| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07997114B2 |
Method of stamping multilayer sheets
A method includes providing a sheet having layers characterized by different softnesses, providing a die component having a leading surface that is generally concave, and causing the leading surface to puncture the sheet thereby to cut a part from the sheet. The method provides improved flatness of parts cut from sheets having layers of varying softness and prevents soft material from exiting the sheet because the peripheral edge of the leading surface applies maximum pressure to the sheet during the puncturing step. |
| US07997110B2 |
Cleaning dies for hot forming of aluminum sheets
In substantial volume production operations involving hot blow forming or hot stamping of aluminum alloy sheet workpieces, debris largely comprised of particles of aluminum alloy material adheres to critical forming surfaces of the heated steel tools. This debris mars forming surfaces and causes defects in aluminum alloy parts formed against them. Such aluminum-rich debris may be reactively transformed to change its adherent properties and removed from tool surfaces without removing the heated tool from production. In one embodiment, a hot sacrificial magnesium sheet may be formed on the tool(s) to alloy with aluminum debris and carry it from the forming surface. |
| US07997109B2 |
Disengageable lock for motor vehicle locking system
A disengageable lock for a motor vehicle locking system includes a fixed stator, a sleeve, a rotor, a driver, and an indexer. The sleeve is mounted rotatably in the stator and is fixed axially relative to the stator. The rotor is mounted rotatably in the sleeve and is fixed axially in the sleeve. The driver is connected in disengageable rotation on the rotor. The indexer, which is axially mobile between rest and disengagement positions, is connected in translation in the stator by ribs surrounding the sleeve. When an appropriate key is inserted in the rotor, the driver couples the rotor and a cam actuator in rotation, releasing the lock. When an inappropriate key is inserted, the rotor and the sleeve rotate, causing the indexer to move toward the cam actuator. Because the indexer is rotationally immovable as a result of its connection with the stator, the cam actuator cannot rotate. |
| US07997103B2 |
Tub having structurally strengthened rear wall and washing machine with the same therein
A tub having a structurally strengthened rear wall and a washing machine with the same therein are disclosed. A washing machine includes a bearing housing having a flange part and a tub injection-molded with the bearing housing inserted into a wall thereof, the wall having a recessing part and a projecting part formed on an inner or an outer surface thereof along a circumferential direction, and a circumferential rib or a radial rib formed on the recessing part. |
| US07997102B2 |
Knitted product
Knitted products like slips, panties, trousers and mainly tights are closed in the crotch area (K) with at least a pair of opposed knitted-on elements (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A) passing to the crotch (K).The product can be knitted from the border of the body part via at least a pair of knitted-on elements and up to the knitting of the parts for the legs or you can knit from the parts for legs via at least a pair of knitted-on parts and it is finished with a border in the body part. |
| US07997095B2 |
Method of controlling air conditioner cooling load utilizing controlling the opening degree of an expansion valve and/or the number of rotations of an outdoor fan
A method of controlling an air conditioner includes a step of controlling an opening degree of the expansion valve and/or the number of rotations of an outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger such that the difference Tx (=Te−Ti) between the temperature Te of the outdoor heat exchanger and the temperature Ti of the indoor heat exchanger is within a predetermined range, in a cooling mode in a low outside air temperature environment. Specifically, the opening degree of the expansion valve is adjusted, with the number of rotations of the outdoor fan being reduced to be smaller than that in a normal cooling mode, and then, the number of rotations of the outdoor fan is adjusted with the opening degree of the expansion valve being fixed, thereby controlling the difference Tx to be substantially constant. |
| US07997093B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner that adjusts the temperature in a target space includes a refrigerant circuit and a controller. The refrigerant circuit is configured by the interconnection of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, indoor expansion valves, and indoor heat exchangers. The controller adjusts the temperature such that predetermined temperature is reached in a target space. In addition, the controller judges the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant circuit based on at least one value of operation state quantity of constituent equipment or refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit. The controller achieves a state in which the target space temperature satisfies a predetermined temperature condition. |
| US07997090B2 |
Air conditioning system, method of operation thereof, and vehicle using the same
An air conditioning system providing cooled air to a vehicle includes a detection device, a control module, and an air adjusting module. The detection device determines whether another vehicle is in front of the vehicle within a predetermined distance, and sends a signal when the other vehicle is detected. The control module is coupled to the detection device and controls the air adjusting module to operate in a recirculation mode upon receiving the signal. |
| US07997084B2 |
Hybrid power system and method of operating the same
A gasifying furnace gasifies solid fuel or liquid fuel. A gas turbine drives a turbine to generate power by using combustion gas generated by burning mixed gas of compressed air compressed in a compressor and gas generated in the gasifying furnace in a combustor. A booster boosts compressed air bled from the compressor, and feed the compressed air to the gasifying furnace. A bleed source valve is provided in a bleed line between the compressor and the booster. An abnormality stop controller stops the booster and the gas turbine, based on an opening angle of the bleed source valve or a bleed pressure on an upstream side of the bleed source valve. |
| US07997083B2 |
Method and system for detection of gas turbine combustion blowouts utilizing fuel normalized power response
A method and controller for identifying lean blowout conditions in a Dry Low NOx (DLN) combustor during a premix mode. An effective approach to quickly and reliably identify a blowout during operation in the premix mode is by the effect on fuel normalized power (FNP). FNP is a useful signal, in that a power reduction from a blowout may be distinguished much slower changes in power resulting from global fuel demand (changing load request). A difference between the FNP and a filtered FNP parameter may be compared against a predetermined threshold. If the difference exceeds the threshold, a lean blowout is identified and a signal may be transmitted to the turbine controller to reposition combustor operation away from blowout conditions. |
| US07997078B2 |
Operation method of nuclear power plant
In a nuclear power plant, thermal power in a second operation cycle of a nuclear reactor is uprated from thermal power in a first operation cycle preceding the second operation cycle by at least one operation cycle. A proportion of steam extracted from a steam system and introduced to a feedwater heater, which is in particular extracted from an intermediate point and an outlet of a high pressure turbine, with respect to a flow rate of main steam, is reduced in the second operation cycle from that in the first operation cycle such that the temperature of feedwater discharged from the feedwater heater is lowered by 1° C. to 40° C. in the second operation cycle. |
| US07997076B2 |
Rankine cycle load limiting through use of a recuperator bypass
A system for converting heat from an engine into work includes a boiler coupled to a heat source for transferring heat to a working fluid, a turbine that transforms the heat into work, a condenser that transforms the working fluid into liquid, a recuperator with one flow path that routes working fluid from the turbine to the condenser, and another flow path that routes liquid working fluid from the condenser to the boiler, the recuperator being configured to transfer heat to the liquid working fluid, and a bypass valve in parallel with the second flow path. The bypass valve is movable between a closed position, permitting flow through the second flow path and an opened position, under high engine load conditions, bypassing the second flow path. |
| US07997073B2 |
Hydraulic control system
A hydraulic control system for controlling preferably at least two consumers, has a pump supplying the consumers with a pressure medium and having an adjustable pump capacity, an adjustable metering orifice assigned to each of the consumers, a power-beyond connection to which at least one power-beyond consumer is attachable, an inlet pressure scale connected downstream of the pump and provided in a pressure medium flow path between the pump and at least one of the two consumers, wherein the power-beyond connection branches off in the pressure medium flow path between the pump and the inlet pressure scale, a spring with a force acting upon the inlet pressure scale in a closing direction, an inlet having a pressure acting upon the inlet pressure scale in an opening direction, wherein the inlet pressure scale is configured so that it is actable upon in the closing direction selectively by either a highest load pressure or by a pressure that is greater than the highest load pressure. |
| US07997071B2 |
Exhaust flow distribution device
The disclosure is directed to a flow distributor for use to maximize the efficiency and working life of a catalytic converter. The flow distributor is configured such that it directs the gas flow in the center of the exhaust gas stream to the periphery of the gas stream thereby resulting in a more uniform velocity flow pattern. |
| US07997070B2 |
Exhaust emission control device for internal combustion engine
An exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine, capable of supplying a just enough amount of reducing agent to a selective reduction catalyst even when a NOx purification ratio of the catalyst is changed by various causes, thereby enabling a high NOx purification ratio and very low exhaust emissions to be maintained. An ECU calculates a filtered value based on a signal from an exhaust gas concentration sensor, calculates a moving average value of a product of the filtered value and a reference input, calculates a control input such that the moving average value becomes equal to 0, and adds a reference input to the control input to calculate an FB injection amount. The ECU calculates an FF injection amount with a predetermined feedforward control algorithm, and adds the FF injection amount to the FB injection amount, to thereby calculate a urea injection amount. |
| US07997064B2 |
Method and device for determining an oxygen storage capacity of a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine and method and device for determining a dynamic time duration for exhaust probes of an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas catalytic converter is laden with oxygen until it is saturated at least upstream of an exhaust gas probe. A predefined first rich air/fuel ration is set in a combustion chamber of a cylinder. A first oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the measurement signal of an exhaust gas probe and the predefined first rich air/fuel ratio. The exhaust gas catalytic converter is laden with oxygen until it is saturated. A predefined second rich air/fuel ration is set in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. A second oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the measurement signal of the exhaust gas probe and the predefined second rich air/fuel ration. A corrected oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the first and second oxygen storage capacity values. |
| US07997063B2 |
Controlled air-fuel ratio modulation air fuel sensor input
A method is described for identifying fuel composition from an index ratio of oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of a catalyst of the engine. Different index ratios are achieved for different fuel compositions, and thus it is possible to identify fuel composition, such as fuel alcohol content, based on changes in the index ratio. |
| US07997062B2 |
Dual channel regulated fuel-oil heat exchanger
A gas turbine engine includes a fuel-oil heat exchange system in which the fuel is continuously heated by a primary hot oil flow in a primary fuel-oil heat exchanger and the fuel is selectively heated in a secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger by a secondary hot oil flow selectively passing through or bypassing a secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger, controlled by a thermal valve. |
| US07997061B2 |
Turbojet engine for aircraft, propulsion unit comprising such a turbojet engine and aircraft comprising such a propulsion unit
A propulsion unit comprises a turbojet engine and a thermal exchanger, situated above the turbojet engine. The turbojet engine comprises a regulation device to regulate an air flow-rate in a cooling air lead-in conduit conveying a stream of cooling air into a thermal exchanger, The regulation device regulates the air flow-rate upstream with respect to the cooling air lead-in conduit. |
| US07997060B2 |
Rocket engine power cycle
An expander heat exchanger cycle system provides a fuel or oxidizer routed through a heat exchanger to cool and condense a coolant/turbine drive fluid. |
| US07997059B1 |
Propulsion system
A propulsion system for use in a liquid or gas fluid is provided including an axially-extending funnel-shaped conduit, a flow generator, a power source, and, optionally, an airfoil-shaped wing. The funnel-shaped conduit has outer walls forming an inner fluid passageway, an upper edge defining a fluid inlet, and a lower edge defining a fluid outlet. The optional airfoil-shaped wing is connected to and circumferentially surrounds the funnel-shaped conduit upper edge. The flow generator is rotatably mounted about the axis of the funnel-shaped conduit and is configured to force the fluid from the fluid inlet rearward through the fluid outlet. A forward force is produced by the combination of both thrust from the flow generator plus the lift force created as the flow generator draws the fluid across the annular airfoil-shaped wing and inwardly through the fluid inlet forcing the fluid rearward to exit out of the fluid outlet. |
| US07997058B2 |
Apparatus for mixing substances
A combustor assembly for a gas powered turbine includes a premix section to mix a first selected volume of fuel with a selected oxidizer. The premix section includes an injector plate that includes a porosity according to selected characteristics, such as pore size, pore density, pore distribution, and other selected characteristics. Therefore, the fuel may be provided through the porous plate to the premix area in a selected uniform flux. |
| US07997056B2 |
Shackle apparatus
A shackle apparatus including a generally U-shaped shackle body having an arcuate end, a pair of parallel arms, and a retaining member spanning a gap defined between the shackle arms. The retaining member cooperates with the shackle body to define a closed loop which can be permanently attached to a sling or lifting cable. The retaining member prevents the shackle apparatus from being removed and installed on another sling or lifting cable without substantially destroying the shackle apparatus of the present invention. |
| US07997055B2 |
Method for the thermal treatment of a running yarn and twisting machine for carrying out the method
Method for thermal treatment of a running yarn (14) on a multi-workstation twisting machine, each station having a device (1) for thermal treatment of the yarn, and a delivery system (2, 3) preceding or following such device (1). The yarn (14) passes through the device (1) substantially without tension, and after passing the downstream delivery system (3), is wound. The yarn (14) is loaded with a defined force by position-variable means (24, 25, 27). Position changes of such means caused by a change in the yarn tension under disruptive influences during the thermal treatment of the yarn (14) are used as a control variable for controlling at least one of the delivery systems (2, 3). |
| US07997050B2 |
Method of clamping overlaying sheets of material
A clamp for sheets of material. The clamp includes a longitudinal main body with an external clamping side. The external clamping side comprises an external dragging surface for engaging a sheet of material. An internal clamping area inwardly extends from the external clamping side. The external dragging surface is at least partially movable into the internal clamping area so as to frictionally drag at least a portion of the sheet of material, engaged thereby, into the internal clamping area therewith. Clamping devices and bagging apparatus including such clamps are also disclosed. A method of clamping overlaying sheets of material is also disclosed. |
| US07997047B1 |
Air evacuation assembly for sealable plastic bags
The present invention relates generally to an air evacuation assembly and methods of using the same, and in particular to an assembly used to evacuate air from a sealable plastic bag and to form an air tight seal, and to the methods of using the same. In a preferred embodiment, a valve assembly is provided with an inside piece that is matable with an outside piece. A plastic bag is pierced, and a gasket forms a seal with the bag when the inside piece and outside piece are threadably engaged. A check ball is contained within a spout. The ball can seal the inside of the bag, or alternatively be moved to allow air to evacuate from the bag. An external rib is provided for forming a tight engagement between the valve assembly and a pump and/or a cap. |
| US07997045B2 |
Device for filling packing wrappers with stuffing
A packing wrapper filling device includes a filling machine (1) having at least one pivotable filling tube (11) on rotary plate (10). A gathered packing wrapper (14) is fitted onto the filling tube. The invention includes a closing mechanism (2) and store (3) for gathered packing wrappers. The closing mechanism (2) closes both sides of filled wrapper sections. Control device (22) interconnects filling machine (1), closing mechanism (2), store (3), and rocking arms (16). The lateral wall(s) of store (3) include a longitudinal flap (16) in the lower section, pivotable by rotary articulation (20) via rocking arms (15). The control device (22) controls individual envelope (14) removal from store (3). Transport devices (5, 6, 7, and 8) and deflection rollers (9) arranged along feed belt (4) transport envelope (14) along the feed belt (4) from store (3) to filling tube (11 or 12). |
| US07997044B2 |
Enclosure and method for making an enclosure
An enclosure, such as a column for supporting a roof, is defined by plural, adjacent, beveled segments, including two outermost segments, folded and joined. An adhesive is used on the beveled edges to help hold the shape of the enclosure. In addition, the edges of the outermost segments are configured to interlock so that, with manual force and no tools, the outermost segments can be snapped together, thereby holding the enclosure while the adhesive cures. The configurations on the outermost edges are preferably made of interlocking projections and recesses, at least one of which projections is displaced slightly when the outermost segments are joined. The segments may be formed by milling a single panel while applying tape to the joints between segments to hold them in adjacent relationship. The tape may then be removed after the enclosure is formed. The preferred material for the enclosure is foamed plastic. |
| US07997038B2 |
Floor drain support plate
A floor drain support plate for mounting and securing a floor drain to a floor structure. The support plate includes a body defining a first portion and a second portion, wherein the body has an inner surface and an outer surface. The first portion of the body defines a peripheral edge and the second portion of the body is attached to the peripheral edge of the first portion and axially extended therefrom. The inner surface of the first portion and the second portion of the body define an interior cavity. The first portion of the body defines a center passageway spaced radially apart from the peripheral edge and is adapted to receive a pipe. The first portion of the body also defines at least one slot adapted to be aligned with the receptacle body for receiving a member for attaching the receptacle body to the body of the support plate. |
| US07997035B2 |
Window screen using woven image
Improvements in a window screen are disclosed. The improvements include the use of a woven pattered window screen. The window screen design includes a woven non-geometric pattern to create a more visually appealing image when looking at and through the window screen. The woven screen material is held onto a base frame with an elastomeric bead. The screen can also be retained in a retractable roll where it can be withdrawn to cover a door, or as an awning. The woven image can include a variety of patterns and pattern variations including flowers, leaves, pictures, images and seasonal patterns. |
| US07997032B2 |
Snow retention mechanism
A snow guard and snow guard cover are provided which allow the cover to be attached to the snow guard to conceal the snow guard from view. The cover allows the snow guard to better match the finish of the roof, and protects the snow guard from sunlight. |
| US07997030B2 |
Flange engaging strip with a carrier for engaging a flange having a varying thickness along a longitudinal dimension
A flange engaging strip is provided for engaging a vehicle flange, wherein the flange has a varying thickness along a longitudinal dimension. The flange engaging strip has a closed end and projecting limbs and can include a carrier having a corresponding base and projecting legs that define a constant combined cross sectional length, wherein the cross sectional length of the closed end varies corresponding to the thickness of the flange along a longitudinal dimension of the flange engaging strip. |
| US07997028B2 |
Internal swivel door for compartment of a vehicle
An internal swivel door for an aircraft compartment. A door frame for entering the compartment includes a horizontal element and at least one door leaf which is mounted inside the door frame wherein the door leaf is turned about a vertical door rotational axis. The vertical door rotational axis is moved in parallel along a predetermined local curve. In order to take up less space during opening and closing of the door and to be able to operate the door with the least possible force, the door has a rotary sliding joint between the door leaf and the horizontal element. The door leaf has a rotational movement about a momentary rotational axis running through the rotary sliding joint wherein the momentary rotational axis is moved in parallel both in relation to the horizontal element and the door leaf. |
| US07997025B1 |
Algae production and harvesting apparatus
A photo-bioreactor module adapted for stacking a plurality of such modules for producing algal bioproducts includes at least an upper and a lower light-transmitting member each having a plurality of openings. The upper and lower light-transmitting members are spaced apart from one another and at least one of the upper and lower light-transmitting members includes at least one light connection terminal for coupling in light from a light source and transmitting the light laterally. A plurality of photobioreactor conduits each extending from respective openings in the upper and lower light-transmitting member define algae containment interior spaces, wherein the plurality of photobioreactor conduits contact the upper and a lower light-transmitting members along areas of contact. The light transmitted laterally by the upper and lower light-transmitting members couples into the plurality of photobioreactor conduits along the areas of contact. |
| US07997019B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating steam
A steam generating apparatus includes a boiler for receiving water to be heated and an opening in a wall of the boiler. The opening is closable by a closing device. The steam generating apparatus also includes a steam duct for conducting steam generated in the boiler to a steam applying device such as an iron. A by-pass duct for by-passing the steam duct is provided for discharging steam from the boiler to the iron. |
| US07997017B2 |
Wear assembly
In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading. |
| US07997014B2 |
Antistatic footwear
Antistatic footwear for man, woman and child comprising an upper portion, an outer sole (3) and an insole (1, 2) disposed between the outer sole (3) and the upper portion. One or more electrical conductors positioned within the outer sole and contacting one or more electrically conductive regions of the insole (1,2) provide an electrical contact between the foot of the user and the ground. |
| US07997010B2 |
Shoe suspension system
The present invention relates to a shoe suspension system. In one embodiment, the present invention is a sole of a shoe including a first spine with a first side and a second side, a first suspension portion connected to the first side of the first spine, and a second suspension portion connected to the second side of the first spine. |
| US07997004B1 |
Portable air heating system
A portable air heating system provides a stream of heated air. The heating system generally has an air transfer assembly for providing a flow of air through the system, a fuel burner assembly having one or more burners for providing heat by combustion, and a heat transfer housing for safely transferring the heat produced by the fuel burner assembly to the air flowing through the transfer assembly. The burner assembly has burners with inlets having generally horizontal axes that are disposed from one or more heat transfer tubes mounted in the heat transfer housing. The burner assembly and the heat transfer assembly are positioned outside the area being heated so that the exhaust gases are completely isolated from the air heated by the system, thereby virtually eliminating the likelihood of asphyxiation by the exhaust gases from the burner. |
| US07997002B2 |
Dual carbon nanotubes for critical dimension metrology on high aspect ratio semiconductor wafer patterns
A probe capable of measuring recesses in features such as apertures and/or trench-like structures of very small size is comprised of one or more carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which is oriented at an angle and, if two or more CNTs are employed, such that they cross (with or without touching each other) at a location separated from ends of the carbon nanotubes which approximates the depth of the aperture or trench-like structure and at an angle such that the ends of the carbon nanotubes extends by a lateral distance greater than a dimension of a recess of a feature to be measured or in excess of a sidewall angle or an angle of a crystal lattice of a material in which a feature to be measured is formed. |
| US07996997B2 |
Spectacle measuring tool
A spectacle measuring tool (1) includes a front plate (2) attached to a spectacle frame, and a pair of left and right side plates (40A, 40B) formed on the two, left and right edges of the front plate (2) to extend backward. The front plate (2) includes an interpupillary distance measuring portion (A) and a fitting point height measuring portion (B), and is attached to the spectacle frame such that a height adjusting device (30) can adjust its height. The side plates (40A, 40B) include a pair of left and right pressing/adjusting devices (60) which adjust the side plates (40A, 40B) to be parallel to the temples of the spectacle frame. The pressing/adjusting devices (60) press against the face side portions of a subject using threaded rods (62). |
| US07996993B2 |
Temporary vascular filter guide wire
A method of making a filter is disclosed including providing a mandrel, positioning a filter form on the mandrel, the filter form including a dissolvable compound, disposing a filter basket over the filter form, dissolving the filter form, and removing the mandrel from the filter basket. |
| US07996991B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid jet head
A method for manufacturing a liquid jet head is provided, which includes: a preparation step of preparing a substrate array which is provided with a first substrate having formed therein a first flow path, a second substrate bonded to one side of the first substrate and having formed therein a second flow path, and a separation layer partitioning the first flow path and the second flow path; a sealing step of sealing the first flow path by adhering a sealing film onto a side of the first substrate opposite to the second substrate using an adhesive layer; and a removal step of removing the separation layer after the sealing step is performed, wherein in the removal step, the separation layer is removed in a state in which an internal pressure of the first flow path is lower than an external pressure. |
| US07996988B2 |
Method of making a plurality of calibration-adjusted sensors
Methods of making sensors, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The sensor is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code. |
| US07996987B2 |
Single footprint family of integrated power modules
A system and method for producing a family of power modules having a common footprint that enables the customer to flexibly choose a power module size without incurring the costs of a relayout of a system design. In one embodiment, a board layout can be designed using a selected power module footprint size that supports an installation of any of a plurality of power modules. The power module that is used in a board layout can be selected based on a measurement of an amount of power consumed by the one or more loads. |
| US07996983B2 |
Method of manufacturing a device worn by an animal
An animal training apparatus including an electrical conductor embedded within a flexible member, and a housing having a through-opening for receiving the electrical conductor therethrough. The flexible member is molded around the electrical conductor and the antenna, while the electrical conductor is positioned such that it extends into the housing through the through-opening. As a result of the molding process, the flexible member shields the housing through-opening, discouraging substances such as water from accessing the interior of the housing via the through-opening. |
| US07996981B2 |
Method of joining pipes in end to end relation
A method for connecting pipe elements together end to end. The method includes providing a coupling having a plurality of segments with at least one camming surface, the segments being joined end to end by a plurality of adjustably tightenable fasteners, positioning a first and a second of the pipe elements in end to end relation, positioning the segments surrounding the ends of the pipe elements, engaging the camming surfaces on the segments with grooves on the pipe elements and tightening the fasteners so as to draw the segments toward one another. The camming surfaces slide into the grooves and move the first and second pipe elements away from one another. |
| US07996971B2 |
Seal removal apparatus
One embodiment of a seal removal tool may include a handle, a seal grasping member, and a biasing member. The handle may have an end with a curved surface to roll back a seal. The seal grasping member may be adapted to move from an open extended position into a closed position in order to grasp and secure a seal. The biasing member may bias the seal grasping member towards the closed position. |
| US07996969B2 |
Method for adjusting capacitance value of built-in capacitor in multilayer ceramic substrate, and method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic substrate
In a multilayer ceramic substrate having a built-in capacitor provided in a ceramic laminate including a plurality of ceramic layers laminated to each other, the built-in capacitor being formed of a first capacitor electrode, a second capacitor electrode, and one of the dielectric glass ceramic layers, the capacitance value of the built-in capacitor is adjusted by performing laser trimming of the first capacitor electrode. The one dielectric glass ceramic layer is made of a TiO2-based dielectric glass ceramic layer in which the amount of dielectric grains including TiO2 is about 10 percent to about 35 percent by volume. |
| US07996968B2 |
Automated method for cutting tissue retainers on a suture
An automated method for manufacturing self-retaining suture is disclosed. The suture is mounted to a support. A power-operated cutting arm moves a cutting device through the suture along a preselected path and at a preselected angle to create a tissue retainer having a desired shape and size. The suture is indexed relative to the cutting device. The operation of the cutting arm in conjunction with the geometry of the cutting device and linear advancement of the suture thread allows for creating a plurality of tissue-retainers having a desired geometry along the length of the suture thread. |
| US07996965B2 |
Sheet or film clipping stretcher
A clip 20 is provided on a clip support member 30, and one end of a main link member 53 and one end of a sub-link member 54 are pivotally connected to a first shaft member 51 at the clip 20 side of the clip support member 30 to constitute a reference linkage at the clip 20 side. |
| US07996964B2 |
Buckle device
A buckle device for a motor vehicle is provided. The buckle device comprising a locking tongue for inserting into a buckle and a deflecting body connected to the locking tongue, which is configured to subdivide a safety belt into a shoulder portion and a lap portion and to deflect said safety belt such that the two portions extend away from the deflecting body in different directions. The deflecting body is connected to the locking tongue via at least one elongate element, which is at least partially wound around the deflecting body. |
| US07996962B2 |
Adjustable length rope clip system
An adjustable length rope clip for tethering an animal or other object on a lead rope providing a predetermined length of rope to be released when pressure is applied. The rope clip for attachment to a lead rope, the clip having a arm element for positioning a lead rope, or the like on the clip, providing means for retaining a predetermined length of rope, permitting the rope to be easily manually adjusted in length about the rope clip and permitting the a predetermined length of rope to be selectively released in a controlled manner upon application of pressure by the animal. The clip system providing means for re-positioning an attached animal, or the like, without the addition of other devices and without un-tethering the animal, even momentarily. |
| US07996959B2 |
Hinge and an electronic device with the hinge
A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has two cam wings, two tilting shafts and two actuating disks. The tilting shafts are mounted movably through the cam wings. The actuating disks are mounted respectively around the tilting shafts. Each actuating disk has an actuating protrusion sliding along the outer edge of the cam wing. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the actuating protrusions slide at part of the cam wing having larger diameter to gradually lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid. |
| US07996952B2 |
Wiper arm assembly having a locking catch
A wiper arm assembly and method of assembly thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position. |
| US07996951B2 |
Articulation between a wiper lever and a wiper lever support, and also a wiper arm comprising such an articulation
In an articulated connection between a wiper lever and a wiper lever support which can be fixed to a wiper shaft, comprising articulation parts on the wiper lever and on the wiper lever support, a hinge pin on a first articulation part and at least one mounting opening on a second articulation part for receiving the hinge pin, the mounting opening is open at the side in an edge region in order to allow the second articulation part to be pushed radially onto the mounting pin, and specifically in an axis direction running radially with respect to the axis of the mounting opening, said axis direction being oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the wiper lever. |
| US07996950B2 |
Sponge product
A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner. |
| US07996949B2 |
Fabric towel with slider for steam appliance
A fabric towel with a slider pattern for use on a cleaning surface with at least one fastener to secure the towel to a steam frame. The fabric towel is used with a steam appliance and the slider pattern reduces friction when used on a fabric or carpeted surface yet provides a sufficient amount of towel surface to steam. In one embodiment, the fabric towel is a steam pocket including a top and bottom layer joined around its perimeter with an open side to allow for mounting on a steam frame with fasteners secured to each layer and wrapped around the back of a steam frame. The slider pattern may be a single piece or a plurality of segments secured to the towel. In another embodiment, towel is a steam pad with has at least one fastener for attachment to the steam cleaner frame. |
| US07996946B1 |
Cleaning projectile verification system
An exiting cleaning projectile verification system for a tube cleaning system includes a tube cleaning system having a control system for controlling the cleaning system, a projectile launcher, a projectile, a tube, and a containment system, the cleaning projectile being launched through the tube and cleaning the interior of the tube, the projectile exiting the tube and entering the containment system and a sensor that detects the projectile exiting the tube. The sensor is in communication with the containment system. The sensor may include an electric eye that detects the presence of the projectile entering the containment system. The sensor may also include a feedback line connected to the control system that automatically shuts off the control system when a problem is detected. The sensor may also emit an audible signal. One or more counters count the number of projectiles launched and the number entering the containment system. A difference in the count is an indication of a problem. |
| US07996944B2 |
Tilt-lift method for erecting a bridge
One bridge pier, two bridge girders and two supporting rods are manufactured in an approximately vertical position. The supporting rods are connected to the top of the pier and to the bridge girders. The bridge girders are brought into the horizontal final position by raising the end points of the bridge girders, which end points are located beside the pier. Finally, the end points (9) of the bridge girders are connected to the pier. |
| US07996943B2 |
Shimless frame support method and apparatus for dock levelers
A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor. |
| US07996940B1 |
Custom therapeutic seat cushion
A seat cushion employing the benefit of a foam cushion and alternating pressure air cushion. An air bladder reservoir with vertically extending fingers is located beneath a foam core with vertical holes. The vertically extending fingers are aligned with the vertical holes of the foam core. The air bladder reservoir and vertically extending fingers are inflated and deflated by a compressor system which provides alternating timed pressure. When inflated, the fingers protrude through the holes in the foam core beyond the top surface of the foam core. A method for fabricating the vertically extending fingers includes a cloth material coated in silicon. |
| US07996939B2 |
Electro-hydraulically powered lift ambulance cot
A collapsible hydraulically operated ambulance cot having a support frame, a wheeled base, a support mechanism disposed therebetween, and a lift system for hydraulically moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame is disclosed. The lift system permits a single attendant to raise the cot from a lowered position to a raised position, and an infinite number of positions therebetween, and to raise the wheeled base relative to the support frame to situate the cot onto an elevated surface such as the transport deck of an ambulance. A manual override is also provided to conserve battery power and as a back-up in no-power situations. It is to be appreciated that the above described manual override mode may be used when raising or lowering the cot without power assist, dropping the undercarriage when unloading from a vehicle, and lifting the undercarriage when loading into a vehicle. |
| US07996938B1 |
Bed cover lift
The lift is attachable to a foot end of a bed beneath a mattress. Elongate arms extend up from a base portion of the lift. Sheets or other bed covers are supported above an upper end of the elongate arms to define a clearance space beneath the upper ends of the elongate arms. The elongate arms are preferably provided as a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms which can be moved from a lowered position to a raised position by action of a driver. When the arms are raised the clearance space keeps the bed covers off of feet of a user resting on the bed. |
| US07996933B2 |
Wastewater heat recovery device and method
A trap for recovering heat energy from a liquid has a chamber 7 with an internal baffle wall 45-48. An upper chamber opening 9 and a weir at an inlet end 13 of a discharge conduit 11 are on opposite sides of the baffle wall. Liquid fed into the chamber via the upper opening flows downward and under the baffle wall before flowing upward and over the weir to be discharged from the chamber through the discharge conduit. A second liquid flows through a heat exchange conduit 17-24. One preferred embodiment has a concentric arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical baffle walls alternating with a plurality of cylindrical chambers of the heat exchange conduit. A corresponding method of heat recovery is also claimed. In one preferred application, the trap is fitted into the base or floor tray of a shower for recovery of heat energy from waste shower water. |
| US07996927B2 |
Discharge valve for a flushing cistern
The discharge valve has a valve housing (14) which has an outlet opening with a valve seat (16) and also a closure body (12). A two-quantity actuator (4) has a connecting rod (10) which is connected to the closure body (12) and by means of which the closure body (12) can optionally be raised by different displacement distances. A top activatable partial-quantity float (13) is provided for partial flushing and a bottom, full-quantity float (20), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the valve housing (14), is provided for full flushing. The full-quantity float (20) has a blocking element (22) which, once partial flushing has been triggered, engages with the closure body (12) and blocks the latter against further displacement. This prevents the situation where, once partial flushing has been triggered, the closure body (12) is raised further and full flushing takes place. |
| US07996926B2 |
Apparatus for male child urination
A foldable, hanging urinal includes a back surface, hooks and a receptacle. The foldable hanging urinal is made from cardboards stock and folds flat for transportation, inventory and disposal. Hooks on the back of the foldable hanging urinal fold out for hanging the foldable hanging urinal on a toilet fixture. The receptacle folds out to form a cup to accept urine. |
| US07996924B2 |
Articles of apparel providing enhanced body position feedback
Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired, such as the lower back, the arch of the foot, etc.); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.” |
| US07996923B2 |
Apparatus and method for making an ear warmer and an ear warmer frame
The present invention relates to an ear warmer device. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making ear warmers and ear warmer frames. |
| US07996921B1 |
Fishing vest/chest pack with back storage
A fishing vest/chest pack has a backpack slidably attached to its shoulder straps to enable the backpack to be flipped between a first stored position and a second in front position enabling ready access to the contents of the backpack without the need to remove the garment. |
| US07996919B2 |
Prosthetic apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for fitting a person with a maternity garment includes one or more prosthetic devices. Each prosthetic device simulates a belly enlarged by a corresponding stage of pregnancy, to be worn by a person while wearing the maternity garment to simulate the fit and appearance of the maternity garment being worn by a pregnant person. |
| US07996918B2 |
Haircutting cape with front closure
A haircutting cape worn by a user that includes a front closure configuration is provided. The front closure configuration provides an unobstructed and seamless interface between the haircutting cape and the back of the user's neck. Moreover, the haircutting cape provides a barrier over substantially all of the user's body, thus effectively protecting the user from cut hair, water, and chemicals that are associated with barber and hair salon services. The haircutting cape includes a collar, a back portion, a first front portion, and a second front portion. The collar secures the haircutting cape to the user's neck, while the back portion covers the back of the user, and the first and second front portions cover the front of the user. |
| US08001616B2 |
System and method for presentation integrity
A system for presentation integrity may include an encrypter to encrypt formatting data associated with information content data. A formatter may be included to decrypt the encrypted formatting data and to format the information content data in a predetermined format based on the decrypted formatting data. A method for presentation integrity may include decrypting encrypted formatting data associated with information content data and formatting the associated information content data in the predetermined format based on the decrypted formatting data. |
| US08001609B1 |
Method and apparatus for preventing the inadvertent or unauthorized release of information
The present invention is directed to avoiding the unintentional release of sensitive or proprietary information. According to embodiments of the present invention, the content of a message is analyzed to determine whether delivery of that content to an address associated with the message is appropriate. This analysis may be performed in connection with Bayesian content analysis algorithms. The present invention may also analyze whether addresses associated with a message are appropriate for receiving that message by analyzing whether those addresses belong to the same or compatible groups. If a message is determined to be inappropriate for delivery to an associated address, delivery of that message is modified. Such modification may include delaying delivery until confirmation that delivery is to be completed is received from the user or some other authority. |
