| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08037542B2 |
Team based row level security system and method
A team based row level security system and method are provided that permits items of data to be shared across a team. |
| US08037541B2 |
System, device and method for interoperability between different digital rights management systems
A system, device and method for allowing protected content to be transferred to end user communication devices that support different digital rights management (DRM) formats or schemes than the DRM format of the content provider. The method includes providing a Limited Rights Issuer (LRI) that issues content and associated digital rights to one or more of the end user devices within a domain defined by a Domain Authority with which the LRI has registered. The Limited Rights Issuer also translates content and associated digital rights information from the DRM format of an upstream DRM system to the DRM format of a downstream DRM system, which includes the end user devices within the defined domain. The system allows select end user devices to enjoy interoperability of content protected under different DRM schemes, while allowing content providers to still maintain a suitable level of DRM protection for their content. |
| US08037540B2 |
Method and system for protecting a virtual community visitor from unauthorized social interaction
There is provided a method of protecting a virtual community visitor from unauthorized social interaction comprising receiving a request from the virtual community visitor seeking access to a virtual community content, determining whether the virtual community content includes at least one social interaction opportunity, prompting the virtual community visitor to provide a visitor identity if the virtual community content includes at least one social interaction opportunity, associating the visitor identity with a socialization level, and utilizing the socialization level in one or more permission database to regulate social interaction. In one embodiment, a system for protecting a virtual community visitor from unauthorized social interaction comprises a virtual community content server, and a processor configured to execute instructions included in a social interaction control software to associate a socialization level with the virtual community visitor and utilize the socialization level in one or more permission database. |
| US08037537B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for conditionally securing data stored on a peripheral device coupled to a system, based on a state of the system
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for conditionally securing data stored on a peripheral device coupled to a system, based on a state of the system. In use, a state of a system is identified. In addition, data stored on a peripheral device coupled to the system is conditionally secured, based on the state. |
| US08037533B2 |
Detecting method for network intrusion
A detecting method for network intrusion includes: selecting a plurality of features contained within plural statistical data by a data-transforming module; normalizing a plurality of feature values of the selected features into the same scale to obtain a plurality of normalized feature data; creating at least one feature model by a data clustering technique incorporated with density-based and grid-based algorithms through a model-creating module; evaluating the at least one feature model through a model-identifying module to select a detecting model; and detecting whether a new packet datum belongs to an intrusion instance or not by a detecting module. |
| US08037528B2 |
Enhanced server to client session inspection
In one embodiment, a technique for enhancing the inspection of data sent from a server is provided. By modifying a client request in an effort to prevent the transformation (e.g., encoding and/or compression) of data by the server, unencoded data may be received, which can be inspected without the overhead associated with first decoding the data. Further, in the event the data is encoded despite modifying the client request to prevent such encoding, the server may be untrustworthy and one or more appropriate actions may be taken. |
| US08037527B2 |
Method and apparatus for look-ahead security scanning
A method and apparatus for look-ahead security. Within a document (e.g., a web page, a word processing document, a list of electronic mail messages), a link to other content or another document is selected and the content is identified before a user clicks on the link to open the content. The content is placed into a safe cache that prevents the content from adversely affecting the user's computing device. The content is scanned and/or its behavior is analyzed to detect any security threats or undesirable content (e.g., viruses, worms, scripts, adware, spyware, pornography). Results of the analysis may be collected at a central server. The link or an associated indicator may be configured to indicate whether a threat is present; more information may be provided as desired. A user may be provided with various options to ignore a threat, disable the link, etc. |
| US08037524B1 |
System and method for differentiated cross-licensing for services across heterogeneous systems using transient keys
A system and method for guard point licensing is provided. Licensed software executing on a storage system is modified to include one or more guard points to ensure that appropriate licenses have been obtained by a customer. During initialization of a guard point, a management system obtains a first random number (R1) from the first system and passes R1 and an application specific context command to the second system. The second system returns to the management system a pass phrase and a second random number (R2), which are then forwarded to the first system. The pass phrase is a data structure identifying the system that generated the pass phrase as well as containing the application specific context command. The above steps are then repeated with the first and second systems inverted. |
| US08037522B2 |
Security level establishment under generic bootstrapping architecture
Security level establishment for an application in a terminal equipment under a generic bootstrapping architecture offering a plurality of different bootstrapping mechanisms, the terminal equipment comprising a credential establishment entity and an application entity, comprising a request for a credential for the application from the application entity to the credential establishment entity and a response from the credential establishment entity to the application entity, wherein the response comprises the requested credential and credential quality information. |
| US08037518B2 |
Data processing hash algorithm and policy management
Methods and associated systems for processing data are disclosed. A hashing function sequentially processes a hash key to generate a hash value. A policy management system processes packets according to defined policies. |
| US08037515B2 |
Methods and apparatus for providing application credentials
Methods and apparatus for providing an application credential for an application running on a device. In one embodiment, a method provides an application credential to an application running on a device, wherein the application credential is used by the application to authenticate to a data server. The method comprises receiving a request to generate the application credential, wherein the request includes an application identifier. The method also comprises generating the application credential using the application identifier and a master credential associated with the device. |
| US08037512B2 |
Protection of privacy data
A method is provided for separating people from direct access to personally identifiable information. The method involves use of a rules-based section which selectively blocks access to personally identifiable information where the access fails to comply with specified rules, and which selectively permits access to personally identifiable information where the access abides with the specified rules. |
| US08037510B2 |
Techniques for negotiation of security policies in wireless mesh networks
Techniques to overlay ciphersuite negotiation on top of the mesh link establishment protocol without sacrificing security. Two cryptographic primitives may be utilized: (1) a message integrity code, which is denoted as mK, where K is an authentication key (mK may be utilized to detect forged messages); and (2) a cryptographic random number generator, which will be denoted as rng. The techniques may use rng to produce values that cannot be predicted by any polynomial time algorithm. |
| US08037509B2 |
Signal processing system and method, signal processing apparatus and method, recording medium, and program
According to one aspect of the invention, when an algorithm bay is connected to a signal processing apparatus according to a first connection mode, a selector of the algorithm bay selects and sets a first function provided by a first function provider as the signal processing function of the signal processing apparatus. When the algorithm bay is connected to the signal processing apparatus according to a second connection mode, the selector of the algorithm bay selects and sets a second function provided by a second function provider as the signal processing function of the signal processing apparatus. According to another aspect of the invention, a first information provider of an algorithm bay supplies a signal indicating first information to be used in the signal processing of a signal processor of a signal processing apparatus to the signal processor via a wired interface of the algorithm bay, wired connection, and a wired interface of the signal processing apparatus. A second information provider of the algorithm bay supplies a signal indicating second information of changing the signal processing function of the signal processor to the signal processor via a wireless interface of the algorithm bay, wireless connection, and a wireless interface of the signal processing apparatus. |
| US08037506B2 |
Movie studio-based network distribution system and method
Digital content files containing entertainment media such as movies, TV shows, and the like are distributed from at least one content source primarily responsible for the original creation of the media to subscribers over a network system. The content source is connected over at least one content source network to a plurality of distribution partners, and each distribution partner is connected with a selected group of subscribers over an access network. A requested digital content file is distributed from the content source to a subscriber in a network distribution path comprising at least the content source network, the distribution partner associated with the subscriber, and the second network. A profile information package containing subscriber preferences is transmitted from the subscriber to the content source by way of a proxy over the network distribution path, and the profile information package is stored at the content source. |
| US08037505B2 |
System and method for providing popular TV shows on demand
Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to automatically identify popular television programs based on the viewing of broadcast television programs by at least some of the subscribers of a television distribution system. One or more of the popular television programs identified are stored and offered to one or more of the subscribers on-demand. Subscribers can obtain delivery of at least one of the stored popular television programs for viewing on a subscriber television. |
| US08037504B2 |
Video on demand system with selectable options of configurable random-access control
The present invention provides a method for an interactive media services system to provide media to a user through an interactive media services client device. The client device is coupled to a programmable media services server device. The method includes the step of implementing an interactive media guide. Additionally, the client device is implemented to present the interactive media guide to the user. A system operator is provided an interface to the programmable media services server. Control options are provided within the interface to allow the system operator to configure a plurality of rental options available to the user. Finally the interactive media service system is implemented such that the plurality of rental options can be executed by the user in a requested active media session. |
| US08037501B2 |
Methods for entertainment-programming distribution
Methods for entertainment-programming distribution are provided. A set of entertainment programs is transmitted in real time over a public network for display on user computers in communication with the public network and identified as subscribers to the set of entertainment programs. A notification signal is transmitted with at least one of the entertainment programs to identify that entertainment program as available for download. A request is received from one of the user computers over the public network to download that entertainment program. It is verified that the user computer is authorized to receive downloaded entertainment programs in accordance with a subscriber agreement. The identified entertainment program is then downloaded to the user computer. |
| US08037500B2 |
Portable media device and method for presenting viewing content during travel
A portable media device for use in cooperation with passenger entertainment systems installed in vehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The portable media device is configured to communicate with one or more content sources, which provide viewing content and which may be proximate to, and/or remote from, the portable media device. Preferably being configured to wirelessly communicate with the content sources, the portable media device can select content from any available content source and can download and present the selected content in any conventional manner. The selected content can be streamed to the portable media device for contemporaneous presentation and/or stored by the portable media device for viewing at any time, including after disembarking the vehicle once travel is completed. As desired, the portable media device likewise can be configured to transmit appropriate upload content to the content sources. |
| US08037499B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer products for recording of repeated programs
Systems, methods and computer products for recording of repeated programs. Exemplary embodiments include a recording of a repeated program method, including receiving a recording request for a first program from a communications device, the recording request having a specified recording time, determining that the specified recording time is during a peak time, determining an alternate recording time for the recording request, sending a message to the communications device that there is the alternate recording time to record the first program, delivering the first program to the communications device for the specified recording time in response to receiving a rejection of the alternate recording time and delivering the first program to the communications device for the alternate recording time in response to receiving an acceptance of the alternate recording time. |
| US08037489B2 |
Disk device
A disk device includes: a traverse chassis, one end of which is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position in a first direction; a cam member, formed with a cam groove configured to move in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and having a first end and a second end; a cam follower fitted with the cam groove so as to be movable between the first end and the second end in accordance with the movement of the cam member; a guide member, having a guide face configured to guide the cam follower in the first direction in cooperation with the cam member; and an urging member, configured to urge the cam follower against an inner wall of the cam groove and the guide face when the cam follower is placed in the first end. |
| US08037485B1 |
Abstracting data acquisition and management
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for abstracting data acquisition and management. One or more aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in one or more methods including: providing a cross-platform application program interface for a software application that runs in an application execution environment running on a computing platform; receiving a request, through the cross-platform application program interface, from the software application for access to a real-time sensor device; and in response to the request, identifying which of multiple predetermined sensor devices is currently available, the identified sensor device being configured to provide real-time data, determining an interval based on information associated with the software application, and providing data derived from the identified sensor device to the software application in accordance with the interval. |
| US08037481B2 |
Method and system for accessing externally-defined objects from an array-based mathematical computing environment
A method and apparatus, including a computer program apparatus, which facilitate invoking methods of objects defined within an object-oriented environment from an array-based technical computing environment often used in conventional mathematical tools. When a method is invoked from the computing environment, the techniques automatically compare the array input parameters with data-types accepted by methods defined within the object-oriented environment. Based on this comparison, the invention selects a method that best accepts the input arrays. The invention, therefore, allows a user to easily invoke methods from external objects, such as Java objects, directly from the technical computing environment of the mathematical tool. |
| US08037471B2 |
Systems and methods for constructing relationship specifications from component interactions
Techniques for automatically creating at least one relationship specification are provided. For example, one computer-implemented technique includes observing at least one interaction between two or more components of at least one distributed computing system, consolidating the at least one interaction into at least one interaction pattern, and using the at least one interaction pattern to create at least one relationship specification, wherein the at least one relationship specification is useable for managing the at least one distributed computing system. |
| US08037470B2 |
Manufacturing system software version management
Version management for manufacturing system software involves a two-part data structure, having two identifiers that are separately and automatically modified, depending upon the changes or modifications that are made, respectively, to top-level and lower-level subsets of manufacturing system programs. According to various other aspects of the present invention, methods for managing revisions involve automatically assigning a version designator under preselected conditions, automatically notifying personnel having a need to know of the change, and managing revisions by way of a revision compare function. |
| US08037467B2 |
Single stream processing with multi-version support of application operating environments
A method is provided for developing a software module including support for multiple versions of an operating environment. The method includes determining a first set of references associated with a first version of an application operating environment. A second set of references associate with a second version of the computing environment is determined. A first class loader is associated with the first version of the computing environment. A second class loader is associated with the second version of the computing environment. The method also includes encapsulating the first set of references, the second set of references, the first class loader, and the second class loader in a software module, wherein the second set of references are obscured from the first class loader. |
| US08037465B2 |
Thread-data affinity optimization using compiler
Thread-data affinity optimization can be performed by a compiler during the compiling of a computer program to be executed on a cache coherent non-uniform memory access (cc-NUMA) platform. In one embodiment, the present invention includes receiving a program to be compiled. The received program is then compiled in a first pass and executed. During execution, the compiler collects profiling data using a profiling tool. Then, in a second pass, the compiler performs thread-data affinity optimization on the program using the collected profiling data. |
| US08037463B2 |
Computer program functional partitioning system for heterogeneous multi-processing systems
The present invention provides for a system for computer program functional partitioning for heterogeneous multi-processing systems. At least one system parameter of a computer system comprising one or more disparate processing nodes is identified. Computer program code comprising a program to be run on the computer system is received. A whole program representation is generated based on received computer program code. At least one single-entry-single-exit (SESE) region is identified based on the whole program representation. At least one node-specific SESE region is identified based on identified SESE regions and the at least one system parameter. Each node-specific SESE region is grouped into a node-specific subroutine. Each node-specific subroutine is compiled based on a specified node characteristic. The computer program code is modified based on the node-specific subroutines and the modified computer program code is compiled. |
| US08037457B2 |
Method and system for generating and displaying function call tracker charts
A method for generating and displaying function call tracker charts is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes importing trace data at a database from a provider, tracking a plurality of factors associated with the trace data, and generating a first graph to represent each of the plurality of factors associated with the trace data. |
| US08037454B2 |
Method of generating and utilizing debug history
The present invention is generally directed towards providing a method, system and article of manufacture for generating and utilizing debug history to improve the debugging process. By providing facilities to store and retrieve debug history records for given events, the present invention allows developers to debug code more efficiently by allowing them to leverage information stored in a debug history repository. Further, the added functionality, related to the debug history, is available via modules that work in conjunction with existing debugger applications and is provided to users via a variety of interfaces including graphic interfaces and plug-in components. |
| US08037447B2 |
Identifying semiconductor system specification violations
A method for identifying specification window violations for a system is described. The method includes generating a sample set of input parameters. The system is simulated using the sample set to generate an output set. A mathematical model is best-fit to the output set. A set of desirability functions is defined to an out-of-spec condition. The model is then searched using the desirability functions to identify a worst-case data point. The worst-case data point can then be determined as either being within specification or out of specification. |
| US08037446B2 |
Methods for defining evaluation points for optical proximity correction and optical proximity correction methods including same
Methods are disclosed for defining evaluation points for use in optical proximity correction of a rectangular target geometry. A method for defining evaluation points for use in optical proximity correction of a rectangular target geometry may comprise predicting a contour of an image to be produced in an optical proximity correction simulation of a target geometry. The target geometry may comprise a plurality of line segments, each line segment of the plurality having one evaluation point defined thereon. The method may further comprise shifting at least one evaluation point to an associated point on the predicted contour of the image. |
| US08037443B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for optimizing an altered hardware design utilizing power reports
A system, method and computer program product are provided for optimizing an altered hardware design utilizing power reports. In use, a first hardware design is synthesized. Additionally, a first power report is generated for the synthesized first hardware design. Further, the first hardware design is altered. Further still, the altered hardware design is synthesized. Also, a second power report is generated for the synthesized altered hardware design. Furthermore, the altered hardware design is optimized utilizing the first power report and the second power report. |
| US08037441B2 |
Gridded-router based wiring on a non-gridded library
A computerized method for automatically generating a grid-based derivative of a non-gridded cell library of an integrated circuit design comprises the step of determining at least one valid position of at least one wiring element of a circuit of the first cell library, wherein the at least one valid position fulfills all technological design rules and wherein the at least one valid position fits into the second grid format. The method can also be used for automatically transforming a first cell library of an integrated circuit design having a first grid format into a second cell library having a second grid format or for automatically analyzing a grid-based cell library of an integrated circuit design in view of the circuit quality regarding technical design rules. |
| US08037437B2 |
Optimizing systems-on-a-chip using the dynamic critical path
The Global Dynamic Critical Path is used to optimize the design of a system-on-a-chip (SoC), where hardware modules are in different clock domains. Control signal transitions of the hardware modules are analyzed to identify the Global Dynamic Critical Path. Rules are provided for handling specific situations such as when concurrent input control signals are received by a hardware module. A configuration of the hardware modules is modified in successive iterations to converge at an optimum design, based on a cost function. The cost function can account for processing time as well as other metrics, such as power consumed. For example, during the iterations, hardware modules which are in the Global Dynamic Critical Path can have their clock speed increased and/or additional resources can be added, while hardware modules which are not in the Global Dynamic Critical Path can have their clock speed decreased and/or unnecessary resources can be removed. |
| US08037434B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing parameterizable processors and peripherals
Methods and apparatus are provided for implementing parameterizable processor cores and peripherals on a programmable chip. An input interface such as a wizard allows selection and parameterization of processor cores, peripherals, as well as other modules. The logic description for implementing the modules on a programmable chip can be dynamically generated, allowing extensive parameterization of various modules. Dynamic generation also allows the delivery of device driver logic onto a programmable chip. The logic description can include information for configuring a dynamically generated bus module to allow connectivity between the modules as well as connectivity with other on-chip and off-chip components. The logic description, possibly comprising HDL files, can then be automatically synthesized and provided to tools for downloading the logic description onto a programmable chip. |
| US08037431B2 |
Structure for interleaved voltage controlled oscillator
A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes an interleaved voltage-controlled oscillator, including a ring circuit of main logic inverter gates; a plurality of delay elements connected in parallel with a selected sequence of the main logic inverter gates; wherein each delay element comprises a feedforward section, comprising controls for regulating signal transmission through feedforward elements responsive to one or more control voltages; and a proportional section for regulating signal transmission through at least one logic inverter gate; at least one temperature compensation circuit responsive to a compensating voltage input that is proportional to temperature; an electronic circuit in communication with the temperature compensation circuit and configured to provide a voltage signal responsive to temperature; an amplifier in connection with the electronic circuit to amplify the voltage signal; and a DC offset generator configured to adjust the voltage of the amplified voltage signal. |
| US08037430B2 |
Method for exploring feasibility of an electronic system design
One inventive aspect relates to a method of determining an estimate of system-level yield loss for an electronic system comprising individual components subject to manufacturing process variability leading to manufacturing defects. The method comprises obtaining a description of the composition of the electronic system in terms of which individual components are used. The method further comprises obtaining statistical properties of the performance of individual components of the electronic system with respect to first and second performance variables, e.g. energy consumption and delay, the statistical properties including correlation information of the first and second performance variables. The method further comprises obtaining information about execution of an application on the system, e.g. a number of accesses of a component by an application. The method further comprises propagating the statistical properties of the first and second performance variables of the individual components to the electronic system so that the correlations between the first and second performance variables are preserved, the propagating taking into account the application information. |
| US08037429B2 |
Model-based SRAF insertion
A system for producing mask layout data retrieves target layout data defining a pattern of features, or portion thereof and an optimized mask layout pattern that includes a number of printing and non-printing features. Mask layout data for one or more subresolution assist features (SRAFs) is then defined to approximate one or more non-printing features of the optimized mask layout pattern. |
| US08037428B2 |
Method and system for post-routing lithography-hotspot correction of a layout
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that verifies an integrated circuit (IC) chip layout. During operation, the system receives a layout of an IC chip after the layout has gone through a place-and-route operation. Next, the system performs a lithography compliance checking (LCC) operation on the layout to detect lithography hotspots within the layout, wherein each lithography hotspot is associated with a local routing pattern around the lithography hotspot. Next, for each detected lithography hotspot, the system compares the associated local routing pattern against a hotspot database to determine if the local routing pattern matches an entry in the hotspot database, which stores a set of known hotspot configurations. If so, the system corrects the lithography hotspot using correction guidance information associated with the hotspot configuration stored in the hotspot database. Otherwise, the system corrects the lithography hotspot by performing a local rip-up and reroute on the local routing pattern, iteratively, until achieving convergence or given number of iterations. |
| US08037425B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for controlling presentation and selection of objects that are digital images depicting subjects
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for controlling presentation and selection of objects that are digital images depicting subjects. According to one aspect, a plurality of objects arranged in a plurality of vectors is presented via a presentation device. Each object in a second vector is associated with an object in a first vector. Each of the objects is a digital image depicting a subject. A first object presented in a first vector is selected in response to a first selection event associated with the first object. A second object non-adjacent to the first object is determined based on a predefined relationship associating the first object with the second object. The second object in the second vector adjacent to the first object in the first vector is presented via the presentation device in response to the determination. |
| US08037420B2 |
Maintaining browser navigation relationships and for choosing a browser window for new documents
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing the display of a new document. In response to receiving a user input indicating that the new document is to be displayed, a list of browser windows including an indication of a presently displayed document in each respective browser window in the list of browser windows is displayed; and a document displayed in the browser window is replaced with the new document responsive to a user selection of a browser window from the list of browser windows. |
| US08037417B2 |
Lasso select
A lasso select tool that allows a user to draw a flexible line of selection ink in order to select one or more graphical objects for manipulation. As the user draws this selection line, the lasso select tool continuously redraws and displays a connection line connecting one end of the selection line with the opposite end of the selection line. This connection line thus graphically demonstrates to the user the area that is presently encompassed by the resulting lasso enclosure. Further, the lasso select tool will change the appearance of any object selected with the lasso enclosure. The lasso select tool also selects objects that are only substantially encompassed by the lasso enclosure. For example, the lasso select tool may select ink objects that are only 60% or more encompassed by the lasso enclosure. |
| US08037415B1 |
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for managing a hosts file
A hosts file manager is provided that displays a user interface with a list of selectable server groups. The list may comprise, for example, identifications server groups. Each server group corresponds to an IP address, and the hosts file manager has access to such IP address data. A user selection of a first server group may be made and received via said user interface. A computer's hosts file may then be modified to correlate a hostname with an IP address of the selected server group. |
| US08037412B2 |
Pay-per-play audiovisual system with touch screen interface
An audiovisual reproduction system triggered by payment from a user is developed around a microprocessor device. The system includes memory containing, in compressed digital form, audio and visual information, and a display and digital audio reproduction unit, for creating a multimedia environment. The display includes a video monitor and an interactive user interface which reacts to external events and translates the external events for a multitasking operating system as events activating, via a graphical module of a library of integrated tools and services, a display of windows or frames providing control of physical operating parameters of the audiovisual reproduction system. The external events includes at least a down-event where the user contacts a representation displayed on the touch screen, selecting a parameter to modify, and an up-event where the use breaks contact with the screen, which triggers modification of the selected parameter saving these parameters in the memory. |
| US08037408B2 |
Systems and methods of validating templates
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods of validating templates. One embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method validating a template comprising receiving a target language schema, receiving a placeholder schema, generating a template schema that is based on the target schema and the placeholder schema, and validating the template against the template schema. If the template conforms to the template schema and if the template is instantiated, the instantiated template will conform to the target language schema. |
| US08037404B2 |
Construction and analysis of markup language document representing computing architecture having computing elements
A markup language document representing computing elements of a computing architecture, such as data storage elements of a data storage architecture, is constructed and analyzed. A first computing element contained by a second computing element is represented; a first tag of the document corresponding to the first computing element is nested within a second tag of the markup language document corresponding to the second computing element. A non-containing/contained relationship from the first computing element to a third computing element is also represented; a pointer tag of the document corresponding to the data access path is nested within the first tag, and references a third tag of the document corresponding to the third computing element. Get-pointer-node and get-child-node application programming interfaces for the markup language are called to traverse among containing/contained relationships. Pointer tags are followed to traverse among non-containing/contained relationships. Redundant attributes among the relationships can thus be detected. |
| US08037398B2 |
System for precoding parity bits to meet predetermined modulation constraints
A system includes an encoder that manipulates postcoded data and produces parity bits, and a parity bit encoder that produces encoded parity bits by inserting into the parity bits one or more flags with polarities, or states, that are selected to produce, after precoding, precoded parity bits that meet predetermined modulation constraints. |
| US08037396B2 |
Cyclic trellis coded modulation
A universal method of trellis encoding signals mapped according to any signal constellation format involves constructing an encoder output table and a state transition table. The encoder output table defines the output symbol of an encoder given the input symbol and the present state of the encoder, while the state transition table defines the next state of the encoder given the present state of the encoder and the input applied to the encoder. The output table and the next state table are constructed with the objective of providing maximal distances between the branches of the trellis diagram without any regards for the shift register implementation of the code. Cyclic trellis-coded modulation is an example of such codes without feed-forward or feed-back shift register implementations, and with equal or better performance than “optimal” shift register trellis codes with 16 states or less. The cyclic trellis codes for both AWGN and Rayleigh fading applications can be constructed for any signal constellation without resorting to exhaustive searches. |
| US08037393B2 |
Techniques for generating bit reliability information in the post processor
A detector generates a detected sequence, and a post processor generates probability values that indicate the likelihood of a plurality of error events in the detected sequence. The post processor partitions the values into first and second subsets. The post processor selects a first most likely value from the first subset of the values and a second most likely value from the second subset of the values. The post processor generates a bit reliability based on the first and the second most likely values. |
| US08037390B2 |
Memory system and command handling method
A memory system including a memory controller and a memory and a related method are disclosed. The method includes communicating a command and error detection/correction (EDC) data associated with the command from the memory controller to the memory, decoding the command and executing an EDC operation related to the EDC data in parallel, and if the command is a write command, delaying execution of a write operation indicated by the write command until completion of the EDC operation, else immediately executing an operation indicated by the command without regard to completion of the EDC operation. |
| US08037386B2 |
TAP with select output from one of IR and DR
A TAP linking module (21, 51) permits plural TAPs (TAPs 1-4) to be controlled and accessed from a test bus (13) via a single TAP interface (20). |
| US08037385B2 |
Scan chain circuit and method
A scan chain circuit is disclosed. The scan chain circuit includes a chain of serially coupled clocked circuits. In a first mode of operation, each of the clocked circuits toggles in response to a rising edge of a clock signal. In a second mode of operation, a first set of the clocked circuits in the chain of serially coupled clocked circuits toggle in response to the rising edge of the clock signal and a second set of the clocked circuits in the chain of serially coupled clocked circuits toggle in response to a falling edge of the clock signal. |
| US08037384B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a test target circuit; scan chains that enable scanning of the test target circuit; a first random number generation circuit that forms test patterns supplied to the scan chains; a second random number generation circuit that is provided separately from the first random number generation circuit; and a random number control circuit that uses the random numbers generated by the second random number generation circuit to change the random numbers generated by the first random number generation circuit. In a test of the semiconductor device, since a period of a clock of a scan chain does not need to be longer than that of a clock of a pattern generator, the number of clocks of the pattern generator needed for a test can be prevented from increasing. Accordingly, a test time can be prevented from increasing. |
| US08037378B2 |
Automatic test entry termination in a memory device
A memory device has a control register comprising a test mode disable bit. The test mode is initially enabled. If the device does not receive an appropriate key or command as the next command received, the test mode is disabled. If the appropriate key is received, the test mode is continued to be enabled until it is expressly disabled by the user. |
| US08037375B2 |
Fast data eye retraining for a memory
A method, device, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment method includes determining a left edge and right edge of a valid data eye for a memory. The method continues by periodically checking the left and right edges for movement during operation of the memory. If movement is detected, the method retrains the valid data eye with an updated left edge and right edge. |
| US08037371B1 |
Apparatus and method for testing high-speed serial transmitters and other devices
