bridge structure for sensing media (e.g., mass flow) within a flow tube. The seal effectively isolates wirebond pads and electrical connections from the sensed media. The media, whether liquid or gas, can contain ionics that eventually contaminate the top of the mass flow sense element. The use of the seal with the conductive interconnect thus seals off the electrical connections and prevents exposure to the sensed media. |
| US07891237B2 |
Method for estimating pump efficiency
The present invention provides highly accurate methods for directly calculating pump fillage which avoid the need and expense of a pump dynamometer card and subsequent calculations. |
| US07891235B2 |
Method for monitoring water quality
The method is for monitoring water quality in a water system. A water pipe is provided for conveying water therein. A particle sensor is in operative engagement with the water pipe. The particle sensor continuously counts particles in the water of the water pipe. The particle sensor triggers the taking of a water sample only when the particle count reaches a predetermined level. |
| US07891233B2 |
Blast movement monitor
A blast movement monitor for measuring the movement of material within a body of material as a result of a blasting operation, the monitor including: a housing having an interior chamber defining an inner surface; and an internal communication device that is received immediately within the interior chamber of the housing, the internal communication device including: a body portion; an electric coil wound around the body portion; a circuit board electrically connected to the coil; a battery electrically connected to the circuit board; an end portion associated with one end of the body portion; and a cap associated with an opposing end of the body portion that encapsulates the body portion and sealingly houses the body portion; wherein the internal communication device is biased to facilitate self-righting of the internal communication device to a desired orientation within the interior chamber independent of the orientation of the monitor. |
| US07891230B2 |
Methods for verifying the integrity of probes for ultrasound imaging systems
Methods are provided for verifying that water and other fluids cannot reach the internal components probes for ultrasound imaging systems. |
| US07891227B2 |
Gripping apparatus for gripping and holding elongated workpieces, in particular for bending machines
A gripping apparatus for gripping elongated workpieces comprises a housing, carrying two pivotable gripping jaws which are movable between opened and closed positions, as well as a guiding body, in which the housing is displaceably supported.A rod having a control element which is located between both gripping jaws and is displaceable between a position retracted into the gripping jaws and so as to spread them apart, and an opposite position, where the gripping jaws are converged.The control element engages the housing and, during a further movement in the retraction direction moves the housing. |
| US07891225B2 |
Bending machine
A bending machine for bending elongated workpieces supplied from a magazine is disclosed. The bending machine comprises a base support; two bending robots arranged on a common guideway centrally mounted to the base support, such that the robots are displaceable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the base support. A holding clamp is positioned on the front face of the base support, with one auxiliary gripper on either side of the holding clamp. The holding clamp is displaceable in parallel with the bending robots. A discharge gripper is positioned on the rear surface of the base support, laterally offset with respect to the holding clamp.All grippers and clamps are pivotable to an inner pivoting position, in which they can hold a workpiece in the working area of the bending machine between both bending robots; and to an outer pivoting position away from the base support. |
| US07891224B2 |
Multiple piece roll
The invention relates to the design of multiple piece rolls, in particular backup rolls, for the use in metal rolling. The roll comprises a main part with a center bore for the removal of center defects or flaws arising from the manufacturing process, e.g., from casing or forging and at least an end part, whereas the end part has no center bore or a center bore with a diameter smaller than the bore diameter of the main part. |
| US07891220B2 |
Multi-purpose detachable lock container and method of use
A lockable container comprising a lock portion and a container is provided. The lock portion has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part has an opening component and at least a lock mechanism, the second part has at least a latch driven by the opening component. The container fits the second part. The container has at least an inner space and a wedge corresponding to the latch. The lock mechanism restricts a displacement of the opening component when the lock mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism releases the opening component when the lock mechanism is unlocked. |
| US07891219B1 |
Lock guard for padlock
A lock guard protects a padlock with a shackle and the ends of a securing connector. The device comprises a five-sided housing with an open bottom. Two opposing sides of the housing have opposing openings therethrough for inserting the ends of the securing connector. Inside the housing is a retaining tab having an opening therethrough dimensioned to receive the end of the shackle. The housing can also contain an abutment providing a surface against which to drive the top of the shackle when locking the padlock within the lock guard. When the retainer tab is vertical, the top edge of the hole in the retainer tab can act as an abutment. |
| US07891217B2 |
Method of producing an optical fiber preform
Glass can be synthesized and deposited at a high rate by the inside CVD method using a plasma burner in a manner such that unconsolidated portions or bubbles are little generated. The method includes a step of depositing a glass film on the inner wall surface of a starting pipe. In a first aspect, temperature the pipe is controlled not to exceed (1800 +100xd)° C., a temperature of (1100 +100xd)° C. or higher being continued for 20 seconds or more at each point of the pipe, where d (mm) represents the wall thickness of the pipe. In a second aspect, the burner includes at least two inlets and has an inner diameter of 80 mm or more, and the deposition step is performed in the relationship, 150 mm/s <(Total flow rate of the gases introduced into the burner)/(Sectional area of the burner) <600 mm/s. |
| US07891215B2 |
Thermally stable IR-transmitting chalcogenide glass
A thermally stable chalcogenide glass, a process for making the same, and an optical fiber drawn therefrom are provided. A chalcogenide glass having the composition Ge(5−y)As(32−x)Se(59+x)Te(4+y) (0≦y≦1 and 0≦x≦2) is substantially free from crystallization when it is heated past the glass transition temperature Tg or drawn into optical fibers. A process for making the thermally stable chalcogenide glass includes purifying the components to remove oxides and scattering centers, batching the components in a preprocessed distillation ampoule, gettering oxygen impurities from the mixture, and heating the components to form a glass melt. An optical fiber formed from the chalcogenide glass is substantially free from crystallization and exhibits low signal loss in the near-infrared region, particularly at wavelengths of about 1.55 μm. |
| US07891214B2 |
Method of manufacturing grin lens and grin lens
The manufacture of a GRIN lens using a sol-gel process includes forming a wet gel from an alcohol solution containing a silicon alkoxide, a dopant alkoxide, and an aluminum alkoxide, first, an alcohol solution containing the silicon alkoxide and the aluminum alkoxide as is prepared, and then the dopant alkoxide is mixed thereto. |
| US07891213B2 |
Vertical drawing method for producing a cylindrical glass body and device for carrying out said method
According to a known vertical drawing method for producing a cylindrical glass body, the cylinder longitudinal axis of the glass cylinder is adjusted by hand in relation to the longitudinal axis of a heating tube. The aim of the invention is to optimize the stability of said glass body. Said aim is achieved, whereby adjustment comprises the steps of detecting a value for a first radial x-y position of the cylinder longitudinal axis (16) of the glass cylinder (4) in a first horizontal detection plane (E1), drawing the glass cylinder (4), placed in the first x-y position, to form a test glass strand (10), measuring an actual state of a radial circular, or annular dimension of the test glass strand, determining a deviation between the actual state and a set state of said circular, or annular dimension with regard to the size and position thereof, while considering the position of the glass cylinder (4) in relation to the inner wall of the heating tube (1) during drawing, calculating a corrected x-y position of the cylinder longitudinal axis (16) by means of a correction factor (K), the value and position of the deviation, arranging the glass cylinder (4) into the heating tube (1), so that the cylinder longitudinal axis (16) extends at least in the first horizontal detection plane (E1) in the x-y position and drawing the glass cylinder (4), arranged in the corrected x-y position, to form another test glass strand (10). |
| US07891201B1 |
Refrigerant vapor compression system with flash tank receiver
A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a flash tank receiver disposed in the refrigerant circuit intermediate the refrigerant cooling heat exchanger and the refrigerant heating heat exchanger. The flash tank receiver, which receives a liquid/vapor refrigerant mix, also functions as a receiver. A refrigerant charge control apparatus includes a liquid level sensing device disposed in operative association with the flash tank receiver for sensing the level of liquid refrigerant within the flash tank receiver, at least one sensor for sensing a system operating parameter, and a controller operative to determine a desired liquid refrigerant level within the flash tank receiver and to selectively adjust a secondary expansion device to increase or decrease the flow of refrigerant passing into the flash tank receiver to provide a circulating refrigerant charge consistent with maintaining a desired system operating parameter. |
| US07891194B2 |
Configuration of dilution openings in a turbomachine combustion chamber wall
An annular combustion chamber of a turbomachine is provided. The combustion chamber includes an end wall provided at an upstream end of the chamber and side walls extending longitudinally from the end wall to an orifice for discharging a stream of combustion gases provided at a downstream end of the chamber. The side walls includes at least one row of openings for the intake of air for diluting the stream of combustion gases. At least one dilution opening has an upstream edge which projects toward the inside of the chamber and a downstream edge which projects toward the outside of the chamber and is asymmetric to the upstream edge with respect to a plane extending transversely to the wall. An aperture of the opening having an axis oriented in an oblique direction with respect to the wall. This direction being oriented toward the inside and toward the downstream end of the chamber. |
| US07891188B2 |
Apparatus for producing power using geothermal liquid
The present inventive subject matter is drawn to an apparatus for producing power using geothermal liquid comprising: a geothermal power plant for producing power using heat contained in geothermal liquid supplied thereto; and heating means apparatus for heating a solution and producing a heated solution for use in an electrolysis unit with heat from heat depleted geothermal liquid exiting a vaporizer of the geothermal power plant, wherein the electrolysis unit produces hydrogen for use in producing power. |
| US07891187B2 |
Multi-chamber heat accumulator for storing heat energy and for generating electrical energy
A multi-chamber heat accumulator for storing heat energy as well as for generating electrical energy comprises a pit structure having a bottom, a sidewall, and a cover. The pit structure comprises at least one inner zone with a first solid matter pit filling and at least one outer zone with a second solid matter pit filling. The outer zone at least partially surrounds the inner zone, the pit filling of the inner zone being separated at least in parts from the pit filling of the outer zone by at least one partition wall. The inner zone comprises at least one first pipeline system with at least one inlet to the inner zone and at least one outlet from the inner zone for passing fluids through, which is present at least in parts in the first pit filling material of the inner zone. A method for generating electrical energy is also disclosed. |
| US07891184B2 |
4-cycle stirling machine with two double-piston units
A 4-cycle Stirling engine is for carrying out thermal power processes or heat power and cold and heat pumping processes with two double piston units which move with a phase offset to each other. |
| US07891183B2 |
Wave-based power generation system
The wave-based power generation system has a buoy or float retained by a cable that enters an underwater power generating station. The cable enters the station housing through an inverted U-tube having upturned inlet and outlet ports, which prevent water from entering the housing. The buoy cable passes over an inlet pulley assembly disposed within the U-tube and has its free end secured to a take-up reel or sheave. A driver pulley is mounted on a shaft coaxial with the take-up reel shaft, and is constrained to unidirectional rotation. Rotation of the driver pulley is coupled to a mainspring pulley and a timing pulley through an idler pulley. A mainspring is compressed by rotation of the mainspring pulley until a cam wheel coaxial with the timing wheel releases a brake, causing the mainspring to expand and rotate a generator shaft to produce electricity. |
| US07891177B2 |
Particulate trap temperature sensor swap detection
An exhaust after-treatment system is disclosed. The system has a particulate trap disposed to remove particulate matter from an exhaust flow of an engine, an upstream temperature sensor disposed to measure a temperature of the exhaust flow upstream of the particulate trap, and a downstream temperature sensor disposed to measure a temperature of the exhaust flow downstream of the particulate trap. The system also has a controller in communication to receive from the upstream and downstream temperature sensors indications of the upstream and downstream temperatures. The controller is configured to compare the upstream and downstream temperatures, determine if the upstream and downstream temperature sensors are improperly swapped based on the comparison, and take a precaution if it is determined that the upstream and downstream temperature sensors are improperly swapped. |
| US07891176B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying apparatus
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes a primary diesel particulate filter provided in an exhaust line of a diesel engine, a secondary exhaust line branched from the exhaust line from an upstream side of the primary diesel particulate filter, and a secondary diesel particulate filter provided in the secondary exhaust line. The secondary diesel particulate filter has a soot storage capacity smaller than the soot storage capacity of the primary diesel particulate filter. The apparatus further includes a differential pressure measuring part measuring a differential pressure between an inlet and an outlet of the secondary diesel particulate filter. A distance to the secondary diesel particulate filter from a branching point of the secondary exhaust line from the primary exhaust line is about 2 m or less. |
| US07891172B2 |
Purification capacity recovery method of exhaust gas emission control system
When a fuel as a reducing agent is supplied to a NOx catalyst on which a NOx or a SOx is reduced, a flow rate of exhaust gas that flows through an exhaust passage is changed, and the fuel is supplied to the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage at a plurality of timings (ΔT1, ΔT2) when the exhaust gas flows at different flow rates. |
| US07891167B2 |
Gas turbine engine flow reverser
A flow reverser comprising a sleeve having a first part and a second part to define a flow path and axially separable from each other about a conjunction formed by a respective profile edges for the first part and the second part, the profile edges in a stowed position overlapping, the reverser characterised in that in a deployed position a nozzle part of each profile edge define together a nozzle jet and a reverser part of one edge profile is adjacent to a core to provide an effective flow deflector. |
| US07891166B2 |
Water rocket engine with a two-phase nozzle
The water rocket engine with a two-phase nozzle includes a water rocket propulsion system having a reservoir, and a nozzle assembly disposed along a central longitudinal axis therein, the nozzle assembly comprising an inverted cup shaped fluid capture vessel having a substantially concave sidewall and extending away from an elongated tube. Open lower portion of the fluid capture vessel forms a fluid inlet. The elongated tube has a concave shaped side wall that forms a nozzle gas inlet at an upper portion of the tube, a nozzle outlet at a lower portion of the tube, and a passageway disposed between the tube upper portion and the tube lower portion. Within the confines of the capture vessel, fluid injection holes are disposed in the tube sidewall to provide fluid intake into the nozzle passageway where fluid and gas combine to form a two phase propellant. |
| US07891165B2 |
Exhaust casing hub comprising stress-distributing ribs
An exhaust casing hub includes a hub center, and an upstream flange and a downstream flange arranged on either side of the hub center. Each flange is terminated by a rim. A plurality of cuffs are arranged on the hub center so as to form an angle from the tangent toward the radial direction of 10° to 80° , preferably 15° to 75°. At least one rib is formed at the base of each cuff below a critical stress region in the cuff. The rib is joined to the downstream flange by a downstream end and to the upstream flange by an upstream end. |
| US07891164B2 |
Inlet airflow management system for a pulse detonation engine for supersonic applications
A pulse detonation engine contains a mechanically driven timing device coupled with a stator device, where the timing device has both an opening portion and a blocking portion. The opening and blocking portions open and close air flow access to a detonation chamber of the pulse detonation engine at appropriate times during the pulse detonation cycle. |
| US07891162B2 |
Rake with quick handle connection
A quick connect tool assembly including a tool head having a socket therein, and an elongated pole for insertion into the socket tool head to lock the tool head and the pole together. The assembly includes a detent fixed to an end of the pole and teeth projecting into the interior of the socket on the tool head, such that the teeth engage the tool head detent to lock the pole to the tool head. |
| US07891160B2 |
Method and device for gas filling and sealing of a duct intended to be filled with gas and positioned in a container of a collapsible type, and container blank comprising such a duct
The invention relates to a method and a device for gas filling and sealing of a duct intended to be filled with gas and positioned in a container of a collapsible type. The duct is defined by two opposite side walls which are joined along a connecting portion and comprises an inlet arranged in one of the side walls. A part of the container that comprises the inlet is clamped between an abutment and a gas module which is axially movable towards the abutment. Clamping occurs in such a manner that one of the two side walls included in the duct is allowed, in response to a gas flow supplied from the gas module and entering the duct through said inlet, to bulge to form a free passage into the duct for filling the same with gas. After completion of the gas filling, the duct is sealed. The invention also relates to a container blank having a duct which is specially developed for the method and the device. |
| US07891157B2 |
Machine for shrink-fitting of shrink wrap film onto packages
A machine and method for shrink-fitting shrink film onto packaged goods, in particular for packaging packing units, having a conveyor for transporting the packaged goods. In order to reduce the energy consumption and simultaneously to improve the shrinking result, the machine has hood type shrink devices which are moved along at least a part of the path with the packaged goods moved on the conveyor. |
| US07891156B2 |
Packaging apparatus and method of packaging
A packaging apparatus including a receptacle, a ram, a film dispensing assembly and first and second elongate members. The receptacle defines a central axis and has a dispensing end with first and second substantially linear and parallel opposed edges that define an axial limit of the dispensing end. The plastic film material forms a film tube about the receptacle. The first and second elongate members are substantially parallel with the first and second edges. In operation, the ram is extended to eject the batch of material through the dispensing end into the film tube. Retracting the ram forms a partial vacuum within the film tube between the batch of material and the ram. The first and second elongate members compressively engage the film tube between the batch of material and the dispensing end and thereby form folded flaps in the film tube. A method of packaging is also disclosed. |
| US07891155B2 |
Sheet metal header beam
A sheet-metal header beam is constructed from a single sheet of sheet metal (10). It is folded to form an upper channel (58) having a bottom wall (12) and inner sidewalls (14, 16). The upper boundaries of the sidewalls (14, 16) form corners (24, 28) with top walls (30, 32) which in turn form corners (26, 28) with outside walls (38, 40). Lower portions of the outside walls (30, 40) and regions (50, 52) form sidewalls of a lower channel (60). Regions (50, 52) are bent at corners (42, 44) to form flanges (46, 48) which form a top for the lower channel (60). |
| US07891153B2 |
Energy-free refrigeration door and method for making the same
The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation, to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass. A low emissivity coating is disposed on the unexposed surfaces of the inner and outer sheets of glass so that the glass door as a whole has a U value that prevents formation of condensation on the outer surface of the outer sheet of the glass door, without the application of electricity to heat the door, while also providing the desired evaporation rate of condensation from the inner side of the inner sheet of the glass door. |
| US07891152B2 |
Sliding door arrangement
A sliding door arrangement includes a plurality of door units; at least one upright post connecting adjacent door units; a lower beam located at the bottom of and connected with the upright post; and a plurality of cross rod assemblies disposed at one side or both sides of the door units respectively to adjust the tightness of the sliding door arrangement. The sliding door arrangement of the present invention can be packaged and transported in separate parts and then quickly and conveniently assembled on site. In addition, the sliding door arrangement of the present invention is perfectly integral and decorative and provides sufficient strength. |
| US07891147B2 |
Profile for a light wall and light wall profile system
A profile for a light wall includes at least one first, essentially closed hollow chamber, into which a connector can be inserted on at least one end side of the profile, and at least one second hollow chamber having a system groove running essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis on a lateral outer face, into which a holder for a wall element, which can be arranged essentially parallel to the lateral outer face, can be inserted. The profile includes at least one third hollow chamber with at least one cable groove, which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis and emerges from a cover face and/or a bottom face. The profile and profile system may be used, for example, for trade fairs and exhibitions. |
| US07891145B1 |
Spool-mounted coiled structural extending member
A very lightweight long-range extending member formed from assembled tapes. The strength of an extended structure can be greatly increased by forming a composite structure from individual single tapes. This invention describes various composite structures and the means for forming them. |
| US07891144B2 |
Adjustable heavy girder tiedown
An adjustable connector is provided for connecting an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and an elongate generally horizontal supported structural member. The connector is provided with a side attachment member that attaches to an elongate substantially vertical supporting structural member and a cap that attaches to the elongate generally horizontal supported structural member, with a pin connection that enables rotation between the cap and the side attachment member. |
| US07891135B2 |
Planter
A planter is fabricated to be suspended from a wall, window, or other partition. The planter generally includes a planter element for holding a flower or plant, a planter casing which supports the planter element, and a suspension member for mounting the planter to the partition. The planter casing is open on top to allow planter elements to be placed therein, and has perforated sides which allow visual inspection of the contents within the sides. The planter may also have two or more recessed portions in which the planters can be positioned. The recessed portions can be parallel may have a saddlebag appearance. The suspension member may partially separate the recessed portions, and allow some overlap between the recessed portions. Dual-function elements may also be added to provide structural and ornamental features to the planter casing, and may further be selectively added to complement decorative features of the partition. The planter also includes water management with integrated sprinklers and/or drip irrigation bubblers for ease in watering plants housed and displayed in the planter. |
| US07891128B2 |
Systems and methods for local and remote stun functions in electronic weaponry
An electronic weapon system includes a terminal for a local stun function, a deployment unit for a remote stun function, and a barrier, removal of which during deployment enables a circuit for the remote stun function that includes the terminal. A method performed by an electronic weapon includes: (a) enabling a stimulator of the weapon to provide a current; (b) in response to a first operator control of the weapon, and when proximate to target tissue, passing the current through a first circuit that includes the target tissue; (c) blocking a second circuit of the weapon with a barrier of the weapon; (d) in response to a second operator control of the weapon, propelling an electrode of the weapon to a remote target, reducing blocking by the barrier, and passing the current via the second circuit that includes the electrode and the target tissue; and (e) in response to a second operation of the first operator control, and if proximate to target tissue, passing the current through the target tissue via the first circuit instead of passing the current through the second circuit, and if not proximate to target tissue, passing the current via the second circuit through the electrode and through the target tissue. |
| US07891127B2 |
Systems and methods for deploying electrodes from a covered cavity for electronic weaponry
An electronic weapon impedes locomotion by a target by conducting a current through an electrode and through the target to produce contractions in skeletal muscles of the target. The weapon may include a deployment unit to deploy one or more electrodes in trajectories toward the target. The deployment unit may include covered tubes for the electrodes. Removing the cover may be accomplished with a ram urged against the interior of the cover by an electrode. The cover may include frangible material with grooves for repeatable material separation. The cover may include fasteners that simplify assembly of the cover onto the body of the deployment unit. The fasteners may include hooks with grooves that disjoin from the cover enabling a more repeatable removal of the cover. Electrode trajectories are more accurate as a result of operation of the rams and the structures of the frangible cover. |
| US07891124B1 |
Picture hanger
A frame hanger apparatus including a rectangular wall piece for attachment to a wall and a frame piece attachable to a picture frame. The wall piece has front and back surfaces, the front surface having a lower lip and an upper lip formed thereon. The lower lip has an arced top surface, and the upper lip has first and second elongated horizontally disposed mounting slots positioned therein. The frame piece has a lip projecting from the front surface which has an arced surface thereon. The arced top surface of the wall piece is dimensioned to dovetail with the arced surface of the lip of the frame piece and an overhanging lip on the wall piece is positioned so as to lock the wall piece and frame piece together. |
| US07891116B1 |
Footwear and its manufacture
A rubberless neoprene boot waterproofed from the inside comprised of a composite sock fabricated from a neoprene foam, coated with a polyurethane film sandwiched by an inner boot liner and a stretchable external layer that may be stretched and formed upon a shoe last. A composite upper shaft section made of neoprene foam, polyurethane film and an inner boot liner, and a semi-stretchable external durable fabric extending from said sock. An external foot jacket jacketing the sock forming an upper boot unit having internal seams with a series of thermoplastic heat sealing tapes to collectively seal all said internal seams against the penetration of moisture and a toe reinforcing stiffener and a heel reinforcing stiffener located between the stretchable external layer of said sock and the foot jacket. An inner sole secured to the sock and an outer sole securely anchored to a bottom end of the inner sole. |
| US07891114B2 |
Biomass converters and processes
This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer. |
| US07891110B2 |
Suspension of anchor bolts
A self-checking anchor bolt suspension assembly includes an array of suspension segments each including equally sized openings distributed in a spaced relationship therein for engaging in suspension resilient tubular caps provided with annular tapered cavities communicating through annular apertures at the lower ends thereof. The aperture size and the cavity taper are selected so that the threaded shank of an anchor bolt of only a singular dimensional increment is receivable and resiliently grasped therein and the caps are each color coded in accordance with the shank size of the bolt. In this manner the color coding provides a quick visual assurance that only the properly sized anchor bolts are deployed for immersion into the poured concrete. |
| US07891108B1 |
Utility box marking device
This application describes a device for making where to locate and to cut the opening for a utility box, windows, panels or other openings on a sheet of building material. This marking device comprises a metal wire mesh screen mounted to or within a rigid peripheral frame and a magnetic template, which mimics the size of the opening to be cut or the object to be measured. This template is magnetically or removably attached to the planar or flat wire mesh screen and aligned with a mounted utility box. Once the flat magnet or template is appropriately placed on the first surface or area to be measured, the marking device is placed upon the second surface or on the sheet of building material (including without limitation plywood or drywall), and the user can trace the location of the opening to be cut using a pen, pencil or other marking implement. |
| US07891107B2 |
Gauge for determining angle of sloped ground and method of using same
A gauge for determining the angle of sloped ground includes a panel, having a transparent window located in it, which can be held by a user so that the sloped ground can be viewed through the window. The panel has a spatial reference associated with it which allows the panel to be oriented properly with respect to the horizontal or vertical. Inscribed on the window are a positioning indicia and a plurality of lines which radiate outwardly from the positioning indicia at specific angles with respect to the horizontal. In use the panel is held such that the positioning indicia is located on the slope. The user can then determine which one of the lines overlies the slope. The angle associated with that line is the angle of the slope. |
| US07891104B2 |
Method and an engagement sensor device for engagement measurement for a machine tool
In a method and an engagement sensor device for engagement measurement for a machine tool for processing workpieces using tools or a laser the machine tool possesses a clamping device with a clamping face for clamping an object, in particular a tool or a workpiece and the engagement sensor device is provided for the measurement or engagement of a face of clamped object at the clamping face or any gap between the face of the clamped object and the clamping face. The sensor device comprises at least one engagement sensor, arranged to the side of the clamping face, with a measurement range aligned in the direction of the gap or of the clamping face for the detection of an electrical or magnetic stimulation field, such field extending between the face of clamped object and the clamping face and being able to be influenced by any gap, the measurement range extending essentially along the clamping face in accordance with a depth direction of any gap or parallel to the clamping face. |
| US07891102B2 |
Nanowire magnetic compass and position sensor
A nanowire magnetic sensor and position sensor for determining the position of a magnetic object and direction of magnetic field is disclosed herein. The magnetic compass includes a number of magnetic nanosensor printed on a flexible substrate, which covers 360-degree angle at equal intervals. Each magnetic nanosensor generally includes magneto-resistive nanowires with high magnetic sensitivity printed in sets e.g. of ten on the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate can also be bent to form a circular configuration to detect the azimuth direction of the magnetic field. The individual nanosensors can be connected into resistive Wheatstone bridge configurations by metalization. The magnetic nanosensors can be utilized as a position sensor of a magnetic object for position determination. Additional electronics can also be mounted or printed on the flexible substrate from other type of nanowires. |
| US07891099B2 |
Damped guiding unit and portable implement
A damped guiding unit for a portable implement includes a connection element arranged at one end of a guide rod element, for connection of a tool element for the sawing, cutting and/or scything of undergrowth or of grass. A damping element is arranged on the connection element for the damping of oscillations or vibrations caused by the tool element. A holding element is arranged on the guide rod element for holding the portable implement. The holding element and the connection element are structural elements which are respectively separated from each other in that the holding element is associated with a first assembly and the connection element is associated with a further assembly separated from the first assembly. The holding element is further arranged at a distance from the connection element between the one end and the other end of the guide rod element, so that both a direct guiding of the portable implement and also an intensive vibration damping of the holding element is achieved. |
| US07891089B2 |
Printed board with component mounting pin
A printed circuit board according to the present invention is a printed circuit board (4) including a component mounting pin (1) made of a metal wire to connect with a semiconductor chip (10). The semiconductor chip (10) is a surface mounting type semiconductor chip having an electrode pad on its mounting surface for use in a flip-chip mounting system. The component mounting pin (1) is formed by using wire-bonding technology. This printed circuit board (4) is able to decrease malconnections or disconnection caused by a difference between the coefficients of thermal expansion of the semiconductor chip (10) and the printed circuit board (4). |
| US07891086B2 |
Method of stringing a first elongate element into a second elongate element
A method for stringing a first elongate element through a second elongate element is provided by placing the first elongate element in a channel and injecting compressed gas into the channel to propel the first elongate element therethrough. The channel has a first open end, and the second elongate element is sealed around the first open end. Compressed gas is injected into the channel towards the second elongate element, propelling the first elongate element through the second elongate element. Also disclosed is a system for performing such a method, including a source of compressed gas and a housing having a channel with a first end and a second open end. The first end is in fluid communication with the source of compressed gas. The channel has a tapered portion adjacent the open end of the channel, and the channel defines a straight longitudinal axis between the first end and the second open end. |
| US07891083B2 |
Apparatus for assembling semiconductor chip module
An assembling apparatus is disclosed. The assembling apparatus includes a base, an assembling platform, and a driving part. The assembling platform and the driving part are fixed on the base. The assembling platform defines a receiving space for receiving a semiconductor chip module, a lever chamber for receiving clips of the semiconductor chip module, and a driving groove for connecting the receiving space and the lever chamber. The assembling platform further includes a lever bar removably placed in the lever chamber for expanding the clips. The driving part includes driving shafts. An end of each of the driving shafts is in the driving groove and is movable to pass through the lever chamber and reaches the receiving space. The assembling apparatus is used to assemble a semiconductor chip module conveniently and safely. |
| US07891078B1 |
Sensor-based feedback method for improved assembly of vacuum electronic devices
A method of improving efficiency of manufacturing a vacuum electronic device, includes placing sensors on the device's interior during its construction and obtaining a first measured characteristic value; comparing the first measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value; determining whether the first measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; adjusting a component of the device and measuring the characteristic of the device to obtain a second measured characteristic, comparing the second measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value, determining whether the second measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; and repeating the previous step until the second measured characteristic value is within the predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value. |
| US07891076B2 |
Expandable chuck
The process provides an expandable chuck with a variable diameter bulb having a variable wall thickness, the chuck being operatively designed to stretch the bulb to reduce its diameter for insertion into a photoreceptor pipe and upon relaxation to the compress the bulb so as to increase its diameter. The design provides a universal chuck to reduce the cost of changing to different diameter chucks in accommodating different size photoreceptors during the coating and drying process. |
| US07891073B2 |
Method of assembling two parts, at least one of which is made of a composite, and insert for carrying out the assembly
A method for bonding a first part made of a composite to a second part to a predetermined dimension is disclosed. The method includes placing an insert into the first part, a first surface of the insert protruding beyond the predetermined dimension; machining the insert until the first surface is at the predetermined dimension; placing the second part on the insert; and fastening the second part via the insert. The use of an insert makes it possible to produce, with high precision, a reproducible assembly, which can still be dismantled. |
| US07891072B2 |
Joining frame components with a Z connection
A web truss and a chord truss are joined or connected to each other. Each truss has an extruded hole with flanges, collars and combinations of flanges and collars. When a tool placed against the flanges they are expanded to form Z configurations. When the tool is placed against a collar the collar folds over another member's bottom portion or, depending on the configuration, another member's collar. These configurations and the folding of collars act to inhibit separation of the trusses from each other. The method and assembly are ideally suited for automated processes in a Just In Time fashion. |
| US07891068B2 |
Recovery method of electric appliance
A mark is displayed to a manually scrapped component capable of being disassembled manually without disassembling or crushing by machine at the time of discard or recovery of an electric appliance after use, and the manually scrapped component is manually scrapped from a product, and in the case of crushing by machine thereafter, the mark display is a mark capable of separation into plural kinds of substance on which a cost burden is imposed and valuable substance after recovery, and scrapping can be performed easily at low cost. |
| US07891065B2 |
Method of manufacturing of a liquid jet head, method of manufacturing of a piezoelectric element and a liquid jet apparatus
In a step of forming a piezoelectric precursor film, an application solution is applied onto each of flow passage forming substrate wafers to form piezoelectric precursor films one by one on each of the plurality of flow passage forming substrate wafers constituting a flow passage forming substrate wafer group, and an order of the flow passage forming substrate wafers for starting the application of the application solution to be turned into each of the piezoelectric precursor films is varied by the predetermined number of wafers of the flow passage forming substrate wafer group. |
| US07891060B2 |
Clamp
A clamp for an oil well line is disclosed, the clamp having a casing, typically a pair of wedge members defining a line receiving recess between them and wherein the wedge member are movable within a channel in the casing to move together and grip the line when axial force is applied to the line. The radially outermost faces of the wedge members are typically shaped to match the taper of the channel in the casing, and so are pressed together as they move axially down the tapered channel. One wall of the channel is typically movable to disengage from the wedge member when the gripping force is to be removed. The line-receiving recess can be in the form of an arc or a dog leg, and can be lined with a high friction material or a softer material to minimize damage to the line by the clamping force. |
| US07891058B2 |
Elastic cord with adjustable loop
A restraint of elastic cord includes a loop for securement about a fixed object. A lock on the cord is positionable therealong to vary loop size. Tensioning of the cord by momentarily applied manual force permits positioning of the lock along the cord. |
| US07891054B2 |
Hinge for automotive vehicle doors
A hinge for vehicle doors includes: a first part fixable to a vehicle door and including an essentially vertical pin; a second part fixable to a frame of the vehicle and including an essentially cylindrical and vertical first cavity that houses the vertical pin; and a retaining device that retains infinite angular positions between the first and second parts. The retaining device includes: a sleeve surrounding the pin in the first cavity and an engagement member arranged between the pin and the sleeve. The engagement member couples the sleeve to the pin in any angular rest position of the hinge and automatically decouples the sleeve from the pin during relative rotation between the first and second parts. An interruption of the relative rotation between the first and second parts causes the engagement member to automatically couple the sleeve to the pin. |
| US07891053B2 |
Releasably interlocking instrument handle and method of use thereof
In one preferred aspect, a set of interlocking instrument handles is provided that permits a user to directly engage a locking element to releasably lock one instrument to another instrument. In another preferred aspect, a locking collar is provided for locking instrument handles to one another. In a further preferred aspect, a method is provided for locking instrument handles to one another. |
| US07891051B2 |
Wheel assembly
A wheel assembly has a housing, a wheel, a rotating device and a controlling device. The housing has a sleeve, an extending portion extending laterally from the sleeve, and brackets extending from opposite sides of the housing. The wheel is rotatablely mounted between the brackets of the housing via a shaft. A rotating device includes a lower pole for engaging with the sleeve of the housing, and a fixing element at bottom of the lower pole for fixing the lower pole on the sleeve in assembly. The controlling device includes a limiting element and a pressing element cooperating with each other to limit direction of the housing and rotation of the wheel simultaneously. The limiting element is mounted in the extending portion and adjacent to the wheel in assembly. The pressing element is mounted on an end of the extending portion for driving the limiting element. |
| US07891050B2 |
Handle assembly for a cleaning appliance
A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion and a tubular wand having an open end configured to receive tools or other accessories when the cleaning appliance is in use. The handle assembly also includes a wand cap which is movable between a first position in which the wand cap covers the open end of the tubular wand and a second position in which the open end of the tubular wand is not covered by the wand cap. The wand cap is releasably connected to the handle portion or the tubular wand in a snap-fit manner. This provides an advantageous construction which reduces the risk of damage and the cost of repair. |
| US07891049B1 |