| US08001608B2 |
Secure streaming container
A system and method for securely streaming encrypted digital media content out of a digital container to a user's media player. This streaming occurs after the digital container has been delivered to the user's machine and after the user has been authorized to access the encrypted content. The user's operating system and media player treat the data stream as if it were a being delivered over the Internet (or other network) from a streaming web server. However, no Internet connection is required after the container has been delivered to the user and the data stream suffers no quality loss due to network traffic or web server access problems. In this process of the invention, the encrypted content files are decrypted and fed to the user's media player in real time and are never written to the user's hard drive or storage device. This process makes unauthorized copying of the digital content contained in the digital container virtually impossible. |
| US08001606B1 |
Malware detection using a white list
A reputation server is coupled to multiple clients via a network. A security module at a client identifies an application and determines whether it is on a white list. If the application is not on the white list, the security module monitors the application using a strict set of signatures. If the application is on the white list, the security module monitors the application using a relaxed set of signatures. The relaxed set of signatures can exclude legitimate characteristics possessed by the application as specified by the white list. The security module evaluates whether the application is malicious based at least in part on whether it possesses suspicious characteristics described by the signatures. The reputation server receives reports from clients identifying applications and describing characteristics possessed by the applications and uses the reports to generate the white list. |
| US08001604B2 |
Method and apparatus for masking child user authorizations from adverse use against a parent user
The present invention provides a computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product to protect a first user from authorization limitation by a second user. The computer may receive an authorization command from the second user, wherein the authorization command targets the first user, and the second user is at least partially authorized to operate the authorization command. The computer determines that the first user is an ancestor user of the second user. In addition, the computer, responsive to a determination that the first user is an ancestor user of the second user, prevents operation of code of the authorization command to change an authorization of the first user. |
| US08001603B1 |
Variable scan of files based on file context
The file context of a target file to be scanned is determined and the scan level for the file context is determined. Generally, the security risk for each file context is assessed, and the scan level appropriate for the security risk is associated with the file context. The target file is scanned at the scan level. Accordingly, a target file having a file context indicating that the file is a high security risk is scanned at a high scan level, i.e., is subject to a maximum-security scan. In this manner, high-level security is maintained. Conversely, a target file having a file context indicating that the file is a low security risk is scanned at a low scan level, i.e., is subject to a minimum-security scan or no scan at all. In this manner, high security is maintained while at the same time maximum performance is achieved. |
| US08001602B2 |
Data scan mechanism
Methods and devices for scanning an incoming datastream for a plurality of target patterns. The scanning system receives an incoming data stream and stores the stream as sequential symbols in a register array. Previously received symbols are shifted in the array as incoming symbols are shifted in. A trigger stage computes a hash value based on the k most recently received symbols. The trigger stage then uses the hash value to determine whether a more detailed symbol by symbol comparison is required between a group of sequential symbols stored in the array and a target pattern stored in external storage. This is done by comparing the hash value with the indices of the target patterns in the external storage. If the more detailed comparison is indicated, a full comparison stage retrieves the relevant target pattern and compares the target pattern with the sequentially stored symbols in the array. To improve the determination of whether the detailed comparison is required, a confidence stage may be placed between the trigger stage and the full comparison stage. The confidence stage computes a hashing function value based on c sequential symbols in the array with c≧k. The hashing function value is then used to determine whether the more time consuming symbol by symbol comparison is needed. |
| US08001600B2 |
Centralized data transformation
A method of facilitating transformation of survey data from being in at least one foreign format used by a survey-tool to being in a desired format may include: receiving instances of foreign data from survey-tools, the foreign data being in foreign format used by the survey-tools, respectively; and appending, to the instances of foreign data, service-keys to identify the service tools which gathered the foreign data, respectively, to produce a data block that includes key-and-foreign-data pairs. Another such method may include: receiving such a data block; culling from the block key-and-foreign-data pairs; and operating upon the pairs to transform respective chunks of foreign data from being in respective foreign formats into being in corresponding desired formats according to corresponding service-keys, respectively. |
| US08001598B1 |
Use of geo-location data for spam detection
Computer implemented methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for detecting suspected spam in e-mail (24) originating from a sending computer (21). A method embodiment comprises the steps of determining (11) the actual IP address (23) of the sending computer (21); converting (12) the actual IP address (23) into geo-location data; and, using the geo-location data, ascertaining (13) whether the e-mail (24) contains suspected spam. |
| US08001593B2 |
Authentication method and unit, and electronic apparatus having authentication unit
A user authentication method for an electronic apparatus makes a user authentication based on received first user identification information and registered user identification information and sets the electronic apparatus in an authenticated state if the received first user identification information matches the registered user identification information, and controls the authenticated state after the user authentication based on received second user identification, by continuing the authenticated state if the received second user identification information matches the registered user identification information. |
| US08001585B2 |
Methods and systems for providing website hosting security
A method for registering user identification data in an application service provider data repository is provided, where the application service provider provides web services for a plurality of customers, each customer having a plurality of users with respective user identification data. The method includes receiving user identification data from one of the users through a website associated with one of the plurality of customers, retrieving customer identification data based on a uniform resource locator assigned to the website, concatenating the user identification data and customer identification data to create a user key, and registering a user account within the data repository based on the created user key. |
| US08001584B2 |
Method for secure device discovery and introduction
A first message is transmitted over a communication channel to initiate a transaction. The first message contains a random number and a public key of a device. Continuing the transaction, a second message is received. The second message also contains a random number and a public key of a second device. At least one message is received that contains a proof-of-possession of the device's password, along with a credential that is encrypted with a credential key. |
| US08001580B1 |
System and method for revoking soft locks in a distributed storage system environment
A system and method revokes soft locks in a distributed system. A data volume of the distributed system determines that one or more soft locks need to be revoked in order for an operation to be processed. The data volume transmits a request to revoke the soft locks to a meta-data volume that stores a canonical copy of meta-data. |
| US08001577B2 |
Interactive entertainment and information system using television set-top box
An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television. |
| US08001576B2 |
Information providing system, information processing apparatus and information processing method for transmitting sound and image data
Disclosed is an information providing system which comprises: an information providing apparatus with elements for receiving a TV program, generating image data and sound data representing a received TV program, and transmitting the image data and sound data; and an information processing apparatus with connecting information set to specify whether or not to establish connection with the information providing apparatus, and a storing element for storing the name of the information providing apparatus. If the connecting information is judged set to establish connection, then the information processing apparatus establishes connection with the information providing apparatus based on the stored name of the latter, so that the image data and sound data are received by the information processing apparatus from the information providing apparatus. |
| US08001575B2 |
Method of distributing video-on-demand over an internet protocol network infrastructure
The present invention provides a method of operating a set-top box that is coupled to a video display, the set-top box being configured for communication with a video content provider. One embodiment of the method may include initiating display of a first portion of video content that is pre-loaded onto the set-top box and transmitting a request to subscribe to a first multicast service in response to initiating display of the first portion of the video content. The video content provider is configured to provide a second portion of the video content using the first multicast service. |
| US08001574B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for media on-demand
Methods, systems, and products describe a video overlay processor connected to a system data bus and to a media bus. The video overlay processor superimposes a first audio-visual signal over a second audio-visual signal to produce a superimposed signal and sends the superimposed signal to the system data bus. A network bus connects to the system data bus and receives the superimposed signal. A data switch connects to the network bus, receives the superimposed signal, and sends the superimposed signal to one or more switch ports of the data switch. |
| US08001572B2 |
Digital broadcasting receiver and method for controlling the same
A reception system includes a baseband processor receiving a broadcasting signal including mobile service data and main service data, the mobile service data including first service data and second service data, a table handler parsing a table from an RS frame and extracting signaling information of the second service data, a frame handler extracting the second service data from the RS frame on the basis of the extracted signaling information, and a conditional access handler releasing the conditional access of the extracted second service data on the basis of conditional access information of the extracted signaling information. |
| US08001571B1 |
Identifying programming information of a telecommunications provider
Systems, and computer-implemented methods are described for selecting programming information from among multiple sets of programming information. |
| US08001566B2 |
Digital TV and control method of the same
A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus which receives broadcasting signals corresponding to a plurality of channels, the digital broadcasting receiving apparatus including: a first tuner that tunes one of the broadcasting signals; and a controller that controls the first tuner to successively tune the broadcasting signals for each channel, captures image information for a program of a tuned broadcasting signal at a predetermined time interval, and storing detailed program information comprising the captured image information. |
| US08001565B2 |
Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at receivers in pay delivery systems
Methods and apparatus to conditionally authorize content delivery at receivers in pay delivery systems are disclosed. An example receiver station includes a receiver interface to receive a broadcast signal, and a controller to, for a selected program, generate an authorization request and a content request. The example receiver station also includes a network interface to transmit the authorization request, to transmit the content request to point-to-point content delivery server, and to receive the program from the point-to-point content delivery server. |
| US08001561B2 |
System and method for automatically rating video content
System and method for automatically rating the content of video media based on video operations performed on a media device and in reference to a plurality of rating rules are provided. Usage of the media device is continuously monitored and user actions with respect to operating the video media on the media device are automatically logged. Each rating rule includes a device usage pattern with respect to operating videos on the media device and a rating action indicating adjustments to content ratings of the videos based upon characteristics described by the device usage pattern that are inferred from the recorded user inputted video control operations. When the device usage pattern of a rating rule is inferred from one or more user actions operating a piece of video media directly on the media device, the content rating of the piece of video media is adjusted based on the rating rule. |
| US08001560B2 |
Method for providing subscripton-on-demand services
A method for providing subscription-on-demand services for video-on-demand programs within an interactive information distribution system. The method includes associating a plurality of video-on-demand programming packages as a programming bundle and identifying a number of video-on-demand programming packages within the programming bundle that a subscriber has subscribed. When the number of video-on-demand programming packages exceeds a pre-specified number of programming packages, the subscriber is automatically subscribed to all the video-on-demand programming packages in the programming bundle. |
| US08001555B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating an open API network having a proxy
A telecommunication system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media that implements an open application program interface (API) system in which open API servers pass and receive API commands to applications through a novel proxy. The proxy assists implementing various management functions, such as assigning open API servers to application and monitoring the overall system, and service contract control, all beneficially in a transparent manner. The proxy enables the telecommunication system to handle geographically diverse applications and open API servers. All API command can, but need not, pass through the proxy. |
| US08001549B2 |
Multithreaded computer system and multithread execution control method
A multithreaded computer system of the present invention includes a plurality of processor elements (PEs) and a parallel processor controller which switches threads in each PE. The parallel processor controller includes a plurality of execution order registers which hold, for each processor element, an execution order of threads to be executed; a plurality of counters which count an execution time for a thread that is being executed by each processor element and generate a timeout signal when the counted time reaches a limit assigned to the thread; and a thread execution scheduler which switches the thread that is being executed to the thread to be executed by each processor element based on an execution order held in the execution order register and the timeout signal. |
| US08001545B2 |
Method and system for regulating communication traffic using a limiter thread
A methodology for using multiple execution threads to regulate message traffic is presented. An application thread spawns a limiter thread, and each have access in shared memory to a message count that reflects a number of messages that are transmitted by the application thread within a regulated time period. The limiter thread cycles by entering a sleep state for the regulated time period, resetting the message count upon awakening, and then reentering a sleep state. The application thread executes a loop that compares the message count against a maximum number of messages for the regulated time period; if the comparison is favorable, then another message is transmitted and the message count is adjusted. If the comparison is not favorable, then the application thread enters a sleep state; after awakening, it repeats the comparison, and depending on the result, it transmits a message or reenters a sleep state. |
| US08001538B2 |
Software accessible cache metadata
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing software accessible metadata on a cache of a central processing unit. The metadata can include at least some bits for each virtual address, at least some bits for each cache line, and at least some bits for the cache overall. An instruction set architecture on the central processing unit is provided that includes additional instructions for interacting with the metadata. New side effects that are introduced into an operation of the central processing unit by a presence of the metadata and the additional instructions. The metadata can be accessed by at least one software program to facilitate an operation of the software program. |
| US08001536B2 |
Generic framework for runtime interception and execution control of interpreted languages
A system and method for controlling execution of an interpreted language. Statements of the interpreted language to be executed by a script engine are intercepted by a protection module and control is passed to a script helper module that is associated with the script engine. The script helper module establishes a secure communications channel with an authorization component and passes the statements and an authorization request to the authorization component. The authorization component sends a reply to the script helper module which either permits the script engine to execute the statement or cancels the attempted execution. When the script engine is loaded, a list is updated identifying the script engine. If a script helper module is not present for the loaded script engine, a boot-strap loader is called to load the script helper module. A special information block contains data as to the location of the interception points. |
| US08001534B2 |
Non-intrusive validation of software used by middleware providers
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer usable program code are provided to validate software compliance for a set of technologies. A request is received to validate software. Responsive to receiving the request to validate the software, a selection of a number of technologies is received from the set of technologies for which the software is to be validated. Responsive to receiving the select of the number of technologies, a set of traces is exercised of the software for the selected technologies. The exercise of the set of traces continues until stopped. Responsive to tracing stopping, a set of trace log files of the set of traces is created and sent to a validation server. The validation server then analyzes the submitted trace log files and generates a report detailing what technologies were successfully used. |
| US08001529B2 |
System and method of testing wireless component applications
A test harness system and method of functionality testing of wireless component applications is provided. The test harness system comprises at least one testlet for testing at least one target application log event and at least one event handler for validating at least one comparator against the at least one target application log event. The method comprises the steps of listening for target application log events, receiving a target application log event, receiving a testlet and validating the target application log event based upon the testlet. |
| US08001526B2 |
Hierarchical property storage
A property storage structure is provided that is configured to store properties for a display object. The property storage structure includes a property object that corresponds to a property of the display object. The property storage structure is identified according to a key (e.g., the key identifies the property object as a fill style object that corresponds to a fill style property for the display object). The property object hierarchically includes a value designating what type of object for the property object identified by the key (e.g., the fill style object includes a value that designates the fill style object as a solid color fill type). |
| US08001524B1 |
Instruction extension for linked list lookup
A system uses software to perform a first portion of a linked list traversal process, where the first portion obtains a pointer that corresponds to a key and where the pointer points into a linked list. The system further uses hardware and the obtained pointer to perform a second portion of the linked list traversal process, where the second portion locates data from the linked list that is associated with the key. |
| US08001523B1 |
System and methods for implementing an explicit interface member in a computer programming language
A system and methods are provided for implementing an explicit interface member in connection with a computer programming language. Thus, a mechanism is provided that prevents conflicts between independently developed interfaces, enables privately implemented interface members and enables specific versions of generic interfaces that are free from conflict. |
| US08001520B2 |
Methodology for generating accessing functions for programmed execution of panel-driven business applications
A method of providing access to Business Applications (BA) executed on a data processing system, BAs offer their services interactively controlled by a multitude of BA panels. The individual panels, the sequence of the panels as they are displayed by the BA, and the activities required to launch a BA to display a succeeding panel are described. Describing the panels results in a directed graph modeling the spectrum of panel interactions with a BA called a User Interaction Graph (UIG). By analyzing the UIG Transaction Methods (TM) is generated. When called, the TM procedures are capable of autonomously executing and controlling the BAs by handling a sequence of BA panels. They autonomously fill the various BA panels with the correct input information, initiate the required activities for traversing through a certain panel sequence and return the output information gathered during its execution. |
| US08001514B2 |
Method and apparatus for computing a detailed routability estimation
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that computes a routability estimation across a collection of local routing regions associated with a circuit layout. This system first selects a first local routing region associated with a route overflow, wherein a respective local routing region is associated with an estimation of a number of route overflows for routing layers in a region of the circuit layout. Furthermore, a respective routing layer is associated with a preferred direction variable D. Next, the system transfers an overflow value k in direction d away from an overflowing routing layer for the first local routing region to a second local routing region, which has the capacity to handle an overflow of k or more routes in a direction d. Finally, the system computes a global routability estimation as a function of a global overflow cost and an adjacent overflow cost. |
| US08001512B1 |
Method and system for implementing context simulation
A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for using pattern-dependent models at early stages of the design process. This addresses the key disadvantage of prior approaches which are restricted to using such models later in the design process for IC designs that are nearly complete. Pattern-dependent manufacturing effects are extracted from early stage designs and using the extracted pattern-dependent effects to efficiently and effectively design the integrated circuit. One or more contexts are built around one or more units of the design, with examples of units being a block or cell. The units are then used in the context to generate pattern-dependent data as a basis for one or more pattern-dependent models. |
| US08001509B2 |
Method for programming a mask-programmable logic device and device so programmed
A user logic design for a mask-programmable logic device (“MPLD”) may be designed on a comparable or compatible user-programmable logic device (“UPLD”) and migrated to the MPLD, or may be designed directly on an MPLD. If the design is designed on a UPLD, the constraints of the target MPLD—i.e., differences between the devices—are taken into account so that the migration will be successful. If the design is designed directly on an MPLD, constraints of a comparable compatible UPLD are taken into account if the user indicates that the design will be migrated to the UPLD for testing. This means that when a logic design is intended to be migrated back-and-forth between a UPLD and an MPLD, only the intersection of features can be used. To facilitate migration, fixed mappings between pairs of devices may be created. |
| US08001507B2 |
Electric circuit and method for adjusting wirelength of clock signal in electric circuit
A designing method is provided for designing an electric circuit including a clock output circuit for delivering a clock signal and a plurality of processing circuits for receiving the clock signal from the clock output circuit via wirings for clock transmission so as to perform a predetermined process based on the clock signal. The method includes, as a method for designing the wirings for clock transmission to have a predetermined length, a first step of connecting wirings between each of the processing circuits and an arbitrary point (as a “first point”) so that the wirings have substantially the same length (as a “first length”), and a second step of connecting the first point to the clock output circuit by a single wire having the length that is obtained by subtracting the first length from the predetermined length. Thus, lengths of the wirings for transmitting the clock signal to the plurality of circuits are adjustable while the entire length of the wirings is minimized. |
| US08001506B2 |
SIMD image forming apparatus for minimizing wiring distance between registers and processing devices
A disclosed image processing apparatus includes a SIMD microprocessor in which multiple processor elements are arranged in one dimension, each of the processor elements including multiple access registers arranged in stages for storing image data; and multiple data processing devices corresponding one-to-one with the stages of the access registers, arranged in one dimension in the same direction as the processor elements, and configured to read and write image data from/to the access registers. The access registers of each of the stages, each of which access registers is included in a different one of the processor elements, are connected with a common line. Wiring outlets, each of which connects the common line of a different one of the stages to a corresponding data processing device, are individually disposed within the SIMD microprocessor in such a manner that each wiring outlet has a shortest possible distance to the corresponding data processing device. |
| US08001505B2 |
Method and apparatus for merging EDA coverage logs of coverage data
An electronic design automation technology merges coverage logs. The coverage logs are generated by verification of a hardware description language circuit design. The coverage logs are merged as the coverage logs are generated, without waiting for all pending coverage logs. Another electronic design automation technology also merges coverage logs. The merged coverage logs include a first coverage log of a first simulation of a hardware description language circuit design and a second coverage log of a second simulation of the hardware description language circuit design. The first simulation is based on a first hardware verification language coverage model of the hardware description language circuit design. The second simulation is based on a second hardware verification language coverage model of the hardware description language circuit design. The second hardware verification language coverage model is newer and different than the first hardware verification language coverage model. |
| US08001499B1 |
Circuit type pragma for computer aided design tools
A pragma is used to pass circuit type information to a Computer Aided design (CAD) tool. The CAD tool then selects an alternate synthesis or timing algorithm based on the circuit type, and a circuit design for use in an electronic device is created. Practical applications include using alternate algorithms specific to different circuit types, such as, Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRC), bus arbiters, state machine encoders, barrel shifters, preferential cores, and legacy circuits. One embodiment generates informative messages for the designer once the circuit type is known and the analysis is performed. Another embodiment generates pragmas that can be later used by circuit designers in future circuit designs. |
| US08001486B2 |
Method for verification of file-based media content
A method for automatically verifying one or more features of file-based media content (108) is disclosed. This file-based media content includes one or more media content files. The method includes customizing (204) a test plan on the basis of the one or more features. Customizing the test plan includes creating, modifying or utilizing at least one media content check of one or more media content checks. A media content check verifies at least one feature of the one or more features of the file-based media content. Further, the method includes verifying (206) the one or more features, based on the customized test plan. The method also includes documenting (208) the results obtained from the verification of the one or more features. |
| US08001485B2 |
Method, system and apparatus using a sensory cue to indicate subsequent action characteristics for data communications
A communications device provides a user with a sensory cue that informs the user of certain characteristics of a subsequent action that includes data communications. By informing the user of the data communication characteristics before the user initiates the data communication action, the invention appropriately sets user expectations regarding the data communication characteristics. For example, one embodiment of the invention is implemented in a portable communications device with a screen. For subsequent actions that include wireless communications, the portable communications device simultaneously displays a wireless link icon sensory cue next to a user interface graphic element. The user interface element is used to initiate the subsequent action. The user interface element can be an operating system object having an embedded link type icon. The wireless link icon informs the user that the subsequent action corresponding to the user interface element requires wireless communication and the expense and time associated therewith. A method, a system and an apparatus for indicating characteristics of a subsequent action to a user before the user begins the subsequent action are provided. |
| US08001484B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, and program
A content introduction screen linked to relevant sites can easily be created. A content-information input screen is displayed. When content information has been completely input, then, link elements are extracted from the content information. Then, one of the link elements is selected. A site related to the link element is searched for. A content introduction screen in which the input content information is linked to the searched site is generated and displayed. Metadata, including the content information, the URL, etc., which are used to generate the content introduction screen, is stored. |
| US08001480B2 |
Apparatus and method for defining and controlling graphical faceplates in a process control system
A method includes receiving information identifying one or more elements to be presented in a first faceplate. The first faceplate is associated with control of a process system. The method also includes receiving information identifying an auto-selection behavior associated with the first faceplate. The method further includes displaying the first faceplate to an operator and automatically selecting one of the elements in the first faceplate based on the received information. A centralized component (like a faceplate controller) automatically selects elements in multiple faceplates, including the first faceplate. The centralized component could automatically select the element to receive focus in the first faceplate. The centralized component could also identify a specified element associated with a command to be executed, even when the specified element does not have focus in the first faceplate. |
| US08001477B2 |
Method for exchanging portlet configuration data
The invention relates to method for exchanging portlet configuration data. The method includes: providing a graphical user interface (GUI) component as part of a portlet view provided by a portal page for triggering a portlet configuration exchange process between a first user using a first portlet instance and a second user using a second portlet instance within the same portal, the first and second portlet instances being of the same portlet type, providing an export functionality allowing access to stored portlet configuration data of the first portal instance and transforming the stored portlet configuration data into a data structure for exchange purposes, allowing for exchange of the data structure via a defined communication channel between the first user and the second user, and providing an import functionality allowing for parsing of the data structure to provide new portlet configuration data of the second portlet instance and storing the new portlet configuration data of the second portlet instance. |
| US08001476B2 |
Cellular user interface
Configurations for a cellular user interface are provided. In one embodiment, a client configuration includes a viewer and a content development kit. A content server distributes cellularized content among several client viewers. Connectors in a scheduled configuration regularly acquire updated content from data sources. An integration server interfaces between the connectors and the content server for distributing content. A monitoring agent assists with content updating upon detecting source changes. A registration server enables cell content update in client viewers through the content server. Cells in the cellularized environment include a visual proxy component and a metadata component. The visual proxy component can be configured for displaying different content at various levels of detail. The metadata component enables intelligent organization and display of content through queries, channels, and data updates. In addition, procedural geometry in the cellularized environment automates the content presentation and provides a flexible arrangement of the cells. |
| US08001475B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a network topograph that includes all select objects that are in a network
A method is disclosed for creating a network topograph that includes all select objects that are in a network. A set of one or more non-select objects in the network is determined. A network topograph is created. Each select object in the network is included in the network topograph. Elements of the set are collectively represented as a single non-select object. |
| US08001474B2 |
System and method for creating and distributing asynchronous bi-directional channel based multimedia content
A system for creating and distributing asynchronous bi-directional channel based multimedia content including means for creating a selectable list of channels, each channel to contain multimedia content related to each of the list channel; means for recording the multimedia content by a content author relating to the channels; means for uploading and storing the recorded multimedia content to its particular channel on a multimedia server; means for displaying the selectable list of channels to users; and responsive to selecting one of the channel by at least one of the users, means for displaying the multimedia content on a computing device to at least one of the users. |
| US08001471B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a similar offline viewing experience of online web-site content
The present invention provides a comprehensive development platform and client-side technology for intelligent and cost-effective delivery of video, audio and broadband content over a network, such as the Internet, to desktop, mobile computing, and network connected devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, an intelligent delivery system (IDS) delivers offline content on a client that provides a user experience similar to corresponding content accessed via a network, such as content experienced by a user visiting a web-site on the Internet. Through a background delivery process, the IDS transparently provides offline content automatically to the client. A user may display online content via a browser the first time visiting a content provider, such as a web-site, and from thereafter, the IDS automatically provides a second application to display offline content downloaded from the content provider. The user interface provided by the offline content stored on the client has a substantially similar appearance and behavior to the user interface presented by the online content. Using the second application locally on the client, the user displays and experiences offline content substantially similar to and corresponding to portions of the online content communicated via the Internet. For example, the user may display in the second application a high-definition video from storage of the client in a user interface that is substantially similar to the user interface of the web-site for streaming video. |
| US08001469B2 |
Automatic generation of interactive systems from a formalized description language
Systems and methods are described that automatically generate interactive systems configured for collecting dialog data of human-machine interactions in dialog systems. The systems and methods comprise receiving a task flow that describes operations of a dialog system. A formal description of the task flow is generated, and an interactive system comprising a graphical user interface (GUI) is automatically generated from the formal description. The GUI consists of templates for control of the dialog system and real-time collection and annotating of dialog data during a live dialog between only the dialog system and callers to the dialog system. The dialog data consists of data of the live dialog. |
| US08001463B2 |
Web page communications using parameters and events
A method and apparatus for communicating between components associated with a web page and for communicating between a web page and a service is provided. According to one approach, page designers configure components associated with a particular page to use particular values by mapping parameters associated with the page to parameters associated with components of that page. According to one approach, an event is generated when a user manipulates a component associated with a page. A mapping is inspected to determine that the event is mapped to an action and the action is performed. |
| US08001462B1 |
Updating search engine document index based on calculated age of changed portions in a document
A system receives a document that includes new content and aged content, and compares the document with a prior version of the document that includes the aged content but not the new content. The system also separates the new content and the aged content based on the comparison, determines ages associated with the new content and the aged content, and determines whether the ages of the new content and the aged content are greater than or equal to an age threshold. The system further calculates a checksum of the document based on the aged content when the age of the aged content is greater than or equal to the age threshold, and the age of the new content is less than the age threshold, and stores the calculated checksum. |
| US08001458B1 |
System and method for communicating state and title information between a browser and a rich Internet application
A system and method communicates address and state information from a browser to a rich Internet application to allow the rich Internet application to start at a location, or preload variables, corresponding to the state information. The system and method communicates address and state information from the rich Internet application to the browser to allow such information to be displayed by the browser for use or retrieval. |
| US08001457B2 |
System, method, and software for inserting hyperlinks into documents
Software that automatically locates and marks specific portions of a document and defines hyperlinks including at least a portion of the marked text. An exemplary implementation, tailored for legal citations, processes the portion of the marked text as a search term, and allows completion of hyperlinks without the necessity of including complete file addresses. This implementation also defines a portion of the hyperlinks based on the cost or time of executing the hyperlink, to reduce the cost or time of executing the hyperlink. |
| US08001452B2 |
Methods and apparatus for soft decision decoding using reliability values based on a log base two function
Methods and apparatus are provided for soft decision decoding using reliability values based on a log base two function. A signal is processed to determine one or more reliability values for a soft decision decoder by computing one or more log-likelihood ratio (LLR) values using a log base two function. The soft decision decoder may employ, for example, a belief propagation algorithm. The soft decision decoder can decode, for example, Low-Density Parity Check codes or turbo codes. |
| US08001450B2 |
Semiconductor memory device capable of changing ECC code length
The data memory cell array and parity memory cell array in the memory cell array has a constitution that is capable of corresponding with a plurality of ECC code lengths. An input-side parity generation circuit that generates parities from write data, an output-side parity generation circuit that generates parities from read data, and a syndrome generation circuit that generates a syndrome bit that indicates an error bit from the read parity bits and generated parity bits are constituted so as to be capable of switching, according to the plurality of ECC code lengths. |
| US08001448B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device including an error detecting and correcting system, wherein the error detecting and correcting system includes a 3EC system configured to be able to detect and correct 3-bit errors, and wherein the 3EC system is configured to search errors in such a manner that 3-degree error searching equation is divided into a first part containing only unknown numbers and a second part calculative with syndromes via variable transformation by use of two or more parameters, and previously nominated solution indexes collected in a table and syndrome indexes are compared to each other. |
| US08001443B2 |
Data storage apparatus, data storage controller, and related automated testing method
A data storage controller for controlling each data access of a data storage element is disclosed. The data storage controller includes a processing unit and a storage unit. The processing unit is utilized for executing an automated testing program on the data storage element for automated testing. The storage unit is coupled to the processing unit and utilized for storing the automated testing program. |
| US08001436B2 |
Changing scan paths shifting by changing mode select input state
Plural scan test paths (401) are provided to reduce power consumed during testing such as combinational logic (101). A state machine (408) operates according to plural shift states (500) to control each scan path in capturing data from response outputs of the combinational logic and then shifting one bit at a time to reduce the capacitive and constant state power consumed by shifting the scan paths. |
| US08001432B2 |
Uninitialized memory detection using error correction codes and built-in self test
An apparatus having a memory module and an initialization module is disclosed. The initialization module may be configured to (i) mark a particular location in the memory module as an uninitialized location by writing a predetermined word into the particular location in response to an occurrence of an event, (ii) read a read word from an address in the memory module in response to a read cycle and (iii) generate an interrupt signal by analyzing the read word, the interrupt signal being asserted where the read word indicates that the address is the uninitialized location in the memory module. |
| US08001430B2 |
Device and method for controlling an execution of a DMA task
A method for controlling an execution of a first DMA task, the method includes comprises monitoring an execution of the first DMA task, the method characterized by including defining a first DMA task execution interval and a first DMA task execution sub-interval; and performing a first possible timing violation responsive operation if the first DMA task was not completed during the first DMA task execution sub-interval. A device having a first DMA task controlling capabilities, the device includes a memory unit; characterized by including a DMA controller that is adapted to monitor an execution of the first DMA task that involves an access to the memory unit, and to perform a first possible timing violation responsive operation if the first DMA task was not completed during a first DMA task execution sub-interval. |
| US08001428B2 |
Packing trace protocols within trace streams