A testing device for testing a high-speed serial transmitter or other device includes an input stage having a first comparator, a second comparator, and a digital-to-analog converter. The first comparator compares first differential signals from a device under test. The second comparator compares the first differential signals and second differential signals from the digital-to-analog converter. An analysis unit identifies first beats based on an output of the first comparator and second beats based on an output of the second comparator. The analysis unit identifies one or more characteristics of the device under test (such as jitter, differential signal swing, and transition time) based on the first and second beats. A clock unit provides an adjustable clock signal to the comparators. The clock signal may have a frequency shift with respect to a frequency of the device under test. |
| US08037370B2 |
Data transmission apparatus with information skew and redundant control information and method
Apparatus and methods provide at least redundant control information such as control symbols and control data over respective channels, such as differential lanes, and skew at least the redundant control information in time between the plurality of transmission circuits. Non-control information such as video and/or audio data may also be skewed. Corresponding receiver circuits and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08037367B1 |
Method and system for providing high availability to computer applications
A system and method for distributed fault detection. In an exemplary method, unplanned application exits and crashes may be detected at a node local level. Further, application hangs may be detected using at least one of a script and a binary at the node local level. Also, node crashes and operating system crashes may be detected using node to node heart-beating. |
| US08037366B2 |
Issuing instructions in-order in an out-of-order processor using false dependencies
A mechanism is provided for issuing instructions. An instruction dispatch unit receives an instruction for dispatch to one of a plurality of execution units. The instruction dispatch unit analyzes a tag register to determine whether a previous tag associated with a previous instruction has been stored in the tag register. Responsive to the previous tag associated with the previous instruction failing to be stored in the tag register, the instruction dispatch unit storing a tag corresponding to the instruction in the tag register. The instruction dispatch unit dispatches the instruction to an issue queue for issue to the one of the plurality of execution units. |
| US08037364B2 |
Forced management module failover by BMC impeachment consensus
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for managing failover of Management Modules (MMs) in a blade chassis are presented. Each server blade in the blade chassis evaluates a performance of a primary MM. If a threshold number of server blades determine that the primary MM is not meeting pre-determined minimum performance standards, then a secondary MM impeaches the primary MM and takes over the management of the server blades. |
| US08037363B2 |
Generation of trace elements within a data processing apparatus
A data processing apparatus and method for generating trace elements is provided. The data processing apparatus comprises a device for performing a sequence of operations including memory operations on data values having associated data addresses. For at least some of the memory operations the data address is determined relative to an architectural state value of an item of architectural state of the device. Trace logic is provided for receiving indications of the sequence of operations being performed by the device, and for generating from the indications a stream of trace elements. When for a memory operation the data address is determined to have been determined relative to an architectural state value of the item of the architectural state, the trace logic is operable dependent on that item of architectural state to omit at least one of a data address indication and a data value indication from the stream of trace elements generated in respect of that memory operation. A trace analysing apparatus can then be provided to reconstruct such omitted information based on a tracked architectural state value of the relevant item of architectural state. |
| US08037361B2 |
Selective write protect for disaster recovery testing
Various method, system, and computer program product embodiments for implementing selective write-protect by a processor in a data storage system within a plurality of redundant storage systems for disaster recovery testing are provided. In one such embodiment, a write-protect state is initiated within at least one of the plurality of redundant storage systems. An available plurality of categories, including at least one write-protect exclusion category, is configured within a management interface of the data storage system, such that during the disaster recovery testing a storage volume categorized in the write-protect exclusion category is excluded from write protection. |
| US08037357B2 |
System and method for generating test job control language files
A software testing system for generating a test job control language (JCL) file is provided. The system includes a processor, a memory device for storing a source JCL file containing jobs and an instruction file containing instructions for modifying the source JCL file according to a test environment. A JCL generation module executed by the processor determines all procedures that are referenced by the jobs in the source JCL file, opens each unique procedure of the determined procedures once and modifies the jobs in the source JCL file based on the instruction file and the opened procedures to generate the test JCL file. By opening each procedure only once which may be called multiple times in the jobs, the JCL generation module substantially increases the speed of generating the test JCL file. |
| US08037353B2 |
Method for operating a system
A method for operating a system, as well as a computer program and a computer program product for executing the method. In the method for operating a system, which includes a plurality of control units, in the event that a special state exists for one of the control units, at least one of the other control units is informed about it. |
| US08037347B2 |
Method and system for backing up and restoring online system information
A method and system for copying operating system information to said at least two storage devices, selectively hiding at least one, but not all, of the storage devices from being accessed by the operating system, and selectively revealing one or more of said hidden storage devices as needed to permit access to the information stored therein. |
| US08037346B2 |
Avoiding a part of tape where error occurs by computing a number of records and a number of boundary marks included in an error data unit
A system for processing a data read error from a tape medium in one embodiment includes a reading section for reading data in data units from a tape medium; a reading control section for controlling said reading section to read data, and on condition that if an error occurs in reading one of said data units, the data unit where the error occurs is considered an error data unit and the reading control section issues an instruction to skip the error data unit and read the next readable data unit immediately after the error data unit; a computation section for computing a number of records and a number of boundary marks included in the error data unit where said error occurs from information about the records and boundary marks included in the data unit preceding the error data unit that is read immediately before said error occurs, and information about the records and boundary marks included in the data unit next to said error data unit, the boundary marks indicating the boundary of a record block; and a communication section for outputting the number information about said computed number of records and said computed number of boundary marks. |
| US08037338B2 |
Data interface method and apparatus
A data interface method includes differentially amplifying differential data signals based on a mode control signal indicating a first mode, transmitting the amplified differential data signals to a receiving semiconductor device via first and second transmission lines, and driving one of the differential data signals and a strobe signal to the first and second transmission lines, respectively, based on the mode control signal indicating a second mode, for transmitting the one of the differential data signals and the strobe signal to the receiving semiconductor device. The receiving semiconductor device samples the received differential data signals according to differential signaling, in response to a controlled sampling clock signal based on the mode control signal indicating a first mode; and samples the one of the differential data signals in response to a strobe signal, received from the transmitting semiconductor device, based on the mode control signal indicating a second mode. |
| US08037331B2 |
Energy efficient method to wake host system for charging battery powered portable devices via bus powered external i/o ports
Optimized bus powered peripheral battery charging includes a circuit to initiate a change in an advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) state in a controller allowing charging of a peripheral device battery, the circuit including a signal converter coupled between an input port and the controller to sense when a the peripheral device battery is coupled to an input port and to restrict the controller from changing ACPI state multiple times for a given peripheral device battery coupling; and a ground loop detector coupled in parallel to the signal converter between the input port and the controller to allow the controller to know that the peripheral device battery has maintained being coupled to the input port. |
| US08037325B1 |
System and method for determining power consumption
A system and method is provided to measure the power consumption of circuits whereby, in one aspect, a processor's temperature is maintained so that its power consumption is measured at the point the processor throttles. |
| US08037324B2 |
Power over ethernet connector with integrated power source equipment (PSE) controller supporting high power applications
In a Power over Ethernet (POE) system, a power source equipment (PSE) device configured to deliver power to one or more powered devices (PDs) over a plurality of Ethernet transmission lines. The PSE interface includes a multi-port transmission line connector capable connecting to multiple Ethernet transmission lines, and a power source equipment (PSE) controller module integrated with the multi-port transmission line connector. The PSE controller module is capable of high power operation beyond that specifically by IEEE standard 802.3af™ for powered devices. More specifically, the PSE controller is configured to deliver over 15.4 Watts, and up to 36 Watts of power, to meet the needs of high powered devices such as IP Phones, and access points. Further, the PSE controllers can utilize, currently unused, class 4 of IEEE standard 802.3af™ to identify, initiate, and classify the high power operation. Or it could use multiple event physical layer classification and Data Link Layer Classification for this high power PD detection as described in the latest draft from ‘at’ task force from IEEE. |
| US08037323B2 |
System and method for using an ethernet physical layer device to identify cabling topologies
A system and method for using an Ethernet physical layer device to identify cabling topologies. A power sourcing equipment (PSE) can power independent powered devices (PDs) using two sets of wire pairs in a single four-pair cable. Higher power PSEs can power a single PD using all four wire pairs in the cable. Conventional power over Ethernet (PoE) analog techniques (i.e., voltage, current, etc.) have a difficult time distinguishing where the wire pairs are going from the PSE. By using information (e.g., negotiated speed, link energy, distance diagnostic, etc.) generated by the physical layer device (PHY) subsystem, the PoE system can determine whether the two sets of wire pairs in a cable are powering a single PD or two independent PDs. |
| US08037318B2 |
System and methods for dependent trust in a computer system
A method for dependent trust in a computer system is provided. In this method, trust dependency relationships are defined among components of the computer system, specifying, for a component, which components it relies on in ensuring the integrity or confidentiality of its code or data. Subsequently, trust dependencies are resolved and the results are used in performing certain operations described in Trusted Computing Group standards including generating an attestation reply, sealing data, and unsealing data. In addition, methods for computing an integrity measurement for a Core Root of Trust for Measurement of a trust-dependent component are included. A system for dependent trust in a computer system is also described. |
| US08037314B2 |
Replacing blinded authentication authority
A manufacturing entity provides a blinded signature to a secure device and associates a time with the blinded signature. If a signing key is compromised, the manufacturing entity provides a time of the compromise and the time associated with the blinded signature to the replacement authority. |
| US08037311B2 |
Digital watermark systems and methods
A digital watermark is added to audio or visual content. An illustrative embodiment segments the content, permutes the segments, and transforms such data into another domain. The transformed data is altered slightly to encode a watermark. The altered data can then be inverse-transformed, and inverse-permuted, to return same to substantially its original form. Related watermark decoding methods are also detailed, as are ancillary features and techniques. |
| US08037310B2 |
Document authentication combining digital signature verification and visual comparison
A document authentication system and method combine digital and non-electronic (or visual) authentication methodologies in an integrated, unified manner. As well as providing indicia of digital authentication, the invention generates a physical artifact that can be validated by unaided human visual perception. The present invention thus provides an opportunity to improve the level of trust in authentication of documents, while preserving the advantages of both traditional and digital authentication mechanisms. |
| US08037299B2 |
Domain-less service selection
A method and apparatus for providing domainless service selection (DLSS) are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a service selection network element used to provide access of computing devices to a set of one or more services provided by a set of one or more providers. In addition, a web portal allows subscribers to log in and/or select/switch between the services and providers. Responsive to such action by a given subscriber, the web portal causes a record of that subscriber to be altered to reflect the action and causes the service selection network element to attempt to connect the subscriber accordingly. According to certain embodiments of the invention, subscribers' domainless user identifiers are merged by the service selection network element with domain names (stored in a database) of services/providers to form network addresses (e.g., Internet addresses). |
| US08037292B2 |
Method for accelerating BIOS running
The present invention provides a method for accelerating the BIOS running by means of Cache-As-RAM, comprising steps of: a CPU reading a first instruction from a BIOS Flash ROM and beginning to run BIOS programs after a computer is powered on; the CPU turning on a No-Eviction Mode (NEM) of a cache and initializing a Cache-As-RAM (CAR); the CPU copying the BIOS programs to the CAR space from the BIOS Flash ROM and running the BIOS programs completely in the CAR space; at the end of running the BIOS programs in the CAR space, the CPU initializing a system memory; after the system memory is initialized, the CPU again reading the BIOS programs from the Flash ROM; the CPU copying the BIOS program modules that have not been run yet to the system memory from the BIOS Flash ROM; and the CPU running the BIOS programs from the system memory, so as to finish the initialization of the computer platform. |
| US08037285B1 |
Trace unit
An instruction processing circuit includes a decoder circuit operable to receive a sequence of instructions and to decode the received sequence of instructions into a first type of sequence of operations, and a trace builder circuit operable to receive at least a portion of the sequence of operations of the first type and to generate, based thereon, a second type of sequence of operations, where the at least a portion of the sequence of operations of the first type represents a first portion of the sequence of instructions, where the first portion of the sequence of instructions includes at most one conditional control transfer instruction that, when present, ends the first portion of the sequence of instructions, and where the sequence of operations of the second type also represents the first portion of the sequence of instructions. |
| US08037283B2 |
Multi-core stream processor having (N) processing units and (N+1) fetching units
In a multi-core stream processing system and scheduling method of the same, a scheduler is coupled to a number (N) of stream processing units and a number (N+1) of stream fetching units, where N≧2. When the scheduler receives a stream element from a Pth stream fetching unit, the scheduler assigns a Pth stream processing unit as a target stream processing unit when the Pth stream processing unit does not encounter a bottleneck condition, assigns a Qth stream processing unit, which does not encounter the bottleneck condition, as the target stream processing unit when the Pth stream processing unit encounters the bottleneck condition, where 1≦P≦N, 1≦Q≦N, and P≠Q, and dispatches the received stream element to the target stream processing unit such that the target stream processing unit processes the stream element dispatched from the scheduler. |
| US08037274B2 |
Apparatus for supporting creation of access path from host to logical volume
A path creation support apparatus acquires either a portion of the parameters required for path creation or parameter decision information for deciding this portion of the parameters from a storage system or a host. The path creation support apparatus decides the portion of the parameters based on the parameter decision information. Upon receiving an access path creation start request, the path creation support apparatus sends an access path creation indication to the host and the storage system which specifies the parameters together with the access path creation start request, and either the parameters acquired beforehand or the acquired parameters decided based on the parameter decision information. |
| US08037272B2 |
Structure for memory chip for high capacity memory subsystem supporting multiple speed bus
A design structure is provided for a memory module containing an interface for receiving memory access commands from an external source, in which a first portion of the interface receives memory access data at a first bus frequency and a second portion of the interface receives memory access data at a second different bus frequency. Preferably, the memory module contains a second interface for re-transmitting memory access data, also operating at dual frequency. The memory module is preferably used in a high-capacity memory subsystem organized in a tree configuration in which data accesses are interleaved. Preferably, the memory module has multiple-mode operation, one of which supports dual-speed buses for receiving and re-transmitting different parts of data access commands, and another of which supports conventional daisy-chaining. |
| US08037270B2 |
Structure for memory chip for high capacity memory subsystem supporting replication of command data
A design structure is provided for a memory module containing a first interface for receiving data access commands and a second interface for re-transmitting data access commands to other memory modules, the second interface propagating multiple copies of received data access commands to multiple other memory modules. The memory module is preferably used in a high-capacity memory subsystem organized in a tree configuration in which data accesses are interleaved. Preferably, the memory module has multiple-mode operation, one of which supports multiple replication of commands and another of which supports conventional daisy-chaining. |
| US08037269B2 |
Portable auxiliary storage device
Versatility of a memory card is improved by providing a memory card where data protection mode and normal mode can be selected at discretion. A portable auxiliary storage device includes a mode setting section, a mode detecting section and a memory access control section. The mode setting section allows a user to set a normal mode permitting reading data stored in a memory section or writing the data to the memory section without restriction and a data protection mode for restricting the reading or writing. The mode detecting section detects a mode set in the mode setting section. The memory access control section controls the read or write according to a state of the mode setting section detected by the mode detecting section. |
| US08037264B2 |
Distributed snapshot process
Systems and methods for providing an efficient partitioned resource server are disclosed. The partitioned resource server includes a plurality of individual servers, and the individual servers support a storage service. The systems and methods provide archiving processes for partitioned resources. To this end, the systems and process include a snapshot process operating on a server and capable of coordinating with other snapshot processes operating on the other servers for generating state information representative of the state of the partitioned resources. |
| US08037259B2 |
System and method for managing addresses in a computing system
A method for retrieving and managing addresses is provided. The steps may include of receiving, at a first buffer of m buffers, a request for an address; obtaining the address from a corresponding first register of the m registers; sending the address, received by said obtaining, to a destination; storing the address, received by the obtaining, in the first buffer; and clearing the contents of a second buffer of the m buffers, in response to any of said receiving, obtaining or storing, without clearing the contents of said first buffer, wherein m is a positive integer. |
| US08037238B2 |
Multiple mode content-addressable memory
According to embodiments of the invention a multi-mode memory device is provided. The memory device includes at least one content-addressable memory (CAM). The memory device further includes a first match-in bus for receiving input into a first CAM of the at least one CAM, wherein the status of the match-in bus determines a operating mode of a plurality of operating modes of the first CAM, and a match-out bus for enabling the first CAM to be coupled to another CAM module and comprises match lines of a memory portion of the first CAM, wherein if the match-in bus is disabled, first CAM is in a first mode, and if the match-in bus is enabled, the first CAM is in a second mode. |
| US08037235B2 |
Device and method for transferring data to a non-volatile memory device
A semiconductor device for transferring input data to a non-volatile memory device. The semiconductor device comprises a virtual page buffer including a plurality of data elements; a mask buffer including a corresponding plurality of data elements; control logic circuitry for (i) setting each of the mask buffer data elements to a first logic state upon receipt of a trigger; (ii) causing input data to be written to selected virtual page buffer data elements; and (iii) causing those mask buffer data elements corresponding to the selected virtual page buffer data elements to be set to a different logic state; mask logic circuitry configured to generate masked output data by combining, for each of the virtual page buffer data elements, data read therefrom together with the logic state of the corresponding mask buffer data element; and an output interface configured to release the masked output data towards the non-volatile memory device. |
| US08037233B2 |
System, controller, and method for data storage
A system, a controller, and a method for data storage are provided. The system includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a controller. The first storage unit comprises a single-layer structure for storing data, and the second storage unit comprises a multi-layer structure for storing data. The controller is coupled to the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and a host and controls the host to set the first storage unit as a master storage device and set the second storage unit as a slave storage device. As a result, the host can recognize the first storage unit and the second storage unit as two independent storage devices for storing data. Thereby, the data storage process can be simplified. |
| US08037232B2 |
Data protection method for power failure and controller using the same
A data protection method suitable for a plurality of physical blocks mapped to a logical block in a non-volatile memory is provided. The data protection method includes recording data update information in each of the physical blocks for identifying an update relationship of the physical blocks and re-establishing the update relationship of the physical blocks according to the data update information. The data update information is composed of a plurality of words having a circular relationship, and the number of these words is greater than the number of the physical blocks. The data update information is sequentially recorded in each of the physical blocks according to the update relationship and the circular relationship. |
| US08037226B2 |
Time and event based message transmission
A system, apparatus and method for making possible more efficient utilization of available band-width on the system's bus connection between, from and/or to modules incorporated in the system and/or reduction of accuracy requirements for clock functions utilized in the system. The system comprises at least one of a plurality of modules that further comprise at least one actual clock. The at least one module further comprises a scheduler coupled to the at least one clock, wherein the scheduler is configured to receive a virtual schedule comprising a time slot for sending a message to the communication bus. The scheduler is further configured to determine an actual time for sending a message in relation to the virtual schedule and according to time kept in the at least one actual clock. The module is configured to send a message according to the actual time, wherein the module starts transmission of the message according to the actual time. By sending the module at the actual time, the message begins within an adjacent time slot on the communication bus. |
| US08037225B2 |
Communication system with host and device role switching features
In a communication system, one of a plurality of communication apparatuses that acts as a host controls data transmission and the other communication apparatuses that act as devices perform data transmission under control of the host over a predetermined communication interface. The communication apparatuses have both host and device roles, and are configured to exchange the host and device roles by using a predetermined communication protocol are connected to the predetermined communication interface. A first apparatus acts as a host and a second apparatus as a device. The second apparatus transmits information concerning the second apparatus to the first apparatus. The first apparatus compares the transmitted information with information concerning the first apparatus to determine whether or not to switch the host and device roles according to a predetermined criterion. In response to an affirmative determination, the host and device roles are switched by using the predetermined communication protocol. |
| US08037222B2 |
Method for the data exchange between network devices
Two or more electronic devices are connected via a bus system building a cluster or chain of devices. A device can be selected using a control device, wherein an user interface for the selected device is generated based on description data which are stored in the selected device and are transferred to the control device. A single user interface is shown on a display of the control device which allows to operate at least two devices simultaneously. The user interface of a first device is displayed as main user interface and the user interface of a second device is rendered within the main interface as reduced user interface which includes only operation elements necessary for operation of the second device in combination with the first device. |
| US08037220B2 |
Techniques for providing audio for synchronized playback by multiple devices
An audio system communicates with an aggregate device that includes multiple audio devices. When providing audio data for playback, the system compensates for presentation latency differences between the various audio devices. In addition, the system adjusts for device clock drift by selecting a master device and resampling the audio data provided to the other devices based on the difference between the device clock of the master device and the device clocks of the other devices. |
| US08037218B2 |
Communication apparatus and method
A method of communication in a communication apparatus includes steps of suppressing communication with a first communication device, which has been connected to a first communication interface, in accordance with data from the first communication device; establishing communication with a second communication device by a second communication interface; removing suppression of communication with the first communication device after communication with the second communication device has been established; and communicating data between the first and second communication devices via the first communication and second communication interfaces. |
| US08037215B2 |
Performance evaluation of algorithmic tasks and dynamic parameterization on multi-core processing systems
Apparatus for evaluating the performance of DMA-based algorithmic tasks on a target multi-core processing system includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor is operative: to input a template for a specified task, the template including DMA-related parameters specifying DMA operations and computational operations to be performed; to evaluate performance for the specified task by running a benchmark on the target multi-core processing system, the benchmark being operative to generate data access patterns using DMA operations and invoking prescribed computation routines as specified by the input template; and to provide results of the benchmark indicative of a measure of performance of the specified task corresponding to the target multi-core processing system. |
| US08037214B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling direct memory access
Provided are a method and apparatus for controlling direct memory access. In the method, data to be transmitted are read and stored in response to a direct memory access controller (DMAC) operation request, and a portion of the data corresponding to an initial burst size is first transmitted to a data destination. After resetting a burst size according to a state of the data destination, another portion of the data corresponding to the reset burst size is second-transmitted to the data destination. If all the data are not transmitted through the first-transmission and the second-transmission, the second-transmission is repeated until all the data are transmitted. If all the data are transmitted through the first-transmission and the second-transmission, an interrupt signal is generated. Therefore, interrupt signals can be less generated, and thus the processor can access an external memory less frequently, thereby increasing system performance. |
| US08037213B2 |
Replenishing data descriptors in a DMA injection FIFO buffer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for replenishing data descriptors in a Direct Memory Access (‘DMA’) injection first-in-first-out (‘FIFO’) buffer that include: determining, by a messaging module on an origin compute node, whether a number of data descriptors in a DMA injection FIFO buffer exceeds a predetermined threshold, each data descriptor specifying an application message for transmission to a target compute node; queuing, by the messaging module, a plurality of new data descriptors in a pending descriptor queue if the number of the data descriptors in the DMA injection FIFO buffer exceeds the predetermined threshold; establishing, by the messaging module, interrupt criteria that specify when to replenish the injection FIFO buffer with the plurality of new data descriptors in the pending descriptor queue; and injecting, by the messaging module, the plurality of new data descriptors into the injection FIFO buffer in dependence upon the interrupt criteria. |
| US08037211B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling enhanced USB interaction
Systems and methods for configuring a universal serial bus (USB) including for connection by a peripheral device by detecting an attach event at a USB port on the peripheral device; receiving, at the USB port, a first request for device identification; sending, at the USB port, a first identification data; receiving, at the USB port, a query related to the first identification data, the query indicating software associated with the vendor identifier is supported by the sender of the query; simulating a detach and then an attach at the USB port; receiving, at the USB port, a second request for device identification; and sending, at the USB port, a second identification data that includes an indication that the peripheral device supports at least one function from a plurality of functions that are different from the functionality defined by a generic device class code. |
| US08037210B2 |
Computer and method for directly accessing computer hardware by virtual system
A computer and method for directly accessing computer hardware by a virtual system are provided. The computer comprises a hardware platform having a first-type device, a second-type device and a third-type device provided thereon; a virtual machine managing module; a first operating module; a second operating module; wherein the virtual machine managing module comprises a first-type device configuration module for directly configuring the first type device to be used by the main operating system; a second-type device configuration module for directly configuring the second-type device to be used by the guest operating system; and a third-type device configuration module for virtualizing the third-type device on the hardware platform to generate a virtualized third-type device and configuring the virtualized third-type device to be used by the main operating system and the guest operating system, respectively. The present invention considers the distribution and use of the devices as a whole in combination with the use of BIOS in the main board. Therefore, the incompatibility problem between hardware and software of the virtual system can be solved. |
| US08037204B2 |
Method and system for IP train inauguration
A method and system for train inauguration over an internet protocol (IP) based communication network. The present invention describes a method of train inauguration that includes identifying a leading car of a plurality of cars that form a train. The train includes at least one unit of cars such that a first unit includes the leading car. Network and configuration information is discovered for cars in the train using a discovery protocol. The network and configuration information is broadcast to units in the train. Car and unit topology of the train is generated based on the network and configuration information and the leading car that is identified. NAT translation addresses are generated for fixed IP addresses of devices in the plurality of cars. Routing information is exchanged between routers to enable communication between devices in the train using the NAT translation addresses. |
| US08037203B2 |
User defined preferred DNS reference
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for user defined preferred DNS routing that include mapping for a user in a data communications application a domain name of a network host to a network address for a preferred DNS server, wherein the preferred DNS server has a network address for the domain name; receiving from the user a request for access to a resource accessible through the network host; and routing to the preferred DNS server a DNS request for the network address of the network host, the DNS request including the domain name of the network host. In typical embodiments, mapping a domain name to a network address for a preferred DNS server is carried out by storing, through the data communication application, the domain name in association with the network address for a preferred DNS server in a data structure in computer memory. |
| US08037202B2 |
Presence detection using mobile agents in peer-to-peer networks
Embodiments of a system and method for using mobile agents in peer-to-peer networks to gather presence information for determining active peers in groups of peers. In one embodiment, a mobile agent may be launched by an initiating peer in a peer group to attempt to visit each member peer in a peer group. The itinerary of the mobile agent may include information for accessing each member peer of the peer group. The mobile agent may return to its initiating peer with a payload indicating which of the member peers it was successful in contacting and visiting. When the mobile agent returns to the originating peer, the originating peer may update presence information indicating presence of member peer nodes in the group in accordance with the indications provided by the mobile agent. |
| US08037199B2 |
Localization of resources used by applications in hand-held electronic devices and methods thereof
A system and method are provided for localizing applications that are used with hand-held electronic devices. |
| US08037193B2 |
Virtual token
A virtual token represents an item, and includes embedded data defining rules and/or capabilities which apply to the use of the item. A virtual token may include graphical image data which is used to generate a display on a computer, whereby selection of the display allows the item represented by the virtual token to be used. A virtual token may contain instructions for sending access requests to a location on a communications network. A system for handling virtual tokens includes a clearing and routing house for routing token access requests, authenticating and generating tokens, and maintaining container structures for tokens. The system also includes connectors installed in a communications network for creating, controlling and managing items represented by tokens, and device clients for executing token components that issue access requests to the clearing and routing house. |
| US08037185B2 |
Dynamic application placement with allocation restrictions, vertical stacking and even load distribution
A solution to a variant of a class constrained multiple knapsack problem. Previous solutions require that memory demand of every application be identical and do not consider minimizing placement changes. Previous techniques do not consider optimizing placement to improve load balancing as is described subsequently. Thus, the present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus, encapsulated in software, to provide the dynamic placement of application instances on a heterogeneous cluster of server machines. It depends on the existence of a visible and controllable platform, systems management and other business services that signal events and accept commands. It provides dynamically placing applications on servers such as to maximize a total amount of satisfied application demands, minimize a number of placement changes from a current placement, and minimize imbalance of load distribution of said applications on said at least one server. |
| US08037179B2 |
Device control system employing extensible markup language for defining information resources
A device control system including at least one device operable by the system, at least one processor, software executing on the at least one processor for receiving message data and determining a corresponding XML document type, software executing on the at least one processor for generating a XML document based on the XML document type, the XML document including the message data, software executing on the processor for packetizing the XML document, and two or more communication components, each communication component including an XML parser for parsing the XML document and extracting the message data. |
| US08037176B2 |
Method for monitoring and providing information over a peer to peer network
A pseudonode for deployment on a peer to peer network. The pseudonode is programmed for monitoring the peer to peer network to receive search requests therefrom, optionally comparing each said received search with said list of data objects, and to respond to such requests. The response may include advertising; the advertising may be selected in response to the request. The invention also provides a method for monitoring search requests for selected objects by nodes on a peer to peer network. The method further includes interposing the pseudonodes on the network in which it is configured to provide at least one IP address and optionally at least one client ID. The pseudonode has at least one stored object corresponding to a request object stored at said pseudonode; and monitors the network to detect requests matching at least one of the stored objects and acquires a unique ID generated by any network node requesting the object matching that stored object on the pseudonode, and responding to substantially each node representing an acquired ID. |
| US08037174B2 |
Signaling server, data communication system, signaling processing proxy method and program
To provide a data communication system which lightens processing related to changes in the status in signaling processing performed between terminals. A signaling server communicating mutually with a plurality of terminals includes: a transmitting/receiving part for transmitting/receiving a message; a status management part for updating a registered terminal list and status management information; and a signaling processing part for judging a destination and a type of the message received at the transmitting/receiving part. The signaling processing part gives an instruction to the status management part to update the status management information in accordance with contents of the message without transferring the message to a first terminal, when the first terminal requires the signaling processing support and the message is not directly related to starting or stopping of communication with the first terminal. |