Deep cleaner with heat-retaining skirt
An upright extraction cleaning machine for cleaning a surface comprises a base assembly having a housing having at least one side wall and a rear wall extending toward the surface. A source of heated air is enclosed within the base assembly and the heated air is dischargeable through a bottom of the base assembly to the surface. At least one side wall skirt extends from the at least one side wall toward the surface, and a rear wall skirt extends from the rear wall toward the surface. The at least one side wall skirt and the rear wall skirt define an enclosed space beneath the base assembly for retaining heated air discharged from the base assembly against the surface. |
| US07891048B2 |
Vacuum truck with collapsible scraper and pivot relief
A scraper truck includes a main scraper mounted to a wheeled vehicle and side scrapers pivoted to the main scraper at its ends. The side scrapers are pivotally movable between extended lateral positions where the side scrapers extend outboard of the opposite ends for collecting debris located outboard of the vehicle's width, and a retracted position where the side scrapers are in overlapped juxtaposed storage positions close to and in front of the main scraper. The main scraper has a front face that is concavely shaped. The scraper mount defines a vertical pivot axis and the scraper assembly is rotatable about the vertical pivot axis upon striking an object toward an end of the scraper. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the scraper toward a centered forwardly-facing position, and a shear pin is configured to break prior to damage to the scraper or vehicle frame. |
| US07891047B2 |
Steam broom for floor cleaning
It is a new steam broom for floor cleaning with a boiler (C) for steam production connected to two ducts for steam delivery, the delivery duct (CF) for front jets and the delivery duct (C1) for lower jets and a detergent delivery duct (CD), the opening or closing of the valve (VU) for steam output from the boiler is controlled by the operation device (DA), connected to the arm (M1) of the handle (M), so that the rotation of said arm (M1) around the hinge (M′) causes the displacement of said operating device (DA), thus causing the opening of said output valve (Vu). Said boiler (C) comprises two pressure gauges (P1) and (P2), a device for jet deflection (D) shuts one or more delivery ducts (CF), (C1) and (CD) by compressing them. |
| US07891046B2 |
Apparatus for generating sparged, electrochemically activated liquid
An apparatus is provided, which includes a sparging device and a functional generator. The functional generator is in fluid communication with the sparging device and includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane. |
| US07891045B2 |
Robot cleaner system having robot cleaner and docking station
Disclosed is a robot cleaner system having superior functions of sucking dust and exhausting dust to a docking station. The robot cleaner includes a dust suction port to suck dust, a dust collecting chamber to collect dust introduced through the dust suction port, a dust exhaust port to exhaust dust collected in the dust collecting chamber to the docking station, a connection path extending from the dust suction port to the dust exhaust port in adjacent to the dust collecting chamber, and a valve device provided between the connection path and the dust collecting chamber, an opening/closing of the valve device allowing the dust collecting chamber to selectively communicate with the dust suction port or the dust exhaust port according to a pressure difference between the dust collecting chamber and the connection path. |
| US07891044B2 |
Device for detachably linking a wiper blade with a driven wiper arm
The invention relates to a device and a method for releasably connecting a wiper blade to a drivable wiper arm. In one embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the coupling section has a tongue-like insertion section, in that the connecting element has a seat for the insertion section, and in that the coupling section and the connecting element have securing sections for providing a mutual permanent connection. |
| US07891043B2 |
Winshield wiping device
Disclosed is a windshield wiper device (10), comprising a wiper bearing (16) which is essentially composed of a molded tube (18) that can be fastened to a motor vehicle by means of a fastening element (20). A wiper shaft (22) to which a wiper lever can be fastened is positioned in the molded tube (18). A predetermined breaking point (32) is provided on the fastening element (20) in such a way that the wiper bearing (16) is able to dip into the interior of the motor vehicle in case a defined and essentially axial force acts on the wiper shaft (22). The predetermined breaking point (32) is embodied as a hole in this case. |
| US07891038B2 |
Sewer cleaning machine
Disclosed herein is an improved rotary drain cleaning machine having an improved support structure that prevents walking of the machine when in use. The machine is supported upon two rear mounted wheels and a forward pedestal. |
| US07891037B2 |
Motorized waterproof fluid dispenser
A motorized waterproof fluid dispenser and applicator is disclosed. The device manually dispenses at least one liquid from a filled container through one or more openings in the device's moving applicator surface. The device itself is waterproof, and designed to be used in a shower or bathtub. Pressure applied by a user during fluid application does not appreciably dampen applicator movement. The motor moving the applicator is suspended within the device allowing motion to be transmitted directly to the applicator while motion is only weakly transmitted to the outside of the device held by a user. Removable or disposable pads may be affixed to the applicator surface to present a variety of applicator surfaces or heat. The batteries may be replaced, providing for a long overall lifetime of the device while also providing for its inexpensive manufacture. |
| US07891036B2 |
Multi-function power washer
A power washer is provided with a transport frame, a wash unit and a gun. The wash unit and the gun may be separated from the transport frame to be used in multiple modes. Possible modes include a walk-behind mode, a spray mode and hand wash modes. A quick connection is also provided to make it easier to disconnect and reconnect various components of the power washer. |
| US07891034B2 |
Door mounted change table
A door mountable infant change table comprising a base structure and a changing area platform structure hingedly attached to each other and capable of vertical mounting on the surface of a door or similar structure through the use of straps secured by brackets to the top and bottom rims of a door or other structure that allow for sliding the change table and securing it to a height suited to the person changing the infant at the change table by means of clips provided near the holes of the change table through which the straps are threaded. |
| US07891030B1 |
Child training bathroom toilet
A toilet for use with training a child is provided. The toilet comprises a main toilet portion having a backrest and a pair of arm rests. A bowl rests within the main toilet portion. A seat is positioned over the bowl. A CD player is integrated into the main toilet portion. A plurality of finger-shaped recesses are formed on a top surface and front surface of the arm rests with the child's fingers receivable within the recesses. A sensor is positioned between the main toilet portion and the bowl with the bowl resting upon the sensor wherein upon the child contacting the finger-shaped recesses, the arm rests and recesses light up and make sounds and wherein upon bodily waste entering the bowl, the weight change of the bowl against the sensor automatically activates the CD player. |
| US07891029B2 |
Bedpan
A bedpan for collecting waste includes a seating area and a plurality of cavities. The seating area is located in a main body of the bedpan. The plurality of cavities is formed within the seating area and includes a first cavity for collecting liquid waste and a second cavity for collecting solid waste. The first cavity and the second cavity are separated by a divider. |
| US07891027B2 |
Drain vent seal
A seal assembly for a drain vent is provided to direct the pressure exerted by a plunger to the face of a drain clog rather than escaping through the drain vent. The seal assembly of the invention comprises a tubular body having a first closed end and a second open end to define a substantially rigid a cup-like structure or cavity. A sealing member concentric with a longitudinal axis of the tubular body is attached to the second open end of the tubular body to form a seal against a surface containing the drain vent. A handle is attached to the closed end of the cup-like structure and extends away from the closed first end of the tubular body to provide a mechanism for the user to hold the sealing member against the surface containing the drain vent during the plunging process. |
| US07891020B2 |
Functional apparel item, in particular NBC protective apparel with integrated measuring appliance
The invention concerns a functional apparel item, in particular protective apparel having a protective function against biological and/or chemical toxicant or noxiant materials, the apparel item being equipped with a measuring appliance capturing at least one measurable quantity and adapted for determining the serviceability of the apparel item. |
| US07891018B2 |
Knee protective device
A knee protective device for garments comprising of at least one pocket in the vicinity of the knees having an opening for receiving an insert for protecting the wearer's knees. |
| US07891017B2 |
Ball catching tool for baseball or softball
A ball catching tool for baseball or softball includes a thumb-stall receiving the thumb, an index-finger-stall receiving the index finger, a middle-finger-stall receiving the middle finger, a ring-finger-stall receiving the ring finger and a little-finger-stall receiving the little finger; wherein a ball catching assisting portion of at least 6.15 mm and at most 26.6 mm in height is provided on a ball catching side surface of the thumb-stall or its root portion. |
| US07895663B1 |
Security system for communicating data between a mobile handset and a management server
A security system for communicating data between a mobile handset and a management server facilitates secure communication of data/code between a mobile handset and a carrier network employing a selective combination of at least a portion of a piece of information dynamically sent to the mobile handset by the carrier network and a static piece of information made available to the mobile handset. The mobile handset comprises a management client, device wrappers, a transport client and a device reader. The carrier network comprises a management server, a transport server, an optional provisioning system and an optional billing system. |
| US07895662B1 |
Systems and methods for the remote deletion of pre-flagged data
Disclosed herein is a method for the secure deletion of data stored within a data processing system. The method includes the steps of executing a flag routine, wherein data is flagged for possible future deletion; executing an authorization routine to authorize the deletion of the flagged data; and receiving a deletion trigger, the deletion trigger initiating the execution of a data deletion routine to delete the flagged data. An exemplary data processing system configured to delete the flagged data is also provided. |
| US07895661B2 |
Method and system for secure network-based distribution of content
A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users. |
| US07895659B1 |
Method of assessing security of an information access system
A method of assessing security of an information access system by selecting at least one verification mechanism, estimating an error tradeoff plot showing false acceptance rate versus false rejection rate for each verification mechanism, selecting a corresponding false acceptance rate and false rejection rate pair from each error plot, combining the false acceptance rates to determine intrusion protection, combining the false rejection rates to determine denial protection, and combining intrusion protection and denial protection as the assessment of the information access system. |
| US07895654B1 |
Efficient file scanning using secure listing of file modification times
A scanning optimization manager efficiently scans files for malicious code. The scanning optimization manager maintains a non-tamperable record of modifications to files on a volume. The scanning optimization manager receives at least one malicious code signature. Responsive to the receipt of the at least one malicious code signature, the scanning optimization manager scans at least some files on the volume for the at least one malicious code signature at a priority corresponding to an associated modification status. |
| US07895652B2 |
System to enable detecting attacks within encrypted traffic
A system and method for detecting network attacks within encrypted network traffic received by a protected network includes a decryption module and an adaptor module. This system and method can be inserted and used with multiple types of operating systems. |
| US07895651B2 |
Content tracking in a network security system
A security system provides a defense from known and unknown viruses, worms, spyware, hackers, and unwanted or unknown software. The system can implement centralized policies that allow an administrator to approve, block, quarantine, or log file activities. The system maintains file meta-information in the hosts and in the server. A host detects file operations which can cause changes to file content or file name, and updates the host and/or server meta-information as a result. Changes in server meta-information are made available to hosts. |
| US07895649B1 |
Dynamic rule generation for an enterprise intrusion detection system
A method for dynamically generating rules for an enterprise intrusion detection system comprises receiving a packet flow from a sensor. The packet flow is dynamically processed to detect if the packet flow represents an attack on the enterprise system. A response message is automatically generated in response to the attack, the response message comprising a signature to identify the attack. The response message is automatically communicated to a response message file, the response message file comprising at least one response message. |
| US07895648B1 |
Reliably continuing a secure connection when the address of a machine at one end of the connection changes
An end machine (connected to one end of secure connection) may reliably continue to use the security association (SA) even if the self_address (usually the address of the interface) of the end machine changes. The end machine includes the new IP address in the payload of a packet (e.g., an address update message) sent to another end machine at the other end of the connection. The payload can be encrypted and authenticated to avoid third party attacks. As a result, connectivity can restored for user applications reliably and quickly without requiring substantial computations and/or data exchanges. |
| US07895647B2 |
KVM switch
File management methods are disclosed, in which a host acquires at least one input signal from an input device via a keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switch having a security key and determines whether the input signal comprises a first request for encrypting or decrypting at least one specific file. When the input signal comprises the first request by the host, the host acquires the security key from the KVM switch and encrypts or decrypts the specific file via the security key. |
| US07895641B2 |
Method and system for dynamic network intrusion monitoring, detection and response
A probe attached to a customer's network collects status data and other audit information from monitored components of the network, looking for footprints or evidence of unauthorized intrusions or attacks. The probe filters and analyzes the collected data to identify potentially security-related events happening on the network. Identified events are transmitted to a human analyst for problem resolution. The analyst has access to a variety of databases (including security intelligence databases containing information about known vulnerabilities of particular network products and characteristics of various hacker tools, and problem resolution databases containing information relevant to possible approaches or solutions) to aid in problem resolution. The analyst may follow a predetermined escalation procedure in the event he or she is unable to resolve the problem without assistance from others. Various customer personnel can be alerted in a variety of ways depending on the nature of the problem and the status of its resolution. Feedback from problem resolution efforts can be used to update the knowledge base available to analysts for future attacks and to update the filtering and analysis capabilities of the probe and other systems. |
| US07895640B2 |
Method for control of gaming systems and for generating random numbers
An apparatus for implementing a game having a deterministic component and a non-deterministic component wherein a player uses the game through at least one player interface unit. Each player interface unit generates a player record indicating player-initiated events. A random number generator provides a series of pseudo-random numbers and a rules library stores indexed rules for one or more games. An interface registry stores mapping records where the mapping records are used to associate the player-initiated events to pre-selected rules in the rules library. A control means is coupled to the player interface to receive the output of the player interface unit, coupled to the interface registry, the rules library, and the random number generator. The control means processes the player record and returns an output record to the player interface unit where the output record is determined by executing the game's rules with reference to the pseudo-random numbers and predefined combinatorial algorithms for selecting sets of the pseudo-random numbers. |
| US07895636B2 |
Apparatus for outputting content
In a content output apparatus which is connected to at least one content playback apparatus, lists of content which are respectively reproducible by the connected content playback apparatuses are acquired. When the acquired lists of the content are output in order for a user to select any of the listed content, the content playback apparatus capable of playing back the selected content is specified, and a playback instruction signal for instructing the specified content playback apparatus to play back the selected content is output so as to output a signal which is pertinent to the content played back by the content playback apparatus. As a result, the content output apparatus is more convenient to use. |
| US07895634B2 |
Data processing method, data processing apparatus, and program and data recording medium therefor
An editing apparatus captures material data of audio and/or image data, edits the material data and generates main data. When an instruction to limit reproduction operation of the main data is made, the associated information including limitation information for limiting the reproduction operation of the main data so as to get a desired quality of content-representation is generated. The associated information is combined with the edited main data so that they are transmitted as the content data. Content-sending apparatus generates sending-data based on the data to transmit it. When the associated information including limitation information for limiting the reproduction operation of the main data is combined with the main data, content-reproducing apparatus performs reproduction operation based on the limitation information and controls reproduction speed, display size and the like. Content-representation apparatus represents audio and image at desired quality. |
| US07895632B2 |
Cable diagnostic and monitoring system
A cable television diagnostic method for a cable television network consistent with certain embodiments involves sending a polling message to a plurality of modems forming a part of a plurality of television set top boxes from a cable television headend via a cable television cable connection to the set top boxes; wherein the polling message instructs the cable television set top boxes to obtain at least one operational parameter of each of the television set top boxes; receiving a plurality of response messages from the cable television set top boxes, each containing the at least one operational parameter of the television set top boxes; determining that one of the operational parameters from one of the television set top boxes is outside of a specified range of values; and aggregating the operational parameters of the plurality of set top boxes received in the response messages to determine if the same operational parameter is outside the range of specified values for more than the one of the television set top boxes. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US07895631B1 |
Wireless set-top unit and related methods
Disclosed is a set-top box capable of delivering television, internet service, video phone service, video-on-demand, and other media services to a consumer. One portion of the set-top box interacts with a CDMA network for the purpose of receiving wireless internet, video-on-demand, videophone and other IP services. Another portion of the device is satellite-enabled. The satellite portion of the device enables the user to also receive satellite service. Because the set-top box works to receive satellite programming and wireless CDMA network communications, it is not terrestrially-bound. This means it is not bound to be included within a cable, telephone, or other wired circuit network. |
| US07895629B1 |
Video service buffer management in a mobile rate control enabled network
A system for a mobile wireless device to receive and display a video stream while preventing overflow or starvation of its receive buffer by requesting changes to the video streaming or encoding rates and by controlling the video playback frame rate. The current receive buffer level is used to make comparisons with several thresholds, the results of which are used to trigger actions. If the current receive buffer level has risen above a start level, then playback of the video can begin. If the current receive buffer level rises above an early detection threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to slow its streaming rate. If the current receive buffer level rises above a high level threshold, then the video streaming device is requested to stop streaming the video. If the current receive buffer level drops below a low level threshold, then the playback frame rate is slowed. |
| US07895627B2 |
Pre-fragmentation of data destined for low resource clients
Program data for use in electronic program guides is fragmented in advance of delivery to a low resource client. In the described implementation, the program data is fragmented into equal size fragments. The size of each fragment is selected to guarantee that the data fragments will fit in pre-allocated memory segments at the client. When the program data is delivered to the client, the client stores the data packets in the memory segments without making system calls to the memory. |
| US07895623B2 |
Digital broadcast and transmission system including more detailed PSIP information
A digital broadcasting transmission system according to an embodiment, including a plurality of single program encoders configured to encode and multiplex respective single programs including video and audio signals and data signals, a PSIP generator configured to generate PSIP (program and system information protocol), the PSIP providing detailed information on video and audio broadcasting programs and data broadcasting programs to be multiplexed in the single program encoders, a multiple program multiplexer configured to multiplex a digital broadcasting stream transmitted from the plurality of signal program encoders and the PSIP transmitted from the PSIP generator, and a transmitter configured to transmit digital broadcasting signals multiplexed in the multiple program multiplexer. Further, the PSIP of the data broadcasting programs includes more detailed PSIP information in addition to a name of and show time of the digital broadcast programs such that when a selectable item associated with a respective broadcast program is selected, the more detailed PSIP information is displayed. |
| US07895618B2 |
Emergency alert message data structure, emergency alert message signaling method, and cable broadcasting system
An emergency alert message data structure, an emergency alert message signaling method, and a cable broadcasting system using the same are disclosed. The data structure includes a scroll rate field representing a scroll rate of an emergency alert text to be scrolled across a portion of a video screen. The emergency alert (EA) signaling method includes the steps of identifying an emergency alert message included in a cable broadcast signal, the emergency alert message including emergency alert text data representing an emergency alert text to be displayed, and a scroll rate field representing a scroll rate of the emergency alert text, and scrolling the emergency alert text across a first portion of a video screen according to the scroll rate indicated in the scroll rate field. |
| US07895612B2 |
Disk loading device having positioning and detection levers that move entirely outside an outermost circumference of an area occupied by a disk mounted therein
Two positioning levers for positioning a disk and two detecting levers are provided outside an area in a disk loading device where the disk is to be mounted. A large-diameter disk is positioned when both of the two detecting levers come in contact with the disk. At the time of insertion of a small-diameter disk when one of the detecting levers comes in contact with the disk, the two positioning levers do not move and the small-diameter disk is positioned. |
| US07895608B1 |
Virtual processing chains
One embodiment of the invention is an architecture for improving the performance of a computer system containing a plurality of hardware input/output devices. The architecture implements an operating system configured to perform all related input/output operations within the operating system kernel. Thus, the operating system enables a first device driver that produces data to pass data directly to a second device driver that consumes data, without a context switch. One advantage of this approach is that computer system performance may be substantially increased due to a reduction in context switching. |
| US07895606B2 |
Method for improving temporal consistency and snapshot recency in a monitored real-time software-reporting-application architecture
An object-oriented software application is provided for receiving updates that change state of an object model and reporting those updates to requesting users. The application includes a database application for storing data; an object model driver for writing updates into the database; a notification system for notifying about the updates; and, a plurality of external monitors for reading the updates. In a preferred embodiment the object model produces multiple temporal snapshots of itself in co-currency with received events, each snapshot containing associated update information from an associated event and whereupon at the time of occurrence of each snapshot coinciding with an event the notification system notifies the appropriate external monitor or monitors, which in turn access the appropriate snapshot, performs calculations thereupon if required and renders the information accessible to the users. |
| US07895604B2 |
Method and device for event communication between documents
A method for sending data from a first to a second document when both documents are loaded by a user agent implemented on a client device. The method may comprise the execution of a script in the first document, said script providing the data to be sent to the second document. The user agent may be configured to retrieve information uniquely identifying the first document as well as an origin of the first document. This information may have been collected by the user agent when the document was first loaded, and may not be influenced by the script. The user agent may then send a message to the second document containing the data provided by the script in the first document and the identification of the first document. |
| US07895597B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product enabling full pre-emptive scheduling of green threads on a virtual machine
Disclosed is a computer program product, a method and a device to execute a native code thread in a virtual machine environment. The method includes, prior to executing the native code thread, storing a pointer pointing to a current top of a native stack; initiating generation of an interrupt; beginning execution of the native code thread; upon an occurrence of the interrupt, determining if the native code thread is still executing and, if it is; recording a current status of the native code thread; interrupting execution of the native code thread; and when returning to execute the interrupted native code thread, retrieving the stored state of the native code thread. |
| US07895596B2 |
Processor assignment in multi-processor systems
To assign a plurality of processes to a plurality of processors in a multi-processor computer system, a plurality of processes are attached to a memory segment shared between a plurality of processors. A spin cycle is initiated in the plurality of processes, where initiating the spin cycle causes a processor-intensive operation to be performed by each of the processes, and wherein performing the processor-intensive operation by the processes induces rescheduling to be performed. As part of the rescheduling, one or more of the processes are reassigned among the processors during the spin cycle. |
| US07895595B2 |
Automatic method and system for formulating and transforming representations of context used by information services
An information retrieval system for automatically retrieving information related to the context of an active task being manipulated by a user. The system observes the operation of the active task and user interactions, and utilizes predetermined criteria to generate a context representation of the active task that are relevant to the context of the active task. The information retrieval system then processes the context representation to generate queries or search terms for conducting an information search. The information retrieval system reorders the terms in a query so that they occur in a meaningful order as they naturally occur in a document or active task being manipulated by the user. Furthermore, the information retrieval system may access a user profile to retrieve information related to the user, and the select information sources or transform search terms based on attributes related to the user, such as the users occupation, position in a company, major in school, etc. |
| US07895594B2 |
Virtual machine extended capabilities using application contexts in a resource-constrained device
Embodiments of the systems and methods utilize application contexts for extending virtual machines in a resource-constrained device to allow virtual machines to at least exercise scheduling control over platform independent applications and platform dependent native applications. Application contexts can be assigned to each application in the system. An application is represented by one or more data structures and functions. In one embodiment, an “application context” includes an interface to a virtual machine and a container for an execution environment of the application. The interface represents a mapping of services to an execution environment. The application context can isolate control over the execution of the application from the execution environment, thus, allowing the virtual machine to control execution of the application and allowing the application to be executed in a native environment, a virtual machine environment, or any other execution environment. |
| US07895592B2 |
Patch impact analyzer
Methods and apparatus for efficiently scheduling downtimes associated with installing updates to software applications are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for accessing an impact of a portion of code, e.g., and update, on an application, includes obtaining metadata associated with the portion of code and comparing the metadata against a plurality of data structures associated with the application. Comparing the metadata against the data structures includes determining whether a first data structure is identified in the metadata. The method also includes creating a first list when the first data structure is identified in the metadata. The first list identifies the first data structure as being arranged to be substantially directly affected by the portion of code. |
| US07895590B2 |
Update at shutdown
An update at shutdown process is disclosed that installs software updates on a computer during the computer's shutdown procedures. On a computing device with an automated shutdown procedure, during the shutdown procedure an update at shutdown process is executed. The update at shutdown process evaluates whether any software updates are currently stored, or are locally available, on the computing device. If there are software updates to be installed, a further evaluation determines whether any of the software updates may be installed without any user interaction. Accordingly, each downloaded/locally available software update that is identified as being installable without user interaction, is installed during the shutdown procedure, thus minimizing the impact that the software updates have on the computer user's use time. |
| US07895586B2 |
Data flow graph processing method, reconfigurable circuit and processing apparatus
A data flow graph processing method divides at least one DFG generated into a plurality of sub-DFGs, in accordance with the number of logic circuits in a circuit set in a reconfigurable circuit. When the reconfigurable circuit is provided with a structure including multiple-row connections, the number of columns in the sub-DFG is configured to be equal to or fewer than the number of logic circuits per row in the reconfigurable circuit. Subsequently, the sub-DFGs are joined so as to generate a joined DFG. The number of columns in the joined DFG is also configured to be equal to or fewer than the number of columns per row in the reconfigurable circuit. The joined DFG is redivided to sizes with number of rows equal to or fewer than the number of rows in the reconfigurable circuit, so as to generate subjoined DFGs mappable into the reconfigurable circuit. |
| US07895583B2 |
Methods and apparatus for grammar-based recognition of user-interface objects in HTML applications
The present invention provides methods and system for building a computer program, such as a dynamically linked library, capable of recognizing graphical user interface objects in HTML applications. The program accepts HTML DOM structures as input and processes the DOM by 1) creating one or more tokens for each parsed DOM element, and 2) parsing the generated tokens according to an application specific grammar. The program outputs user-interface objects that correspond to the graphical elements and other items displayed in the web browser. |
| US07895578B2 |
Apparatus and method for using connector components to provide connectivity to interactive graphics representative of input and output data
A computer readable medium includes executable instructions to allow the designation of a connector component provided within a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The selection of a graphic component within the GUI is supported. The connector component is associated with the graphic component. The connector component is associated with a data source. An interactive control panel incorporating the connector component and the graphic component is generated. The interactive control panel presents data from the data source. |
| US07895576B2 |
Method for automating internationalization software testing
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method that provides for an effective way of creating and maintaining test scripts. In this regard, the application under test (AUT) software objects are abstracted in a mapping, verification points (VP) are created, and actions are scripted. The mapping is independent of the language. Objects in the scripts are mapped to the actual objects in the application under test (AUT). The actions are scripted once and then run on any language (internationalization testing—i.e. English, Chinese, German, etc.). In addition, verification points (VP) can be extracted from an application under test (AUT). The baseline text (translations) can be displayed for review. The tester can then verify baseline translations, as will seen by an end user and or identify any missing baseline translations. |
| US07895571B2 |
Method and apparatus for resolving client-side logic
A computer implemented method, an apparatus, and a computer usable program product for rendering client-side logic in a webpage when the webpage is rendered is provided. A webpage development framework initiates a script component built in a component library of a webpage development framework, wherein the script component is subject to a lifecycle of the webpage development framework. The webpage development framework defines at least one webpage attribute using at least one value-binding expression in the script component, wherein the at least one value-binding expression provides access to a server-side data model. The webpage development framework then evaluates the at least one value-binding expression, wherein the at least one value-binding expression comprises a current value for the server-side data model. |
| US07895569B2 |
System and method for implementing software breakpoints in an interpreter
A method for implementing software breakpoints in a software program to be executed by a interpreter, comprising the steps of executing a look-up, in a main loop of the interpreter, the look-up function searching a list of breakpoint addresses to determine whether a breakpoint instruction is to be executed at the address referenced by the interpreter's current instruction pointer instead of the program instruction, and maintaining, in memory, the list of breakpoints addresses separately from the program code, such that the breakpoint list can be altered separately from the program code. |
| US07895558B2 |
Configuration specification language supporting arbitrary mapping functions for configuration constructs
A method is disclosed of associating a mapping function with a configuration construct of a digital design defined by one or more hardware description language (HDL) files. According to the method, in the HDL files, a configuration latch is specified within a design entity forming at least a portion of the digital design. In addition, a Dial is specified that defines a relationship between each of a plurality of input values and a respective one of a plurality of different output values. The HDL files also include a statement that instantiates an instance of the Dial in association with the configuration latch such that a one-to-one correspondence exists between a value contained within the configuration latch and an input value of the instance of the Dial. The HDL files further include a statement associating the Dial with a mapping function that applies a selected transformation to values read from or written to the instance of the Dial. |
| US07895555B1 |
Simultaneous switching output noise estimation and reduction systems and methods
Systems and methods provide improved techniques directed to simultaneous switching output (SSO) noise, which for example may be applied during the programmable logic device design process. For example in accordance with an embodiment, a method of structuring simultaneous switching output (SSO) noise data for an electronic device includes collecting hardware data on SSO noise conditions; generating additional data on SSO noise conditions based on the hardware data; and structuring the hardware data and the additional data to form data tables for SSO noise calculations. |
| US07895551B2 |
Generation of standard cell library components with increased signal routing resources
Generating cells with increased signal routing resources. In an embodiment, power and ground buses in a metal layer of a source cell are identified and removed. Any vias terminating on the removed buses may also be removed. Additional via and connections are added to other desired layers to provide connectivity to the nodes disconnected due to the earlier removal. According to an aspect of the present invention, such connections are added during a chip design phase (i.e., when the cell instances are incorporated into an integrated circuit, sought to be designed). |
| US07895549B1 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a processor interface block with an electronic design automation tool
An electric design automation (EDA) tool for generating a design of a system on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) includes a library that includes a processor interface block selectable by a designer to represent a component in the design that is accessible to a processor. The EDA tool also includes a processor interface circuitry generation unit to automatically generate circuitry in the design to support the processor interface block without input from the designer. |
| US07895546B2 |
Statistical design closure
A method of statistical design closure is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) reading statistical data from a database, the statistical data defining a plurality of chip yield improvements, one of the chip yield improvements in each one of a plurality of design closure categories respectively, the chip yield improvements capturing historically trends based on a plurality of previous projects, (B) calculating a plurality of targets of a current design closure project based on the statistical data, one of the targets in each one of the design closure categories respectively and (C) generating a resource report to a user that indicates a plurality of resources expected to be used the current design closure project. |
| US07895545B2 |
Methods for designing a product chip a priori for design subsetting, feature analysis, and yield learning
A method for designing a chip a priori for design subsetting, feature analysis, and yield learning. The method includes identifying a plurality of signal paths within a chip design that can be readily identified from chip fail data and removing a fraction of the plurality of signal paths that have physical design constraints to generate a subset of the plurality of signal paths. The method further includes constructing a physical implementation of each of the signal paths in the subset, identifying one or more signal paths in the subset that are not constructed consistently with the respective physical implementation, and removing those signal paths from the subset. |
| US07895541B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit pattern verification method, photomask manufacturing method, semiconductor integrated circuit device manufacturing method, and program for implementing semiconductor integrated circuit pattern verification method
A semiconductor integrated circuit pattern verification method includes executing simulation to obtain a simulation pattern to be formed on a substrate on the basis of a semiconductor integrated circuit design pattern, comparing the simulation pattern and the design pattern that is required on the substrate to detect a first difference value, extracting error candidates at which the first difference value is not less than a first predetermined value, comparing pattern shapes at the error candidates to detect a second difference value, combining, into one group, patterns whose second difference values are not more than a second predetermined value, and extracting a predetermined number of patterns from each group and verifying error candidates of the extracted patterns. |
| US07895540B2 |
Multilayer finite difference methods for electrical modeling of packages and printed circuit boards
Disclosed are exemplary finite difference methods for electromagnetically simulating planar multilayer structures. The exemplary finite difference methods simulate multilayer planes by combining the admittance matrices of single plane pairs and equivalent circuit models for such single plane pairs based on multilayer finite difference approximation. Based on the methods, coupling between different layers through electrically large apertures can be modeled very accurately and efficiently. |
| US07895539B2 |
System for improving a logic circuit and associated methods
A system for improving a logic circuit may include a processor, and a logic circuit analyzer in communication with the processor to model a plurality of nets. The system may also include an interface in communication with the logic circuit analyzer to select a target slack-value for each one of the plurality of nets. The logic circuit analyzer may determine a slack-value for each net. In addition, the logic circuit analyzer may selectively reduce resistive-capacitive delay for each net respectively if the determined slack-value is less than the target slack-value for each respective net. |
| US07895538B2 |
System and method for providing a common instruction table
A system includes a storage device including a human readable common instruction table (CIT) stored as a text file. The system also includes CIT access software for performing a method including receiving a request from a first user for all or a subset of the CIT table relating to logic design and for providing the requested data to the first user. The method also includes receiving a request from a second user is received for all or a subset of the CIT table relating to performance analysis and for providing the requested data to the second user. A request is received from a third user for all or a subset of the CIT data relating to design verification and the requested data is provided to the third user. |
| US07895531B2 |
Floating command object
A floating command object is provided for offering a set of commonly or frequently used commands in close proximity to a selected text, data or other object in a document. When a given object is selected for editing, the floating object automatically displays near the object to allow easy selection of relevant commands such as formatting property commands. The object remains displayed to allow multiple command selections until it is closed by user action. If a mouse or touchpad pointer is moved away from the displayed object, the displayed object becomes increasingly translucent to visually deemphasize the relevance of the object to the new position of the pointer. |