A data processing apparatus is provided with packing circuitry 130 arranged to receive said source data elements from said trace data receiver and applies a packing protocol to said source data elements to pack data of source data elements of a source trace stream into a packed trace data stream for supply to trace accepting circuitry in a format comprising acceptance data elements. The acceptance data elements have a bit-length that is not a factor of the source data element bit-length. In some arrangements the source data elements are non byte-sized data elements. In alternative arrangements, the packing circuitry packs a first positive integer number of source data elements into a data chunk comprising a second, different positive integer number of acceptance data elements. In further alternative arrangements the source trace protocol has a variable packet size and the data chunk is formed from a first portion comprising data of the source data elements and a further portion comprising a size-indicating code. |
| US08001425B2 |
Preserving state information of a storage subsystem in response to communication loss to the storage subsystem
A storage subsystem has a plurality of storage devices. An indication of failure of at least one of the plurality of storage devices is detected. In response to detecting the indication of failure, monitoring is performed for a further condition. According to the monitored further condition, it is determined whether the at least one storage device has failed or whether communication has been lost to the storage subsystem. In response to determining that communication has been lost, state information of the storage subsystem is preserved to enable restoration of the storage subsystem after communication to the storage subsystem is recovered. |
| US08001423B2 |
Prognostic diagnostic capability tracking system
A universal on-board system is provided for automatic fault detection and on-the-spot repair instructions that includes a module adapted to be coupled to a wide variety of platforms and Line Replaceable Units. |
| US08001421B2 |
Compiler technique for efficient register checkpointing to support transaction roll-back
A method and apparatus for efficient register checkpointing is herein described. A transaction is detected in program code. A recovery block is inserted in the program code to perform recovery operations in response to an abort of the first transaction. A roll-back edge is potentially inserted from an abort point to the recovery block. A control flow edge is inserted from the recovery block to a entry point of the transaction. Checkpoint code is inserted before the entry point to backup live-in registers in backup storage elements and recovery code is inserted in the recovery block to restore the live-in registers from the backup storage elements in response to an abort of the transaction. |
| US08001419B2 |
Energy storage module
An industrial automation controller module includes a main module and an energy storage module (ESM) releasably connected to the main module. The ESM includes a back-up electrical power source such as a battery or a capacitor that is electrically connected to processor circuitry of the main module when the ESM is physically connected to the main module. In case of interruption of operating power to the processor circuitry of the main module, the back-up power source of the ESM supplies back-up power to the main module to allow for completion of an emergency save operation to save data to non-volatile memory in the main module. If the ESM includes a capacitor back-up power source, it is charged by the main module and the capacitor charge is dissipated if the ESM is separated from the main module. In all cases, the ESM can include one or more configuration parameters stored therein that allow the main module to validate (or not) the ESM for the requirements of the main module, with respect to type of back-up power source, product code or model, capacity of back-up power source, and the like. The main module can also initiate periodic testing of the back-up power source of the ESM. |
| US08001418B2 |
Fault detection and correction for single and multiple media players connected to electronic displays, and related devices, methods and systems
Systems, devices, software, hardware and networks adapted and arranged for monitoring and correcting faults in networked media player systems that include electronic displays are provided. After detection or notification of a fault in at least one networked media player in a network of at least two, or N, media players operationally connected to electronic displays, the invention provides an alternate source of signal to the affected display. In some preferred embodiments, the invention utilizes at least one additional, or N+1, media player as a backup to substitute for the failed media player. Reconfiguration of the faulted media player by means of the N+1 backup networked media player advantageously increases the reliability and efficiency of ongoing maintenance of digital visual systems operating in commercial and other environments. |
| US08001416B2 |
System and method for recovery of information stored on a corrupt storage device
A magnetic tape cartridge, such as a Linear Tape Open cartridge, stores parameters in a non-volatile memory, such as a Media Auxiliary Memory page of a Cartridge Memory, for use in reading and writing to a magnetic tape. A backup copy of the parameters is made in the non-volatile memory for use in reading and writing to the magnetic tape in the event that the primary copy of the parameters becomes corrupt. If a tape drive fails to retrieve the primary copy of the parameters, the tape drive looks for the backup copy at a predetermined memory location, such as location 200h in the Cartridge Memory. |
| US08001414B2 |
Data transfer and recovery system
A backup image generator can create a primary image and periodic delta images of all or part of a primary server. The images can be sent to a network attached storage device and a remote storage server. In the event of a failure of the primary server, the failure can be diagnosed to develop a recovery strategy. Based on the diagnosis, at least one delta image may be applied to a copy of the primary image to generate an updated primary image at either the network attached storage or the remote storage server. The updated primary image may be converted to a virtual server in a physical to virtual conversion at either the network attached storage device or remote storage server and users may be redirected to the virtual server. The updated primary image may also be restored to the primary server in a virtual to physical conversion. As a result, the primary data storage may be timely backed-up, recovered and restored with the possibility of providing server and business continuity in the event of a failure. |
| US08001412B2 |
Combined alignment scrambler function for elastic interface
An interface alignment pattern for de-skewing data bits received on an elastic interface is disclosed. The interface alignment pattern is “busy” in that it has a high number of logic state transitions. The busy interface alignment pattern can be used for scrambling and unscrambling operational data. The interface alignment pattern has a unique timing sequence for determining the location of a data bit's first data beat. |
| US08001409B2 |
Synchronization device and methods thereof
A device includes different clock domains. Each clock domain is synchronized to a different clock signal, and the data transfer between clock domains occurs through a FIFO memory. It is determined which clock domain has a slower clock frequency, and the clock domain associated with the slower clock is selected to generate pointers used to access the FIFO memory in both clock domains. Therefore, the pointers are used to read and write data at the FIFO memory resulting in a transfer of the data between the clock domains. Because the pointers used for data transfer are generated and provided by the clock domain associated with the slower clock, the latency resulting from transferring the pointer between the clock domains is reduced. |
| US08001407B2 |
Server configured for managing power and performance
A server manages power and performance. The server comprises a plurality of processor and associated storage and input/output interface components, arranged into a plurality of independent compute cells. One or more performance metrics descriptive of performance of the independent compute cell plurality are selected and an optimization evaluation of the one or more performance metrics is performed. The independent compute cell plurality is tuned based on the optimization evaluation. |
| US08001406B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing power of portable information device
Provided are a method and apparatus for managing power of a portable information device. The apparatus includes: a display unit displaying a power management mode picture when a wake-up signal is input during a low-power consumption state of the portable information device; and a processing unit setting the portable information device again in the low-power consumption state when a user's input, as a response to the power management mode picture, is not received within a predetermined time after the power management mode picture is output to the display unit. Accordingly, even when a button on the portable information device is accidentally pressed, battery thereof can be prevented from being needlessly consumed. |
| US08001401B2 |
Power throttling of collections of computing elements
An apparatus and method for controlling power usage in a computer includes a plurality of computers communicating with a local control device, and a power source supplying power to the local control device and the computer. A plurality of sensors communicate with the computer for ascertaining power usage of the computer, and a system control device communicates with the computer for controlling power usage of the computer. |
| US08001396B2 |
Feedback control device
A feedback control device is provided. The feedback control device includes a controlled-system which outputs an output in correspondence with a control signal; a feedback signal generating member which generates a feedback signal as the output of the controlled-system; a reference signal unit which outputs a reference control signal to the controlled-system; and a determination unit which determines a version of the controlled-system on the basis of the feedback signal generated by the feedback signal generating member when the reference signal unit outputs the reference control signal to the controlled-system. |
| US08001390B2 |
Methods and apparatus for secure programming and storage of data using a multiprocessor in a trusted mode
Methods and apparatus provide for: entering a secure mode in which a given processor may initiate a transfer of information into or out of said processor, but no external device may initiate a transfer of information into or out of said processor; and programming at least one trusted data storage location using a direct memory access (DMA) command to be one of read-only, write-only, readable and writeable, limited access, and reset, where said at least one trusted data storage location is located external to said processor. |
| US08001388B2 |
Software self-checking systems and methods
Software self-checking mechanisms are described for improving software tamper resistance and/or reliability. Redundant tests are performed to detect modifications to a program while it is running. Modifications are recorded or reported. Embodiments of the software self-checking mechanisms can be implemented such that they are relatively stealthy and robust, and so that it they are compatible with copy-specific static watermarking and other tamper-resistance techniques. |
| US08001386B2 |
Cooperative non-repudiated message exchange in a network environment
A system and method of performing cooperative non-repudiated message exchange from a first system to a second system in a computer network comprises checking for discrepancies between a current system time in the second system with an actual time; performing a time synchronization process to match the current system time with the actual time; exchanging public encryption keys between the first and second systems; sending a digitally signed message from the first system to the second system; decoding the digitally signed message; sending a digitally signed acknowledgment message from the second system to the first system; decoding the digitally signed acknowledgment message; and committing text of the digitally signed message to an official transcript on the first system. |
| US08001385B2 |
Method and apparatus for flash updates with secure flash
Firmware updates are performed in a digital device that includes a secure flash that secures each block of stored data with a digital signature. In at least one embodiment, the update package that is received by the digital device for use in performing the update includes the digital signatures of blocks to be updated in the flash. In other embodiments, the digital signatures are generated within the digital device after an update package has been received. |
| US08001383B2 |
Secure serial number
A serial number for a software product is secured with an authenticator value. The authenticator value and the serial number are evaluated entirely by a remote authentication server such that no cryptographic authentication occurs on a local computer on which the software product is being installed. An abbreviated portion of the authenticator value is used for offline authentication. |
| US08001381B2 |
Method and system for mutual authentication of nodes in a wireless communication network
A method as provided enables mutual authentication of nodes in a wireless communication network. The method includes processing at a first node a beacon message received from a second node, wherein the beacon message comprises a first nonce value (step 405). An association request message comprising a certificate of the first node, a first signed block of authentication data, and a second nonce value is then transmitted from the first node to the second node (step 410). The second node can then verify a signature of the certificate of the first node and verify a signature of the first signed block of authentication data. An association reply message received from the second node is then processed at the first node (step 415), whereby the first node verifies a signature of a certificate of the second node and verifies a signature of a second signed block of authentication data. |
| US08001380B2 |
System and method for providing unique encryption key
A system and method for providing a unique encryption key including a receiver, at a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) adapter, configured to receive a configuration file, a processor, at the VoIP adapter, configured to decrypt the configuration file using a default key stored in the VoIP adapter, update one or more profile parameters of the configuration file, and install an encryption key at the VoIP adapter using the configuration file, and a transmitter, at the VoIP adapter, configured to register, with a network element, for network service using the updated configuration file such that the receiver is configured to receive network service from the network element when the updated configuration file is authenticated by the network element. |
| US08001378B2 |
Method and system for protecting data of a mobile agent within a network system
The present description refers to a method for protecting data of a mobile agent (MA) from a first server (A) which are intended for at least one second server (B) within a network system against an attack and an unauthorized access, wherein the first server (A) as well as the at least one second server (B) have a pair of a public key (KA, KB) and a private key (PKA, PKB) associated therewith, respectively, the method comprising, starting from the first server, at least the steps of choosing an unique number (r0) and assigning it to the mobile agent (MA), choosing a secret symmetric key (SKo) and assigning it to the data (mB) to be protected, encoding the secret key (SKo) with the public key (KB) of the second server (B), encrypting the secret key (SKo) and the public key (KA) of the first server via a cryptographic wrapping function (h), thus forming a data authentication code (h(KA, SKo)), encoding the data (mB) with the secret key (SKo), and combining the unique number (r0), the encoded data ({mB}SKo) and the data authentication code (h (KA, SKo)) and encoding that combination with the private key (PKA) of the first server (A), thus forming a nested structure to be decoded successively for access to the data (mB). |
| US08001367B2 |
Performing application setting activity using a removable storage device
A method of configuring a processing system to perform application setting activity using a removable storage device in data communication with the processing system includes a) selecting an application, where setting activity associated with the selected application is to be performed using the removable storage device, b) installing, in the processing system, an interception module to intercept application setting activity associated with the selected application; and c) in response to the interception module intercepting application setting activity associated with the selected application, performing the application setting activity using the removable storage device, thereby storing application setting data associated with the selected application in the removable storage device. |
| US08001366B2 |
Method for reducing booting time of mobile communication terminal
A method is for reducing booting time of a mobile communication terminal. The method includes the steps of driving a User Interface (UI) task concerning performing of communications created from a memory while the mobile communication terminal is being booted; simultaneously performing an initialization of an application program in a booting initializing unit that is to be separated from the UI task, and executing an initial screen in the UI task; and completing the initialization of the application program and execution of the initial screen in the UI task, and switching to an idle screen which a user can use. As a result, booting time of the mobile communication terminal is reduced. |
| US08001363B2 |
System for speculative branch prediction optimization and method thereof
A value representative of a processor's speculative branch prediction efficiency is determined and the speculative branch prediction depth is adjusted accordingly. The processor's speculative branch prediction efficiency may be represented by the average number of clocks per instruction (CPI), whereby an increase in the average CPI indicates that the processor is becoming less efficient due to incorrectly predicted speculative branch predictions and, conversely, a decrease indicates that the processor has a higher ratio of properly predicted speculative branch predictions. Thus, when the processor is more effectively predicting speculative branch predictions, the available speculative branch prediction depth for the processor may be increased to take advantage of this increased efficiency, and when the processor is less effectively predicting speculative branch predictions, the available speculative branch prediction depth may be decreased to reduce or minimize the processing cycles and power used by the processor in pursuing erroneous speculative branch predictions. |
| US08001362B2 |
Processing unit
A processing unit includes a plurality of thread execution units each provided with a performance analysis circuit for measuring various types of events resulting from execution of instructions and a commit stack entry unit for controlling the completion of executed instructions and each executing a thread having a plurality of instructions, a commit scope register for storing instructions of completion candidates stored in each commit stack entry unit by execution by each thread execution unit and performing processing for completion of instructions included in the thread, and a thread selecting means for sending commit events of the instructions to a performance analysis circuit provided in each thread execution unit corresponding to the instructions when performing commit processing for instructions stored in the commit scope register. |
| US08001360B2 |
Method and software for partitioned group element selection operation
A system and software for improving the performance of processors by incorporating an execution unit operable to decode and execute single instructions specifying a data selection operand and a first and a second register providing a plurality of data elements, the data selection operand comprising a plurality of fields each selecting one of the plurality of data elements, the execution unit operable to provide the data element selected by each field of the data selection operand to a predetermined position in a catenated result. |
| US08001359B2 |
Mapping an N-bit application ported from an M-bit application to an N-bit architecture
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that maps an N-bit application to virtual memory. The N-bit application may be obtained by porting an M-bit application to an N-bit architecture where N is greater than M. During operation, the system receives a request to map an N-bit application to a computer's virtual memory. The system then maps the N-bit application to a section of virtual memory which begins at a memory address that is greater than or equal to 2M. If the N-bit application accesses a memory address which is less than 2M, the system can generate a trap, thereby facilitating the discovery of M-bit memory references in the N-bit application. |
| US08001358B2 |
Microprocessor and method of processing data including peak value candidate selecting part and peak value calculating part
A data storing part outputs n-bit data according to a reading address generated by an address generator. A peak value candidate selecting part selects a maximum value of a plurality of elements forming the n-bit data as a peak value candidate when data of one data unit is expressed as one element and outputs the peak value candidate together with a positional information indicating an element position of the peak value candidate. When the peak value candidate is larger than a peak value held in a peak value holding part, a peak value calculating part calculates an address of the peak value candidate using the positional information of the peak value candidate and a reading address, outputs the address and the peak value candidate to the peak value holding part, and updates content held in the peak value holding part. |
| US08001352B1 |
Networked raid in a virtualized cluster
Technologies are described herein for providing networked RAID in a virtualized storage cluster. The storage capacity of a storage cluster having two or more storage nodes is organized into tiers. A portion of the available storage capacity is allocated to one tier that is organized using chained declustering. Another portion of the available storage capacity is allocated to another tier that is organized using a networked RAID configuration. The storage cluster monitors the frequency at which data in the storage cluster is accessed. Frequently used data that is stored in the network RAID-configured tier is promoted to the chained declustered-configured tier. Infrequently used data that is stored in the chained declustered-configured tier is demoted to the network RAID-configured tier. The zone size for zones stored in the chained declustered-configured tier may be different than for zones stored in the network RAID-configured tier. |
| US08001348B2 |
Method to qualify access to a block storage device via augmentation of the device's controller and firmware flow
A method to qualify access to a block storage device via augmentation of the device's controller and firmware flow. The method employs one or more block exclusion vectors (BEVs) that include attributes specifying allowed access operations for corresponding block address ranges. Logic in accordance with the BEVs is programmed into the controller for the block storage device, such as a disk drive controller for a disk drive. In response to an access request, a block address range corresponding to the storage block(s) requested to be accessed is determined. Based on the BEV entries, a determination is made to whether the determined logical block address range is covered by a corresponding BEV entry. If so, the attributes of the BEV are used to determine whether the access operation is allowed. The method may be used to secure access to firmware stored on a disk drive, thus enabling a system configuration that does not require a conventional firmware storage device. |
| US08001345B2 |
Automatic triggering of backing store re-initialization
A method, device, and system are provided for determining when to re-initialize a backing store in a data storage system. More specifically, when all snapshots associated with a specified backing store are either being deleted or are marked for deletion the backing store is re-initialized rather than deleting each snapshot independently. The re-initialization of the backing store provides for a quicker way to delete all snapshots than can be achieved by deleting each snapshot independently. |
| US08001343B2 |
Storage device with power control function
To provide a power controlling method for use in a storage device which can be operated with less power consumption, at least a storage capacity monitoring unit for monitoring the storage amount of data stored in each storage unit, a power-on unit for controlling the power-on of each storage unit, an access state monitoring unit for monitoring the state of accesses from an upper device to each storage unit, and a power-off unit for controlling the power-off of each storage unit are comprised, thereby controlling the power of a second storage unit. |
| US08001341B2 |
Managing dynamically allocated memory in a computer system
Managing dynamically allocated memory in a computer system in which garbage collection process is scheduled separately from data processing comprises initiating a system program and providing system memory for use by the system program, the system program being arranged to provide a processing environment, initiating an application program within the processing environment for performing one or more units of processing, allocating a portion of the memory for use by the application program for performing the processing, providing a first unit of processing to the application program, determining the proportion of the provided system memory in use on completion of processing of the first unit; and if the proportion exceeds a predetermined threshold, providing a memory recovery instruction to the system program to identify elements in the system memory occupied by objects or data inaccessible to the application program and to free the elements of the provided system memory. |
| US08001340B2 |
Method for determining allocation of tape drive resources for a secure data erase process
A method and computer program product are provided to ensure a timely secure data erase by determining whether allocating an additional tape drive would improve secure data erase performance by evaluating a quantity of physical volumes to be secure data erased, a maximum queued threshold, an average time to an erasure deadline and a minimum expiration threshold. An additional tape drive is allocated for the secure data erase process when it is determined that allocating an additional tape drive would improve secure data erase performance. |
| US08001339B1 |
Storage management policies in a virtual data storage system
A virtual data storage system stores data as data objects to a plurality of storage devices in accordance with storage management policies. The system manages multiple copies of stored data objects on multiple media types over time. Storage pools define groups of media that are to be treated in a uniform manner. A policy is composed of a series of policy copy/delete rules that direct movement of data objects into the storage pools. A rule defines a destination storage pool, a length of time that the data objects are to remain in the destination storage pool, and a data source for the data objects. Copy and delete actions are performed to manage copies of data objects among the storage pools in accordance with the policy. |
| US08001338B2 |
Multi-level DRAM controller to manage access to DRAM
Providing for multi-tiered RAM control is provided herein. As an example, a RAM access management system can include multiple input controllers each having a request buffer and request scheduler. Furthermore, a request buffer associated with a controller can vary in size with respect to other buffers. Additionally, request schedulers can vary in complexity and can be optimized at least for a particular request buffer size. As a further example, a first controller can have a large memory buffer and simple scheduling algorithm optimized for scalability. A second controller can have a small memory buffer and a complex scheduler, optimized for efficiency and high RAM performance. Generally, RAM management systems described herein can increase memory system scalability for multi-core parallel processing devices while providing an efficient and high bandwidth RAM interface. |
| US08001331B2 |
Efficiency of cache memory operations
A processing system 1 including a memory 10 and a cache memory 4 is provided with a page status unit 40 for providing a cache controller with a page open indication indicating one or more open pages of data values in memory. At least one of one or more cache management operations performed by the cache controller is responsive to the page open indication so that the efficiency and/or speed of the processing system can be improved. |
| US08001328B2 |
Method and process for expediting the return of line exclusivity to a given processor through enhanced inter-node communications
A method and apparatus in which the observability of cross-invalidates requests within remote nodes is controlled at the time of a partial response generation, when a remote request initially checks/snoops the directory state of the remote node, but before such the time that the cross-invalidate request is actually sent to the processors on a given node. If all of the remote nodes in the system indicate that the cross-invalidates could be sent during an initial directory snoop, the requesting node is able to return full exclusivity to a given cache line to a requesting processor at the time when it receives all of the partial responses, instead of having to wait for the final responses from each of the remote nodes within the system. |
| US08001327B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing placement of data in a tiered storage system
When a client access a file in a tiered storage system, the storage controller determines which tier is appropriate to store the file based on which client is accessing it and what operation is being performed. In one exemplary implementation, the tiered storage system receives a data access request corresponding to a file from the at least one client; determines the identity of the requesting client; determines an original tier of the file; determines a target tier to which the file should be migrated to; and if the original tier and the target tier are different, migrates the file from the original tier to the target tier. |
| US08001326B2 |
Portable terminal
A management apparatus including a portable terminal identifying module to receive card information from a non-contact IC card processing unit having a module to communicate with an IC card without contact. |
| US08001322B2 |
Notifying software components using a shared physical storage medium
A method for implementing virtual disk reservations on a storage medium for multiple distributed applications. The method includes initializing a plurality of virtual disks, wherein each of the virtual disks is instantiated on a physical storage medium. A reservation status is determined for each of the virtual disks and a first distributed application that uses at least one virtual disk is executed. Upon an update of the reservation status for the at least one virtual disk by the first distributed application, a notification indicator is set to notify a second distributed application of the update. The update is subsequently recognized and the notification indicator is cleared in order to continue I/O for the first distributed application and the second distributed application. |
| US08001320B2 |
Command interface for memory devices
A method for operating a memory device that includes a plurality of analog memory cells includes accepting at an input of the memory device a self-contained command to perform a memory access operation on at least one of the memory cells. The command includes an instruction specifying the memory access operation and one or more parameters that are indicative of analog settings to be applied to the at least one of the memory cells when performing the memory access operation. The self-contained command is executed in the memory device by extracting the parameters, applying the analog settings to the at least one of the memory cells responsively to the extracted parameters, and performing the specified memory access operation in accordance with the instruction on the at least one of the memory cells using the settings. |
| US08001316B2 |
Controller for one type of NAND flash memory for emulating another type of NAND flash memory
A controller for one type of NAND flash memory device that emulates another type of NAND flash memory device. The controller may include a host NAND interface to receive host data from a NAND host device, and a data aggregator for aggregating the host data with complementary data, to thereby create device data that is storable in a device page of an array of NAND flash memory cells of the NAND flash memory device. After creating the device data the controller writes the device data into a device page of the NAND flash memory cells. The controller also includes a data parser to parse host data from device data when data read operations are executed by the controller. If required, the controller uses the data parser to parse complementary data from device data to create device data when data writing operations are executed by the controller. |
| US08001314B2 |
Storing a driver for controlling a memory
Systems and techniques for accessing a memory, such as a NAND or NOR flash memory, involve storing an operating application for a computing device in a first memory and storing a driver containing software operable to control the first memory in a second memory that is independently accessible from the first memory. By storing the driver in a second memory that is independently accessible from the first memory, changes to the driver and/or the first memory can be made without altering the operating application. |
| US08001313B2 |
Insertion and removal of computing cards in server I/O slots
A switch is provided that detects when a computer expansion card has been added, removed or changed. During operation, the switch is held in a depressed position by contact with a card. If the card is removed, the switch is raised and, when a second card is installed in the same slot, the switch is again depressed. The depression of the switch triggers a change signal that initiates the introduction of power to the slot for a period of time long enough for the hypervisor to detect the new device. A delay between a release and subsequent depression of the switch is measured such that when the switch is released enough time is provided to firmly seat a different card in the planar device. Following the delay, power is supplied to the slot so that the hypervisor detects the card and updates the current configuration parameters. |
| US08001312B2 |
Circuit board system
A circuit board system for connecting with at least an expansion card that includes a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) electrically coupled to the expansion slot. The PLD is configured to detect whether the expansion card is compatible with the circuit board system. If the PLD detects that the expansion card is not compatible with the circuit board system, the logic controller cuts off the connection between the main power supply and the expansion slot. |
| US08001308B2 |
Method and system for handling a management interrupt event in a multi-processor computing device
A method and system for handling a management interrupt, such as a system management interrupt (SMI) and/or a platform management interrupt (PMI), includes sequestering two or more processor cores from a plurality of processor cores to form a group of sequestered processor cores for handling the management interrupt. Generated management interrupts are directed to the group of sequestered processor cores and not to non-sequestered processor cores. At least one of the sequestered processor cores handles the management interrupt without disrupting the current operation of the non-sequestered processor cores. |
| US08001307B1 |
Apparatus and a method to eliminate deadlock in a bi-directionally mirrored data storage system
An apparatus and a method to eliminate deadlock in a bi-directionally mirrored data storage system are presented. In some embodiments, a first and a second storage servers have established a mirroring relationship. To prevent deadlock between the storage servers and to reduce write latency, the second storage server may hold data received from the first storage server in a replication queue and send an early confirmation to the first storage server before writing the data to a destination volume if the first storage server is held up due to a lack of confirmation. In another embodiment, when the first storage server writes metadata of a persistent point-in-time image (PPI) to the second storage server, the second storage server may send a confirmation to the first storage server after copying the metadata, but before exporting the PPI at the second storage server. |
| US08001302B2 |
Redirecting input and output for multiple computers
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide for remote management of a set of local computers by transferring screen frames produced by the local computer for viewing at a remote computer. A redirection module captures and transmits video signals from a local computer through over a network, such as the Internet, to a remote computer where the remote computer produces a display that contains the screen frames being transferred. The module is configured for use with and installation within a keyboard, video, and mouse switch configured for receiving the module. The redirection module is further configured for use with and installation on a server-blade to allow remote management of the server-blade. |
| US08001295B2 |
Optimisation of the selection of storage device ports
A port optimization component and method for selecting a pair of ports, each port having predetermined operating parameters, for connecting to a storage device in a storage area network, the port optimization component comprising: a determination component for requesting configuration data and policy data pertaining to a storage device in response to a request to configure access to the storage device; and the determination component for comparing the configuration data to the policy data to determine a difference in operating parameters for each storage device port located on the storage device and in dependence on the detected difference, selecting a pair of ports having a preferred operating parameter. |
| US08001293B2 |
Data relay apparatus for communication module
A data relay apparatus for communication module is disclosed, whereby a plurality of normally operative communication modules can perform data communication thereamong by allowing a data relay unit to relay data received by an input/output (I/O) port of an inoperative communication module in a case there is available an inoperative communication module among the plurality of communication modules, in a network configured by connecting the plurality of communication modules having two I/O Ethernet communication ports connected via a line topology. |
| US08001284B2 |
Techniques for managing a storage environment
Techniques for managing a storage environment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, high-level application programming interfaces (APIs) are provided that can be used by applications such as storage management applications (e.g., ERM applications, SRM applications) to manage a storage environment. Using these APIs, an application can issue simple high-level commands to perform storage management operations without having to worry about the low level storage array-specific commands. Embodiments of the present invention handle the necessary translations between the high-level commands and the low-level storage array-specific commands or protocols. |
| US08001283B2 |
Efficient, scalable and high performance mechanism for handling IO requests
A system, apparatus and method for managing input/output requests in a multi-processor system is disclosed. An IO coherence unit includes an IO request handler, a variable size transaction table, and an IO response handler. The size of the transaction table varies according to the number of pending IO requests. The IO request handler stores information about pending IO requests in the transaction table to establish an order among related requests and to permit out-of-order handling of unrelated requests. The IO response handler tracks responses to the IO requests and updates the information in the transaction table. The IO coherence unit returns responses to requesting devices in compliance with device ordering requirements. |
| US08001282B2 |
Virtualization aware hard drive
A system and method for a virtualization aware hard drive. A method may include issuing a context command and an input/output (I/O) command by a virtual machine to either a hardware controller or a virtual machine monitor (VMM). The controller (or VMM) fills in a context tag that corresponds to the context command and the I/O command. The controller (or VMM) provides the context tag and the I/O command to a virtualization aware hard drive. The context tag provides context to the hard drive for the I/O command. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08001279B2 |
Method of synchronizing firewalls in a communication system based upon a server farm
A method of synchronizing firewalls in a communication system comprising a server farm wherein any user connected to the Internet can access customer servers, and at least two firewalls using a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to set up as primary interface firewall the firewall which owns the primary interface of the VRRP group of interfaces to at least one customer server. The method includes initializing, in a secondary interface firewall, a synchronization message exchange with the primary firewall after receiving a packet for a connection having a state which is incompatible with the received packet or after the standard firewall processing of a packet corresponding to a new connection, and registering in a common connection table the state of any connection if the connection is new or if the connection state has changed. |
| US08001274B2 |
Mobile device network accessory supporting content integration between accessory data and internet content
An accessory device (33) to a mobile device (31) is described that enables enhanced internet content viewing experience, where internet content is enhanced using data from accessory device (41). This is achieved by combining an embedded web proxy server (37) into the accessory device (33) with enhancements that support merging data from the accessory device (41) into internet content. This enables accessory devices (33) to be used with both closed and open mobile devices (31). |
| US08001269B1 |
Network address translation with IP redundancy
Redundant gateway methods, apparatus and systems using more than one gateway device in a gateway device group for communications directed outside of a LAN. Failover services are thus provided in the event that an active router or other gateway device fails. Network address translation (NAT) services are provided simultaneously by having all gateway devices in the redundancy group create and maintain IP aliases and static NAT mappings, while disabling all gateway devices operating in a non-active mode from replying to address resolution protocol requests from hosts. A gateway device may be configured to operate in a redundancy group in an active operating mode or a non-active operating mode. The gateway device handles transmissions into and out of the network to which it is connected only when the gateway device is in the active operating mode so as to avoid system corruption due to ARP activity and message transmissions by non-active gateway devices. |
| US08001268B2 |
Source reputation information system with router-level filtering of electronic messages
Disclosed herein are filtering systems and methods that employ an electronic message source reputation system. The source reputation system maintains a pool of source Internet Protocol (IP) address information, in the form of a Real-Time Threat Identification Network (“RTIN”) database, which can provide the reputation of source IP addresses, which can be used by customers for filtering network traffic. The source reputation system provides for multiple avenues of access to the source reputation information. Examples of such avenues can include Domain Name Server (DNS)-type queries, servicing routers with router-table data, or other avenues. |
| US08001264B2 |
Method for suspending and resuming content transmission/reception
According to an embodiment, a method for suspending content transmission/reception, includes: transmitting, if content reception within a certain channel needs to be suspended, an error notification message to a server, wherein the error notification message includes a first element indicating that the content reception is suspended, and a second element indicating a name, an attribute, or a value of a message found to be an error; transmitting a channel suspend request message to the server, wherein the channel suspend request message includes a third element for specifying an ID for the certain channel; and receiving a channel suspend response message from the server, wherein the channel suspend response message includes a fourth element containing IDs and status values for the channels requested for the transmission suspension. |
| US08001261B2 |
Telecommunication and multimedia management method and apparatus
An apparatus for improving the ability of a recipient to review time-sensitive media upon receipt when network conditions are poor. The apparatus includes a media ascertaining element configured to ascertain if media to be sent from a sending node to a receiving node is time-sensitive. A bandwidth-ascertaining element ascertains if there is sufficient bandwidth for transmitting a full bit rate representation of the media at a first bit rate and at a first packetization interval. If the bandwidth is sufficient, a transmitter transmits the full bit rate representation of the media. If the bandwidth is insufficient, then the transmitter generates and transmits a reduced bit rate representation of the media. The reduced bit rate representation is generated by performing one or more of the following (i) using fewer bits per unit time of media when packetizing the media relative to the full bit rate representation; (ii) increasing the packetization interval for the packets used to transmit the reduced bit rate representation; and (iii) adjusting the rate of transmission of the packets used to packetized the reduced bit rate representation of the media. |
| US08001260B2 |