| US08037173B2 |
Message monitor, analyzer, recorder and viewer in a publisher-subscriber environment
A method of performing a sequence-of-events analysis in a power monitoring system includes the acts of monitoring, receiving, analyzing, and storing. The act of monitoring includes monitoring messages published by multiple power monitors over a peer-to-peer communications network. The messages include electrical power monitoring parameters. The act of receiving includes receiving the published messages in a subscriber intelligent electronic device in the power monitoring system. The act of analyzing includes analyzing at least a portion of the received messages, performing statistical analysis and/or continuously scanning for an event of interest. The act of storing includes storing at least one record including at least one of statistical data or event of interest data. |
| US08037171B2 |
System and program for selecting one of multiple paths to communicate with a device
Provided are a system, program, and data structure for selecting one of multiple data paths to a device. A selection is made of one of multiple paths indicated as enabled to transmit data. A path is indicated as enabled or disabled. Transfer time data is gathered for each enabled path capable of being selected. Paths having transfer time data satisfying a threshold are indicated as disabled. Paths indicated as disabled are not capable of being selected to use to transmit data. |
| US08037169B2 |
Determining affinity in a cluster
A lock manager system is provided that includes multiple distinct mechanisms for assigning resources to masters. Specifically, the lock manager system includes (1) one or more assignment mechanisms that do not take into account the affinity between nodes and objects (“affinity-independent assignment mechanisms”), and (3) one or more assignment mechanisms that do take into account the affinity between nodes and objects (“affinity-based assignment mechanisms”). At any given time, the assignment of any given resource to a master is governed by only one of the multiple assignment mechanisms employed by the system. Various techniques are described for determining which assignment mechanism to use with which resources. |
| US08037156B2 |
Host discovery in multi-blade server chassis
A method for discovering hosts on a multi-blade server chassis is provided. A switch, operational in the multi-blade server, is queried for first world-wide name (WWN) information of the hosts. The first WWN information is known to the switch. The first WWN information is saved on a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) subsystem of the multi-blade server chassis. A system location for each of the hosts is mapped to the RAID subsystem. |
| US08037154B2 |
Asynchronous dual-queue interface for use in network acceleration architecture
A method for receiving data in a network acceleration architecture for use with TCP (transport control protocol), iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) and RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) over TCP, including providing a hardware acceleration engine, called a streamer, adapted for communication with and processing data from a consumer application in a system that supports TCP, iSCSI and RDMA over TCP, providing a software protocol processor adapted for carrying out TCP implementation, the software control processor being called a TCE (TCP Control Engine), and providing an asynchronous dual-queue interface for exchanging information between the streamer and TCE, wherein the streamer and TCE are adapted to operate asynchronously and independently of one another. |
| US08037149B2 |
System and method for processing messages being composed by a user
A system and method for processing messages being composed by a user of a computing device (e.g. a mobile device). Embodiments are described in which the performance of certain tasks is initiated before a direction is received from a user to send a message being composed by the user. This may involve, for example, “pre-fetching” security-related data that will be required in order to send a message that is in the process of being composed by the user securely. Such data may include security policy data, certificate data, and/or certificate status data, for example. |
| US08037146B2 |
Email annotation
A method of creating an annotation to an email. The method includes: receiving an email; receiving a predefined user input; creating an annotation in response to the predefined user input, the annotation linked to the email; receiving a further user input; and defining a permission for the annotation according to the further user input, the permission defining user access to the annotation. When transmitting a second email as a response to the received email, the second email is linked to the annotation. The method further includes displaying at least a part of the annotation linked to the received email, for example when a user hovers over the email. The structure of the annotations allows the associating of the annotation with one or more further annotations. |
| US08037145B2 |
System and method for detecting email content containment
Systems and methods for detecting email content containment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a first set of hash values corresponding to a first email document, wherein the first set includes a respective hash value corresponding to each of a plurality of character sequences of the first email document. The method further comprises generating a second set of hash values corresponding to a second email document, wherein the second set include a respective hash value corresponding to each of a plurality of character sequences of the second email document, and determining whether the first set of hash values is a subset of the second set of hash values. |
| US08037144B2 |
Electronic message source reputation information system
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. |
| US08037142B2 |
User interface for a handheld device
A user interface and method for composing a message to be sent over a wireless network environment using a handheld device is disclosed. According to the method, upon receipt of a user request to compose a message, a screen is displayed with a recipient field for a recipient address, an associated label to indicate that the recipient field is for a recipient address, and a message body field for holding message content. The method further includes, upon each keystroke entry of text to the recipient field, looking up entries from an address book which match the text, and displaying a selection menu representing addresses from at least a portion of the entries. |
| US08037141B2 |
Instant messaging (IM) internet chat capability from displayed email messages
Systems and methods for integrating instant messaging (IM) services and email services are described. In one embodiment an email window is configured to display an email message, the email message including a plurality of intended recipients, wherein the email window is also configured to display information about the plurality of intended recipients. At least one embodiment also includes an instant messaging (IM) option configured to begin an instant messaging session with at least two intended recipients having information displayed in the email window. |
| US08037139B1 |
Multi-modal participant lists
An instant messaging user may use a buddy list that includes a user-selected list of potential instant messaging recipients (“buddies”) to identify another instant messaging user with whom instant messages are to be exchanged. An instant messaging user also may use a buddy list for other purposes, such as to initiate playing of an on-line game or to invite participants to play an on-line game. Techniques are provided to transform a buddy list from one messaging-mode to another messaging-mode. The transformation may include, for example, substitution or re-ordering of groups of buddies, substitution of buddy icons associated with buddies, substitution of information displayed about buddies, and substitution of controls for directing operation of the buddy list. |
| US08037137B2 |
Method and system for efficient attachment of files to electronic mail messages
A data processing system for efficiently attaching files to electronic mail message. In a multi-level hierarchical file storage system within the data processing system wherein one or more files may be active, only those files, which are active, are initially proffered as candidates for attachment in response to a user's indicated desire to attach a file to an electronic mail message. If the user fails to select an active file for attachment, the user is prompted to select a file from the multi-level hierarchical file storage system for attachment. After attachment, the electronic mail message and attachment are transmitted. |
| US08037135B2 |
Automatic distributed downloading
Automatic distributed downloading (ADD) may involve, for example, enabling the downloading of a resource via a peer-to-peer (P2P)-based protocol from a uniform resource identifier (URI). In an example embodiment, an ADD module includes a directory client that sends to a directory service a mapping request including a URI corresponding to a targeted resource and receives a mapping response including P2P session connection information. The targeted resource can be retrieved over a P2P network via a P2P-based protocol using the P2P session connection information. In another example embodiment, a mapping data structure is accessed with reference to a URI. An entry corresponding to the referenced URI is ascertained and P2P session connection information from the entry is extracted. The URI corresponds to a source making the resource available via a client-server-based protocol, and the P2P session connection information makes the resource available via a P2P-based protocol. |
| US08037133B2 |
Business to business event communications
A method, system and product is provided for the implementation of business to business event handling mechanisms for use in coarse grain components allowing communication of event information among providers and interested subscribers across a network. Provision of a flexible method for resolution of business event model dependencies allows a business component to define its own business event model independently and further may also allow changes to that model. This provision may be used to allow a client without an event handling server to place a dependency on another business component for the provision of event handling services. Further, using a web services architecture network implementation for communications, provides the capability of a business event handling system as a web service. |
| US08037130B2 |
Ubiquitous proxy mobile service method and system and computer recordable storage medium for the method
A ubiquitous proxy mobile service method and system is disclosed. When a mobile device is near a dissemination medium, group data and individual data transmitted by at least one ubiquitous proxy transmission interface of the dissemination medium are read by a ubiquitous proxy receiving interface of the mobile device. A screen of the mobile device displays an interaction icon corresponding to the ubiquitous proxy according to the group data and the individual data. Uniform resource locator data in the individual data of the ubiquitous proxy corresponding to the interaction icon is read when the interaction icon is activated. A redirect operation is performed according to the uniform resource locator data to obtain a corresponding network service. |
| US08037122B2 |
Processing of service-oriented tasks within a grid computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention enable processing of tasks within a service-oriented architecture (SOA). In embodiments, an echo mediator is a mediator SOA component that acts as a service provider by processing a service request associated with a service requester and returning the result to the service requester. In embodiments, an echo mediator handles a received sequential service request by synchronously processing it. In embodiments, an echo mediator handles a received parallel service request by storing it in a persistent store, and an echo mediator with processing capacity retrieves the stored parallel service request and asynchronously processes it. In embodiments, a group of echo mediators may be distributed among the nodes of a grid, forming an echo mediator grid in which each of the echo mediators interfaces with a common data store deployed within the grid. In embodiments, the grid of echo mediators balances the processing of stored service requests. |
| US08037121B2 |
Multipurpose data input/output and display configurations for a data processing apparatus
A data processing apparatus is described having a first operational mode and a second operational mode comprising: a first group of control elements to perform a first predefined set of functions in a first orientation associated with the first operational mode and to perform a second predefined set of functions in a second orientation associated with the second operational mode; and a display to render images having a first image orientation associated with the first operational mode and to render images having a second image orientation associated with the second operational mode. |
| US08037118B2 |
Three-path fused multiply-adder circuit
A three-path floating-point fused multiply-adder is disclosed. The fused multiply-adder is for the single instruction execution of (A×B)+C. The three-path fused multiply-adder is based on a dual-path adder and reduces latency significantly by operating on case data in parallel and by reducing component bit size. The fused multiply-adder is a common serial fused multiply-adder that reuses floating-point adder (FPA) and floating-point multiplier (FPM) hardware, allowing single adds, single multiplies, and fused multiply-adds to execute at maximum speed. |
| US08037117B2 |
Random number derivation method and random number generator using same
Disclosed is a method for deriving random numbers at a higher speed than ever before while maintaining desired randomness without spoiling uniformity of the occurrence frequency of each random number. One pulse included in one of two or more mutually-independent random pulse sequences and one pulse included in one of the remaining random pulse sequences are used, respectively, as a start pulse and a stop pulse. Then a time interval between the start pulse and the stop pulse is measured, and the measured value is output. The pulses temporally occur in a random manner, and therefore the obtained sequence of numerical values becomes random numbers. Specifically, in FIG. 1, time intervals t1 to t4 are measured, and these measured values (in FIG. 1, four values) are derived as random numbers. |
| US08037115B1 |
Method and system to compensate for inaccuracy associated with processing values with finite precision
A method and system to compensate for inaccuracy associated with processing values with finite precision includes a process for selecting a display value whereby an initial value is provided in a first numbering system. The initial value is then converted into an equivalent stored value in a second numbering system. Then a display value in the first numbering system is determined and selected such that the selected display value includes the least number of significant digits that convert from the first numbering system to the second numbering system exactly as the stored value. The selected display value in the first numbering system is then used for display and/or further processing when the stored value in the second numbering system is recalled. |
| US08037113B2 |
Techniques for file system searching
Techniques for file system searching are presented. File system search processing is modified so as to store previously successful search criterion for previously submitted searches in extended file attributes of files for the file system. In this manner, when a subsequent and same search criterion is submitted for execution in the file system, just the extended file attributes are searched and not the entire content of the files. The only content that need be searched are for those files that were modified or added after the extended file attributes were set with the search criterion. |
| US08037111B2 |
Storage system and a file layer management method
A file server holding tag information representative of file contents and an access frequency of each file calculates a tag rating from the access frequency of each file and calculates a file rating from the tag rating affixed to the file. It controls to place a file having a high calculated file rating on a higher transfer performance layer, and place a file having a low calculated file rating on a lower transfer performance layer. Rapid accesses can be handled quickly by placing in advance a file whose access is anticipated to be increased after interest is increased although an access frequency is still low, on a layer having a short response time and high throughput, and by maintaining a file whose access is anticipated to be increased because of increased interest although an access frequency is lowered, on a layer having a short response time and high throughput. |
| US08037110B2 |
Business data access client for online/offline client use
Architecture for uninterrupted access to business data by enabling work on rich client machines to be stored in a local business data cache that is always available. A dispatching mechanism executes read/write requests against the local cache transparently to a client application, an automatic synchronization mechanism propagates changes bi-directionally when the client goes online and a live connection with the corresponding backend data source is available. A declarative data access model is employed based on operation stereotyping and grouping that enables client applications to transparently execute create, read, update, delete, query (CRUDQ) and association operations against the local cache as if executed against the actual business data source. The architecture supports the offline creation of entities and sets of related entities when the entity identifiers are generated by the business data source and offline navigation of entity associations when foreign keys are not present in the related entities. |
| US08037101B1 |
Systems and methods for creating documents from templates
A merge application creates a particular set of documents for a particular matter. The merge application receives a selection of a particular master template corresponding to the particular set of documents, where the selected master template specifies a plurality of slave templates, and also receives a selection of a data structure from a database with data relating to the particular matter. The selected master template and the selected data structure are employed to produce the set of documents for the particular matter in an electronic form, where a corresponding document of the set is produced for each specified slave template in the selected master template. Each corresponding document is produced according to common content in the slave template and data in the selected data structure in the database referred to by placeholders in the slave template. |
| US08037097B2 |
Universal device identifier for globally identifying and binding disparate device identifiers to the same mobile device
Embodiments of the invention are directed to determining a universal device identifier (UDID) for a client device, based on multiple service-dependent identifiers (SDIDs) used by client applications, websites, or other services to identify the client device, SDID types are prioritized with pre-assigned weights. A received SDID causes a single database read to access all other SDIDs, and any existing UDID(s) associated with the client device. A final UDID is created or selected based on the SDID weights. The database is updated in a sequence that enables self recovery of a prior UDID in case of database error during update. First, any non-selected UDID records are updated with the final UDID. Next, lower weighted SDID records are updated. The final UDID record is updated. The highest weighted SDID record is updated last, to preserve the prior UDID as long as possible in case of update error, which aborts the remaining update. |
| US08037091B2 |
Method of using a code to track user access to content
A method for tracking user internet surfing involving steps of providing a computer hosting a plurality of contents stored on a computer storage medium; storing on the computer storage medium a surf code reference for each content in the plurality of contents; storing on the computer storage medium an identification of the user to enable the user to log in to the computer; enabling a logged-in user to access the computer through the requesting client to view a content in the plurality of contents; maintaining a user list including the surf-code reference of the content viewed by the logged-in user; enabling the logged-in user to access the user list to identify the content viewed by the logged-in user; and, presenting the content viewed by the logged-in user to the requesting client based on the user list. |
| US08037089B2 |
Test system
A test system for testing a plurality of devices under test is disclosed. The test system includes a tester and a plurality of processors. The tester is used for providing a plurality of control signals and determining a plurality of test results for the devices under test according to a plurality of measurement results. Each processor coupled to the tester is used for generating a plurality of test signals according to the plurality of control signals. The plurality of devices under test respectively generates the plurality of test results according to the plurality of test signals. |
| US08037087B2 |
Methods and systems for providing a response to a query
Methods and systems for providing a response to a query. Multiple users' search engine activity in regard to a query is correlated. A response is provided based upon this correlated search engine activity information. For one embodiment of the invention, in the context of search engine result optimization, the user activity and/or user information of multiple users, during a search session, is correlated with queries to effect an evolving association between queries and the organization and presentation of documents. Systems in accordance with such embodiments employ the ability to store users' activity over the entire search session, thus making possible the correlation of a number of different types of user activity and user information. The use of correlated user input allows such systems to provide relevant search results without the limitations imposed by the key-word-based systems of the prior art. |
| US08037085B2 |
Predicate selection in bit-level compositional transformations
A method for performing verification includes selecting a first set containing a seed register and adding to a second set a result of a subtraction of a fanout of the first set from a fanin of the first set. A third set is rendered equal to a result of a subtraction of a fanin of the second set from a fanout of the second set, and whether a combination of the first set and the third set is equivalent to the first set is determined. In response to determining that the combination of the first set and the second set is not equivalent to the first set, a min-cut of the first set and the second set containing a minimal set of predicates between a first component and the logic to which the component fans out, wherein the logic is bordered by the second set is returned. |
| US08037084B2 |
Method and system for transcoding web pages by limiting selection through direction
Signature schema documents, pre-defined in a query language, provide one or more instructions for application by an engine to transcode web pages of respective web sites. The instructions identify a web page family for the web page and extract a subset of data from the web page using one or more signatures previously identified within web pages of the same web page family (e.g. in accordance with a shared template for each family) of the web site. The instructions may include one or more directional references relative to the signatures to locate and extract the subset of data within the web page. Signatures may comprise text strings within the code of the web page and the directional references indicate positions of respective data relative to the location of the text strings. Transcoding may facilitate use of e-commerce web sites by wireless mobile devices. |
| US08037083B2 |
Lossless format-dependent analysis and modification of multi-document e-learning resources
Content stored in a plurality of electronic files that belong to a course of learning resources is read. An object-oriented representation of structures of the content is generated, where the representation includes objects that represent portions of the content, and a semantic content model of the content is generated based on the object-oriented representation of the content. Instructions to modify the content are received and the object-oriented representation of the structures of the content is modified in response to the instructions from the user. In response to the modified object-oriented representation of structures of the content the content is modified. |
| US08037079B2 |
System and method for accelerating editorial processes for unsafe content labeling using CBIR
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for filtering unsafe content items within a multimedia repository. The method of the present invention comprises automatically identifying a first plurality of unsafe content items from the content items and automatically identifying a second plurality of unclassifiable content items from the content items. The method identifies a third plurality of unsafe content items from the content items, the third plurality of unsafe content items identified according to a similarity to the first plurality and manually identifying a fourth plurality of unsafe content items, the fourth plurality of unsafe content items comprising a subset of the second plurality of unclassifiable items. A fifth plurality of unsafe content items is then identified, the fifth plurality of unsafe content items identified according to a similarity to the fourth plurality. |
| US08037076B2 |
Federated indexing from hashed primary key slices
A method and system stores and retrieves data items associated with a primary key, using search indices at multiple storage locations. A server receives a primary key, identifies one or more segments of the primary key, and hashes each segment with one or more hash functions to obtain a sequence of hash values. The hash values are used as keys to index a chain of search indices that are stored in multiple storage locations. One or more of the hash values in the sequence are used to form a host name, and the host name is mapped to an address of a server that stores a first search index in the chain. The last search index in the chain contains the data items associated with the primary key, or provides a reference to one or more locations at which the data items can be found. |
| US08037074B2 |
Content type registration apparatus and content type registration program
A content type registration apparatus and program that obtains from a server a content list which is a list of a plurality of contents, each content having a respective index, and registers the content type for each index corresponding to a respective content in the content list. |
| US08037068B2 |
Searching through content which is accessible through web-based forms
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates searching through content which is accessible though web-based forms. During operation, the system receives a query containing keywords. Next, the system analyzes the query to create a structured query. The system then performs a lookup based on the structured query in a database containing entries describing the web-based forms. Next, the system ranks forms returned by the lookup, and uses the rankings and associated database entries to facilitate a search through content which is accessible through the forms. |
| US08037067B1 |
Systems and methods for tracking user activity at website
A data source generates a requested page for an electronic network site to include inserted tracking parameters to aid in tracking the activities of the user at the site. The site receives the generated page with the inserted tracking parameters and returns to a user the received page as the requested page with the inserted tracking parameters removed therefrom. The site appends the removed tracking parameters to the URL associated with the returned page at the query string thereof, and sends to a tracking database the appended URL. The tracking database stores the sent URL for being accessed by one or more analytical tools to analyze the tracking parameters regarding the activities of the user at the site. |
| US08037063B2 |
Identifying inadequate search content
Systems and methods for identifying inadequate search content are provided. Inadequate search content, for example, can be identified based on statistics associated with the search queries related to the content. |
| US08037060B1 |
System and method for displaying columns of search results
A method for generating search results based on a search term and displaying the search results in one or more groupings. The method includes receiving a search term entered by a user, selecting one or more search result groupings based on the search term entered by the user and at least in part on a bid amount associated with the search term, providing search results based on the search term entered by the user for each search result grouping, and displaying the search groupings to the user. |
| US08037057B2 |
Multi-column statistics usage within index selection tools
In an example embodiment, a method is illustrated to determine multi-column indexes, the method including receiving one or more structured query language (SQL) queries, the one or more SQL queries defining a workload. A database index analysis tool may be used to determine a plurality of index configurations for executing the workload. Further, leading index configurations may be determined, leading index configurations including a subset of the plurality of index configurations. Also, a statistics database may be updated with complete statistics for the leading index configurations. |
| US08037055B2 |
Sitemap generating client for web crawler
Methods and systems for a sitemap generating client for web crawlers are described. The client accesses one or more sources of document information about the documents available on a website, such as the file system, access logs, or pre-made URL lists. Document information is extracted from the sources and one or more sitemaps are generated based on the extracted document information. A notification is transmitted to a remote computer, informing that the sitemap(s) are available for access and likely have been updated. If the remote computer is associated with a web crawler, the remote computer may access the sitemap(s) and use the sitemaps to schedule a crawl of documents included or available on the website. |
| US08037054B2 |
Web crawler scheduler that utilizes sitemaps from websites
Methods and systems for a web crawler scheduler that utilizes sitemaps from websites are described. A web crawler scheduling system receives a notification from a website or web server. In response to the notification, the system accesses one or more sitemap(s) for documents associated with the website or web server. The system schedules crawls of the documents based on information identified from the sitemaps. The system crawls at least a subset of the documents scheduled for crawling. |
| US08037052B2 |
Systems and methods for free text searching of electronic medical record data
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for free text searching of electronic medical records. Certain embodiments provide a system including an interface configured to accept search criteria and display search results and a search engine accepting a free text search query from the interface. The free text search query is based on search criteria entered via the interface. The search engine communicates with a search crawler, which searches electronic medical record data based on the free text search query and provides search results. In certain embodiments, the system may de-identify patient/physician data from the search results. Certain embodiments provide a system for retrieving EMR search results. The system includes an interface configured to accept search criteria and display search results, a database interface adapter for interfacing with an electronic medical record database to transmit and receive data and a formatter for formatting search results. |
| US08037046B2 |
Collecting and presenting temporal-based action information
Functionality is described for collecting and presenting action information. The action information describes actions that take place on items at specified times. Among other applications, the functionality assists a user in identifying and accessing relevant items. In one illustrative case, the functionality can display action information in a timeline presentation. |
| US08037043B2 |
Information retrieval system
An information retrieval system is described for retrieving a list of documents such as web pages or other items from a document index in response to a user query. In an embodiment a prediction engine is used to predict both explicit relevance information such as judgment labels and implicit relevance information such as click data. In an embodiment the predicted relevance information is applied to a stored utility function that describes user satisfaction with a search session. This produces utility scores for proposed lists of documents. Using the utility scores one of the lists of documents is selected. In this way different sources of relevance information are combined into a single information retrieval system in a principled and effective manner which gives improved performance. |
| US08037042B2 |
Automated analysis of user search behavior
Automated analysis of user search behavior is provided. Data on user searches is maintained in a user search database. Relevance factors are determined for each search result included in a given search session where the relevance factors provide an indication of user satisfaction with particular search results included in the session. The relevance factors for each search result are analyzed by a relevance classification module for classifying each search result in terms of its relevance to an associated search query. The result of the relevance classification may assign a relevance classification and associated confidence level to each analyzed search result as to whether the search result is acceptable, unacceptable or partially acceptable relative to the search query that resulted in the search result. Relevance classifications for each analyzed search result may be stored for future use, for example, for diagnostic analysis of the operation of a given search mechanism. |
| US08037037B2 |
System for tracking media content transactions
A web server for tracking media content transaction includes a controller adapted to manage an archive of media content for a subscriber and to record a transaction description and a corresponding tracking identifier for a transaction that manipulates the archive. |
| US08037030B2 |
Data management apparatus, data management program and data management method
A technique discriminates important contents and less important contents and prevents a situation where folders are occupied by less important contents to make it impossible to register important contents from taking place. A mobile printing server comprises a personal important folder 2 that stores data, a personal non-important folder 3 that stores data, a data allocation section 5 that stores received data either in the personal important folder 2 or in the personal non-important folder 3 according to an allocation rule and a management section 7 that manages the data stored in the personal important holder 2 and the data stored in the personal non-important folder 3 according to the management rules provided for the respective folders. |
| US08037026B1 |
Protected user-controllable volume snapshots
A method is provided to allow a user on a host system to update a specific snapshot in a data storage system where the user does not have other editing privileges. The method includes (1) receiving a request to update the snapshot from the user and (2) determining from an access control list if the user is permitted to update the snapshot. If the user is permitted to update the snapshot, the method includes (3) recording parameters for a VLUN (virtual logic unit) associated with the snapshot, (4) removing the VLUN from the data storage system, (5) replacing the snapshot with a new snapshot created from a parent volume of the snapshot, (6) recreating the VLUN for the new snapshot from the recorded parameters, and (7) exporting the VLUN to the host system. |
| US08037023B2 |
System and apparatus for optimally trading off the replication overhead and consistency level in distributed applications
Methods and systems are provided for optimally trading off replication overhead and consistency levels in distributed data replication where nodes are organized in a hierarchy. The root node has the original data that need to be replicated at all other nodes, and the replicated copies have a freshness threshold that must be satisfied. The data are propagated through periodic updates in the hierarchy. Each node periodically sends data to its child nodes. Given the freshness threshold, an algorithm and its distributed protocol can determine the optimal update period for each link of the hierarchy such that the freshness threshold is satisfied for every node and the overall replication overhead is minimized. The systems and methods can be used in any scenario where replicated data have consistency requirements, such as in a replicate overlay assisted resource discovery system. |
| US08037021B2 |
Calendaring techniques and interfaces
The calendaring techniques and interfaces described herein provide access to calendar data stored in a server hosted calendar store to applications. The calendar data includes calendar events and tasks. In one aspect, an application program interface (API) retrieves an occurrence from a series of reoccurring calendar data upon request from an application. In another aspect, the API sends calendar data provided by the application to a server program that manages a calendar store for storage and queries the server program to retrieve calendar data requested by the application from the calendar store. In yet another aspect, the API sends notifications that the calendar store has changed to interested applications. |
| US08037019B2 |
Product normalization
A computer-implemented approach for organizing input listings from various sources of input listings. Input listings are organized by mapping the input listings to consolidated listing that correspond to the input listings. The mapping of the input listings are based on various techniques such as a Stock Keeping Unit item-listing-to-consolidated-listing matching technique, a name/title item-listing-to-consolidated-listing matching technique, and a model item-listing-to-consolidated-listing matching technique. |
| US08037017B2 |
Real-time chat and conference contact information manager
A real-time chat and conference contact information manager which, during a real-time online chat, online meeting, or online collaboration session between multiple participants, receives identification items associated with addition of a new participant; stores the received identification data item in a contact record in a local collaboration client contact list; triggered by the storing, extracts a search key value for each data item of the contact record, including at least an email address value associated with the new participant; uses the search key value to search a trusted administered contact information store for corresponding data items; and modifies the contact record to include the corresponding data items from said trusted administered contact information data store. |
| US08037014B1 |
Method and apparatus for aggregating and submitting form data
A system that aggregates and submits data from a customized packet of forms. The system first creates a single data unit for storing form data which is initially empty. It then opens a main document, which has associated forms. For each associated form in the main document, the system extracts data from client-populated fields in the associated form and concatenates data from the associated form to the single data unit. In this way, data from every associated form in the customized packet of forms is aggregated into the single data unit. The system then submits the single data unit. |
| US08037013B2 |
Co-operative locking between multiple independent owners of data space
Locking allocated data space is disclosed. An indication is received that certain previous version data is required to be retained. A map of metadata records, each associated with a journaling process write of previous version data which write includes previous version data required to be retained, is built. In some embodiments, the map associates a write time with each record in the map. A reclamation process checks to determine whether any storage proposed to be reclaimed is included in the map of record identifiers. In some embodiments, the determination is made based at least in part on the write time associated in the map with at least a first record identifier in time-sorted order. |
| US08037012B1 |
Software method to select, evaluate, and recommend optimal rod pumping system design used in the extraction of fluids from a downhole well
A method to select, evaluate and recommend optimal rod pumping system design for a downhole well. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one downhole rod type as a setup preference, selecting at least one pumping unit type as a setup preference, and selecting at least one motor power meter type as a setup preference. Well information, including depth of a pump and run time, is entered as a case input. Additionally, a target production for the well is entered. Records are retrieved from a database wherein the records contain input data on each downhole rod type, each pumping unit type, and each pump motor type. Data is merged from all the case inputs, all of the setup preferences, and from the database records. Scores of gearbox loading, structure loading, system efficiency, rod loading, minimum polished rod loading and bottom minimum stress are calculated and then combined to determine a calculated percentage score for each pumping unit type for the downhole well. |
| US08037009B2 |
Systems and methods for linking an issue with an entry in a knowledgebase