| US07895530B2 |
User definable interface system, method, support tools, and computer program product
In a cursor-based computing environment generating a display, a user-definable interface is configured by a user and activated when needed by a user, wherein the user-definable interface comprises a plurality of buttons. Functions of the buttons are selectable by the user according to his preferences. These preferences may be derived from applications or by functions selected exclusively by the user. An application (ZTool) is also described, this application allowing configuration of a display in accordance with predetermined parameters. These parameters may be related to data base access functions or other types of data access, including logistical support. |
| US07895529B1 |
System and method for processing featured content
A system and method for retrieving, storing and displaying featured content. In one embodiment, featured content is queried from a database storing a list of featured content items. The featured content items stored in the database may include any type of data, such as text data, hyperlink text data, markup document data, computer code, or other types or combinations of data related to a particular topic. Responsive to the query, a set of featured content items is stored in a cache file. A predetermined number of featured content items stored in the cache file are selected and stored in a system registry. Upon receipt of a display command, featured content items are read from the system registry and displayed on an interface. The displayed featured content items can be used to display hyperlinks, announcements, or other information, without inhibiting the efficiency of the boot process of a software application. |
| US07895525B2 |
Method of managing multiple resource identifiers
A method of managing multiple resource identifiers in a machine readable document includes allocating one or more resource identifiers to a context. A context name is associated to the context and the context name and resource identifier are associated in the document. |
| US07895524B2 |
Integrated experience of vogue system and method for shared integrated online social interaction
A novel application and user interface for facilitating group interactions over a network integrates messaging, file sharing, media playing, journaling, profiles, and gaming into a cohesive environment. The groups facilitated by the invention are persistent and mobile in that a user does not have to recollect and reconfigure the group each time he or she wants to interact with the group online and, while online, the group may be taken from one activity to another without having to disband and reconnect at the second activity. The application is modular so as to be extensible to include other activities and functionalities. In an embodiment, the group interaction application utilizes a peer-to-peer network environment to facilitate network communications between group members. |
| US07895520B1 |
Methods and apparatus for managing scheduled activities in a storage area network
A SAN activity scheduler provides an integrated view of various types of scheduled activities, provides a summary report of multiple scheduled activities, and provides a seamless interface to drill down into specific details of scheduled activities. The scheduler provides a layout view of the scheduled activities arranged according to activity type (tasks, data collection, or retention) or status (success or failure), a detailed layout of activities scheduled within a particular day or other time interval, and a drill down detail which provides activity specific reports such as logs and collection details about the scheduled activities. In this manner, the scheduler provides the SAN operator with an integrated, all-inclusive interface for directing scheduled activities, presents a unified cohesive interface for quickly assessing the current state of scheduled activities, and drilling down into details on an activity specific basis without leaving the integrated scheduler application. |
| US07895517B2 |
Electronic musical apparatus for displaying character
An electronic musical instrument loads, by a program process, automatic performance data representative of a musical piece and text data representative of characters into a RAM 24 to cause a musical tone signal generating circuit 14 to emit musical tone signals on the basis of the automatic performance data to reproduce the musical piece. In synchronization with the reproduction of the musical piece, the characters based on the text data are displayed on a display unit 13. The type, size, and color of the characters to be displayed are specified by a display mode control command contained in the automatic performance data. The total number of pages required when all the characters are sequentially displayed on the display unit 13 is calculated and stored for each of previously provided fonts. When any one of the fonts is selected, the stored total number of pages for the font is displayed. Pages to be displayed are switched in response to a text page control command contained in the automatic performance data. The present invention configured as above eliminates an inconvenience encountered in displaying characters in synchronization with reproduction of automatic performance data. |
| US07895513B1 |
Color reduction in complex figures containing text for space/time constrained platforms
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for configuring an electronic document for a presentation environment, where the electronic document includes a plurality of information types. A display constraint for the presentation environment is determined based on text information in the electronic document. A size of an electronic document is calculated under a first set of conditions satisfying the display constraint. A determination is made whether the calculated size satisfies a processing constraint of the presentation environment. If the calculated size does not satisfy the processing constraint, a reduced representation of the electronic document is configured by reducing information of a secondary information type of the electronic document, such that the reduced representation satisfies both the display constraint and the processing constraint and retains spatial relationships of the text information in the electronic document. |
| US07895509B1 |
Error checking parity and syndrome of a block of data with relocated parity bits
Method and apparatus for error checking information is described. Configuration data includes data bits and parity bits. Notably, parity bits may be relocated for determining a syndrome value. Syndrome bits are determined by computing a partial syndrome value for each word serially transmitted of the configuration data, where the configuration data includes one or more data vectors. Location of each word of the configuration data is identified. It is determined whether a partial syndrome value is an initial partial syndrome value or other partial syndrome value responsive to word location. An initial partial syndrome value is stored, and subsequent partial syndrome values are cumulatively added for each word of a data vector to arrive at a syndrome value for the data vector. |
| US07895508B2 |
Network scanning method and image scanning device having network scan function using the same
A network scanning method and device are provided that allow an image scanning device to scan documents and transmit the scan data to a server. The image scanning device checks a connection between the image scanning device and a server, generates scan data by scanning documents, stores the generated scan data in a storage unit if a connection error exists between the image scanning device and the server, and checks whether the connection error between the image scanning device and the server is corrected. The image scanning device transmits the scan data stored in the storage unit to the server when the connection error has been corrected. Transmission of scan data is delayed until the connection error to the server is corrected, thereby reducing inconvenience in having to reset network settings after waiting until the connection error to the server has been corrected. |
| US07895500B2 |
Systems and methods for reduced complexity LDPC decoding
Systems and methods for generating check node updates in the decoding of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes use new approximations in order to reduce the complexity of implementing a LDPC decoder, while maintaining accuracy. The new approximations approximate the standard sum-product algorithm (SPA), and can reduce the approximation error of min-sum algorithm (MSA) and have almost the same performance as sum-product algorithm (SPA) under both floating precision operation and fixed-point operation. |
| US07895498B2 |
Apparatuses and method for error correction coding and error correction decoding
An error correction coding apparatus includes a first coding unit for coding a sequence data to be coded which includes information source data for each frame to generate an error correcting code word sequence including a parity sequences, and a first rearranging unit for rearranging elements of the error correcting code word sequences of a plurality of frames generated by the first coding unit. The first rearranging unit rearranges elements of the parity sequences included in the error correcting code word sequences. The first rearranging unit also rearranges elements of the error correcting code word sequences other than the parity sequences, within the error correcting code word sequences other than the parity sequences. |
| US07895494B2 |
Method and system for implementing H-ARQ-assisted ARQ operation
A method and system for implementing hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ)-assisted automatic repeat request (ARQ) in a wireless communication system are disclosed. When an H-ARQ negative acknowledgement (NACK)-to-positive acknowledgement (ACK) error occurs, the H-ARQ receiver sends an H-ARQ NACK-to-ACK error indicator to the H-ARQ transmitter unless a maximum retransmission limit has reached, a maximum time for delivery has expired or a lifespan of the failed packet has expired. The H-ARQ transmitter sends a local NACK to the ARQ transmitter so that the failed packet is recovered at an ARQ level. The H-ARQ receiver sends a local NACK to the ARQ receiver if the H-ARQ receiver does not receive the failed packet before certain conditions occur. The ARQ receiver may send a status report to the ARQ transmitter for recovery of the failed packet. |
| US07895489B2 |
Matrix system and method for debugging scan structure
An aspect of the present invention is drawn to a system that includes an automatic test engine, a decompressor, a first scan chain, a second scan chain, a compactor and a debug output. The automatic test engine is operable to output a test output, to receive a resultant input, to receive a debug input, to monitor the debug input and to compare the test output with the resultant input. The decompressor is arranged to receive a decompressor input based on the test output, to output a decompressor output. The scan chains are arranged to receive input based on the decompressor output, and each scan chain includes at least one flip-flop. The compactor is arranged to receive input based output from the flip-flops, and to output a compactor output. The debug output line is arranged to receive the flip-flop output. |
| US07895481B1 |
Multi-threshold channel equalization
A system and method are provided for non-causal channel equalization in a communications system. The method comprises: establishing three thresholds; receiving a binary serial data stream; comparing the first bit estimate in the data stream to a second bit value received prior to the first bit; comparing the first bit estimate to a third bit value received subsequent to the first bit; data stream inputs below the first threshold and above the third threshold are a “0” if both the second and third bits are “1” values, and as a “1” if either of the second and third values is a “1”; data stream inputs above the second threshold and below the third threshold are a “1” if both the second and third bits are a “0” value, and as a “0” if either of the second and third values is a “0”. |
| US07895480B2 |
Method for testing the error ratio BER of a device according to confidence level, test time and selectivity
A method for testing the error ratio BER of a device under test against a specified allowable error ratio comprises the steps: measuring ns samples of the output of the device, thereby detecting ne erroneous samples of these ns samples, defining BER(ne)=ne/ns as the preliminary error ratio and deciding to pass the device, if the preliminary error ratio BER(ne) is smaller than an early pass limit EPL(ne). The early pass limit is constructed by using an empirically or analytically derived distribution for a specific number of devices each having the specified allowable error ratio by separating a specific portion DD of the best devices from the distribution for a specific number of erroneous samples ne and proceeding further with the remaining part of the distribution for an incremented number of erroneous samples. |
| US07895479B2 |
System and method for initializing a memory system, and memory device and processor-based system using same
Systems, controllers and methods are disclosed, such as an initialization system including a controller that receives patterns of read data coupled from a memory device through a plurality of read data lanes. The controller is operable to detect any lane-to-lane skew in the patterns of read data received through the read data lanes. The controller then adjusts the manner in which the read data received through the read data lanes during normal operation are divided into frames. The controller can also couple patterns of command/address bits to the memory device through a plurality of command/address lanes. The memory device can send the received command/address bits back to the controller through the read data lanes. The controller is operable to detect any lane-to-lane skew in the patterns of command/address bits received through the read data lanes to adjust the manner in which the command/address bits coupled through the command/address lanes during normal operation are divided into frames. |
| US07895477B2 |
Resilience to memory errors with firmware assistance
Embodiments of the invention provide an interrupt handler configured to distinguish between critical and non-critical unrecoverable memory errors, yielding different actions for each. Doing so may allow a system to recover from certain memory errors without having to terminate a running process. In addition, when an operating system critical task experiences an unrecoverable error, such a task may be acting on behalf of a non-critical process (e.g., when swapping out a virtual memory page). When this occurs, an interrupt handler may respond to a memory error with the same response that would result had the process itself performed the memory operation. Further, firmware may be configured to perform diagnostics to identify potential memory errors and alert the operating system before a memory region state change occurs, such that the memory error would become critical. |
| US07895474B2 |
Recovery and restart of a batch application
A method of operating a data processing system comprises executing a batch application, the executing comprising reading one or more inputs from one or more data files, performing updates on one or more records according to the or each input read from a data file, and issuing a syncpoint when said updates are completed. During the execution of the batch application, syncpoints are periodically issued and checkpoints are less frequently issued. Following detection of a failure of the batch application, the batch application is restarted with the last issued checkpoint, and the batch application is executed by reading one or more inputs from one or more data files, but not performing updates on said records, until the last issued syncpoint is reached. |
| US07895472B2 |
System and method of managing BIOS test routnes
A system and method of a basic input output system (BIOS) test system are disclosed. According to an aspect, a basic input output system (BIOS) test system can include a BIOS test manager configured to enable BIOS testing of multiple information handling systems within a test environment. The BIOS test system can also include a local test harness driver operable to be coupled to the remote BIOS test manager to receive test routines, and a test buffer configured to receive a test routine from the BIOS test manager. The test routine can further be executed using a test engine integrated as a part of a BIOS of a particular information handling system. |
| US07895465B2 |
Memory preserved cache failsafe reboot mechanism
A method, system and computer program product for preserving data in a storage subsystem having dual cache and dual nonvolatile storage (NVS) through a failover from a failed cluster to a surviving cluster, the surviving cluster undergoing a rebooting process, is provided. A memory preserved indicator associated with a cache of the surviving cluster is detected. The memory preserved indicator designates marked tracks having an image in an NVS of the failed cluster to be preserved through the rebooting process. A counter in a data structure of the surviving cache is incremented. If a value of the counter exceeds a predetermined value, a cache memory is initialized, and the marked tracks are removed from the cache to prevent an instance of repetitive reboots caused by a corrupted structure in the cache memory. |
| US07895452B2 |
Technique for protecting a database from an ongoing threat
A system for stopping an ongoing threat to a database is described. During operation, if an ongoing threat to the database is detected, the system modifies a threat-assessment condition. Then, the system selectively restricts access to one or more cryptographic keys for the database based on the threat-assessment condition. Next, the system selectively activates decryption of requested encrypted information based on the threat-assessment condition. Note that both the selective restriction of access to the one or more cryptographic keys and the selective activation of decryption can be used to stop the ongoing threat from accessing the encrypted information in the database. |
| US07895450B2 |
Data management system, data management method and storage medium storing program for data management
A storage medium is readable by a computer. The storage medium stores a program of instructions executable by the computer to perform a function for data managing. The function includes: receiving an encryption key from a first user terminal; encrypting the encryption key; issuing a first registration code for the encryption key; registering the encrypted encryption key with the encrypted encryption key associated with the first registration code; sending the first registration code to the first user terminal; and when a second registration code sent from a second user terminal is identical with the first registration code, decrypting the registered and encrypted encryption key and sending the decrypted encryption key to the second user terminal. |
| US07895448B1 |
Risk profiling
A technique for providing computer security is provided. Providing computer security comprises providing an executable associated with a static state, determining whether the executable meets a predetermined criterion, and associating a risk level with the criterion if it is determined that the executable meets the predetermined criterion. Determining whether the executable meets a predetermined criterion does not compare the executable with a virus signature. |
| US07895444B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing illegal access using prohibit key in electronic device
A method and an apparatus for preventing illegal access by using a prohibit key in an electronic device, is provided. The method includes determining a variable prohibit key which is dynamically varied according to a predetermined variable factor, if a password is input to access a system, determining the existence of the determined variable prohibit key in the input password, and rejecting an access of a user to the system, if the variable prohibit key exists in the input password. |
| US07895440B2 |
Method of encrypting digital data, a method of masking a biometric print, and application to making a security document secure
The invention relates to a method of masking a plain datum b having n bits. The inventive method is characterised in that a masked datum m is produced using the following masking function: (I), wherein p is a prime number, bi is the bit at position i of plain datum b, and qi is the prime number at position i in a set of prime numbers (q1, . . . , qn). The invention also relates to a method of masking a biometric print, consisting in: determining a set of s real minutiae which are characteristic of the print; mixing and arranging the real minutiae with t false minutiae; and forming a mixed biometric datum b having n=s+t bits, such that, for any i: bi=1 if position i corresponds to a real minutia, and bi=0 if position i corresponds to a false minutia. The invention can be used to secure a security document such as a bank cheque. m = ∏ i = 1 n q i b i mod p ( I ) |
| US07895439B2 |
Watermarked material processing
A material (e.g. video, audio or data) processing system (648) processes material including a watermark. The system comprises a remover (640) for removing the watermark, a processor (646) for processing the material from which the watermark has been removed, and an inserter (642) for inserting a watermark into the processed material. |
| US07895438B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating and verifying digital signature
Disclosed are a method and apparatus capable of reducing the number of computations required to generate a digital signature by a digital signature generator. A digital signature generator generates a code word for a received message by a function F for generating a code word having a set weight value and generates a digital signature based on the generated code word and an inverse of a public parity check matrix H, the parity check matrix H is one way function. A digital signature receiver converts the received message using the function F for generating a code word, and multiplies a public parity check matrix H by a received digital signal, the public parity check matrix H is a one way function, and comparing the converted value with the multiplication result. |
| US07895435B2 |
Framework for managing attributes of objects
A computer implemented method, computer program product, and system for managing objects. Responsive to receiving a find-rule method, and a path-rule table, wherein the path-rule table contains a set of paths, wherein each path references an object, wherein a file system locates the object using the path, and wherein the object has at least one attribute not known to the file system, a path-rule table identifier is created. The path-rule table is associated with the path-rule table identifier to form an associated path-rule table. The find-rule method is associated with the path-rule table identifier to form an associated find-rule method. The path-rule table identifier, the associated path-rule table, and the associated find-rule method are stored. The path-rule table identifier is returned. |
| US07895432B2 |
Method and apparatus for using a third party authentication server
A method and apparatus for a third party authentication server is described. The method includes receiving a record ID for a user, and a one-time key generated by the server and encrypted with a user's public key by the server. The method further includes receiving the user's authentication data from the client, and determining if the user's authentication data matches the record ID. If the authentication data matches the record ID, decrypting the one-time key with the user's private key, and returning the decrypted one-time key to the client. |
| US07895430B2 |
On-chip logic analyzer using compression
One embodiment disclosed relates to an integrated circuit including on-chip logic analyzer circuitry. The on-chip logic analyzer circuitry includes a triggering circuit configured to receive a source data signal and start/stop timing signals. The on-chip logic analyzer circuitry further includes a compression circuit configured to receive an uncompressed data signal from the triggering circuit and to perform compression so as to form a compressed data signal. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. |
| US07895425B2 |
Operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) in a service insertion architecture (SIA)
In one embodiment, a method can include: selecting an operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) type for a destination, where the destination is enabled for a service insertion architecture (SIA); encapsulating an OAM packet with the OAM type indicated in a service header therein; and sending the OAM packet to the destination. |
| US07895424B1 |
System for automated boot from disk image
A system allowing a target machine to be booted up from a disk image stored in memory. Instead of reading the boot-up information from a disk drive or other physical device the data is read from memory. No modification is necessary to native operating system, input/output subsystem, bootstrap code, etc., since the invention modifies characteristics, such as vectors used by the operating system, to make the disk image in memory appear to be the same as a standard external device. |
| US07895420B2 |
System and method for eliminating common subexpressions in a linear system
A method for reducing operations in a processing environment is provided that includes generating one or more binary representations, one or more of the binary representations being included in one or more linear equations that include one or more operations. The method also includes converting one or more of the linear equations to one or more polynomials and then performing kernel extraction and optimization on one or more of the polynomials. One or more common subexpressions associated with the polynomials are identified in order to reduce one or more of the operations. |
| US07895416B2 |
Reconfigurable integrated circuit
A reconfigurable integrated circuit is provided wherein the available hardware resources can be optimised for a particular application. Dynamically reconfiguring (in both real-time and non real-time) the available resources and sharing a plurality of processing elements with a plurality of controller elements achieve this. In a preferred embodiment the integrated circuit includes a plurality of processing blocks, which interface to a reconfigurable interconnection means. A processing block has two forms, namely a shared resource block and a dedicated resource block. Each processing block consists of one or a plurality of controller elements and a plurality of processing elements. The controller element and processing element generally comprise diverse rigid coarse and fine grained circuits and are interconnected through dedicated and reconfigurable interconnect. The processing blocks can be configured as a hierarchy of blocks and or fractal architecture. |
| US07895414B2 |
Instruction length determination device and method using concatenate bits to determine an instruction length in a multi-mode processor
An instruction length determination device includes an instruction input unit having a memory space to store a plurality of N-bit data; an instruction fetch unit which fetches the plurality of N-bit data from the instruction input unit; an instruction length determination logic which compares concatenate bits of a first N-bit data with a predetermined value for determination of an instruction length; and an instruction concatenate unit which selectively concatenates a number of successive N-bit data based on the determination. The instruction length determination logic determines that the first N-bit data is a complete instruction when the concatenate bit of the first N-bit data is not equal to the predetermined value. Otherwise, the instruction length determination logic determines that a complete instruction is formed of last N-bit data finally fetched and all N-bit previously reserved. |
| US07895411B2 |
Physics processing unit
One embodiment of the invention sets forth a hardware-based physics processing unit (PPU) having unique architecture designed to efficiently generate physics data. The PPU includes a PPU control engine (PCE), a data movement engine and a floating point engine (FPE). The PCE manages the overall operation of the PPU by allocating memory resources and transmitting graphics processing commands to the FPE and data movement commands to the DME. The FPE includes multiple vector processors that operate in parallel and perform floating point operations on data received from a host unit to generate physics simulation data. The DME facilitates the transmission of data between the host unit and the FPE by performs data movement operations between memories internal and external to the PPU. |
| US07895407B2 |
Memory consistency protection in a multiprocessor computing system
A method and apparatus to protect memory consistency in a multiprocessor computing system are described, in particular relating to program code conversion such as dynamic binary translation. The exemplary system provides a memory, processors and a controller/translator unit (CTU) arranged to convert subject code into at least first and second target code portions executable on the processors. The CTU comprises an address space allocation unit to provide virtual address space regions and direct the target code portions to access the memory therethough; a shared memory detection unit to detect a request to access a shared memory area, accessible by both target code portions, and to identify at least one group of instructions in the first target code portion which access the shared memory area; and a memory protection unit to selectively apply memory consistency protection in relation to accesses to the shared memory area by the identified group of instructions. |
| US07895403B1 |
Secure deletion of information from hard disk drive
A method of securely deleting data from a storage medium includes generating a bitmap that corresponds to unused locations on the storage medium; initiating a wiping process that wipes the unused locations, where the wiping process runs asynchronously with a application; wiping the unused locations; and updating the bitmap to reflect that the unused locations have been wiped. The wiping replaces data at the unused locations with random sequences, with pseudo-random sequences, with data generated by a secure deletion algorithm, with application data from the application, or with all zeros. The wiping includes repeated writing of predetermined sequences to the unused locations. The wiping replaces data at unused locations that represent portions of any of blocks, clusters and sectors, and can wipe any metadata associated with files previously stored at any of the unused locations. Upon a request for access of data from a wiped location, data that does not correspond to data originally stored at the wiped location can be returned. |
| US07895401B2 |
Software transactional memory for dynamically sizable shared data structures
We propose a new form of software transactional memory (STM) designed to support dynamic-sized data structures, and we describe a novel non-blocking implementation. The non-blocking property we consider is obstruction-freedom. Obstruction-freedom is weaker than lock-freedom; as a result, it admits substantially simpler and more efficient implementations. An interesting feature of our obstruction-free STM implementation is its ability to use of modular contention managers to ensure progress in practice. |
| US07895399B2 |
Computer system and control method for controlling processor execution of a prefetech command
A processor reads a program including a prefetch command and a load command and data from a main memory, and executes the program. The processor includes: a processor core that executes the program; a L2 cache that stores data on the main memory for each predetermined unit of data storage; and a prefetch unit that pre-reads the data into the L2 cache from the main memory on the basis of a request for prefetch from the processor core. The prefetch unit includes: a L2 cache management table including an area in which a storage state is held for each position in the unit of data storage of the L2 cache and an area in which a request for prefetch is reserved; and a prefetch control unit that instructs, the L2 cache to perform the request for prefetch reserved or the request for prefetch from the processor core. |
| US07895396B2 |
Virtual path storage system and control method for the same
Provided is a storage system having improved access performance. The storage system includes: a hard disk drive, and a storage controller for reading/writing data from/to the hard disk drive, the storage controller including: at least one interface connected to a host computer through a network; and a plurality of processors connected to the interface through an internal network. The storage system is characterized in that: the processor provides at least one logical access port to the host computer; and the interface stores routing information including a processor which processes an access request addressed to the logical access port, extracts an address from the received access request upon reception of the access request from the host computer, specifies the processor which processes the received access request based on the routing information and the extracted address, and transfers the received access request to the specified processor. |
| US07895391B2 |
Method for recording information on a record medium, record medium containing information, and method and device for reading information from a record medium
A method for writing an audio/video information stream to an optical disc, and for reading the information from disc. The information stream includes alternative video parts which are recorded in an interleaved manner; an interleaved unit includes angle blocks, each angle block including one portion of each of the alternative video stream parts. For each video portion, entry points are defined. A user is allowed to change from one video stream to another video stream at any moment during the playback of a video portion; the change will be effected at the first entry point after the user command. Thus, it is not necessary to wait until the video portion has been completely played back; thus, it is possible to define large angle block lengths, so that during normal play the jump frequency is reduced. |
| US07895390B1 |
Ensuring buffer availability
A buffer availability manager ensures that buffers are available before processes write thereto. The buffer availability manager maintains a plurality of register sets corresponding to the plurality of buffers. Each register set comprises a status indicator and a generation counter. Prior to writing to a buffer, the corresponding register set is read. Data is written to an individual buffer only if the status indicator indicates that the buffer is not busy, and the current value of the generation counter is not equal to a stored value from a prior register set read. The buffer availability manager detects writing of data to the buffer, and in response updates the status indicator to indicate that the buffer is busy. After processing the data in the buffer, the buffer availability manager updates the status indicator to not busy, and updates the value of the generation counter. |
| US07895380B2 |
Communication protocol for sharing memory resources between components of a device
In a device, such as a cell phone, memory resource sharing is enabled between components, such as integrated circuits, each of which has memory resources. This may be accomplished by providing an interconnect between the components and constructing transaction units which are sent over the interconnect to initiate memory access operations. The approach may also be used to allow for a degree of communication between device components. |
| US07895378B2 |
Method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory
A method and system for allowing a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory is disclosed. The method and system comprises sending a play command to the media player; returning information about the media player; and providing digital audio to the accessory based upon the information about the media player. In a system and method in accordance with the present invention a plurality of commands allow a media player to transfer digital audio to an accessory. These commands are used by the media player to gather a list of supported sample rates from the accessory and to inform the accessory of the media player's information. |
| US07895373B2 |
Electronic device for data access management
An application makes a processor issue a first file access command to a middleware in order to access a file. In response to the first file access command, the middleware makes the processor periodically determine whether file access operation having a higher priority level than file access operation involved with the first file access command is being performed and, in the case where an affirmative determination is made, issue a second file access command corresponding to the first file access command within redundant bandwidth obtained by subtracting guaranteed bandwidth of the high-priority file access from the maximum bandwidth available for accessing the file storage. |
| US07895372B2 |
Universal serial bus mass storage device asynchronous file and file system update while connected to a PC or other device
A system and method for universal serial bus mass storage device asynchronous file and file system update while connected to a PC or other device employs setting error flags and timestamp change flags when a file is changed, and returning the error conditions in reply to a REQUEST_SENSE command. |
| US07895371B2 |
System and method for on demand logging of document processing device status data
The subject application is directed to a system and method for document processing device status logging. Status data is first received corresponding to operations of an associated document processing device. The received status data is then stored in a suitable storage location. A determination is then made whether a predefined interval occurred. When the interval has occurred, the stored data is deleted or overwritten. When a secondary memory device is received and recognized by the document processing device, the received status data is routed to the secondary memory device, whereupon the status data remains in the storage location until such time as the predefined interval has occurred. When the secondary memory device that was received by the document processing device is not detected or recognized, operations return to awaiting the elapse of the predefined interval or the detection of a recognizable secondary memory device. |
| US07895369B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of controlling semiconductor memory device
A USB memory includes: a USB terminal unit, a main unit which incorporates therein a NAND memory and a processor module; and a rotation portion which changes a relative position between the main unit and the USB terminal unit. The processor module switches an access management mode to a first access management mode or a second access management mode depending on the relative position between the main unit and the USB terminal unit. The processor module manages data stored in the NAND memory such that data having been stored under the first access management mode is rendered inaccessible to the host device with the second access management mode and that data having been stored under the second access management mode is rendered inaccessible to the host device with the first access management mode. |
| US07895368B2 |
Wireless communication equipment and connection processing method
Wireless communication equipment which associates with a plurality of sets of peripheral equipment present in a prescribed range through wireless communication stores identification code information regarding the associated peripheral equipment, acquires identification code information from the peripheral equipment present in the prescribed range, and determines whether or not the peripheral equipment has already associated on the basis of the identification code information. If the peripheral equipment has not been associated, the wireless communication equipment stores the identification code information by associating them with an image. If the peripheral equipment has been associated, the wireless communication equipment displays the associated image stored by associating them with the acquired identification code information, and connects to the corresponding peripheral equipment in response to the selection of the displayed and associated image. |
| US07895364B1 |
Component identification and transmission system
Embodiments of this invention comprise a modular, scalable architecture for building a variety of Layer 2/3/4+ Ethernet products and devices. Such devices or units can be attached to form an homogenous systems called stack. The invention provides a set of rules to handle such stack. The rules are controlled by the architectural component named Unit Manager. The Unit Manager uses a protocol to discover the units that are entering or leaving the system/stack. The protocol's data provides a unique way of identifying the units that belong to the system stack. |
| US07895356B2 |
IP router, communication system and band setting method used therein and its program
A server monitoring function unit recognizes a running/stopping state of each server, throughput and the like by performing a health check based on obtained positioning information of an original server and mirror servers, informs an optimum server selecting function unit of the information, and updates a server URL list based on the positioning information. When the server monitoring function unit detects a change in the network topology from a change in an IP routing table, the optimum server selecting function unit alters the selection criteria of the optimum server and informs a QoS controlling unit of a traffic change. The QoS controlling unit alters a band setting for each service class according to the traffic change informed. |
| US07895353B2 |
System and method for providing throttling, prioritization and traffic shaping during request processing via a budget service
A network gateway application is described that provides throttling, prioritization and traffic shaping for incoming requests from client applications. A request is received by a plug-in manager component of the gateway application. The plug-in manager can then invoke the budget service in order to determine a current available budget for the request. The budget can be computed according to a service level agreement for the service provider, application or network node. The requests can be of high or low priority. If the budget is greater than a specified priority threshold value, the low priority requests can be denied, while the high priority requests can be processed as long as there is some available budget left. If the budget for the request has reached the restricted level, the request can be denied and optionally enqueued to a traffic shaping queue to be processed at a later time. |
| US07895349B2 |
Messaging protocol in enterprise applications
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products implementing a messaging protocol. The messaging protocol may be a messaging protocol for transporting a message across a messaging landscape in a collaborative network. Techniques include sending a message that is defined to include a structured message header with information related to at least one component from a set of components defined by a protocol, including protocol version information in a message such that a component of a messaging landscape can interpret the message based on the version information, defining a message as one of a class of messages, end-to-end acknowledgement for messages, and security for headers and payloads of messages. |
| US07895345B2 |
Distributed routing table architecture and design
A Distributed Routing Table (DRT) mesh can comprise two or more nodes, each of which maintains its own routing table that represents some or all of the overall routing knowledge of the DRT mesh. Each node can be comprised of modular components that can perform various defined functions such that the features and abilities of the node can be customized by an application based on which modular components are instantiated. A routing table management module can maintain individual routing tables at each node, and can ensure that only entries that are close to the node, in a network topology sense, are maintained in the routing table. In addition, a security module can verify received messages based on an agreed-upon root certificate. |
| US07895343B2 |
Method and apparatus relating to retransmission of data between different protocol layers
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving the procedures for error detection and recovery in data communication systems and thereby facilitating a better use of data transmission resources. According to the invention, different protocols capable of re-transmission of data are made to communicate with each other in order to avoid that several protocols simultaneously re-transmit the same data towards the same interface. The transmitting entity of a higher layer protocol will, according to the invention, await the result of the transmission of a certain protocol data unit by a lower layer protocol before making the decision of whether or not the transmitting entity of the higher layer protocol should re-transmit the certain protocol data unit. |
| US07895338B2 |
Meta-search web service-based architecture for peer-to-peer collaboration and voice-over-IP
In one aspect of the present invention, a system for discovering potential devices on a peer-to peer (P2P) network is provided. The system includes a seeker device and a plurality of potential devices operatively connected to the P2P network. Each of the plurality of potential devices is associated with one or more identity files. Each of the identity files comprising a plurality of searchable elements. One or more of the plurality of potential end-user devices post their one or more identity files on the P2P network. The seeker device searches the P2P network to discover one or more of the plurality of potential devices based on the one or more identity files of the plurality of the potential devices. The seeker device initiates a collaboration session with the one or more potential devices. The collaboration session may be independent of the P2P network. |