Flow-rate adaptation for a connection of time-varying capacity
A system and methods for adapting streaming data for transmission over a connection of time-varying capacity are disclosed. A streaming server individually adapts transmission rates of signals directed to subtending clients according to measurements characterizing connections from the streaming server to the clients. The measurements may relate to characteristics such as transfer delay, data-loss fraction, and occupancy level of a buffer at a client's receiver. A flow controller associated with the streaming server derives metrics from measurements taken over selected time windows to determine a permissible transmission rate from the server to each active client. Metrics related to a specific characteristic may include a mean value over a moving window as well as short and long term tendencies of respective measurements. An adaptable encoder at the streaming server encodes signals to meet permissible transmission rates. |
| US08001256B2 |
System with multiple network protocol support
The present invention provides a system with multiple network protocol support. The system includes: a first memory, the first memory comprising program instructions for processing upper and lower layers of the network protocol; a first processor, where the first processor processes the upper layers of the network protocol for a data packet according to the program instructions in the first memory; and a second processor, where the second processor processes lower layers of the network protocol for the data packet according to the program instructions in the first memory. When the network protocol is changed, instructions for the new protocol is fetched from a second memory and placed in the first memory. Thus, the hardware of the system need not be redesigned when changing protocols, and the same on-system unit is used to implement each protocol. This increases flexibility, provides cost effectiveness, and increases the reliability of the system. |
| US08001254B1 |
Translating switch and method
Payload information in a data unit may be translated into the attribute portion of a data unit by receiving a first data unit from a terminal with payload information, identifying attribute information from within the payload information, and translating the first data unit into a translated data unit having an attribute portion corresponding to the attribute information from within the payload information of the first data unit. |
| US08001253B2 |
Network access using network identification
A network system that identifies a home network of a user by a network identification in an access request. When the access request is received in a network, the accessed network extracts a network identification from the access request and determines whether the access request is received from a subscriber or non-subscriber. If a non-subscriber, then a foreign network is identified and a network identification database is consulted to retrieve contact information for the foreign network. If the contact information is successfully retrieved, then the user may be routed to the foreign network (home network of the user). Otherwise (if the contact information is not in the network identification database), the user may be denied any access, and a purchase agreement for connect services may be offered. |
| US08001249B2 |
Session management system and method for use with stateless messaging services
The present system uses dynamic assignment of key codes to select options of response content in request messages prior to transmission from an application server to a communication device. Dynamic assignment of key codes to selection options can occur according to a list of key codes having a predefined order also known as a predefined key code series. A key code series could be ordered according to ergonomic considerations or other considerations such as according to an alphabetic or numeric ordering. Communication occurs between one or more server applications running on an application server and a particular communication device, such as a cell phone. Dynamic key code assignment addresses problems raised when one communication device is concurrently carrying on more than one session with one or more server applications since the communication device identifier, such as a phone number, will be the same for all sessions. |
| US08001247B2 |
System for trigger-based “gated” dynamic virtual and physical system provisioning
Computing resources are dynamically provisioned to virtual and physical systems. In one embodiment, a control system manages the provisioning of computing resources for multiple client systems. A request for resource provisioning can be sent to the control system as a trigger. The control system converts the information in the trigger into a demand curve that specifies the rates at which resources are to be provided to a client system. The control system then causes the resources to be provisioned to the client system based on the demand curve and a dynamic provisioning profile. The dynamic provisioning profile can be created by a system administrator based on the amount and characteristics of the resources available for provisioning the client system. The dynamic provisioning profile can also specify one or more gate points that indicate the thresholds at which dynamic provisioning can be stopped. |
| US08001238B2 |
Method for real-time monitoring a remote control process by a third party and system thereof
The invention relates to a remote monitor technique. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for real-time monitoring a remote control process by a third party and a system thereof, which are able to third-party monitor a control terminal and a controlled terminal in the remote control process. The method comprises steps of establishing a connection between a control terminal and a third party monitoring terminal; arranging the control terminal, the controlled terminal and the third party monitoring terminal in one and the same session based on the connection; the controlled terminal sending its desktop video to the third party monitoring terminal via a virtual display driver; and the third party monitoring terminal sending a predetermined control strategy to the controlled terminal. |
| US08001233B2 |
Communication system, network element, and method for configuring a network element using routing subscription information
There is disclosed a method of providing subscription services, the method comprising: establishing a subscription dialog to activate a subscription; terminating said subscription dialog upon establishment of said subscription; and establishing a notification to a subscriber by the steps of: determining the location of the subscriber; establishing a notification dialog to notify the located subscriber; and terminating said notification dialog upon completion of the notification. |
| US08001230B2 |
Group management apparatus and group management system
A first management apparatus that is connected to a first equipment device group including a plurality of first equipment devices centrally manages the first equipment devices. A second management apparatus connected to a second equipment device group including a plurality of second equipment devices separate from the plurality of first equipment devices centrally manages the second equipment devices. A group management apparatus connected to the first and second management apparatus centrally manages the first and second equipment device groups. The first and second management apparatus include first and second management programs to centrally manage the first and second equipment devices. The group management apparatus includes a group management program for centrally managing the first and second equipment device groups. |
| US08001227B2 |
Apparatus and method for UPNP service in public network environment
An apparatus and method for a universal plug and play (UPnP) service in a public network environment, the apparatus including: a UPnP multicast monitoring module to monitor a header of a frame inputted to a repeater and to request a discard of the frame; a discard control module to select and to discard the frame for which the discard has been requested; and a switching management module to register and to manage information on discarded frames. |
| US08001220B2 |
Dynamic UI system and method for remotely controlling legacy device
A dynamic user interface (UI) system and method is provided for remote controlling of a legacy device, which is not compatible with a peer-to-peer (P2P) middleware, through a P2P network. The dynamic UI system of the present includes at least one legacy device, a proxy for registering and managing the at least one legacy device and supporting a dynamic remote control user interface using a multi legacy device control protocol, and an edge peer for downloading the dynamic remote control user interface from the proxy and requesting control of the at least one legacy device to the proxy. |
| US08001213B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing unrestricted content on a user terminal
An apparatus for providing unrestricted content on a user terminal may include a processor. The processor may be configured to invoke a substitute function expansion application to request access to content associated with an object, in response to receiving an indication of an unknown function expansion application required to access the content associated with the object. The processor may further be configured to communicate information associated with the object to a network entity via the substitute function expansion application. The processor may also be configured to process the content associated with the object received from the remote network entity via the function expansion application, in response to the network entity accessing the content at a location associated with the network entity, and provide the received content associated with the object. |
| US08001212B2 |
Method and data processing system for providing XML data
A method and systems for providing XML data is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a second data processing system, which is connected to a first data processing system via a network, receives a first request over the network from the first data processing system. The first request comprises specifications for subsequent transfers of XML data from the second data processing system to the first data processing system. The specifications specify for which type of XML documents to be transferred in subsequent transfers to the first data processing system which excerpts of XML data shall be sent. An acknowledge message, sent to the first data processing system from the second data processing system, indicates the latter's ability to provide the excerpts of XML data for the types of XML documents in the subsequent data transfers. |
| US08001210B2 |
Transmission and reception of display information that configures a screen with multiple screen elements
A cellular phone does not store information unnecessary for displaying a screen and transmits a screen display request including an identifier of a screen to be displayed next to a server apparatus. In response to the screen display request, the server apparatus reads a display information file including screen elements for configuring the screen from a database and sends the file to the cellular phone. The cellular phone generates a screen using the screen elements included in the display information file and displays the generated screen on a display device. The display information file is prepared as one file for each screen displayed on the cellular phone. The file includes information of all screen elements necessary for the screen and does not include information of any screen elements unnecessary for the screen. |
| US08001203B2 |
Schedulable e-mail filters
An e-mail filter may be associated with a schedule defining a recurrent active time period. As such, some e-mail filters may be active at specific times of day and on specific days of the week and inactive the rest of the time. Before applying any filters, the current time is determined and it is determined which filters are active. The determination of which filters are active is based on the current time being within the active time period. |
| US08001201B2 |
Method and device for hiding messages
Based on user configuration, a main messaging user interface screen on a messaging device either presents a list of references to messages stored on the device based on a complete index of references to the stored messages or based on a filtered index of references to the stored messages. References to stored messages of a predetermined type are not maintained in the filtered index. |
| US08001196B2 |
System for performing notification in response to subsequent reception in accordance with originator of previous reception
A communication device includes a communication unit configured to communicate with an external communication device, and a first storage unit configured to store, when a phone call or an e-mail is received, information on a caller or a sender of the e-mail. A notification is performed in response to the reception, and a controller determines, when a reply to a first reception performed by a first communication function of the communication unit is not performed and a second reception performed by a second communication function of the communication unit is performed, whether a caller or a sender relating to the second reception is identical to a caller of a sender relating to the first reception in accordance with the information on the caller or the sender stored in the first storage unit. A notification is performed in response to the second reception in accordance with a result of the determination. |
| US08001193B2 |
Data communications system and data communications method for detecting unsolicited communications
A data communications system which communicates data via a data communications network, includes: an information extraction unit configured to extract an extraction target from received data; an comparison information generator/transmitter unit configured to generate and transmit comparison information including the extraction target extracted by the information extraction unit; a comparison unit configured to compare the received comparison information with the received data; and a cancellation processor unit configured to delete the received data, when the received comparison information agrees with the received data. |
| US08001190B2 |
Email integrated instant messaging
A system and method supporting instant messaging which removes many of the problems and barriers to the use of instant messaging through the use of universally unique identifiers to web pages for instant messaging sessions, with recipients invited to the instant messaging session via email. |
| US08001189B2 |
Routing of network messages
A routing protocol is provided for exchanging messages between an initial sender and an ultimate receiver, potentially via a set of intermediaries. The routing protocol provides an optional reverse message path that enables two-way message exchange patterns. The routing protocol can be expressed as a header entry within a message envelope, is independent of the underlying protocol, and can be generated at the application layer of a protocol stack. The routing protocol may allow each intermediary to process the message and dynamically alter the message path en route to the intended recipient. |
| US08001188B2 |
Server device, client device, and process execution method
A server device 20 requests a client device 30 to execute one of a plurality of computations having different degrees of difficulty. Client device 30 identifies, based on an amount of computation required for each of said plurality of computations, a computation to be executed and executes the computation. Client device 30, when requesting execution of a given process to server device 20, transmits a result of the computation to server device 20. Server device 20, when the computation result is correct, executes a predetermined process according to a priority based on an amount of the computation. |
| US08001185B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed rule evaluation in a near real-time business intelligence system
A method is provided for performing an action, in a distributed environment, upon occurrence of a monitored event related to a set of data elements. The method includes providing a rule that includes an event identification component which specifies an event to be monitored and an action component which specifies an action to be performed when the event has occurred. The method also includes determining, from the rule, if the event identification component is to be evaluated by a remote event engine and if the action component is to be evaluated by the remote event engine, evaluating the event identification component and the action component of the rule. |
| US08001184B2 |
System and method for managing an instant messaging conversation
The invention is a computer implemented system and process for managing a threaded instant messaging conversation. The process comprises establishing an interactive messaging session for exchanging a conversation element; assigning a thread identifier to the conversation element; appending the thread identifier to the conversation element; and displaying the conversation element in a user interface based on the thread identifier. |
| US08001182B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically adjusting membership of a communication flow expression
Methods and apparatus are provided for dynamically adjusting membership of a communication flow expression in a notification and response system. A message is provided from a sender to at least one recipient in accordance with a communication flow having a plurality of potential paths. The communication flow is controlled by a communication flow expression that contains at least one primitive keyword for dynamically adjusting the at least one recipient. A plurality of the recipients included in the communication flow form an instant focus group. The recipients in the instant focus group can be notified of other recipients in the instant focus group and/or receive the responses of other recipients in the instant focus group. The communication flow expression contains primitive keywords for adding and removing recipients in the communication flow. |
| US08001181B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for messaging between wireless mobile terminals and networked computers
A system is disclosed for messaging between wireless mobile terminals operating on wireless carrier networks and networked computers. The mobile terminals and computers include client applications for communicating messages to one another using push-to-talk modality. A server, located on a packet network outside the wireless carrier networks, forwards messages between the mobile terminals and the computers. The messages consist of text or streaming voice. The server can also include gateways for forwarding messages from the mobile terminals and computers to external email and instant messaging (IM) users. By placing the server outside wireless carrier networks and using conventional packet network protocols such as the Internet protocol (IP), the system provides seamless inter-carrier push-to-talk and/or instant messaging between mobile terminal, networked computers, and users of third-party email and IM services. |
| US08001180B2 |
Web page data providing system, web page data providing method, and computer-readable medium
A Web server machine 20, when receiving a request for a content containing a description of a campaign advertisement from any one of user machines 10 (step S201), reads a parts name defined as a structure (element) of Web page data for displaying the content from a content management table 24 (steps S202 through S204, step S301), acquires parts 33 specified by the parts name from a file server machine 30, generates the Web page data by combining the acquired parts 33 (step S307, steps S351 through S353), and sends the generated Web page data as a response to the user machine 10 (steps S311, S205, S207). It is therefore feasible to dynamically change details of the Web page, and the Web page is listed up in a high order of a search result of a search engine. |
| US08001173B2 |
Information processing apparatus, selector, remote operation system, scan code transmission method, and program product therefor
An information processing apparatus includes a code converting portion that converts a scan code output from a keyboard into a corresponding key code, a data converting portion that converts the key code into packets, and a changing portion that changes an output destination of the scan code from the code converting portion to the data converting portion, when an application software to operate a server apparatus remotely located is activated in the information processing apparatus, which is in connection with the server apparatus over a network. |
| US08001168B2 |
Random pulse generation source, and semiconductor device, method and program for generating random number and/or probability using the source
The present invention provides a semiconductor device such as an IC capable of generating completely random signals and generating an authentication signal, random number, and probability by integrally setting a random pulse generation source for spontaneously generating at the inside, and also provides a method/program for generating a random number and/or probability, comprising the steps of setting a random pulse generation source (hereafter referred to as RPG) for spontaneously generating random pulses, measuring the time interval between the random pulses generated from the RPG or measuring a voltage value of the random pulse, and converting it into a digital value, and generating an exponential distribution random number and/or uniform random number having a predetermined bit length and/or a probability from random pulses as converted to digital values. |
| US08001166B2 |
Methods and apparatus for optimizing keyword data analysis
Techniques for analyzing keyword data for quality management purposes are provided. One or more keywords are selected. Each of the one or more keywords represent a category of quality management. A keyword time series is prepared for each of the one or more selected keywords. A set of fixed form time series is prepared for each of the one or more selected keywords. The set of fixed form time series comprises one or more fixed form time series representing statistical data related to the one or more selected keywords. One or more correction sets comprising one or more correction parameters are obtained. Each of the one or more correction parameters correspond to one of the one or more fixed form time series within each set of fixed form time series. A set of corrected time series is generated for each of the one or more correction sets. The set of corrected time series comprises a combination of the keyword time series and the set of fixed form time series for each of the one or more selected keywords, the combination being in accordance with the one or more correction sets. A similarity score is calculated for each set of corrected time series. The set of corrected time series with the highest similarity score is selected. The selected set of corrected time series comprises optimized keyword data for quality management purposes. |
| US08001164B2 |
Method for providing file information in portable device
The methods and apparatuses of the present invention for efficiently providing file information in a portable device with limited screen size. When a plurality of files contain substantially identical file information, the present invention utilizes the file information that is different to distinguish from other files. |
| US08001158B2 |
Systems and processes for evaluating database complexities
A database may be evaluated to determine the complexity of the database. Metadata associated with a database may be retrieved and database information may be identified from the retrieved metadata. Database information may include, for example, a number of tables, a number of attributes of a table, a number of relationships in a table, or a number of records in a table of a database. A database complexity score may be determined based on identified database information. |
| US08001156B2 |
Processing XML node sets
A method for representing, manipulating and enumerating a node set in an XML document can create and manipulate a node set in time that is typically constant or, at worst, logarithmic in the size of the underlying document, and can enumerate a node set in time that is substantially linear in the size of the node set. The method comprises steps of deriving a high-level representation of a node set. This step need not include an enumeration of the nodes of the set. The method may then manipulate the high-level representation of a node set in order to effect transformations on the node set. The high-level representation can then be analyzed in order to determine how to most efficiently process the nodes of the node set. The node set can then be efficiently enumerated, in document order, by taking advantage of the results of the previous analysis step. |
| US08001155B2 |
Hierarchically presenting tabular data
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for hierarchically presenting tabular data. Embodiments of the invention utilize out-denting and/or color coding to organize and present tabular data to a user so that comparisons across multiple levels of data are possible while maintaining hierarchical organization of a model. That is, the columnar structure of tables can be maintained to allow rich cross-column comparison within various levels of nesting. Further, scaling is significantly increased since nesting has a reduced (and potentially no) impact on column alignment. |
| US08001150B2 |
Device management method using nodes having additional attribute and device management client thereof
According to an embodiment of the invention, a mobile terminal and a device management method performed by the mobile terminal are discussed. The method includes: receiving, by the mobile terminal and from a server, schedule information including a command for generating a specific node for a corresponding resource of the mobile terminal; and generating, by the mobile terminal, a specific node including a common attribute and an additional attribute, according to the schedule. The common attribute includes fields which are common to other nodes of the mobile terminal. The fields which are common include an ACCESS CONTROL LIST field indicating a list of external devices that are capable of accessing the corresponding resource. The additional attribute includes fields that are specified to the specific node. |
| US08001145B1 |
State management for user interfaces
State information for a page can be stored and restored using a component state manager to extract and set state information for various components on a page. Each appropriate component can register with the state manager, such that when a user requests to store state information, the state manager can extract state information for each registered component and store the state information accordingly. The user can be provided with a tag or other identifier that allows the user to subsequently request recreation of that state. In response to receiving the identifier, the state manager retrieves the stored state information and sets the state of each respective registered component on the page. The identifiers can be shared with other users to allow those users to also quickly access the same state. |
| US08001141B1 |
Relevance scores for result ranking and arrangement
Methods and systems for configuring the display of items in a network-based merchandising environment are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention identifies items within a catalog of items, computes a browse relevance score for each item, and configures the display of a Web page such that items with the highest browse relevance score are prominently displayed. In at least one embodiment, browse data, such as category fit data, popularity data, newness data, etc., are used to compute the browse relevance score for each item. |
| US08001134B2 |
Method for performing an external (disk-based) sort of a large data file which takes advantage of “presorted” data already present in the input
A method of externally sorting large files in a computer system is presented. The contents of the input file to be sorted are investigated in order to identify presorted portions thereof. The presorted portions of the input file as thus identified are incorporated as sorted strings into an external sortwork file, by rearranging directory information rather than physically transferring data. If merging is necessary, the data may then be merged by a procedure wherein blocks of sorted data to be merged are incorporated into an output (sortout) file, by rearranging directory information rather than physically transferring sorted blocks to the sortout file. As a result of the process, portions of sorted data incorporated into the sortout file may physically remain in external storage space allocated to the input file, and/or in external space allocated to sortwork, thereby eliminating or reducing reading and writing from disk during sort-merge processing. |
| US08001133B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing a contact list
A method of managing a contact list in a communication system includes: a) in response to user manipulation, generating a contact identification (ID) representing a contact person in the communication system, and presenting the contact ID on the contact list; b) keeping track of a contact frequency between the user and the contact person; c) selecting an attribute in accordance with the contact frequency; and d) presenting the attribute on the contact list, such that the attribute is associated with the contact ID. An apparatus for managing a contact list in a communication system is also disclosed. |
| US08001129B2 |
Systems, methods, interfaces and software for automated collection and integration of entity data into online databases and professional directories
An information-retrieval system includes a server that receives queries for documents from client devices and means for outputting results of queries to the client devices, with the results provided in association with one or more interactive control features that are selectable to invoke display of information regarding entities, such as professionals, referenced in the results. |
| US08001127B2 |
Efficient extraction of XML content stored in a LOB
A method and system are provided for extracting a valid, self-contained fragment for a node in a XML document stored in a database management system. An XML index is used to identify a location in which XML fragment data corresponding to the node is located. Ancestors of the node are identified and examined for any information needed for the proper interpretation of the fragment. If an ancestor node contains such needed information, this information is patched into the XML fragment to ensure that the fragment is a valid, self-contained XML fragment. |
| US08001120B2 |
Recent contacts and items
The present invention provides a method and system of displaying items that gives the user the ability to easily access recently accessed items. The recent items list includes both incoming and outgoing correspondences that are attempted to be matched to the corresponding contact stored in the device. The user can access the recent contact list and reply using any communication method available. For instance, the user could reply by phone, email, send an instant messenger message, send an SMS message, and the like. The recent items list may also include items such as communications, contacts, folder, files, messages, applications, and the like. A coalesced list of the recently used items is shown so that an item is only shown once in the recent list. Any matched item in the recent list may also be shown in the alphabetical list that appears below the recent list. |
| US08001118B2 |
Methods and apparatus for employing usage statistics in document retrieval
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide improved organization of documents responsive to a search query. In one embodiment, a search query is received and a list of responsive documents is identified. The responsive documents are organized based in whole or in part on usage statistics. |
| US08001117B2 |
Efficient online computation of diverse query results
The system includes a query engine and an advertisement engine. The query engine is configured to receive a query from the user. The advertisement engine generates advertisement results corresponding to the query. The advertisement results are selected from entries in an advertisement database, where the entries include predicate values corresponding to a domain. The advertisement engine generates a diverse advertisement result that is a subset of the database entries that match the query. The diversity result varies at least one predicate by selecting entries for the list that include a proportional representation of each available predicate value in the database that matches the query. |
| US08001111B2 |
Trail-based exploration of a repository of documents
Techniques that support trail-based exploration by a user of a repository of documents are described herein. In one embodiment, trail definition data that specifies a trail is received. The trail includes an ordered series of waypoints including a trailhead, intermediate waypoints, and one or more trailends. In some embodiments, deadends may also be defined in the trial. A particular waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints is established as a current waypoint. Search terms can be received from a user to cause a search to be performed. It is then determined whether the search satisfies matching criteria associated with a waypoint that immediately follows the current waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints. If so, the user advances to the next waypoint. Otherwise, the user remains at the current waypoint. Finally, if a trailend is reached, then an action such as rewarding the user in some way may be performed. |
| US08001110B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product for processing databases
An obtaining request requesting that information is obtained from a structured database by using multiple loops is received. A unique identifier is assigned to each of records in element tables each having been created for a different one of the loops. A cross product joined table is created by performing a cross product joining process on the element tables, so that the information specified as an obtained target in the obtaining request is obtained from the element tables. For each of the loops, a single-loop table storing therein records in which the obtained information, the identifiers, and the elements are brought into correspondence is created. An inter-loop joined table is created by joining the plurality of single-loop tables. A correspondence between the records in the cross product joined table and in the inter-loop joined table are controlled, based on the identifiers contained in the cross product joined table and the inter-loop joined table. |
| US08001105B2 |
System and method for keyword extraction and contextual advertisement generation
A computer-implemented system and method for keyword extraction and contextual advertisement generation are disclosed. The system in an example embodiment includes a keyword extraction service to obtain information related to user activity on a host site and to extract relevant keywords from content of a web page, the information related to user activity on the host site being used to determine relevancy of the extracted keywords, and a contextual advertiser to produce an advertisement placement on an affiliate web page, the produced advertisement placement being relevant to user activity on the host site. |
| US08001097B2 |
Computerized system and method for building a system of test components for a healthcare orderable procedure
A computerized system and method of building a system of test components for an orderable healthcare procedure is provided. An orderable healthcare procedure is received and associated with a discrete ontology concept. An ontology is traversed for the discrete ontology concept to identify test components related to the discrete ontology concept. The test components related to the discrete ontology concept are identified. |
| US08001096B2 |
Computer file system using content-dependent file identifiers
A file system includes a plurality of servers to store file data as segments or chunks; and first data that includes file identifiers for files for which the file data are stored as segments; and second data that maps the file identifiers to the segments to which the file identifiers correspond; and location data that identifies which of the plurality of servers stores which of the segments, the location data being keyed on segment identifiers, each segment identifier being based on the data in a corresponding segment. |
| US08001094B2 |
System, method, program, and system implementation method for transaction process logging
A system is provided to log a transaction process performed based on a service level agreement concerning the response time of the transaction process. The system includes a logging policy table, a transaction process monitoring unit, and a storage device. The logging policy table records one or more logging policies defined to log a transaction process with a varying amount of log data based on a required response time specified in the service level agreement. The transaction process monitoring unit automatically monitors the response time of the transaction process. The storage device records a transaction process log. The system further includes a logging control unit. The logging control unit uses response time of a transaction process monitored by the transaction process monitoring unit to select one of the logging policies stored in the logging policy table. According to the selected logging policy, the logging control unit allows the storage device to record a log of the transaction process. |
| US08001092B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing and displaying information
An apparatus for analyzing and displaying usage condition of information. The apparatus analyzes and displays the usage condition outside of an information distributing system by which the information is transmitted; and includes: a usage condition collecting unit that acquires a usage condition information as to the usage condition of the information outside of the information distributing system to be evaluated; and a usage condition displaying unit that displays the usage conditions based on the usage condition information. |
| US08001087B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing selective backup operations based on file history data
A method involves generating a business rule; the business rule indicates whether a file should be included in a backup operation. Data is accumulated in a file history database, and the data represents one or more associations of the file. A result is determined, indicating whether the business rule indicates the file should be included in the backup operation. The result is based, at least in part, on the data in the file history database. The result is reported. |
| US08001084B2 |
Memory allocator for optimistic data access
A method, system and computer readable media for optimistic access of data objects in a processing system. The method, system and computer readable media comprise providing a list of position objects. Each of the position objects can be associated with a data object. The method, system and computer readable medium include utilizing a thread to mutex a position object of the list of position objects and to associate the position object with a data object, and accessing the data object by the thread. The method, system and computer readable medium record a free level of a memory allocator as a read level of the position object and record a version number of the data object as the version number of the position object after the access has been determined to be safe. |
| US08001079B2 |
System and method for system state replication
The invention generally describes a system and method for data backup and recovery, in particular for backing up an entire server (i.e., system state and data) in substantially real-time. The invention provides high availability by failing a source server over to a target server if the source server fails, where the target server is reconfigured nearly identically to the source server. The invention does not require the source and target servers to have identical hardware or operating system versions. The invention further allows for rapid, automatic, restoration of a source server. |
| US08001078B2 |
Commitment chains for conflict resolution between disconnected data sharing applications
A sequence of processing transactions operating on a cached data set, which depend on each other because they operate on the same items of data from the data set. The transactions are saved until the master copy of the data becomes available. The transactions are played back against the master copy until one of the played back transactions fails because another transaction which operated on the same items of data but against a separate cached copy and originating from another application, was successfully played back on the master copy at an earlier time. At this point, all subsequent transactions which depended on the failing transaction are rolled back on the cached copy (with appropriate failure reports generated) and activity resumes from there. “Chained” (optimistic) transactions can therefore be applied to cached data and can be allowed to progress by recording their dependencies so they can be undone when required. |
| US08001071B2 |
Visualization of data record physicality
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) that enable inferences to be drawn from the physicality of electronic information much like that of a visual inspection of physical records are provided. In other words, a user is able to draw inferences from parameters of electronic data such as quantity, regularity, age, condition, type, keywords, title, author, origination date, storage location, etc. The innovation provides a data observation system having a summarization generator component and a rendering component that conveys attributes of electronic data such that inferences and conclusions based upon the physicality of the data. |
| US08001070B2 |
Object oriented rule-based system and method
An object oriented rule-based system and method that combines rule-based technology and object-oriented programming in order to provide an efficient approach for adding decision-making and inferencing capabilities to different applications. The rule-based system can include a RETE match algorithm, which can be modified to support pure object-based variable pattern matching. The LHS of a rule base can be compiled into several condition patterns, which includes a transformer integer array in order to record object variables positions. A RETE node can propagate tokens smoothly by asserting the object variable based on inheritance type hierarchy and the rules can be fired when the conditions are satisfied. The object oriented rule system can be utilized to add or remove rules at run time. |
| US08001067B2 |
Method for substituting an electronic emulation of the human brain into an application to replace a human
A method for emulating human behavior and actions in an expert mode to control and execute a defined task. The first step is to define a task based application having a task associated therewith that is operable to receive goals and conditions and which goals define the desired results to be achieved when the task is performed. A brain emulation is represented by a plurality of nodes each representing a concept, and interconnecting relationships between select ones of the concepts, which brain emulation is operable to receive information from the task based application and process such information and capable controlling the task based application with the outcome of such processing to achieve the goal of the task based application. The brain emulation receives information either directly from a external source or from the task based application as to the state of the task based application and processes the received information based on the existing interconnecting relationships to initiate the task associated with the task based application and attempt to achieve the goal associated with the task based application. |
| US08001064B1 |
Learning based on feedback for contextual personalized information retrieval
Information retrieval systems face challenging problems with delivering highly relevant and highly inclusive search results in response to a user's query. Contextual personalized information retrieval uses a set of integrated methodologies that can combine automatic concept extraction/matching from text, a powerful fuzzy search engine, and a collaborative user preference learning engine to provide accurate and personalized search results. The system can include constructing a search query to execute a search of a database, parsing an input query from a user into sub-strings, and matching the sub-strings to concepts in a semantic concept network of a knowledge base. The system can further map the matched concepts to criteria and criteria values that specify a set of constraints on and scoring parameters for the matched concepts. Furthermore, the system can learn user preferences to construct one or more profiles, including combined internal and profile weights, for producing personalized search results. |
| US08001059B2 |
IT-system design supporting system and design supporting method
Inputting data necessary for designing an IT system leads a throughput evaluation part to draft a system idea meeting a design standard value for throughput and leads a reliability evaluation part to draft the system idea meeting a design standard value for failure probability. A cost evaluation part evaluates a cost of the system idea, while a cost judgment part judges whether there exists a system idea whose cost evaluated by the cost evaluation part is within an allowable range or not. When the cost judgment part judges that there is no system idea, a reconfiguration part reconfigures the design standard value for throughput, the design standard value for failure probability, and the allowable range of cost in the input data part, and the reconfiguration part carries out calculations repeatedly until there can be drafted a system idea whose cost is within the allowable range. |
| US08001056B2 |
Progressive capture of prospect information for user profiles
Embodiments are directed towards inferring an online matching profile based on progressively receiving a prospect's inputs. Access to other matching profiles is provided to the prospect, and while viewing such profiles of other participants, the prospect may progressively provide inputs, such that the prospect's profile may be inferred. As the prospect continues viewing and progressively providing additional inputs, a number of compatibility metrics presented to the prospect may be increased, as does a degree of compatibility of matches that may be suggested to the prospect. At any time during the viewing and progressive input process, the prospect may be presented with their inferred profile. The prospect may then accept and/or modify various elements within the inferred profile. |