An embodiment relates generally to a method of linking. The method includes receiving a message associated with at least one technical issue being resolved in a first system and containing non-confidential information and searching a knowledgebase in a second system based on the message to obtain at least one related entry. The method also includes associating at least one related entry with the non-confidential information of the message, updating at least one related entry with the non-confidential information, or creating a new entry with the non-confidential information, in the knowledgebase. |
| US08037008B2 |
DBMS-based knowledge extension and inference service method recorded on computer-readable medium
A DBMS-based knowledge extension and inference service method recorded on a computer-readable medium includes creating knowledge represented as a triple by using ontology schemas and instances (first step); receiving the knowledge and extending the knowledge by using a knowledge extension rule (second step); and providing an inference service by using the extended knowledge, converting a user query, and processing the query (third step). Further, the third step includes receiving and converting a user query to create the converted query (31st step); determining whether the query is a previously-input query (32nd step); receiving the converted query and the determination result to create a query result (33rd step); receiving the query result of the 33rd step and performing post-processing to create a post-processing result (34th step); and creating a message and protocol suitable for a user interface by using the post-processing result and then presenting an inference result. |
| US08037006B2 |
Sound classification system and method capable of adding and correcting a sound type
A sound classification system for adding and correcting a sound type is disclosed. When the add/correct command processor receives a command to add or correct a sound type, the data in the first database is stored in the second database, and the type adding/correcting device adds the feature of the sound to the first database, and re-calculates the statistical values. Besides, the classifier re-classifies the sample sounds, and the precision calculator calculates a ratio of accurate classification. When the ratio is high, the type adding/correcting device stores, in the feature database, the feature of the sound for which a type is to be added or corrected. When the ratio is low, the second database restores the data back to the first database. |
| US08037005B2 |
Device and method for a system analysis and diagnosis
A device and a method for the analysis and troubleshooting of a system, based on the use of a model of the system, with application in particular in the area of industrial installations controlled by automatic control systems of the programmed or wired logic type. The method includes a stage for initialisation of the model, and a stage for the creation of a list of discordant variables whose value in the system differs from that predicted by the model. For each of the variables belonging to a discordance list, an initial list of suspect variables, suspected of having generated the discordant value, is created, and then a restricted list of suspect variables is obtained by filtration of the initial list. |
| US08037001B2 |
Determining corrective actions using a geometrically-based determination of sufficient confidence
A method, system, and apparatus for determining a corrective action for a diagnosable system are provided. A failure mode reasoning engine (FMRE) receives an evidence notification. The FMRE determines a plurality of evidentiary-failure-mode-probability rectangles (EFMPRs) based on the evidence notification. A candidate EFMPR in the plurality of EFMPRs is determined. The candidate EFMPR may be determined based on a distance from an origin of an evidentiary-failure-mode-probability graph. An overlap area is determined between the candidate EFMPR and the other EFMPRs in the plurality of EFMPRs. The overlap area is compared to an overlap threshold. If the overlap area is less than the overlap threshold, a reasoned failure mode (i.e., correct diagnosis) and/or a reasoned corrective action for the diagnosable system is determined, based on the candidate EFMPR. The FMRE may report and/or take the reasoned corrective action. |
| US08037000B2 |
Systems and methods for automated interpretation of analytic procedures
Systems and methods are provided to produce natural language interpretations of analytic operations in an automated manner, by associating with each analytic procedure a set of parameters that determine the interpretation of the resulting analysis. |
| US08036998B2 |
Category classification method
A category classification method includes: calculating function values corresponding to a relationship between a classification target and support vectors that contribute to a classification boundary, calculating an addition value in which the function value for each support vector has been added, and classifying that the classification target does not pertain to a specific category in case that the addition value is smaller than a threshold, wherein calculation of the addition value is carried out by adding function values having positive values, then adding function values having negative values, and the classification target is classified as not pertaining to the specific category, without adding the remaining function values, in case that the addition value has become smaller than the threshold. |
| US08036997B2 |
Methods for data classification
The present invention provides methods for classifying data and uncovering and correcting annotation errors. In particular, the present invention provides a self-organizing, self-correcting algorithm for use in classifying data. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for classifying biological taxa. |
| US08036994B2 |
System and method of identifying and sorting international mail pieces based on applied-postage adequacy in order to enhance postal service revenue protection
Provided is a method of reducing postal revenue losses associated with the processing and delivery of international mail pieces. Algorithmically-resolved image data associated with a mail piece is compared to international-mail-services postage data and a determination is rendered, based on the comparison, as to whether any postage indicated as paid is sufficient to further process the mail piece in accordance with the level of delivery service requested. In various aspects, an attempt to algorithmically ascertain the identity of the sender is undertaken for purposes of automated charge assessment relative to a mail piece for which it is determined that insufficient postage has been tendered. In accordance with alternative aspects, if the sender identity cannot be ascertained, the mail piece is variously (i) rejected for manual handling or (ii) routed for automated sortation and delivery in accordance with a “downgraded” delivery service level for which the amount paid is adequate. |
| US08036993B2 |
Systems and methods for redirecting items in a delivery system
In the redirection process, items (110a-110n) are sent through a delivery system (130) directed to a recipient (155) at a first address (150) served by a first address plant (140). The recipient (155), however, no longer desires to have items (110a-110n) delivered to the first address (150) served by the first address plant (140), but now desires to have items delivered to an alternative address (160). Items are collected at the first address plant (140) and are held for a period of time specified by the recipient (155). Once this period of time for holding and collecting has expired, the items (110a-110n) are placed in a package (115). This package (115) is then sent through the delivery system (130) to an alternative address plant (145). Once the package (115) is received at the alternative address plant (145), the package (115) is delivered to the recipient (155) at the alternative address (160). |
| US08036992B2 |
Methods of generating applications for enrollment at educational institutions
A method of increasing the number of applications for enrollment at an institution of higher learning, including the initial profiling of the institution's candidate inquiry pool against the institution's enrollment objectives, the electronic solicitation of additional information and the reiterative profiling of candidates during the period before an application is sent to determine the candidate's continued interest, the customization of interest piquing communications with the candidates and the application itself, the offering of choices as to the method of completing the application and incentives to do so, and the evaluation of the program from the monitoring of the application responses. |
| US08036986B2 |
Automated method and article of manufacture for fully insuring large bank deposits via a network of banks wherein depositor's bank retains a portion of the large bank deposit and the network distributes the remainder
An automated method is provided for processing large deposits that exceed an established deposit insurance limit so that the large deposits are fully insured. The large deposits are received by a plurality of unaffiliated banks from their depositors. For selected large deposits received at an unaffiliated bank, a first deposit portion that does not exceed the established deposit limit is retained at the unaffiliated bank that received the large deposit. An order is received from the unaffiliated bank that received the large deposit to process the remaining amount of the large deposit. The processor partitions each of the large deposits into a plurality of second deposit portions, each of which do not exceed the established deposit insurance limit. The processor then assigns at least some of the second deposit portions to at least some of the other unaffiliated banks for deposit therein. |
| US08036985B2 |
Pre-funding system and method
A method for pre-funding is disclosed. The method includes sending a plurality of pre-fund authorization requests to a buyer financial institution, and then receiving a plurality of responses to the pre-fund authorization requests from the buyer financial institution, where each response either accepts or declines a pre-fund authorization request. A funds transfer request is sent to the buyer financial institution, where the funds transfer request corresponds to a total value of the accepted pre-fund authorization requests. Notification that funds have transferred from the buyer financial institution in response to the funds transfer request is received. Then, the sending of the funds to a supplier financial institution is authorized. |
| US08036982B2 |
Computer system for controlling a system of managing fluctuating cash flows
Apparatus (method implemented with a machine, the machine, and the method for making the machine, and products produced thereby) for controlling a system of managing cash flows for a transaction, the apparatus including: data processing means arranged for receiving information into memory, said information including respective descriptions of risks, statistical assumptions for said risks, and financial assumptions for said risks, the data processing means further including: calculating means, responsive to said descriptions and said assumptions, for calculating expected cash flows corresponding to said risks for time periods; accounting means for determining, responsive to actual cash flow information from occurrence of events corresponding to said risks, for a first party to the transaction owing the expected cash flows to a second party to the transaction, and for determining, for the second party owing the actual cash flows to the first party, a net settlement, for each of said time periods, between the parties in the transaction, to manage the actual cash flows and the expected cash flows. |
| US08036981B2 |
System and apparatus for transaction fraud processing
A system for processing transaction data is provided. The system includes a fraud policy system that provides merchant fraud policy data. An order information data system receives order information data and the merchant fraud policy data and generates order information fraud score data, such as by modifying the order information data using the merchant fraud policy data and then scoring the modified order information data. A transaction authorization system receives the order information fraud score data and the merchant fraud policy data and generates client authorization data. |
| US08036980B2 |
Method and system of generating audit procedures and forms
The present invention provides a computer-implemented method for assessing risks associated with an audit. A user is presented with a plurality of audit items and a set of risk levels associated with the audit items and may also be presented with a plurality of prompts designed to elicit a set of responses from the user. The set of user responses being associated with a set of risks associated with the audit. The set of risk levels being associated with a set of assertions associated with the audit items and may include first and second risk levels of different degrees. The method further includes processing a set of responses received from the user in response to the items presented. The method includes automatically generating a suggested audit approach that is based at least in part on the processed responses. The method may also determine a set of procedures that are based on the responses. The set of procedures are presented to the user based on the suggested audit approach. The user is presented for selection with a set of audit approaches comprising the suggested audit approach and an alternative audit approach. |
| US08036976B2 |
System and method for deriving data
Best bid and best offer rate data from deals concluded on an anonymous trading system in a fungible instrument such as a foreign currency pair are processed to derive indicative rates. A minimum indicative rates spread between bid and offer prices is defined. The indicative rate bid and offer prices are set to the received best bid and offer prices and alternately an amount is added to the indicative offer rates and subtracted from the indicative bid rates until the spread between the indicative bid and offer rates is greater than or equal to the predefined minimum indicative rates spread and greater than the spread between the best bid and offer prices. |
| US08036975B2 |
Systems and methods for compound risk factor sampling with integrated market and credit risk
Systems and methods for generating an integrated market and credit loss distribution for the purpose of calculating one or more risk measures associated with a portfolio of instruments are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, compound risk factor sampling is performed that comprises conditionally generating multiple systemic credit driver samples for each market risk factor sample generated per time step of a simulation. There are also disclosed systems and methods for determining an optimal number of sample values for each of the market risk factors, systemic credit drivers, and optionally, idiosyncratic credit risk factors that would be required in order to obtain an acceptable amount of variability in the calculated risk estimates and/or to satisfy an available computational budget. |
| US08036958B2 |
Computer implemented system for determining a distribution policy for a single period inventory system, optimization application therefor, and method therefor, and decision support tool for facilitating user determination of a distribution policy for a single period inventory system
Computer implemented system for determining a distribution policy for a single period inventory system on the basis of the relative merit of allocating a draw unit of one of a multitude of different consumer items to one of a multitude of different locations in accordance with an allocation decision criterion subject to one or more constraints, an optimization application therefor, and method therefor, and including a Decision Support Tool for facilitating user determination of a distribution policy for a single period inventory system. |
| US08036955B2 |
Integrated materials management for commercial aircraft fleets
Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time. |
| US08036950B1 |
Auction management with business-volume discount
A computer-implemented method for satisfying a purchase requisition includes receiving, from each of a plurality of candidate suppliers, a corresponding plurality of bids. At least one candidate supplier includes, with its bids, an offer of a business-volume discount that is triggered when an aggregate purchase of at least one unit of a first item and at least one unit of a second item is within a defined volume interval. An optimal award schedule for satisfaction of the purchase requisition is then determined. |
| US08036949B2 |
Real-time, interactive, competitive method of on-line auction utilizing an auctioneer
The present inventive device provides a new method of real-time, interactive, competitive, live on-line auction using an animated auctioneer. The animated auctioneer initiates the auction, actively solicits bids from the auction participants, acknowledges bids input from auction participants, and moves to close the auction when there is a cessation in bidding. In the course of the auction, the auctioneer audibly and physically promotes the item up for bid, and entices the participants to bid. Participants input bids real-time, competitively and successively in response to the animated auctioneer's solicitations. |
| US08036948B2 |
Article joint purchase system using network
A flexible joint purchase order system in which a sales price is determined based on demand without causing a seller to have a loss, comprising: an accepting means for accepting purchase application information and reporting an application for purchase, an entry price of an article, and a desired quantity; an order data table for storing the application for purchase, the entry price, and the desired quantity; a condition table for registering an initial cost, a fixed cost, and a maximum sales quantity; and a network for comparing a first value (equal to the entry price times the desired quantity of articles entered at prices equal to or higher than the entry price) with a second value (equal to the initial cost added to the product of the fixed cost and the desired quantity), for determining the sales to be made, and for transmitting the entry price as the sales-determined price. |
| US08036946B2 |
System and method for making an inference based on cumulative data
A method for making an inference based on cumulative data. The method utilizes video, audio, and biometric devices to observe a retail environment for the presence of a customer. Once a customer is present, the method identifies every cohort to which the customer corresponds. Next, the method observes the customer as they peruse aisles in the retail environment. When the customer selects a product, the method identifies the selected product and searches the cohorts for alternate products to offer the customer. The method offers one alternate product to the customer and records to the cohorts whether the customer thereinafter accepts the method's offer and selects the alternate product or rejects the method's offer and continues perusing the retail environment aisles. The method continues observing the customer and offering alternate product until the customer leaves the retail environment. |
| US08036944B2 |
System and method for conducting a gift value transaction
A system and method for conducting a gift value transaction is described herein. The method includes receiving a request for payment for a gift; notifying a gift recipient of the gift; prompting the gift recipient to accept or reject the gift; and receiving a response from the gift recipient, wherein if the response is to accept the gift, the gift is released to the gift recipient, and if the response is to reject the gift, prompting the gift recipient to select an alternative gift in place of the gift. |
| US08036937B2 |
Computer-implemented method and system for enabling the automated selection of keywords for rapid keyword portfolio expansion
A computer-implemented method and system for enabling the automated selection of keywords for rapid keyword portfolio expansion are disclosed. Various embodiments are operable to normalize a plurality of keywords received from a source, filter the normalized plurality of keywords against one or more keyword filtration lists, produce site-specific variants of the filtered plurality of keywords, associate at least one level of dimension data with each of the plurality of keywords, and store the processed plurality of keywords and dimension data in a keyword database. |
| US08036934B2 |
Delivery, organization, and redemption of virtual offers from the internet, interactive-TV, wireless devices and other electronic means
Disclosed are methods and systems for redeeming virtual coupons by associating the coupons with consumers' credit cards for redemption. In disclosed methods, coupon databases are associated with consumers and associated with the consumers' credit cards. Coupon offers are stored in the coupon databases and are redeemed by consumers by the use of the credit cards that are associated with the consumers' coupon databases. |
| US08036928B2 |
Methods and apparatus for assessing operational process quality and risk
Methods and apparatus for assessing operational process quality and risk of an entity or a group of entities. The present invention enables a user to effectively compare one or more events, representing what actually happened, with a reference, which represents ideal performance in terms of operational process quality and risk, and express the corresponding results in quantitative terms. The present invention is capable of presenting results in a form and with sufficient rapidity that a human decision-maker is able to timely observe conditions which represent unacceptable quality or excessive risk and respond appropriately. |
| US08036924B2 |
System and method of identifying options for employment transfers across different industries
Methods for identifying industries for potential transfer of a job function capability involve the use of a database that correlates, for a job function in a first industry, the first industry with a set of second industries with respect to which a job function capability of the job function is potentially transferable. The database can be accessed to identify the second set of industries. A symbolic representation of a job transfer between the first industry and a second industry or a symbolic representation that categorizes a subject of a user's job transferability query may be used to access the database. |
| US08036923B2 |
Method and system for executing work orders
What is described is a method and a system for executing work orders. A first request for receiving a progress information on a work order is generated. A degree of violation between the work order and the progress information is calculated by comparing the work order and the progress information. A tolerance violation status is determined based upon the degree of violation. A second request is generated for receiving a content for the work order to resolve the tolerance violation status. The work order is updated based the content. |
| US08036921B2 |
System and method for optimization process repeatability in an on-demand computing environment
A method (and system) of providing optimization repeatability in an on-demand computing environment removes variability in an optimization model instance and can be exemplarily implemented in a service architecture. The method and system receives a plurality of physical data instances, which are different representations of the same logical data model, and transforms the plurality of physical data instances into a normalized physical data instance, which can be combined with an optimization model to form a unique optimization model instance, thereby providing repeatability in solving optimization problems. |
| US08036920B2 |
Information processor, information processing method, and computer readable medium
An information processor includes: a receiving unit that receives a place of a conference and a feature of a participant who is to participate in the conference; a person extracting unit that extracts persons corresponding to the feature of the participant received by the receiving unit; a cost calculating unit that calculates a cost necessary for the persons extracted by the person extracting unit to participate in the conference on the basis of the place of the conference received by the receiving unit; and a participant selecting unit that selects the participants who are to participate in the conference among the persons extracted by the person extracting unit on the basis of a choice reference in accordance with the cost calculated by the cost calculating unit. |
| US08036917B2 |
Methods and systems for creation of hanging protocols using eye tracking and voice command and control
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for hanging protocol generation using eye tracking and/or voice command and control. Certain embodiments provide a method for creating a hanging protocol based on at least one of eye tracking and voice command and control input in a clinical environment. The method includes specifying a hanging protocol specification using input including at least one of eye tracking and voice command and control. The method also includes translating the input into a hanging protocol. The method further includes facilitating display of clinical information based on the hanging protocol. |
| US08036913B1 |
Systems and methods for prescription pre-fill processing services
Systems and methods may be provided for prescription pre-fill processing services, which may include receiving a pre-fill prescription claim request from a pharmacy computer; delivering the pre-fill prescription claim request to a claims processor; and receiving a first approved response from the claims processor, where the first approved response includes first financial coverage information. The systems and methods may also include delivering the first approved response to the pharmacy computer, where a prescription order of the drug or product is prepared for pickup by a customer, where the prepared prescription order is labeled in accordance with the first financial coverage information; delivering a prescription claim reversal request to the claims processor for a second adjudication; and receiving, by switch provider in accordance with the second adjudication, a second approved response that indicates a reversal of the first claim request, where the prepared prescription order of the drug or product remains ready for pickup by the customer. |
| US08036911B2 |
System and method for managing patient care through automated messaging
A system and method in accordance with the invention allow a user to select when messages relating to medication events are sent and to select the content parameters of those messages. In one aspect, a user selects certain event types, the occurrence of which will cause a message to be sent to the user. For example, the user may select a message type that pertains to the availability of a medication in an automated dispensing machine for that user's patient. In another aspect, the user may customize the contents of the message to include or exclude certain information. For example, the user may desire the message to indicate only the patient's name and not the patient's gender or age. In yet another aspect, the user may filter messages so that only certain messages are sent. For example, the user may select a filter that permits only messages pertaining to his or her patients to be sent. The system further comprise a user interface disposed on an automated dispensing machine that enables a user to configure the messaging system as he or she desires. A method in accordance with the invention comprises selecting medication event types about which a message will be sent to the user, the content of the message, and filters for messages. |
| US08036909B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for collaborative watershed restoration projects
Embodiments of the present invention provide for systems, apparatuses, and methods for collaborative watershed restoration projects, which may include one or more restoration actions involving a variety of different stakeholders that, when completed, provides a positive contribution to the ecological health of at least one watershed. The identified restoration actions may be a comprehensive list of actions recognized as addressing limiting factors that may exist in a watershed. Ecological outcomes may drive stakeholder involvement in collaborative watershed restoration projects. While the system provides transparency to the projects that are being funded, stakeholder confidence may benefit from additional assurances provided through a certification that the projects are satisfactorily completed. |
| US08036904B2 |
Audio encoder and method for scalable multi-channel audio coding, and an audio decoder and method for decoding said scalable multi-channel audio coding
An audio encoder for encoding a multi-channel audio signal includes an encoder combination module (ECM) for generating a dominant signal part (m) and a residual signal part (s) being a combined representation of first and second audio signals (x1, x2), the dominant and residual signal parts (m, s) being obtained by applying a mathematical procedure to the first and second audio signals (x1, x2), wherein the mathematical procedure involves a first spatial parameter (SP1) including a description of spatial properties of the first and second audio signals (x1, x2), a parameter generator (PG) for generating a first parameter (PS1) set including a second spatial parameter (SP2), and a second parameter (PS2) set including a third spatial parameter (SP3), and an output generator for generating an encoded output signal having a first output part (OP1) including the dominant signal part (m) and the first parameter set (PS1), and a second output part (OP2) including the residual signal part (s) and the second parameter set (PS2). |
| US08036900B2 |
Device and a method of playing audio clips
A device for playing audio clips, a method of playing audio clips and a data storage medium having stored thereon computer code means for instructing a computer system to execute a method of playing audio clips. The device comprising a processor scalable in voltage, frequency, or both; a switch for selecting one of a plurality of output modes of the device; and a controller for controlling the processor to decode input joint/MS stereo mode encoded audio data representing said audio clip based on the selected output mode; wherein each output mode defines a number, m, of subbands of an M channel and a number, s, of subbands of an S channel of the joint/MS stereo mode encoded data; and the controller controls the processor to decode and store only data from the m and s subbands for playback. |
| US08036899B2 |
Speech affect editing systems
This invention generally relates to system, methods and computer program code for editing or modifying speech affect. A speech affect processing system to enable a user to edit an affect content of a speech signal, the system comprising: input to receive speech analysis data from a speech processing system said speech analysis data, comprising a set of parameters representing said speech signal; a user input to receive user input data defining one or more affect-related operations to be performed on said speech signal; and an affect modification system coupled to said user input and to said speech processing system to modify said parameters in accordance with said one or more affect-related operations and further comprising a speech reconstruction system to reconstruct an affect modified speech signal from said modified parameters; and an output coupled to said affect modification system to output said affect modified speech signal. |
| US08036897B2 |
Voice integration platform
A voice integration platform and method provide for integration of a voice interface with a data system that includes stored data. The voice integration platform comprises one or more generic software components, the generic software components being configured to enable development of a specific voice user interface that is designed to interact with the data system in order to present the stored data to a user. |
| US08036896B2 |
System, server and method for distributed literacy and language skill instruction
A server for providing language and literacy tutoring information to a plurality of user devices connected to a communications network, comprising a network adapter for connection to the network; a content database for providing learning content to devices via the network adaptor and the network; a plurality of speech recognition models stored in the server; a processor for processing speech data and session control data generated by a user and sent to the server by the network, the processor evaluating which of the speech recognition models provides most accurate speech recognition results; and a performance evaluator for evaluating speech produced by the user using the speech recognition model that produces the most accurate results. A system, including user devices. A method for operating the system, and a program storage medium having computer code thereon for implementing the method and system. |
| US08036893B2 |
Method and system for identifying and correcting accent-induced speech recognition difficulties
A system for use in speech recognition includes an acoustic module accessing a plurality of distinct-language acoustic models, each based upon a different language; a lexicon module accessing at least one lexicon model; and a speech recognition output module. The speech recognition output module generates a first speech recognition output using a first model combination that combines one of the plurality of distinct-language acoustic models with the at least one lexicon model. In response to a threshold determination, the speech recognition output module generates a second speech recognition output using a second model combination that combines a different one of the plurality of distinct-language acoustic models with the at least one distinct-language lexicon model. |
| US08036891B2 |
Methods of identification using voice sound analysis
Methods of using individually distinctive patterns of voice characteristics to identify a speaker include computing the reassigned spectrogram of each of at least two voice samples, pruning each reassigned spectrogram to remove noise and other computational artifacts, and comparing (either visually or with the aid of a processor) the strongest points to determine whether the voice samples belong to the same speaker. |
| US08036889B2 |
Systems and methods for filtering dictated and non-dictated sections of documents
A system and method for filtering documents to determine section boundaries between dictated and non-dictated text. The system and method identifies portions of a text report that correspond to an original dictation and, correspondingly, those portions that are not part of the original dictation. The system and method include comparing tokenized and normalized forms of the original dictation and the final report, determining mismatches between the two forms, and applying machine-learning techniques to identify document headers, footers, page turns, macros, and lists automatically and accurately. |
| US08036888B2 |
Collecting sound device with directionality, collecting sound method with directionality and memory product
A sound input from sound sources existing in a plurality of directions is accepted and converted into a signal on a frequency axis. A suppressing function to suppress the converted signal on a frequency axis is computed, an amplitude component of a signal on a frequency axis is multiplied by the computed suppressing function and the converted signal on a frequency axis is corrected. A phase component of each converted signal on a frequency axis is computed for each frequency and a difference of phase components is computed. A probability value indicative of probability of existence of a sound source in a predetermined direction is specified based on the computed difference and a suppressing function to suppress a sound input from a sound source other than a sound source in a predetermined direction is computed based on the specified probability value. |
| US08036882B2 |
Enhancing perceptual performance of SBR and related HFR coding methods by adaptive noise-floor addition and noise substitution limiting
Methods and an apparatus for enhancement of source coding systems utilizing high frequency reconstruction (HFR) are introduced. The problem of insufficient noise contents is addressed in a reconstructed highband, by using Adaptive Noise-floor Addition. New methods are also introduced for enhanced performance by means of limiting unwanted noise, interpolation and smoothing of envelope adjustment amplification factors. The methods and apparatus used are applicable to both speech coding and natural audio coding systems. |
| US08036878B2 |
Device incorporating improved text input mechanism
A device including a display screen for displaying m-words of data, a text entry device for entering data, a processor receiving data from the text entry device and causing it to be displayed on the display screen. Upon activation the processor initializes a precursor to a predefined value. The device further includes a non-volatile memory storing a dictionary containing a plurality of entries, each entry including an index, a candidate word, and a score. The processor selects a list of n-number of candidate words from the dictionary whose index matches the precursor, and causes m-number of candidate words from the list of candidate words to be displayed on the display screen. The processor causes the display to prompt the user to select one of the displayed candidate words or enter a desired word using the text entry device. |
| US08036874B2 |
Software executing device and co-operation method
There is provided with a software executing device co-operating with a hardware circuit or a hardware simulator, including: a software executing unit configured to execute a software; an execution monitoring unit configured to monitor execution of the software by the software executing unit to sequentially obtain an execution state of the software; a determining unit configured to determine whether the software executing unit and the hardware circuit or the hardware simulator are to be synchronized based on an obtained execution state of the software; and a synchronization controlling unit configured to control synchronization between the software executing unit and the hardware circuit or the hardware simulator. |
| US08036868B2 |
Intergrated systems and methods of virtual or live microscope slide presentation
A method for creating a virtual slide is provided. A virtual slide is a digital representation of an area of interest of a microscopic slide. One method is to use a motorized microscope that can move a specimen with respect to a microscopic objective. With such a system, one can capture one or more images through a microscopic objective, such that a region of interest is imaged. Each image is then joined together to form a composite or “virtual image.” In one embodiment, after a virtual slide is created, a user may fully utilize the full capabilities of the remote microscope. Among these capabilities is a set of “optical objectives” and “virtual objectives.” Optical objectives are images created by digitizing an image through a microscopic objective in real time. Virtual objectives are digitally created magnifications created by utilizing the existing virtual slide data to digitally create a field of view. |
| US08036866B1 |
Case-based drilling knowledge management system
A method has been designed for storing drilling knowledge and experience in a highly structured fashion that permits the user to identify drilling cases that meet user-specified criteria and to retrieve the knowledge and experience relating to those cases. In this way the user is able to retrieve the knowledge and experience learned in cases that are analogous to one or more current cases they are studying. |
| US08036864B2 |
Method for predicting the formation of silicon nanocrystals in embedded oxide matrices
A method for predicting the formation of silicon nanocrystals in an oxide matrix is disclosed. Initially, fundamental data for a set of microscopic processes that can occur during one or more material processing operations are obtained. Kinetic models are then built by utilizing the fundamental data for a set of reactions that can contribute substantially to the formation of silicon nanocrystals in a silicon oxide matrix. Finally, the kinetic models are applied to predict shape, size distribution, spatial arrangements of silicon nanocrystals. |
| US08036863B2 |
Method for customizing a bearing bore
A method for customizing a bearing bore in a housing so that the bearing assembly will transmit load in a desired manner over a predetermined range of operating temperatures. |
| US08036860B2 |
Modeling homogeneous parallelism
A model of a process is created using novel “fan-out” and “fan-in” symbols. A fan-out symbol represents a point in the process flow where a variable number of homogeneous parallel outgoing threads are being split out from a single incoming thread. The fan-in symbol represents a point in the process flow where a variable number of parallel incoming threads with homogeneous output are combined into one or more outgoing threads. |
| US08036858B2 |
Statistical method for electric machine optimization used for electric drives
A method is provided for selecting and optimizing an electric drive system by analyzing critical-to-quality subjects of the electric drive system according to Six Sigma theory. The critical-to-quality subjects include weight, volume, reliability, efficiency and cost. Various design approaches may be evaluated to select an optimal design. The design approaches may include electric machine type, cooling system, electrical integration and electrical-mechanical interface. |
| US08036856B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically adjusting spectral doppler gain
Method and apparatus for automatically adjusting a parameter used in the display of a Doppler spectral image comprises acquiring a plurality of spectral lines of Doppler data. A subset of Doppler data is determined from the plurality of spectral lines of Doppler data. A noise characteristic of the subset of Doppler data is calculated, and a signal characteristic of the subset of Doppler data is identified. The noise and signal characteristics are compared, and a system parameter is adjusted based on a result of the comparing step. |
| US08036855B2 |
Failure diagnosis apparatus for homogeneous charge compression ignition engine