| US07895337B2 |
Systems and methods of generating a content aware interface
Systems and methods for generation of a content aware internet application interface including multiple content regions. A primary region populated by content including a content parameter for use in selecting, retrieving or configuring content of a secondary region. The secondary region content being selected, retrieved or configured responsive to the data found in the primary region content. The internet application interface is generated using a content manager configure to manage processing of the primary region content and selection or configuration of the second region content accordingly. In various embodiments the internet application interface is configured to access a internet application through a browser. |
| US07895331B1 |
Method for dynamically configuring network services
A method for providing network services includes the ability to dynamically and flexibly configure resources in a network server platform to service classes and sets of network traffic. According to one aspect, a programmable network server platform can be configured to bind multiple traffic classes in a mixture of inline and tap modes to a group of CPUs. Traffic having the associated classes can be configured to pass directly through while sending a copy down to one or more CPUs, as well as load balanced to a group or sub group of CPUs. According to another aspect, different applications or configurations can be run on different groups or sub groups of CPUs allowing complete flexibility. |
| US07895327B2 |
Device, system, and method of obfuscating data processed within an integrated circuit
Device, system, and method of power trace obfuscation. In some embodiments an integrated circuit may include a signal modifier to introduce a pseudo-randomly selected modification to a state-transition pattern of at least one signal, which is related to internal processing of data within the integrated circuit. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07895321B2 |
Method and system for using data structures to store database information for multiple vendors and model support for remotely monitored devices
In a communication system having one or more monitored devices communicatively coupled to a monitoring system, a database having information related to the one or more monitored devices, a method of obtaining and maintaining, in the monitoring system, information related to the monitored devices is described. The method includes enabling the monitoring system to access the database in order to retrieve information related to the monitored devices, populating a first data structure with information retrieved from the database, determining if a monitored device is supported by the monitoring system using information from the database, and establishing communication with the monitored device in order to obtain status information of the monitored device if the monitored device is determined to be supported by the monitoring system. |
| US07895316B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product providing enhanced document management
The exemplary embodiments of the invention, as further described herein, provide apparatus, methods and computer program products that, for example, address the notification issue that can occur in extensible markup language (XML) document management (XDM) when a new entry is added to a Shared List document that is referred to from a Shared Group document. One non-limiting, exemplary method includes: in response to a user being added to a shared uniform resource identifier (URI) list, determining that the shared URI list is referred to by a shared group document; determining whether a group associated with the shared group document uses an automatic group advertisement feature; and, in response to determining that the group uses an automatic group advertisement feature, sending a group advertisement directly to the user. |
| US07895315B2 |
Supporting extensions to production event message schemes via production database server versioning
A production information reporting/recording system is disclosed herein including a number of features to ensure efficient, flexible and reliable recording of production data in a manufacturing system. Such features include validating the content of event messages to ensure compliance of event report information with a standard. The system also supports caching IDs associated with particular aspects of an event message (e.g., a production request, a process segment) as well as a unique ID corresponding to the ID assigned by the production event database to reduce the need to access the database when assigning unique database IDs to received events. The production event-messaging system also supports both asynchronous and synchronous transactional messaging between the sources of events and the production database service. Furthermore, the system supports including extensions to a base production message schema through the inclusion of metadata that designates a particular production server to parse and apply/store the extension information. |
| US07895313B2 |
Systems and methods for storing, delivering, and managing messages
Systems and methods are provided for receiving and storing a message addressed to an intended recipient and for delivering the message to a client computer that has a graphical user interface. The received message is stored in a restricted-access message storage area associated with the intended recipient. A hyper-text transfer protocol daemon receives requests to access the storage area and the message, and transmits at least part of the message to the client computer. |
| US07895311B1 |
Content distribution systems
The present invention relates to a means and method for allowing numerous clients with handheld portable computing devices, set top boxes, or any other computer device to actively participate in games and other programs which normally require larger computers in a fixed location having relatively large bandwidth capacity; the invention can be interfaced with a custom client console, more specifically a gaming console, which extends into multimedia application delivery and. in particular, discloses a software codec which: (1) Controls multimedia content flow to and from a centralized server network, as well as other console peers: (2) Comprises an integrated peer to peer Server/Client Daemon with Integrated compression and decompression; 3) Uses a cloud store and forward transport encapsulated over the international standard TCP/IP protocol; (4) Includes a Best Source Seeking Algorithm; and (5) Provides a Local Cluster Multi-Cast Daemon, Real Time Performance Reporter and Reviewer. |
| US07895310B2 |
Network management system and method for supporting multiple protocols
Provided is a network management system including a management message storage for registering a key of a management message for network management and a value of the key according to a map configuration; a network management message processing unit for transmitting the management message including the key mapped to the key value of the management message storage for the network management, and a network element receives a management message from the network management processing unit, it extracts a key value corresponding to a key included in the management message from the management message storage, accesses an information value based on the key value from a Management Information Base (MIB), and transmits the information value to the network management processing unit According to the provided network management system, it is not only possible to support a variety of network management protocols, but an existing message configuration is unaffected even when a new protocol is supported. |
| US07895308B2 |
Messaging system configurator
Apparatus, methods, and machine-readable articles of manufacture facilitate configuration of a networked messaging system. In some embodiments, nodes of the system are automatically interrogated to obtain current configuration information of each of the nodes, and a configuration file with the nodes' current configuration information is generated and stored in a format that is readily editable. Exemplary formats include spreadsheet, comma separated variables, and other text formats. An administrator is allowed to access and edit the configuration file, resulting in an updated configuration file with updated configuration information. Editing may include adding and removing servers, creating and removing digital networking mailboxes or links on the nodes, and other configuration changes. After the file is edited and the administrator or another authorized person issues a command to configure the system, messages are automatically sent to the nodes to configure the system in accordance with the updated configuration information. |
| US07895303B2 |
Server time protocol control messages and methods
Server time protocol (STP) messages and methods of exchange thereof are provided for facilitating synchronization of processing units of a timing network. The STP messages include exchange time parameters (XTP) commands and responses, and STP control (STC) commands and responses. XTP message exchange processing includes: generating an XTP message command at a first processing unit including a command transmit timestamp field set by the first processing unit and a command receive timestamp field which is unset by the first processing unit; transmitting the XTP message command to a second processing unit; setting the command receive timestamp field in the XTP command with the time the XTP command is received at the second processing unit; and generating an XTP message response at the second processing unit, the message response including the command transmit timestamp set by the first processing unit and the command receive timestamp set by the second processing unit. |
| US07895301B1 |
Transmitting a codeset over a single-wire bus from a computer to a remote control device
A hypertext document containing a selection criterion for a desired codeset is transmitted from a web server to a web client on the computer of a user of an electronic consumer device. The user selects a desired codeset and sends a designation of the selection criterion from the web client on his computer back to the web server. The designation of the selection criterion is used to select the desired codeset from a central database of codesets. The desired codeset is then transmitted from the web server to the web client on the user's computer. A pin of an integrated circuit in the user's remote control device is coupled to a single-wire communication bus. The user's remote control device is coupled to the user's computer via the single-wire communication bus. The desired codeset is then transmitted from the user's computer over the single-wire communication bus to the remote control device. |
| US07895300B1 |
Systems and methods for testing device ports in a storage area network
Method and system for configuring a switch element having a plurality of ports to operate as a test tool is provided. The method includes initiating a user interface with a plurality of selectable options, where a user selects one or more of the selectable options for configuring test parameters for a port to operate as a test port; obtaining a license key for configuring the port to operate as the test port; selecting a port from among the plurality of ports to operate as the test port; selecting a frame type for transmitting frames from the test port; specifying characteristics for the frames transmitted by the test port; determining whether the test port is online or offline; enabling a transmitter of the test port; starting a link state machine of the test port; the test port receiving an active signal or an active primitive to thereby activate the test port; the test port logging into the network; and the test port logging into a target device of the network. |
| US07895298B1 |
Publicly accessible delivery confirmation system for virtual digital download items
A contents delivery confirmation system which includes a private client machine (3) that executes a browser (15) capable of requesting contents and a slave server machine (2) that executes a WWW server (12) capable of transmitting the contents requested by the private client machine (3) to the private client machine (3), a master server machine (1) that includes a delivery confirmation code issuance module (7) for issuing unique delivery confirmation codes for each request from slave server machines (2) in proxy for private client machines (3) requesting delivery of digital content, and browser (15) capable public client machines (4) used to view status and details of a delivery confirmation code. The master server machine (1) further includes a delivery confirmation receiving part (8) for receiving fault-tolerant delivery confirmation data containing the delivery confirmation code and updating the status of the delivery confirmation code from the slave server machine (2) when the slave server machine (2) completes delivery of a digital item to the private client machine (3). The master server machine (1) contains the status and details of all delivery confirmation codes for lookup by public client machines (4). |
| US07895297B2 |
System and method for enabling wireless internet access in public areas
The computerized inventive system enables both the wireless internet service providers and conventional wired internet service providers to redirect users to partner websites through appropriate affiliate links and to enable the aforesaid service providers to participate in revenue sharing with internet content providers. Using the inventive methodology and the inventive system, the wireless internet service providers and conventional wired internet service providers are able to offer free internet services to general public and receive a share of the revenue earned by the content providers. |
| US07895291B2 |
Push to storage network enabling fast start
Methods and systems for distributed storage and retrieval systems comprising a plurality of storage-and-computing elements, each storage-and-computing element storing a plurality of pushed content fragments and able to simultaneously retrieve pushed content fragments from a plurality of storage-and-computing elements. Wherein many storage-and-computing elements, within a short duration of receiving a request, can retrieve and play streaming content. |
| US07895286B1 |
Network storage system with NVRAM and cluster interconnect adapter implemented in a single circuit module
A network storage system includes a non-volatile memory to store data including a log of received data access requests, and a cluster interconnect adapter through which to send data to a cluster partner. The nonvolatile memory and the cluster interconnect adapter are implemented in a single device connected to an expansion bus in the network storage system. Communication with the nonvolatile memory is carried out using LDMA, and communication with the cluster partner is carried out using RDMA via the cluster interconnect adapter. LDMA and RDMA functionality are merged in a common software stack. |
| US07895282B1 |
Internal electronic mail system and method for the same
Techniques for delivering internal mail over the Internet without relying upon a domain name in an email address commonly known to include an @ sign are disclosed. An embodiment of the techniques is for a collaborative communication system or platform, where each of users in the collaborative communication platform is assigned an identifier. The identifier is used for delivering the internal mail so authored similarly to an email, except that the internal mail is delivered without relying upon an email address or the domain name therein. The identifier of a recipient cannot be used as an email address for someone other than any of the registered users to send an email message to the recipient. |
| US07895275B1 |
System and method providing quality based peer review and distribution of digital content
A digital content review and distribution system and method are provided. In general, a number of authors of digital content register with a content review and distribution agent, which may be hosted by a central server. The authors agree to review digital content submitted by other authors in exchange for review and distribution of their own content. In operation, an author submits metadata associated with digital content to be reviewed and optionally the digital content to the content review and distribution agent. In response to the submission, the content review and distribution agent effects a review of the digital content by one or more groups of reviewers, where the groups of reviewers are selected from the other authors registered with the content review and distribution agent based on the metadata for the digital content and reviewer credentials of the other authors. |
| US07895271B1 |
Method and apparatus for managing and compacting electronic mail messages
A system and method for managing and compacting electronic mail messages to preserve storage space on a computer and to enhance the efficiency of an electronic mail application. A user or electronic mail system administrator may define a screening criteria to identify messages to be compacted according to compacting procedures. Compacting procedures may include compressing the message and attachments, detaching the attachments from the message and inserting references or pointers in place of the attachments in the message. |
| US07895268B2 |
Multiple perspective activity map display
A computer-implemented method is provided for representing an environment having at least one aspect. The method includes representing the aspects in an activity map comprising at least two perspectives, and representing a state of a user within the environment as a tangible link between each perspective. The state of the user includes user activity within the environment. The method further includes the step of dynamically incorporating the state of the user in the activity map. The tangible link is a tangible cue which associates perspectives represented by the activity map. |
| US07895262B2 |
Web service application protocol and SOAP processing model
Described is a Web Services Application Protocol (WSAP) comprising a SOAP-based protocol that defines a web service application model based on a set of common message operations. WSAP provides a foundation for defining web services in terms of how they interact with each other. In WSAP, the behaviors of a service are each provided with an individual port, (e.g., URI), whereby the service's behaviors may be interacted with directly. WSAP also defines shared semantics for operations that identify what a message is, what the processing of message is, and how it affects the state/behavior of the receiver. The ordering of messages also provides context to what is occurring. As a result of the known characteristics of the operations and the ordering, an intermediary can process exchanged messages to add value to communications. A SOAP processing model defines composing multiple web services to run in parallel or sequentially. |
| US07895261B2 |
Method and system for preloading resources
A method and system for preloading data is provided. Resources are preloaded on a client before they are needed by an application. Application hints and static resources lists may be used to indicate resources are needed. The application may begin execution before receiving all of the resources associated with the application. Preloading may be done during execution of an application, or when the application is not executing. Preloading allows an application to run smoothly without consuming more resources than are needed by an application. A prediction graph may be generated that is used in predicting the resources that are likely to be needed by the application. An analyzer may also be used to simulate the system and adjust parameters used in creating the prediction graph. |
| US07895260B2 |
Processing data access requests among a plurality of compute nodes
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for processing data access requests among a plurality of compute nodes. One compute node operates as a processing node, and one compute nodes operates as a requesting node. The processing node receives, from the requesting node, a data access request to access data currently being processed by the processing node. The processing node also receives, from the requesting node, a processing directive. The processing directive specifies data processing operations to be performed on the data specified by the data access request. The processing node performs, on behalf of the requesting node, the data processing operations specified by the processing directive on the data specified by the data access request. The processing node transmits, to the requesting node, results of the data processing operations performed on the data by the processing node on behalf of the requesting node. |
| US07895258B2 |
Systems and methods for clickstream analysis to modify an off-line business process involving matching a sales medium
Methods and systems are provided herein for the analysis of clickstream data of online users. The analysis methods and systems allow for the creation of new offline business methods based on online consumer behavior. In embodiments, the output file enables a third party to match a sales medium to a variety of financial service offerings. |
| US07895255B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing a multiplication or division operation in an electronic circuit
A multiplication or division operation X·K or X·1/K is performed in an electronic circuit. A software circuit area of the circuit calculates a digit shift sv such that psv is an approximate value for K. In a hardware circuit area, the value X is shifted sv digits to the left in the case of multiplication or sv digits to the right in the case of division. The software circuit area calculates a suitable correction factor Kf. The value X is multiplied by the correction factor Kf. |
| US07895250B2 |
Fixed point integer division techniques for AC/DC prediction in video coding devices
The disclosure describes a method for performing a fixed point calculation of a floating point operation (A // B) in a coding device, wherein A // B represents integer division of A divided by B rounded to a nearest integer. The method may comprise selecting an entry from a lookup table (LUT) having entries generated as an inverse function of an index B, wherein B defines a range of values that includes every DC scalar value and every quantization parameter associated with a coding standard, and calculating A // B for coding according to the coding standard based on values A, B1 and B2, wherein B1 and B2 comprise high and low portions of the selected entry of the LUT. The techniques may simplify digital signal processor (DSP) implementations of video coders, and are specifically useful for MPEG-4 coders and possibly others. |
| US07895248B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, recording medium and program
A clip without UMID is transmitted to a disc drive from an editing device. The disc drive generates the UMID and NRT with respect to the transmitted clip, and stores the UMID in association with the NRT. The editing device edits the NRT, and transmits the NRT that is edition results to the disc drive. The disc drive overwrites the NRT that has been transmitted from the editing device on the generated NRT, and stores the NRT in association with the clip with the UMID. The present invention can be applied to a disc recording and reproducing device. |
| US07895246B2 |
Collection bin for data management and transformation
An electronic collection bin is provided for assisting users in managing their personal information. The electronic collection bin provides a common location for collecting and organizing a user's information. The electronic collection bin may receive information items of varying data types and from disparate sources. After receiving an information item, the electronic collection bin analyzes the item to determine a suggested treatment, which may include conversion of the item to a new data type located at another location. A user may access the electronic collection bin, sort through the information items, and select placement of the information items. The user may view the suggested treatments of information items in the electronic collection bin and choose whether to accept the suggested treatments. |
| US07895244B1 |
Method and apparatus to utilize free cache in a storage system
A system is provided to improve performance of a storage system. The system comprises a multi-tier buffer cache. The buffer cache may include a global cache to store resources for servicing requests issued from one or more processes at the same time, a free cache to receive resources from the global cache and to store the received resources as free resources, and a local cache to receive free resources from the free cache, the received free resources to store resources that can be accessed by a single process at one time. The system may further include a buffer cache manager to manage transferring resources from the global cache to the free cache and from the free cache to the local cache. |
| US07895243B1 |
Method and system for moving content in a content object stored in a data repository
A web-based system, method and program product are provided for adding content to a content object stored (e.g., a custom compilation or prepublished work) in a data repository as a group of hierarchically related content entities. Each noncontainer content object is preferably stored as a separate entity in the data repository. Each content entity is also stored as a row in a digital library index class as a collection of attributes and references to related content entities and containers. As the user selects desired objects for inclusion in a content object, the system arranges the objects hierarchically, e.g., into volumes, chapters and sections according to the order specified by the user. The system then creates a file object (e.g., a CBO) defining the content object that contains a list or outline of the container and noncontainer entities selected, their identifiers, order and structure. This file object is stored separately in the data repository. Content is moved in the content object by moving desired ones of the container and noncontainer content entity identifiers to new locations in the list or outline. This is achieved through a user interface by providing a mechanism for enabling a user to select a container or noncontainer (e.g., by title) to be moved and specify a target location for the content entity (e.g., by inserting the container or noncontainer title between other titles in the outline.) |
| US07895237B2 |
Reassembling fragmented files or documents in an order-independent manner that ensures each of the fragments belongs to only one reassembled file
Files can be reassembled from fragments by (a) accepting adjacency scores for each pair of fragments from the set of fragments, (b) identifying header fragments from among the fragments of the set of fragments, and (c) for each of the header fragments identified, reconstructing a corresponding one of the two or more files from the fragments of the set of fragments such that the sum of the adjacency scores are optimized, wherein each of the fragments is permitted to belong to only one of the at least two files, and wherein at least two files are reconstructed such that the results are independent of the order in which the files are reconstructed. |
| US07895235B2 |
Extracting semantic relations from query logs
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for associating queries of a query log are provided. The query log lists a plurality of queries and a set of clicked URLs for each query. Each query is designated to be a node of a plurality of nodes. A plurality of edges is determined. A URL is designated to be an edge for a pair of queries if the URL is indicated as clicked in the sets of clicked URLs for both queries of the pair. The nodes and edges are displayed in a graph. Each edge may be displayed in the graph as a line connected between a pair of nodes that correspond to the pair of queries of the pair of nodes. The edges may be classified. Furthermore, the edges and/or the nodes may be weighted. Edges and/or nodes may be filtered from display based on their weights and/or on other criteria. |
| US07895233B2 |
Selectively searching restricted documents
A first subset of attributes of documents responsive to at least one restriction may be displayed. Thereafter, a selection of a graphical user interface element associated with one of the attribute in the first subset may be received resulting in a display of a window comprising an alphanumeric input element. A key word search query may be received in the input element so that a second subset of attributes of documents responsive to the at least one restriction, the attribute associated with the selected graphical user interface element, and the key word search query may be displayed. Related methods, apparatuses, computer program products, and computer systems are also described. |
| US07895230B2 |
Method of finding a search string in a document for viewing on a mobile communication device
A server find process by which a user enters a search term for a document attachment into his/her mobile communication device. If no occurrences of the term are found on the device, the device then prompts the user to initiate a server side search. If the user accepts, then the server searches the document attachment and returns the first section of text that contains the search term to the device for viewing by the user. This process can then be repeated until the server find feature reports that no further instances of the search string have been found on the server. |
| US07895229B1 |
Conducting cross-checks on legal matters across an enterprise system
Exemplary systems and methods for conducting cross-checks on legal matters across an enterprise system are provided. In exemplary embodiments, search parameters are received from a user to search for custodians across the plurality of legal matters that are affected. A cross-check module then accesses legal matter information. An analysis of whether a custodian is common to more than one legal matter based on the search parameters, tracked relationships, and the legal matter information is performed. Results are then provided to the user. In further embodiments, the cross-check module may also provide a listing of collected data based on the cross-check analysis. |
| US07895228B2 |
Federated query management
The availability of one or more databases targeted by a federated query may be determined prior to running the federated query against the targeted databases. In response to determining one or more of the targeted databases are unavailable, a user may be notified. The user may also be presented with options for running the federated query. The options may include being notified when all of the targeted databases are available, automatically running the federated query (in the background) when all of the targeted databases are available, and modifying the query to run against currently available databases. |
| US07895217B1 |
Method and system for processing requests for accessing stored information
Method and system for processing a plurality of requests for accessing “small files” stored at a storage device is provided. A user may define file size and each small file may include one or more blocks of data. The requests are sorted based on an address of a first data block for each small file. The sorted requests are then used to access the stored files, instead of accessing the requests based on when a request was received. |
| US07895212B2 |
Method for estimating a prestige of an entity
A method and an apparatus for estimating a prestige of an entity, as for example a firm, company or name, is disclosed wherein a score value is assigned to an entity as a function of an occurrence of terms associated with said entity in search results. The search results are obtained by searching an information space such as the internet. This enables, for example, companies or divisions, to infer their public standing from an analysis of search results obtained through internet search engines. It is possible to compare a plurality of entities with respect to each other in an automated fashion. |
| US07895209B2 |
Presentation of information based on current activity
Data elevation architecture for automatically and dynamically surfacing to a user interface (UI) context-specific data based on specific workflow or content currently being worked on by a user. Data is broken down into data elements and stored at a data element level in a data catalog using metadata, attributes, and relationships. Data elements are automatically selected from a comprehensive collection of the data catalogs based on relevancy and correlation to the current user task. The data catalog stores and relates the data elements and metadata based on criteria specified by content matching based on business terms or specified in a business process in predefined relationships between forms or specified by the user as correlated. The UI displays the data automatically in forms dynamically selected, populated, and presented at the point of focus or user activity so that the user can interact or take action immediately. |
| US07895207B2 |
Substrate processing system and data retrieval method
Even when the number of apparatuses and GUI terminals increase, the load of data retrieval processing does not increase in the group administration apparatus, and hence data retrieval and display onto the GUI terminals are to be performed rapidly. Data pieces transmitted from apparatuses are classified for each group by a group administration apparatus. Thus, for example, when temperature information is to be displayed on a GUI terminal, a temperature information group is set into a retrieval condition for each display item, while a temperature setting value and a temperature monitor value are set into types. Then, these data pieces are transferred to the group administration apparatus. Then, with reference to the retrieval conditions of a plurality of display items acquired from the GUI terminal, the group administration apparatus merges display items of the same condition into one retrieval item. By virtue of this, data acquisition for the data stored in the group administration apparatus is achieved by a request on a group basis. This reduces the number of times of retrieval for the apparatus data. |
| US07895206B2 |
Search query categrization into verticals
The likelihood that a query belongs to a vertical is determined. The query is assigned to a vertical based on that likelihood. A query submitted to a main search box is assigned to verticals and processed using indices specific to those verticals. The query is assigned to verticals based on coverage adjusted log likelihood per unit (CALL) values for that query in those verticals. An offline learning component computes UNITS dictionaries and learns the distributions of query units in the main search and each of the vertical searches using query logs. An online scoring and ranking component uses the query distributions and UNITS dictionaries to determine the CALL values and a likelihood of the query belonging to any vertical. The search query is then assigned to verticals based on the likelihoods. The search query is then processed by all the verticals the query is assigned to. |
| US07895201B2 |
Information processing apparatus, methods, and program for searching sets for an element
The present invention is intended to provide a quick search of a plurality of sets. A common representative point setting block sets a common representative point common to sets on the basis of a feature vector stored in a vector information storage block and stores the set point into a common representative point information storage block. A neighborhood table group creation block creates a neighborhood table for each set on the basis of the vector information and common representative point information and stores the created table in a neighborhood table group storage block. A nearest neighborhood vector group search block, upon acquisition of an input vector, searches each set for a nearest neighborhood vector of the input vector on the basis of the vector information, the common representative point information, and the neighborhood table group and outputs the retrieved nearest neighborhood vector as a comparison result. The present invention is applicable to image processing apparatuses. |
| US07895192B2 |
Estimating the loaded execution runtime of a database query
In a method for estimating a loaded execution runtime of database query, a database query for a database is received for a loaded database. Load information for the database is received. A prediction of query runtime tree is accessed. The prediction of query runtime tree is built from historical query information regarding historical database queries previously executed on the database. The prediction of query runtime tree includes a classifier function adjusted for an historical impact of loading of the database. The database query is processed through the prediction of query runtime tree, such that a loaded execution runtime of the database query is estimated based upon information pertaining to historical database queries similar to the database query. |
| US07895190B2 |
Indexing and querying XML documents stored in a relational database
A method is disclosed for indexing and querying XML documents stored in a relational database. A user is allowed to choose columns of a database table for storing XML data of a known structure. The user has to input one or more XML paths for indexed data. Each path is stored in a static index table. In response to the input of the user defined paths, at least one dynamic index table is created for each static index table. The dynamic index table is updated upon data being entered into the database table. When a user's query is intercepted, any XML expression part of the query is processed and converted into one or more rows in the static index table. A new query is generated against the dynamic indexing tables, using the values obtained from the static index table, and executed. The user's query is then rewritten by transforming the XML path part of the user's query expression into a format understood by the database query engine. Finally, after the rewritten query is executed, the result is returned to the user, together with any non-XML part of the user's query, executed by the database query engine. |
| US07895186B2 |
Method and mechanism of materialized view mix incremental refresh
A method and system for updating both partition change track tables and non-partition track tables in a materialized view. A log-based incremental refresh is performed on the materialized view and a partition change tracking based refresh is performed on the materialized view. The dependency of the materialized view log for the partition change track base table is removed. |
| US07895180B2 |
Content filtering method, apparatus thereby, and recording medium having filtering program recorded thereon
A content filtering method for selecting a desired piece of content from a plurality of pieces of content includes the steps of associating additional information about each piece of content and reduced image data representing the piece of content with the piece of content and registering the additional information and the reduced image data in a table; retrieving a piece of content having a highest level of coincidence with the additional information from the table by using the additional information corresponding to the reduced image data specified by a user as a search key; and presenting the reduced image data about the retrieved piece of content to the user. |
| US07895178B2 |
Associative search engine
This invention relates to an advertisement machine which provides advertisements to a user searching for desired information within a data network. The machine receives, from a user, a search request including a search argument corresponding to the desired information and searches, based upon the received search argument, a first database having data network related information to generate search results. It also correlating the received search argument to a particular advertisement in a second database having advertisement related information. The search results together with the particular advertisement are provided by the machine to the user. |
| US07895175B2 |
Client-side federated search
A method and apparatus for client-side federated search is provided. The user subscribes to a number of information providers, wherein a list of the information providers for the user is stored at a search engine. When the user at a client device submits a search query to the search engine, the search engine responds by sending general search results to the client device, along with search instructions that instruct the client device how to automatically initiate a search at information providers in which the user is interested. Without any further input from the user, the client device uses the search instructions to initiate searches at information providers in which the user is interested. When the client receives search results from the information providers, the client device displays the general search results concurrently with the information provider search results. |
| US07895174B2 |
Database part table junctioning
Embodiments are provided to define relationships for merging template or database part tables with one or more database tables in a computer system. A database application may utilize a schema to receive metadata associated with a target database part table in one or more markup language elements. The database application may then receive metadata associated with a source database table to be joined with the target table in the schema elements. The database application may then receive join type metadata in the schema elements. The join type metadata may specify whether fields from the source table are to be merged into the target table or whether fields from the target table are to be merged into the source table. In response to receiving the target table metadata and the source table metadata, the database application may then merge the target and source tables utilizing the join type metadata. |
| US07895172B2 |
System and method for writing data dependent upon multiple reads in a distributed database
An improved system and method for writing data dependent upon multiple reads in a distributed database is provided. A client may read several data records and may then send a request to a database server to perform a transaction to write a data record dependent upon multiple data records read. A database server may receive the request specifying a transaction to write a data record dependent upon multiple data records read and may perform the transaction by latching a master data record to be written and validating the data records the write depends upon. The multiple data records upon which the write depends may be validated by verifying the multiple data records are current versions of the data records stored in the distributed database. Data intensive applications may use this transaction type in large scale distributed database systems to provide stronger consistency without significantly degrading performance and scalability. |
| US07895167B2 |
System and method for analysis and management of logs and events
A log record analyzing system for monitoring log records from at least one computerized system. The log record analyzing system comprises a pattern repository that stores a plurality of pattern object records of different grammar types and a parsing engine which is adapted to receive a raw log data input. The parsing engine facilitates the matching between the raw log data input and at least one of the pattern object records. The parsing engine outputs parsed data according to the matching. |
| US07895161B2 |
Storage system and method of managing data using same
The storage system includes a file server connected to a host apparatus and configured to provide a directory in a file system having a directory structure to the host apparatus, a storage subsystem connected to the file server and configured to provide a volume for storing the file system, and a management apparatus connected respectively to the file server and the storage subsystem and configured to manage backup/restoration of an arbitrary directory contained in the file system. The storage system selects one of backup methods of a directory designated as a backup target by the management apparatus, and executes backup processing to the designated directory. The storage system also includes a restoration controller configured to control execution of restoration processing to backup data based on the backup processing. |
| US07895156B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for implementing a model exchange framework generating a synchronization record in response to a model exchange request using fusion technology
Disclosed are a method, a system, and a computer program products for implementing model exchange in a system design. In various embodiments, the method or system receives a model exchange request from a client where model exchange request comprises a first synchronization record which comprises a delta of both a program aspect and a data aspect between a system design on the client and a system design on the server, implements the first model exchange request by processing the first model exchange, generates a second synchronization record in response to the first model exchange, transmitting the second synchronization record to the first client by using a fusion technology, and displaying a result of implementing the first model exchange request or storing the result in a tangible computer readable medium. |
| US07895155B2 |
Method and system for updating document content and metadata via plug-in chaining in a content management system
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for managing and updating documents containing specialized content in a content management system (CMS) by chaining plug-ins. Rather than create a unique rule for each specialized scenario, a CMS may be configured to apply a plug-in chain in an order based upon a type of document encountered and/or configured criteria. |
| US07895150B2 |
Enterprise planning and performance management system providing double dispatch retrieval of multidimensional data