| US08001052B2 |
System and method for unique digital asset identification and transaction management
The present invention provides a method for tracking of digital assets within a system through the use of digital serial numbers. Systems equipped with the present invention can uniquely identify copies of assets within it. Assets that originate within the system can be uniquely identified even outside the system. Their transaction history within the system can be traced by looking up the transaction history associated with an assets' serial number. The serial number applied to an asset is unique to each transaction and applied at the time a copy is made. Database entries are created that link each unique serial number to aspects of the transaction. Each serial number references details about a particular transaction such as parties involved, date and time of copy, ownership, terms of use, and payment terms. Using the present invention any copy of an asset within the system can be copied to another part of the system as if it were the original and with the accompanying terms and conditions in effect for that original at the time of transfer. The serial number does not noticeably interfere with the intended usage of the asset. Serial numbers can be applied to any asset media type or format. |
| US08001048B2 |
Non-cash transaction incentive and commission distribution system
An electronic fund transfer system is disclosed wherein commissions for point-of-sale purchase transactions are determined and distributed to members of an organizational network for promoting use of a non-cash payment device that is tangible for effecting purchase transactions. Purchase data is electronically transmitted from the point-of-sale to an automated clearing house for effecting fund transfers to prepare the purchase, and also to a commission management system. The commission management system maintains an electronic database reflecting the structure of the organizational network, and further determines the distribution of purchase commissions according to a predetermined schedule of proportions relating to the position and business volume of each member of the network. The commission management system further comprises a payment processor for effecting commission payments to the members or to a designated sponsor on a scheduled basis. |
| US08001041B2 |
Algorithm for explaining credit scores
An exemplary Web-based score explanation service typically requires only the credit bureau identifier, credit score, and up to four reason codes as input. The invention herein discloses an algorithm that is used to provide an explanation of the primary factors influencing the score, where a rich data feed is provided to the facility implementing the algorithm |
| US08001024B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing automated valuation models
A method and apparatus for real time testing of automated valuation models using various indicators of accuracy. These indicators are then weighted according to their value as indicators of accuracy using individualized weighting factors or an equation. A ranking is then computed based upon the factors and their weights. This method is preformed continuously, so as to achieve real-time or periodically updated automated valuation model accuracy rankings. |
| US08001020B2 |
Budgetary ledger
A system and method for maintaining budget related transactions in a financial management system. A financial management system may include a general ledger to maintain account balances and a budgetary ledger to maintain account balances only for budget related transactions. The budgetary ledger may generate a budgetary ledger document, which contains budget related transactions. The budgetary ledger may further include a core to enable generation of the budgetary ledger document, and an extension to define rules associated with generation of the budgetary ledger document. The budgetary ledger may then post the budgetary ledger document to the general ledger. |
| US08001014B2 |
Anonymous shopping transactions on a network through information broker services
A system and method for enabling a user to transact an anonymous on-line transaction, wherein a form of on-line payment is requested at a transaction interface is disclosed. The method may include providing an anonymous user interface that enables a user to initiate an on-line payment, accessing a first profile comprising user data when the user activates the form of on-line payment, generating a second profile linked to the first profile wherein, the second profile comprises anonymous data, and communicating the anonymous data from the second profile to the transaction interface to enable completion of the transaction. |
| US08001011B2 |
Method and apparatus for deferred purchasing of marked digital media items
Techniques for interacting with an online media store using a first device to identify a digital media item of interest to a user of the first device, using the first device to store an interest indicator for the digital media item of interest at the online media store, and subsequently interacting with the online media store using a second device to purchase or preview the digital media item of interest as identified by the interest indicator. Additionally, ring tones and graphics associated with the digital media item of interest can also be purchased. |
| US08001008B2 |
System and method of collaborative filtering based on attribute profiling
A system and/or a method of collaborative filtering based on attribute profiling is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a product profile of a content-based product through applying any number of value data assigned by a user to a set of attributes embodying possible reasons as to why the user reacts to the content-based product, generating a user profile of a user through applying a group of value data assigned by the user to a content-based product sharing the set of attributes and recommending a different content-based product matches with the user profile beyond a threshold value. The method may include recommending the different content-based product to a different user when a different user profile of the different matches with the user profile of the user who has subscribed to the different content-based product. |
| US08001006B1 |
Intuitive display of financial information
Embodiments of a computer system, a method, a graphical user interface and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. These embodiments may be used to present income-tax information to a user. In particular, the user can provide aggregate values for one or more parameters in an income-tax return for the user by adjusting user-adjustable icons in the graphical user interface. In response to these user inputs, the computer system updates the displayed user-adjustable icons and determines summary information for the income-tax return which is associated with the user inputs. This summary information is displayed using a qualitative-tax-estimator icon in the graphical user interface and/or by displaying a numerical value for the summary information in a quantitative-tax-estimator window in the graphical user interface. |
| US08000996B1 |
System and method for markdown optimization
Computer-implemented systems and methods for identifying markdown prices for items. As an example, a system and method can include identifying for each item an optimal markdown plan containing a markdown price for the item. Also, the method and system can be configured to identify for each item an optimal delay plan. For each item, a delay cost and a markdown spend are calculated, and a comparison is performed of the item's delay cost with respect to the item's markdown spend. The comparison is used to determine whether to mark down an item based upon the item's determined markdown price. |
| US08000994B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for web activity assessment
A computer-implemented system and method for evaluating customer activity. Data about the customer activity is received and is used to generate actual data values associated with preselected business metrics. One or more business metric score cards may be generated to assess how the business metrics are performing as well as what business metrics can be changed to better meet business goals. |
| US08000993B2 |
Using consumer purchase behavior for television targeting
In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for processing and analyzing data in an advertising measurement system accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. The data may be matched and cross-correlated for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing and accessing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed. |
| US08000991B2 |
Enabling pervasive execution of workflows
To allow workflow execution on a plurality of local devices such as in a pervasive environment in a decentralized manner, the present application proposes a method and architecture for executing a workflow on a device, the workflow comprising one or more task activities (tn) comprising actions performed by devices participating in the workflow and routing activities (rin) used to transfer control and data between devices, wherein the method comprises the operations of: receiving a message representing an incoming routing activity (rij); generating from the workflow a local part (Wn) to be executed on the device; executing task activities comprised by the generated local part (Wn) on the device; performing a request to a discovery service in order to obtain one or several identifications of next devices; and sending one or more messages representing a routing activity (rij) to the one or more next devices thus identified. |
| US08000990B2 |
Automated service scheduling system based on customer value
An automated system uses a decisioning system to schedule service attendants to service events at patron locations. The decisioning system schedules the events for servicing using various factors to establish the priority of different events. Service attendants are paged by the system to inform them of a service to be provided. |
| US08000988B1 |
Selecting shipping methods dependent on a dynamic model of shipping activity
A method and system for selecting a shipping method dependent upon a dynamic model of shipping activity. In one embodiment, a method may include detecting a given shipment event for which one of a plurality of shipping methods is to be selected, determining a current output state of a discrete event model representative of shipping method selections for one or more previous shipment events, and in response to detecting the given shipping event, producing a selection of a particular one of the plurality of shipping methods that mathematically optimizes an objective function, wherein the objective function is dependent on a cost of shipping associated with the given shipment event and on a weighted deviation between the current output state of the discrete event model and a target output state of the discrete event model. |
| US08000982B2 |
Network and methods for integrating individualized clinical test results and nutritional treatment
The present invention provides networks and method for linking consumers and nutritional pharmacogeneticists offering personalized nutritional information through a central network site. The network includes a central integration site through which network members communicate with each other. The central integration site stores two or more databases in the storage medium. The databases store biochemical marker data information, nutritional and/or drug data information including a record for association and effect of nutrients with a particular biochemical marker, and/or drug. The network of the invention provides individualized nutritional diagnostic and treatment to consumers on the basis of their genetic test results. |
| US08000980B2 |
Medical information searching and indexing method and system
A method for assisting a medical professional with making a medical related decision based on patient information includes providing access to a plurality of databases containing medical related information and at least one rule governing medical care. The method may also include searching for patient information on at least one of the plurality of databases providing search results of the patient information regardless of the location of the patient information. |
| US08000979B2 |
Automated patient management system
A system for making the process of registering at and receiving treatment in a healthcare facility more efficient and safe has been developed. The system utilizes computer communications network-based systems, software, various input and output stations, and a patient identification card (e.g., Loyalty Card) that work together to allow (a) providers to direct, track, and optimize the efficiency of patient activity and (b) patients to have ready access to their status and, in some cases, control of the healthcare process. |
| US08000974B2 |
Speech recognition system and method
According to the present invention, a method for integrating processes with a multi-faceted human centered interface is provided. The interface is facilitated to implement a hands free, voice driven environment to control processes and applications. A natural language model is used to parse voice initiated commands and data, and to route those voice initiated inputs to the required applications or processes. The use of an intelligent context based parser allows the system to intelligently determine what processes are required to complete a task which is initiated using natural language. A single window environment provides an interface which is comfortable to the user by preventing the occurrence of distracting windows from appearing. The single window has a plurality of facets which allow distinct viewing areas. Each facet has an independent process routing its outputs thereto. As other processes are activated, each facet can reshape itself to bring a new process into one of the viewing areas. All activated processes are executed simultaneously to provide true multitasking. |
| US08000971B2 |
Discriminative training of multi-state barge-in models for speech processing
Disclosed are systems and methods for training a barge-in-model for speech processing in a spoken dialogue system comprising the steps of (1) receiving an input having at least one speech segment and at least one non-speech segment, (2) establishing a restriction of recognizing only speech states during speech segments of the input and non-speech states during non-speech segments of the input, (2) generating a hypothesis lattice by allowing any sequence of speech Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) and non-speech HMMs, (4) generating a reference lattice by only allowing speech HMMs for at least one speech segment and non-speech HMMs for at least one non-speech segment, wherein different iterations of training generates at least one different reference lattice and at least one reference transcription, and (5) employing the generated reference lattice as the barge-in-model for speech processing. |
| US08000970B2 |
Distributed voice browser
The present invention can include a method of call processing using a distributed voice browser including allocating a plurality of service processors configured to interpret parsed voice markup language data and allocating a plurality of voice markup language parsers configured to retrieve and parse voice markup language data representing a telephony service. The plurality of service processors and the plurality of markup language parsers can be registered with one or more session managers. Accordingly, components of received telephony service requests can be distributed to the voice markup language parsers and the parsed voice markup language data can be distributed to the service processors. |
| US08000965B2 |
Information-processing device and method that attains speech-recognition to recognize data input via speech
An information-processing device and method that attains speech-recognition to recognize data input via speech. The information-processing device and method includes analyzing speech-recognition-grammar data, generating data on a template used to input data by speech based on the analysis results, and displaying the generated speech-input-template data. |
| US08000964B2 |
Method of constructing model of recognizing english pronunciation variation
A method of constructing a model of recognizing English pronunciation variations is used to recognize English pronunciations with different intonations influenced by non-English native languages. The method includes collecting a plurality of sound information corresponding to English expressions; corresponding phonetic alphabets of the non-English native language and English of a region to International Phonetic Alphabets (IPAs), so as to form a plurality of pronunciation models; converting the sound information with the pronunciation models to form a pronunciation variation network of the corresponding English expressions, thereby detecting whether the English expressions have pronunciation variation paths; and finally summarizing the pronunciation variation paths to form a plurality of pronunciation variation rules. Furthermore, the pronunciation variations are represented by phonetics features to infer possible pronunciation variation rules, which are stored to form pronunciation variation models. The construction of the pronunciation variation models enhances applicability of an English recognition system and accuracy of voice recognition. |
| US08000961B2 |
Gain quantization system for speech coding to improve packet loss concealment
In order to recover the excitation energy quickly and keep the adaptive excitation contribution percentage in the entire excitation after bit-stream packet loss, the two excitation gains (Gp 305 and Gc 306) can be first transformed into the two other special parameters: one is the entire excitation energy and another is the energy ratio of the adaptive excitation contribution portion relative to the entire excitation energy. Then, the transformed parameters are quantized and sent to decoder. At the decoder side, the quantized parameters are transformed back to the original form of the gains (Gp 305 and Gc 306). |
| US08000957B2 |
English-language translation of exact interpretations of keyword queries
The present invention relates to a methodology to translate exact interpretations of keyword queries into meaningful and grammatically correct plain-language queries in order to convey the meaning of these interpretations to the initiator of the search. The method includes the steps of generating at least one grammatically valid plain-language sentence interpretation for a keyword query from a generated sentence plain-language sentence clauses, wherein the grammatically valid plain-language sentence is based upon differing matching elements, and presenting at least one grammatically valid plain-language sentence interpretation for the keyword query to a keyword query system user for the user's review. |
| US08000954B2 |
FPGA emulation system
This invention features an FPGA emulation system including an FPGA device under test having a plurality of pins. A bus functional model circuit responsive to signals representing predetermined input characteristics of the FPGA device under test and configured to apply one or more signals to the FPGA device under test corresponding to the predetermined input characteristics and configured to receive one or more signals representing output characteristics of the FPGA device under test to emulate the operation of the FPGA device under test in a predefined selectable and flexible electrical operating environment. This invention also features an FPGA emulation system including an FPGA device under test having at least one component and a plurality of pins operating in a predetermined native target environment, a bus functional model engine for simulating and capturing output characteristics of the at least one component of the FPGA device under test and simulating and releasing input characteristics of the at least one component of the FPGA device under test, and a bus functional model circuit embedded in the FPGA device under test configured to receive one or more signals representing the input characteristics of the at least one component and configured to release one or more signals representing the output characteristics of the at least one component such that the bus functional model engine emulates the operation of the at least one component of the FPGA device under test in the predetermined native target environment. |
| US08000952B2 |
Method and system for generating multiple path application simulations
A system and method to generate simulations of a target application or software. The method comprises recognizing a start point associated with a multiple path simulation of a target application and automatically generating simulation branches of the multiple path simulation from the recognized start point. The method and system of the invention allows a simulation developer to create “multi-path” simulations more quickly and efficiently by, for example, (i) recognizing which junctions in the simulation are starting points for multiple paths, (ii) where the multiple paths converge, and (iii) the content of the multiple paths. |
| US08000949B2 |
Methods for identification of novel protein drug targets and biomarkers utilizing functional networks
The process of System Reconstruction is used to integrate sequence data, clinical data, experimental data, and literature into functional models of disease pathways. System Reconstruction models serve as informational skeletons for integrating various types of high-throughput data. The present invention provides the first metabolic reconstruction study of a eukaryotic organism based solely on expressed sequence tag (EST) data. System Reconstruction also provides a method for the identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers using network analysis. The initial seed networks are built from the lists of novel targets for diseases with the high-throughput experimental data being superimposed on the seed networks to identify specific targets. |
| US08000947B1 |
Particle-based cloth simulation using verlet integration with fixed and stiff-spring constraints supporting collision detection and reaction with projectiles in sports video games
Techniques for simulating the behavior of nets in a real time three dimensional simulation are provided. In a simulated environment, a net is constructed from plurality of particles, and the particles may be laid out in a grid-like pattern. Verlet Integration is used to provide the net with cloth-like behavior in response to collisions. Adjacent particles may be constrained by fixed or stiff-spring constraints, and these constraints are used to determine the behavior of the particles in the event that one or both of the constrained particles are displaced by a collision of an object with the net. Post-integration processing is also performed to prevent ball-through-net phenomena where a ball or other object appears to pass through the net rather than merely colliding with and bounding off of the net. |
| US08000946B2 |
Discrete event simulation with constraint based scheduling analysis
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for simulating a process. Data is received describing a process to form received data. A current discrete event simulation model is formed from the received data in a discrete event simulation engine, wherein the current discrete event simulation model includes a current schedule having a plurality of ordered tasks. A simulation of the current discrete event simulation model is performed in the discrete event simulation engine, wherein results are generated from running the current discrete event simulation model. Finally, a new schedule is generated from the current schedule and the results using schedule analysis tool. |
| US08000942B2 |
Broach tool design methodology and systems
This disclosure relates to a design methodology used in manufacturing a broaching tool for cutting slots in aerospace disk applications. The method includes modeling geometry of the slot and the broach tool, which is based upon an initial minimum tooth rise that is determined empirically for the particular disk material. The number of broach inserts and teeth per insert is calculated, and the broach inserts are modeled. The stresses and deformation of the lug are calculated in a finite elements environment based upon simulated incremental broach tool movements. If the lug is not within specifications based upon design constraints, then the broach tool is revised and the simulations are repeated until the slot is within the desired specifications. |
| US08000939B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide a synthesized signal forming method and an apparatus thereof for realizing both noise reduction and dosage reduction when synthesizing signals detected based on scans performed on a charged particle beam. In order to achieve the above object, with a method that synthesizes signals detected based on a plurality of scans performed on a charged particle beam to form a synthesized signal, a multiplication is performed among a plurality of signals obtained by the plurality of scans and, at the same time, for a multiplied signal, a calculation is performed in which an inverse of the number of previous scans is used as an exponent. |
| US08000938B2 |
Method and system for tracking and managing destruction, reconstitution, or reclamation of regulated substances
Various embodiments of methods and systems described herein relate to tracking and/or managing the destruction, reconstitution, or reclamation of regulated substances, including, in certain embodiments, tracking the associated GHG emissions and carbon valuation. |
| US08000936B2 |
Data analysis system for determining coating conditions of a buried pipeline
A data analysis program operable for displaying at least one representation of a buried pipeline in a geographical area and associated on-pipe current values at various locations along the pipeline. The data analysis program is storable in a memory device and executable by a processor to generate a display on a display device. The data analysis program includes instructions for displaying a digital map representing at least a portion of the buried pipeline extending across the geographical area being surveyed. The program further includes instructions for displaying a current plot of current values associated with the various locations in the geographical area, and instructions for displaying a table having a plurality of fields including the leakage current values and associated geographical coordinates where the current values were measured in the geographical area being surveyed. |
| US08000933B1 |
Method and apparatus for showing data representative of the accuracy of operations of a high-voltage switchgear
A method and an apparatus for showing data representative of the accuracy of switching operations executed by a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a power line and to a synchronous switching device. Data related to switching operations executed by the high-voltage switchgear is recorded and then, based on the recorded data, values indicative of the accuracy of the switching operations executed with respect to predefined target switching operations are calculated. A histogram is formed using the calculated values and shown to a user. |
| US08000932B2 |
System and method for statistical performance monitoring
A method using statistical parameters (e.g. mean, standard deviation, exceptional values) of performance monitoring metrics to substantially reduce the quantity of performance monitoring data collected and reported, make system performance monitoring scalable and enhance the readability of the system performance display. The number of metrics monitored may be reduced by monitoring only one of any two metrics that are closely correlated. |
| US08000928B2 |
Methods and apparatus for data analysis
A method and apparatus for data analysis according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically select one or more outlier identification algorithms for identifying statistical outliers in test data for components. |
| US08000919B2 |
Calibration of a partially symmetric fixture
A method useful for the characterization of a fixture splits a partially symmetric THRU structure into portions which may then be mathematically removed from both ports of a 2-port measured structure, leaving only the desired device under test (DUT). |
| US08000918B2 |
Monitoring and compensating for temperature-related error in an electrochemical sensor
A method for compensating for a temperature-related error in an electrochemical sensor without using separate sources of temperature measurement by measuring sensor current, temporarily lowering sensor voltage to a first level below a reaction-sustaining threshold, measuring a first offset current, adjusting sensor voltage to a second level below the threshold, measuring a second offset current, calculating a difference between the offset currents, deriving a temperature compensation value from the difference based on empirical data, and adding the value to the measured sensor current. A computer system may execute the method as an algorithm stored in memory, provide automatic control of the sensor, and provide continuous display of corrected output values. |
| US08000917B2 |
Method and system for S-parameter capture
A periodic broadband signal can be used to determine the S21 measurement for a channel by stimulating the channel across a spectrum of interest. The channel response to such broadband signal can be measured from undersampled data captured at the receiver. The Fourier transform of the broadband signal as received, divided by the Fourier transform of broadband signal as transmitted, constitutes the S21. A physically contiguous IC can integrate both a receiver circuit, at which S21 is to be measured, along with an undersampler for sampling the received broadband signal. To maximize signal to noise, a pattern for the broadband signal can be selected to maximize the minimum power across the spectrum of interest. A pattern generator for the broadband signal can be integrated on the same physically contiguous IC with a multiplexer that can select either the pattern generator, or a typical source of data, for transmission into the channel. |
| US08000916B2 |
System and method for evaluating high frequency time domain in embedded device probing
A system and associated method for evaluating a high-frequency signal at a point of interest on a signal path from a remote signal at a remote pickup point on the signal path. The point of interest is located on a device under test that is coupled to test equipment via the signal path. The high-frequency signal at the point of interest is calculated from the remote signal at the remote pickup point with an inverse transfer function that eliminates degradation effects on the high-frequency signal that is transferred through the signal path. The inverse transfer function may be calculated from measurements acquired in a test signal transfer through a reference path that simulates electrical properties of the signal path, or configured to a predetermined function if electrical properties of the signal path are known. |
| US08000901B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08000895B2 |
Navigation and inspection system
A method of detecting a changed condition within a geographical space from a moving vehicle. Images of that geographic space are memorialized in conjunction with GPS coordinates together with its GPS coordinates. The same geographic space is traversed from the moving vehicle while accessing the route's GPS coordinates. The memorialized images are played back by coordinating the GPS data on a memorialized images with that of the traversed geographic space such that the memorialized images are viewed simultaneously with the geographic space being traversed. An observer traveling within the moving vehicle can compare the memorialized images with those being traversed in order to identify changed conditions. |
| US08000894B2 |
Vehicular wireless communication system
A vehicular wireless communication system includes a control in a vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider. The control may receive a user input and responsive thereto, may establish the wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider. Data from the external service provider is downloaded to the control via the wireless communication link. The control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle, and the control may control the accessory responsive to at least one of (a) a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle and (b) a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle. |
| US08000888B2 |
System and method for information supplying service
Disclosed is a system and a method for collecting various road traffic information, road image information, and position information of a position information generation device carried by an object, the position of which is to be tracked, by interworking with an information provision means and using the collected information to provide service subscribers with real-time traffic information, traffic prediction, or position information of the object via wireless Internet, satellite broadcasting, DMB, or cable data broadcasting. The system and method can provide detailed traffic information service regarding a specific region or location on a nationwide scale, predict traffic to properly deal with it, and easily provide position information of an object to be tracked. |
| US08000883B2 |
Control apparatus and method for air-fuel ratio sensor
The ECU executes a program that includes the steps of: calculating the temperature Texp of the wall surface of the exhaust port and the temperature Tsen of the wall surface of the inner cover covering the zirconia element of the A/F sensor (S110); heating the zirconia element by the heater (S130) when at least one of the condition that the temperature Texp is equal to or higher than the first threshold and the condition that the temperature Tsen is equal to or higher than the second threshold is in effect (S120: YES); and prohibiting the heating of the zirconia element by the heater (S140) when the temperature Texp is lower than the first threshold and the temperature Tsen is lower than the second threshold (S120: NO). |
| US08000882B2 |
Active combustion control based on ringing index for reducing homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion noise
An engine control system comprises a ringing index (RI) determination module and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control module. The RI determination module determines at least one RI based on at least one pressure in at least one cylinder. The EGR control module actuates an EGR valve based on the RI. |
| US08000877B2 |
Fuel economy system and method for a vehicle
A fuel economy method and system consists of using a signal control unit connected to a throttle of a vehicle and to a mass sensor for sensing a mass of a load carried by the vehicle. When the sensor senses that the mass is within a predetermined mass range below a pre-determined load mass value, the signal control unit reduces the range of power output of the engine. The unmodified engine power output range and modified engine power output range extend from a minimum engine power output to, respectively, an unmodified maximum engine power output and to a modified maximum engine power output lower than the unmodified engine power output and thereby requiring less fuel. Accordingly, the range of engine power output, and notably the maximum engine power output available, is reduced when the mass is in the pre-determined mass range, thus reducing fuel consumption compared to the unmodified engine power output range. |
| US08000873B2 |
Braking system
A braking system, including a brake control arrangement in operational communication with a braking arrangement for braking a vehicle, and a penalty power source to deliver current or power to the brake control arrangement through a brake interface circuit. The brake interface circuit includes a main positive current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal, and a main negative current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal. Upon opening of either of the main positive current switch or the main negative current switch, the braking arrangement will automatically brake the vehicle as controlled by the brake control arrangement. |
| US08000872B2 |
Vehicle anti-skid brake control system and its control method
An anti-skid brake control system and its control method for vehicle has a signal collection unit and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a data receiving module, a data processing module and a data control module. The data receiving module receives the data collected by the signal collection unit. The data processing module calculates sideslip angles and slip rates for wheels. The data control module sets target slip rates based on the slip rates corresponding to the friction coefficient μ for different sideslip angles. The device emits control commands after comparing the calculated slip rate to the set target slip rate, so that the ABS control is real time. |
| US08000869B2 |
Method for determining a torque characteristic of an automated friction clutch
A method for determining a torque characteristic of a friction clutch located in a drive train of a motor vehicle in the force flow between a drive engine and a transmission and which is closed in its rest position. At least two marker points of a regulating-path-dependent torque characteristic are determined, one of which is determined at a slipping limit of the clutch. To enhance determination of the torque characteristic, a first marker point is determined with the clutch engaged, the transmission in neutral and the engine running, by slowly disengaging the clutch until a reduction in the speed of the transmission input shaft relative to the engine speed is detected. A corresponding pair of values of this marker point with the known braking torque of the input shaft and the set position are used for adapting an existing characteristic. |
| US08000861B2 |
Braking control apparatus for vehicle
A braking control apparatus for a vehicle includes four wheel braking apparatuses for applying a braking torque to wheels, a first hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating a hydraulic pressure, a vacuum booster generating an assist force for assisting a breaking operation, a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating an assist hydraulic pressure that is added to the hydraulic pressure, a detecting portion for detecting a braking operation variable, a target value determining portion for determining a first assist hydraulic pressure target value and a second assist hydraulic pressure target value to be both greater than zero over a range where the braking operation variable is greater than a predetermined value at which the assist force by the vacuum booster is started, and a pressure regulating portion for regulating the assist hydraulic pressure to mach the assist hydraulic pressure target value. |
| US08000858B2 |
Vehicle mounted with an electric storage device, and electric apparatus for supplying and receiving electric power to and from the vehicle
A charger can read an ID code from a transponder key of an immobilizer system of a contract vehicle. When an owner of the vehicle connects a vehicle and charger with a charging cable and brings the transponder key close to a reading portion, the read ID code is transmitted from charger toward vehicle where authentication is performed. Vehicle transmits an authentication result to charger. Preferably, these transmission and reception can be performed by power line communication employing a vehicle cable. |
| US08000857B2 |
Vehicle presence indication
A method, system, and computer program product for vehicle presence indication. The method includes receiving a request including an announcement type at a first vehicle. The receiving is from a second vehicle via a mobile ad-hoc network that includes the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The announcement type is initiated at the first vehicle in response to receiving the request. |
| US08000856B2 |
Fuel door sensor diagnostic systems and methods
A diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a refueling indicator module and a diagnostic module. The refueling indicator module selectively indicates when a refueling event occurs. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a fuel door position sensor when the fuel door position sensor indicates that a fuel door is in one of an open position for less than a first predetermined period when the refueling event occurs and a closed position for greater than a second predetermined period when the refueling event occurs. |
| US08000853B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
During a first driving cycle, a combustion process is controlled in at least one combustion chamber for the purpose of performing a check on an emission reduction system of an internal combustion engine. During a second driving cycle following the first cycle, a check is performed to establish whether an error in the emission reduction system was detected during the first cycle. An idle time between the first and the second cycles is determined, in the event of an error of the emission reduction system detected during the first cycle. During the second cycle, the combustion process in the at least one combustion chamber is only controlled for the purpose of the check on the emission reduction system, in the event of an error detected in the emission reduction system during the first cycle and in the event of the idle time being longer than a pre-determined repair time. |
| US08000851B2 |
Automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft
An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly. |
| US08000850B2 |
Failure mode operation for an electric vehicle
An electric vehicle is described herein which includes a microprocessor based interface module which is used to control electric motors coupled to drive wheels. The interface module is configured to include a backup communications link to allow an operator to control the vehicle in situations where control information is unavailable over a primary communications network. |
| US08000845B2 |
Method and device for dynamically alleviating loads generated on an airplane
A device detects an air disturbance and controls the deflection of aircraft control surfaces when the disturbance is detected. |
| US08000844B2 |
Flight control system for aircraft and test for testing such a flight control system
A test system for testing a flight control system of an aircraft includes a test device that: (1) accesses information available from the flight control system and (2) controls a computer of the flight control system. |
| US08000843B2 |
Critical event reporting
A fleet management system for remotely monitoring a vehicle is disclosed in one embodiment. The fleet management system includes a data receiver and a display. The data receiver is configured to wirelessly receive information from the vehicle. That information includes a location for the vehicle. The display is configured to present a planned route configured for the vehicle before travel and a driven route of the vehicle. The driven route is determined from the information from the vehicle. The planned route and driven route are displayed simultaneously. |
| US08000835B2 |
Center of gravity sensing and adjusting load bar, program product, and related methods
An apparatus, program product, and related methods for gravity stabilizing a suspended load are provided. The apparatus includes an center of gravity stabilized automated adjusting load bar in communication with a mobile cart which allows an operator to enable automated stabilization of a load. The adjusting load bar includes redundant first and second control and drive systems. A third control system can both monitor sensed data and the movement commands of first and second control systems, and can monitor the resulting physical movements. If a movement command and the resulting movement does not match or if there is an out of tolerance mismatch between movement commands of the first and the second control systems, the third control system can automatically detect this condition and shift into an emergency stop condition. |
| US08000834B2 |
Engagement milling
A method using a computer for generating a spiral-like tool path for milling a region of a workpiece is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: creating a family of concentric indexed circular arcs at each of two or more separate and distinct selected points within the region; determining parameters of a first set of blends to connect together the circular arcs of adjacent families of the circular arcs having an identical index to form a plurality of isoloops; determining parameters of a second set of blends for blending between adjacent isoloops to form the spiral-like tool path, and generating instructions for controlling the milling cutter in accordance with the generated tool path. |
| US08000832B1 |
Systems, methods, and software for automated design and manufacturing of HVAC control panels
The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. One exemplary system includes a computerized product configuration module that defines product family parameters from user input and outputs a product family data structure, for example, a coded character string, to a technical design module. The technical design module, which incorporates engineering design rules for control panels and wiring modules, automatically processes the coded character string, outputting detailed engineering drawings, component listings, and even assembly instructions to robotic manufacturing equipment. The exemplary system dramatic reduces the product specification and engineering time required for any custom control panel and makes it possible for OEMs to efficiently offering more options and shorter turn-around times to its customers. |
| US08000829B2 |
Loop simulation apparatus, method and program thereof
An apparatus, method and simulation program for performing a realistic loop simulation of a knitted fabric using empirical rules during a loop simulation while keeping the calculation load within a feasible range to express three-dimensional bulges, curls and so on of a knitted fabric. |
| US08000827B2 |
Processing information management system in a plasma processing tool
A plasma-processing tool for processing a substrate using at least a first process recipe and a second process recipe is provided. The plasma-processing tool includes transducers configured to collect process data streams, each process data stream pertaining to a process parameter being monitored during recipe execution. The tool also includes a logic circuitry configured for receiving a set of meta-data wherein each meta-data includes identification data about the substrate and the process recipe being executed. The logic circuitry is also configured for receiving a set of process data streams, each of which being associated with a specific process recipe. The logic circuitry further includes storing the meta-data and the process data streams associated with the first process recipe as a first file and the meta-data and the process data streams associated with the second process recipe as a second file. |