A failure diagnosis apparatus for a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine having combustion modes switchable between HCCI combustion, performed together with internal EGR, and SI combustion. The engine includes an intake variable valve mechanism and an exhaust variable valve mechanism. The apparatus includes an airflow meter detecting an intake amount of mixture drawn into a combustion chamber of the engine and a control computer determining whether a failure has occurred in the intake variable valve mechanism and the exhaust variable valve mechanism from intake amount change information. The control computer determines whether a failure has occurred based on information on switching from SI combustion to HCCI combustion, intake amount change information, and predetermined first reference change information, and determines whether a failure has occurred based on information on switching from HCCI combustion to SI combustion, intake amount change information, and predetermined second reference change information. |
| US08036851B2 |
Activity monitoring systems and methods
An activity monitor, comprises housing for attachment to a person; at least one accelerometer disposed within the housing; and a processor disposed within the housing, for processing signals from the accelerometer to assess activity of the person. A method assesses activity of a person, including: sensing acceleration at a first location on the person; processing the acceleration, over time, to assess activity of the person; and wirelessly communicating information indicative of the activity to a second location. |
| US08036850B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter
A method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter corresponding to a subject element employs one or more accelerometers operable to measure accelerations and a processing system operable to generate a motion parameter metric utilizing the acceleration measurements and estimate the motion parameter using the motion parameter metric. |
| US08036847B2 |
Maximum information capture from energy constrained sensor nodes
Adaptable self-powered sensor node and methods of operation providing real-time monitoring and management of node operation. The adaptable self-powered sensor node incorporates an adaptable generator and a radio transmitter to operate remotely without the need for power or communication wiring. Data analysis capabilities provide for maximizing information extracted from sensors and analysis and providing control or reporting information utilizing a strategy to minimize energy usage while reducing information entropy. |
| US08036846B1 |
Variable impedance sense architecture and method
A variable impedance sense (VIS) circuit (400) can detect a drift in the impedance of variable impedance circuits due to changes in operating conditions. Adjustments to binary impedance setting codes are made in response to a detected drift only when such changes do not increase a worst case variation from a target impedance. Adjustments can also be made in response to a detected input offset polarity. |
| US08036844B2 |
Transient performance data phase compensation system and method
A system and method of phase compensating transient performance data are provided. Transient performance data are collected for a plurality of parameters, and two of the parameters are selected. A transfer function is applied to the transient performance data for at least one of the selected parameters to thereby generate phase compensated performance data that is representative of a steady state relationship between the selected parameters. |
| US08036842B2 |
Method and system for real-time signal classification
A method to achieve an accurate, extremely low power state classification implementation is disclosed. Embodiments include a sequence that matches the data flow from the sensor transducer, through analog filtering, to digital sampling, feature computation, and classification. |
| US08036841B2 |
Measuring method and apparatus for potentiometric measuring probes
A method and device are disclosed for measuring potentiometric measuring probes. An exemplary method includes feeding two test voltages comprising a harmonic wave Ueg with a base frequency fg and the harmonic wave Uer with a base frequency fr into two cores of a connecting cable through voltage source impedances, respectively. The voltage between an indicating electrode and a reference electrode, and the AC responding signal resulting from the two test voltages are passed to an amplifier and further to a transfer function unit having transfer functions (Hg, Hr), an A/D converter, and a Fourier transformation unit, to calculate a potential Ux and the two test responses Ug and Ur, respectively. Two calibration responses Uehg and Uehr are determined, wherein Uehg includes a product of Ueg and Hg, and wherein Uehr includes a product of Uer and Hr. Functional expressions are established for the test responses Ug and Ur, and the internal resistances Rg and Rr are determined by simultaneously solving equations having the unknown resistances Rg and Rr and capacitances C1 and C2. Accurate measurement of the internal resistance of the electrode can be achieved even with a relatively long connecting cable. |
| US08036835B2 |
Probe design methods and microarrays for comparative genomic hybridization and location analysis
Methods and systems for identifying and selecting nucleic acid probes for detecting a target with a nucleic acid probe array or comparative genome hybridization microarray, comprising selecting a plurality of potential target sequences, generating a plurality of candidate probes from the target sequences, filtering the plurality of candidate probes by analyzing candidate probes for selected probe properties in silico. Microarrays comprising probes selected by the methods of the invention are particularly useful for comparative genome hybridization and location analysis. |
| US08036833B2 |
Systems and methods for automated analysis of cells and tissues
Systems and methods for rapidly analyzing cell containing samples, for example to identify morphology or to localize and quantitate biomarkers are disclosed. |
| US08036831B2 |
Ligand searching device, ligand searching method, program, and recording medium
The present invention is directed to serve ligand screening apparatuses, ligand screening methods, programs and a recording medium for studying the binding analysis between a receptor including an induced-fit type receptor and a ligand. First, analysis and calculation of normal mode are conducted, and then fluctuation of a dihedral angle of a main chain in a steady state is calculated. Then by carrying out a molecular dynamic calculation while imposing constraint on each atom based on the fluctuation, a dynamic structure of the receptor is predicted more accurately. By using the dynamic structure obtained in the molecular dynamic calculation and an interaction function, receptor/ligand binding which is also applicable to an induced-fit type receptor is predicted with high accuracy. |
| US08036830B2 |
Resistivity imager in non-conductive mud for LWD and wireline applications
An apparatus, method and computer-readable medium for imaging an earth formation. A downhole assembly having a resistivity sensor is conveyed in a borehole penetrating the earth formation. The resistivity sensor includes a plurality of antenna coils arranged along a radial line that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the downhole assembly and configured to obtain measurements of a resistivity property of the earth formation. A processor images the earth formation using the obtained measurements. |
| US08036828B2 |
Vehicle braking control device
A control unit extracts stop position candidates P1 to Pn from the white line data and three-dimensional object data recognized and acquires their positions L1 to Ln, and sets, as a target stop position Lt, one of the stop position candidates P1 to Pn that is the closest to the braking distance Lb obtained based on the current braking operation quantity θp and vehicle speed V. The control unit subtracts a learning value LL from the target stop position Lt to calculate a corrected target stop position Ltc and sets a corrected braking operation quantity value θpc based on the corrected target stop position Ltc and vehicle speed V. When the absolute value |θp−θpc| of the difference between the braking operation quantity θp and the corrected braking operation quantity value θpc is within a preset range, the control unit executes braking control based on the corrected braking operation quantity value θpc. |
| US08036826B2 |
Sports sensor
A data logger for a monitoring sports which includes an accelerometer, a gyro sensor to sense angular displacement, a GPS unit to sense position and velocity, a magnetometer to sense direction of movement, a heart rate monitor, and a controller programmed to manipulate the data and provide a display of the heart rate, speed, and other sport parameters. The data can be stored or transmitted to a remote computer for use by the coach. The device is useful in football codes, athletics, swimming, snow sports and cycling. |
| US08036821B2 |
Methods and systems for diminishing the effects of an acoustic signature of vehicles
Methods and systems are provided for diminishing the effects of an acoustic signature of a vehicle while the vehicle is en route to a destination. One method includes the steps of retrieving acoustic data representing an acoustic model of the vehicle, terrain data representing a terrain model of a geographic area surrounding the destination, route data representing a model of a plurality of routes to the destination, and weather data representing atmospheric conditions of the geographic area. The method also includes selecting a route to the destination based on the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data. A system includes means for performing the retrieving step and the selecting step of the above method. Another system includes memory storing the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to select a route to the destination based on the acoustic, terrain, route, and weather data. |
| US08036819B2 |
Internal combustion engine for vehicles, in particular a diesel engine
The invention relates to an internal combustion engine for vehicles on which a device is mounted and has a semiconductor-based read-only memory, which contains data which are destined to be used for a given purpose of the device, and has an interface enabling an access to the read-only memory. In addition to the data which are destined to be used for the given purpose of the device there are engine-specific data stored in non-volatile manner in the device, the engine-specific data being neither necessary nor destined for the given purpose of the device, and that the engine-specific data, too, can be read out electronically via the said interface. |
| US08036818B2 |
Control apparatus for general-purpose engine
In a general-purpose engine having a throttle valve installed in an air intake passage connected to a combustion chamber, sucked air mixing with fuel to generate an air-fuel mixture to be ignited to drive a piston to rotate a crankshaft connected to a load, a first warm-up time period during which the engine is warmed up and a second warm-up time period which is longer than the first time period are determined based on detected engine temperature and a fuel quantity is increased during the first time period. The operation of the motor is controlled such that a change rate of throttle valve opening is limited within a range until the measured time exceeds the second warm-up time period after it exceeded the first time period. With this, it becomes possible to complete warm-up operation in a short period of time, while improving rate of fuel consumption and emission performance. |
| US08036817B2 |
Method of starting spark ignition engine without using starter motor
There is provided a method for starting a spark ignition engine having multiple cylinders. The method may comprise supplying air and fuel for restart into a first cylinder before said engine completely stops, and igniting the mixture of said air and said fuel in said first cylinder in response to an engine restart request, wherein said first cylinder is on an expansion stroke when said engine stops. The method may also include, after said piston in said first cylinder starts moving, injecting fuel into a second cylinder that is on a compression stroke when said engine stops, on a compression stroke where a piston of said second cylinder is moving in a direction opposite to an operative direction of said piston in said first cylinder. |
| US08036813B2 |
EGR control system
In an internal-combustion engine with exhaust-gas-recirculation system, electronic control means are provided designed to process an analytical model of the quantities “effective lambda” and “effective EGR percentage”, which is constructed on the basis of the physical laws that regulate the fluid-dynamic conditions in the intake pipe, in the exhaust pipe, and in the recirculation pipe of the engine. On the basis of the deviation between the values of said quantities estimated by the model and the reference values of said quantities associated to the conditions of operation of the engine, an operation of correction on the control of the valve that governs the recirculation circuit is implemented. |
| US08036805B2 |
Distributed engine control system
A distributed engine control system is provided. The engine control system includes first and second engine data concentrators. Each of the first and second engine data concentrators include a processor module, a signal conditioning module coupled to the processor module, a data transfer module coupled to the processor module, and a data bus coupled between the first and second engine data concentrators and a hydro-mechanical unit (HMU). |
| US08036804B2 |
Method for controlling speed and/or distance in motor vehicles
The invention relates to a method for controlling speed and/or distance in motor vehicles having distance-related longitudinal control systems, wherein during clear driving, a clear drive acceleration value is set to reach a preset speed, and while following a detected target object, a following acceleration value is set to maintain a preset distance from the target object, and wherein if the target object is lost during a following drive operation, a transition acceleration value is set. According to the invention, the transition acceleration value is set for the duration of a time interval, which is dependent on the speed at the time of the target object loss. |
| US08036802B2 |
Method of controlling a vehicle brake with compensation for expansion
The invention relates to a method of controlling an electromechanical brake for a vehicle wheel, the brake including an actuator provided with a pusher that is actuated by an electric motor and that is adapted to exert a braking force selectively on friction elements in response to an actuation setpoint, the method comprising the following steps: from a braking setpoint ( F), determining a nominal position setpoint ( X) for the brake actuator; from said braking setpoint ( F), estimating a reference current (i*) that ought normally to be flowing in the motor of the actuator to apply a force equal to the braking setpoint; comparing the reference current (i*) with a current (i) actually flowing in the motor of the actuator, and deducing a position correction (xcorr); and adding the position correction to the nominal position setpoint. |
| US08036794B2 |
Method and device for preventively actuating a vehicle occupant protection system
In a method and a device for preventively actuating a vehicle occupant protection means in a vehicle having a vehicle movement dynamics control system, the vehicle occupant protection elements can be activated before a collision time and thus placed in an operative position. An evaluation variable relating to a state of “oversteering” is monitored, and when the state of “oversteering” is identified the vehicle occupant protection elements are activated. The evaluation variable for monitoring the state of “oversteering” is determined by using a manipulated variable of the vehicle movement dynamics control system. |
| US08036789B2 |
System, method and computer program product for real-time event identification and course of action interpretation
A system for identifying events includes a memory capable of storing a compressed event table including a number of events, the event table having been compressed by reducing the number of events in the event table without reducing the number of events represented by the event table. Each event of the event table includes a set of state parameters, and may also be associated with an output. The system also includes a processor capable of operating a fast state recognition (FSR) application. The FSR application, in turn, can receive a plurality of inputs, and identify an event of the compressed event table based upon the plurality of inputs and the state parameters of the compressed event table, event being identified in accordance with a state recognition technique. |
| US08036786B2 |
On-vehicle control apparatus
Provided is an on-vehicle control apparatus capable of automatically initializing control variables in a backup RAM only in rewriting a control program in the market. The on-vehicle control apparatus includes a CPU for controlling an on-vehicle device according to a control program, a non-volatile ROM for storing the control program therein, a backup RAM for storing control variables therein, a backup power supply circuit for supplying power to the backup RAM, a boot program for rewriting the control program, an address changeover circuit for making a changeover in execution address, and a memory rewrite unit. The memory rewrite unit outputs a rewrite signal, a command signal group including a command for activating the boot program, and an erasure command signal for erasing a diagnostic code. The control program initializes the control variables in the backup RAM in response to the erasure command signal when being activated after having been rewritten. |
| US08036784B2 |
System and method for verifying the integrity of a train
A system for verifying the integrity of a train having a predetermined length is provided. The system includes a device for communicating and synchronizing with a detector of a circuit. The detector detects the presence/absence of a train. The device also includes an odometer providing an odometric reference at the start of occupation of the circuit and when the circuit is left by the train, a first processor calculating the distance traveled by the train on the basis of the difference between the two odometric references, a second processor calculating a minimum estimate of the length of the train that is equal to the calculated distance traveled less the algebraic length of the detection circuit and an information mechanism indicating that the train is integral when the calculated length of the train is greater than the predetermined length of the train less the length of a wagon. A method and a computer program product are also provided. |
| US08036782B2 |
Ad-hoc mobile IP network for intelligent transportation system
A method for intelligently managing a transportation network is provided. The method may include providing a roadside apparatus 18 to communicate with nodes 14A to 14D associated with vehicles 12A to 12D in a transportation network, the vehicle nodes being in a neighborhood range of the roadside apparatus. The roadside apparatus may dynamically detect the presence of a node 14A associated with a first vehicle 12A, and establish a mobile Internet Protocol (IP) network between the roadside apparatus and the first vehicle's node. The roadside apparatus 18 receives, in real-time, from the first vehicle's node 14A event data of events associated with the first vehicle 12A over the mobile IP network. The roadside apparatus 18 or nodes 14A to 14D may further receive or transmit real-time command data to control subsystems of a vehicle. |
| US08036780B2 |
Flow controller and test method therefor, and flow control method
A flow controller and a test method therefor are provided which enable testing of the flow control of a process gas passing through a fluid path during operation of semiconductor manufacturing apparatuses. While the flow control is being performed to adjust the flow rate through the fluid path to a flow rate set value, a predetermined number of pieces of test sampling information is collected and associated with the flow rate set value for storage. The test sampling information is made up of a detected flow rate value of the process gas, a detected pressure value, and valve drive control information delivered to a flow control valve mechanism. Then, coefficients of association are sequentially determined which indicate the associations of the predetermined number of detected flow rate values and pieces of valve drive control information, which are stored as the test sampling information. When the value of a coefficient of association is out of the range of predetermined threshold values, a difference is determined between the valve drive control information made available based on a newly received detected flow rate value and the reference valve drive control information obtained with reference to a valve property information table pre-registered for testing. This difference is employed as test information. |
| US08036779B2 |
Air-conditioning system controller
In an air-conditioning system controller provided with a central control unit and a local control unit, the central control unit includes a heat source machine measurement system for measuring an input/output state of a heat source machine, a setting unit for setting air-conditioning condition data on air-conditioning object spaces, an outdoor air measurement system for measuring outdoor air condition data, a total air-conditioning load operating unit, an optimal operating state estimation unit, and a heat source machine control. The total air-conditioning load operating unit calculates a total air-conditioning load or a heat exchange rate of the heat source machine based on chilled water inlet and outlet temperatures and chilled water flow rate of the heat source machine. |
| US08036778B2 |
Air-conditioning system
An air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning unit that is switchable between local air-conditioning and overall air-conditioning, a data acquisition unit configured to acquire state quantity data of a requester, and a control unit. The control unit calculates comfort assessment values for both the requester and a neighbor, and controls the air-conditioning unit so that the local air-conditioning is performed to an extent whereby the comfort assessment value of the neighbor is kept in a comfort range and the comfort assessment value of the requester can be within the comfort range. |
| US08036772B2 |
Process and apparatus for monitoring sheet-like products transported by clamps
The invention relates to a first product (20) which supports identification information (30) and a second product (22) which, optionally, supports identification information (30′). Said first and second products are maintained and transported together by a clamp (12), such that the second printing product (22) at least partially overlaps the first printing product (20). The identification information (30) of the first printing product (20) is arranged in the edge section (26) and the identification information (30′) of the second printing product (22) is free. The printing products (22, 22) are subjected to an optical-electronic control where an image capturing device (38) captures an image of the identification information (30, 30′), when a control point is passed. The captured image is electronically processed and the result thereof is transformed into control signals. |
| US08036766B2 |
Intelligent audio mixing among media playback and at least one other non-playback application
In operation of an electronics device, audio based on asynchronous events, such as game playing, is intelligently combined with audio output nominally generated in a predictive manner, such as resulting from media playback. For example, an overall audio output signal for the electronic device may be generated such that, for at least one of audio channels corresponding to predictive manner processing, the generated audio output for that channel included into the overall audio output signal is based at least in part on configuration information associated with a processed audio output signal for at least one of the audio channels corresponding to asynchronous events based processing. Thus, for example, the game audio processing may control how audio effects from the game are combined with audio effects from media playback. |
| US08036761B2 |
Simulation hardware apparatus comprising vehicle model
A simulation apparatus is composed of an integrated plant model process unit 1, virtual ECUs 50A to 50C that simulate other controllers, and a simulation management unit 2 that manages the execution of an input and output process to a real ECU 300, a process by the integrated plant model process unit 1, and a process by the virtual ECUs 50A to 50C, and so on, and the simulation management unit 2 causes the integrated plant model process unit 1, the virtual ECUs 50A to 50C, and so on to execute the processes required for the operation of the real ECU 300 during a given period on the basis of the operation of the real ECU 300. |
| US08036756B2 |
Implantable medical electrical stimulation lead fixation method and apparatus
An implantable medical electrical lead particularly for stimulation of the sacral nerves comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes. |
| US08036755B2 |
Notched electrode for electrostimulation lead
According to one embodiment, an electrode for use in electrostimulation is provided, where the electrode comprises a notch that operates to substantially eliminate gaseous material from being trapped about the electrode during a molding process of an electrostimulation lead. |
| US08036752B2 |
Retinal prosthesis with separate central electrode array and peripheral electrode array
While a photolithographed array internal to the retina provides superior resolution, an array external to the retina provides easier implantation and improved manufacturability. Therefore it is advantageous to supply a high-resolution electrode array internal to the sclera, near the fovea and a lower-resolution electrode array eternal to the sclera near the periphery of the retina.Even if a separate lower-resolution array is implanted internal to the sclera, super-choroidal (between the choroid and sclera) or intra-scleral (between the layers of the sclera), it is easier to make a lower-resolution array in a curved shape. |
| US08036749B2 |
System for characterizing chronic physiological data
An implantable medical device (IMD) senses physiological episodes and stores data associated with the physiological episodes in the IMD. The data is then processed based on a pattern of recurrence of the physiological episodes. |
| US08036743B2 |
Automated optimization of multi-electrode pacing for cardiac resynchronization
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for automatically optimizing CRT procedures using a multi-electrode pacing lead. During operation, the system performs a first set of iterations to select one or more satellites on one or more pacing leads inserted in a patient. A pacing lead includes a plurality of pacing satellites, and a pacing satellite includes a plurality of electrodes that can be individually addressed and used for transmitting or detecting electric signals. The system then performs a second set of iterations to select one or more electrodes on the selected satellites. The system further performs a third set of iterations to select one or more timing configurations for pacing signals transmitted through one or more of the selected electrodes. |
| US08036742B2 |
Apparatus and methods for fibrillation and defibrillation
The invention is directed to techniques for attempting to restore a patient to a normal sinus rhythm. In a patient experiencing asystole or pulseless electrical activity, defibrillation therapy may be ineffective. The invention is directed to techniques for delivering one or more shocks to induce ventricular fibrillation in the patient, followed by one or more defibrillation shocks to restore normal sinus rhythm. A defibrillator may deliver the fibrillation and defibrillation therapies. The invention may also include techniques for estimating the probability that the patient will respond favorably to the defibrillation therapy, and delivering defibrillation therapy when the therapy has a good probability of success. |
| US08036738B2 |
Iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery system based on conductive polyaniline membrane
An iontophoretic transdermal drug delivery system that utilizes a porous conductive polyaniline membrane as one of two electrodes, with both electrodes in contact with an aqueous solution of the ingredient in ionic and nonionic form, and the membrane additionally in contact with the skin surface of the mammal. Upon providing the appropriate direct current flow by voltage generating means through the electrodes and solution, the ingredient is caused to pass through the porous membrane and be released in ionic form through the skin surface of the mammal. |
| US08036736B2 |
Implantable systems and methods for identifying a contra-ictal condition in a subject
Systems and methods of monitoring a subject's neurological condition are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of analyzing a physiological signal (such as an EEG) from a subject to determine if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition; and if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition, providing an indication (e.g., to the subject and/or to a caregiver) that the subject is in the contra-ictal condition. The systems and methods may utilize a minimally invasive, leadless device to monitor the subject's condition. In some embodiments, if the subject is in a pro-ictal condition, the method includes the step of providing an indication (such as a red light) that the subject is in the pro-ictal condition. |
| US08036729B2 |
Assessing the condition of a joint and devising treatment
Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy. |
| US08036727B2 |
Methods for noninvasively measuring analyte levels in a subject
A method for noninvasively measuring analytes such as blood glucose levels includes using a non-imaging OCT-based system to scan a two-dimensional area of biological tissue and gather data continuously during the scanning. Structures within the tissue where measured-analyte-induced changes to the OCT data dominate over changes induced by other analytes are identified by focusing on highly localized regions of the data curve produced from the OCT scan which correspond to discontinuities in the OCT data curve. The data from these localized regions then can be related to measured analyte levels. |
| US08036717B2 |
Mobile phone terminal and charging system
Disclosed is a mobile terminal incorporating a battery pack utilized as power supply. The mobile terminal includes a positive terminal connected to a battery pack positive electrode, a negative terminal connected to a battery pack negative electrode, a data communication terminal communicating with a circuit in the battery pack, a charge control unit controlling charging of the battery pack via the positive terminal, and a reference voltage output unit outputting reference voltage. The terminal further includes a dividing resistor and a thermistor connected in series between the reference voltage output unit and the negative terminal, a temperature detector detecting temperature, and stopping charging of the battery pack based on the detected temperature, and a switching device controlling the voltage at the predetermined portion. The terminal still further includes a control unit communicating with the circuit in the battery pack via the data communication terminal, and changing the voltage at the predetermined portion when notified abnormality from the battery pack. |
| US08036715B2 |
Vehicle communication system
A vehicle communication system detects the presence of a passenger wearable communication device. The system receives audio signals from multiple sources inside or outside of a vehicle. The system processes the signals before routing the signals to multiple destinations. The destinations may include wearable personal communication devices, front and/or rear speakers, and/or a remote mobile device. |
| US08036714B2 |
Terminal, controlling method thereof and recordable medium for the same
A mobile terminal including a broadcast receiving unit, a touchscreen including a broadcast picture area configured to display a broadcast picture received by the broadcast receiving unit, and a controller configured to display on the touchscreen a broadcast channel list including a list of broadcast channels in a first direction, and to display on the touchscreen a broadcast service list including a list of broadcast services corresponding to respective broadcast channels in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08036712B1 |
Radio apparatus with a control element for selecting and/or activating functions displayed on a display device
A radio apparatus embodied in a radio telephone has a display device and at least one control element for selecting and/or activating functions of the radio apparatus that are displayed on the display device. The control element is disposed neighboring the display device so that a local association exists between the control element and the displaying of functions of the radio apparatus on the display device. The apparatus further includes means for providing at least one first operating mode in which information about the first operating mode is associated in the display device with the control element. Information in a second operating mode associated with the first operating mode is converted into a function for activating the first operating mode, which function is activateable by the control element. |
| US08036710B2 |
Power-efficient multi-antenna wireless device
A power-efficient wireless device is equipped with multiple (N) antennas. Each antenna is associated with a transmitter unit and a receiver unit. The wireless device also has processing units used to perform various digital processing tasks. The transmitter units, receiver units, and processing units may be selectively enabled or disabled. In an idle state, the wireless device may enable only a subset (e.g., one) of the N receiver units and one or few processing units for signal detection and acquisition. For active communication, the wireless device may enable Ntx transmitter units for data transmission and/or Nrx receiver units for data reception, where 1≦Ntx≦N and 1≦Nrx≦N. The enabled processing units may also be clocked at a lower frequency whenever data is transmitted or received at a data rate lower than the highest data rate. The wireless device may go to sleep whenever possible to conserve power. |
| US08036706B2 |
Method for accessing an additional service provided by an IC card toolkit applet
A method is for selecting at least one additional service in a mobile telephone or mobile equipment having a keyboard for dialing a number to set up a telephone communication. The at least one additional service may be provided by an Integrated Circuit (IC) Card in the mobile equipment. The method may include comparing a dialed number with at least one service number stored in the IC Card and associated to the at least one additional service, terminating the set up of the telephone communication, and triggering the associated additional service corresponding to the dialed number. |
| US08036705B2 |
Apparatus and method of a mobile communication terminal for accessing a portal site
An apparatus and a method of a mobile communication terminal for accessing a portal site are provided, which include reading out an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) from a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, coding the read IMSI, and generating an ID using the coded IMSI, and provide easy, fast and safe access to the portal site and extended range of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) portal marketing. |
| US08036702B2 |
Method and apparatus for multicarrier communication in wireless systems
Multicarrier techniques for wireless communications system are described. An apparatus may comprise a carrier management module to define a primary carrier for use by a multicarrier communications system to communicate control information, and a secondary carrier for use by the multicarrier communications system to communicate media information, with the secondary carrier having a communication parameter and technology that is potentially different from the primary carrier. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08036701B2 |
Dynamically reconfigurable base station node and method
A base station node is provided that includes a radio frequency (RF) monitor and at least one signal processor. The RF monitor is operable to monitor traffic associated with a plurality of wireless communication devices to determine at least one requested load having a corresponding air interface standard. The signal processor is coupled to the RF monitor and is operable to be dynamically reconfigured to support the air interface standard corresponding to the requested load. |
| US08036698B2 |
Mobile station message having a station class mark field for indicating an MEID capable mobile station
A mobile station for wireless communication includes a control processor configured to generate a message for transmission on a reverse signaling channel, the message including a Station Class Mark field having a plurality of bits, a portion of the Station Class Mark field indicating that the mobile station is uniquely identified by a Mobile Station Equipment Identifier. |
| US08036697B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A reception unit measures a reception power level of a reference signal which is received from a base station apparatus BS. A reception signal processing unit acquires information indicative of a transmission power level of the reference signal. A control unit finds a path loss on the basis of the reception power level and this information. The control unit determines, on the basis of the path loss, a transmission power level of that one of two transmission frequency bands, which is closer to a frequency band with respect to which the pass loss has been measured. The control unit determines a transmission power level of the other transmission frequency band, which is farther from the frequency band with respect to which the pass loss has been measured, by correcting the transmission power level on the basis of a correction value based on a difference in frequency. |
| US08036696B2 |
Time-multiplexed, two tier wireless device and method therefor
Network devices are disclosed where transmission of information over a wireless channel by a device is prevented or allowed during a particular time period based upon a classification of the wireless electronic device, and whether the particular time period is associated with that classification. |
| US08036694B2 |
Method and device for power control in a wireless communication system
A method for generating a power control command in a transceiver in a wireless communication system, where the method comprises the steps of calculating, at the beginning of a predefined time period, a quality measure reference value, generating, repeatedly during the predefined time period, an estimated quality measure value of a signal received at the transceiver; generating a power control command in dependence of the estimated quality measure value and the quality measure reference value; and generating, a number of times during the predefined time period, a modified quality measure reference value from the quality measure reference value. The step of generating the power control command comprises comparing the estimated quality measure value with the modified quality measure reference value. A power control unit, comprising a quality measure estimator, a calculator, a first controller, a second controller and an inner loop element, is configured to implement the method. |
| US08036693B1 |
Communication systems and methods
The floor in a network-based instant connect communication session is managed such that a mobile device user can cause voice data to be transmitted to a remote party without the remote party giving consent to relinquishing the floor. After the network-based instant connect communication session is established, and as the remote party holds the floor, the mobile device user presses a talk button on the mobile device or otherwise provides input. The input causes the network-based instant connect communication session to transition from the original half-duplex communication to full-duplex communication. The mobile device user can then cause voice data to be sent to the remote device. In this manner, the mobile device user can interrupt or spontaneously respond to the remote party without waiting for the remote party to relinquish the floor. This facilitates comfortable two-way communication in a network-based instant connect communication session. |
| US08036691B2 |
Method for data transmission in a radio communication system as well as radio station and radio communications system
A first signal containing first data multiplied by a first weight factor is transmitted from a first radio station to a first terminal. The first weight factor is calculated taking into account a second weight factor to be used by a second radio station for transmission of a second signal containing the first data multiplied by the second weight factor, such that simultaneous reception of both the first signal and the second signal at the first terminal will cause the first data to be substantially cancelled. Further, the first weight vector is calculated taking into account first and second channel state information received from the first terminal. |
| US08036689B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributing messages to mobile recipients
For processing digital communication traffic in a network comprising a central communication processing structure and a number of separate devices of users designed for communication with the central communication processing structure, each time, a communication coming from one of the separate devices is received which communication is addressed to another of the separate devices. It is then checked whether the received communication meets at least one condition applicable to the communication or the sender. In reaction to meeting the condition, a message is added to the communication and the communication including the added message is sent to the addressed device. |
| US08036684B2 |
Closest user terminal search method for a telecommunication network and service node applying such a method