An enterprise software system provides an innovative double dispatch data retrieval technique that facilitates determining type safety during compile-time. The system includes an object store for storing a multi-dimensional dataset object. The dataset object provides an interface having a first function for instantiating a non-type-specific indexer object and a second function that returns a type-specific value of the plurality of data element currently referenced by the indexer object. The system also includes an object model that stores the dataset object to the object store, invokes the first function to instantiate the indexer object within the object store, utilizes the indexer object to reference the data element of the dataset object, and invokes the second function to retrieve the type-specific value of the data element referenced by the indexer object. Because the dataset provides the second method by which a type-specific value is returned, compilers may quickly determine type-safety concerns. |
| US07895147B2 |
Methodology and computer program product for effecting rule evaluation in policy based data management
The invention relates to a system and method for providing efficient policy rule updates in policy-based data management. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for restraining the size of the set of data objects to be examined after a policy rule evaluation. |
| US07895144B2 |
Risk assessment in a pre/post security area within an airport
A risk assessment method and system. The method includes receiving by an inference engine, first sensor cohort data associated with a first cohort located within a pre/post security area within an airport. The inference engine receives first group technology inferences associated with the first cohort. The inference engine generates first risk cohort inferences based on the first group technology inferences and the first sensor cohort data. The inference engine receives inference data comprising inferences associated with the first cohort. The inference engine generates second inference data comprising a second plurality of inferences associated with the first cohort. The second inference data is based on the inference data and the first risk cohort inferences. The inference engine generates a first associated risk level score for the first cohort. The computing system stores the second inference data and the first associated risk level score. |
| US07895143B2 |
Risk assessment in an area external to an airport
A risk assessment method and system. The method includes receiving by an inference engine, first sensor cohort data associated with a first cohort located within a security perimeter area surrounding an airport. The inference engine receives first group technology inferences associated with the first cohort. The inference engine generates first risk cohort inferences based on the first group technology inferences and the first sensor cohort data. The inference engine receives first inference data comprising a first plurality of inferences associated with the first cohort. The inference engine generates second inference data comprising a second plurality of inferences associated with the first cohort. The second inference data is based on the first inference data and the first risk cohort inferences. The inference engine generates a first associated risk level score for the first cohort. The computing system stores the second inference data and the first associated risk level score. |
| US07895142B2 |
Method and apparatus for quantum adiabatic pattern recognition
Methods and apparatuses for pattern recognition involve quantum-mechanical calculations. Pattern recognition can be achieved by considering a quantum system and its Hamiltonian dynamics. The dynamics are calculated on the basis of an initial Hamiltonian indicating an initial quantum state and on the basis of a final Hamiltonian. The final Hamiltonian depends on an input pattern and reference patterns. Transformations according to the Hamiltonian dynamics for the quantum system are applied to generate a final quantum state of said quantum system. Depending on said final quantum state a similarity between said input pattern and said reference patterns is determined. |
| US07895139B2 |
Data spiders
Data spiders, provide an automated system that can take a file or file store of historic transaction data and create the best set of variables from that data, where “best” means highly predictive. Genetic algorithms are used to parameterized transactions to form groups, which are subjected naïve Bayes score ranking. Variable groups are generated and ranked accord to the score. Data spiders span the full information available, are uncorrelated with previous methods, and are easily interpretable. |
| US07895133B2 |
Pricing method and system
A pricing method and system. The method includes receiving, by a computing system, data associated with a business. The data comprises a first list of negotiated pricing rates and associated skills, a second list of requesters, and a third list of suppliers. The computing system receives business factors data. The computing system determines requester options with respect to the negotiated pricing rates. The requester options are dependent on the business factors data. The computing system determines supplier options with respect to the negotiated pricing rates. The supplier options are dependent on the business factors data. The computing system determines sourcing buyer authorization options with respect to suppliers and the negotiated pricing rates. The computing system generates a pricing report comprising the requester options, the supplier options, the sourcing buyer authorization options, and the business factors data. |
| US07895132B2 |
Manifest generation and download systems and methods
The present invention is directed to systems and methods to generate a manifest of work that is to be performed by a driver. Specifically, systems and methods are described in the context of a package delivery system to generate a manifest of deliveries and pickups to be performed by a driver and to download the generated manifest to a portable computing device used by the driver to service the route. |
| US07895131B2 |
Cargo tracking apparatus, system and method
A system for tracking a location of at least one item is described. The system includes a tag associated with the at least one item during a shipping journey. The tag detects shipping information, including temperature, humidity, shock, etc. The tag sends the shipping information to a master unit. The master unit also detects certain shipping information. The master unit communicates with a central processor to provide the shipping information to the central processor. The central processor relies on the shipping information to determine one of a condition or a location of the item. |
| US07895128B2 |
Self-training and self-testing systems and methods
Embodiments herein begin by being supplied with input of at least two parties. From this, the embodiments herein automatically generate a contract between the parties, computerized self-training programs, and computerized self-testing programs based on the parties input. Embodiments herein cause employees of a service provider to perform computerized self-training programs directed toward a first phase of the requirements. The embodiments herein also use a computerized self-testing program to determine whether all of the employees of the service provider within a specific group have acquired knowledge that exceeds the first phase of the requirements. Further, these embodiments prevent any employee of the service provider within the specific group from performing computerized self-training programs directed toward a second phase of the requirements until all of the employees of the service provider within the specific group have acquired knowledge that exceeds the first phase of the requirements, as determined by the computerized self-testing program. |
| US07895127B2 |
Rating-based sorting and displaying of reviews
A computer system receives customer reviews for a subject, for example, a product, service, or market participant. Each review includes a rating of the subject and a comment about the subject. The rating may be favorable, unfavorable, or intermediate. The system sorts the reviews in a default order, for example, chronologically, and displays the reviews in the default order on a first webpage. The first webpage includes an input for requesting a non-default order of the reviews, for example, in accordance with the ratings of the reviews. The system sorts the reviews in the non-default order, and, when a user activates the input to request the reviews in the non-default order, displays a second webpage with the reviews in the non-default order. The non-default order may require all reviews with less than favorable ratings to be placed ahead of all reviews with favorable ratings. The system may be Internet-based. |
| US07895126B1 |
Method, communications system and receiver device for the billing of access controlled programmes and /or data from broadcast transmitters
A method, a communications system and a receiving device are for billing of access-controlled programs and/or data which are broadcast by a broadcast transmitter unidirectionally and encrypted, and are received by at least one receiving device. A monetary value is stored in a data memory of the receiving device. The costs for access to the access-controlled programs and/or data are determined in the receiving device based on received cost data, and decryption of the access-controlled programs and/or data in the receiving device is prevented if the determined costs are greater than the stored monetary value. Billing records are generated in the receiving device for the allocation of credit items to the vendors of the access-controlled programs and/or data, and are transmitted to a billing center via various data channels. |
| US07895111B2 |
System and method for hedging dividend risk
The present invention provides a method and system for determining hedging transactions to meet required characteristics of risks associated with an insurance instrument, and mitigating the risks associated with the insurance instrument by executing hedging transactions. The hedging transactions utilize dividend swap agreements to hedge first order dividend risk. In general, dividend swap derivative hedging encapsulates a dividend swap containing a payoff formula, which is a function of a notional amount, a sum of dividends payable between a start date and a end date, and a breakeven level of dividends. |
| US07895107B2 |
Method of interacting with printed form
A method of interacting with a printed form. The method includes the steps of: maintaining a page description corresponding to a printed form; receiving, indicating data from an optically imaging pen operated by the user, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the form and of a position of a nib of the pen relative to the form; retrieving the page description using the identity of the form; and identifying an interaction with the form using the position of the nib and the retrieved page description. The position of the nib is determined by inferring a perspective transform from perspective-distorted corners of a tag of known size when sensing the coded data and using the perspective transform together with a known geometry of pen optics to compute the position of the nib. |
| US07895105B1 |
Exportable report templates
A computer-implemented method for creating report templates from a report in a financial software application executing on a processor includes receiving the report having a layout and a content field containing financial data, and that the report is received from a first user of the financial software application. The method also includes determining a structure of the report including the layout of the report and the content field of the report, and storing the structure as a report template. The report template is stored independently of the financial data, and is accessible by a second user of the financial software application. |
| US07895102B1 |
Systems and methods for financial plan benchmarking
A comprehensive set of data pertaining to a user is gathered from various sources and analyzed. A financial plan is generated and provided to the user. The user may set financial goals and monitor progress towards achieving the goals, and may set and monitor probabilities of success of achieving the goals. The financial plan may take into account the financial goals and probabilities of success, and may be revised to reflect changes in the financial goals and probabilities of success. In an implementation, a user may be provided with information pertaining to how their finances, financial plan, goals, and probabilities of success compare to a selected population group. |
| US07895101B1 |
Computer based method of pricing equity indexed annuity product with lock-in
The present invention broadly comprises a computer-based method for determining a set of equity-indexed crediting parameters C for a selectable-term equity-indexed deposit product also having a set of profitability requirements R, a principal amount P, an account value A, a maximum term T, a set of lock-in formulas F, a selected term T′, an immediate credit I, and a guaranteed rate G, with R, P, A, T, C, and F determined at the time of product purchase and T′<=T determined by the purchaser after the time of purchase and I and G determined by the seller at T′ according to the set of formulas F, with the immediate credit I being added to the account value A at time T′ and interest being credited to the account value A at the rate G from time T′ to time T. |
| US07895099B2 |
Methods and systems for facilitating transactions between commercial banks and pooled depositor groups
Methods and systems for facilitating transactions (200) between commercial banks and pooled depositor groups are disclosed. Employees of a control center determine interest rate return needs of pooled depositor groups (210), such as trust departments at commercial banks. The control center employees aggregate (204) the funds to produce a stable funds source and communicate the availability of the stable funds source to commercial banks for core deposits (210). The commercial banks communicate cash needs to the control center (202). The control center sets an interest rate (206) to be paid to the pooled depositor groups for use of the funds to at least the depositor groups'expected rate of return and below and the rate that commercial banks are willing to pay for the funds. The banks post master NOW accounts and the pooled depositor groups deposit funds in the master NOW accounts (212). |
| US07895098B2 |
System and method for measuring and utilizing pooling analytics
A system and method for quantifying the working capital benefit of pooling a number of separate cash accounts. The average (mean) cash balance of the pooled account is determined to be the sum of the means of each of the individual accounts. Similarly, the standard deviation of the pooled account is determined to be the square root of the sum of the squares of the standard deviations of the individual accounts. Accordingly, the minimum cash level of the pooled account is 2.3 times the square root of the sum of the squares of the standard deviations of the individual accounts. In order to determine the benefit of pooling, the present invention determines the difference between the minimum aggregate cash required by the separate companies and the minimum cash required in the pooled account. If pooling is to be beneficial, from a working capital perspective, the minimum cash required in the pooled account will be significantly less than the aggregate cash required by the separate companies. |
| US07895096B1 |
Consumer future purchase tool and method
The invention relates to a method to help a user save for a future purchase. The method steps include organizing spending data of the user into a plurality of spending categories, wherein the user is saving money for the future purchase, and wherein the user elects to forgo spending in at least one spending category of the plurality of spending categories to facilitate the future purchase, obtaining a savings plan, wherein the savings plan comprises the at least one spending category and a target savings amount, sending a prompt to a user to obtain spending data associated with the savings plan, tracking spending data of the user responsive to the prompt, and generating a notification to the user related to the savings plan based on spending data. |
| US07895095B2 |
System and method for front end business logic and validation
A hybird Notes/DB2 environment provides a requisition catalog on the Web. Client browsers are connected to a GWA infrastructure including a first network dispatcher and a virtual cluster of Domino.Go servers. The network dispatcher sprays out browser requests among configured .nsf servers in virtual server cluster. Communications from this virtual server cluster are, in turn, dispatched by a second network dispatcher servers in a Domino cluster. External objects, primarily for a GUI, are served in a .dfs and include graphic files, Java files, HTML images and net.data macros. The catalog is built from supplier provided flat files. A front end is provided for business logic and validation, as also is a relation database backend. HTML forms are populated using relational database agents. A role table is used for controlling access both to Notes code and DB2 data. Large amounts of data is quickly transferred using an intermediate agent and window. |
| US07895094B2 |
Global account reconciliation tool
A global reconciliation software tool is provided to standardize reconciliation processes across various corporate lines of business. The reconciliation tool provides standard templates for entering transaction and account data. In this manner, open accounting items are more readily identified and reconciled. The software tool includes a plurality of components allowing for greater scalability and operability across various computer systems and accounting programs. |
| US07895088B2 |
System permitting the display of video or still image content on selected displays of an electronic display network according to customer dictates
Commercial advertisers, such as consumer product companies and the advertising agents that represent them, directly access a network of thousands of large, high resolution electronic displays located in high traffic areas and directly send their own advertisements electronically to the network to be displayed at locations and times selected by the advertisers. In another application, operators of digital movie theaters have ongoing, continuous access to tens of thousands of movies that can be ordered in digital form for display on selected screens at their theaters at selected times. |
| US07895085B2 |
Electronic gift linking
According to the invention, a method for creating an electronic greeting card that references a gift is disclosed. In one step, a selection of the electronic greeting card is received from a sender of that greeting card. Identification of the gift is received. A code indicative of the gift is created, whereby the code facilitates retrieving information about the gift. The code is embedded in the electronic greeting card. |
| US07895079B2 |
Method and device utilizing polymorphic data in e-commerce
An aspect of the present invention includes a protocol for conveying data during an e-commerce session with a polymorphic response, comprising initiating a session with a message from a buyer application to a broker application and a session identifier assigned by the broker application; conducting the session between the buyer application and a supplier application; and concluding the session with a additional message which includes a schema identifier for the additional message, resolvable in a context of a system identifier; and a polymorphic response comprising a type and a version, wherein the polymorphic response includes additional data elements corresponding to values assigned to the type and version. |
| US07895076B2 |
Advertisement insertion, profiling, impression, and feedback
Various apparatus, methods and systems for insertion of advertisements in various environments are provided. Apparatus, methods and systems for profiling users, registering advertisement impressions and generating feedback in response to advertisement viewing are also disclosed. |
| US07895072B1 |
Methods, system, and articles of manufacture for developing analyzing, and managing initiatives for a business network
A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations. |
| US07895069B2 |
System and method for implementing database concurrency for allowing multiple agents to coordinate execution of tasks in a cluster
A system, computer-implementable method, and computer-readable medium for processing a collection of work items in a data processing system. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an agent monitor assembles a work items list that includes a collection of work items, wherein at least one work item among the collection of work items is a work item that is unassigned to at least one agent among a collection of agents. The agent monitor assigns the at least one work item to the at least one agent. In response to determining that the at least one agent has entered into a hang state, the agent monitor releases the at least one work item from the at least one agent. |
| US07895068B2 |
Transitive trust network
Methods, data structures, and systems by which entities can efficiently discover, extend, validate and establish business relationships over a digital network are disclosed. A transitive trust system can be utilized by any number of interconnected entities in which at least two of the entities are capable of sharing information. One or more entity trust lists contain, for at least two of the entities, at least one characteristic. Each characteristic can, for example, describe or pertain to the actual or perceived dependability, reliability and/or credibility of an entity. The system also includes at least one transactional trust list that contains at least one parameter relative to an exchange between at least two of the entities through at least one degree of separation between the entities. The transactional trust list can, for example, be a listing of any type of parameters that define or describe business exchanges within a particular industry segment. The transactional trust list can also list information about the types of transactional activities that can take place and proxy actions available to cooperating entities. The system retrieves information from the entity trust list and the transactional trust list in order to provide a framework for at least two of the entities to establish relationships with one another. |
| US07895066B2 |
Assigning and managing patron reservations for distributed services using wireless personal communication devices
A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching. |
| US07895063B2 |
Computerized method and system for creating pre-configured claim reports including liability in an accident estimated using a computer system
Computer-implemented methods and systems for creating pre-configured claim reports including estimated liability for a vehicle accident are provided. In an embodiment, claim information on a computer system required by a pre-configured claim report for an accident may be accessed from a database. In some embodiments, the claim information may be accessed if a user-specified condition is met. In other embodiments, the claim information may be accessed periodically following a user-specified time period. A pre-configured claim report may be created from the accessed claim information. In certain embodiments, the pre-configured claim report may be sent to a user-specified location. |
| US07895059B2 |
Sensitive drug distribution system and method
A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database, and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug. |
| US07895054B2 |
Pharmacy personal care account
A method for providing insurance coverage to a subscriber comprises offering an insurance policy to said subscriber wherein said insurance policy comprises providing allowances to pay for one or more expenses covered by said insurance policy and providing monetary credits to said subscriber for any unused portion of a given allowance where said monetary credits can be used to cover the cost of a subsequent allowed expense. The insurance policy may be a pharmacy benefits plan. The covered expenses may be pharmacy expenses. The allowed expenses may be medical expenses which qualify under section 213 of the US Internal Revenue code for payment by an employer without said subscriber having to declare said payment as taxable income. |
| US07895053B2 |
Medication management system
A medication management system (MMS) includes a medication management unit (MMU) associated with a medical device. The MMU downloads medication delivery code based on a medication delivery order to the medical device only if information from a first input matches information from a second input. The medical device receives delivery information electronically only from the MMU. The medication order is performed only after delivery data validation. The MMU also determines drug-drug incompatibility. The MMU can modulate (start, stop, sequence and dynamically adjust) medication order performance. |
| US07895050B2 |
Packaging and distributing service elements
A service element is defined and represented by a data structure. It includes one or more components and/or one or more other service elements. A service element providing a complete function is a service offering. Management of service elements and/or service offerings is facilitated by a Service Development Tool. In different aspects, the management includes various tasks associated with creating, modifying and deleting service elements, establishing relationships, error checking and optimization. In a further aspect, service elements are packaged and distributed to enable customers to deliver the service elements. Additionally, the hosting of software packages is facilitated. |
| US07895049B2 |
Dynamic representation of group activity through reactive personas
Embodiments are directed towards managing an adaptive media object to dynamically represent a persona reflecting a group's (or individual's) online and/or offline activities and behaviors. The group selects the adaptive media object to represent their persona digitally. The group may indicate which activities, actions, and/or behaviors are to be used to adapt the persona, and may further specify at least one mapping of a selected activity, action, and/or behavior to a change in the configuration of the adaptive media object. In one embodiment, the various activities, actions, and/or behaviors may be input to a machine learning algorithm that dynamically determines the changes to the adaptive media object. The adaptive media object may serve as a single point of contact for the group or individual for communications. The adaptive media object configuration may also change based upon the client device used to access the adaptive media object. |
| US07895048B2 |
Method for processing digital content to satisfy a request
The present invention enables a user to download digital photography images and fulfill digital photography requests through a variety of digital photography systems and methods. One digital photography system of the present invention includes a first computing environment for initiating digital photography order requests. The first computing environment receives a download of digital photography images from a user together with an order request from the user. Resident within the first computing environment is a provisioner related to the user, and storing user profile information, user personalization information, and user customization information. This provisioner utilized in fulfilling said order request in a manner personalized to said user. The digital photography system also includes a second computing environment for fulfilling the order request by way of an order fulfillment device. |
| US07895046B2 |
Low bit rate codec
The present invention relates to improvements of predictive encoding/decoding operations performed on a signal which is transmitted over a packet switched network. The signal is encoded on a block by block basis in such way that a block A-B is predictive encoded independently of any preceding blocks. A start state (715) located somewhere between the end boundaries A and B of the block is encoded using any applicable coding method. Both block parts surrounding the start state is then predictive encoded based on the start state and in opposite directions with respect to each other, thereby resulting in a full encoded representation (745) of the block A-B. At the decoding end, corresponding decoding operations are performed. |
| US07895043B1 |
Automated third party verification system
A third party verification system, method, and computer readable medium comprising a response unit in communication with at least a first party, said response unit configured to automatically elicit information in the form of a dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) response from the at least first party providing evidence of consent granted by the at least first party to enter into at least one transaction with at least a second party, and a print server in communication with said response unit, said print server configured to receive and store said information to provide a record for third party verification that the at least first party consented to enter into the at least one transaction with the at least one second party. |
| US07895035B2 |
Scalable decoding apparatus and method for concealing lost spectral parameters
There is provided a scalable decoding device capable of improving resistance against a transmission error. In the device, a narrow band LSP decoding unit (108) decodes narrow band LSP encoded information corresponding to a core layer of the current encoded information. A storage unit (126) stores a wide band quantized LSP corresponding to an extended layer of the past encoded information as a stored wide band LSP. When the wide band LSP encoded information is lost from the current encoded information, a compensation unit formed by a combination of a frame loss compensation unit (124) and a switching unit (128) generates a compensated wide band LSP by weighted addition of the band conversion LSP of the narrow band quantized LSP and the stored wide band LSP, thereby compensating the decoding signal of the lost wide band LSP encoded information by the compensated wide band LSP. |
| US07895030B2 |
Visualization method for machine translation
A method, computer program product and system are provided. The method includes the steps of: providing output text and a confidence value and displaying the output text. The output text includes text in a second language produced from machine translation performed on input text in a first language. The confidence value corresponds to an indication of reliability of the output text. The display of the output text includes a display attribute corresponding to the confidence value of the output text. |
| US07895025B2 |
Validation method for embedded systems
A method of designing a validation environment for a service implemented by an embedded electrical system. In the method one or more user requests and system responses are assigned. Next, a behavioral automata is assigned to the service, which fixes the allowed sequencing of the user requests and system responses. Then, a skeleton validation environment is automatically generated for the service. The skeleton validation environment includes testing automata produced from a traversal of the behavioral automata, a model of initial conditions, models of user requests, models of system response accuracy, an environmental model, and the dataflow and control flow assembling these models together. The skeleton validation environment covers all user requests and resultant system responses of the service. The skeleton validation environment is then recorded in a computer readable memory device for use by a design validation tool. |
| US07895024B2 |
Sequence pattern descriptors for transmembrane structural details
The relationship between an amino acid sequence of a protein and its three-dimensional structure is at the very core of structural biology and bioinformatics. The occurrence and conservation of non-canonical conformations is a “local” phenomenon, i.e., non-canonical conformations are encoded intra-helically by short peptide sequences (heptapeptides at most). Effective descriptors can be formed for these short sequences employing training sets. Multiple, distinct patterns are created representing these sequences. A composite descriptor is formed by selecting from among the patterns discovered. The composite descriptor has a high level of sensitivity and specificity while, at the same time, a boosted signal-to-noise ratio. |
| US07895023B2 |
Simulation system and method for establishing reservoir operational rule curves
A simulation system is adapted to reside in a computing device for establishing reservoir operational rule curves. The simulation system simulates reservoir storages of consecutive time units of hydrological years based on initially assigned reservoir storages and corresponding reservoir hydrological data, and makes statistical data sets of corresponding relationship among the reservoir storages, water shortage parameters and probabilities. Further, the reservoir storages of the time units with specified water shortage parameters and probabilities are collected to generate storage trajectories that respectively comply with pre-specified demands, which are subsequently screened according to a specified screening criteria to obtain optimum rule curve sets that meet reservoir operational targets in a simple and effective manner. |
| US07895016B2 |
System and method for wind turbine health management
A controller for use in managing an operational lifetime of at least one wind turbine is communicatively coupled to at least one wind turbine and a server sub-system. The controller is configured to receive operational data from the wind turbine, transmit the operational data to the server sub-system, and transmit a request for historical data corresponding to the wind turbine to the server sub-system. The controller is further configured to receive a response from the server sub-system, wherein the response includes historical data corresponding to the wind turbine, and to determine an estimate of a time failure of the wind turbine based on at least one of the operational data and the historical data. |
| US07895014B2 |
Method for improving the localisation of a target in regard of a sensor
The present invention relates to a method to locate a target in regard of a sensor, comprising the steps of collecting the outputs of a capacitive sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes and combining said outputs so as to obtain a signal representative of the distance separating said target from the sensor. |
| US07895012B2 |
Systems and methods for organizing and storing data
One embodiment includes a method for tracking usage of system components such that for each system component to be tracked the value of that component is measured on a successive time unit basis and the measured value is stored together with the number of successive time units that value repeats. Another embodiment includes a system for handling data representative of system conditions in which rapidly changing data values are received from at least one of the monitored sources such that each data value is representative of system conditions with respect to a small period of time; and such that the data is compressed while preserving the data values for each of the small periods of time. |
| US07895011B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing remote calibration verification
A method and apparatus for remotely verifying the calibration status of a diagnostic instrument, for example, following remote installation of a software upgrade on the instrument. In one example, a method of verifying the calibration status of the instrument, includes retrieving stored raw calibration test data generated during a previously-performed calibration of the instrument, processing the raw calibration test data to generate a diagnostic reading, comparing the diagnostic reading to a known nominal reading, and based on the comparison, generating an output indicative of the calibration status of the instrument. In one example, the method is performed without contemporaneously measuring a calibration object with the instrument and therefore, without activating the measurement head or measurement optics of the instrument. |
| US07895007B2 |
Digital signal processing in optical systems used for ranging applications
Methods and apparatuses for reducing the response time along with increasing the probability of ranging of optical rangefinders that digitize the signal waveforms obtained from the pulse echoes returned from various types of objects to be ranged, the pulse echoes being too weak to allow successful ranging from a single waveform or the objects being possibly in motion during the capture of the pulse echoes. In a first embodiment of the invention, the response time at close range of a digital optical rangefinder is reduced by using a signal averaging process wherein the number of data to be averaged varies with the distance according to a predetermined function. In a second embodiment of the invention, the probability of ranging objects in motion along the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder is increased and the object velocity measured by performing a range shift of each acquired signal waveform prior to averaging. In a third embodiment of the invention, the signal waveforms acquired in the line of sight of a digital optical rangefinder are scanned over a predetermined zone and range shifted and averaged to allow for early detection and ranging of objects that enter in the zone. |
| US07895003B2 |
Vibration protection in a variable speed compressor
Vibration protection in a compressor system with a variable speed compressor may include operating a variable speed compressor at a plurality of frequencies, measuring a plurality of vibration values associated with the plurality of frequencies, determining a frequency characteristic of the compressor system based on the plurality of vibration values, and identifying prohibited compressor frequencies based on the frequency characteristic. |
| US07894999B2 |
Systems and methods for identifying Replikin Scaffolds and uses of said Replikin Scaffolds
The present invention provides a new class of peptides related to rapid replication and high human mortality, and their use in diagnosing, preventing and treating disease including vaccines and therapeutics for emerging viral diseases and methods of identifying the new class of peptides and related structures. |
| US07894995B2 |
Molecular interaction predictors
Adaptive threading models for predicting an interaction between two or more molecules such as proteins are provided. The adaptive threading models have one or more learnable parameters that can be learned from all or some of the available data. The available data can include data relating to known interactions between the two or more molecules, the composition of the molecules and the geometry of the molecular complex. |
| US07894992B2 |
Diagnosis and classification of multiple myeloma
Gene expression profiling between normal B cells/plasma cells and multiple myeloma cells revealed four distinct subgroups of multiple myeloma plasma cells that have significant correlation with clinical characteristics known to be associated with poor prognosis. Diagnosis for multiple myeloma (and possibly monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) based on differential expression of 14 genes, as well as prognostics for the four subgroups of multiple myeloma based on the expression of 24 genes were also established. Gene expression profiling also allows placing multiple myeloma into a developmental schema parallel to that of normal plasma cell differentiation. The development of a gene expression- or developmental stage-based classification system for multiple myeloma would lead to rational design of more accurate and sensitive diagnostics, prognostics and tumor-specific therapies for multiple myeloma. |
| US07894985B2 |
Facility searching device, program, navigation device, and facility searching method
A facility searching technique easier to operate and having high degree of freedom. A facility searching device is constructed from a database on map information, a database relating to various kinds of facilities and including positional information of the facilities, a display unit for displaying, based on the map information, a map of a predetermined area, a pointing device for inputting a position located on the displayed map, a voice input unit for inputting by voice an instruction relating to search for facilities, and unit (25, 29, 30, 31) for performing the search for facilities upon receiving the input of a position or the input of an instruction (steps 21-22, 24, 26, 27, 28), the search being based on the inputted position and the instruction. |
| US07894984B2 |
Digital mapping system
Various methods, systems, and apparatus for implementing aspects of a digital mapping system are disclosed. One such method includes sending a location request from a client-side computing device to a map tile server, receiving a set of map tiles in response to the location request, assembling said received map tiles into a tile grid, aligning the tile grid relative to a clipping shape, and displaying the result as a map image. One apparatus according to aspects of the present invention includes means for sending a location request from a client-side computing device to a map tile server, means for receiving a set of map tiles in response to the location request, means for assembling said received map tiles into a tile grid, means for aligning the tile grid relative to a clipping shape, and means for displaying the result as a map image. Such an apparatus may further include direction control or zoom control objects as interactive overlays on the displayed map image, and may also include route or location overlays on the map image. |
| US07894980B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating real-time travel times over a transportation network based on limited real-time data
The present invention is a method and an apparatus for estimating real-time travel times or traffic loads (e.g., traffic flows or densities) over a transportation network based on limited real-time data. In one embodiment, a method for estimating a travel time over a transportation network comprising at least a first link and a second link includes receiving a data feed associated with a real-time traffic flow over the first link, estimating a first travel time over the first link based at least in part on the data feed, and estimating a second travel time over the second link, also based at least in part on the data feed. The method assumes that a real-time data feed is not available for the second link, and thus estimates the traffic flow over the second link based on the known traffic flow over the first link and other known data, such as historical traffic patterns and physical parameters of the transportation network. |
| US07894979B2 |
Methods for determining turning rates in a road network
Methods for determining turning rates in a road network are provided. Traffic volumes are recorded at measurement cross-sections at predefinable measuring intervals. For at least one forward-related subnetwork of the road network in which measurement cross-sections are taken into account at an exit and at entries of the subnetwork, a model equation is formulated in which the exit traffic volume is set as the weighted sum of the entry traffic volumes and the weighting factors correspond to the forward-related turning rates which specify in each case the portion of an entry traffic volume flowing out through the exit taken into account, and wherein the forward-related turning rates are calculated on the basis of the model equation using a mathematical estimation method. |
| US07894977B2 |
Method for increasing the resolution of output signals from at least one measuring sensor on an internal combustion engine and corresponding controller
The resolution of output signals from at least one measuring sensor on an internal combustion engine can be increased by: the working level range of the sensor is divided into at least two range sections, each section is provided with the same given output level range limited with relation to the working level range, for the output signal from the sensor and the switching from one to the other section is carried out independently by the sensor, when a range boundary between two adjacent sections is reached, exceeded or fallen below, the operating point of the internal combustion engine is determined by an engine management based on at least one parameter, the time curve for the raw sensor signal is predicted from at least one set of performance characteristics for the current operating point and the engine management determines which section is current from the predicted raw sensor signal time curve. |
| US07894975B2 |
Combustion control device and method for controlling combustion of engine
A combustion control device is configured to control combustion in a combustion chamber of a compression ignition engine. An index detection unit is configured to detect multiple combustion state indices each indicating a combustion state in the combustion chamber. The multiple combustion state indices may include an ignition time point and an MFB50 time point, at which a combustion mass rate becomes 50% of total. A determination unit is configured to select a combustion state index from the multiple combustion state indices based on a determination condition such as an operation state of the engine. A control unit is configured to manipulate a parameter of the combustion state such as a fuel injection time point, at which a fuel injection valve injects fuel, so as to control the combustion state index at a target value. |
| US07894971B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus is used to control a driving force to be given to a vehicle. A driving force calculating device calculates the driving force to be given to the vehicle, on the basis of a deviation between a vehicle speed of the vehicle and a target speed. A driving force correcting device performs correction of increasing the driving force calculated by the driving force calculating device, when the vehicle speed reduces to a predetermined value or less. Specifically, the driving force correcting device performs the correction of increasing the driving force, when the vehicle speed reduces to the predetermined value or less as the vehicle comes in contact with an obstacle, such as a bump. By this, it is possible to reduce a stop time length of the vehicle due to the contact with the obstacle, to thereby quickly make the vehicle run over the obstacle. |