| US08000822B2 |
Audio reproducing apparatus, audio reproducing method, and audio reproducing processing program
An easy-to-use and user-friendly apparatus is provided that displays motivation for exercise to a user to allow the user to continue comfortably exercising. An audio signal output processor reproduces audio data and a music sound is thus emitted from a loudspeaker. The user practices exercise, such as walking or jogging, in synchronization with the tempo of the music sound. At the start of exercise, an exercise information analyzer calculates an amount of exercise of the user based on personal profile information relating to the body of the user, including the body weight, the body height, age and sex of the user received via a keyboard, and characteristic information, such as play time and tempo of reproduced music data acquired via a communication I/F and a controller. The controller outputs the amount of exercise to a display to notify the user of the amount of exercise. |
| US08000820B2 |
Accessory for portable electronic device
A transmitting accessory includes a base dock for receiving a portable electronic device and a transmitter that is removably coupled to the dock. When the device and transmitter are mounted on the dock, the transmitter receives signals from the device through the dock and transmits the signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter can be decoupled from the dock and coupled directly to the portable electronic device when the device is removed from the dock such that the device and transmitter can be carried and function as a single unit. The user inputs of the portable electronic device can preferably be used to control functions of the accessory and the device's display to display the selected transmission frequency or channel of the transmitter. |
| US08000816B2 |
Process control system and method for operating a system of this type
The invention relates to a process control system having measuring devices and actuators. All of the measuring devices and actuators process information and exchange data amongst themselves. All measuring devices and actuators are interconnected to enable a bi-directional data exchange. Several, or all of the measuring devices and actuators can exchange data with a service unit that can be connected to the devices and actuators. The invention also relates to a method for operating a process control system of this type. |
| US08000814B2 |
User configurable alarms and alarm trending for process control system
Various graphical displays for plant process operators are provided which combine aspects of alarm priority and alarm age to assist operators in making better choices in responding to alarms. The disclosed graphical displays provide improved contextual information about specific alarms and the relationships with other alarms in the same control module, equipment module, etc. Hierarchically organized presentations of active alarms and alarm age profiles are also provided to assist operators in evaluating causes of “alarm floods” in chain reactions within complex process environments. Various types of alarm or display alerts are also provided for improved monitoring of processed conditions and changes in process controls. |
| US08000810B2 |
Systems and methods for transvenous lead implantation
Some embodiments relate to a method of implanting a cardiac lead. An expansion module is implanted in a target region within vasculature, the target region being defined by a portion of a brachiocephalic vein and a portion of a corresponding subclavian vein. The expansion module is transitioned from a collapsed state to an expanded state within the target region to contact the vasculature. A cardiac lead is implanted through the expansion module, the cardiac lead defining an intermediate section corresponding to the target region. The intermediate section of the cardiac lead includes a surface treatment adapted to reduce at least one of cell proliferation, thrombosis, fibrosis, and inflammation at the target region. |
| US08000807B2 |
Methods and systems for accessing the pericardial space
Methods and systems for transvenously accessing the pericardial space via the vascular system and atrial wall, particularly through the superior vena cava and right atrial wall, to deliver treatment in the pericardial space are disclosed. A steerable instrument is advanced transvenously into the right atrium of the heart, and a distal segment is deflected into the right atrial appendage. A fixation catheter is advanced employing the steerable instrument to affix a distal fixation mechanism to the atrial wall. A distal segment of an elongated medical device, e.g., a therapeutic catheter or an electrical medical lead, is advanced through the fixation catheter lumen, through the atrial wall, and into the pericardial space. The steerable guide catheter is removed, and the elongated medical device is coupled to an implantable medical device subcutaneously implanted in the thoracic region. The fixation catheter may be left in place. |
| US08000800B2 |
Contactless charging system for an artificial organ, a storage device and a feeding device for use with this system
According to a charging system of this invention, an alternating current required for charging of an electric double layer capacitor of a storage device in the body may be transmitted from a feeding device outside the body through power receiving and power transmitting coils. The electric double layer capacitor may be charged in a contactless mode, without incising the body of the artificial organ user, while the storage device remains embedded in the body. The electric double layer capacitor may be charged reliably by avoiding a shortage of charging since the charge status of the electric double layer capacitor of the storage device is known during a charging operation. |
| US08000798B2 |
Cochlear implant system substantially preserving the hydrodynamic nature of the cochlea
An electrode array (30) which is able to be inserted to a desired depth within the cochlea to provide useful percepts for the recipient which will also preferably not cause damage to the sensitive structures of the cochlea. The electrode array (30) is insertable through an opening in the cochlea and into at least the basal region of the cochlea and comprises an elongate carrier (31) having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of electrodes (32) supported by the carrier at respective spaced locations thereon in a region between the proximal end and the distal end. A stabilising collar (35) extends outwardly from the elongate carrier (31) at or adjacent a proximal end thereof and has an abutment surface adapted to abut a portion of the cochlea surface around the cochleostomy and at least substantially prevent movement of the carrier (31) following completion of insertion of the array (30) into the cochlea. |
| US08000794B2 |
Method and apparatus for affecting neurologic function and/or treating Neurologic dysfunction through timed neural stimulation
A method of selectively inhibiting or driving neural discharge or activity in or from a specific brain area One embodiment of a system and/or method directed toward affecting neurologic function may apply conditioning stimuli to a set of target neural populations. The conditioning stimuli are intentionally timed to occur within an inhibitory time domain or a facilitatory time domain relative to intrinsic neural activity associated with a target neural population. The application of a conditioning stimulus within an inhibitory or facilitatory time domain relative to the occurrence of an intrinsic neural discharge may respectively diminish or enhance an outcome associated with the neural discharge. In one embodiment, conditioning stimuli may be produced by a pulse generator coupled to an electrode that is implanted relative to the location of a target neural population. In one embodiment, a conditioning stimulus may be temporally applied relative to the occurrence of an adjunct reference stimulus or signal, which may have an origin that is external or internal to a patient. |
| US08000792B1 |
Fast-acting counter-incontinence method and device
A body-worn device for a fast healing of incontinence by building up the necessary durable behavioral conditioning, which provides the brain with the necessary proper control over the respective sphincters. The device is based on two different nerve mechanisms: a first electrical pulse stops the release of bodily wastes by a simple local reflex, arousing simultaneously the brain and preparing it to respond to a second, behavioral conditioning causing electric pulse, which follows within two seconds (i.e. still during the phasic period of the cortical learning process), strong enough to cause an unpleasant sensation, which the brain connects with the just begun incontinent release of bodily waste and acquires after only a few applications as a durable adversive behavioral conditioning. This shortens the healing period from many months to only a few days. The device is easily adjustable to the individual sensitivity of the involuntarily wetting or soiling person. |
| US08000788B2 |
Implantable medical device for treating neurological conditions including ECG sensing
An implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator that includes EEG sensing for monitoring and treating neurological conditions, and leadless ECG sensing for monitoring cardiac signals. The device includes a connector block with provisions for cardiac leads which may be used/enabled when needed. If significant co-morbid cardiac events are observed in patients via the leadless ECG monitoring, then cardiac leads may be subsequently connected for therapeutic use. |
| US08000781B2 |
Method of evaluating effect of prolonging QT interval in electrocardiogram
A method for evaluating electrocardiogram QT interval-prolonging action of a test substance, which comprises preparing a hamster anesthetized under such a condition that end of T wave is definitely observed on an electrocardiogram, and comparing electrocardiogram QT intervals of the hamster observed before and after administration of the test substance to evaluate electrocardiogram QT interval-prolonging action of the test substance. |
| US08000779B2 |
Impedance cardiography system and method
An improved method and system for measuring and reporting heart valve activity combines information obtained from independent signals with information obtained from ICG signals, such that signals derived from heart valve activity may be used as confirmation that the ICG system is accurately identifying heart valve activity. The method and system of the present invention also provide improved accuracy in reported values such as PEP, LVET, STR, SV, and CO. In addition, the method and system of the present invention provide improved accuracy of graphical representations of heart activity where the graphical representations include identifying heart valve activity. |
| US08000777B2 |
System and method for tracking healing progress of tissue
A system and method for analyzing tissue healing may include an image capture device and a reference color marker of a predetermined color. A processing unit may be in communication with the image capture device, and be configured to receive image data from the image capture device. The image data may include image of a tissue site and the reference color marker. At least one image parameter may be adjusted based on at least a portion of the image of the reference color marker to normalize the image data. The normalized image data may be presented to a clinician. |
| US08000773B2 |
Radioimaging
A method of imaging, including receiving radioactive radiation from a body; reconstructing a 3D SPECT image of a distribution of radiation in at least one voxel of said body; and reconstructing a dynamic change in radiation in said voxel, as an updated image, at a rate of faster than one change per 5 minutes, wherein said reconstructed image is a clinically useful image including a resolution of 10 mm or better for a voxel volume of at least 5 cm in diameter and a contrast to background ratio of radiation of at least 2:1. |
| US08000772B2 |
Metal immunity in a reverse magnetic system
A method for tracking an object includes fixing to the object a transmitter for transmitting a position-indicative magnetic field and providing a map of distortion of the position-indicative magnetic field caused by the object. A distorted magnetic field transmitted from the object is sensed. The distorted magnetic field includes the position-indicative magnetic field subject to the distortion caused by the object. Estimated coordinates of the object based on the sensed, distorted magnetic field are determined. The estimated coordinates and the map are used to compute corrected coordinates. |
| US08000764B2 |
Electrophysiology/ablation catheter having second passage
A deflectable tip cardiac electrophysiology/ablation lumen catheter includes first and second passages, one of which communicates with an inflatable member or balloon. The second passage terminates in an opening or port downstream of the inflatable member. The second passage is adapted to introduce a liquid during an electrophysiology study while the inflatable member prevents backflow of an injected liquid or dye and blood, or is adapted to alternatively receive a guide wire or other medical device therethrough. |
| US08000762B2 |
Body fluid sampling device
Body fluid sampling device comprising a sampling element having a fluid pathway (11) for receiving body fluid, at least a portion of the fluid pathway is open to the environment and further comprising a fluid receiving means (40) being spaced from the fluid pathway so that fluid in the pathway will not contact the fluid receiving means initially. The fluid receiving means has two or more test zones (45) for performing analytical reactions. Fluid from the channel is contacted with the fluid receiving means either by bringing the fluid receiving means and the fluid into mechanical contact or by electrically transporting fluid from the channel onto the fluid receiving means. |
| US08000760B2 |
Method and circuit for storing and providing historical physiological data
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that relate to pulse oximetry. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light, a light detector configured to detect the light, and a memory storing an optical shunting measurement for the oximeter sensor. |
| US08000756B2 |
Receiver having low power consumption and method thereof
The present invention provides a receiver having low power consumption and method thereof. The receiver with low power consumption adjusts the gain based on the automatic gain control information. The receiver acquires the signal peaks both after and before a channel selection filter and further analyzes the wanted signal and interference signal with respect to the signal peaks. The receiver determines the magnitude of the wanted signal and determines whether the interference signal exists. The receiver provides the signals with optimal current correspondingly in order to effectively decrease the power consumption of the receiver. |
| US08000755B2 |
Information-communication terminal device and automatic backup system including the same
An information-communication terminal device maintaining a low cost of a charger in the case of backup for the device at a charging time, having a high performance security at the backup and allowing users to easily handle the security control after the backup. A charger (107) in the information communication terminal device is charged electric power from a charger (3). An access-release demanding section (105) receives ID data from the charger (3) during the charging time, and demands to release access control to an IC-card-function installed memory card (2). After the IC card-function installed memory card (2) releases the access control, a control section (101) carries out the backup or restore to the IC card-function installed memory card (2). |
| US08000753B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing hands-free and LCD display function of mobile communication terminal using Zigbee
The hands-free function provision apparatus for use in the mobile communication terminal using the ZigBee protocol includes: a mobile communication terminal for performing transmission/reception of a voice signal via a base station; a ZigBee coordinator for transmitting or receiving a predetermined display signal and a call control signal for establishing a call connection state to/from the mobile communication terminal, modulating or demodulating the predetermined display signal, the call control signal, and the voice signal using the ZigBee protocol; and a ZigBee device for performing wireless transmission/reception with the ZigBee coordinator by modulating or demodulating the predetermined display signal, the call control signal, and the voice signal using the ZigBee protocol, and visually providing the predetermined display signal. |
| US08000751B2 |
Method for providing calling party selectable ring tones in a wireless communications network
A method of providing a Calling Party Selectable Ring Tone to a Called Party Mobile Terminal in a wireless communications network is provided. The Called Party Mobile Terminal is connected to a Music Platform on the network for receiving music that can be selected by the Calling Party to be played by the Called Party Mobile Terminal as a Ring Tone for alerting the Called Party to an incoming call from the Called Party. The Called Party can select the music for the Ring Tone prior to making the call or while making the call. |
| US08000749B1 |
Access and use of ad content loaded onto wireless telephones
Ad content for display on a display of a wireless telephone is loaded onto the phone, e.g., at the time of manufacture or distribution, or later after initial sale of the phone. The phone memory also includes software features by which the user of the phone can access specific ad content. The ad content includes information, e.g., a coupon or bar code, for presentation to a merchant on the display of the phone at the point of sale of a product or service promoted in the ad. |
| US08000746B2 |
System and method for channel-adaptive antenna selection
Systems and methods that provide channel-adaptive antenna selection in multi-antenna-element communication systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method that selects a subset of receive antennas of a receiver to receive a transmitted RF signal may include, for example, one or more of the following: establishing possible subsets of the receive antennas; determining sets of channel parameter statistics corresponding to the possible subsets of the receive antennas; computing output bit error rates of the receiver, each output bit error rate being computed based on at least one set of channel parameter statistics; selecting a particular possible subset of the receive antennas based upon a criterion predicated on the computed output bit error rates; and connecting one or more RF chains of the receiver to the receive antennas of the selected particular possible subset. |
| US08000745B2 |
Radio communication method and radio base transmission station
An antenna pattern assigning method capable of avoiding interference between a plurality of base transmission stations constituting a radio system in a cellular type broad band communication. In the radio system, when assigning a fixed beam pattern different for each frequency, each of the radio base transmission station devices transmits a radio wave having a directivity pattern having a peak in the same direction in two or more different frequencies, and between adjacent radio base transmission station devices, radio transmission is performed by using different directivity patterns in the two or more frequencies. |
| US08000743B2 |
Electronic device with SIM card retention assembly
An electronic device includes a first main body defining a SIM card seat, a SIM card disposed in the SIM card seat, and a SIM card retention assembly comprising a retaining member fixed to the first main body adjacent to the SIM card seat, a positioning member fixed to the retaining member, and a rotary member rotatably connected to the first main body between the retaining member and the SIM card seat. The rotary member can be rotated relative to the first main body in a substantially horizontal plane. The positioning member is configured for positioning the rotary member to make the rotary member fix the SIM card in the SIM card seat tightly. |
| US08000742B2 |
Mobile wireless communication terminals, systems, methods, and computer program products for managing playback of song files
A mobile wireless communication terminal includes a wireless communication module that is configured to communicate with other communication terminals over a wireless interface, and a controller. The controller is configured to establish a connection with at least one participant wireless communication terminal via the wireless communication module, to receive from the at least one participant wireless communication terminal an identification of a compliant song file stored on the at least one participant wireless communication terminal and having a metadata tag associated therewith indicating that the compliant song file is classified in a prescribed song file category, and to execute playback of the compliant song file. |
| US08000739B2 |
Single number presentation for dual-mode phones
Providing a single number presentation to the party called by a dual-mode phone. The operation of the cellular side of a dual-mode phone is altered such that when the user attempts to place an outgoing call using the cellular phone, the call is redirected to a preprogrammed incoming phone number associated with the enterprise. When the enterprise PBX answers this call, the dual-mode phone transmits the desired number to the enterprise PBX. The enterprise PBX then places the call to the desired number, and in the process transmits the caller-id information assigned to the dual-mode phone. |
| US08000737B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for adaptively controlling antenna parameters to enhance efficiency and maintain antenna size compactness
A communications apparatus comprising a first antenna, a first serial configuration of a first power amplifier and a first matching network, a second serial configuration of a second power amplifier and a second matching network, a switching element for switchably selecting the first or the second serial configuration for supplying a signal to the first antenna, the first and the second power amplifiers supplying a respective first signal of a first power and a second signal of a second power different than the first power to the first antenna for transmitting and the first and the second matching networks presenting respective first and second impedances to the respective first and second power amplifiers, the first and the second impedances responsive respectively to a power-related parameter of the first and the second signals. |
| US08000727B1 |
Optical image processing for accessing building control from a wireless communication device
A communication system wherein a wireless communication device optically receives an image of a location, processes the image to obtain image data, and transmits the image data and wireless communication device user information to a communication network as a control request. A server receives the control request and processes the image data and user information to determine the location. The server then processes the location to determine contact information for an authorizing party and transfers an authorization request to the authorizing party. If the server receives authorization from the authorizing party, then the server transfers a control interface to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device receives a control instruction responsive to the control interface and transfers a control message to the server. The server receives the control message and transfers the control message to a control system at the location. The control system implements the control instruction. |
| US08000723B2 |
System of utilizing cell information to locate a wireless device
A system is described that utilizes the measured characteristics of a cell site or a plurality of cell sites (100, 102, 104) and the cellular identification to selectively provide a wireless device (118) with location aiding from a cellular network server (120). The system may include a basestation (106, 108, 110) located within the cell site, a cellular measurement unit located in the wireless device (118), and a database (214) containing positional assistance information corresponding to the characteristic information. The system may also include a processing unit in signal communication with the basestation and the database (214) and a positional determination unit in the wireless device (118). |
| US08000722B2 |
Extended triggered position method and device
An extended triggered location method and device is provided. The device includes the following: a location calculating unit to calculate location of the target terminal and determine the location information, and a third party location reporting unit to send the location information of the target terminal to the third party terminal periodically or only when the area triggered condition is sufficed. With the present invention, the third party terminal can obtain the location information of the target terminal periodically or receive the notice of the target terminal's entry into/exit from a target area, in accordance with the principles of periodical location or area trigger location. Thereby, the invention supplies new location service application and satisfies the subscriber's demand for different location service applications. |
| US08000720B2 |
Reducing bandwidth when transmitting content to a cellular device
Bandwidth is reduced when transmitting content to a cellular device. Requests for a content item are received from a first cellular device and a second cellular device. The content is divided into a first portion and a second portion. A first portion plan corresponding to the first cellular device and second portion plan corresponding to the second cellular device are determined. The first portion plan may include instructions for transmitting the first portion from the first cellular device to the second cellular device and reconstructing the content item. The second portion plan may include instructions for transmitting the second portion from the second cellular device to the first cellular device and reconstructing the content item. The first portion and the first portion plan are transmitted to the first cellular device. The second portion and the second portion plan are transmitted to the second cellular device. |
| US08000717B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for managing reverse link communication resources in a distributed communication system
An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage reverse link communication in a communication system having geographically distributed base stations. Coupled load information is exchanged between base stations allowing a base station to determine an appropriate allocation of reverse link channel resources to mobile stations served by the base station. Since the allocation of reverse link channels resources are controlled directly by the base station, delays due to communications with a central controller are eliminated. As a result, adverse effects of load scheduling based on obsolete reverse channel information are minimized. |
| US08000715B2 |
Method and system for dynamic spectrum allocation, and computer program product therefor
A communication network such as a cellular network or a WLAN includes a set of user terminals. Within the communication network, a system dynamically controls spectrum usage. The system includes a functionality sensor for sensing spectrum usage within the area covered by the communication network, and a policy server for producing, as a function of the sensed spectrum usage, spectrum usage policies for the communication network. A broadcasting arrangement broadcasts the spectrum usage policies to the user terminals. The system is applicable to cognitive radio systems. |
| US08000711B2 |
Procedure for non synchronized radio access (NSRA) resource assignment
A procedure for RACH initial access in a mobile terminal is provided such that necessary information is conveyed the for the initial access procedure with less overhead. The method allow an accurate choice of the uplink transport format by allowing the mobile terminal to determine by itself whether a certain transport format may be used for the transmission of a message prior to the first preamble transmission and prior to the power ramping. |
| US08000704B2 |
Fast network attachment
A method of facilitating Internet Protocol access by a mobile node to an access Network, the method comprising: sending an attachment request from the mobile node to an access router of the access network, the request containing a mobile node identifier and an Interface Identifier or means for deriving an Interface Identifier, and being signed by the mobile node to allow the message to be authenticated as originating at that mobile node; receiving the request at the access router and authenticating the message there using the signature, and in response to the receipt and authentication of the message, performing a predefined set of tasks delegated to the access node and which are required to facilitate said access; and returning an acknowledgment from the access router to the mobile node confirming the access permission, the acknowledgement containing a network routing prefix and means for authenticating the access router to the mobile node. |
| US08000702B2 |
Optimizing location services performance by combining user plane and control plane architectures
A system and method is disclosed that determines the position of a mobile device using information obtained by employing a first location determination protocol (or modality) to control the efficient or advantageous invocation of a second location determination protocol (or modality). The system utilizes information readily available from the Control plane along with request parameters and device capabilities to determine whether to invoke a CoPL or SUPL session. |
| US08000697B1 |
Parallel loading of wireless switch updates
A mobile telephony switch may comprise several distinct software components, such as a wireless network control component, a data network access component, and a PSTN interface component. Software updates may be prepared and applied to each component individually. In accordance with the present invention software updates may be prepared and/or applied to the software components in parallel. |
| US08000695B2 |
Communication device employment of one or more restrictions to make determination of allowability of one or more communication sessions
A first communication device of an apparatus in one example shares a billing relationship with a second communication. The second communication device comprises a primary communication device, where a user associated with the second communication device comprises a primary user associated with the primary communication device. The primary user associated with the primary communication device sets one or more restrictions for the first communication device. The first communication device employs one or more of the one or more restrictions to make a determination of allowability of one or more communication sessions. |
| US08000693B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for controlling access by a user's portable device to a facility directory
Controlling access to a facility includes sending a program and profile for facility services to a user's portable device. The services have telephones connected via a local area network (“LAN”), so a call originating on the LAN to such a telephone may be completed on the LAN without accessing a wide area telephone network (“WAN”). The program is executed on the user's portable device so that the device operates in a facility mode. In this mode, the device displays services from the profile, so that the user can select a service and easily place telephone calls to it solely over the LAN. Responsive to the user's service selection, in a normal operating sub-mode the user's portable device places a call via the WAN using a longer telephone number and in a local operating sub-mode the user's portable device places the call via the LAN using a shortcut number. |
| US08000688B2 |
Quality of service for grouped cellular devices
Embodiments described herein provide for improving quality of service in a cellular network. A group of cellular devices is identified. Quality of service mechanisms are identified. A quality of service plan for coordinating an execution of quality of service mechanisms by the group is determined. The quality of service mechanisms are applied to the group of cellular devices in accordance with the quality of service plan. |
| US08000683B2 |
System and method for communication record logging
A method for maintaining a log of communications initiated or received at a portable electronic device of a first party. The communications include at least one of short message service (SMS) messages, personal identification number (PIN) messages and cellular telephone calls. The method includes receiving a data record for each of the communications, extracting information from the data record, and storing the information in a log file. |
| US08000682B2 |
Apparatus and method for restricting access to data
An apparatus and method for restricting access to data are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a communications network and a device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input receives data in a first format from the communications network. The logic receives a request from the device to access the data and determines whether the interface device is authorized to access the data. If the interface device is authorized to access the data, then the logic receives the data from the communications network. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the device, translates the data to the second format, and transmits the translated data to the device. |
| US08000679B2 |
Business method for providing wireless communication services and network and system for delivering same
The present invention is directed to an improved business method for a wireless communication system. The improved business method, operations method, network and system of the present invention includes the steps of delivering cellular services to the mass market, reducing peak capacity, increasing overall capacity utilization, improving capital utilization, providing an “all-you-can-eat” pricing model, and designing capacity based upon where the users live, work, and play. |
| US08000675B2 |
Low cost method for receiving broadcast channels with a cellular terminal
A wireless communication terminal includes a broadcast signal frequency converter that is communicatively coupled to the terminal's communication signal receiver and is configured to use its communication receiver to process received broadcast signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the converter includes a frequency shifting circuit, e.g., a block frequency converter, that shifts broadcast signal bands into communication signal bands, such that received broadcast signals are shifted into a frequency range compatible with the communication receiver's signal path. Moreover, the significant digital domain signal processing capability of the communication receiver can be used to receive broadcast television and/or radio signals, provide signal enhancements, and extract other types of information such as RDBS, IBOC, etc. Further, the terminal can be configured to maintain communication network monitoring while receiving broadcast signals by switching the receiver back to a communication network signal long enough to check for pages, etc. |
| US08000671B2 |
Dual threshold demodulation in an amplitude modulation radio receiver
A method, algorithm, circuits, and/or systems for demodulation in an amplitude modulated (AM) radio receiver are disclosed. In one embodiment, a radio receiver can include an amplifier configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) input signal and a gain control signal, and provide an amplified signal, an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit configured to receive a high threshold comparator output and provide the gain control signal, a mixer configured to combine the amplified signal and a local oscillation signal and provide a mixed output, a high threshold comparator configured to compare the mixed output with a reference level and provide the high threshold comparator output, and a low threshold comparator configured to compare the mixed output with the reference level and provide an output of the radio receiver. |
| US08000668B2 |
Transmit/receive circuit with PIN diodes
Structurally simple transmit/receive circuits for hearing devices are to be able to be deployed for higher frequencies as well. It is therefore proposed according to the invention that at least two PIN diodes should be connected in an anti-parallel manner between the receive oscillating circuit and the amplifier connected thereto to protect the amplifier. A capacitance diode can optionally be expanded so that larger component tolerances can be permitted for the circuit. |
| US08000667B2 |
System and method for compensating for modulation induced frequency shift during transmission of a radio frequency signal
A method for compensating for frequency shifts during transmission of an RF control signal includes receiving a request to enter a transmission mode from a user. A carrier signal having a frequency is generated and the frequency of the carrier signal is measured. The measured frequency of the carrier signal is compared to a desired frequency to determine if there is a difference between the measured frequency and the desired frequency. If there is a difference, it is determined if data is being modulated on the carrier signal. If data is not being modulated on the carrier signal, a correction is applied to the carrier signal frequency. |
| US08000666B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying unused RF channels
A wireless connection apparatus which scans radio frequency bands for local quiet unused, vacant, or unassigned frequencies which the apparatus can use, on a temporary basis, to establish a link for communicating between a portable multimedia device and a nearby RBDS/RDS configured receiver or source. The apparatus does not interfere with or utilize frequencies actively in use by an assigned user. |
| US08000654B2 |
Apparatus and method for canceling interference in a single antenna 1xEV-DV base station
A wireless network base station capable of canceling interference caused by a dominant interferer signal from a mobile station. The base station comprises down-converts an RF to a down-converted signal, r(n). K complex PN demodulators multiply the down-converted complex r(n) signal by PN code sequences associated with each of the K mobile stations to produce K chip streams. K Walsh code demodulators multiply each of the K chip streams by a Walsh code associated with a mobile stations to produce K raw user signals. K subtractors subtract a first estimated interference signal associated with the dominant interferer signal from the K raw user signals to produce K estimated user signals. A detector receives the K estimated user signals and produces a detected user signal for each of the mobile stations. An interference estimator then determines which detected user signal is the dominant interferer signal. |
| US08000653B2 |
Method and system for selective equalization enablement based on modulation type
Aspects of a method and system for selective equalization enablement based on modulation type may be found in a method for processing a radio frequency (RF) signal that comprises receiving a Bluetooth signal via an RF channel, detecting a modulation type of the received Bluetooth signal, and selecting an equalization circuit for processing the received Bluetooth signal based on the detected modulation type. The method may also comprise determining a data rate based on the detected modulation type. |
| US08000647B2 |
Method using a set-top box and communicating between a remote data network and a wireless communication network
Disclosed are methods and systems for connecting a set-top box (STB) to the Internet over existing and future wireless networks, combining television with wireless Internet access. A conventional television is used in combination with a STB that has a wireless or wired keyboard, a power supply, and audio/visual connections for connecting the STB to the television. In an embodiment, a wireless telephone is placed in a docking station on top of the STB, providing the user with both data (when docked) and voice capabilities (when being used simply for telephone calls). CDMA, CDPD, or other wireless technologies may used for connection to the Internet. |
| US08000645B2 |
Print engine productivity module inverter
A productivity module for increasing duplex throughput of a first print engine includes a second print engine, a controller, and an inverter. The controller is configured to receive one or more timing signals from the first print engine and synchronize timing of the second print engine with the first print engine based at least in part on the timing signals received from the first print engine. The inverter has an input paper path having an entrance configured to accept one or more receiver sheets from the first print engine; an output paper path having an exit configured to supply the one or more receiver sheets to the second print engine; and an inversion paper path having an entrance coupled to an exit of the input paper path and an exit coupled to an entrance of the output paper path. |
| US08000640B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a section for obtaining a property of a recording material; an adjusting section for adjusting a toner amount of a toner image formed by development depending on the property of the recording material; a charging section for charging the toner image before transfer; and a controlling section for adjusting a charging quantity by the charging section depending on the toner amount, where an appropriate quantity of charge depending on the toner amount is provided to the toner image before transfer to the recording material. Depending on the property of the recording material, an appropriate toner amount is transferred at a high transfer efficiency, and uniformity of a solid concentration is ensured. |
| US08000639B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device is disclosed that is capable of preventing the hysteresis phenomenon, and which contains a toner and a carrier. The toner and the carrier are charged to different polarities by frictional contact thereof. The developing device has a first conveyance member and a second conveyance member which faces an electrostatic latent image bearing body via the second region. An electric field forming device forms a first electric field between the first conveyance member and the second conveyance member to move the toner in the developer retained by the first conveyance member to the second conveyance member, and forms a second electric field between the second conveyance member and the electrostatic latent image bearing body to move the toner retained by the second conveyance member to an electrostatic latent image of the electrostatic latent image bearing body. |
| US08000638B2 |
Developing device using two-component developing agent and image forming apparatus provided with same
A developing device that efficiently adjusts the amount of charge on the developing agent without being affected by external conditions, and that continuously supplies a developing agent with the appropriate toner concentration and amount of charge. An ionized air flow adjusts the amount of charge on the developing agent discharged from the developing unit to improve the dispersability of the replenished toner without applying unnecessary stress. The developing agent is raised upwards by a screw, downwards by an agitation member, and then gathered by a screw in a circulating flow. Consequently, the developing agent is uniformly mixed within the developing agent agitation unit. This circulating flow of the developing agent increases the probability of contact and reduces damage to the developing agent. When the ionized air flow reduces the amount of charge before agitation, the toner can be uniformly charged to the appropriate value. |
| US08000632B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes an image transfer unit that transfers a reversed image onto an image bearing member as a toner image, a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium, a contact and separation unit that brings the secondary transfer roller into contact with and separates the secondary transfer roller from the image bearing member, a secondary-transfer-roller housing unit that houses the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant applying brush that applies a lubricant thereto, a lubricant-applying-brush housing unit that houses the lubricant applying brush and is configured to be movable along a groove, and an lifting and lowering member that lifts and lowers the lubricant-applying-brush housing unit, wherein the secondary transfer roller and the lubricant applying brush come into contact with and separate from each other in response to a contact and separation operation of the secondary transfer roller and the image bearing member. |
| US08000631B2 |
Developing device, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A developing device is provided to suppress image density unevenness by adjusting conditions of toner adhesion to an amorphous silicon photoconductor to a suitable range even when using both an amorphous silicon photoconductor and a nonmagnetic monocomponent toner and practicing development in a non-contact system. The developing device satisfies the relational expression: (f×1.5/θ)2>−1.576×10−2×q/m×(Vpp/Ds2)+31.9×106 where Ds (m) is a distance between the photoconductor and the toner carrier, f (Hz) is a frequency of an AC bias applied to the toner carrier, Vpp (V) is an amplitude of the AC bias, θ (−) is a ratio of a peripheral speed of the toner carrier to a peripheral speed of the amorphous silicon photoconductor, and q/m (C/kg) is a charge quantity per unit mass of the toner. |
| US08000628B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a cleaning device
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit having a plurality of photoconductor drums arranged in tandem; an intermediate transfer belt arranged opposite to the photoconductor drums and configured to receive developer images formed on the photoconductor drums and to transfer the developer images onto a recording sheet; a cleaning unit comprising a cleaning member positioned in contact with the intermediate transfer belt and configured to collect substance adhering to the intermediate transfer belt, and a receptacle configured to store the substance collected by the cleaning member, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the same side as the image forming unit with respect to the intermediate transfer belt; and a support member configured to support the image forming unit and the cleaning unit and to be pulled out from a main body. |