Service node for a telecommunication network (15) and method for determining a group of n user terminals (21) which are closest to a point of interest (22). First, a search range with an upper limit (24) is set. Then in an iterative manner, a current search cell of the set of cells (1-10) is determined and the search cell is queried for user data. The user terminals (21) are added to a set of found user terminals, and if the set of found user terminals comprises n or more user terminals (21), the upper limit (24) of the search range is adjusted to the nth lowest distance. This is repeated until no further possible cell (1-10) can be determined. The set of criteria can be set and matched with obtained user data to find a closest user terminal (21) having a specific role. |
| US08036682B1 |
Apparatus and method for call center call-back
A call center allows a customer to select the type of callback service which the customer wishes the call center to utilize when placing a call back to the customer. The call center then tests for the presence of a device specified by the customer. When the presence of the device is detected on an Internet/network, the call center will place a call to the customer via a device specified by the customer. Also, a call center allows a user to select the type of callback service which the customer wishes to use for a later communication with the call center. When the call center has the capability of providing the selected type of callback service, the call center indicates this capability by publishing a service presence. A customer device detects the published service presence and alerts the customer who establishes communication with the callback center. |
| US08036681B2 |
Location information system and method for performing notification based upon location
According to an embodiment, a location based notification method in a H-SLP (Home-SUPL Location Platform) receiving, by the H-SLP, a request for positioning of a roaming terminal; transmitting a session initialization message including a notification mode parameter to the roaming terminal when one or more of the location-based notification and verification are required as a result of checking a privacy of the roaming terminal; requesting, an initial location of the roaming terminal to a V-SLP (Visited-SUPL Location Platform) thereby to receive the initial location; and performing a positioning process to calculate the location of the roaming terminal if the required quality for the received initial location of the roaming terminal is not satisfied. |
| US08036679B1 |
Optimizing performance of location-aware applications using state machines
A location-aware method that dynamically adjusts software parameters in Location-Based Service (LBS) applications in real-time based on environmental conditions and application requirements. The invention saves power expended during position calculations while increasing application performance, optimizes settings for the application based on real-time conditions, and reduces bandwidth used. In an embodiment, the present method comprises a state machine or a plurality of state machines. |
| US08036678B2 |
Real-time geographic information system and method
An information system for dynamic distribution of location-related information between users with different perspective views includes a number of user units each including a viewing arrangement defining a viewing direction and a registration subsystem for deriving a mapping between the current perspective view and a shared location reference. The user units also include a data management system and a wireless communication arrangement. At least one of the user units further includes a user input interface for designating a viewed location within the current perspective view for association with location-related information to generate a new location-related information entry for sharing with others of the plurality of user units. At least one other of the user units further includes a display device associated with the viewing arrangement for displaying location-related information correctly positioned in the context of the current perspective view. |
| US08036665B2 |
Wireless mobile station call handoff
Communication handoff in a radio telecommunications network in which a quality measurement between a mobile wireless device and a first fixed transceiving entity in the radio telecommunications network is obtained in readiness for potentially handing off the communication. A quality driven handoff is initiated when the quality measurement falls within a range of values defined by a first quality threshold and a second quality threshold. |
| US08036663B2 |
Method for handover between frequency allocation in broadband wireless access system
A handover control method in a broadband wireless access system is disclosed. In a broadband wireless access system supporting multiple frequency allocations, in which a serving base station controls a handover, the present invention includes the steps of receiving from a mobile subscriber station a handover request message including an identifier of the mobile subscriber station, transmitting a handover request notification message including the identifier of the mobile subscriber station to a handover target base station, receiving a handover request notification response message including information for frequency allocation supportable by the target base station, and transmitting a handover response message including the information for the frequency allocation to the mobile subscriber station. Accordingly, in the broadband wireless access system supporting the multiple FA, the present invention enables the handover between FAs within one cell or between FAs in different cells. |
| US08036661B2 |
Method and system for handling a faulty registration for a mobile communications device
A method and system for handling a faulty registration for a subscriber with a mobile communication device in a communications network. A faulty registration comprises a registration missing identification information or having a field that is missing an identifier or other form of information. The method and system comprise selecting another field or property in the faulty registration, which is populated with an identifier or identification information, and searching the selected field or property in a list of registrations for matching identification information. Associating the faulty registration with an existing registration for a subscriber based on matching the identification information. According to another aspect, the system and method comprise generating a new registration for the customer with the faulty registration if a matching registration is not located or search criteria are not satisfied. According to another aspect, the system and method comprise creating a record associated with the faulty registration. |
| US08036660B2 |
Call-handling for an off-premises, telecommunications terminal with an installed subscriber identity module
An apparatus and method are disclosed that enable an organization's enterprise-wide network to accommodate roaming wireless terminals that are affiliated with the local enterprise networks within the enterprise-wide network. In particular, the illustrative-embodiment system is capable of handling a wireless terminal such as a cellular telephone that is able to use different subscriber identity module cards, or “SIM” cards, in different geographic regions or service-provider networks. A mobility client that is part of the wireless terminal registers when it detects that a new SIM card has been installed at the wireless terminal, whereby the client provides the subscriber-specific information that the wireless terminal reads from the SIM card. The mobility client identifies itself to the server by a user identifier, such as the station extension with which the terminal is affiliated back at the home local enterprise network. Upon successful registration, the client receives an access number that is suitable for its current location. |
| US08036659B2 |
Method for requesting an unregistered UE to perform registration in the IMS
The method for requesting an Internet Multimedia Sub-system (IMS) unregistered User Equipment (UE) to perform IMS registration including initiating an IMS domain session or sending an IMS relevant signaling to a called subscriber by a UE A; informing the UE A information that the called subscriber has not registered with the IMS by the network; requesting the called terminal to conduct IMS registration by the UE A; and restarting the IMS session after the called terminal completes the IMS registration. An IMS unregistered UE can also perform IMS service. |
| US08036656B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing cell selection to home cell or private network in a mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for performing cell selection to a Home cell or a Private network in a mobile communication system are provided, in which a User Equipment (UE) determines a candidate cell by measuring a serving cell and neighbor cells, receives an indicator indicating a Home cell or a Private network in system information from the candidate cell, determines whether the candidate cell is included in a Home cell or Private network list set in the UE, and selects the candidate cell if the candidate cell is included in the Home cell or Private network list. |
| US08036655B2 |
Clientless mobile subscribers with seamless roaming over scalable wide area wireless networks
System and method for seamless roaming over scalable wide area Wireless LAN networks (WAWLAN) with clientless mobile subscribers. A preferred embodiment comprises a wireless gateway (WG) coupled to one or more access points in a wireless network to form a wireless cluster (WC), a network access gateway (NAG) coupled to a wired network, and a switch coupled to the WG and the NAG. Each wireless cluster is a Wireless LAN Network (WLAN) with homogenous or heterogeneous network architecture. The WG detects mobile nodes in a wireless cluster and tracks mobile node location in the wireless cluster. The NAG is an anchor point for mobile nodes in the WAWLAN and maintains a fixed source of information about each mobile node regardless of their mobility. The switch provides connectivity between the NAG and the WG. Seamless roaming across Wireless LAN network boundary by mobile subscribers without requiring special mobility enabling client software. |
| US08036652B2 |
Radio access point testing apparatus
In a case where reception power in a radio access point is high by external noise, the normalcy of the radio access point is tested. In order to judge the normalcy of the radio characteristic of the radio access point, a test is performed through the calling connection between a testing access terminal in the radio access point and a predetermined device. An RSSI is measured before and after the transmission of a test signal. When the RSSI exceeds a threshold value, the path loss of a reverse link connected from the radio access point to the testing access terminal is increased by an attenuator. Then, reception power in the testing access terminal decreases. Thus, initial transmission power in accordance with the reception power from the testing access terminal is raised and the calling connection of the testing access terminal can be performed even under the external noise. |
| US08036649B2 |
Mobile communications device and method of updating telephone directory of mobile communications device
A mobile communications device includes: a telephone directory storage unit for storing a telephone directory; a comparator for comparing a service identifier included in a received message with a service identifier stored in the telephone directory; and an update unit for updating the telephone number stored in the telephone directory. If the service identifier corresponding to the telephone number received in the message matches the service identifier stored in the telephone directory, the update unit updates the telephone number stored in the telephone directory with the received telephone number. |
| US08036644B2 |
Method for join background sound to mobile communication talking
The present invention relates to a method for adding background sound to mobile communication talking. In the method of the present invention, a subscriber may dial additionally a background sound service number at the time of calling the a called party to make a mobile communication exchange, on the basis of the additionally-dialed number, add a talking link of a third party provided by the background sound system to establish a three-party talking at the time of establishing a talking link between a calling mobile communication terminal and a called mobile communication terminal. Thus, the calling and called parties can have a background sound service during the talking. According to the present invention, the calling subscribers are enabled to readily add background sound to relevant talking with the called parties through additionally dialing background sound service numbers and therefore, new telecommunications valued-added services may be added in existing mobile communication networks, making the talking between the calling and called parties more interesting and humanized. |
| US08036641B2 |
Method for operating a playback unit in a vehicle, for playing back data stored on a data medium
A system for use in a motor vehicle includes a wireless receiver that receives, over a wireless communication channel, supplemental information representative of the characteristics of the contents of a playback media, and provides received supplemental information indicative thereof. A playback device receives the received supplemental information and stores the received supplemental information in a non-volatile memory device. The playback unit may generate a request for supplement information in response to and indicative of a playback media inserted into the playback unit. The system may also include a wireless transmitter that receives the request and transmits the received request over the communication channel. In another embodiment, a radio connection is established between a computing device and the wireless receiver. The computing device transmits characteristic data of selected data media over the radio connection to the wireless receiver, which provides the received data to the playback unit that stores the received data in a memory device for subsequent on-demand retrieval and display. In this embodiment, an operator can transfer to the motor vehicle the characteristic data stored in the computing device (e.g., personal computer) relating to selected data media. |
| US08036640B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating routing of data in a radio communication system having a mobile node capable of roaming movement
Apparatus, and an associated method, for providing routing information to a mobile node operable in a radio communication system. The routing information is used by the mobile node to address data messages that are to be communicated to a relay host, or other, device. The routing information that is provided to the mobile node includes a plurality of separate routing sequences. Different ones of the routing sequences are used by the mobile node, depending upon at what location that the mobile node is positioned when the data message is sent. A registration server is used by which to create the routing information, responsive to indications of a home network associated with the mobile node and a current location of the mobile node. |
| US08036634B2 |
System and method for automatic storage and retrieval of emergency information
A vehicle communication system may retrieve “in case of emergency” (ICE) information from a wireless device. The ICE information may include contact information, medical information, etc., and may be transferred to an emergency provider, if the vehicle communication system places an emergency call. The information may also be retrieved at some point before an emergency call is placed and stored in a memory circuit of the vehicle communication system. |
| US08036630B2 |
Method and apparatus for making an emergency call using a mobile communication terminal
Disclosed is a method for making an emergency call by using a mobile communication terminal. The method includes identifying a current position when a user makes an emergency call request; retrieving an emergency call number from emergency call numbers pre-stored for respective regions, the emergency call number being used in a region corresponding to the current position; and dialing the emergency call number. |
| US08036628B2 |
Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system includes: a filter; and a semiconductor chip including a signal processing integrated circuit having an amplifier, wherein a main surface of the semiconductor chip is provided with a plurality of electrode terminals along an edge portion thereof; wherein the amplifier has a transistor including a control electrode, a first electrode through which a signal is outputted, and a second electrode to which a voltage is applied; wherein the control electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode of the transistor are connected to the electrode terminals, respectively; and wherein none of wirings are arranged between the electrode terminals and placements of the control electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode, making space between the electrodes and the electrode terminals narrow. |
| US08036622B2 |
DC offset cancellation circuit for a receiver
Techniques for cancelling DC offset are described. A DC offset cancellation circuit in a receiver cancels DC offsets caused by leaked LO (local oscillator) signals from a LO signal generator. The receiver first calibrates itself by using the DC offset cancellation circuit during a transmit mode. During the calibration, the DC offset cancellation circuit stores the DC offset voltage signal caused by the leaked LO signals. During a receiving mode when the receiver is receiving a signal, the receiver subtracts the stored DC offset voltage signal from the received signal to cancel the DC offsets caused by leaked LO signals. |
| US08036621B2 |
Receiving apparatus, signal processing circuit, and signal receiving method
There is provided a receiving apparatus having a simple configuration and an excellent ability to eliminate multipath noise, in which an antenna in a good reception state can be instantly selected. A reception signal from an antenna is inputted to an intermediate-frequency amplifying circuit via an antenna switching circuit, a front end and an A/D converting circuit, and an S meter signal from an S meter circuit is inputted to a controlling section via a noise detecting filter and an absolute value circuit. Then, the controlling section compares noise components outputted from the absolute value circuit (noise level) with a threshold value Vth outputted from a threshold value setting section. When the noise level becomes higher than the threshold value Vth, an antenna selection controlling signal is outputted to the antenna switching circuit, and antennas are switched. |
| US08036617B2 |
Radio frequency (RF) signal generator and method for providing test signals for testing multiple RF signal receivers
A test signal interface and method for allowing sharing of multiple test signal generators among multiple devices under test (DUTs). Digital baseband test signals generated by the multiple test signal generators are combined and converted to a baseband analog signal for conversion to a radio frequency (RF) signal for testing the multiple DUTs. |
| US08036614B2 |
Replica DLL for phase resetting
A method, algorithm, architecture, circuits, and/or systems for using a delay-locked loop (DLL) for phase adjustment in a direct conversion radio receiver are disclosed. The DLL is configured to avoid a perceived phase shift when the control voltage to a delay line is reset upon reaching a predetermined amount. Embodiments disclosed include a DLL, a radio receiver using the DLL, a circuit for resetting the DLL, a method for recovering a modulated radio signal, and a method of synchronizing a reference clock to a radio signal. The approach can allow for improved synchronization of the reference clock to a received radio signal during baseband frequency recovery. |
| US08036613B2 |
Communication system and method for operating a communication system
Communication system including a host and a device. The host has an oscillator and the device has a USB-function core. The oscillator in the host is coupled to the USB-function core in the device. |
| US08036609B2 |
FM transmitter for an MP player
A device for connecting a personal audio/video player to a vehicle equipped with a FM radio. The device connects to the lighter/DC connector of the vehicle with a power block 1 to provide a source of power for the player and recharges the internal battery of the player. The device also connects to docking receptacles of a personal audio player with a receive port 6 allowing unattenuated sound and recharging connection. A wire 4 serves as an antenna for a FM transmitter 3 to make a wireless connection to the vehicle radio. |
| US08036606B2 |
Method and apparatus for interference cancellation
An interference canceller between a transmit chain and a receive chain of a transceiver is proposed to complement the action of a diplexer, or duplex filter, that is part of the transceiver. The interference canceller comprises a transmit chain tap, a receive chain coupler for coupling an interference compensation signal into the receive chain, and an interference signal processing path between the transmit chain tap and the receive chain coupler. The interference signal processing path comprises a filter having filtering characteristics similar or corresponding to the filtering characteristic of a receive portion of said diplexer. A corresponding method for interference cancellation is also proposed. Computer-program products for the manufacture of the interference canceller and the execution of the method are also proposed. |
| US08036601B2 |
Group LMMSE demodulation using noise and interference covariance matrix for reception on a cellular downlink
A method for filtering in a wireless downlink channel, where all dominant transmitting sources use inner codes from a particular set, includes the steps of estimating a channel matrix seen from a desired transmitter source in response to a pilot or preamble signal; converting the estimated channel matrix into an effective channel matrix responsive to the inner code of the desired transmitting source; estimating a covariance matrix of noise plus interference in a linear model whose output is an equivalent of the received observations and in which the effective channel matrix corresponding to each dominant transmitting source inherits the structure of its inner code; computing a signal-to-noise-interference-ratio SINR responsive to the covariance matrix and the effective channel matrix corresponding to the desired source; and feeding back the computed SINR to the transmitter source. |
| US08036599B2 |
Method and system for a wireless headset with a clock
Aspects of a method and system for a Bluetooth headset with a clock are provided. A Bluetooth headset may have an access to real-time clock information such as a real-time clock value at a specific time instant and generate corresponding audio and/or visual representations to a user via Bluetooth communication. The real-time clock information to the Bluetooth headset may be originated within or external to the Bluetooth headset. The timing of the real-time clock of the Bluetooth headset may be maintained by a Bluetooth clock of the BT headset. The Bluetooth headset may provide respective real-time updates by pressing a button on the Bluetooth headset or from timing events such as calendar entries or personal alarms downloaded into the BT headset from a Bluetooth device, and/or from timed Bluetooth messages communicated to the Bluetooth headset from the peer device. |
| US08036591B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus and bookbinding system
A bookbinding apparatus which forms a booklet by coating adhesive onto a spine of a sheet bundle, the bookbinding apparatus comprising: an adhesive tank which stores adhesive; a supplying section which supplies solid adhesive to the adhesive tank; a melting section which melts the solid adhesive supplied to the adhesive tank; a coating section which coats the adhesive onto the spine of the sheet bundle; and a controller which controls the supplying section to supply the solid adhesive from the supplying section to the adhesive tank when an amount of adhesive that has been coated by the coating section reaches equal to or more than a predetermined value. |
| US08036581B2 |
Developing device to smoothy dispense developer and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing device capable of smoothly dispersing a developer in a development container and an image forming apparatus having the developing device. The developing device includes a development container which contains a developer and has an opening, a development roller which is mounted near the opening of the development container, a conveying member which is movably mounted in the development container to supply the developer to the development roller and moves forward and backward in a direction of the opening, and at least one dispersing member which operates according to the forward/backward movement of the conveying member to disperse the developer in the development container. |
| US08036580B2 |
Polyurethane foam toner supplying roller and method for manufacturing the same
A toner supplying roller is provided in which a polyurethane foam layer can be obtained without decreasing the reactivity of the polyurethane material, and in which contamination by a catalyst remaining in the polyurethane foam layer is suppressed, so that a good image can be obtained. Moreover, the toner supplying roller has suitable aperture cells in the surface, suitably performs the scraping off of the development residual toner and toner supply between the toner supplying roller and the developing roller, and forms a uniform toner thin film on the developing roller, so that a good image can be obtained. In a toner supplying roller including a polyurethane foam layer that is formed on the mandrel periphery using a polyurethane material including a polyol and a polyisocyanate, the polyol and the polyisocyanate have an amine number of 3 mg KOH/g or more and 15 mg KOH/g or less in total. |
| US08036578B2 |
Toner cartridge, adaptor for toner cartridge, toner cartridge assembly and image forming apparatus
A toner cartridge (20) has a cartridge main body (21) as a container filled with a developer and a shutter mechanism (25) that opens and closes a developer discharging orifice (231) formed in the cartridge main body (21). The cartridge main body (21) has a pair of end walls (left end wall (22) and right end wall (23)) opposing each other and a barrel (24) installed between a pair of these end walls (22) and (23). A shape of a cross section of the barrel (24) orthogonal to a direction of a tube center line is set to a shape of a Reuleaux polygon. |
| US08036573B2 |
Process cartridge and image forming apparatus including a toner charge control device with an endless belt
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrying member, an image writing unit, a development unit, a transfer device, a charging device, and a toner charge control device. The image writing unit forms a latent image on the image carrying member, which is developed as a toner image by the development unit, and the toner image is transferred to a transfer member by the transfer device. The charging device charges the image carrying member and toner on the image carrying member. The toner charge control device, controls a polarity of charge and charging voltage level of toner remaining on the image carrying member. The toner charge control device includes an endless belt having a surface made of a conductive material, a support member extending the endless belt pressed against the image carrying member, and a bias voltage applicator for supplying a voltage to the surface of the endless belt. |
| US08036571B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units arranged in parallel, each image forming unit having an image carrying member and a charging roller disposed face to face with the image carrying member for electrically charging the image carrying member, and a shifting mechanism for selectively shifting at least one charging roller between a first position where the charging roller is brought into contact with the corresponding image carrying member to electrically charge the image carrying member in contact manner and a second position where the charging roller is moved away from the corresponding image carrying member to electrically charge the image carrying member in non-contact manner. |
| US08036570B2 |
Process cartridge
A process cartridge includes a photosensitive member, a charger, which charges the photo sensitive member, and a process frame, which supports the photo sensitive member and the charger. The charger includes a charged wire, a grid that is interposed between the charged wire and the photosensitive member, a wire-side connecting portion that applies a voltage to the charged wire, and a grid-side connecting portion that applies a voltage to the charged wire. The process frame comprises an exposure opening that faces the photosensitive member, the exposure opening being provided between the wire-side connecting portion and the grid-side connecting portion when viewed from a first direction in which the charged wire is stretched. |
| US08036568B2 |
Image forming apparatus and toner cartridge used for the same
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section and a toner cartridge which is loadable into the image forming section. The toner cartridge includes a seal member which is bonded to a peripheral edge of a toner discharging port by an electro-releasing adhesive, of which adhesive force decreases when a current is applied thereto. The image forming section includes a first electrode and a second electrode that contact the peripheral edge of the toner discharging port and the seal member, respectively, when the toner cartridge is loaded into the image forming section. When a current is applied to the electro-releasing adhesive via the first and second electrodes, the adhesive force of the electro-releasing adhesive decreases, whereby the seal member is released from the toner discharging port. |
| US08036567B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt that is rotated, an image forming device configured to form an image on a recording medium which fed on the endless belt, a cleaning roller configured to be rotated and clean the endless belt, a pair of registration rollers configured to be rotated in a recording medium feeding direction and to feed a recording medium to the image forming device, and a motor configured to rotate in two directions. The image forming apparatus may further include first, second, and third gear mechanisms. The first and second gear mechanisms are configured to switch between transmission and non-transmission of a driving force to the cleaning roller according to rotational direction of the motor. The third gear mechanism is configured to switch between transmission and non-transmission of the driving force to the registration roller according to the rotational direction of the motor. |
| US08036566B2 |
Control method of image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus
A control method and an image forming apparatus. The apparatus includes a latent image carrier; a development apparatus for developing a liquid developer containing a toner, a carrier liquid and a dispersant soluble in the carrier liquid therein on the latent image carrier; an intermediate transfer medium to which a developer image developed on the latent image carrier is transferred; a transfer apparatus for transferring the developer image on the intermediate transfer medium to a transfer material; and a dispersant collecting liquid application unit for applying a dispersant collecting liquid on the intermediate transfer medium. The method includes performing the control such that after finishing of transfer of the developer image onto intermediate transfer medium, application of the dispersant collecting liquid on the intermediate transfer medium is started by the dispersant collecting liquid application unit. |
| US08036565B2 |
Image forming apparatus including a mechanism to move a discharge wire cleaning member and a shutter for a corona charger
An image forming apparatus is constituted by an image bearing member; a corona charging member including a wire; a heat generating member for generating heat by energization; a shielding member, including the heat generating member, capable of shielding a portion of the corona charging member opposing to the image bearing member from the image bearing member by being moved between the corona charging member and the image bearing member; an energization control member for controlling energization of the heat generating member; and moving member for moving the shielding member to a first position at which the shielding member shields the portion and a second position retracted from the first position. When the shielding member is located at the first position, at least a part of the heat generating member is disposed between the corona charging member and the image bearing member. |
| US08036560B2 |
Image formation apparatus and image formation method
A standby state is where a pair of rotating bodies stops rotating, and temperature control is performed so that a rotating body reaches a standby temperature. A fixing state is where the rotating bodies are rotating and temperature control is performed so that a rotating body reaches a fixing temperature that changes in accordance with a setting. An image formation apparatus includes a judgment part for judging whether to transition from the fixing state to the standby state, and a fixing controller for, upon a judgment by the judgment part to transition to the standby state, prior to performing temperature control to reach the standby temperature, causing the pair of rotating bodies to rotate, and performing temperature control so that the temperature of a rotating body reaches a predetermined transition temperature range including temperatures higher than a lowest fixing temperature setting, and lower than a highest fixing temperature setting. |
| US08036559B2 |
Fixing unit and fixing temperature control method
A fixing unit that heat-fixes the toner image onto the sheet, has an information acquisition section that acquires information concerning a factor causing the input voltage which is supplied to a heater for heating the heating roller to vary; a temperature setting section that sets a target temperature of the heater based on the information acquired by the information acquisition section; and a temperature controller that controls the temperature of the heater such that the heating roller becomes the target temperature set by the temperature setting section. |
| US08036558B2 |
Heater controller and image forming apparatus
A heater controller is provided. The heater controller includes a switching unit which switches a conduction state of a heater with an AC power source between ON and OFF at a timing at which an AC power voltage becomes zero; and a control unit which controls the switching unit at each unit interval corresponding to a half wave period of the AC power voltage. The control unit outputs a switch signal for switching the conduction state based on a pattern in a control time period set as an integral multiple of the half wave period. In the pattern, ON intervals in which the conduction state is to be ON, and OFF intervals in which the conduction state is to be OFF are arranged so that one of the ON intervals and the OFF intervals, a number of which is smaller are not successive within the control time period. |
| US08036555B2 |
Liquid measuring device with floating member having magnetic field generators
A liquid measuring device includes a floating member that is moved in accordance with a liquid surface, a first magnetic field generator that is disposed in the floating member and positions its north (N) pole to face a first direction, a second magnetic field generator that is disposed in the floating member to be spaced apart from the first magnetic field generator and positions its south (S) pole to face the first direction, and a plurality of proportional output-type hole elements that detect magnetic fields generated by the first magnetic field generator and the second magnetic field generator in positions facing the first direction. |
| US08036554B2 |
Image forming apparatus and density correction method
When a two-component developer stored in a developer tank has been replaced, an image forming apparatus performs (a) a first formation step of forming a reference toner image on a photoreceptor, (b) a detection step of detecting an amount of toner of the reference toner image, and (c) a supply step of supplying a predetermined amount of toner to the developer tank when the amount of toner detected in the detection step is less than a threshold. Moreover, the image forming apparatus repeats the first formation step, the detection step, and the supply step until the amount of toner detected in the detection step becomes not less than the threshold. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is stable in image quality even immediately after replacement of developers. |
| US08036553B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with calibration function
An image forming apparatus is provided with an image bearing member, a line test image forming section for forming a line test image made up of a plurality of line images arranged side by side on the image bearing member, an image density detecting section for detecting the density of the line test image formed on the image bearing member or the line test image transferred from the image bearing member to a transfer member, and a setting section for setting an image forming condition based on the density of the line test image. |
| US08036547B2 |
Method for adjusting transfer voltage controls based on environmental conditions to improve print quality in a direct transfer image forming device
The present application is directed to methods of controlling the transfer voltage in a transfer nip formed between the photoconductive member and the transfer member. The methods offset the effects of large transfer current spikes caused when a media sheet enters and exits the transfer nip and account for temperature and humidity operating parameters using wet-bulb temperature measurements to adjust the transfer voltage. The control may include either ramping up or ramping down the transfer voltage. The ramped transfer voltage may include a series of alternating positive and negative steps that generally trend to ramp up or down. The size of the steps may further be adjusted to provide a smooth transition. |
| US08036546B2 |
Abnormal sound diagnostic apparatus, abnormal sound diagnostic method, recording medium storing abnormal sound diagnostic program and data signal
An abnormal sound diagnostic apparatus for an image formation device, which includes: a specification section that specifies an independently operable drive section; an operation section that selectively operates the drive section specified by the specification section; a receiving section that receives an abnormal sound confirmation input which is inputted in a case where an abnormal sound occurs by operating the drive section through the operation section; and an identifying section that, on the basis of the abnormal sound confirmation input received by the receiving section, identifies the drive section specified by the specification section as an abnormal sound occurring location. |
| US08036545B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method of controlling fixing device, and device and method for detecting abnormality of the fixing device
An image forming apparatus which is capable of detecting occurrence of an abnormality that a fixing member which is actually in an unpressurized state is detected to be in a pressurized state, and supply of electric power to a heating member is continued. A fixing device includes a fixing belt and a pressure roller. The fixing belt and the pressure roller are pressed against each other such that a nip is formed therebetween, for nipping and conveying a transfer material through the nip while heating and pressing the same. A pressurizing unit selectively switches between a pressurizing state and an unpressurizing state. When the pressurizing unit is in the pressurized state, a heater heats the fixing belt. The heating of the fixing belt is stopped based on a temperature detected by a thermistor after a lapse of a predetermined time period from start of the heating. |
| US08036544B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of detecting amount of residual developer
An image forming apparatus has a developer container containing a developer and a developer carrying member for carrying the developer and adapted to switch an AC voltage to be applied to the developer carrying member. The apparatus includes a detecting member for detecting the amount of developer in the developer container and a processing portion for determining the amount of developer in the developer container according to the value output by the detecting member when the AC voltage is applied to the developer carrying member. The processing portion is adapted to determine the amount of developer by executing a process that corresponds to the operation of switching the AC voltage. |
| US08036541B2 |
Coherent optical receiver
A coherent optical receiver includes a 90-degree optical hybrid circuit to which a received signal light is input, I-channel and Q-channel photo detectors to which the outputs of the hybrid circuit are input, a clock extraction circuit which reproduces a clock whose speed is the same as a demodulated signal obtained by demodulating the received signal light and which is synchronized therewith, I-channel and Q-channel sampling circuits which sample the signal outputs from the I-channel and Q-channel photo detectors by use of the clock, and a digital signal processing section which digitally processes the sampled signals, converts them to a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal. The digital signal processing section feeds a phase offset signal detected there back to the clock extraction circuit to thereby control the phase of the clock, and compensates dispersion of light within a fiber and phase fluctuation during free-space propagation. |
| US08036540B2 |
Optical transmitter suppressing wavelength deviation at beginning of operation
An optical transmitter is disclosed in which the wavelength deviation occurred at the turning on from the disabled state to the enabled state by the negating of the Tx_Disable command is suppressed. The optical transmitter includes a semiconductor laser diode (LD) and an automatic temperature controller (ATC) circuit to drive the thermo-electric cooler (TEC). When the transmitter receives the Tx_Disable to start up the operation of the LD, a pulsed signal is generated in synchronizing with the transition of the Tx_Disable signal to momentarily enhance the cooling capacity of the TEC in order to compensate the increase of the temperature of the LD by the self heating, which prevents the output wavelength of the transmitter from deviating. |