| US07894970B2 |
Motorcycle, device and method for controlling the same and device and method for detecting slip quantity of motorcycle
Traction control for a motorcycle including a driving wheel speed sensor and a driven wheel speed sensor. An ECU controls an engine on the basis of a corrected slip signal obtained by subtracting a low frequency component of a pre-correction slip signal from the pre-correction slip signal. The pre-correction slip signal is obtained by subtracting a speed of a front wheel detected by the driven wheel speed sensor from a speed of a rear wheel detected by the driving wheel speed sensor. |
| US07894967B2 |
Regenerative braking with hill descent control
An automotive hill descent control includes a friction-braking subsystem and a non-friction braking subsystem with engine-based braking and regenerative braking. The regenerative and engine-based braking systems may be controlled according to the position of a manual switch, as well as inversely proportionally to the slope upon which a vehicle is being operated, and according to the speed of the vehicle. |
| US07894964B2 |
Engine control apparatus
An engine control apparatus basically has a clutch release detecting component, a time measuring component and a rotational speed synchronization control component. The clutch release detecting component detects when a clutch arranged between an engine and a manual transmission has been released to prevent rotation from being transferred from the engine to the manual transmission during shifting. The time measuring component measures an amount of time that elapses after the clutch is released. The rotational speed synchronization control component starts rotational speed synchronization control when the clutch is released and a prescribed delay time has elapsed since the clutch was released so that an engine rotational speed matches a predicted input rotational speed of the manual transmission being based on a vehicle speed and a gear position that is occurring after shifting is completed. |
| US07894963B2 |
System and method for controlling a machine
A machine is provided. The machine includes an engine, an engine speed sensor, a transmission, a transmission status sensor, a pump, and a controller. The engine speed sensor is configured to sense the speed of the engine. The transmission is coupled to the engine. The transmission status sensor is configured to sense the status of the transmission. The pump is coupled to the engine and has a first torque mode and a second torque mode. The controller is in communication with the engine speed sensor and the transmission status sensor and is operable to automatically switch the pump from the first torque mode to the second torque mode based on the engine speed and the transmission status. |
| US07894961B2 |
Dump cycle counting and monitoring system
A dump cycle counting system is provided for a work machine. The system may include a payload carrier configured to contain a payload of material and a dump actuator configured to effectuate dumping of the payload out of the payload carrier. The system may also include a controller configured to control actuation of the dump actuator and a dump control device operatively coupled to the controller. The system may further include a load counter configured to record at least one dump cycle based on a command state of at least one of the dump control device and the controller. |
| US07894960B2 |
Active head restraint for a vehicle seat
An active head restraint system is disclosed with an actuator, a sensor, and a controller. The controller receives an impact signal from a triggering element, receives the position of an occupant's head, actuates the head restraint to move towards the occupant's head, and controls actuation to optimize head restraint movement as the head restraint moves proximate to the occupant's head. In another embodiment, the controller also manipulates head restraint velocity to optimize the velocity toward the occupant's head. Also presented is a method for actuating an active head restraint system for a vehicle seat. The method includes sending an impact signal to a controller, receiving the position of an occupant's head, transmitting the received position of the occupant's head to a controller, actuating the head restraint to move towards the occupant's head, and controlling head restraint actuation to optimize head restraint movement as it moves proximate to the occupant's head. |
| US07894955B2 |
Method and apparatus for vehicle rollover mitigation
A method is provided for detecting a rollover event of a vehicle. A lateral kinetic energy of the vehicle is determined in response to vehicle longitudinal velocity and vehicle side slip angle. A lateral acceleration of the vehicle is measured. A tire normal force is measured. A rollover potentiality index is determined in response to the lateral kinetic energy and the lateral acceleration. A rollover index is determined by weighting the rollover potentiality index by a factor of the lateral acceleration and by a factor of the tire normal force. A comparison is made to determine if the rollover index is above a predetermined threshold. |
| US07894954B2 |
Power control system for car computer
A power control system for car computer includes a power switching circuit located between a power input terminal of a computer host and an external power source, such that the computer host outputs a keep-power-on signal when a key power is supplied thereto; a power ON/OFF circuit receiving the keep-power-on signal to thereby connect the external power source to the computer host; a key power detection circuit for constantly detecting whether the key power is ON, so that the computer host outputs a shut-down signal when the key power is OFF; a computer shut-down circuit for receiving the shut-down signal from the computer host and thereby driving the computer host to execute shut-down procedures; and a power OFF circuit for sensing an OFF state of the key power and outputting a control signal to drive the power ON/OFF circuit to disconnect the external power source from the computer host. |
| US07894952B2 |
Methods and apparatus for accessing vehicle electronic systems
One embodiment is directed to providing access between external systems and embedded vehicle electronic systems. That is, an interface module may receive information from a system external to the vehicle, determine an embedded system of the vehicle to which to provide the information, and provide the information to the embedded system. Similarly, the interface module may receive information a embedded electronic systems of a vehicle, determine a system external the vehicle to which to provide the information, and provide the information to the external system. |
| US07894949B2 |
Fault tracing in the data bus system of a vehicle
A data bus system of a motor vehicle includes at least one first and one second control device which communicates with each another via at least one data bus. In order to be able to localize errors more easily, the system has at least one identification device which provides an identifier to each of the messages sent by the first and the second control device. The first control device receives a first message, and the identification device causes the first control device to provide the message sent therefrom with a first identifier. The second control device receives the message sent by the first control device with the first identifier, and the identification device causes the second control device to provide the message sent therefrom with a second identifier. |
| US07894946B2 |
Apparatus for managing an energy consuming load by compiling load state data from other loads
An apparatus for managing an energy consuming load in a group of energy consuming loads comprising the load and a plurality of other loads, including a transmitter to transmit a set of load state data generated from the load and a receiver to receive sets of load state data generated from the other loads. A processor generates the set of load state data from the load, to compile the set of load state data from the load with the sets of load state data from the other loads, and to process the compiled sets of load state data in order to make an enablement state decision for the load, wherein the enablement state decision reflects an enablement state of the load which is either a load enabled or a load disabled state. The enablement state decision is made independently of the other loads, and is implemented by a controller. |
| US07894941B2 |
Sound detection and associated indicators for an autonomous moving robot
The present invention aims to provide an autonomous moving robot capable of visibly showing the human an initial check result for a sound input means in the initial stage after the robot device is turned on and activated, and whether or not the input sound was normally recognized. The robot has ears 9a, 9b respectively comprising microphones 10a, 10b for external sound input, and LED displays 11a, 11b with a plurality of luminescent portions around the respective microphones. The luminescent portions of the LED displays 11a, 11b indicate the judgment of the initial check on whether or not the ears 9a, 9b (the microphones 10a, 10b and the LED displays 11a, 11b) are normally functioning when the robot is turned on and activated, by means of the lighting states of the displays. |
| US07894938B1 |
Vending machine service scheduling
Techniques are provided for calculating vending machines' service priorities and scheduling the vending machines for service taking into account a number of factors and thresholds (520). In some embodiments, the machines (110) are subdivided into subroutes (320). Each subroute has one or more machines, and at least one subroute has a plurality of machines. The vending machine service schedule is generated by selecting the highest priority subroute (410) and selecting the machines in that subroute (420). Other subroutes can be selected (430, 440) if there is time left in the Service Period. |
| US07894929B2 |
Method for the designing of tools
A method for creating addendums (4) of tools for sheet metal formed parts (2) wherein fill surfaces (7) for the smoothing of irregular zones of a component edge (3) are generated. Initial directions (31) of sectional profiles (10) are determined such that sectional profiles (10) at a distance from one another are arranged along a component (3, 8). An addendum (4) is created connecting the sectional profiles (10). |
| US07894928B2 |
Device for forming a jacquard type shed, a loom fitted with such a device, and a method of forming the shed on such a loom
A device for forming a Jacquard type shed including a plurality of electric actuators (61) and control means (C1, C21) for controlling each actuator (61) suitable for generating a signal (S211) representative of a value of at least one parameter (A). The control means includes an analyzer (C′21) for analyzing, for at least one pick (dn), a design that corresponds to one or more picks. The control means also includes a unit (C″21) for determining a modification factor on the basis of the result of the analysis carried out by the analyzer (C′21), in order to modify the value of the parameter (A) as determined by a computer. |
| US07894927B2 |
Using Multi-Layer/Multi-Input/Multi-Output (MLMIMO) models for metal-gate structures
The invention provides a method of processing a wafer using multilayer processing sequences and Multi-Layer/Multi-Input/Multi-Output (MLMIMO) models and libraries that can include one or more measurement procedures, one or more Poly-Etch (P-E) sequences, and one or more metal-gate etch sequences. The MLMIMO process control uses dynamically interacting behavioral modeling between multiple layers and/or multiple process steps. The multiple layers and/or the multiple process steps can be associated with the creation of lines, trenches, vias, spacers, contacts, and gate structures that can be created using isotropic and/or anisotropic etch processes. |
| US07894923B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sensing substrates in carriers
In some aspects, a method is provided for mapping contents of a substrate carrier. The method includes (1) moving a carrier to a sensor; and (2) determining, with the sensor, a presence or an absence of a substrate in the carrier based upon a position of a substrate clamp in the carrier. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US07894922B2 |
Structural transformation of execution-level manufacturing process routings into planning-level routings
Computer-implemented methods, and associated computer program products and systems, are disclosed for generating electronic data for use in planning the execution of a manufacturing process. The methods, generally, are used in the structural transformation of execution-level routings for manufacturing processes into planning-level routings. The methods applies various transformation techniques when a planning-level routing includes alternative paths, and different transformation techniques when a planning-level routing includes parallel paths. Planning modes are created in the case of alternative paths, and parallel paths generally do not cause multiple modes to be created. Parallel and alternative paths in a planning-level operation also has impacts on how the a planned duration formula is determined. |
| US07894916B2 |
Insertion tool for a cochlear implant electrode array
A cochlear implant electrode assembly device (10) comprising an elongate electrode carrier member (11), and a shape element (15) formed of a memory material, such as Nitinol. The elongate member (11) is made of a resiliently flexible first material and has a length and a plurality of electrodes (12) mounted thereon adapted to apply a preselected tissue stimulation. The elongate member (11) has a pre-formed curved orientation that at least substantially matches an inside surface of a cochlea, an implantable orientation different to said pre-formed orientation that allows said member to be inserted into an implantee's cochlea, and an at least one intermediate orientation between said implantable orientation and said pre-formed orientation. The shape element (15) is removably positioned within the elongate member (11) and extends along at least a portion of the length thereof. The shape element (15) has a first shape selected for biasing the elongate member (11) into the implantable orientation when the shape element is at a first temperature, and at least a second shape that allows the elongate member (11) to adopt said at least one intermediate orientation when the shape element (15) is exposed to a temperature of the cochlea (30) being different than the first temperature. |
| US07894915B1 |
Implantable medical device
Techniques related to implantable medical devices (IMDs) are described. One such IMD includes first and second electrodes and a continuous body joined with and extending between the electrodes. Processing electronics are located within the body and are coupled with the first and second electrodes. |
| US07894913B2 |
Systems and methods of neuromodulation stimulation for the restoration of sexual function
Systems and methods use an external and/or implantable pulse generator system for neuromodulation stimulation to treat sexual dysfunction by the unilateral or bilateral stimulation of a target nerve A and/or a target nerve B using one or more leads and electrodes implanted in tissue in the pelvic region. The electrical stimulation waveform may be conveyed to the target nerve A electrode for a first predetermined amount of time, and conveyed to the target nerve B electrode for a second predetermined amount of time. |
| US07894910B2 |
Systems and methods for implantable leadless cochlear stimulation
Systems and methods are disclosed to enable hearing in the deaf by stimulating sites in the cochlea. The invention uses electrical stimulation in the cochlea, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the cochlear nerve. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be located either externally or implanted. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which contains multiple electrodes to stimulate along selected sites in the cochlea. |
| US07894907B2 |
Systems and methods for implantable leadless nerve stimulation
Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate nerves to treat medical conditions such as pain, and other conditions, such as, CHF, obesity, incontinence, etc., that could be controlled by the stimulation of the vagal nerves. The invention uses electrical stimulation of the nerve, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined nerve site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located in the various regions on or around the nerve that needs to be stimulated. The implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates different nerves and regions of a nerve to provide therapeutic benefit. |
| US07894904B2 |
Systems and methods for implantable leadless brain stimulation
Systems and methods are disclosed to stimulate brain tissue to treat medical conditions such as movement disorders, pain and epilepsy. The disclosed invention uses electrical stimulation of the brain tissue, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the pre-determined brain site. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be either implanted or located externally. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which could be located under the skull, within the brain, on the dura, or in the cranial space close to the brain. As a therapeutic treatment, the implantable receiver-stimulator stimulates the brain sites that are effective in altering brain activity. |
| US07894902B2 |
Adaptive cardiac resyncronization therapy and vagal stimulation system
An adaptive feed-back controlled system for regulating a physiological function of a heart in which a hemodynamic sensor continuously monitors the physiological performance of the heart. Three implanted electrodes sense and pace the right atrial, right ventricle and left ventricle. A learning neural network module receives and processes information for the electrodes (18) and sensors (22), and is controlled by a deterministic module for limiting said learning module. A pulse generator (16), is also controlled by the deterministic module, and stimulates both the heart and the vagus (20). |
| US07894896B2 |
Method and apparatus for initiating and delivering cardiac protection pacing
A pacing system delivers cardiac protection pacing to protect the heart from injuries associated with ischemic events. The pacing system detects an ischemic event and, in response, initiates one or more cardiac protection pacing sequences each including alternative pacing and non-pacing periods. In one embodiment, the pacing system initiates a cardiac protection pacing sequence in response to the detection of the onset of an ischemic event, such that a pacing concurrent conditioning therapy is applied during the detected ischemic event. |
| US07894894B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting arrhythmias in a subcutaneous medical device
A method and apparatus for detecting a cardiac event in a medical device that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes forming a first sensing vector and a second sensing vector different from the first sensing vector, determining a characteristic associated with cardiac signals sensed along the first sensing vector during a predetermined sensing window, determining the characteristic associated with cardiac signals sensed along the second sensing vector during the predetermined sensing window, comparing the determined characteristic associated with cardiac signals sensed along the first sensing vector and the determined characteristic associated with cardiac signals sensed along the second sensing vector, and delivering a therapy in response to the comparing. |
| US07894893B2 |
Arrhythmia classification and therapy selection
Different types of cardiac arrhythmia are classified based on the morphology of the arrhythmic beats. Cardiac beats associated with an arrhythmic episode are compared to a plurality of representative beat morphologies, each representative beat morphology characterizing a type of arrhythmia of the heart. An arrhythmic episode may be classified as a particular type of arrhythmia if the morphology of the arrhythmic cardiac beats matches a representative beat morphology characterizing the particular type of arrhythmia. An appropriate therapy for the particular type of arrhythmia may be selected based on the arrhythmia classification. A particular type of arrhythmia may be associated with one or more therapies used to treat the arrhythmia. The therapy used to treat the arrhythmia may comprise a therapy identified as a previously successful therapy. |
| US07894885B2 |
Coherent signal rejection in ECG
A method for monitoring an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal of a subject, includes digitally sampling an average signal from at least a first ECG electrode, determining an average interference frequency, and digitally sampling and buffering a raw ECG signal from at least a second ECG electrode. The method further includes: filtering the raw ECG signal to generate a residual signal; calculating, based on the residual signal, a first amplitude and a first phase shift of a primary interference signal at the average interference frequency and a second amplitude and a second phase shift of one or more harmonic interference signals at respective multiples of the average interference frequency; and digitally subtracting the primary interference signal and the one or more harmonic interference signals from the raw ECG signal so as to generate and output a clean ECG signal. |
| US07894884B2 |
System and method for ischemia classification with implantable medical device
An implantable medical device monitors ST segment data collected from EGM. ST trends are established and monitored over time. The IMD is able to discern whether the data indicate supply ischemia, demand ischemia, or other physiological causes. The IMD is then able to provide appropriate information and alerts. |
| US07894881B2 |
Imaging probe
The design of a compact, handheld, solid-state and high-sensitivity imaging probe and a micro imager system is reported. These instruments can be used as a dedicated tool for detecting and locating sentinel lymph nodes and also for detecting and imaging radioactive material. The reported device will use solid state pixel detectors and custom low-noise frontend/readout integrated circuits. The detector will be designed to have excellent image quality and high spatial resolution. The imaging probes have two different embodiments, which are comprised of a pixelated detector array and a highly integrated readout system, which uses a custom multi-channel mixed signal integrated circuit. The instrument usually includes a collimator in front of the detector array so that the incident photons can be imaged. The data is transferred to an intelligent display system. A hyperspectral image can also be produced and displayed. These devices are designed to be portable for easy use. |
| US07894880B2 |
Measurement of renal extraction fraction using contrast enhanced computed tomography
Renal extraction fraction (EF) is determined through use of computed tomography (CT) measurements of arterial blood before and after injection of a radiographic contrast agent into the blood and CT measurements of renal vein blood after injection of the radiographic contrast agent. |
| US07894877B2 |
System and method for adjusting image parameters based on device tracking
A system for automatically adapting image acquisition parameters based on imaging and/or device tracking feedback is provided. An example system includes a subsystem for acquiring images (e.g., MR) of an object and tracking data for a device (e.g. catheter) inserted into the object and controllably moveable within the object. The system also includes an image processor for processing the images and a device tracking logic for computing device parameters (e.g., speed, direction of travel, rate of speed change, position, position relative to a landmark, device orientation). Based on the images and device parameter computations, a parameter control and adjustment logic can automatically update one or more image acquisition parameters that control the image acquisition subsystem. |
| US07894875B2 |
Quantifying blood volume using magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging
A magnetic resonance method for imaging blood volume in parenchyma via magnetic transfer (MT) includes: determining a MT effect of parenchyma; determining a MT effect of tissue; and quantifying the parenchymal blood volume using the difference between the MT effect of parenchyma and the MT effect of tissue. In one embodiment, the parenchymal blood volume is quantified through the following: MTRpar=MTRtissue(1−BV/Vpar), where MTRpar is the magnetization transfer ratio of parenchyma, MTRtissue is the magnetization transfer ratio of tissue, BV is the blood volume, and Vpar is a total parenchymal water volume. |
| US07894872B2 |
Computer assisted orthopaedic surgery system with light source and associated method
A computer assisted orthopaedic surgery system comprises an image sensor and a light source. The image sensor is configured to sense an image of an area associated with an orthopaedic surgical site and has a field of view. The light source projects light distinct from any ambient lighting onto the area in a pattern visually indicative of at least a portion of the field of view. An associated method is disclosed. |
| US07894871B2 |
Filtering method for surface modeling
A system for mapping a tissue surface includes a probe for mapping a tissue surface, a localization system to measure a location data point indicative of the probe's location, a memory in which to store the location data point, a servo mechanism to move the probe along at least a portion of the tissue surface, a controller to move the probe to a plurality of locations and to record in the memory a plurality of location data points, and a contact-sensing processor to analyze the plurality of location data points and to identify a subset thereof on the tissue surface. A modeling processor generates a model of the tissue surface using the subset of location data points. The contact-sensing processor utilizes probe velocity, or a rate of change in the distance moved by the probe, to determine contact between the probe and the tissue surface. |
| US07894870B1 |
Hermetic implantable sensor
At least one conductor is formed at a preselected location on a substrate made of a first insulating material having a high temperature resistance. The conductor is made from a solidified electrically conductive thick film material. A coating made of a second insulating material is formed over the substrate to hermetically seal at least a portion of the conductor. An exposed distal region of the conductor provides a detection electrode. The conductor has a reduced porosity that inhibits migration of fluid or constituents thereof through the conductor. |
| US07894869B2 |
Multiple configuration medical sensor and technique for using the same
A sensor may be adapted to be placed on multiple tissue sites. A sensor is provided that may have one configuration associated with use on a digit and a second configuration associated with use on another tissue site, such as a forehead. Further, a sensor may be adapted to be a transmission-type sensor or a reflectance-type sensor, depending on its configuration. |
| US07894862B2 |
Data transceiver and data reception method thereof in a mobile communication system
A data transceiver and a data reception method for reducing power consumption in a mobile communication system are provided. The data transceiver includes a transmitter which transmits a plurality of data frames during a predetermined transmission period; and a receiver which receives data frames in the predetermined transmission period, if the transmission period is allowed and monitors with minimal operation power whether data transmission is in progress or completed in the transmission period, if the transmission period is not allowed. |
| US07894860B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying a plurality of images in mobile terminal
A method and an apparatus for displaying a plurality of different images in a mobile terminal in an external display device and a display unit in various modes. The mobile terminal operates according to a Different Image In and Out (DIIO) mode when the external display device is connected to the mobile terminal. When the external display device is not connected to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal displays the plurality of different images in the display unit of the mobile terminal by operating according to a Picture-In-Picture (PIP) mode or an Overlay mode, so as to take into consideration size limitations of the display unit of the mobile terminal. |
| US07894857B2 |
Method including a radio transmitter for improving radio link operation
The invention relates to a method and a system for improving operation of a radio link in a wireless communication system, such as a cellular radio system, by modifying the radiation pattern of an antenna array on the downlink by means of the information obtained from the uplink. The method comprises determining the location of a receiver for transmission by means of an angular power spectrum (400), for example. Then the radiation pattern of a transmitting antenna array is shaped on the basis of the location information on the receiver by selecting a window function which provides the desired radiation pattern and by implementing the form of the window function by means of antenna element specific coefficients (502, 504). |
| US07894854B2 |
Image/audio playback device of mobile communication terminal
Disclosed is an image/audio playback technology in a mobile communication terminal. According to the present invention, a single image is divided into two halves, i.e., left-half and right-half images, which are displayed on two mobile communication terminals, respectively. In addition, two mobile communication terminals can play left-side and right-side audio data, respectively, which compose stereo audio data, according to the relative locations of the two mobile communication terminals. |
| US07894850B2 |
Portable electronic device with movable speaker device
A portable electronic device (100) includes a main body (10) having at least one cavity (131) defined therein, at least one speaker device (20) being movable received in the cavity of the main body, and at least one latching mechanism (30) movably attached to the main body. The speaker device has a resonant chamber (28) defined therein, and a positioning stop member (262) extending therefrom. Each resonant chamber communicates with a corresponding cavity. The at least one latching mechanism includes a latching body (31), and the latching body is configured for selectably engaging with the positioning stop member to enable control of movement of a corresponding speaker device relative to the main body. |
| US07894848B2 |
System and method for providing a standby mode in a handheld electronic device
There is disclosed a system and method for providing a standby mode in a handheld electronic device. In an embodiment, the method comprises initiating a standby mode upon actuation of a standby key in the handheld electronic device; displaying a confirmation message of entry into the standby mode; and disabling at least one feature of the handheld electronic device upon entry into the standby mode. The standby mode may be initiated by a single action actuation of the standby key. |
| US07894844B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic transmit power variation in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic transmit power variation in a wireless communication system. A wireless communication device according to the present invention includes a dynamic transmit power controller that adapts a transmit power level based on a transmission rate of the data. One aspect of the dynamic transmit power controller selects a maximum allowable power level that is based on limits specified for a given region and frequency band, or a maximum directional gain of an antenna (or both). Another aspect of the dynamic transmit power controller selects a maximum capable power level that is based on the transmission rate, frequency band, or characteristics of a transmitter output amplifier (or a combination of the foregoing). Generally, the transmit power level is selected based on a minimum of the maximum allowable power level and the maximum capable power level. |
| US07894843B2 |
Handheld computer for emergency responders
A compact handheld notebook computer using flash memory to store, retrieve and display information needed by emergency responders is designed for prolonged use under severe conditions and utilizes an electrophoretic display to conserve energy and provide a high resolution display more readable than LCD displays. |
| US07894842B2 |
Methods and devices for including a plurality of users in a conversation over a communication network
Methods and devices are disclosed for including a plurality of users in a conversation over a communication network. A conversation is initiated when a text message is received requesting the conversation. A conversation is established using conversation gateways currently unused by users to be included in the conversation. Communication may occur across gateways in order to conserve conversation gateway resources. |
| US07894839B2 |
Data input device, systems using the device, and methods for operating such systems
A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component. |
| US07894835B2 |
Method, system and devices for processing messages in multimedia messaging service
A method for processing messages in MMS, which includes: after receiving a message from a user side, an MMSC notifying a home Value Added Service Applications Server corresponding to receivers of the message to process the message according to each identifier, which is carried in the message, of the receiver that belongs to the Value Added Service Applications Server and that is carried in the message. The present invention further discloses a system for processing messages in the MMS. By adopting the technique solution provided in the invention, it could successfully implement the message service of a terminal sending messages to multiple receivers which belong to the same Value Added Service Applications Server. Moreover, it could further reduce the message flux between the MMSC and the Value Added Service Applications server so as to reduce the occupancy of the communication resources, increase the efficiency and save the cost. |
| US07894831B2 |
Controlling idle mode of mobile subscriber station in wireless access system
A method of controlling idle mode comprises requesting to enter idle mode by a mobile subscriber station by transmitting an idle mode request to a serving base station having a serving paging group identifier with which the serving base station is associated. The method also comprises entering the idle mode by receiving an idle mode grant command from the serving base station. The method also comprises initiating a ranging request between the mobile subscriber station and the target base station associated with the target paging group, wherein the ranging request comprises the serving base station identifier and the serving paging group identifier. The method also comprises connecting with the target base station, wherein the serving base station is informed, by using the serving base station identifier, that the mobile subscriber station is not in the idle mode with the serving base station. |
| US07894830B2 |
Motion adaptive wireless local area network, wireless communications device and integrated circuits for use therewith
A circuit includes an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the circuit. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver receives a GPS signal and that generates GPS position data based on the GPS signal. A processing module processes the motion parameter to produce motion data, generates position information based on at least one of the GPS position data and the motion data, converts outbound data into an outbound symbol stream, and converts an inbound symbol stream into inbound data. A wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver section generates an outbound RF signal from the outbound symbol stream, and converts an inbound RF signal into the inbound symbol stream. |
| US07894827B2 |
Method of identifying a device by GPS coordinates
A method of identifying a device based on GPS coordinates is provided. In one embodiment a device is identified by determining earth coordinates for the device. Once the earth coordinates are determined a unique device identifier is created based at least in part on the earth coordinates of the device. After the unique device identifier has been created, the unique device identifier is communicated to at least one other device. |
| US07894826B2 |
Vehicle identification system
The specification and drawing figures describe and show a vehicle identification system that includes a programmable application for database management of a plurality of customer-specific vehicle descriptors. The vehicle identification system also includes a mobile computing platform in a mobile satellite communications system adapted to operatively associate the customer-specific vehicle descriptors with a vehicle. |
| US07894825B2 |
Mobile activity status tracker
A technique and apparatus to provide status tracking of presence and/or location of a mobile, wireless device to a requesting entity even outside of a particular wireless system. This allows wireless service providers the ability to monitor and log changes in the status of mobile stations within and/or outside their networks. Embodiments are disclosed wherein presence and/or location information is provided to entities outside of a particular servicing wireless network using the mechanisms of call processing components of a mobile network (e.g., call setup procedures), and using standard mechanisms currently available to any appropriately conforming Mobile Switching Center (MSC) element. A mobile activity status tracker (MAST) is disclosed which contains a database of information similar to the information contained in the Home Location Register. The MAST tracks and reports status and activity of mobile wireless devices in a wireless network using mobile registration message, mobile inactivity message forwarding, and/or mobile automatic notification of subscriber status to TCP/IP entities (e.g., application servers on the Internet or Intranet). The MAST system duplicates the same or similar information contained in a corresponding HLR, but is available as an external database entity which is not restricted by SS7 standards. The tracking need not track call-specific information, e.g., called telephone numbers or information regarding conversations sustained by the tracked wireless subscribers. |
| US07894824B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for providing location service to a roaming mobile station
Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating performance of location services for a mobile station that roams beyond its home network. A cache is provided at the mobile station. The cache is populated with a value identifying the address of the serving position server. When a location service is requested, the cache is accessed, and a message is sent to the address identified in the cache. The cache is updatable, such as through the generation and forwarding of a message to the mobile station by the home position server responsive to registration of the mobile station. |
| US07894820B2 |
Channel feedback using channel state predictions based also on delays
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for providing channel feedback information based at least in part on predicted future channel states is disclosed and described. In various embodiments, future channel states may be predicted based at least in part on received channel sounding signals, and amounts of delay in time in transmission and receipt between a subscriber station and a base station. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US07894818B2 |
Apparatus and method for multiplexing broadcast and unicast traffic in a multi-carrier wireless network
A base station for use in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless network capable of communicating with a plurality of subscriber stations in a coverage area of the OFDM wireless network. The base station is capable of transmitting a first OFDM symbol in a first time slot, wherein the first OFDM symbol comprises a first plurality of subcarriers used to transmit broadcast data directed to a plurality of subscriber stations and a second plurality of subcarriers used to transmit unicast data directed to at least one selected subscriber station. |
| US07894814B2 |
Integrated wireless/wireline registration
A system and method are disclosed for routing telephone calls directed to a wireless unit located in the wireless network to a landline device located in the landline network. The system utilizes a location register in the form of a service control point (SCP) located in the landline network to store certain information pertaining to landline numbers and respective routing numbers associated with landline devices. The SCP is functionally coupled to a Visitors' Location Register (VLR) as well as to a landline network element that facilitates the routing of communications to both landline devices and over to the MTSO and its associated Home Location Register (HLR) in the wireless network. The system provides for the registering of the wireless unit with the landline network by the dialing of an administrative number from a landline device and causes the VLR in the landline network to directly communicate with the HLR in the wireless network to keep both the landline and the wireless networks up to date as to the registration status and specific routing for the various subscribers. The system is thereby able to route calls efficiently and to alleviate the tromboning effect that often occurs when calls are redirected from a wireless unit to a landline device. |
| US07894812B1 |
Automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point
Methods and systems are provided for automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. For each of a plurality of subscriber accounts, a set of subscriber account data is maintained in data storage, indicating an association between the subscriber account and one or more telecommunication devices. A determination is made that a given subscriber account is associated with both (i) a multi-mode device and (ii) a WLAN access point. In response to the determination, a PRL for the multi-mode device is automatically updated to include access data for the WLAN access point. |
| US07894809B2 |
Architecture optimized for application data sharing within a mobile communications device
The present disclosure discloses a scheme for sharing data among multiple applications within a mobile communications device. The scheme involves performing a remote database inquiry with respect to a remote database accessible via a wireless packet data service network, wherein the remote database inquiry is performed as part of a first application available on the mobile communications device. The information resulting from the remote database inquiry is then stored in a local common database object that is accessible to a second application available on the mobile communications device. |
| US07894807B1 |
System and method for routing a wireless connection in a hybrid network
Systems and methods for establishing and/or routing wireless data and/or voice connections across a hybrid network based upon a user's selection or preference. Routing a wireless connection across a hybrid network includes allowing a user to select a routing preference, routing the wireless connection via a short-haul communications network if the routing preference indicates a short-haul communications network choice, and routing the wireless connection via a cellular network if the routing preference indicates a cellular network choice. In addition, a system and method for learning the user's data, cellular, and/or VoIP access habits in order, to optimize the user's experience and one that allows carriers to comply with CALEA and E911 rules by identifying the location of hybrid devices within the hybrid network are disclosed. |
| US07894804B2 |
Communication device and method for controlling
A communication device comprises a first memory which stores telephone books, each including identification information and a name of a communication party, a second memory which stores communication histories, each including a communication time and identification information and a name of a communication party, a changing device which changes a telephone book stored in the first memory, and a control device which, when the telephone book is changed, changes a communication history stored in the second memory in accordance with a content of change. |
| US07894801B2 |
Identity blocking service from a wireless service provider
Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber. However, in the case of the mobile subscriber requesting emergency help, the service promoter may not block identity and/or location information. Instead, the service promoter may send all such information to the emergency service provider (e.g., the police or a hospital). |
| US07894800B2 |
Method for re-establishing telephone calls after unintended termination
A system for operating a wireless mobile device that automatically re-establishes a telephone call after unintended disconnection is disclosed and may include at least one processor operable to wirelessly receive, via a communication network, a first telephone call having associated information identifying a calling party. The at least one processor may be operable to determine whether the calling party or the wireless mobile device is to establish a second telephone call between the calling party and the wireless mobile device upon failure of the first telephone call. The at least one processor may be operable to store the information identifying the calling party of the first telephone call, and to detect a failure of the first telephone call. The at least one processor may be operable to determine whether call re-establishment should be attempted, based upon one or more pre-determined factors. |
| US07894790B2 |
Dual conversion receiver with reduced harmonic interference