| US08000625B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a body frame defining an opening configured to receive a cartridge installed in an installation direction, and a power supply terminal disposed on the body frame. The power supply terminal can be configured to supply power to an installed cartridge by making contact with a power supplied portion disposed in the cartridge The power supply terminal may include a main body protruding from the body frame toward the opening and extending from an upstream side, with respect to the installation direction, toward a downstream side, and an engaging portion disposed upstream from the main body in the installation direction and protruding in a direction orthogonal to the installation direction. The engaging portion may be configured to engage the body frame. |
| US08000623B2 |
Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A fixing apparatus of the present invention includes a heating roller 2 that is a cylindrical member having a center axis, a pressurizing roller 3 that exerts pressure on the heating roller 2, and a temperature detecting element 6 that detects the temperature of the heating roller 2. The outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 2 is induction heated on the basis of the temperature information detected by the temperature detecting element 6. The fixing apparatus thus utilizes induction heating. The present invention is characterized in that the temperature detecting element 6 is placed in an area located vertically below the center axis of the heating member 2 and vertically below the outer peripheral surface of the heating member. The temperature detecting element 6 is thus provided at a position where it is unlikely to suffer thermal convection from the heating roller 2. |
| US08000622B2 |
Moving body controlling device, intermediate transferring device, and image forming apparatus having the same
A disclosed moving body controlling device includes a first moving body driven by a first motor that is controlled by a first control unit, a second moving body driven by a second motor that is controlled by a second control unit and affecting movement of the first moving body, a memory unit storing a relationship between the second motor rotational speed and an indicating value for driving the first and second motors when the second control unit changes the second motor rotational speed while the first control unit controls a first motor rotational speed to cause a first rotational body surface speed to be a predetermined speed in a mode of setting a second motor target rotational speed, whereby a reference point at which the surface speed starts to exceed the predetermined speed is detected, and based on the reference point the second motor target rotational speed is set. |
| US08000618B2 |
Image formation device and image formation method
An image formation device, which can properly execute an image formation process even if at least any one of plural fixing units included in the image formation device cannot be used due to a breakdown or the like, is provided. In the image formation device, if a first fixing unit cannot be used, a CPU controls not to execute a first transportation process of using the first fixing unit and a second fixing unit and a second transportation process of using the first fixing unit. Further, if the second fixing unit cannot be used, the CPU controls not to execute the first transportation process but to execute the second transportation process. |
| US08000606B2 |
Method for processing overheads of optical communication system and signal processing device
A method for processing overheads in an optical communication system and a signal processing device are disclosed. The method includes: in a receiving direction, conduct an O/E and S/P conversion for the received optical signal, extract overheads necessary for overheads processing; transmit the overheads in serial; conduct an S/P conversion of the overheads, add fixed reserved overheads, and revert the parallel overheads for overheads processing; in a transmitting direction, generate parallel overheads, extract overheads necessary for overheads processing; transmit the overheads in serial; conduct an S/P conversion of the overheads, revert the overheads, synthesize the overheads with the payload data before the P/S and E/O conversion, and generate and transmit the optical signal. In accordance with the disclosed method and device, a serial bus is employed to transmit overheads, which reduces the number of buses on the motherboard and lowers the complexity of system design. |
| US08000605B2 |
Synchronous OTDM: gapped clock creation and duty cycle multiplication
Methods and apparatus for implementing synchronous Optical Time Division Multiplexing are presented. Namely, a method of upconverting and combining N input NRZ optical data signals, each having an approximately equal pulse width and period, into one time-division multiplexed output signal, as well as a method for the inverse, i.e., down converting the N demultiplexed component signals are presented. Apparatus to implement these functionalities is also presented. |
| US08000600B2 |
Method and an apparatus for preventing traffic interruptions between client ports exchanging information through a communication network
A method for preventing a temporary traffic interruption between two client ports and the consequent state transition of the receiving port in a communication network providing for the transmission of a data stream between two clients along at least one path when a fault condition is detected in the path. The method includes the steps of monitoring the data stream directed to the receiver and, upon detecting in the data stream an error sequence capable of starting the state transition, replacing the data stream with a filling data stream to prevent the receiver from detecting an error condition, and resuming the forwarding of the received data stream after a predetermined time interval. An apparatus able to mask to the receiver for the predetermined time interval, a storage area network and a computer program product are also disclosed. |
| US08000598B1 |
Lens baffle
A lens assembly includes a brush-like baffle between the lens and a transparent cover. The baffle at least partially surrounds the lens to prevent stray light from entering and causing flare or other image artifacts. If the baffle does not entirely surround the lens structure, an adjustment mechanism may be provided to rotate the baffle so as to “tune” a flare reduction effect. |
| US08000593B2 |
Distance measuring device and distance measuring method
A distance measuring device includes a display processor that acquires an image which includes a distance measuring object from a camera, and generates display information indicating the image, an acceleration sensor that is provided with a device housing having the display processor and outputs a gravity acceleration component corresponding to an inclination angle of the device housing, and a distance measuring processor that calculates an inclination angle from the gravity acceleration component that is obtained from the acceleration sensor in a state that an image indicating the measuring object is complemented in the display information generated by the display processor. |
| US08000592B2 |
Driving circuit for a photographing module
A driving circuit for a photographing module includes a load comprising three coils and four signal input ends; a power source configured to drive the coils and capable of providing an intermediate level between a supply voltage level and a ground level; and a set of electronic switch elements. The driving circuit controls the magnitudes and directions of the electric currents flowing through the coils by switching the set of electronic switch elements, thereby enabling the photographing module to perform auto-focusing and compensate for an angle of inclination. |
| US08000584B1 |
Approach for storing digital content onto digital versatile discs (DVDs)
According to an approach for storing digital content onto a DVD, digital content is received from a source, such as a DirecTV link, an over the air (OTA) broadcast, over a cable television link, or any other type of communications link, including the Internet. The digital content is formatted to comply with the MPEG standard to create MPEG digital content and stored on a non-volatile storage. Text-based information is received that describes one or more attributes of the received digital content. A set of DVD subpicture graphics is generated based upon the text-based information. The set of DVD subpicture graphics may represent a structure that can be navigated by a user when the DVD is played. The MPEG digital content is retrieved from the non-volatile storage, converted to DVD format and stored on the DVD with the DVD subpicture graphics. |
| US08000583B2 |
Method and apparatus for playing an unfinalized recordable disc
Methods, software, apparatus, and systems for reading a recordable optical disc. The method generally comprises the steps of (a) determining whether a lead-in area on the disc contains valid lead-in data and, when the lead-in area does not contain valid lead-in data, and (b) searching an area on the disc (e.g., searching for directory data, such as RSAT or VAT data). The present invention advantageously allows a disc playback device (e.g., a DVD player) to locate disc type information even on discs that are unfinalized (e.g., where no lead-in data has been recorded in the lead-in area of the disc). |
| US08000579B2 |
Recording medium, method and apparatus for providing management information
According to an embodiment, a method of recording a digital stream on a recording medium, includes determining one of at least two recording modes to record a transmitted digital stream, wherein a first recording mode is to record data based on entry point information present in the digital stream and a second recording mode is to record data on a basis of a predetermined time; and recording the digital stream based on the determined recording mode, and recording a mode information indicating the determined recording mode. |
| US08000578B2 |
Method, system, and medium for providing broadcasting service using home server and mobile phone
A method, system, and medium of providing various types of broadcast services such as a record, a summary, a navigation and a real-time event service with respect to a broadcast content, utilizing a home server, according to a user's request. A broadcast service providing method includes: storing broadcast summary data, navigation data and real-time event data which is generated by analyzing received broadcast data according to a broadcast record request from a user's portable device, in a database; and providing the user's portable device with a streaming service with respect to the stored broadcast summary data, the navigation data and the real-time event data, according to a summary selection request from the user's portable device. |
| US08000577B2 |
Optical guide including nanoparticles and manufacturing method for a preform intended to be shaped into such an optical guide
The invention relates to an optical fiber comprising a gain medium which is equipped with: a core (22) which is formed from a transparent material and nanoparticles (24) comprising a doping element and at least one element for enhancing the use of said doping element; and an outer cladding (26) which surrounds the core. The invention is characterised in that the doping element is erbium (Er) and in that the enhancing element is selected from among antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi) and a combination of antimony (Sb) and bismuth (Bi).According to the invention, one such fiber is characterised in that the size of the nanoparticles is variable and is between 1 and 500 nanometers inclusive, and preferably greater than 20 nm. |
| US08000574B2 |
Method of generating supercontinuum optical radiation, supercontinuum optical radiation source, and use thereof
A method of generating supercontinuum optical radiation, the method comprising: (a) providing an optical waveguide (22), said optical waveguide exhibiting a dispersion characteristic of guided optical radiation, said dispersion characteristic comprising: (i) a first dispersion parameter (β21) at a first wavelength (λ1), (ii) a second dispersion parameter (β22) at a second shorter wavelengths (λ2), and (iii) a zero-dispersion parameter at a wavelength in between said first and said second shorter wavelengths; said optical waveguide further comprising at least one entrance for receiving optical radiation, and at least one exit for emitting guided optical radiation; (b) applying at least two laser radiation of said first (25) wavelength, (λ1) at a first power (P1) and applying laser radiation of said second (26) shorter wavelength (λ2) at a second power (P2) into said optical waveguide, said laser radiations at least partially overlapping between said at least one entrance and said at least one exit of said optical waveguide; and (c) phase-matching said applied laser radiations by adjusting said first and second powers; a supercontinuum optical radiation source; and use thereof. |
| US08000572B2 |
Methods of manufacturing composite slickline cables
Disclosed are wellbore electric cables, and methods of manufacturing such cables, and in one aspect, methods of manufacturing wireline composite slickline cables. Some embodiments are methods which include preparing a slickline cable by providing an inner metallic tube containing at least one conductor (such as an optical fiber), disposing an epoxy/fiber composite strength layer substantially upon the outer periphery of the inner metallic tube, and exposing the combination of the inner metallic tube and composite strength layer to at least one technique for minimizing the variation in diameter and providing a substantially uniform circular cross-sectional shape of the combination. Further, an outer metallic tube is draw around the combination of the composite strength member and the inner metallic tube, to form a wellbore slickline. Cables prepared using such methods are also disclosed. |
| US08000568B2 |
Beam steering element and associated methods for mixed manifold fiberoptic switches
An optical comprising two or more mixed optical switches co-packaged together comprising discrete sets of fiber ports, each configured as N×1 optical switch or 1×N optical switch, wherein λn from said input fiber ports is focused on λn mirror via the use of shared free space optics elements, wherein beam steering elements steers λn from any point in the optical path to any other point; and discrete arrays of micro electromechanical system (MEMS) mirrors in a shared array, wherein first array of mirrors is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths from input fiber ports to output fiber port of the same set, wherein second array of mirrors using and sharing the same shared optics is utilized to select and switch selected wavelengths between input and output ports belonging to another set; and wherein output fiber ports from one set can be coupled to input ports of other sets. |
| US08000566B2 |
Suspension board with circuit and producing method thereof
A suspension board with circuit includes a metal supporting board; an insulating base layer formed on the metal supporting board; a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer; an insulating cover layer formed on the insulating base layer so as to cover the conductive pattern; and an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is adhered on the metal supporting board, the insulating base layer, or the insulating cover layer. |
| US08000563B2 |
Interpolation device
An interpolation process for scaling is performed directly on raw data from an image pickup apparatus. Raw data, constituted by inputted Bayer pattern array are as a set of pixels positioned on respective lattice points on a square lattice. A position of an interpolation point Q is designated by an upper address that indicates a lattice point near the upper left and a lower address that indicates a position inside a lattice frame, a specific color is designated for which a pixel value is to be determined. An interpolation reference frame is determined, formed of a smallest square, which contains the interpolation point Q and with which the four vertices are formed by lattice points of the designated color, and an interpolation origin, constituted by the upper left lattice point of the interpolation reference frame, interpolation proportions d* and e* are determined. An interpolation calculation is performed. |
| US08000559B2 |
Method of correcting image distortion and apparatus for processing image using the method
A method of correcting image distortion and an apparatus for processing an image using the method are provided, where the method can overcome the disadvantages of the conventional methods of correcting lens distortion and can minimize image quality degradation at outer portions,. The method includes: receiving an image from a wide-angle lens; extracting a distortion coefficient of the distortion in the image caused by the wide-angle lens; correcting the distortion of the image by using the extracted distortion coefficient; and displaying a corrected image. The apparatus includes: a wide-angle lens for receiving an image; an image processing unit comprising a distortion coefficient extracting unit for extracting a distortion coefficient of distortion in the image caused by the wide-angle lens and a distortion correcting unit for correcting the distortion of the image using the extracted distortion coefficient; and a display unit for displaying a corrected image. |
| US08000556B2 |
Method for estimating noise according to multiresolution model
A method for estimating noise according to a multiresolution model is applied to an imaging device and comprises steps of: using an imaging sensor of the imaging device to capture a series of images of a scene under different imaging conditions; processing the images with a multiresolution transformation process to obtain a series of sub-images corresponding to different frequency layers; processing a series of the sub-images of the images that are in a same frequency layer to generate an averaged image; determining a difference between each of the sub-images in the same frequency layer and the averaged image corresponding to that frequency layer, and calculating the differences and the averaged image to obtain noise level functions of the imaging sensor in the different frequency layers under the different imaging conditions; and defining the noise level functions of the imaging sensor as noise samples for establishing an a priori model database. |
| US08000549B2 |
Digital image processing apparatus and method for the same
A digital image processing method is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: (A) capturing a digital image; (B) selecting at least a target pixel within the digital image according to a predetermined rule; (C) performing a first filtering on a graphic region including the target pixel and its neighboring pixels within the digital image, to generate a set of first filtered values; and (D) performing a second filtering on the set of first filtered values to generate a set of second filtered values, and performing a digital image adjustment process on the digital image according to the set of second filtered values. |
| US08000548B2 |
Wavelet transformation device and method, wavelet inverse transformation device and method, program, and recording medium for performing wavelet transformation at a plurality of division levels
A wavelet transformation device for performing wavelet transformation at a plurality of division levels as to image signals. A horizontal filtering unit subjects the image signals to horizontal direction lowband analysis filtering and highband analysis filtering. Buffers which are independent for each of the division levels, hold frequency components, which are generated as the results of the horizontal direction analysis filtering by the horizontal filtering unit, for each of the division levels. Interleaving devices comprising at least one interleaving unit interleaving brightness components and color difference components of the image signals and interleaving highband components and lowband components of buffered filter results. |
| US08000539B2 |
Geometrical image representation and compression
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for geometrical image representation and/or compression. In one embodiment, the method comprises creating a representation for image data that includes determining a geometric flow for image data and performing an image processing operation on data in the representation using the geometric flow. |
| US08000536B2 |
Determining and using geometric feature data
The invention concerns a method for determining feature data that represents information about the shape of an object. A partitioning scheme (RP) is determined that defines a plurality of cells (p) in the space in which the object is located such that at least some of the cells (p) each contain a respective portion of the object, and the feature data is determined for the object on the basis of at least one property of the respective portions of the object that are contained in the plurality of cells (p). According to a first aspect of the invention, at least two of the plurality of cells (p) overlap each other at least in part, and according to a second aspect of the invention, at least some of the boundaries of the cells (p) delimit a plurality of regions (r) in the space in which the object is located such that the respective portions of the object that are contained in the plurality of regions (r) are approximately equal to each other with respect to a predetermined measurement metric. The method may be used for performing a similarity search or for performing a similarity classification. A computer program product and an apparatus comprise corresponding features. The invention provides a technology for improving the accuracy and/or effectiveness and/or performance and/or usefulness of prior art methods for determining geometric feature data. |
| US08000535B2 |
Methods and systems for refining text segmentation results
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for refining text segmentation results. Non-text, line elements in a text map may be detected and removed from the text map. Pixels associated with vertical and/or horizontal lines may be identified in the text map based on a background-color constraint, a directional color constraint and a continuity constraint. Run counters and run-reset counters associated with a direction may be used to identify pixels meeting the continuity constraint. |
| US08000534B2 |
Alias avoidance in image processing
An image processing apparatus in which output pixel values are generated with respect to pixels of an input image selected in accordance with an image feature direction in the input image. The apparatus includes a mechanism comparing blocks of pixels of the input image, the blocks being disposed with respect to a pixel position under test so that a correlation between the blocks would indicate an image feature direction applicable to that pixel position; and a mechanism detecting the image feature direction applicable to the pixel position under test as a direction corresponding to a block comparison for blocks having the highest correlation amongst blocks having block contents meeting one or more predetermined criteria. |
| US08000530B2 |
Computer-implemented expert system-based method and system for document recognition and content understanding
A system and process for recognizing documents by type and understanding at least a portion of the contents thereof. The process includes the steps of providing a document in electronic form, determining a set of facts, data and information about the document, providing the set of facts, data and information to a reasoning management unit, receiving formatted knowledge from a rule verification, validation and management unit, using the formatted knowledge to prepare an expert system having an inference engine, matching the facts, data and information against formatted knowledge using the inference engine and determining a set of applicable rules and executing actions of applicable rules. |
| US08000524B2 |
Color naming, color categorization and describing color composition of images
The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for assigning color names to individual image pixels, and generating verbal description of color composition in images, suitable for a wide variety of information processing applications. For an isolated image pixel (individual color sample or color value) an illustrative embodiment of this invention uses a predetermined vocabulary of color names, and then generates a distance measure describing the best color match and corresponding color name for the given pixel. For the input image, an illustrative embodiment of this invention computes the simplified representation of the scene, consistent with human perception, and uses the predetermined vocabulary, syntax rules and metric to assign color names to all perceptually significant objects and regions and obtain the verbal description of the overall color composition. The invention is also applicable to other types of information signals, such as sequences of video frames, web pages, etc. |
| US08000522B2 |
Method and system for three-dimensional imaging in a non-calibrated geometry
A technique is provided for three-dimensional imaging in a non-calibrated geometry. In one embodiment, the technique includes acquiring a plurality of projection images through an imaging volume; estimating an imaging geometry using at least one of fiducial markers or anatomical features represented in the projection images; and reconstructing a configurable volumetric representation of some or all of the imaging volume using the estimated imaging geometry, wherein the act of reconstructing accounts for one or more geometry dependent factors. In addition, a system is provided which includes a computer configured to estimate an imaging geometry using at least one of fiducial markers or anatomical features represented in a plurality of projection images acquired through an imaging volume and to reconstruct a configurable volumetric representation of some or all of the imaging volume using the estimated imaging geometry, wherein the act of reconstructing accounts for one or more geometry dependent factors. |
| US08000521B2 |
Stereoscopic image generating method and apparatus
To mitigate binocular rivalry involved in stereoscopic vision, and to alleviate the fatigue of an observer. In binocular vision, a fused point corresponding to a point b in a left visual image 320 is a point a of a right visual image 321. Since the left eye 200 and right eye 201 look at different objects, the binocular rivalry occurs when looking at the point b with the two eyes. Although the point b on the left visual image 320 is a sharp image, the point a on the right visual image 321 is an out-of-focus image. As a result, the image of the sharp point b is perceived first, and a subject B at the same distance is also perceived first. Thus, the out-of-focus point a and the image of the peripheral subject A become a removed image. |
| US08000520B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing image sensor wafers to identify pixel defects
An image sensor testing apparatus is disclosed. The image sensor testing apparatus includes an electronic test system having a light source for illuminating an image sensor wafer to generate pixel data and a host processor for receiving the pixel data. An interface card coupled to the electronic test system has a programmable processor for processing the pixel data to generate processed data, the processed data transmitted to and analyzed by the host processor together with the pixel data to detect pixel defects in the image sensor wafer. |
| US08000518B2 |
Methods, objects and apparatus employing machine readable data
The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. One claim recites an object including: electronic processing circuitry having an operating or performance metric associated therewith; and steganographic indicia carried by the object, the steganographic indicia is usable as an index to verify the operating or performance metric. Another claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory; and machine-readable indicia usable as a registry index including data that provides an indication regarding an expected capacity of the electronic memory. Other combinations are described and claimed as well. |
| US08000506B2 |
Fingerprint detecting wireless device
A wireless device, such as a remote control unit, may include an internal fingerprint identification unit. The fingerprint identification unit may be arranged to capture the user's fingerprint when the user's finger is positioned over a button that is substantially radiation transmissive. Radiation directed at the user's finger through the button may be captured for image analysis and ultimately for fingerprint identification. Thus, the device may be used to identify users who wish to access a processor-based system such as a processor-based television receiver. |
| US08000504B2 |
Multimodal classification of adult content
Systems and methods for classifying content as adult content and, if desired, blocking content so classified from presentation to a user are provided. Received content is analyzed using a sequential series of classification techniques, each successive technique being implemented only if the previous technique did not result in classification of the content as adult content. In this way, adult content may be identified across a variety of different media types (e.g., text, images, video, etc.) and yet processing power may be reserved if one or more techniques requiring less power is sufficient to determine that the received content is, in fact, adult content. Content classification may be performed in-band (that is, in substantially real-time such that content may be identified and/or blocked at the time results of a user query are returned) or out-of-band (that is, prospectively as new content is received but not in association with a user query). |
| US08000503B2 |
Biometrics authentication system registration method, biometrics authentication system, and program for same
A biometrics authentication system utilizes information of the palm of the hand of a body to perform individual authentication. A processing unit obtains an image of the palm of the hand of the same body a plurality of times from an image capture unit, judges the degrees of similarity among the characteristic data sets of the plurality of images of the palm of the hand, and registers a plurality of characteristic data sets with a high degree of similarity in a storage unit. And the shape of the hand in the image is checked from the outlines in the image of the palm of the hand, so it is possible to rapidly judge whether image capture has been successful and extract characteristic data, and registration processing can be executed in a short length of time. |
| US08000499B2 |
Automated determination of cross-stream wind velocity from an image series
Systems and methods are provided for determining the cross-stream component of wind velocity near a target location. A modal-decomposition of a first series of images is conducted to obtain a plurality of contribution functions representing the first set of images. A second series of images is mapped to a selected subset of the plurality of contribution functions to create a set of reconstructed images. At least one characteristic of the set of reconstructed images is measured to estimate the cross-stream component of the wind velocity near the target location. |
| US08000497B2 |
Fast detection of left ventricle and its configuration in 2D/3D echocardiogram using probabilistic boosting network
A method for detecting an object of interest in an input image includes the computer-implemented steps of: receiving an image, providing a multi-class pose classifier that identifies a plurality of pose features for estimating a pose of the object of interest, providing a plurality of cascades of serially-linked binary object feature classifiers, each cascade corresponding to different poses of the object of interest in the input image, selecting at least one of the cascades using the estimated pose, and employing the selected cascades to detect instances of the object of interest in the image. |
| US08000496B2 |
Coupon copy protection
A data distribution system which includes business groups, a client system and a main database system is described. Coupons and coupon data may be exchanged between the business groups, the client system and the main database system. Each coupon being exchanged may include one or more fraud protection features that can neither be altered nor tampered by users, consumers or retailers. |
| US08000494B2 |
Digital watermark detecting device
A digital watermark detecting device includes an extracting unit to extract pixels embedded as a digital watermark from an input image and to output an extracted pixel value row, a generating unit to generate a set of orthogonal patterns, a detecting unit to calculate a correlation using an integration result of the orthogonal patterns and the extracted pixel value row, to determine detected values corresponding to the orthogonal patterns and a standard deviation for detected values excluding a maximum detected value with a maximum absolute value from the calculated detected values, to calculate a quotient by dividing the maximum detected value by the standard deviation, a discriminating unit to output information corresponding to the result of comparison between a threshold parameter and the quotient, and a unit to convert the detected value inputted from the detecting unit into predetermined information, when the reliability of the detected values satisfies a standard. |
| US08000485B2 |
Virtual audio processing for loudspeaker or headphone playback
There are provided methods and an apparatus for processing audio signals. According to one aspect of the present invention there is included a method for processing audio signals having the steps of receiving at least one audio signal having at least a center channel signal, a right side channel signal, and a left side channel signal; processing the right and left side channel signals with a first virtualizer processor, thereby creating a right virtualized channel signal and a left virtualized channel signal; processing the center channel signal with a spatial extensor to produce distinct right and left outputs, thereby expanding the center channel with a pseudo-stereo effect; and summing the right and left outputs with the right and left virtualized channel signals to produce at least one modified side channel output. |
| US08000483B2 |
Electrostatic loudspeaker systems and methods
Embodiments of an electrostatic loudspeaker utilize first and second stators and a diaphragm disposed therebetween, each of the stators and the diaphragm having an electrically conductive portion, wherein the conductive portions of the first stators are electrically coupled to each other; the conductive portions of the second stators are electrically coupled to each other; and the conductive portions of the diaphragms are electrically isolated from each other. The first stators and the second stators may be realized by common first and second stators may be mounted obliquely with respect to one another, so as to achieve differentially greater spacing between stators of the first one of the speaker elements than between stators of the second one of the speaker elements. Protective circuitry is also provided. |
| US08000476B2 |
Data encryption/decryption method, and device
A method of enciphering data which is applicable to cipher-transmission of digital information data, in which the HD-SDI signal DHS is subjected to enciphering process using common key data DEY which is common to encipherment and decipherment to produce enciphered HD-SDI signal DHSE, the common key data DEY are subjected to enciphering process using open key data DOY to produce enciphered common key data DXY, and the enciphered HD-SDI signal DHSE accompanied with the enciphered common key data DXY are send to be transmitted, so that such a fear that the common key data DEY are eavesdropped on the transmission thereof can be effectively reduced. |
| US08000472B2 |
Information encryption apparatus and controlling method of the same, computer program and computer readable storage medium
The present invention stores and manages only one piece of key information even if contents information includes a plurality of partial contents arranged in a sequence, and the partial contents are encrypted with different keys. When a piece of contents information includes four partial contents or divided into four partial contents, a key for each of four node positions is generated through four steps of operations from a key for the top root. Node keys P (i, 1) and P (i, i) at both sides are generated by a one-way function from node keys P (i−1, 1) and P (i−1, i−1) at the upper i−1th layer, and a node key P (i, m) (m=2, 3, . . . , i−1) are generated by a one-way function which can generate the keys from any of node keys P (i−1, m−1) and P (i−1, m) at the upper i−1th layer, where jth node key at the ith layer is represented as P (i, j) (j=1, 2, . . . , i−1). Then, each of partial contents is encrypted with key information generated at a terminal layer. If only a root key is saved, one encrypting key can be generated for a range of partial contents arranged in a sequence. |
| US08000471B2 |
Robust cipher design
In an iterated block cipher, a method for round key encryption and key generation, the method including providing a first function Fi and a second function Fj, providing a round key generation function, the round key generation function being operative to utilize, in any given round, exactly one of the first function Fi, and the second function Fj, providing a round mixing function, the round mixing function being operative to utilize, in any given round, exactly one of the first function Fi, and the second function Fj, utilizing the round key generation function in at least a first round to generate a second round key for use in a second round, and utilizing the round mixing function in at least the first round to mix a first round key with a cipher state, wherein one of the following is performed in the first round the round key generation function utilizes the first function Fi to generate the second round key for use in the second round, substantially simultaneously with the round key mixing function utilizing the second function Fj to mix the first round key with the cipher state, and the round key generation function utilizes the second function Fj to generate the second round key for use in the second round, substantially simultaneously with the round key mixing function utilizing the first function Fi to mix the first round key with the cipher state. Related apparatus and methods are also described. |
| US08000468B2 |
Method and system for secure data aggregation in wireless sensor networks
A method for transmitting sensed data in a wireless sensor network including multiple sensors and a database, the method includes: automatically dividing the multiple sensors into sensor groups, each of the sensor groups including at least one sensor; determining a lead sensor in each of the sensor groups; encrypting the sensed data to generate encrypted data in ones of the multiple sensors excluding the determined lead sensors; and transmitting the encrypted data. |
| US08000467B2 |
Data parallelized encryption and integrity checking method and device
A method and device for encrypting and/or decrypting binary data blocks protecting both confidentiality and integrity of data sent to or received from a memory. The encryption method comprises steps of: applying to the input data block a reversible scrambling process, the scrambling process providing a scrambled data block in which the bits of the input data block are mixed so that a modification of one bit in the scrambled data block impacts on every bit of the input data block, and applying to the scrambled data block a stream cipher encryption algorithm providing an encrypted data block. Application can be made to secured integrated circuits requiring to securely store data in an external memory. |
| US08000460B2 |
Providing a call waiting distinctive ringback feature in wireless networks
Wireless networks and methods provide call waiting distinctive ringback. A wireless network of the invention comprises a switching system and a subscriber database. The switching system receives a registration request from a mobile device of a subscriber, transmits a registration message to the subscriber database, and receives a response message from subscriber database that includes a call waiting distinctive ringback indicator for the subscriber. If the switching system receives a call attempt from a calling party directed to the mobile device of the subscriber that is busy, then the switching system processes the call waiting distinctive ringback indicator to determine the type of ringback to provide for the call attempt, either distinctive ringback or non-distinct ringback. |
| US08000458B2 |
Method and system for verifying incoming telephone numbers
A system for automatically verifying an incoming telephone number. In response to detecting an incoming communication, a determination is made as to whether a telephone number associated with the incoming communication matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers in a storage unit. In response to determining that the telephone number associated with the incoming communication does not match one of the plurality of telephone numbers in the storage unit, telephone number verification rules are applied to determine whether to continue with the incoming communication. In response to a determination not to continue with the incoming communication based on the telephone number verification rules, an alert is provided. |
| US08000457B2 |
Visual answering machine
An answering machine tool is described which, when a message is received, accesses caller identification data associated with the message and from this data identifies an image for the message. Data is then output to cause an icon comprising this image to be displayed. This icon, in turn, may be manipulated and interacted with by a user, by touching the icon on a touch sensitive screen or by other means, such as mouse pointer or stylus. This causes the message to be replayed, moved, deleted or be subject to any other course of action that the visual rendering of the message affords the user. |
| US08000454B1 |
Systems and methods for visual presentation and selection of IVR menu
Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) database. The system comprises a memory having a list of telephone numbers associated with destinations implementing IVR. The destinations are grouped based on multiple categories of IVR. Moreover, the memory comprises instructions for automatically communicating with multiple IVR and instructions for downloading customization record from said multiple IVR. The system further comprises a processor that executes instructions stored in the memory. |
| US08000452B2 |
Method and system for predictive interactive voice recognition
A method for a predictive interactive voice recognition system includes receiving a voice call, associating said voice call with a behavioral pattern, and invoking a service context responsive to said behavioral pattern. The system provides advantages of improved voice recognition and more efficient use of the voice user interface to obtain services. |
| US08000451B1 |
System and method for managing network switch transaction dependencies
A system for populating a telecommunications switch with data for call processing is provided. The system includes a map of a transaction and a component operable to process the map. The map of the transaction has commands to be sent to provision at least one telecommunications switch. The transaction commands include at least some parent and child commands. The child commands have processing that is dependent on one or more related parent commands. The map identifies dependencies between the child commands and related parent commands. The component is operable to process the map such that the parent commands that have dependent child commands are communicated to the appropriate telecommunications switches before the dependent child commands. |
| US08000447B2 |
Co-axial, high energy gamma generator
A gamma ray generator includes an ion source in a first chamber. A second chamber is configured co-axially around the first chamber at a lower second pressure. Co-axially arranged plasma apertures separate the two chambers and provide for restricted passage of ions and gas from the first to the second chamber. The second chamber is formed by a puller electrode having at least one long channel aperture to draw ions from the first chamber when the puller electrode is subject to an appropriate applied potential. A plurality of electrodes rings in the third chamber in third pressure co-axially surround the puller electrode and have at least one channel corresponding to the at least one puller electrode aperture and plasma aperture. The electrode rings increase the energy of the ions to a selected energy in stages in passing between successive pairs of the electrodes by application of an accelerating voltage to the successive pairs of accelerator electrodes. A target disposed co-axially around the plurality of electrodes receives the beam of accelerated ions, producing gamma rays. |
| US08000446B2 |
X-ray examination apparatus
An X-ray examination apparatus (100) is described, comprising a mobile carriage (10) carrying a human-operable control input device (21) and a display device (22), the carriage (10) having a front side (11) and a back side (12); wherein said human-operable control input device is located closer to the front side (11) of the carriage while said display device is located closer to the back side (12) of the carriage; wherein the carriage has a control position where the said display device has its image screen (23) directed substantially towards the front side (11) of the carriage, and a surgeon position where the said display device has its image screen (23) directed substantially towards the back side (12) of the carriage; and wherein said display device is mounted to the mobile carriage such as to be displaceable between the control position and the surgeon position. |
| US08000445B2 |
Rotational X-ray scan planning system
In three-dimensional X-ray imaging, with C-arm systems, scan setup has to be performed manually under fluoroscopic control. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a scan planning system for planning a data acquisition process is provided, which is adapted to predict a field of view to be reconstructed and an image quality in the field of view with respect to the actual three-dimensional scan parameter set and previously acquired images or other information. The scan planning system may be accomplished by a stand control unit. |
| US08000443B2 |
High precision posture control method of X-ray mirror