| US08036539B2 |
Gigabit ethernet longwave optical transceiver module having amplified bias current
An optical transceiver module configured for longwave optical transmission is disclosed. Significantly, the transceiver module utilizes components formerly used only for shortwave optical transmission, thereby reducing new component production and device complexity. In one embodiment, the transceiver module includes a transmitter optical subassembly including a laser capable of producing an optical signal. A consolidated laser driver/post amplifier including a first bias current source provides a bias current to the laser for producing the optical signal. A means for amplifying the bias current provided to the laser by the first bias current source is also included as a separate component from the laser driver/post amplifier. The means for amplifying in one embodiment is a field-effect transistor that is operably connected to the laser driver/post amplifier and configured to provide an additional bias current to the laser diode such that sufficient lasing operation of the laser is realized. |
| US08036537B2 |
Optical pulse amplication apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for producing a series of amplified optical pulses from a series of input optical pulses including creating a set of local optical pulses from a series of input optical pulses, the set of local optical pulses having different amplitudes arranged in a graded order. The set of local optical pulses are amplified by an optical amplifier to form a significantly amplified first local optical pulse that is removed from the set of local optical pulses and output. The method successively removes the significantly amplified first local optical pulse, re-creates the set of local optical pulses by adding a new optical pulse to the end of the set of local optical pulses; and routes the recreated set of local optical pulses back to the input of the optical amplifier to continue producing the series of amplified optical pulses. |
| US08036534B2 |
Optical transmitter outputting a plurality of signal light with a preset wavelength span
An optical transmitter that multiplexes a plurality of signal light each having less chirp characteristic by the CML technique is disclosed. The optical transmitter comprises a plurality of optical modules, a plurality of TEC controllers each driving the TEC in the optical module, a de-multiplexer that de-multiplexes the output of respective modules, an etalon filter, and a monitoring unit that monitors the component of the signal light output from respective modules. The TEC controller controls the temperature of the LD in the module such that two emission wavelengths of the LD each corresponding to the ON level and the OFF level is set in both side of one of the critical wavelengths of the etalon filter where the transmittance thereof becomes a maximum. |
| US08036533B2 |
Optical transmitter/receiver module
An optical element mounting substrate where a plurality of light emitting elements have been mounted on the same plane, a lens array for collimating a plurality of light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements, and a wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing device are prepared. The wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing device has typically mounted both a wavelength selecting filter and a mirror on front and rear planes of a transparent substrate. These three components are mounted within a package at a desirable angle position. Optical axes of respective wavelengths of the wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing device are determined based upon a thickness and an angle of the light emitting element mounting substrate, and are arrayed on a straight line of a horizontal plane. As a consequence, if the respective light emitting elements are arranged on the optical axes which are exclusively determined by a design work, then optical multiplexing/demultiplexing operations can be carried out. |
| US08036532B2 |
Passive optical network system, optical line terminal, and optical network unit
In a PON system by WDM, IP broadcast can be received without oppressing a band used by a user for Internet communication. An OLT provides a first wavelength received in common by respective ONUs and plural second wavelengths by which the OLT and the respective ONUs perform communication individually. With respect to signals in the downstream direction, each of the OLTs includes a transmitter to transmit the first wavelength and plural transmitters to transmit the second wavelengths used for the individual communication with the respective ONUs. Each of the ONUs includes a receiver to receive the first wavelength and a receiver to receive the second wavelength used in the ONU itself. The OLT transmits data of the IP broadcast by the first wavelength and transmits individual data of each of the ONUs by the second wavelength corresponding to the ONU. |
| US08036530B2 |
Method and system for transporting DOCSIS communication signals over a passive optical network
A translation agent adapts DOCSIS information, primarily QoS information, for transmission over a PON. The agent places into an IP address field of a DHCP message the MAC address of an ONU associated with a CPE device attempting to register with a CMTS. The translation agent intercepts DHCP reply messages from the DHCP server using the MAC address of the ONU. The translation agent extracts information, including an IP address of the client CPE assigned by the DHCP server. The agent downloads a configuration file for the CPE device using the configuration filename and configuration file server contained in a DHCP reply message. Information contained in the configuration file is converted from content in a format used by DOCSIS, to content in a format used by PON devices. The translated content includes QoS parameters, functions related to which are controlled at the ONU by an OLT coupled to the CMTS. |
| US08036527B2 |
Apparatus and method for protection switching of optical channel
An apparatus and method for protection switching of an optical channel at each node in an optical network based on wavelength division multiplexing optical transmission technology are provided. The method can be applied to any node having at least two optical fiber inputs and outputs. The apparatus includes: a splitter receiving an electrical signal and splitting the received electrical signal into a plurality of electrical signals which are substantially identical to the received electrical signal; an output switching unit selecting output paths of the electrical signals split by the splitter according to an optical channel path control command of the optical network; and a plurality of optical transponders being assigned to the respective output paths of the electrical signals, converting the electrical signal input by the selection of the output switching unit to an optical signal, and transmitting the converted optical signal to another node of the optical network. |
| US08036521B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and focus control method
An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging element having a group of AF pixel pairs that realizes a pupil-dividing function and a group of normal pixels without such a pupil-dividing function. The image pickup apparatus performs focus control for driving a focus lens toward an in-focus position detected by phase different AF based on a pixel signal generated from the group of AF pixel pairs when it is determined that the reliability of the phase difference AF is high based on the pixel signal. The image pickup apparatus performs focus control for driving a focus lens in an in-focus direction detected by contrast AF based on a pixel signal generated from the group of normal pixels when it is determined that the reliability of the phase difference AF is low. |
| US08036517B2 |
Parallel decoding of intra-encoded video
A video stream (for example, H.264 video) includes intra-encoded portions. Decoding an intra-encoded portion utilizes the result of decoding one or more other portions (called predecessors) in the frame. Frame reconstruction involves identifying a portion that has no predecessor portions that have not been decoded and then initiating decoding of the identified portion(s). When the decoding of a portion is substantially complete, then the remaining portions to be decoded are examined to identify portions that have no predecessors that have not been decoded. By carrying out this method, multiple portions may be decoded simultaneously. Each can be decoded on a different work entity, thereby increasing the rate of decoding of the overall frame. Because deblock filtering a predecessor destroys information needed in the intra-decoding of other portions, prefiltered predecessor information is stored in a buffer for subsequent use during intra-decoding, thereby facilitating simultaneous decoding of multiple portions. |
| US08036512B2 |
Digital signal receiving apparatus and digital signal receiving method
A color difference processor recognizes the value of a color difference signal U and the value of a color difference signal V for each pixel from a color difference signal U/V, and respectively assigns the value of a luminance signal Y and the recognized values of the color difference signals U and V to the pixel. A reversing processor reverses, when the value of the color difference signal U and the value of the color difference signal V that are recognized by the color difference processor should be inherently recognized, respectively, as the value of the color difference signal V and the value of the color difference signal U, the recognition of the values of the color difference signals U and V that have been assigned to each pixel by the color difference processor. A conversion processor converts the value of the luminance signal Y for each pixel and the values of the color difference signals U and V for the pixel finally recognized, respectively, into the values of primary color signals R, G, and B. |
| US08036504B2 |
Loop back device and method of fabrication
Methods tune all fiber loops in a loop back device to an established insertion loss value to produce a consistent overall loss of the loop back device. One method involves establishing a desired loss for fiber loops, securing the fiber loops to a MT ferrule, measuring an actual loss associated with each of the fiber loops, and comparing the actual loss with the desired loss. The method further involves changing a radius of a bend in any fiber loop where the actual loss is greater than or less than the desired loss until the actual loss associated with that fiber loop is substantially equal to the desired loss. Once the actual loss measured for the fiber loop is substantially equal to the established desired loss, the method secures the fiber loop to prevent a change in any radius of the bends. |
| US08036501B2 |
Printed circuit board for optical waveguides and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a printed circuit board for optical waveguides and a method of manufacturing the same. The present invention provides a printed circuit board for optical waveguides includes: a base substrate; an optical waveguide that is formed on an upper middle of the base substrate and includes a lower clad, a core formed on an upper middle of the lower clad, and an upper clad formed on the lower clad to surround an upper surface and a side surface of the core; and a side substrate that is formed on the base substrate and has a through hole, through which the optical waveguide penetrates, provided at the middle thereof and a circuit pattern formed therein and a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board for optical waveguides. |
| US08036496B2 |
Method for providing real-time service of huge and high quality digital image on internet
A method for providing real time service of huge and high quality digital image on internet is disclosed, wherein data relevant to a general life such as a general photo, an advertising leaflet, and a pamphlet and professional image data exhibited in an art gallery, exhibition grounds, a pavilion are made into huge and high quality digital image or scanned and photographed to be digital, thereby processing real time service as an interactive browsing form. In the present invention, data are directly made, edited, constructed, and uploaded on internet, thereby providing various additional information with image through hyperlink and processing high quality digital image service on network without speed delay for huge image. |
| US08036493B1 |
Method for correcting orientation of patent figures
A method for correcting orientation of patent figures for efficiently reviewing and analyzing a patent document (e.g. patent application, published patent document or patent). The method for correcting orientation of patent figures includes acquiring a patent image file for a patent document, identifying the Figure Page(s) in the patent image, determining what Figure Page(s) were originally prepared in a “landscape” orientation, and modifying the Landscape Pages to be in a landscape orientation thereby rotating the Figure Page clockwise 90 degrees. |
| US08036491B2 |
Apparatus and method for aligning images by detecting features
An image processing apparatus includes a full feature point detection section for detecting as a full feature point a point whose pixel value changes significantly along any line through the point, and a semi feature point detection section for detecting as a semi feature point a point whose pixel value hardly changes along one line through the point but changes significantly along other lines through the point. |
| US08036490B2 |
Method for measuring the dimensions of a vessel
To measure the dimensions of a tubular vessel, it is planned to plot a set of wall lines on the surface of the vessels. Then, the lengths of these wall lines are measured between a starting section and an arrival section. The plotting of the wall lines starts from a central line of the vessel divided into segments. For each central line segment, a wall line segment is defined on the wall by intersection of a plane containing this central line segment and intersecting this wall. Other wall line segments are distributed all around and all along the wall. Then, the lengths are measured. |
| US08036488B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program
An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of addition means and an image processing means. The addition means performs addition processing of adding pixels of a differential image at a second resolution representing a difference between an inputted image at a first resolution and an image at the second resolution higher than the first resolution as pixels of an inputted image at the second resolution. The image processing means is configured to perform second and subsequent addition processing, and generate an image of the second resolution as a processing result by performing the addition processing for a predetermined number of times. The addition processing is performed with inputs of an image at the first resolution and an image at the second resolution obtained by an immediately preceding addition processing, which are different from each other. |
| US08036486B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image pickup apparatus which informs a user of a state of brightness adjusting operation and which has excellent usability for the user. Disclosed is a digital camera including an image adder 5d for synthesizing a plurality of continuously taken image frames to produce a synthesized image, an image processing apparatus 5 for executing image brightness adjusting processing for synthesizing a required synthesis number of image frames and adjusting brightness of the synthesized image at the time of continuous picture-taking of a subject, and a display device for displaying an image which is being synthesized by the image adder in the image brightness adjusting processing. |
| US08036482B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus including, a distortion correction processor for generating a distortion-corrected output image from a distorted wide-field-of-view image, and a selected area setting unit for setting a selected area in the output image, wherein the distortion correction processor corrects a distortion with a lower image quality when an output image of an area exclusive of the selected area is generated than when an output image of the selected area is generated. |
| US08036477B2 |
Image decoder and mobile device including the same
In one aspect, a mobile device is provided which includes a memory configured to store an original image and an output image, a display device configured to display the output image, and an image decoder. The image decoder is configured to receive the original image from the memory, to identify blocks included in the original image that are capable of being independently decoded, to generate the output image by pre-scaling each of the identified blocks on the basis of a size of a display image, and to store the generated output image in the memory. |
| US08036472B2 |
Image encoding method, image decoding method, image encoding apparatus, image decoding apparatus, image encoding program, and image decoding program
The present invention is directed to a decoder for decoding encoded video data which comprises blocks of transform coefficients. The decoder comprises a reconstruction information receiver which acquires reconstruction information from an encoder regarding reconstruction of the blocks of transform coefficients. The decoder also comprises an entropy decoder which decodes the blocks of transform coefficients into decoded blocks of transform coefficients. The decoder further comprises a coefficient list maker. According to the acquired reconstruction information, the coefficient list maker combines the transform coefficients of the decoded blocks into a first list of transform coefficients in which the transform coefficients of a respective decoded block are interleaved with the transform coefficients of another decoded block. |
| US08036470B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus includes a compressed-feature extractor configured to extract a compressed feature from image data, the compressed feature being a feature having a less amount of data than the image data; a display controller configured to display the compressed feature; a processing-information determining unit configured to determine processing that is to be executed on the image data and to output processing information representing the processing; and a recorder configured to record the processing information on a recording medium in association with a processing feature, the processing feature being a specific feature of the image data on which the processing represented by the processing information is to be executed. |
| US08036469B2 |
Imaging apparatus including a separable monitor, and method for controlling the imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a first part and a second part separable from each other. If the first part and the second part are in a separated state, the first part applies image processing to image data and transmits the processed image data to the second part. If the first part and the second part are in a united state, the first part and a second part perform assigned roles for applying image processing to the image data. |
| US08036468B2 |
Invariant visual scene and object recognition
A method for performing image recognition is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a collection of pixels and grouping at least some of the pixels into a set of cluster features based on gradient magnitude. For each cluster feature in the set, statistical variables are generated. The statistical variables represent a collective property of the pixels in the cluster feature. The statistical variables are utilized as a basis for comparing the collection of pixels to a different collection of pixels. |
| US08036465B2 |
Method of text interaction using chirographic techniques
Disclosed herein is a system for operating chirographic devices. The system may support a spatial chirographic sign reader, a spatial character recognition technique, a chirographic text character writer, a chirographic text character setter, a chirographic text character scanner, a spatial chirographic sign rendering technique, and a spatial chirographic styling sign marker. The system may include a central system unit having a real-time timer clock and bus connectors for chirographic input and output devices. Input device drivers may be adapted to collect spatial chirographic data and label samples with real-time data acquisition. Data may be transferred to chirographic applications of the system for character recognition, text setting, handwriting page scanning, sign styling, and image rendering to achieve specific chirographic effects. |
| US08036462B2 |
Automated segmentation of image structures
Methods and systems for segmenting images, wherein the image pixels are categorized into a plurality of subsets using one or more indexes, then a log-likelihood function of one or more of the indexes is determined, and one or more maps are generated based on the determination of the log-likelihood function of one or more of the indexes. |
| US08036461B2 |
Method of graphical objects recognition using the integrity principle
The present invention discloses a method to increase reliability, correctness of objects recognition processing by performing a recognized object description as a set of special standard elements along with the spatial and parametrical correlation thereof. The said standard elements are preliminarily assigned graphic structures of elementary form and of easy identification and recognition. They may be provided with spatial and/or parametric details and thus may describe any object on the image including characters of text. |
| US08036460B2 |
Analyzing partial face regions for red-eye detection in acquired digital images
A method for red-eye detection in an acquired digital image includes acquiring a first image, and analyzing one or more partial face regions within the first image. One or more characteristics of the first image are determined. One or more corrective processes are identified including red eye correction that can be beneficially applied to the first image according to the one or more characteristics. The one or more corrective processes are applied to the first image. |
| US08036453B2 |
Analytical method for a number of two-dimensional projection images of a three-dimensional examination object
A number of two-dimensional projection images of a three-dimensional examination object are assigned image times and imaging parameters. The projection images are combined into reconstruction groups including projection images with image times specifically assigned or within a time interval specific to the reconstruction groups. The reconstruction groups are determined in such a way that three-dimensional reconstructions of the examination object with direction-dependent local resolution can be determined based on the projection images of the reconstruction groups; it is not possible to determine three-dimensional reconstructions of the examination object with direction-independent local resolution. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the examination are determined based on the projection images of the reconstruction groups. Reconstruction times are determined based on the image times assigned to the projection images of the reconstruction groups and assigned to the three-dimensional reconstructions. Further analyses are performed as a function of the temporal sequence of the three-dimensional reconstructions. |
| US08036452B2 |
Method and measurement system for contactless coordinate measurement on an object surface
The invention relates to a method and a surveying system for noncontact coordinate measurement on the object surface (2) of an object (1) to be surveyed in an object coordinate system (O). With a 3D image recording unit (3), a first three-dimensional image (P1) of a first area section (S1) of the object surface (2) is electronically recorded in a first position (x1, y1, z1) and first orientation (φ1, ω1, κ1), the first three-dimensional image (P1) being composed of a multiplicity of first pixels (i1), with which in each case a piece of depth information is coordinated. First 3D image coordinates (u1i, v1i, w1i) in an image coordinate system (B) of the 3D image recording unit (3) are coordinated with the first pixels (i1). The first position (x1, y1, z1) and first orientation (100 1, ω1, κ1) of the 3D image recording unit (3) in the object coordinate system (O) are determined by a measuring apparatus (4a, 4b) coupled to the object coordinate system (O). First 3D object coordinates (x1i, y1i, z1i) in the object coordinate system (O) are coordinated with the first pixels (i1) from the knowledge of the first 3D image coordinates (u1i, v1i, w1i) and of the first position (x1, y1, z1) and first orientation (φ1, ω1, κ1) of the 3D image recording unit (3). |
| US08036451B2 |
Creating a depth map
A method of generating a depth map (122) comprising depth values representing distances to a viewer, for respective pixels of an image (100), is disclosed. The method comprises: computing a cost value for a first one of the pixels (108) of the image by combining differences between values of pixels which are disposed on a path (112) from the first one of the pixels (108) to a second one of the pixels (110) which belongs to a predetermined subset of the pixels of the image; and assigning a first one of the depth values corresponding to the first one of the pixels (108) on basis of the cost value. |
| US08036450B2 |
Electronic photo-optical system for surveying, digitalizing and reproducing the external surface of a three-dimensional object, either virtually or in plastic, composite or papery material
The acquisition and reproduction units of the system are interconnected by means of a network in order to survey and regenerate the outline of any kind of object and to reproduced it either virtually in a CAD 3D system or materially in plastic, composite or papery material. |
| US08036448B2 |
Methods and devices for tattoo application and removal
A robotic tattoo application and tattoo removal methods and systems are described. This technology involves the use of a robotic system guided by control of a graphics capable computer in order to perform various types, including artistic, recreational, cosmetic, or therapeutic tattooing, or tattoo removal. |
| US08036447B2 |
Inspection apparatus for inspecting patterns of a substrate
A pattern inspection apparatus has a setting unit of a plurality of cell areas A and B of different cell comparison pitches and inspects the plurality of cell areas of the different cell comparison pitches in accordance with settings of the setting unit. As information to read out image data for an inspection image and a reference image from an image memory, in addition to position information of a defective image, identification information showing either a cell comparison or a die comparison and relative position information of the reference image can be set. The apparatus also has a unit for setting a plurality of inspection threshold values every inspection area and inspects a plurality of inspection areas by the plurality of inspection threshold values. |
| US08036443B2 |
Image processing method and image processor
An image processor executes an image processing under an appropriate condition. The image possessor comprises an important area detecting section (120) for detecting a bone portion or soft portion as an important area included in an X-ray image, a weight image creating section (130) for creating a weight image for imparting a predetermined weight to the pixels of the important area, histogram computing section (140) for multiplying the weight of the weight image by the pixel value of the X-ray image and computing a weighted histogram from the results of the multiplication, evaluating section (150) for evaluating the weighted histogram with a predetermined evaluation function and computing a shift value at which the evaluation result takes on a maximum value, image processing condition determining section (160) for so determining an image processing condition so as to obtain a predetermined processing result from the pixel value of the X-ray image corresponding to the maximum value of the evaluation function for obtaining a shift value, and image processing section (170) for executing an image processing under the image processing condition. |
| US08036435B2 |
Cancer detection, diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, delivery, and monitoring using X-ray attenuation coefficient distributions
A method of analyzing a volumetric data set obtained by an imaging system from an object is provided includes defining a first region of interest comprising a population of voxels of a first tissue part of the object to obtain a first distribution of radiation attenuation coefficient values, defining a second region of interest comprising a sample of voxels of a second tissue part of the object to obtain a second distribution of radiation attenuation coefficient values, and distinguishing the second tissue from the first tissue using the properties of the first and second distributions of radiation attenuation coefficients. |
| US08036431B1 |
Portable apparatus for identification verification
A portable device for the live scanning of fingerprint, facial and crime scene images and the wireless transmission of said images to a central host system for identity verification. The portable device has the ability to allow the user to operate the device with a single hand. It can scan and record live fingerprint slap or roll images (via optical, solid state, or video sensors). It also includes a baffle that assists with the mechanical alignment of the fingerprints on the fingerprint sensor receiving surface and prevents bright light sources from interfering with fingerprint scans. The portable device also can scan, display, and record latent fingerprint images. It also has other data receiving and transmission functions, such as displaying and recording facial and incident scene images in conditions ranging from well lit to total darkness, recording and playing back incident scene audio information for incident description and contacting voice recordings for identification. The portable apparatus can also scan, record, and interpret magnetic stripe, smart card, or bar code information from standard and non-standard cards. It also obtains, displays, and records geographical position for incident description, mapping, and directional instruction to the user. It further provides an emergency transmission for assistance and provides a short-range wireless link to a mobile unit or a direct wireless link to the central site. It also provides for entry by the user of text data for demographics or operator use through either keyboard or voice activation. |
| US08036429B2 |
System and method for measuring animals
A system and method for measuring an animal includes a light source and an optical source. The light source, which is preferably an array of monochromatic light emitting diodes, at least partially backlights one or more of the animal's legs. The optical sensor or device, which is preferably a single dimension camera or charged-coupled device, opposes the light source and obtains an image that includes silhouettes of one or more legs of the animal. A processor, such as a computer with software and data storage, determines measurements, such as the approximate skeletal trunk length of the animal, from the silhouetted legs in the image. One or more first ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate height of the pelvic region, and one or more second ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate width of the pelvic region. |
| US08036428B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting motion of image in optical navigator
A system and method for determining a motion vector uses both a main block from an image and at least one ancillary block relating to the main block from the image. The main block and ancillary block are then tracked from image to image to provide a motion vector. The use of a composite tracking unit allows for more accurate correlation and identification of a motion vector. |
| US08036427B2 |
Vehicle and road sign recognition device
The present invention includes: image capturing means (2) which captures a color image of a road via imaging means (7); area extraction means (3) which extracts areas having a similar color feature value from the captured color image of the road; white balance processing means (5) which performs, for each of the extracted areas, a white balance process of correcting each pixel data in the extracted area so as to reduce the degree of divergence in the level between color components according to a level balance between the color components of the pixel data in the extracted area; and road sign detection means (6) which detects a road sign on the road from the color image subjected to the white balance process. Thus, even if the road illumination state is partially different, it is possible to accurately detect a road sign such as a lane mark from the captured color image of the road via the imaging means such as a camera. |
| US08036422B2 |
Verification system and method in a document processing environment
A feeder control system and method are disclosed. The system includes a feeder information detector, and a feeder information leverager to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting. The method includes the steps of detecting feeder information, and leveraging the feeder information to provide integrity verification, system control and/or reporting. |
| US08036421B2 |
Methods employing topical subject criteria in video processing
The picture information of video can be used in various ways to identify the video or its topical subject matter. This enables numerous novel arrangements in which particular video of interest to a particular consumer can be discerned. A variety of other embodiments and features are also detailed. |
| US08036417B2 |
Finding orientation and date of hardcopy medium
A method of determining the image capture date of scanned hardcopy medium, includes scanning hardcopy medium that includes at least one index print(s) to produce scanned digital images; detecting one or more index prints from among the scanned digital images; identifying thumbnail images contained within the one or more index prints; determining an image capture date for each index print and associating the image capture date with the thumbnail image(s) contained within that index print; matching a scanned digital image to a thumbnail image from the one or more index prints; associating the date from the thumbnail image to the scanned digital image that matches the thumbnail image; and storing the date in association with the scanned digital image that matches the thumbnail image. |
| US08036415B2 |
Method and system for nano-encoding and decoding information related to printed texts and images on paper and other surfaces
A method and system for nano-encoding and decoding information related to printed texts and images on paper and other surfaces is provided. The system and method includes a nano-encoder for encoding information related to printed texts and images; and then collocating the encoded information with the related printed texts and/or images. The system also includes a nano-decoder for decoding information encoded by the nano-encoder. The nano-decoder includes a text processing database having a translator database. The translator database includes a definition database; and a summary database. In addition, the system and method includes detecting luminescent nano particles and/or magnetic nano particles; and determining invariant properties of the detected nano particles. The invariant properties are then matched with coded information. The system and method includes matching the invariant properties with predetermined coded information and analyzing the invariant properties of the detected nano particles for segmentation. |
| US08036414B2 |
Speaker
This invention provides an audio speaker with improved physical safety isolation between a voice coil and other electrically live elements. |
| US08036411B2 |
Portable communication tool
There are provided a speaker for outputting sound, a plurality of sound output holes formed in a reverse side cabinet, a mesh sheet, a two-sided tape, and a transparent sheet. The sound output holes, the mesh sheet, the two-sided tape, and the transparent sheet control the direction of sound output from the speaker. |
| US08036410B2 |
Offset baffles for acoustic signal arrival synchronization
Offset baffles are provided in a speaker for acoustic signal arrival synchronization. The speaker includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a first side positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal axis or plane. The first side includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion are offset from one another by a first offset in a first direction and a second offset in a second direction. The first offset in the first direction and the second offset in the second direction define a vent extending across a width of the first side. The vent is positioned above a low-frequency transducer and below a high-frequency transducer. The low-frequency transducer is mounted to the lower portion and generates a first acoustic signal within a first frequency range. The high-frequency transducer is mounted to the upper portion and generates a second acoustic signal within a second frequency range. The low-frequency transducer and the high-frequency transducer are displaced by the first offset in the first direction and the second offset in the second direction to adjust a low-frequency transducer acoustic origin position and a high-frequency transducer acoustic origin position. The upper portion and the lower portion configured such that a first acoustic signal arrival time and a second acoustic signal arrival time are synchronized in a listening area |
| US08036409B2 |
Speaker cabinet and speaker using the same
A speaker cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a pair of side plates whose outer peripheral portions define no apexes; and a bent plate curved in conformity with the outer peripheral portions of the pair of side plates and mounted to the pair of side plates. |
| US08036402B2 |
Distortion compensation
A distortion compensation system minimizes distortion in an audio system by monitoring a supply voltage and adjusting a clipping threshold and/or compression knee. An adjustable gain circuit controls the gain of the audio signal according whether the audio signal exceeds a variable threshold. The variable threshold is adjusted within a threshold range based on the supply voltage. Distortion due to clipping of the audio signal is minimized while available power at any given time is maximized. |
| US08036400B2 |
Volume control apparatus and volume control program
A volume control apparatus comprises signal processing section for performing digital signal processing and a scaling process on an audio signal outputted from a sound source; level adjusting section for amplifying or attenuating a level of the audio signal outputted from the signal processing section, by an amount of adjustment determined based on an instructed amount of change, and outputting the amplified or attenuated audio signal to an outside; storage section for storing a level value of the audio signal outputted to the outside and the amount of adjustment for the audio signal adjusted by the level adjusting section; detecting section for detecting, when a volume controller is controlled by a user, time required for an amount of operation to reach a predetermined value; first setting section for setting an amount of operational change based on the level value stored in the storage section and the detected time; second setting section for setting an allowable amount of change by which the level adjusting section can make an adjustment by an attenuation process, based on the amount of adjustment stored in the storage section; determining section for determining one of the amount of operational change and the allowable amount of change that has a smaller value to be the instructed amount of change; and instructing section for instructing the level adjusting section to adjust the level of the audio signal based on the determined instructed amount of change. |
| US08036398B2 |
Circuit and apparatus having a delay unit for reducing periodic noise
A signal processing circuit includes a delaying unit that is configured to carry out delay processing on the basis of periodicity information synchronized with the periodicity of a periodic noise included in an input signal and a filter unit that is configured to receive the input signal and has a notch characteristic at a frequency f. The frequency f satisfies f=N/T, where N represents an integer equal to or greater than one and T represents a delaying time applied by the delaying unit. |
| US08036396B2 |
Vehicular active vibratory noise control apparatus
A vehicular active vibratory noise control apparatus includes an adaptive notch filter (second control signal generating unit) for generating a corrected error signal representative of a road noise only by removing the component of a rotational frequency (the component of an engine muffled sound) from an error signal, generates a first control signal from the corrected error signal and a reference signal, and reduces the component of the rotational frequency (engine muffled sound) at a position where a microphone is located (evaluating point). |
| US08036395B2 |
Sound effects generation device, sound effects generation method, and computer program product
A sound effect generation device for generating a sound effect corresponding to a physical interaction between objects in a virtual space in which a plurality of virtual objects coexists, includes interaction detection means for detecting an object on which the physical interaction occurs in the virtual space, mechanical quantity calculation means for calculating mechanical quantity acting on the object in accordance with the interaction using a mechanical model for determining, based on physics, behavior between the objects on which the physical interaction acts, and sound effect generation means for generating the sound effect caused in the object by the interaction using the calculated mechanical quantity. |
| US08036393B2 |
Providing audio-guided deployment of data processing systems