A dual conversion receiver selects and down-converts one channel from a plurality of channels in a received RF signal. The dual conversion receiver includes first and second mixer stages that are driven by first and second local oscillator signals. Channel selection is performed by tuning the first local oscillator signal so that a desired channel is up-converted to a first IF frequency, which defines the center of the passband of a first bandpass filter connected between the first and second mixer stages. The second mixer stage down-converts the output of the first bandpass filter to a second IF frequency, which is further filtered by a second bandpass filter. The first and second local oscillators can produce harmonics that mix in the second mixer stage, causing unwanted spurious signals that can fall in band with the second IF frequency. In order to avoid interference from these unwanted spurious signals, the frequency step size of the first local oscillator is tuned so that the spurious signals fall out-of-band of the second IF frequency. |
| US07894788B2 |
Digital and analog IM3 product compensation circuits for an RF receiver
Third-order intermodulation products (IM3) are attenuated in RF receivers by providing a typical main signal path and a parallel auxiliary signal path in which the IM3 products are accentuated, and the output from the main signal path is adaptively filtered to attenuate the IM3 products. In one embodiment, a multirate filter bank (MRFB) with asymmetric analysis and synthesis sections is used to detect and isolate the IM3 products. In another embodiment an analog nonlinear term generator is placed at the front of the auxiliary signal path. The analog nonlinear term generator takes advantage of the nonlinearities of a differential MOSFET circuit and a multiplier to extract the IM3 products in the RF input signal. The outputs of the main signal path and the auxiliary signal path are inputs to a complex least mean squares filter to attenuate the IM3 products in the resulting signal. |
| US07894787B2 |
Method and system for controlling carrier leakage in a direct conversion wireless device
A system for controlling carrier leakage in a communications device includes a first mixer unit operable to receive and convert a first signal into a second signal having a higher frequency than the first signal, and to transmit the second signal, a second mixer unit operable to receive, convert the second signal into an in-phase signal and a quadrature signal each having lower frequency than the second signal, and transmit them, a processor coupled to the first mixer and the second mixer to perform a leakage reduction procedure by receiving and sampling the in-phase signal and the quadrature signal, determining that a result from the sampling is not equal to a predetermined value, initiating a transmission of a direct current offset signal to the first mixer unit, and adjusting a voltage of the direct current offset signal until a next result of the sampling approximately equals the predetermined value. |
| US07894786B2 |
Gain controlled and multi-band processing receiver
Provided is a receiver capable of automatically controlling a gain of the receiver and receiving three or more band signals. A gain controlled receiver includes a low noise amplifier, a first variable gain control amplifier, a frequency mixer, a filter, a second variable gain control amplifier, and a gain control block. The gain controlled receiver automatically controls gains of the low noise amplifier, the first variable gain control amplifier, the frequency mixer, the filter, the second variable gain control amplifier by detecting strength of the signals processed in the receiver. Therefore, without an additional manual tuning operation, the gain of the receiver can be automatically maintained in an optimal state. A multi-band processing receiver includes a first receiving unit, a second receiving unit, and a switch. The multi-band processing receiver can process three or more RF signals in multi-band by using a single receiver. |
| US07894785B2 |
Amplifier assembly, receiver comprising said assembly and method for operating a programmable amplifier
An amplifier assembly and also a receiver including such an amplifier assembly is disclosed, wherein the amplifier includes a programming input for setting the gain thereof. The signal level at the output of the amplifier is compared with a reference level and a counter is incremented in a step-by-step fashion such that the gain in the amplifier is reduced for as long as the output level lies above the reference level. The amplifier assembly enables frequency-dependent received field strength fluctuations that occur in frequency hopping methods to be corrected in a manner dependent on the conditions in the current time slot. The assembly is also suitable for modulation methods that use a modulation with phase and amplitude variation. |
| US07894780B2 |
Method and system for a linearized transmitter including a power amplifier
Various aspect of a system for a linearized transmitter including a power amplifier may include at least one transconductance amplifier that enables generation of a single analog quadrature signal. Transmitter mixers may enable generation of a plurality of upconverted RF signals in a corresponding plurality of RF processing chains based on the generated single analog quadrature signal. In various embodiments of the invention, a gain stage, for example gain stage, may also be referred to as an RF processing chain. Power amplifier circuit may enable generation of a corresponding plurality of RF output signals within a wireless communication system based on the generated plurality of upconverted RF signals. |
| US07894773B2 |
Reducing exposure of radio devices to interference through adaptive selection of repetitive symbols
Methods and apparatus relating to reducing exposure of radio devices to interference through adaptive selection of repetitive symbols are described. In an embodiment, a symbol may be selected for transmission to a display based on the operating frequency of a wireless device receiver. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US07894760B2 |
Disposed toner collecting device of image forming apparatus
According to an embodiment of the invention, a sliding plate that slides in contact with an inner wall of a disposed toner duct is oscillated by using rotation of a disposed toner collection auger. As the sliding plate is oscillated, disposed toner falling and fed through the disposed toner duct is oscillated. The disposed toner adhering to the inner wall of the disposed toner duct is removed by sliding of both lateral parts of the sliding plate in contact with the inner wall. |
| US07894758B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming device charging device and lubricant supplying device constitution
An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming devices each including a photosensitive member, a charging device to charge a surface of the photosensitive member, and a lubricant supplying device to supply a lubricant to the surface of the photosensitive member, respectively. At least one of the plurality of image forming device includes a charging device with a different constitution from a constitution of a charging device of another of the image forming devices, and the one of the plurality of image forming devices with the different charging device includes a lubricant supplying device with a different constitution from a constitution of a lubricant supplying device of the another of the image forming devices. |
| US07894748B2 |
Multi-function printer with a locking device and operational method thereof
A multi-function printer is provided. A trigger piece is fixed to the first module and stretched into a second module. A wedging piece is disposed in the second module and protruded from the second module. An actuating piece and a join piece are disposed in the second module. The actuating piece has a first end connected to the actuating piece and a second end positioned close to the trigger piece. When the three modules are stacked together, the trigger piece goes against the wedging piece and the actuating piece goes against a third module. When the first module is rotated, the trigger piece is separated from the wedging piece such that the wedging piece can be wedge with the third module. When the second module is rotated, the actuating piece drives the joint piece to wedge with the trigger piece. |
| US07894747B2 |
Image forming apparatus with exposure units
In an image forming apparatus, a plurality of process units each including a photoconductor drum are arranged in tandem; a plurality of exposure units configured to expose the photoconductor drum to light are each disposed above and opposite to the corresponding photoconductor drum; an output tray configured to receive an ejected recording sheet on which an image has been formed is disposed above the plurality of exposure units; and an image reader unit configured to read an image of a source document is disposed above the output tray with a predetermined space provided between the image reader unit and the output tray. |
| US07894745B2 |
Holding member and unit using the holding member
A holding member is provided in a gap between a plurality of elements of a unit in a non-usage state to maintain a relative position between the plurality of elements, and is removed from the gap to put the unit into a usage state. The holding member includes an attaching portion, a filament, a panel, and a block. The attaching portion is inserted in the gap between the plurality of elements. The attaching portion includes a first parallel portion, a second parallel portion, and a connecting portion to connect one end of the first parallel portion with one end of the second parallel portion. One end of the filament is attached to the attaching portion. The panel is attached to another end of the filament. The block connects another end of the first parallel portion with another end of the second parallel portion. |
| US07894743B2 |
Image-forming device having side walls
An image-forming device includes: a plurality of components that cooperate to form an image on a recording medium; and a housing that accommodates the components therein. The housing has a side wall unit. The side wall unit includes: a resin frame defining, on its one side, an opened accommodating space; and a first sheet metal frame that is fixed to one side of the resin frame, on which the opened accommodating space is defined, to close the accommodating space. At least one of the components is accommodated in the accommodating space enclosed by the resin frame and the first sheet metal frame. |
| US07894740B2 |
Method and apparatus for directly transferring powder toner, and method and apparatus for filling with powder toner
Methods of transferring powder toner and filling a toner container or a development mechanism of an electronographic image forming apparatus with powder toner include the steps of providing a toner fluidization mechanism on a surface of deposit of the powder toner stored in a toner storage container, burying the toner fluidization mechanism into the deposit, supplying gas to the powder toner, and removing fluidized toner to transfer to a different location. An apparatus for filling with powder toner includes a toner container, and an apparatus for transferring powder toner including a toner storage container, a toner fluidization mechanism buried into the powder toner, an air supply mechanism for supplying air to the toner fluidization mechanism, an air suction mechanism for removing fluidized powder toner, a transfer mechanism for transferring the removed powder toner to a different location, and a vibration application mechanism for applying vibration to the toner fluidization mechanism. |
| US07894735B2 |
Fixing device of image forming apparatus
The fixing device of the image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a heat transfer probe which contacts the heat roller and a surface temperature of the heat roller is transferred thereto. The erroneous detection of the surface temperature of the heat roller caused from materials adhered to the heat roller is prevented, induction heating coils is regulated at a high level of accuracy using the highly precious detection result obtained from the heat transfer probe, the temperature control of the heat roller is promoted and a fixed image of high quality is obtained. |
| US07894734B2 |
Pressure adjusting mechanism for a fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a heating member disposed with an internal heating source and a pressuring member that presses against the heating member. The fixing device is configured to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus body, and includes: brackets that retain the heating member; pressuring levers that retain the pressuring member and are movably supported in the brackets; urging means that push the pressuring levers in a direction where the pressuring member presses against the heating member; and cams that are rotatably supported in the brackets, contact the pressuring levers, and adjust the pressuring force of the pressuring member. |
| US07894732B2 |
IR fluorescent toner compositions
A toner patch including a toner having a given excitation wavelength and a given emission wavelength may be deposited onto a control surface. Light may be provided onto the toner patch and at least a portion of emitted light may be detected from the toner patch at the given emission wavelength by a detector. Furthermore, an operating parameter may be adjusted based on the detected emitted light. |
| US07894727B2 |
Operational amplifier circuit, bandpass filter circuit, and infrared signal processing circuit
An operational amplifier circuit includes a transconductance amplifier circuit which converts a differential input voltage into a differential output current; a common-mode feedback circuit which outputs a control signal to the transconductance amplifier circuit 1 so as to make a D.C. voltage level of a differential output voltage of the transconductance amplifier circuit equal to a reference voltage; a voltage supply circuit which supplies a reference voltage to the common-mode feedback circuit; and an output load to which the differential output voltage of transconductance amplifier circuit is applied, and which constitutes an output terminal of the operational amplifier circuit 5. A power source voltage is supplied to each of the circuits. The operational amplifier circuit has an improved power-source noise canceling characteristic while maintaining its dynamic range. |
| US07894726B2 |
Optical receiver module
A semiconductor chip on which a light receiving element is mounted, a preamplifier for amplifying an output signal from the light receiving element, and an insulating carrier substrate on which the light receiving element is mounted are connected such that the output signal from the light receiving element is input to the preamplifier through electrodes on the carrier substrate, and there are provided two electrodes, on the carrier substrate, having a capacitance value of 40 fF or more therebetween in a state where no light receiving element is mounted. |
| US07894724B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving dual-polarization optical communication performance
A method and system for averaging the effects of polarization distortions across a multitude of transmitted data streams in a dual polarization multiplexed optical communications system. Data streams are interleaved amongst each other in accordance with a predetermined pattern. The interleaved data streams are symbol mapped and modulated to provide a pair of optical signals. The pair of optical signals are orthogonally polarized, and multiplexed for transmission across an optical fiber. A receiver circuit receives the transmitted signal and extracts the interleaved data streams. The interleaved data streams are de-interleaved to generate the original data streams. While the data streams can be interleaved and transmitted via a single wavelength optical signal, the data streams can be interleaved and transmitted over two or more different wavelength optical signals to further mitigate the effects of polarization distortions. |
| US07894721B2 |
Control of parameters in a global optical controller
An optical network system having a global controller capable of controlling all the elements of the network. The controller receives performance data from each optical network element and calculates a performance value for each channel transmitting through the system. The controller then isolates the channel with the minimum performance value and tests possible changes in network element parameters to find a change which would increase this performance value. Once such a change is found, it is implemented and the system is reoptimized. |
| US07894718B2 |
Imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture an image of an object, a mechanical shutter including a second curtain and a second-curtain holding mechanism configured to electromagnetically hold the second curtain at an initial position prior to a travel, a first temperature sensor disposed within a predetermined range from the second-curtain holding mechanism, a second temperature sensor disposed outside the predetermined range from the second-curtain holding mechanism, a determination unit configured to determine an exposure time for the image sensor according to a brightness of the object, an adjustment unit configured to adjust the exposure time if a temperature difference between temperatures detected by the first and second temperature sensors is greater than a predetermined threshold, and an exposure control unit configured to perform exposure control for the image sensor based on the exposure time adjusted by the adjustment unit if the temperature difference is greater than the predetermined threshold. |
| US07894715B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, camera system, and control method for image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus capable of executing photographing using an emission unit that emits light to a subject includes an acquisition unit for obtaining distance-to-subject information based on lens driving information on a taking lens obtained upon focus adjustment, a detection unit for detecting a face of the subject based on an image signal obtained upon image pickup, a distance calculation unit for calculating a distance to subject based on a result of detection by the detection unit, and an emission amount calculation unit for calculating an amount of main emission of the emission unit based on the distance-to-subject information obtained by the acquisition unit and the distance to subject calculated by the distance calculation unit. |
| US07894713B1 |
Backlit photography background system and method
A system and method for producing realistic backgrounds in studio photography is provided. The system comprises a background screen lit from behind by a light source. The background screen comprises a graphic screen upon which a high resolution image is printed. A filter screen behind the graphic screen is positioned substantially parallel to the graphic screen and separated from the graphic screen by a predetermined distance. The photography subject is placed in front of the graphic screen and pictures are taken. The diffusion of light through the filter screen onto the graphic screen results in highly realistic background images. |
| US07894711B2 |
Recording medium, reproduction device, recording method, program, and reproduction method
A BD-ROM contains an AVClip in which a video stream is multiplexed with an interactive graphics stream. The video stream constitutes a moving picture. On the other hand, the graphics stream constitutes menu presentations to be combined with a moving picture. The graphics stream includes a plurality of display sets constituting the menu presentations. Each of the display sets has interactive control information (ICS). Among the display sets belonging to the graphics stream, the interactive control information (ICS) other than the one belonging to the head one include version information (page_version_number) indicating whether or not content of the menu presentation has changed with respect to the previous Display Set. |
| US07894706B2 |
Method of recording compressed image data multiplexed with additional information
When data of image information is compressed and is recorded on a recording medium, additional information about the image information is recorded in a conveniently usable state. There is provided read/write unit information as a unit of reading and writing the compressed image information to the recording medium. The read/write unit information contains a plurality of units of decoding and reproducing unit information that comprises one frame (or one field) of the image information. At least one piece of decoding and reproducing unit information is subject to compression encoding through the use of only image information in the decoding and reproducing unit. In the read/write unit information, there is multiplexed and recorded additional information about the decoding and reproducing unit information for a plurality of units within the read/write unit in an extractable manner separately from the compressed image information. |
| US07894701B2 |
Fiber optic enclosure with internal cable spool
A fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region and a bearing mount disposed in the interior region of the housing. A cable spool is connectedly engaged with the bearing mount such that the cable spool selectively rotates within the housing. A termination module disposed on the cable spool so that the termination module rotates in unison with the cable spool. A method of paying out a fiber optic cable from a fiber optic enclosure includes rotating a cable spool, which has a subscriber cable coiled around a spooling portion of the cable spool, about an axis of a housing of the fiber optic enclosure until a desired length of subscriber cable is paid out. A termination module is disposed on the cable spool. |
| US07894699B2 |
Photonic based interconnects for interconnecting multiple integrated circuits
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to photonic-based interconnects for transmitting data encoded in electromagnetic signals between electronic mosaics. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photonic-based interconnect comprises a first photonic node coupled to a second photonic node via a waveguide. The first photonic node is coupled to a first electronic mosaic and is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the first electronic mosaic to a second electronic mosaic and receive electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the second electronic mosaic. The second photonic node is coupled to the second electronic mosaic and is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the second electronic mosaic to the first electronic mosaic and receive electromagnetic signals encoding data generated by the first electronic mosaic. The bus waveguide is configured to transmit electromagnetic signals between the first photonic node and the second photonic node. |
| US07894698B2 |
Optical fiber
An improved optical fiber achieves both reduced bending and microbending losses, as well as a much higher Brillouin threshold, as compared to standard transmission fibers. The optical fiber comprises a core including at least two dopants and having a refractive index difference Δn1 with an outer optical cladding, a first inner cladding having a refractive index difference Δn2 with the outer cladding, and a depressed, second inner cladding having a refractive index difference Δn3 with the outer cladding of less than −3×10−3. The radial concentration of at least one of the core dopants varies continuously over the entire core region of the optical fiber. |
| US07894696B2 |
Integrated optical modulator
Systems and methods for manipulating light with high index contrast waveguides clad with crystalline substances having that exhibit large nonlinear electro-optic constants χ2 and χ3. Waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers and clad with crystalline materials such as barium titanate are described. Embodiments of waveguides having slots, electrical contacts, and input waveguide couplers are discussed. Waveguides having closed loop structures (such as rings and ovals) as well as linear or serpentine waveguides, are described. Optical signal processing methods, such as optical rectification and optical modulation, are disclosed. |
| US07894694B2 |
Photovoltaic fibers
Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile. |
| US07894691B2 |
Mounting configuration and method of optical waveguide holding member
An article of manufacture is applied to an optical waveguide holding member including a contact surface on the bottom face, which is to be in contact with a printed circuit board; a connection surface on the back face; an optical waveguide connecting the contact surface and the connection surface; and a lens unit disposed at an end of the optical waveguide. A light curing adhesive is applied to a part of the contact surface, adjacent to the lens unit so that the part is bonded to the printed circuit board. A two-component mixed adhesive is applied to, along peripheries of the contact surface in contact with the printed circuit board, outer edges of lateral-side peripheries adjacent to the lens unit and an outer edge of a back-side periphery close to the back face so that the lateral-side peripheries and the back-side periphery are bonded to the printed circuit board. |
| US07894690B2 |
Online image processing methods utilizing image processing parameters and user's satisfaction loop
The present invention allows for online image processing. A sample embodiment of the method comprises the steps of determining graphical layers (predetermined graphical layers), steps (predetermined steps), and image processing parameters for creating an image. A substitute layer maybe obtained from a remote User. The predetermined steps may be repeated using predetermined graphical layers and the substitute layer, thus, creating a new image. The image may be further delivered to the User. If the User is not satisfied, the graphical layers, steps, or image processing parameters may be changed and method repeated. Described systems and methods may allow users to create complex digital images using remote servers, without the use of graphical tools on the user's computer. Even users without substantial technical or artistic skills may create complex digital images. |
| US07894688B2 |
Method for creating an icon, representing a group of images, computer system, computer program product and a data carrier arranged for performing the method
The present invention relates to a method for creating an icon (11, 12), representing a group of images comprising a plurality of images (1, 2, . . . , N). The icon is composed of a selection of images from that group of images. The method comprises: —determining a relative importance (I1, . . . IN) of each image (1, 2, . . . N) and —generating an icon composed of a selection of images based on the determined relative importance of each image. |
| US07894687B2 |
Method and an apparatus for correcting images
The method and the apparatus for correcting images extract one or more features including information about face region for each of photographed images, classify the photographed images into groups of particular photographed images having at least one common feature in accordance with at least one of the extracted one or more features, calculate, for the particular photographed images that have been classified in one group, a common correction amount for adjusting the face region to have an appropriate color density in accordance with the extracted one or more features and a type of the one group and correct the particular photographed images belonging to the one group by the calculated common correction amount. |
| US07894686B2 |
Adaptive video enhancement gain control
An apparatus comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to determine frequency of occurrence information for a range of gray levels from luminance data of an input signal. The second circuit may be configured to selectively adjust enhancement for at least one portion of the range of grey levels based upon the frequency of occurrence information. |
| US07894682B2 |
Multi-point predictive foveation for bandwidth reduction of moving images
A scene of an image sequence is transmitted that has been compressed using a number of foveation zones, each foveation zone being weighted based on a probability of a viewer looking at a corresponding portion of the first scene. |
| US07894679B2 |
Data transferability predictor
Present systems and methods provide for adaptive job-size prediction that can enable the user of a scan-to-export function to obtain continuing feedback as original documents are being scanned, regarding the transferability of a scanned and processed data file. The compression method that is selected to process a scanned image is used to predict the output size for the associated data and to provide an estimated size for the job. The estimated size of the data being prepared for output is compared to the amount of storage space that is available at the target device and if the estimate exceeds available space, a signal is generated to terminate the scan or take other appropriate action. The user is also immediately notified if the transfer will fail for other reasons, such as the entry of an invalid target destination address or invalid user authentication. |
| US07894676B2 |
Diagnosis support apparatus and control method therefor
A diagnosis support apparatus includes a storage unit which stores pieces of image feature information and finding sentences as interpretation results in correspondence with each other. This apparatus acquires image feature information of a target area designated on an image to be interpreted, searches the storage unit for image feature information similar to the acquired image feature information, acquires a finding sentence stored in correspondence with the retrieved image feature information from the storage unit, and creates a finding sentence concerning interpretation of the designated target area by changing a description of the acquired finding sentence based on image feature information of the designated target area. |
| US07894671B2 |
System for estimating digital ink orientation
A system for estimating the orientation of digital ink is provided which has an optically imaging pen and a processor. The processor measures the azimuth of the pen at a sampling rate during writing by the pen on a surface printed with tags and estimates the orientation of the digital ink using the measured azimuth of the pen at the sampled points. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the surface associated with a digital description of the surface and on the respective location of that tag on the surface. The digital ink is generated by associating the digital description with the data encoded by the tags optically imaged by the pen during the writing. |
| US07894670B2 |
Triggering actions in response to optically or acoustically capturing keywords from a rendered document
A system for processing text captured from rendered documents is described. The system receives a sequence of one or more words optically or acoustically captured from a rendered document by a user. The system identifies among words of the sequence a word with which an action has been associated. The system then performs the associated action with respect to the user. |
| US07894668B1 |
System and method for digital image intensity correction
The present invention provides a method and apparatus to enhance the image contrast of a digital image device while simultaneously compensating for image intensity inhomogeneity, regardless of the source. The present invention corrects intensity inhomogeneities producing a more uniform image appearance. Also, the image is enhanced through increased contrast, e.g., tissue contrast in a medical image. The method makes no assumptions as to the source of the inhomogeneities, e.g., physical device characteristics or positioning of the object being imaged. In the method, the error between the histogram of the spatially-weighted original image and a specified histogram is minimized. The specified histogram may be selected to increase contrast generally or particularly for accentuation, e.g., on localized regions of interest. The weighting is preferably achieved by two-dimensional interpolation of a sparse grid of control points overlaying the image. A sparse grid is used rather than a dense one to compensate for slowly-varying image non-uniformity. Also, sparseness reduces the computational complexity, as the final weight set involves the solution of simultaneous linear equations whose number is the size of the chosen grid. |
| US07894655B2 |
Confirming cancellation of truncated checks
A method of operating a check processing system includes scanning a check on a first occasion to generate a first image of the check. The first image is transmitted to a financial institution. The check is scanned on a second occasion later than the first occasion to generate a second image of the check. The second image of the check is transmitted to the financial institution. The second image of the check is examined to determine whether the check was cancelled prior to the second occasion. |
| US07894654B2 |
Voice data processing for converting voice data into voice playback data
A voice data processing apparatus which converts voice data to voice playback data by an OLA method to correspond to a set magnification of playback velocity, including a voice data block setting device which partitions the voice data to set a plurality of voice data blocks, a segment setting device which sets voice data segments to the voice data to correspond to respective voice data blocks, a segment adjuster which adjusts positions and lengths on a time base, of the voice data segments set by the segment setting device, and a voice playback data generator which combines the respective voice data segments adjusted by the segment adjuster so as to overlap each other along the time base thereby generating the voice playback data. |
| US07894651B2 |
Quantitative analysis of skin characteristics
Skin characteristics are analyzed. A device acquires a digital image of an area of skin of a user. A processor quantitatively analyzes the digital image to determine a characteristic of all or part of the area of skin which is indicative of a skin condition of interest. Depending on the results of the quantitative analysis, the processor provides information to the user about the area of skin relative to the condition of interest. The information provided to the user is not necessarily sufficient for a definitive medical diagnosis and may include an indication to the user as to whether a knowledgeable person should evaluate the area of skin. |
| US07894648B2 |
Colonoscopy video processing for quality metrics determination
A computer-based method that allows automated measurement of a number of metrics that likely reflect the quality of a colonoscopic procedure. The method is based on analysis of a digitized video file created during colonoscopy, and produces information regarding insertion time, withdrawal time, images at the time of maximal intubation, the time and ratio of clear versus blurred or non-informative images, and a first estimate of effort performed by the endoscopist. As these metrics can be obtained automatically, the method allows future quality control in the day-to-day medical practice setting on a large scale. In addition, the method can be adapted to other healthcare procedures. The method may be useful to assess progress during colonoscopy training, or as part of endoscopic skills assessment evaluations. |
| US07894645B2 |
High-resolution digital image processing in the analysis of pathological materials
A method and system of ascertaining diagnostic information concerning a pathological specimen over a network is disclosed. The method comprises transmitting a digitized image of a pathological specimen to central location, and then receiving diagnostic information from the central location concerning the pathological specimen after an analysis of the digitized image has been performed at the central location. |
| US07894640B2 |
Identification apparatus and identification image displaying method
It is an object of an identification apparatus of the present invention to realize a face identification in such a way that a system user does not worry that other people take a glance at a user's own face image when the user gets the face image for use in face identification. An identification apparatus of the present invention includes a capturing device 22 for capturing an image, a face template database 254 for storing various images, an alternative image generation controlling portion 251 for specifying a first area, which contains at least a part of a face, out of the image captured by the capturing portion and then replacing the first area of the image captured by the capturing portion with an image stored in the face template database 254, and a displaying device 23 for displaying an image generated by the alternative image generation controlling portion 251. |
| US07894639B2 |
Digital life recorder implementing enhanced facial recognition subsystem for acquiring a face glossary data
A method and apparatus for updating a face glossary repository with face glossary data. The process identifies a source of the face glossary data in response to detecting an acquisition condition. The source may comprise a raw data queue, a first glossary from a peer digital life recorder, or a second glossary from a remote repository. The process retrieves the face glossary data from the source and stores the face glossary data from the source into the face glossary repository. The face glossary repository may include a face glossary cache and a face glossary database. |
| US07894636B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing facial recognition from arbitrary viewing angles by texturing a 3D model
In an embodiment, a method for image recognition of an object having a three-dimensional shape, from a photographed image of the object, comprising: inputting the image; storing three-dimensional shape information as an origin of a three-dimensional model of the object; creating the three-dimensional model by using the input image and the three-dimensional shape information; creating plural pattern images in which the three-dimensional model is projected on a plane in different directions; extracting a feature quantity from the plural pattern images; holding a dictionary feature quantity of the object; and calculating a similarity degree between the extracted feature quantity and the dictionary feature quantity of the object to recognize the object based on the calculated similarity degree. |
| US07894634B2 |
Generation and authentication of digitized biometric data for conducting a transaction
A method for conducting a transaction over an electronic network may comprise receiving transaction data, receiving biometric data including a relational check code representative of the biometric data, a date time stamp, an identifier of the hardware that recorded the biometric data, or a combination thereof, comparing the biometric data with biometric data previously stored, or with a predetermined threshold value, or with a combination thereof, for authenticating the biometric data for approving or disapproving the transaction. If approved, the transaction data is processed for conducting the transaction. Biometric data may include a locus-based digitized signature, a biometric digital signature, a fingerprint, a palm print, hand geometry, facial geometry, an iris scan, an iris print, a retinal scan, a retinal print, an eye scan, an eye print, or any combination thereof. |
| US07894633B1 |
Image conversion and encoding techniques
A method of producing a depth map for use in the conversion of 2D images into stereoscopic images includes identifying at least one object within a 2D image; allocating an identifying tag to each object; allocating a depth tag to each object; and determining and defining an outline of each object. |
| US07894629B2 |
Sticker including a first and second region
A method of associating an electronic object with a sticker placed on a surface is disclosed. The sticker has first and second regions. The first region has disposed thereon coded data encoding an identity of the sticker. The second region exposes a position on the surface. The position on the surface has disposed thereon coded data which encodes an identity of the surface and data identifying the position on the surface. A sensing device senses the coded data on the first region and, through the second region, the coded data on the surface, and then generates indicating data from the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. The method receives the indicating data from the sensing device, and identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. The electronic object is also identified. Finally, the electronic object is associated with the identity of the sticker, the identity of the surface, and the position on the surface exposed by the second region. |
| US07894624B2 |
Image processing method
The main CPU executes Fourier transform to the partial image, then performs strict spectrum analysis 1 for judging the presence/absence of data at a coordinate position designated in advance on a Fourier transform plane with high resolution for judging the presence/absence of prohibition of duplication, then judges whether duplication-prohibited data exists or not, and clears both the partial image and the document image if it is judged that duplication-prohibited data exists. If it is judged that duplication-prohibited data does not exist, the main CPU executes spectrum analysis 2 for broadly inspecting the existence of a periodic component instead of lowering the resolution from the spectrum analysis 1 and judges whether a structure other than DC component exists or not. If the existence of a minute quantity of change that could not exist in a normal image is recognized, the main CPU performs partial image processing such as amplifying the quantity of change, then superimposes it onto the document image, and supplies the image on which the superimposing processing has been executed, to an output unit and a liquid crystal display unit, thus outputting or displaying the image. |
| US07894620B2 |
Speaker set and mobile phone incorporating the same
A mobile phone and an acoustic box structure thereof are provided. The mobile phone includes a shell containing a printed circuit board (PCB) and a hidden antenna therein. The acoustic box structure is disposed between the PCB and the hidden antenna. The acoustic box structure includes a main body, a loudspeaker accommodated in the main body and a frame located between the PCB and the main body. Due to the design of the frame, a hermetic space is framed between the PCB and the main body, thereby preventing sound waves generated by the loudspeaker from leaking out via a gap between the main body and the PCB. Furthermore, the frame made of shockproof materials decreases the resonant transfer between the PCB and the loudspeaker. Consequently, the quality of the sound made by the mobile phone is improved. |
| US07894619B2 |
Acoustic ribbon transducer arrangements
A ribbonned microphone assembly, for adjustable sound receiving capabilities, including a transducer having a surrounding flux frame for positioning at least two magnets adjacent a suspended ribbon between the magnets. An array of receiving apertures is arranged in the flux frame. At least one curved return ring positioned in the receiving apertures to create a return path for magnetic flux in the transducer. |
| US07894617B2 |
Apparatus and method for indentifying the geographic location and time in a recorded sound track by using a stealth mode technique
A stealth mode technique records information onto the sound track of a camcorder without the knowledge of the user. Infrasound is continuously generated by an array of audio sources placed in a geographical position that potentially encompasses the location of the recording device. A database stores the known characteristics of all audio sources. Once the recorded media is released to the public, a post analysis using a processing unit can decompose the recording back into a set of reconstructed audio sounds. An analysis can be performed to determine which audio sounds match the reconstructed audio sounds so that an estimate of the set of parameters associated with the sound track can be obtained. The set of parameters includes the geographical location and local time of the recording. The geographic location provides the opportunity to capture the terrorists and free the hostages. |
| US07894615B1 |
Attenuator device for amplified musical instruments
An apparatus is provided for attenuating electrical signals in the signal path of an electronic audio frequency amplifier for amplifying signals from musical instruments. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be coupled to the amplifier in more than one arrangement and the apparatus exhibits different attenuation characteristics depending on which arrangement is used to couple the apparatus to the amplifier. |
| US07894614B2 |
System and method for achieving extended low-frequency response in a loudspeaker system
A system and method for achieving extended low-frequency response and increased low-frequency sound pressure output capability in a loudspeaker system is provided. The system and method comprise mounting a low-frequency driver in a ported box, tuning the ported box to a sufficiently low frequency so as to result in a frequency response that can be modeled substantially as a second-order response, and equalizing the response of said driver-box combination with a second-order biquadratic filter function to achieve the desired frequency response characteristic. |
| US07894608B2 |
Secure approach to send data from one system to another
A secure approach for sending a original message from a sender to a receiver. The sender may encrypt the original message by performing an XOR (or XNOR) operation of the original message and a first random message (same size as original message) on a bit by basis to generate a second message. The receiver may also perform an XOR of the second message with a locally generated second random message. The resulting message is sent to the sender system. The sender system may again perform XOR operation of the received message and the first random message, and send the resulting message to receiver. The receiver may perform XOR operation on the received output to generate the original message sent by the sender. Other technologies such as digital signatures and key pairs (public key infrastructure) may be used in each communication between the sender and receiver to further enhance security. |
| US07894604B2 |
Quantum cryptographic communication apparatus