A high precision posture control method for sustaining the posture of an X-ray optical element constantly at 1 μrad or less. A longitudinal condensation mirror and a lateral condensation mirror, each having a condensation plane band consisting of an elliptical reflective surface, are arranged perpendicularly to each other to form a K-B mirror arrangement. Fresnel mirrors are respectively constituted of a pair of planar reflective surfaces formed in the vicinities of the incident side end and the exit side end of the condensation plane band of each condensation mirror. Interference fringe by the Fresnel mirror of each condensation mirror is independently monitored at a position insusceptible to a condensation beam by the condensation plane band, and variation in interference fringe is detected electrically and its detection signal is used as a feedback signal for posture control of each condensation mirror. |
| US08000442B2 |
Calibrating imaging devices
Methods and apparatus for calibrating images and imaging devices to common coordinate systems utilize, in some embodiments, rods that detectably reflect an acoustic signal regardless of the incidence angle of the signal with respect to the rods. Typically, the rods are disposed within a “phantom” at known positions with respect to a room coordinate system. Images of the cylindrical rods may be obtained from different directions, allowing the imaging device to be calibrated to the room coordinate system. |
| US08000441B2 |
Calibration devices and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to calibration devices and to methods of using these devices. |
| US08000440B2 |
Target composition determination method and apparatus
A target composition determination apparatus includes, an x-ray emission element for concurrently transmitting x-ray photons with a plurality of different energy levels at a target, and an x-ray detection element for receiving x-rays interacting with the target and for determining the energy levels of the received x-rays, the x-ray detection element generating at least one output signal indicative of the number of x-rays interacting with the target and the energy levels determined for each of the x-rays, and a processing element receiving the output signal and indicating the presence of at least one component material within the target using the received detection element signal and a multivariate calibration prepared for the target, the apparatus including that the output signal of the x-ray detection element is batched over a pre-selected time period to define the physical resolution of the target composition apparatus when a target is moved relative to the apparatus. |
| US08000438B2 |
Tool based X-ray fluorescence visualizing, imaging, or information providing
Certain embodiments of one aspect relates to inducing at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon within an at least some matter of an at least a portion of an at least one individual responsive to an at least some input energy being applied to the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual. The aspect can include X-ray fluorescence visualizing, imaging, or information providing within the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual at least partially in response to the inducing at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon within the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual. Certain embodiments of the aspect can include providing a substantial real time tool-based operation to the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual at least partially relying on the X-ray fluorescence visualizing, imaging, or information providing within the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual. |
| US08000433B2 |
Method of creating images in computed tomography (CT), and CT device
A method is for image reconstruction for computed tomography with a non-one-dimensional, extended detector. The rays of the detector are weighted during the backprojection as a function of their position in the beam. |
| US08000427B2 |
Apparatus and method for low-complexity scheduling in multi-user MIMO system
Provided is an apparatus and method for low-complexity scheduling in a multi-user Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) system. In a method for scheduling in a MIMO system, a vector is set on the basis of channel information for all user terminals. A scalar for the vector is initialized. A user terminal that has the greatest scalar among unselected user terminals is selected. A user set is updated by adding the selected user terminal therein. The vector and the scalar for a user terminal not included in the user set are updated. Accordingly, a high transmission capacity can be provided while minimizing the influence of an interference signal. Also, the computation amount can be reduced greatly. |
| US08000423B2 |
Adaptive sample rate converter
A sample rate converter includes a digital filter and control logic coupled to the digital filter. The digital filter is configured to receive an input data stream and to up convert the input data stream to produce an output data stream having a fixed data rate. The control logic configured to dynamically select a set of coefficients for taps in the digital filter during each clock cycle corresponding to the fixed data rate. The set of coefficients selected for each clock cycle is in accordance with a phase of the input data stream. |
| US08000422B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting signal in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system
Receiving apparatus and method in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) wireless communication system are provided. The receiver having N-ary receive antennas includes a decomposer for decomposing a channel matrix to a matrix Q and a matrix R through a QR decomposition; a detector for determining a candidate group of an n-th phase by estimating a plurality of transmit signal vectors by substituting a plurality of transmittable symbols into symbol combinations of a candidate group of a (n−1)-th phase as an n-th symbol and detecting (n+1)-th through N-th symbols using characteristics of the matrix R; a calculator for calculating square Euclidean distance values between the transmit signal vectors and a receive signal vector; and a determiner for determining the candidate group of the n-th phase by selecting transmit signal vectors having the smallest square Euclidean distance value among the transmit signal vectors. |
| US08000420B2 |
System and method of joint synchronization and noise covariance estimation
A system and method in a radio receiver for joint synchronization and noise covariance estimation of a received signal. A spatially and temporally stacked signal model, whereby successive samples of temporally adjacent received signal vectors and corresponding training vectors are stacked, is used in the derivation of the estimation problem. The Toeplitz structure of the channel response matrix is neglected in the formulation of the estimation problem. The resulting estimator jointly estimates a synchronization position, a channel response matrix, and a noise covariance matrix. An estimate of a whitened channel is then computed based on the noise covariance matrix and the estimate of the channel response matrix. |
| US08000412B1 |
Low power serial link
The present invention relates to a low power serial link employing differential return-to-zero signaling. A receiver circuit consistent with some embodiments includes an input circuit for receiving differential serial data signals that form a differential return-to-zero signaling and a clock recovery circuit. The clock recovery circuit is coupled to the input circuit and includes a logic gate configured to generate a clock signal by using said differential serial data signals. |
| US08000409B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving power amplifier efficiency in wireless communication systems having high peak to average power ratios
A power management system and method for a wireless communication device generates an average desired transmit power signal based on at least one of a received signal strength indicator signal and a power control instruction signal from a base station. A power supply level adjustment signal is generated based on the data parameters of an outgoing data stream and at least one environmental information signal. A combination of the power supply level adjustment signal and the average desired transmit power or a gain control signal and an altered version of the power supply level adjustment signal is used to generate a variable power supply signal that is provided to an output amplifier block for sufficiently generating outgoing wireless device radio signals while reducing power loss in the output amplifier block. |
| US08000404B2 |
Method and apparatus to reduce the effect of crosstalk in a communications interface
A technique for reducing crosstalk between communications paths includes scrambling data using scrambling functions that reduce or substantially minimize a probability that worst-case data patterns occur on communications paths adjacent to a potential victim communications path. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method includes scrambling a plurality of data bits based at least in part on respective ones of a plurality of distinct combinations of one or more taps of a linear feedback shift register (LFSR). The plurality of data bits are scrambled for transmission during a first bit-time on corresponding ones of a plurality of adjacent communications paths. |
| US08000397B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquiring OFDM synchronization
Provided is a method and apparatus for acquiring OFDM synchronization even when it fails to detect a plurality of symbols at an initial stage. In the method, a frequency is adjusted to a first frequency band and a cross correlation value between a received preamble symbol and a preset preamble symbol is calculated. When the calculated cross correlation value is larger than a predetermined reference value and is first detected, frequency hopping is performed to receive subsequent symbols and cross correlation values to the subsequent symbols are reexamined. When the reexamined cross correlation value larger than the predetermined reference value is detected, timing synchronization, frequency offset estimation, and frame detection are performed. |
| US08000392B1 |
Phase correlation based motion estimation in hybrid video compression
Motion vectors for encoding a predicted frame relative to a reference frame are determined from a phase correlation of corresponding regions of the predicted frame and reference frame. Peaks in the phase correlation are identified, and the location of the peaks are used as candidate motion vectors. From this limited set of candidate motion vectors, the best motion vectors for predicting blocks within each region can be readily identified. |
| US08000389B2 |
Method and device for coding a video picture in inter or intra mode
The method is characterized in that the step for selecting a coding mode from the inter modes and from the intra modes is broken down into two sequential steps, a step for preselecting the intra coding mode for preselecting an intra mode for the current macroblock from the intra coding modes, and a coding decision step, part of the effective coding of the current macroblock for selecting the mode of coding the current macroblock from the inter modes and the preselected intra mode and in that the preselection step for the current macroblock is carried out during the coding decision step for a preceding macroblock. |
| US08000386B2 |
Method and device for image interpolation systems based on motion estimation and compensation
A motion estimation method and device are provided for processing images to be inserted, between a preceding original image and a following original image, into a sequence of images. Each image is divided into pixel blocks associated with motion vectors. For a current block of an image being processed, motion vectors associated with blocks of the image being processed and/or associated with blocks of a processed image are selected. Candidate vectors are generated from selected motion vectors. An error is calculated for each candidate vector. A penalty is determined for a subset of candidate vectors on the basis of the values of the pixels of the pixel block in the preceding original image from which the candidate motion vector points to the current block and/or on the basis of the values of the pixels of the pixel block in the following original image to which the candidate motion vector points from the current block. |
| US08000376B2 |
Adjusting a transmit time of a wireless device
Methods of adjusting a transmit time of a wireless device are disclosed. One method includes a receiver determining a frequency hopping sequence of an interfering signal. The receiver obtains an observed pattern of at least one of time and frequency overlap between the interfering signal and a signal of interest. The receiver determines a desired pattern of at least one of time and frequency overlap between the interfering signal and the signal of interest. A desired transmit time delay of the signal of interest is adjusted based on a difference between the observed pattern and the desired pattern. |
| US08000372B1 |
Traveling-wave laser having a resonator including a direction-sensitive interferometer for establishing unidirectional circulation
A laser includes a traveling-wave ring-resonator in which one resonator mirror is a mirror of an interferometer arranged such that, when the interferometer is operated in an anti-resonant condition, the mirror has a greater effective reflectivity for clockwise circulation of light in the resonator than for anticlockwise circulation of light in the resonator. There is a difference between the clockwise and anticlockwise effective-reflectivity sufficient that lasing in the resonator is possible only in the clockwise direction. |
| US08000371B2 |
Vertical surface emitting semiconductor device
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a pump light source, a gain structure, and an out-coupling mirror. The gain structure is comprised of InGaN layers that have resonant excitation absorption at the pump wavelength. Light from the pump light source causes the gain structure to emit light, which is reflected by the out-coupling mirror back to the gain structure. A distributed Bragg reflector causes internal reflection within the gain structure. The out-coupling mirror permits light having sufficient energy to pass therethrough for use external to the device. A frequency doubling structure may be disposed between the gain structure and the out-coupling mirror. Output wavelengths in the deep-UV spectrum may be achieved. |
| US08000365B2 |
Semiconductor laser device
A semiconductor laser device includes a multilayer structure made of group III nitride semiconductors formed on a substrate. The multilayer structure includes a MQW active layer, and also includes a step region selectively formed in an upper portion thereof. In another upper portion of the multilayer structure, a ridge stripe portion including a waveguide, which extends in parallel to a principal surface of the multilayer structure, is formed. In the vicinity of the step region, a first region, in which the MQW active layer has a bandgap energy of Eg1, is formed, and a second region, which is adjacent to the first region and in which the MQW active layer has a bandgap energy of Eg2 (Eg2 |
| US08000364B2 |
Nitride semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a nitride semiconductor light emitting device having an n-type ohmic electrode with an Au face excellent in ohmic contacts and in mounting properties, and a method of manufacturing the same. The device uses an n-type ohmic electrode having a laminate structure that is composed of: a first layer containing Al as a main ingredient and having a thickness not greater than 10 nm or not less than 3 nm; a second layer containing one or more metals selected from Mo and Nb, so as to suppress the upward diffusion of Al; a third layer containing one or more metals selected from Ti and Pt, to suppress the downward diffusion of Al; and a fourth layer being made of Au, from the side in contact with an n-type nitride substrate in order of mention, and after the laminate structure is formed, the n-type ohmic electrode is annealed. |
| US08000362B2 |
Solid-state suspension laser generation utilizing separate excitation and extraction
A solid-state suspension laser. The novel laser includes a gain medium comprised of a plurality of solid-state gain particles suspended in a fluid. The laser also includes a pump source for pumping the gain particles and a resonator for amplifying and outputting laser light generated by the gain medium. In an illustrative embodiment, the gain medium is adapted to flow, and the pumping of the gain medium occurs outside of the resonator. The flow velocities and the densities of the gain particles in the gain medium can be optimized for optimal absorption efficiency during the pumping and/or for optimal extraction efficiency in the resonator as well as for overall laser performance optimization, including power, efficiency and beam quality scalability. |
| US08000361B2 |
Laser system
The higher efficiency and lower power consumption are realized in a laser system for generating a high-power short-pulse laser beam. The laser system includes a laser oscillator for generating a pulse laser beam by laser oscillation, plural amplifiers for sequentially inputting the pulse laser beam generated by the laser oscillator and amplifying the pulse laser beam, and a control unit for controlling the laser oscillator to perform burst oscillation and halting an amplification operation of at least one of the plural amplifiers in a burst halt period between burst oscillation periods. |
| US08000357B2 |
Compact, efficient and robust ultraviolet solid-state laser sources based on nonlinear frequency conversion in periodically poled materials
A compact and efficient ultraviolet laser source based on a optically-pumped solid-state or fiber laser that produces near-infrared output light suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion. The infrared laser output is frequency tripled or quadrupled to produce light in the ultraviolet wavelength range (200 nm to 400 nm). The novel technology is the use of highly efficient periodically poled nonlinear crystals, such as stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium tantalate and lithium niobate. As opposed to conventional frequency-converted UV laser sources, which have high power consumption, high cost, and low efficiency, the laser sources of this invention utilize high efficiency nonlinear conversion provided by periodically poled materials and allow lower-cost architectures without additional focusing lenses, high power pump diodes, etc. |
| US08000356B2 |
Connecting system, inverse multiplexer, data communication network, method and computer program
Throughput between personal computers and the Internet is increased by using inverse multiplexing over local loop telephone lines of different users. The different personal computers share the multiple intersubnetwork connections with each other, so that the efficiency of the use of the intersubnetwork connections is increased. Each of the computers is capable of receiving and/or transmitting inverse-multiplexed data signals over the same plurality of intersubnetwork connections. Preferably, at each computer, use is made of a separate connecting device locally coupled to the computer and an intersubnetwork connection and remotely coupled to one or more other such connecting devices. The connecting devices are placed in different housings, each having a regular connection with a local computer and a wireless transmission connection to corresponding connecting devices in neighboring housings. The interchanged data are inverse-multiplexed and transmitted via the intersubnetwork connections as inverse multiplex data. |
| US08000354B2 |
Method and apparatus for forward delay compensation for virtual concatenation
A method and apparatus for processing member containers of a virtual concatenation group at a source side of a member container transmission network to compensate for differential delay between the member containers. |
| US08000350B2 |
Reducing bandwidth of a data stream transmitted via a digital multimedia link without losing data
A system for reducing the bandwidth of a data stream transmitted via a digital multimedia link does not result in the loss of data. The system encodes control signals such that control words are generated each time the status of the control signals change. The system multiplexes payload data and the control words to generate the data stream. If no blanking period of the payload data is present, the data stream comprises payload data. During the blanking period, the data stream comprises the control words. The data stream is transmitted across the digital multimedia link using transmit and receive FIFO memories. The transmitted data stream is then demultiplexed, and the payload data and the control words are separated from each other. The control words are decoded to recover the control signals. The system can transmit payload data conforming to the video formats VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA and UXGA. |
| US08000348B2 |
Radio receiving apparatus
A radio receiving apparatus for receiving the variable-length RLC PDU data in an RLC layer includes the buffer memory sectioned into a plurality of areas having a predetermined maximum data length of the RLC PDU data. By referring to a sequence number SN included in each received RLC PDU data, the radio receiving apparatus stores the RLC PDU data having an identical sequence number SN into an identical area, and assembles an RLC SDU data on a basis of the RLC PDU data stored in each area. |
| US08000347B2 |
Executing and supporting a multiple bandwidth reservation request
In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a first message that includes at least a first bandwidth request that specifies a first bandwidth and a second bandwidth request that specifies a second bandwidth. The first bandwidth is a preferential bandwidth. The method also includes determining whether the first bandwidth may be allocated, and storing the first bandwidth and the second bandwidth in a stored reservation state if the first bandwidth may be allocated. If the first bandwidth may not be allocated, the method includes determining whether the second bandwidth may be allocated. The second bandwidth in the stored reservation state if it is determined that the second bandwidth may be allocated. In one embodiment, if the second bandwidth may be allocated, the first bandwidth is removed during process prior to sending the message to a subsequent node upstream. |
| US08000341B2 |
Methods and systems for detecting collisions in access/utilization of resources of contention
Systems and methods are described for detecting collisions in packets related to attempted access or utilization of a resource or pool of resources in a given timeslot in which the energy level of corrupted received access probe packets are compared with a threshold energy level, and if above the threshold, the timeslot is marked as a collision slot. |
| US08000340B2 |
Parameter determination base station employing PCSS scheme
A mobile communication system is provided for use in communication. The mobile communication system may include a radio control station (CS), a base station (BS), and a mobile station (MS). The BS is connected to the CS, and the MS may perform, with the BS, data communication in a parallel combinatory spread-spectrum (PCSS) scheme. The CS comprises at least a storage storing a plurality of communication parameters corresponding to the BS and a transmitter transmitting a determined parameter to the BS. The BS comprises a receiver receiving a determined parameter from the CS, a determining unit for determining transmitting power and a transmitter transmitting data generated by using the determined parameter and performing spreading processing to the MS. Further, the MS comprises a reproduction unit reproducing data by using the determined parameter and performing despreading processing. |
| US08000336B2 |
Spanning tree root selection in a hierarchical network
Communication apparatus includes a hierarchical network of switches, which includes at least a first plurality of spine switches, interconnected by a control channel, and a second plurality of edge switches having internal ports coupled to communicate via respective links with the spine switches and external ports for connecting to client devices. The spine switches are configured to detect, via the control channel, a partitioning of the hierarchical network into first and second partitions, including respective first and second numbers of the spine switches, wherein the first number is greater than the second number, and to assign respective priorities to the spine switches responsively to the first and second numbers so as to cause the larger of the partitions to be elected as a spanning tree root. |
| US08000332B2 |
Method for terminating attach procedure in mobile terminal
A system and method by which an unnecessary General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) attach procedure is no longer performed when a service cancellation situation is generated during execution of a GPRS attach procedure according to a data service requested by a user is provided. The system determines whether an abnormal situation occurs in an Europe-oriented General Packet Radio Service/Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (GPRS/UMTS) mobile terminal and immediately terminates a currently proceeding attach procedure when an abnormal service cancellation situation occurs. The abnormal situation occurs when the user cancels a service during use of a data service (e.g., Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Multimedia Message Service (MMS)) or when connection of the service fails due to a bad network state. By not performing an unnecessary GPRS attach procedure due to the occurrence of an abnormal situation, the mobile terminal does not perform an unnecessary routing area updating procedure, thereby reducing power consumption. |
| US08000331B2 |
Receive device for a cable data service
A receive device includes a plurality of demodulators and a tunnel destination. The demodulators are configured to receive multiple data streams, each of the multiple data streams having a bit rate that is lower than a bit rate of a transmit data stream. The tunnel destination is configured to recombine the multiple data streams to provide a receive data stream having a bit rate equal to the bit rate of the transmit data stream. At least one of multiple radio frequency channels is connected to a legacy user between a transmit site and the receive device. |
| US08000328B1 |
Filtering messages in a distributed virtual world based on virtual space properties
A system and method are provided for filtering messages propagated among peer servers in a distributed virtual world. Each peer server hosts a virtual space within the virtual world and filters messages based on the state and properties of its virtual space. In order to propagate messages, messages originating in a virtual space are first provided to the peer server hosting that virtual space. The peer server propagates the messages to one or more of its neighboring peer servers hosting virtual spaces that neighbor its virtual space in the virtual world. These peer servers may then propagate the messages to their neighboring peer servers. When propagating the messages, the peer servers either apply filter rules to the messages or append filter rules to the messages in order to filter the messages based on the state and properties of the virtual spaces hosted by the peer servers. |
| US08000324B2 |
Pipeline architecture of a network device
A network device for processing packets. The network device includes an ingress module for performing switching functions on an incoming packet. The network device also includes a memory management unit for storing packets and performing resource checks on each packet and an egress module for performing packet modification and transmitting the packet to an appropriate destination port. Each of the ingress module, memory management unit and egress module includes multiple cycles for processing instructions and each of the ingress module, memory management unit and egress module processes one packet every clock cycle. |
| US08000322B2 |
Crossbar switch debugging
A crossbar switch having a plurality of ports that allows a debug process to be performed on the switch using one of the plurality of ports to output chip status information. The switch uses a debug block to store chip status information. |
| US08000321B2 |
Method and apparatus for improved non-intrusive monitoring functions
The invention includes an apparatus and associated method for monitoring signals. The apparatus includes a port unit including a plurality of monitoring functions associated with a respective plurality of data communication channels, and a switch unit adapted for switching signals conveyed by the data communication channels, where the switch unit includes a monitoring function controller and a plurality of monitoring function images associated with the respective monitoring functions. The monitoring function images are adapted for conveying configuration information from the monitoring function controller to the respective monitoring functions and conveying status information from the respective monitoring functions to the monitoring function controller. |
| US08000318B2 |
System and method for call routing based on transmission performance of a packet network
A system and method that establishes a phone call over a packet network. The process may include receiving a call request from an originating call device on a packet network to call a terminating call device. A first transmission path may be determined between the originating and terminating call devices. Status of a terminating segment at a first terminating trunk may be determined and, if the status of the terminating segment at the first terminating trunk is within a first range, a call between the originating and terminating call device may be established via the first terminating call trunk. Otherwise, if the status of the terminating segment at the first terminating trunk is within a second range, a second transmission path via a second terminating trunk between the originating and terminating call devices may be made. |
| US08000316B2 |
IP telephone apparatus, ENUM server, terminal apparatus and IP telephone system
An IP telephone apparatus is connected to an ENUM server and a Web server via an IP network. The ENUM server has a database that stores an IP telephone URI as terminal information of the IP telephone apparatus and a Web server URI corresponding to the IP telephone apparatus. The Web server stores image data captured by a camera. The IP telephone apparatus transmits to the ENUM server a query on terminal information of a destination IP telephone apparatus; receives from the ENUM server the terminal information of the destination IP telephone apparatus; acquires from the received terminal information a Web server URI corresponding to the destination IP telephone apparatus and performs visual communication with the Web server based on the Web server URI; and displays captured image data received from the Web server in the visual communication. |
| US08000313B1 |
Method and system for reducing communication session establishment latency
Methods and systems for reducing communication session establishment latency are introduced. In a wireless communication network, a radio access network (RAN) determines that a wireless communication device (WCD), such as a mobile phone, is attempting to establish a communication session. Based on the quality-of-service sensitivity of the communication session as well as recent reports of wireless coverage quality received from the WCD, the RAN selects an appropriate timeout value. This selected timeout value is used for a timer associated with a communication session establishment message transmitted by the RAN to the WCD. As a result, the RAN can retransmit the communication session establishment message rapidly in situations where the communication session establishment message is more likely to be lost. |
| US08000311B2 |
Method for branching data in mobile communication terminal
A method for branching data in a mobile communication terminal to perform data communication between a mobile station and a network which have media access control sublayers. In a data sending mode, each of the media access control sublayers of the mobile station and network attaches logical channel types based on traffic characteristic information and a radio bearer status to a media access control header contained in data to be sent. Then, each of the media access control sublayers branches the data to be sent, to transport channels corresponding to the attached logical channel types. In a data receiving mode, each of the media access control sublayers determines logical channels corresponding to logical channel types of a media access control header contained in received data. Then, each of the media access control sublayers branches the received data to the determined logical channels. Each of the media access control sublayers performs mapping and multiplexing/demultiplexing between logical channels and transport channels according to traffic characteristics to branch data. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently provide various multimedia and packet services. |
| US08000304B2 |
System and method for determining a forward channel rate for wirelessly communicating information to a wireless communication device
A system, method, and wireless device for determining a forward channel rate for wirelessly communicating information to a wireless communication device is disclosed. The method includes receiving data rate control information from each wireless communication device (104, 106) in a plurality of wireless communication devices (104, 106). The method also comprises requesting a set of information. The data rate control information includes signal strength information associated with each of the wireless communication devices (104, 106). The data rate control information received from each of the wireless communication devices is compared to each other. A modulation and coding scheme is determined for wirelessly communicating the set of information to the plurality of wireless communication devices. The modulation and coding scheme is based on the data rate control information associated with a wireless communication device (104) having a weakest signal strength. |
| US08000298B2 |
Fast roaming system
A fast roaming system for changing, in a short period of time, the connection to a roaming destination AP (access point) providing a better communication environment, and for improving a roaming completion rate. In response to a search process performed by a mobile terminal, individual APs transmits AP data required for roaming directly to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal performs the passive scanning search or the active scanning search for the peripheral APs at short time intervals, and obtains and stores the latest AP data in an AP data table. As a result, only the latest data for the connectable peripheral AP can be stored as a roaming destination in the AP data table. Furthermore, since the order condition is set by the mobile terminal to select the roaming destination AP, there is a high probability that the roaming is completed when the peripheral AP is first selected. Therefore, only a short period of time is required until the roaming is completed. |
| US08000295B2 |
Random access method and radio communication terminal device
There are disclosed a random access method for establishing an individual channel between a radio communication terminal device and a base station device in a short time and a radio communication terminal device executing the random access method. In this device, in step ST320, a RACH sub-channel allocation unit (211) allocates a transmission packet inputted from a replication unit (202) to an arbitrary sub-carrier at the RACH arbitrary time slot at random. In step ST330, an allocation unit (210) judges whether an overlap is generated in the allocation result obtained by the RACH sub-channel allocation unit (211). When the allocation unit (210) judges that an overlap is generated in the allocation result, the allocation unit (210) causes one of the RACH sub-channel allocation units (211) which has caused the overlap to again perform allocation of step ST320. On the other hand, when judgment is made that no overlap is generated in the allocation result, step ST340 is executed. |
| US08000292B2 |
Multimedia broadcast multicast service channel mapping and multiplexing
A system is provided for mapping multimedia broadcast multicast services. The system includes one or more processors programmed to map a plurality of multicast transport channels (MCHs) to a plurality of multicast/broadcast single frequency networks (MBSFNs) such that any one of the MBSFNs has only one MCH and further where each one of the MCHs is different. |
| US08000289B2 |
Mobile communication system, base station, radio network controller, and resource allocation control method used therefor
A mobile communication system is provided which is capable of improving efficiency of use of allocated codes and allocated power of an HS-PDSCH to improve a throughput of the HS-PDSCH. A resource allocation update unit is connected to an RNC functional unit and a base station functional unit, performs allocation control of resources such as the number of codes and power, which are allocated or notified from the RNC functional unit to the base station functional unit, and stores allocation information of the resources in a resource allocation information storage unit. A resource use information detection unit detects a state of use of resources on the basis of a state of use of resources from the base station functional unit and a timing information from a timer, and informs a resource allocation judgment unit of the information on a state of use of resources. The resource allocation judgment unit judges whether or not allocation of resources has been updated on the basis of the information on a state of use of resources. |
| US08000288B2 |
Monitoring network traffic
A method for monitoring a wireless network includes, at a device including a communication interface coupling the device to a wireless network, monitoring messages transmitted between the communication interface and the wireless network, and outputting monitoring data associated with the monitored messages from the device. |
| US08000286B1 |
Alternate operational-data transmission scheme for low-cost-internet-base-station-(LCIB) systems
Methods and systems are provided for implementing an alternate operational-data transmission scheme for LCIB systems. According to an embodiment, an LCIB provides service to at least one mobile station on a first wireless network, the provision of service comprising (i) providing an air interface according to a first wireless technology, (ii) providing a backhaul connection over a packet-data network to a service-provider network, and (iii) bridging the air interface and the backhaul connection. The LCIB collects operational data, which the LCIB transmits to a server over a second wireless network according to a second wireless technology, where the second wireless network is different than the first wireless network, and the second wireless technology is different than the first wireless technology. |
| US08000285B2 |
Reverse link overload power gain control
In one embodiment, a reverse link overhead channel power gain for an access terminal is determined based on the service activity of the access terminal. In association therewith, or independent thereof, the reverse link overhead channel power gain may be dynamically adjusted based on the services activated and/or deactivated. The dynamic adjustment may also take into account the load on the system. |
| US08000284B2 |
Cooperative autonomous and scheduled resource allocation for a distributed communication system
An access terminal (206) configured for wireless communication with an access network (204) within a sector (1032). The access terminal (206) includes a transmitter (2608) for transmitting a reverse traffic channel to the access network (204), an antenna (2614) for receiving signals from the access network (204), a processor (2602) and memory (2604) in electronic communication with the processor (2602). Instructions stored in the memory (2604) implement a method of determining whether a current power allocation grant (1374) for a flow (1216) on the access terminal (206) has been received from the access network (204). If the current power allocation grant (1374) is still active, a current power allocation (1338a) for the flow is set equal to the current power allocation grant (1374). If the current power allocation grant (1374) has not been received, the current power allocation (1338a) for the flow is determined. |
| US08000282B2 |
Cooperative relaying using dirty paper coding
A method for transmitting a signal in a wireless network includes sending a first signal from a first source to a first intermediate station. A second signal is sent from a second source to a second intermediate station. The first signal is additionally received by the second intermediate station. The second signal is encoded according to dirty paper coding (DPC) such that the first signal does not interfere with the transmission of the second signal. The first signal is sent from the first intermediate station to a first destination and simultaneously, the DPC encoded second signal is sent from the second intermediate station to a second destination. |
| US08000281B2 |
System and method for providing multicast/broadcast services in a wireless network
A method for allocating a multicast connection identifier (MCID) to a new multicast/broadcast service (MBS) provided in a wireless network including a plurality of base stations. The method includes: calculating, for a new MBS zone and existing MBS zones, coverage area ratios each based on information regarding the new MBS zone and one of the existing MBS zones, the new MBS zone including a first group of base stations, the one of the existing MBS zones including a second group of base stations; and allocating an MCID to the new MBS based the coverage area ratios; wherein the first group of base stations include ones of the plurality of base stations to transmit data relating to the new MBS, and the second group of base stations include ones of the plurality of base stations to transmit data relating to at least one existing MBS. |
| US08000279B2 |
System for multicast broadcasting towards at least one roaming user terminal in a mobile IP network
A system for multicast broadcasting towards an IP network mobile system. Upon connection of the mobile router and transmission of a signalling to the site of origin, the method includes discriminating the location of a mobile router with regard to the respective site of the organization of origin; transmitting to an infinity of locations; then for each assess request of a mobile terminal, local multicast broadcasting; substituting the access request, if the location information designates a connection of outside the respective site thereof coming from the organization of origin, with a request for access to extend multicast broadcasting; transmitting the request for access to extend multicast broadcasting; receiving and transforming, at level, the extended multicast broadcast into local transformed multicast broadcast and transmitting the locally transformed multicast broadcast on the IP mobile network to the requesting user terminal. |
| US08000276B2 |
Providing easy access to radio networks
An improved connectivity to radio access point is enabled by a server that includes a database storing data about various radio access points, and an evaluation module evaluating the quality of connection to each of the access points. Clients receive updates about relevant access points from the server and use the information to connect to the preferred access point. The clients also check connectivity to other access points in the vicinity, and report the findings to the server. The server uses the reports to update its database, and send corresponding updates to the clients. |
| US08000275B2 |
Method for enabling an application recorded in a radiocommunication terminal to access functions of the terminal and terminal implementing said method
A method of enabling at least one application (22) stored in a radiocommunications terminal (10) to access functions of said terminal (10), the terminal (10) being suitable for enabling data to be exchanged in both directions in application of a data standard implementing a transfer channel that conveys so-called “AT” commands, the terminal (10) including an AT command manager (15), the method being characterized in that access from the stored application (22) to the terminal (10) takes place by exchanging AT commands via the AT command manager (15). |
| US08000269B1 |
Call processing with voice over internet protocol transmission
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide call processing for a plurality of telephones at a site for which calling services are provided. Call control functionality is distributed to remote locations using data networks according to embodiments. The aforementioned data networks and/or separate data networks are used to carry call content using voice over Internet protocols (VoIP). Embodiments utilize VoIP to carry calls from a location at which calling services are provided to a centralized call processing platform providing call processing functionality, such as calling party identification, call validation, call routing, and connection to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). PSTN interfacing by a call processing platform may be provided as a VoIP connection to the PSTN and/or as POTS trunking. Call processing platforms may provide for data sharing, aggregation, and/or analysis across multiple facilities served. |
| US08000268B2 |
Frequency-hopped IFDMA communication system
Frequency hopping in an IFDMA system takes place by utilizing a time-varying IFDMA modulation code. In particular, a modulator receives a symbol stream and a user specific IFDMA modulation code (bi(t)). The output of the modulator comprises a signal (xi(t)) existing at certain frequencies, or subcarriers. The actual subcarriers that signal xi(t) utilizes is dependent upon the repetition of the symbol blocks and the particular IFDMA modulation code utilized. |
| US08000267B2 |
Network routing with path identifiers
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that communicates a data packet in a network to a target node. In doing so, the system receives a node identifier for the target node, and determines a first positional label, based in part on the node identifier, for reaching a first anchor node from a root node in the network. The first anchor node stores a second positional label for reaching the target node from the root node in the network, which comprises a number of nodes coupled to the root node in a tree topology. The system then retrieves the second positional label from the first anchor node, and communicates the data packet to the target node based in part on the second positional label. |
| US08000266B2 |
Shared virtual device ports
In one embodiment, a solution is provided wherein multiple virtual devices may be configured on the same physical port of a network device. For example, a first virtual device and a second virtual device may be configured to use the same physical port. A single internal spanning tree instance may be configured for both the first virtual device and the second virtual device. |