Provided is a quantum cryptography communication apparatus capable of preventing a go photon pulse from being phase modulated and also capable of freely selecting any repetitive frequency of a light source. In the quantum cryptography communication apparatus, a quantum receiver apparatus includes: a light source; an optical path loop having a multiplexing/interfering means for generating time difference twin photon pulses from the photon pulses of the light source and for multiplexing and causing interference between a signal optical pulse corresponding to a retrograde quantum and a reference optical pulse; a bypass optical path having a phase modulator for phase modulating only the received reference optical pulse; and a photon detector for observing the interfered light passed through the optical path loop, and a quantum transmitter apparatus includes: a polarized wave rotating means for rotating polarization planes of the twin photon pulses at a right angle in a non-reciprocal manner; a phase modulator for phase modulating and returning the signal optical pulse passed through the polarized wave rotating means, to the quantum receiver apparatus; and a beam attenuating means. |
| US07894602B2 |
System and method for generating pseudo-random numbers
A process and system for generating a pseudo-random number is presented. Input data having entropy is gathered in an Entropy Pool and transformed once by a cryptographic hash function. The transformed data forms the internal state of the pseudo-random number generator. The generator forms the output by applying a second cryptographic hash function to this internal state. Finally, the generator updates the internal state by inputting the current internal state and data from the Entropy Pool into a third cryptographic hash function. The output of the third hash function forms the new internal state of the pseudo-random number generator. |
| US07894600B2 |
Encrypting apparatus and encrypting method
To propose an encryption device and encryption method capable of improving reliability of an encryption function. An element-specific parameter unique to a solid imaging element is created based on a uniform image signal S2 output from the solid imaging element as a result of imaging a uniform imaging target with the imaging unit 11, and identification information D1 is encrypted with encryption key information D2 extracted from this element-specific parameter, thereby being capable of ensuring confidentiality of the identification information D1 and thus improving reliability of an encryption function. |
| US07894596B2 |
Systems and methods for providing language interpretation
A method and system of providing a language interpretation service is disclosed. A language interpretation number, such as an 811 number, can be provided. The language interpretation number can be used to place a telephone call to a language interpretation service for language assistance. A language interpretation telephone call is received at the language interpretation service provider from a caller speaking a first language. The caller places the language interpretation telephone call by dialing the language interpretation number. The caller has at least one business need. The first language is identified so as to provide the customer with an interpreter that can interpret between a first language and a second language. The interpreter can be associated with the language interpretation service provider. The interpreter can telephonically engage an agent representing a business entity that can service the at least one business need of the caller. The business entity is a subscriber of the language interpretation provider. The first agent speaks the second language and the interpreter interprets a conversation between the caller and the agent. |
| US07894593B2 |
Callback services in a communication system
A method provides callback services in a communications system to a first party from a second party. The method includes supplying the second party with a telephone number of the first party in a first format. The method also includes selecting a numbering plan out of plurality of numbering plans based on at least one of the country and network where the second party is located. The method also includes converting the telephone number from the first format to a second format using the selected numbering plan. |
| US07894592B2 |
Automated operator assistance with menu options
A subscriber implements and accesses telecommunications services, using a graphical user interface (GUI) via the Internet, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system via the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN). The subscriber can create preferences for calls placed to operator assistance. |
| US07894591B2 |
On demand call re-termination
Disclosed are methods and systems for re-terminating telephone calls. A telephone call is established between a caller and a member of a subscriber. During the call, a sequence of key strokes is received from the member who uses customer premises equipment during the call. A subscriber list related to the subscriber is reviewed, based at least in part on the sequence of keys. The call is transferred to a component in the telephone network, and the call from the component is re-terminated. |
| US07894579B1 |
Managing emergency services on a per-telephone-number basis
Computer readable storage media containing computer executable instructions for performing methods for managing emergency services on a per-communication-address basis in a call distributor are described herein. A plurality of different communications addresses may be deployed behind the call distributor. The media may include instructions for creating a record that is associated with a communications address deployed behind the call distributor and that indicates that the communications address is managed under a source indication service for any emergency calls that originate from the communications address. The media may also include instructions for creating a record that is associated with a communications address deployed behind the call distributor and that indicates that the communications address is not managed under the source indication service. |
| US07894577B2 |
Method for downhole, non-isotopic generation of ionised radiation and an apparatus for use when practising the method
A method and apparatus for downhole generation of non-radioactive, ionized radiation arranged so as to be able to generate reverberation, particularly X-ray and/or gamma radiation, from the surroundings of a borehole, wherein the method includes the steps of: exciting laser light in a multistage laser light booster by means of a pump-type laser light source so as to form a pulsed laser light, the incoming light energy being concentrated in restricted laser light pulses representing a higher amount of light energy than that of a continuous flux of laser light; forming a concentration of dissociated electrons in a vacuum chamber; focusing the pulsed laser light at a point in the concentration of dissociated electrons so as to form a field (wakefield) of pulsed electrons which, upon generation of Bremsstrahlung, emit ionized radiation to the surroundings, thereby forming a high-energy reverberation in the gamma and/or X-ray frequency range from the surroundings. |
| US07894570B2 |
Automatic dose adaptation as a function of patient body mass index in CT calcium scoring
A weight (22) and height (24) of a patient who is to undergo a calcium screening examination in an x-ray diagnostic scanner (10) is used to calculate an appropriate x-ray dose in terms of tube current (mAs) for the calcium screening examination in accordance with the formula: mAs=c(BMI)2, where BMI is a patient's body mass index defined as: BMI=patent weight_(patient height)2.and C is a constant selected in accordance with a target required noise. In this manner, patients can be scanned with a minimum dose necessary to achieve the target noise, e.g., 20 HU. The images can be compared with earlier (and subsequent) images that have the same target noise. |
| US07894569B2 |
Medical X-ray examination apparatus for performing K-edge imaging
The invention relates to a medical X-ray examination apparatus (1) for performing K-edge imaging. The medical X-ray examination apparatus (1) comprises an imaging unit (21), which is configured to spectrally decompose an X-ray absorption spectrum to image the X-ray absorption spectrum as a conventional X-ray absorption image (23a) and a K-edge absorption image (23b). The conventional X-ray absorption image (23a) includes data elements representing the anatomical background of an object of interest. The K-edge absorption image (23b) includes data elements representing quantitative information of local densities of material showing K-edge absorption within the object of interest. The imaging unit (21) comprises a spatial resolution reducer for reducing the spatial resolution of the K-edge absorption image, so that with a medical X-ray examination apparatus according to the invention an increased sensitivity of the selective imaging of a K-edge absorption image is achieved as compared to the sensitivity of the selective imaging of a K-edge absorption image of a known medical X-ray examination apparatus. |
| US07894568B2 |
Energy distribution reconstruction in CT
The reconstruction of the energy distribution at a detector with a detector element that consists of many small pixels, which count the number of photons above certain thresholds, is performed with a Maximum Likelihood analysis, according to an aspect of the present invention. Thus, the reconstruction scheme may use the redundancy in the measurement and may treat the Poisson statistics accordingly. |
| US07894564B2 |
Phase modulation method for spread spectrum clock generator
Spread spectrum clock generation (SSCG) using phase modulation. A first clock signal having a first frequency spectrum may be modulated using phase modulation to produce a second clock signal. The phase modulation may include providing a phase modulation profile corresponding to the integrated frequency modulation profile, to adjust a scaling factor used in obtaining the second clock signal. The phase modulation profile may be provided in the form of a pulse or pulses, which may be injected through pulse density modulation or pulse width modulation at the output of a phase frequency detector comprised in a phase locked loop circuit used in generating the second clock signal. This modified phase modulation technique removes the down spread limitation present in traditional PM implementations, and also provides better jitter performance and lower cost than traditional PM implementations. |
| US07894563B2 |
Clock recovery circuit and a method of generating a recovered clock signal
The present invention relates to a clock recovery circuit for generation of a recovered clock signal from a received data stream using a weighted combination of phase component signals. The clock recovery circuit comprises: a detector to detect the phase of a received data stream; a selector comprising a differential generator arranged to generate at least two related signals in dependence on the detected phase; and a clock signal generator to receive the at least two related signals and select related proportions of two or more of a plurality of phase component signals for combination, thereby to generate a recovered clock signal. |
| US07894559B2 |
Wireless communications device including a joint demodulation filter for co-channel interference reduction and related methods
A wireless communications device may include a housing and a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver carried by the housing. The wireless receiver may include a joint demodulation filter for reducing co-channel interference between a desired signal and a co-channel interfering signal which may include an input receiving samples of the desired signal and the co-channel interfering signal, a Viterbi decoder, and a first signal path between the input and the Viterbi decoder comprising a first filter. The joint demodulation filter may further include a second signal path between the input and the Viterbi decoder and comprising a linear finite impulse response (FIR) modeler for generating a channel impulse response estimate for the co-channel interfering signal. Additionally, a third signal path may be between the input and the Viterbi decoder and include a whitened matched filter for generating a channel impulse response estimate for the desired signal. |
| US07894558B2 |
Receiving circuit for multi-slot receiving provided with circuit for adjusting frequency characteristic of active filter
A receiver circuit controls a power source of a front-end circuit and a demodulator using a first power source control signal. Upon receiving data of a plurality of receiving slots having a guard bit provided between receiving slots adjacent to each other, the first power source control signal becomes a power source ON signal before starting receiving of the data, then becomes a power source OFF signal within the guard bit, and becomes a power source OFF signal after completing the receiving of the data. The receiver circuit controls a power source of an active filter circuit using a second power source control signal, which becomes a power source OFF signal after completing the receiving of the data after becoming a power source ON signal before starting the receiving of the data. |
| US07894555B2 |
IQ imbalance image suppression
A WCDMA receiver performs baseband suppression of the image signal component caused by IQ imbalance. An IQ imbalance image scaling factor is computed from conventional channel estimates and estimates of the IQ imbalance image channel, the latter computed using a conjugated scrambling sequence as the reference sequence for despreading. An IQ imbalance image estimate is obtained by scaling the complex conjugate of the received signal by the IQ imbalance image scaling factor, and is subtracted from the input signal prior to applying traditional baseband demodulation algorithms. |
| US07894551B2 |
Modulation scheme detecting apparatus and related method
A modulation scheme detecting apparatus includes a first power estimating module, a second power estimating module and a decision module. The first power estimating module is utilized for evaluating a first nominal power of the received signal rotated by a first predetermined phase according to a first modulation scheme. The second power estimating module is utilized for evaluating a second nominal power of the received signal rotated by a second predetermined phase according to a second modulation scheme. The decision module is coupled to the first power estimating module and the second power estimating module, and is utilized for selecting a target modulation from the first and second modulation schemes according to the first nominal power and the second nominal power. |
| US07894548B2 |
Spatial spreading with space-time and space-frequency transmit diversity schemes for a wireless communication system
Techniques for transmitting data using a combination of transmit diversity schemes are described. These transmit diversity schemes include spatial spreading, continuous beamforming, cyclic delay diversity, space-time transmit diversity (STTD), space-frequency transmit diversity (SFTD), and orthogonal transmit diversity (OTD). A transmitting entity processes one or more (ND) data symbol streams based on a transmit diversity scheme (e.g., STTD, SFTD, or OTD) to generate multiple (NC) coded symbol streams. Each data symbol stream may be sent as a single coded symbol stream or as multiple (e.g., two) coded symbol streams using STTD, SFTD, or OTD. The transmitting entity may perform spatial spreading on the NC coded symbol streams with different matrices to generate multiple (NT) transmit symbol streams for transmission from NT antennas. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitting entity may perform continuous beamforming on the NT transmit symbol streams in either the time domain or the frequency domain. |
| US07894543B2 |
Apparatus and method for canceling interference in broadband wireless access system
Provided are an apparatus and method for canceling interference in a Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) system. The method includes estimating channel coefficient vectors of a plurality of Mobile Stations (MSs) using the same resource; computing a correlation matrix by subtracting a channel coefficient vector of a corresponding MS from a specific tone input vector within the same resource and by auto-correlating the subtracted vector; canceling interference from the data-tone input vector and the channel matrix by using the correlation matrix; and estimating a transmission symbol for each MS by performing Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) detection by using the interference-cancelled input vector and the interference-cancelled channel matrix. |
| US07894542B2 |
Device and method for controlling a selection of antennas in a wireless communication system
The present invention includes a device for transmitting and/or receiving signals in a wireless communication system, the device including a number of antennas, each of the antennas having a fundamental antenna beam radiation pattern, an antenna beam selection controller controlling a selection of the antennas for the transmission and/or reception of signals on the basis of channel estimates obtained at least for each of the fundamental antenna beam radiation patterns. |
| US07894535B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing and/or playing multicasted video signals in multiple display formats
Video distribution methods include providing a primary video data stream having a first image size and formatted in a first video display format. A transmission data stream is formed having a plurality of blocks of data including at least first and second data fields. The first data field includes a secondary video data stream extracted from the primary video data stream and is formatted for display in a second video format. The second data field includes supplemental data extracted from the primary video data stream and configured to provide, when combined with the data of the first data field, a tertiary video data stream formatted for display in a third video format. The transmission data stream is multicasted from a wireless communication transmitter to a plurality of wireless communication terminals. Wireless communication terminals and systems are also disclosed. |
| US07894531B1 |
Method of compression for wide angle digital video
A system and method for varying the level of detail encoded in a video. In a preferred embodiment, some regions of a wide-angle video scene are encoded in an almost lossless manner, while other regions are encoded with less detail. Regions of interest can be determined in many ways, including a priori, automatically in real time, or by the selection of human operators. |
| US07894530B2 |
Method and system for dynamic selection of transform size in a video decoder based on signal content
In a video processing system, a method and system for dynamic selection of transform size in a video decoder based on signal content are provided. For high profile mode video decoding operations, inverse transform sizes may be selected from a 4×4 or an 8×8 inverse transform size based on a transform size syntax element generated by the encoding operation and transmitted as part of the encoded video information bit stream. A set of rules is defined for selecting the transform size based on a macroblock type and a size of the macroblock type of a received macroblock in a video decoder. Dynamic selection of transform size may be performed on intra-coded macroblocks, inter-coded macroblocks, and/or direct mode inter-coded macroblocks. |
| US07894529B2 |
Method and device for determining motion vectors
An image to be interpolated is subdivided into a number of image blocks and a motion estimation technique is implemented to provide at least one initial motion vector for each of the image blocks. A modified motion vector is generated for each image block based on the initial motion vectors assigned to the individual image blocks. At least one additional image block is determined through which the motion vector assigned to the given image block passes at least partially, and the modified motion vector is generated as a function of the initial motion vector that is assigned to this at least one additional image block. |
| US07894527B2 |
Multi-stage linked process for adaptive motion vector sampling in video compression
A method of filtering an image includes receiving target image data and applying a multiple stage filter to the target image data. Each stage of the filtering includes generating a motion vector sampling pattern, using the target image data and the motion vector sampling pattern to generate a temporal prediction of the target image data, and using the temporal prediction of the target image data to generate a spatial-temporal transformation of the target image data. |
| US07894526B2 |
Motion estimation method and moving picture coding method
The motion vector estimation unit (106) is comprised of: an error calculation unit (202) that calculates errors SAD1 to SAD9 that are differences between the current block data tar_img and the respective neighboring reference block data ref_img; a minimum-error block determination unit (203) that determines, as a minimum-error block, a reference block that includes the smallest error of all the errors SAD1 to SAD9, and outputs a motion vector mvmin corresponding to the position of the determined minimum-error block; an end judgment unit (204) that judges whether or not the motion estimation should be ended; and a search center determination unit (205) that determines, as a reference block serving as the next search center, a reference block that is two pixels or more away from the current search center, according to the position of the minimum-error block. |
| US07894524B2 |
Interpolation of video compression frames
A method, system, and computer programs for improving the image quality of one or more predicted frames in a video image compression system, where each frame comprises a plurality of pixels. A picture region or macroblock of certain types of frames can be encoded by reference to one or more referenceable frames in some cases, and by reference to two or more referenceable frames in other cases. Such encoding may include interpolation, such as an unequal weighting. The DC value or AC pixel values of a picture region may be interpolated as well, with or without weighting. A code pattern of such frames having a variable number of bidirectional predicted frames can be dynamically determined. Frames can be transmitted from an encoder to a decoder in a delivery order different from a display order. Sharpening and/or softening filters can be applied to a picture region of certain frames during motion vector compensated prediction. |
| US07894522B2 |
Classified filtering for temporal prediction
A method of performing a temporal prediction includes using an irregular filter tap to produce a prediction of a target image, and applying a regular filter tap to the prediction to produce an enhanced prediction. |
| US07894518B2 |
Motion estimation circuit and motion estimation processing element
A motion estimation circuit and a motion estimation processing element are provided. The latch module in the motion estimation circuit has n pieces of m-stage shift registers. Each shift register receives a current block data and transmits the received current block data to next stage according to a timing. The processing module has a plurality of processing elements (PEs), which are divided into (m+1) groups. The PEs of the i-th group receive the left search window data and the right search window data and are coupled to the input ends and the output ends of the i-th stage of latches, wherein 0 |
| US07894517B2 |
Self-calibrated adaptive equalization system and methods of performing the same
A self-calibrating, adaptive equalization system for generating an ideal digital signal is disclosed. The adaptive equalization system includes an equalizer and a high-gain buffer. The equalizer includes a first equalizer loop that feeds-back a control voltage to the equalizer and the high-gain buffer that includes a second equalizer loop that feeds-back a high-pass-to-low-pass filter ratio signal. Each of the first and second equalizer loops has a high-pass and a low-pass filter, rectifying circuits for each of the filters, and an integrating circuit that compares signal energy output from the rectifiers. The adaptive equalization system generates an ideal digital signal. |
| US07894515B2 |
Low voltage multistage adaptive equalizer
The present invention is related to an adaptive equalizer comprising multiple tuning circuits that generate tuning signals. Each tuning signal can typically induce higher frequency gain up to a limited level, e.g. +5 dB, at the upper data frequency for compensation of high frequency losses in the connected transmission channel. Several tuning signals can tune one adaptive amplifying compensation stage. In its adaptive amplifying compensation stage the tuning signal can generate through its tuning function, non-linear small-signal and large-signal transfer behavior. However, by limiting the amount of higher frequency gain to maximum +8 dB per tuning function, and by having only one tuning function active at a time the resulting deterministic fitter remains tolerable. Several adaptive amplifying compensation stages introducing non-linear effects in the compensation behavior and their tuning functions are disclosed. Especially at low power supply voltage the merits of the present invention become apparent. |
| US07894514B2 |
Receiver techniques for wireless communication
A receiver device for use in a wireless communication system (20) includes a rake receiver (32) and an equalizer receiver (34). A controller (36) selects one of the rake receiver (32) or the equalizer receiver (34) for processing a received signal. In some situations, the rake receiver (32) will provide better performance. In other situations, the equalizer receiver (34) will provide better performance. One embodiment includes a plurality of equalizers (34A, 34B). One of the equalizers processes a data packet from a received signal while another one of the equalizers trains for processing a signal from a subsequent scheduled user. Another example embodiment includes controlling an equalizer length based on a delay span or another selected channel metric. |
| US07894509B2 |
Method and system for functional redundancy based quality of service
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for preserving bandwidth in data networks. The method includes determining whether to perform functional redundancy processing for a current data set. Determining whether to perform functional redundancy processing for a current data set may be conducted according to redundancy rules. In performing functional redundancy processing, the method includes searching at least one queue for a data set that is functionally redundant to the current data set. The searching may be conducted according to redundancy rules. If a queued data set is found to be functionally redundant to the current data set, the queued data set may be dropped from the queue and the current data set added to the queue. In such a manner, functionally redundant messages are dropped prior to transmission and bandwidth is optimized. |
| US07894507B2 |
Method and system for HSDPA maximum ratio combination (MRC) and equalization switching
Aspects of a method and system for a single antenna receiver system for HSDPA are provided. Aspects of a system for processing RF signals, the method may comprise a cluster path processor that computes channel estimates based on at least one of a plurality of received individual distinct path signals. An equalizer may equalize at least one of the plurality of distinct path signals. A maximum ratio combiner may combine at least one of the plurality of distinct path signals. A signal to noise averaging processor may compute at least one estimated signal to noise ratio. An HSDPA switch may select either the equalized plurality of individual distinct path signals, or the combined plurality of individual distinct path signals based on at least one computed signal to noise ratio. |
| US07894506B2 |
Method and system for a delta quantizer for MIMO pre-coders with finite rate channel state information feedback
Aspects of a method and system for a delta quantizer for MIMO pre-coders with finite rate channel state information feedback may include quantizing a change in channel state information in a MIMO pre-coding system onto a codebook, which comprises one or more unitary matrices, using a cost function. The codebook may be generated based on at least the channel state information. The channel state information may comprise a matrix V and the cost function f(A) may be defined by the following relationship: f ( A ) = ( 1 N ∑ j = 1 N a jj 2 ) where A is a matrix of size N by N and aij is element (i,j) of matrix A. One or more unitary matrices may be generated from at least a first set of matrices and a second set of matrices, where the first set of matrices may comprise one or more Givens matrices. A dynamic range and a resolution of the codebook may be modified. |
| US07894505B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting effective channel in a multi-user MIMO system
An apparatus and method for selecting an effective channel in a multi-user MIMO system are provided, in which a receiver receives pilot signals from a transmitter, determines channel information indicating an antenna offering the best quality among a plurality of antennas using the pilot signals, and generates feedback information with the channel information, and the transmitter receives feedback information from a plurality of receivers, generates a channel matrix using the feedback information, and transmits data simultaneously to the plurality of receivers using the channel matrix. |
| US07894502B2 |
Spread spectrum clock signal generation system and method
A system and method for generating a clock signal having spread spectrum modulation. The method involves generating a clock signal by generating edge positions for edges of the clock signal from a digital representation of a timing for each edge to impart spread spectrum modulation to the clock signal. A programmable modulator is provided that generates digital values representing edge positions for edges of a clock signal based on at least one of a time-varying period value and a time-varying duty-cycle value. The programmable modulator may comprise a first circuit, called a period modulation circuit, that generates a time-varying digital period value, and a second circuit, called a duty-cycle modulation circuit, that generates a time-varying digital duty-cycle value. The time-varying period values and time-varying duty cycle values are processed to produce a digital edge position value that specifies an edge position for a clock signal. The programmable modulator is coupled to an arbitrary waveform synthesizer that generates timing for edges of the clock signal based on the edge position values. A variety of modulations can be imposed on the clock signal using these techniques, including triangle wave modulation, near-triangle modulation, random and pseudo-random modulation. |
| US07894501B2 |
Laser device and optical amplifier
Laser light emission across a wide bandwidth emission spectrum is enabled in a laser device equipped with solid gain media. The laser device is equipped with: a resonator; a plurality of solid gain media, having fluorescent spectra that at least partially overlap with each other, provided within the resonator; and pumping means, for pumping the plurality of solid gain media. The entire fluorescent spectrum width of the plurality of solid gain media is greater than the fluorescent spectrum width of each solid gain medium. |
| US07894495B2 |
Power stabilized laser diode array
A system for controlling optical-power stability of emitting laser diodes (204), the laser diodes exhibiting temperature changes at the laser diode junctions (312), the temperature changes are predicted according to the laser diodes duty cycle. The system includes, a laser diodes arranged to emit light on a target (14); a data stream analyzer (408) configured to receive incoming data stream (324) analyze the data and produce an image data occurrence factor of larger than zero values (424) representing the data in the incoming data stream (324); and an optical power stabilizer (412) configured to control current intensity (428) applied on a laser diode according to the image data occurrence factor (424). |
| US07894487B2 |
Time synchronization in a network
A method and corresponding system for communicating between stations in a network is presented. The method includes providing repeated beacon transmissions from a coordinator station for coordinating transmissions among the stations; transmitting a signal from a first station and receiving the signal at a second station; and performing one or both of: generating the signal based on a local clock at the first station and time adjustment information in a beacon transmission received by the first station, and sampling the signal at sample times based on a local clock at the second station and time adjustment information in a beacon transmission received by the second station. |
| US07894486B2 |
Method for depacketization of multimedia packet data
Disclosed is a method for depacketization of multimedia packet data, the method comprising: a context-aware step of parsing and recording a start code, which can identify each frame, in a first portion of a payload of a real-time transport protocol (RTP) packet; and a step of performing depacketization according to each packet by using the start code. |
| US07894483B2 |
Multi-carrier communication via sub-carrier groups
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for communicating over a multi-carrier communication channel. In the method, sub-carrier frequencies that are reserved for communication between a pair of network nodes are associated with different sub-carrier groups, where the sub-carriers of each sub-carrier group are assigned to a bitloading or gain configuration that is independent of the bitloading or gain configurations for the other respective sub-carrier groups. A group message, which is indicative of the bitloading or gain configurations for the respective sub-carrier groups, is transmitted from the receiving node to the transmitting node. |
| US07894481B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamic fragmentation of packets by communication network nodes
Methods and devices are disclosed for dynamically fragmenting packets transmitted in a communications network. Fragments are generated by splitting a packet based on a value of a fragment size parameter. A first fragment is sent to a receiving node. As the sending node, a transmission success parameter is determined that indicates whether the first fragment was successfully received. Based on the value of the transmission success parameter, a link quality parameter value representing a chance a second fragment having the same size as the first fragment will be successfully received by the receiving node is updated. The sending node compares the value of the link quality parameter and a value of a quality threshold parameter and changes the value of the fragment size parameter based on a result of the comparison. |
| US07894478B2 |
Method and system for network management providing access to application bandwidth usage calculations
A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product is presented for management of a distributed data processing system. The network management framework is able to monitor multiple sources of network packets on various subnets within the distributed data processing system; distributed packet snoopers are deployed from a packet usage manager to monitor the multiple sources of network packets. The system administrator can request packet filtering based upon selected active users or active applications. A bandwidth history database is compiled from bandwidth usage data associated with multiple entities within the data processing system, including users, applications, and/or endpoints within the data processing system. In response to a requested action within the data processing system, bandwidth usage for the requested action can be predicted with reference to the bandwidth history database. The actual and predicted bandwidth usage of requested actions can be displayed to the system administrator in real time. |
| US07894477B2 |
Framing mobile communication signals for analysis
Systems and methods for framing mobile communication signals for analysis are disclosed herein. In one example, a framing module of a mobile communication system comprises a channel extractor, a framing path, and a feedback path. The channel extractor enables a user to assign voice and data channels in a number of timeslots. The framing path is configured to monitor parameters of the channels and assemble pieces of channel information to create a frame. The feedback path is configured to analyze a signaling channel from the frame and to analyze one or more parameters of the signaling channel to determine a list of appropriate framing protocols. The framing path is further configured to determine whether a framing protocol for a frame is included in the framing protocol list. |
| US07894473B2 |
System and method for monitoring valve status and performance in a process control system
A process control system includes at least one controller and at least one wireless valve element capable of being controlled by the at least one controller. The process control system also includes a first transceiver configured to communicate with the at least one wireless valve element and a second transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with the first transceiver. The second transceiver is further configured to communicate with the at least one controller. |
| US07894471B2 |
Content distribution system, content distribution method, terminal apparatus in content distribution system, and recording medium on which program is recorded
To provide a content distribution system, method, and the like wherein, in a distribution aspect in which, being made a tree-shaped hierarchical structure, content data are forwarded from a content distribution apparatus at an apex to a downstream terminal apparatus, there is no need to separately provide a connection management server for managing the tree-shaped hierarchical structure. In a content distribution system in which a content distribution apparatus and a plurality of terminal apparatus participate, when configuring a distribution aspect in which the terminal apparatus are logically connected in a tree-shaped hierarchical structure, with the content distribution apparatus as an apex, and content data are sequentially forwarded from the content distribution apparatus to a downstream terminal apparatus, one terminal apparatus among the plurality of terminal apparatus participating in the content distribution system is caused to manage a connection condition of the tree-shaped hierarchical structure. |
| US07894470B2 |
Systems, methods and computer products for pooling of wireless collection bandwidth
Systems, methods and computer products for pooling of wireless collection bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include a bandwidth management method, in a wireless device, the method, including querying for additional wireless devices within a communication range of the wireless device, the wireless device and additional wireless devices being in communication with a network having downloadable content, initiating communication between the wireless device and the additional wireless devices, establishing an ad-hoc network among the combination of the wireless device and the additional devices, establishing communication between the combined wireless device and additional devices as the ad-hoc network, and the network having the downloadable content and requesting the downloadable content from the network to the wireless device, wherein the downloadable content is transferred over a bandwidth collectively pooled among individual bandwidths of the wireless device and the additional wireless devices. |
| US07894467B2 |
Adaptive medium access control for wireless communication system
A method is provided for adapting a contention window for a given node in a wireless communication system. The method includes: defining a target parameter indicative of congestion on a transmission medium; determining a number of transmitting nodes ready to access the transmission medium; and determining a contention window from which to select a delay value for transmitting over the transmission medium, where the contention window is a function of the target parameter and the number of transmitting nodes. |
| US07894465B2 |
Channel switching multicast distribution apparatus and method, and multicast reception apparatus
A channel-switching multicast distribution apparatus in a system for providing channels by multicast. The apparatus includes a device for receiving multicast data of a first multicast group for a first channel; a device for storing the received multicast data; a delaying device for reading the stored multicast data, and delaying the data by a predetermined time; and a transmission device for transmitting the delayed data through a second multicast group for performing channel switching so as to select the first channel. Instead of the delaying device and the transmission device, a data rearranging device for reading the stored multicast data, and rearranging the data so as to change the order of packets thereof; and a transmission device for transmitting the rearranged data through a second multicast group for performing channel switching so as to select the first channel may be provided. |
| US07894461B2 |
Methods and apparatus to infer the status of border gateway protocol sessions
Methods and apparatus to infer the status of BGP sessions are disclosed. A disclosed example method comprises querying a configuration file of a router of a first AS to identify a BGP session to a second AS, querying the file to determine whether the BGP session is a single hop, when the BGP session is a single hop, setting a status flag to a first value, querying the file to determine whether there is a valid IP configuration for the BGP session, when there is a valid IP configuration, setting the status flag to a second value, querying a router syslog file for the router to identify a syslog message associated with the BGP session, determining whether the session is stale, and when the session is not stale and the status flag is set to the second value, adding the second AS to a list of actual AS neighbors. |
| US07894460B2 |
Programmable logic controller protocol converter
A programmable logic controller (PLC) protocol converter is disclosed that allows a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to effectively communicate with a PLC device using a desired communications protocol, particularly in cases where the PLC device does not “speak” the desired communications protocol. A first thread may be configured to continually read PLC addresses, one at a time, using a communications protocol understood by the PLC device. The first thread may store the data values in the shared data array within program memory. Thus, the first thread exposes data from the PLC device, as specified in the configuration file. At the same time, a second thread may be configured to serve the data in the shared data array according to a second communications protocol, e.g., to the SCADA system. |
| US07894459B2 |
Determining availability of a network service
An apparatus and method for determining availability of a network service having a plurality of end points are described. The apparatus and method are arranged to receive a service notification from the service end point notifying availability of a service at the service end point and indicating other service end points for said service, and to identify said service as available if all service end points for said service have notified availability for said service. |
| US07894447B2 |
Digital object routing
A digital object may be routed via a network. Routing of a digital object may be based in part on link quality on the network and/or a desired level of quality and/or service. |
| US07894446B2 |
Method and systems for optimization analysis in networks
A user operable component is displayed on a display device and receives user input to assign weight factors for optimization criteria for a communications event from a structured collection of data. Another user operable component is displayed on the display device and receives user input to assign weight factors for optimization criteria for the communication event from another structured collection of data. A network utilization/quality score is obtained from said network utilization/quality criteria and the assigned weight factors, and is displayed on the display device. An optimization score is obtained from said optimization criteria and the assigned weight factors and is also displayed on the display device. |
| US07894439B2 |
Communication device in a virtual private network using a multi protocol label switch
A communication device is, in an MPLS network including a first area and a second area, the first area being notified of aggregate route information into which pieces of route information on a plurality of routes are aggregated, and using an LDP for generating an LSP, located in the first area but spans between the first area and the second area and receives a message for generating the LSP using one of the plurality of routes within the second area, wherein the communication device is stored with aggregate route information, pieces of route information and labels, then determines whether the route information in the message is stored or not when receiving the message, and, if not stored, executes a label distribution process if the route specified by the route information is one of the routes aggregated with the stored aggregate route information. |
| US07894438B2 |
Device and method for communicating with a legacy device, network or application
A translation device allows communication between two entities that are not compatible. The two entities can include a legacy entity that uses an address format not compatible with a newer entity. The translation device receives a packet for the legacy entity and converts its address to one that is compatible with the legacy entity. The translation device may use different processes to convert the address in accordance with messaging protocols, packet configuration or the destination address desired. Once the packet includes a compatible address, the device sends the packet to the legacy entity. |
| US07894437B2 |
Determining transmission port in a GPON network
In a VLAN per service architecture, an ONT of a GPON network operating in an untrusted mode produces a service selection filter from a DHCP message sent from a particular VLAN. The service filter may be dependent on the CPE address and/or the destination address, and is used to select a port-id for upstream transmission of data from the ONT. |