A method for providing audio-guided deployment of a data processing system is disclosed. An unpack instruction related to a data processing system in a first container for audio presentation is designated, and one or more position sensors in the first container are queried to determine whether the position sensors are spatially configured for audible presentation of the unpack instruction. In response to determining that the position sensors are not spatially configured for the audible presentation of the unpack instruction, a position sensor error message is audibly presented. One or more radio frequency sensors associated with the first container are queried to determine whether the first container contents are ready for audible presentation of the instruction, and in response to determining that the first container contents are not ready for audible presentation of the unpack instruction, a radio-frequency sensor error message is audibly presented. In response to determining that the first container contents are ready for audible presentation of the unpack instruction, audio-guided deployment of the data processing system is provided by audibly presenting the unpack instruction. |
| US08036385B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying ciphering in a universal mobile telecommunications system
Apparatus and a method for ciphering messages in mobile telecommunications system user equipment and network are disclosed. The apparatus is arranged to store a plurality of current ciphering configurations and/or a plurality of old (previously applied) ciphering configurations and/or a plurality of new (future) ciphering configurations. Thus different ciphering configuration may be applied at different times and for different radio bearers. |
| US08036384B2 |
Enhanced shared secret provisioning protocol
An Enhanced Shared Secret Provisioning Protocol (ESSPP) provides a novel method and system for adding devices to a network in a secure manner. A registration process is launched at two network devices together within a predetermined time interval. These two devices then automatically register with each other. When two devices running ESSPP detect each other, they exchange identities and establish a key that can later be used by the devices to mutually authenticate each other and generate session encryption keys. With ESSPP, two ESSPP devices that are attempting to register with each other will only provision a key when they detect that they are the only two ESSPP devices on the wireless network running ESSPP. If additional devices running ESSPP are detected, the ESSPP protocol is either terminated or suspended. |
| US08036377B1 |
Method and apparatus of high speed encryption and decryption
The disclosure provides a hardware architecture for encryption and decryption device. The hardware architecture can improve the encryption and decryption data rate by using parallel processing, and pipeline operation. Further, the hardware architecture can save footprint by sharing hardware components. Additionally, the hardware architecture can be associated with a memory to protect the information stored at the memory. The encryption device can include a tweaking value manager that is configured to generate an array of tweaking values corresponding to the array of data blocks based on a tweaking encryption key, a first encryption unit that is configured to encrypt a first portion of the array of data blocks into a first portion of encrypted data blocks based on corresponding tweaking values and a data encryption key, a second encryption unit that is configured to encrypt a second portion of the array of data blocks into a second portion of encrypted data blocks based on corresponding tweaking values and the data encryption key, and a data block combiner that is configured to combine the first portion of encrypted data blocks and the second portion of encrypted data blocks into an array of encrypted data blocks. |
| US08036375B2 |
Automated near-end distortion detection for voice communication systems
In one embodiment, a method for providing voice quality assurance is provided. The method determines voice information for an end point in a voice communication system. The voice information may be from an ingress microphone. The method determines if the voice quality is considered degraded based on an analysis of the voice information. For example, the voice information may indicate that it is distorted, too loud, too soft, is subject to an external noise, etc. Feedback information is determined if the voice quality is considered degraded where the feedback information designed to improve voice quality at an ingress point for a user speaking. The feedback information is then outputted at the end point to the user using the end point. |
| US08036373B2 |
Methods and systems for providing dynamic message content to callers on hold
Methods and systems for providing dynamic messages to callers on hold are disclosed. In one such method, a telephone call is received into a queue and a first wait time is calculated which corresponds to a first estimated length of time expected to elapse before an agent is available to answer the telephone call. A plurality of message elements are assembled to create a message having a length approximately equal to the first wait time, and playback of the message is initiated. A second wait time is calculated during the playback of the message. The message is modified during playback to have a length approximately equal to the second wait time if the updated estimated length of time is different than the first estimated length of time. In various embodiments, the second wait time may be continuously calculated and the message may be continuously modified during playback. |
| US08036371B2 |
Utilizing small group call center agents to improve productivity without impacting service level targets
In a call center, a plurality of agents comprises at least a first group associated with a first skill and a second group associated with a second skill. The second group may have a substantially larger number of agents than the first group, and accordingly the first and second groups may be referred to as small and large groups, respectively, and the first and second skills may be referred to as small and large skills, respectively. In one embodiment, if a service level target for the small skill is being met, and a number of available agents in the small group exceeds a specified minimum available agent requirement, at least one of the available agents in the small group is selected and designated as eligible for handling a communication involving the large skill, without assigning that agent to the large group or removing that agent from the small group. |
| US08036370B2 |
Directly contactable call center agents
Contact centers typically have an entry process to receive incoming contacts and distribute those appropriately amongst agents associated with the contact center. This entry process is often complex and time consuming. This invention allows users of the contact centre to reach a particular agent without undergoing the entry process. This is achieved without compromising security or giving away details about the agents. |
| US08036367B2 |
Flexible communication systems and methods
A method of initiating a telecommunication session for a communication device include submitting to one or more telecommunication carriers a proposal for a telecommunication session, receiving from at least one of the one or more of telecommunication carriers a bid to carry the telecommunications session, and automatically selecting one of the telecommunications carriers from the carriers submitting a bid, and initiating the telecommunication session through the selected telecommunication carrier. |
| US08036366B2 |
Intelligent formatting of VoIP telephone numbers
A system and method are disclosed for intelligent formatting of VoIP telephone numbers. The intelligent VoIP formatting system includes a presentation and user interface layer, an E.164 formatting engine, a location routine, and a database of telephone number data which are used to deconstruct input telephone numbers and reconstruct them as E.164 compliant telephone numbers. |
| US08036364B1 |
Transfer function for messaging platform in public telephone system
A messaging system includes a messaging platform for storing a message from a calling party or transferring the calling party to a transfer station, a switching mechanism for receiving a call from the calling party to a subscriber, and a routing application at a server. The call from the calling party is connected to the messaging platform and the calling party signals to be transferred to the transfer station. In response, the messaging platform sends a transfer message to the routing application and the routing application directs the switching mechanism to disconnect the calling party from the messaging platform and connect the calling party to the transfer station. |
| US08036363B2 |
Communication terminal apparatus, communication method, and recording medium for establishing communications with a plurality of persons in a plurality of communication manners
A communication processing unit includes communication processing units which use different communication manners. A user interface unit receives input of information indicating a calling destination from a user. An information storage unit stores a person to contact and plural phone numbers of that person in association. When a person to contact is input to the user interface unit, a control unit acquires a phone number associated with the input person, and information indicating a communication manner to be used from the information storage unit, and controls the communication processing unit to make a call to the acquired phone number in the acquired communication manner. If the person to contact has plural phone numbers, the control unit controls the communication processing unit to make calls to these phone numbers in parallel. |
| US08036361B2 |
Selection of ringback tone indicative of emotional state that is input by user of called communication device
A ringback tone, indicative of an emotional state that is input by a user of a called communication device, is selected to play to a calling communication device during a call to the called communication device. |
| US08036360B1 |
System and method for hook state notification
In one embodiment of the invention, a method produces a hook status notification. The method comprises detecting an off-hook state, allocating a half-dialog identification, generating an off-hook notification message, and associating the half-dialog identification with the off-hook notification message. In an alternative embodiment, a communication platform is adapted to comprise a processor component operable to receive an off-hook notification message comprising a half-dialog identification, and to store the half-dialog identification. The communication platform subsequently receives a signaling protocol message initiating a dialog, wherein the signaling protocol message is associated with the half-dialog identification. The communication platform then correlates the second signaling protocol message with the stored half-dialog identification. |
| US08036358B2 |
Distributed voice conferencing
A voice conferencing system assigns voice conferences across multiple media processors. The voice conferencing system may thereby allow voice conferences to proceed, even when any single media processor in the conferencing system does not have the resources needed to handle the voice conference. The voice conferencing system may enhance communication capabilities, without significantly increasing cost or equipment requirements. |
| US08036356B1 |
System and method of identifying geographic location for the source of a call
A method, apparatus and computer program product for identifying a geographic location for a source of a call is presented. A central office receives a call from a calling party, the call including a telephone number of the calling party. A geographic location of the calling party is determined from information associated with the calling party. The geographic location is then provided to the called party. |
| US08036354B2 |
Calling-party-pays call processing for cellular and paging
An enhanced Calling Party Pays (CPP) or Paging Party Pays (PPP) system that enables 1) billing of calls originating from traditionally non-billable sources, 2) routing of incoming calls to voicemail if the caller does not wish to incur the additional charges, 3) allowing the caller to complete the call and charge the cellular (or paging) subscriber for additional air-time usage when the caller enters a PIN or security code, also referred to as a billing override code, and 4) allowing the caller to block CPP/PPP charges from being billed to the calling party. |
| US08036353B2 |
Method and apparatus for issuing a credit
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method to monitor service outages of a service center, detect a service outage, identify one or more customers affected by the service outage, and assign a credit to each of the affected one or more customers. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08036349B2 |
Ordering telephone messages left for a user
A method that associates the first telephone number of a first user with a second telephone number of a second user that has a relationship with the first user; tracks incoming and outgoing telephone calls; and stores a plurality of telephone messages received by the first user. For each telephone message, the method assigns such telephone message to one of first, second, and third groups; and sorts the plurality of telephone messages for playback. By doing so, the telephone messages may be prioritized such that the first user may be able to more quickly determine whether or not the first user should return a telephone message, often reducing the number of unnecessary telephone calls and improving efficiency. |
| US08036346B2 |
Method and system for testing audio server
A method and system for testing a media server is provided. The media server is capable of delivering prompts simultaneously to a plurality of devices. According to various embodiments, these prompts are present as one or more chunks on the media server. The media server is prepared for testing by generating signatures for each chunk and storing these signatures in a chunk signature database. Thereafter, the testing of the server performed, in which a series of requests are sent to the media server. The media server provides the chunked prompts in response to these requests. These chunked prompts are used to generate signatures, which are compared with the signatures stored in the chunk signature database, to verify whether the media server is operating correctly. |
| US08036341B2 |
Stationary x-ray target and methods for manufacturing same
Stationary x-ray target assemblies manufactured using a metal deposition process to form one or more metal layers of the target. In particular, the metal deposition process is used to form an x-ray target metal layer and/or a stress buffer zone on an x-ray target substrate. The stress buffer zone improves material properties of the metals and/or the bonding between the x-ray target metal layer and the substrate. Improved bonding between the x-ray target metal layer and the substrate also improves the heat dissipation properties of the stationary x-ray target assembly. |
| US08036340B2 |
X-ray apparatus
An X-ray apparatus includes a converter into which there is integrated a control logic circuit configured to regulate the supply voltage of a high-voltage power supply source of the X-ray apparatus. To this end, the intelligent voltage-voltage, converter is placed between the power battery and the capacitor bank. This intelligent converter is capable of determining the optimum voltage to be delivered to the generator for the radiology examination to be undertaken in regulating the current of the power battery at the necessary level of current. |
| US08036339B2 |
Dental colorimetry apparatus
A dental colorimetry apparatus that allows the color balance of an entire row of teeth to be checked is provided. The invention provides a dental colorimetry apparatus 2 including a multiband-image storing section 21 storing images of teeth in association with information about the positions of the teeth in row of teeth; a contour-line extracting section 25 for extracting contour lines of the teeth from the images of the teeth; a rectangle-setting section 27 for setting rectangles in the images of the teeth so as to include the contour lines extracted by the contour-line extracting section 25 and so as to circumscribe at least both sides of the teeth; and an image-generating section 29 for generating a row-of-teeth image by arranging the images of the teeth based on the information about the positions of the teeth in the row of teeth so that the rectangles adjoin each other. |
| US08036335B2 |
Thermal load reducing system for nuclear reactor vessel
In a reactor vessel thermal load reducing system near the surface level of a coolant, the present invention is characterized in that a heat conductive member is installed not contacting the reactor vessel wall in an area above and below the coolant liquid surface, and the heat conducting member is attached to a guard vessel, the heat conducting member being made of material of good heat conductivity. |
| US08036333B2 |
Clock and data recovery circuit and method of recovering clocks and data
A clock and data recovery circuit that does not use a reference clock and a method of recovering cocks and data, in which the clock and data recovery circuit includes a clock generation unit, a mirror delay unit, a preamble phase detection unit, and a sampling unit. The clock generation unit generates a clock signal such that a phase of the clock signal is locked to a phase of a data signal inputted to the clock generation unit. The mirror delay unit outputs a plurality of delayed preamble signals based on the preamble signal during a preamble period. The preamble phase detection unit provides the charge pump with a preamble phase detection signal having information on a phase difference between the preamble signal and the clock signal during the preamble period. The sampling unit extracts data from the data signal by sampling the data signal with the clock signal. |
| US08036331B2 |
Offset frequency estimation method and apparatus
An offset frequency estimation method includes receiving an input signal comprised of complex samples, detecting phases of the complex samples, estimating a temporary offset frequency and an initial phase from the detected phases of the complex samples using a linear regression analysis method, and estimating a final offset frequency by skipping error samples detected using the temporary offset frequency and the initial phase. |
| US08036327B2 |
Adaptive channel measurement reporting
The present invention relates to a method, arrangements, and a message format for achieving an improved and adaptive reporting of measurements for a communication channel between a transmitter and a receiver unit. The invention achieves a message format for providing detailed channel information to a transmitter unit but requiring a minimized amount of transmission capacity. The receiver unit delivers preferably incremental updatings of the filter function, represented in the time- or frequency domain, of the entire channel between transmitter and receiver. For this purpose the channel representing function is divided into a number of sub-functions, a function of which corresponding to the true channel filter function, and whereof the various sub-functions contain channel information of a ranked degree of significance. |
| US08036325B2 |
Wireless communication method and apparatus for performing knowledge-based and blind interference cancellation
A method and apparatus for cancelling interference in received signals are disclosed. A receiver includes a knowledge-based interference cancellation unit, a blind interference cancellation unit and a trade-off management unit. The knowledge-based interference cancellation unit cancels interference in the received signals based on pre-known knowledge and the blind interference cancellation unit cancels interference in the received signals without the pre-known knowledge. The trade-off management unit determines a trade-off between knowledge-based interference cancellation and blind interference cancellation, whereby at least one of the knowledge-based interference cancellation and the blind interference cancellation is selectively preformed based on the trade-off. The interference cancellation may be performed by implementing at least one of a successive interference cancellation (SIC), a principal component analysis (PCA) and an independent component analysis (ICA). The knowledge-based and the blind interference cancellation may be performed in parallel, in series or in any combination. |
| US08036323B2 |
Method and system for decoding single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) and redundancy processing adaptation using frame process
Aspects of a method and system for decoding single antenna interference cancellation (SAIC) and redundancy processing adaptation using frame process are provided. A receiver may decode video, voice, and/or speech bit sequences based on a first decoding algorithm that may utilize data redundancy and that may impose physical constraints. The receiver may also decode a bit sequence based on a second decoding algorithm that utilizes SAIC. The first and second decoding algorithms may be adapted to perform in parallel and a decoded received bit sequence may be selected based on a redundancy verification parameter. The first and second decoding algorithms may also be adapted to be performed sequentially where the subsequent decoding operation may be conditioned to the initial decoding operation. Moreover, either the first or the second decoding algorithm may be selected for decoding the received bit sequence. The selection may be based on noise and/or interference measurements. |
| US08036318B2 |
Clock and data recovery circuit
The phase detector compares the phases of a synchronous clock signal and serial data and outputs a phase error signal corresponding to a comparison result. The second integrator performs integration of the phase error signal to obtain a phase correction control signal for tracking phase shift of the serial data. The first integrator performs integration of the phase error signal in each smoothing period with a predetermined length to obtain a smoothed error signal. The pattern generator generates a pattern for changing the phase of the synchronous clock signal at a frequency corresponding to the smoothed error signal in each pattern generation period with a predetermined length and outputs the pattern as a frequency correction control signal. The first integrator receives the frequency correction control signal which is fed back and changes the length of the smoothing period according to the direction of a change in the frequency of generating the frequency correction control signal. |
| US08036317B2 |
Phase/gain imbalance estimation or compensation
Apparatus and methods for estimation and compensation of phase imbalance and gain imbalance are provided. A receiver for estimation or compensation of phase imbalance or gain imbalance utilizing a QPSK modulation and a modulation scheme based on a complex scrambling code includes means for estimating the phase imbalance or gain imbalance prior to symbol synchronization. Thus, the phase imbalance and gain imbalance will not introduce losses in subsequent phases of signal processing. |
| US08036316B2 |
Method and system for independent I and Q loop amplitude control for quadrature generators
Certain aspects of a method and system for independent in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) loop amplitude control for quadrature generators may include determining an amplitude voltage associated with an in-phase (I) component and a quadrature (Q) component of a generated signal. A DC reference voltage associated with the I component and the Q component may be determined. The determined amplitude voltage may be compared with the determined reference voltage to generate a control signal. The amplitude mismatch between the I component and the Q component may be compensated by controlling a biasing current of one or more programmable buffers associated with one or both of the I component and the Q component, based on the generated control signal. |
| US08036313B2 |
Apparatus and method for interference cancellation in broadband wireless access communication system
Provided are an apparatus and method for interference cancellation in a BWA communication system. In a receiving apparatus for the interference cancellation, a preamble correlation measurer measures a preamble correlation coefficient from a preamble of a signal received signal. A data rearranger determines a block size to divide the received signal from the preamble correlation coefficient, divides the signal according to the determined block size, and rearranges the divided signals in a Space-Time coding (STC) mode. An estimate weight calculator cross-correlates the output signals of the data rearranger, rearranges the cross-correlated signals, auto-correlates the rearranged signals, and calculates an estimate weight to perform an interpolation operation. An estimate signal decoding/combining unit detects desired signals from signals estimated by the estimate weight calculator and combines the detected signals. |
| US08036311B2 |
Apparatus and method for GPS-based digital compensation of radio frequencies
An apparatus and method for controlling the communication frequencies of a software controlled radio by using GPS to calibrate one or more local oscillators and compensating within the digital radio processing for the local oscillator inaccuracies. The apparatus and method receives and transmits radio frequency signals and includes an oscillator; a frequency monitor adapted to measure the frequency of the oscillator; a numerically controlled oscillator; and a computer adapted to receive the frequency measurement of the oscillator from the frequency monitor, to calculate an error associated with the oscillator, and to calculate a numerically controlled oscillator setting based on the calculation of the error associated with the oscillator; the numerically controlled oscillator adapted to receive the numerically controlled oscillator setting from the computer. |
| US08036306B2 |
Systems and methods of RF power transmission, modulation and amplification, including embodiments for compensating for waveform distortion
Methods and systems for vector combining power amplification are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of signals are individually amplified, then summed to form a desired time-varying complex envelope signal. Phase and/or frequency characteristics of one or more of the signals are controlled to provide the desired phase, frequency, and/or amplitude characteristics of the desired time-varying complex envelope signal. In another embodiment, a time-varying complex envelope signal is decomposed into a plurality of constant envelope constituent signals. The constituent signals are amplified equally or substantially equally, and then summed to construct an amplified version of the original time-varying envelope signal. Embodiments also perform frequency up-conversion. |
| US08036300B2 |
Dual loop clock recovery circuit
A clock recovery circuit for digital data transmission includes a delay lock loop having a first loop which generates a phase difference signal which is indicative of a quantized phase difference between a data signal and a clock signal; and a second loop which generates a phase difference signal which is a smooth, continuous function of the phase difference between the data signal and the clock signal, such as a phase difference signal which is proportional to the phase difference. The delay lock loop may include two phase shifters in series, and one or both of these may include a phase interpolator. |
| US08036299B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus, antenna calibration method, and computer program
Reversibility in the directivity in the event of transmission/reception through a multi-antenna system is well suitably compensated for by executing self-calibration. A branch is set to a reference branch, and a forward loopback transfer function and a backward loopback transfer function are acquired, whereby per-branch calibration factors are calculated. Subsequently, an other branch is set to a reference branch, and calibration factors are calculated in a similar manner. Then, the calibration factor for the reference branch is corrected in accordance with the secondly obtained calibration factor so that a calibration condition is satisfied. |
| US08036287B2 |
Multi-carrier spread spectrum device using cyclic shift orthogonal keying, transmitter, receiver, and communication system thereof
A multi-carrier spread spectrum device using cyclic shift orthogonal keying includes: a modulation unit for receiving a first part of data bits and transforming the first part of data bits to a modulation symbol di by modulation; a cyclic-shift unit for receiving a base code c(0) and a second part of data bits, and performing a cyclic-shift to the base code c(0) in accordance with the second part of data bits to generate a CSOK symbol c(mi); and a multiplier for multiplying the modulation symbol di by the CSOK symbol c(mi) to generate a spread spectrum signal ci. |
| US08036286B2 |
Signal generation using phase-shift based pre-coding
A phase-shift based pre-coding scheme used in a transmitting side and a receiving side that has less complexity than those of a space-time coding scheme, that can support various spatial multiplexing rates while maintaining the advantages of the phase-shift diversity scheme, that has less channel sensitivity than that of the pre-coding scheme, and that only requires a low capacity codebook is provided. |
| US08036282B2 |
Multi-tiered quantization of channel state information in multiple antenna systems
A multi-tiered CSI vector quantizer (VQ) is provided for time-correlated channels. The VQ operates by quantizing channel state information by reference to both the current channel state information and a prior channel state quantization. A system is also provided that uses multi-tiered CSI quantizers. Enhanced signaling between the transmitter and receivers is provided in order to facilitate the use of multi-tiered CSI quantizers. |
| US08036279B2 |
Image decoding apparatus
An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set. |
| US08036278B2 |
Image decoding apparatus
An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set. |
| US08036277B2 |
Image decoding apparatus, image coding apparatus, image communications system and coding bit stream converting appartus
An image decoding apparatus is capable of decoding coded bit streams with different coding schemes. The image decoding apparatus includes a coding scheme decision section for deciding a coding scheme from coding scheme identification information multiplexed into a coded bit stream, a setting unit for setting header information on a second coding scheme in accordance with header information in a first coding scheme, and a decoder for decoding image coded data in the first coding scheme in response to the header information on the second coding scheme, which is set. |
| US08036276B2 |
Water ring scanning apparatus and method, and apparatus and method for encoding/decoding video sequences using the same
A water ring scanning apparatus and method, and an apparatus and method for encoding/decoding video sequences using the same are disclosed. A water ring scanning apparatus includes: a preferential scan unit for scanning information on a water ring origin point (water_ring(0)) in an image frame, which is a most significant bit of the image frame to be preferentially scanned; a scan location decision unit for deciding a location of i_th generated water ring (water_ring(i)), which is a rectangular-shape ring surrounding the water ring origin point; and a scan unit for scanning information on the location of the i_th generated water ring. |
| US08036275B2 |
Water ring scanning method
A water ring scanning method is disclosed for use in processing an initial data set, such as a video image frame, by writing a portion of data from the initial data set into a data string with a scanner. The initial data set is organized with at least one initial origin enveloped by a plurality of nested initial environs successively surrounding each other in the initial data set. The writing step starts by writing of the portion of the data from the initial data set into the data string at the RC grouping corresponding to the initial origin (initial water ring (0)) and by sequentially progressing the writing outwardly from the family of RC groupings corresponding to the nearest nested initial environ (initial water ring (1)) towards the family of RC groupings corresponding to a furthest nested initial environ (initial water ring (n)). |
| US08036272B2 |
Moving picture encoding method and decoding method
A moving picture decoding method, which generates a predicted image using information on motion vectors and information on reference images, the moving picture decoding method having multiple prediction modes including a mode without motion vector decoding, including: a step of selecting a frame(s) to be referenced to in the prediction of each prediction direction in the prediction mode from among multiple candidate reference frames; and a step of selecting motion vector information used in the prediction mode, wherein at the step of selecting motion vector information when (all) candidate blocks adjacent to a current block are located outside of the screen, a zero vector is selected; and moving picture decoding is performed by generating the predicted image using the information on the selected reference frame and the information on the selected motion vectors in the prediction mode. |
| US08036269B2 |
Method for accessing memory in apparatus for processing moving pictures
A method and apparatus for accessing a memory for processing moving pictures, which loads data from a frame buffer of an external memory, and uses a motion prediction technique. The method includes the steps of: loading, from the frame buffer, pixels of a relevant block of 8×8 size and extra pixel data necessary for an inter prediction while performing the inter prediction of a block of an 8×8 size following division of a macroblock, storing the pixels of the relevant block size of 8×8 and the extra pixel data in an internal cache memory. The stored pixels of the relevant block size of 8×8 and the stored extra pixel data are used; and then the stored pixels of the relevant block size of 8×8 and the stored extra pixel data stored in the cache memory are re-used during an inter prediction of the relevant block size of 8×8 and sub-blocks. |
| US08036266B2 |
Encoding/decoding system, encoding system, and decoding system
Each of a plurality of encoders calculates a first time by adding an encoding delay time commonly determined between the encoders to a value of an STC counter, and transmits a system stream generated by including the calculated first time to a decoder associated with the encoder in one-to-one correspondence, of a plurality of decoders constituting a decoding system. Each of the decoders calculates a second time by adding the first time to an estimated maximum value commonly determined between the decoders by adding a decoding delay time to a value of stream fluctuation of an output time occurring between the encoders, and outputs the divided image data decoded from the system stream to a synthesizer that synthesizes the image data at the calculated second time. |
| US08036265B1 |
System and method for communicating media signals
A system for encoding a video signal includes an input module to receive a media signal to be communicated to a destination device, the media signal being divided into a plurality of segments each comprising one or more temporally adjacent frames. The system also includes an a encoding module configured, for each of the plurality of segments, to test a plurality of different CODECs on a segment by encoding the segment using a plurality of CODECs to produce a respective plurality of encoded segments, the selection module being further configured to select the encoded segment having the highest image quality while satisfying at least one additional constraint. The system further includes an output module configured, for each of the plurality of segments, to deliver the selected segment to the destination device and report to the destination device which CODEC was used to encode the selected segment. |
| US08036264B2 |
Memory management in video decoding systems
A method for memory management in video decoding systems that avoids some of the costs and disadvantages with video decoding systems in the prior art. Some embodiments of the present invention are especially well-suited for use with the H.264 video decoding standard. The illustrative embodiment is a memory management technique that controls which data is in the fastest memory available to a processor performing video decoding. In particular, the technique seeks to ensure that the data the processor will need is in the primary memory and expunges data that the processor will not need. The technique is based upon an analysis of predictive video decoding standards, such as H.264. By employing this technique, the illustrative embodiment ensures the expedient decoding of video frames. |
| US08036263B2 |
Selecting key frames from video frames
This disclosure describes identifying key frames from a sequence of video frames. A first set of information generated by operating on uncompressed data is accessed. A second set of information generated by compressing the data is also accessed. The first and second sets of information are used to identify key frames from the video frames. |
| US08036260B2 |
System and method for equalizing an incoming signal
An equalizer is provided, including: a feedback combiner to combine an input signal and a feedback signal to produce a first signal; a delay line to delay the first signal to produce a second signal; a feed-forward combiner to combine the second signal and a feed-forward signal to produce an output signal; an interim decision circuit to extract a sign bit from the first signal; N feedback scaling elements to generate N scaled feedback signals; M feed-forward scaling elements to generate M scaled feed forward signals; a feedback circuit to pass the N scaled feedback signals through feedback delay elements and feedback summing elements to generate the feedback signal in response to the sign bit; and a feed forward circuit to pass the M scaled feed forward signals through feed-forward delay elements and feed-forward summing elements to generate the feed-forward signal in response to the sign bit. |
| US08036259B2 |
Interactive wireless communication device
A first communication apparatus sequentially generates a pulse sequence having pulse signals arranged based on the UWB communication system, performs a framing process to form a frame having at least a preamble and a data portion on the generated pulse sequence and inserts a preamble segment including a sequence of steady pulse signals in the data portion at a predetermined time interval, and transmits it as a radio wave. A second communication apparatus receives a pulse sequence as a radio wave transmitted from the first communication apparatus, and detects at least the preamble segment from the frame contained in the received pulse sequence through a detection window structured to have a predetermined time length, whereby a transmission timing for the pulse sequence to the first communication apparatus 2 controlled according to a state of detection of the preamble segment. |
| US08036255B1 |
Waveform design hopping system and method
A method of transmitting a spread spectrum signal in a single communication session between a transmitter and a receiver, stores a series of N unique waveform designs and a hopping sequence in a transmitter memory. A signal is transmitted to a receiver according to the hopping sequence using the plurality of N unique waveform designs. Preferably, each waveform design is characterized by a unique composite spreading code that is formed by at least some of a plurality of constituent code segments. Alternatively or additionally, the waveform designs may differ by any one or more of code length, symbol or chip timing or phase, frame or burst structure, chip offset, modulation, error control coding, encryption scheme, or scrambling code. A transmitter and receiver are also disclosed, as is the concept of appending chips between symbols to expand the universe of unique spreading codes without incurring an increase in processing gain. |
| US08036254B2 |
Semiconductor laser driving circuit, and optical disc device and integrated circuit provided with semiconductor laser driving circuit
The output voltage of a cathode drive-type semiconductor laser driving circuit is set to a minimum, power consumption by a driving circuit portion is suppressed, and the heat that is generated by the optical head or the optical disc device is reduced. In addition to a conventional configuration, the semiconductor laser driving circuit of the invention measures the cathode voltage (Vout) of a semiconductor laser (1) and controls the anode voltage (Vld) such that the cathode voltage (Vout) becomes a predetermined level, and by doing so sets the output voltage of the semiconductor laser driving circuit to a predetermined level in order to curtail power consumption by the driving circuit and minimize the rise in temperature of the optical head or the optical disc device. |
| US08036251B2 |
Packet transmission device and control method thereof
In a packet transmission device and control method thereof which can improve the transmission rate of a packet without adding a high speed user data-conversion card, when packet data is inputted through a single arbitrary channel among a plurality of channels, from among a predetermined number of low speed user data-conversion cards provided common to the plurality of channels, the low speed user data-conversion cards by a number corresponding to a ratio between an output transmission rate of the low speed user data-conversion card and an input transmission rate of the packet data are extracted. The packet data is sequentially and cyclically distributed to the low speed user data-conversion cards extracted. Predetermined length user data outputted from the low speed user data-conversion cards are converted into a frame of HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) system and multiplexed into a single channel HS-DSCH (High Speed Downlink Shared Channel) to be outputted. |
| US08036249B2 |
System and method of data verification
A data verification method and system is provided. The data verification method includes the steps of transmitting data from a sender to a receiver over a signaling channel, transmitting a first set of bits to the receiver over a voice channel, wherein the first set of bits is generated using the data in the sender, and verifying the data through comparison between the first set of bits and a second set of bits that is generated based on the data in the receiver. The first and the second sets of bits may be a group of bits that are selected from a hash value using a selection mask in the sender and the receiver respectively, wherein the section mask has the same length as the hash value and the hash value is calculated based on the data, and the selection mask may be pre-defined between the sender and the receiver. |
| US08036243B2 |
Single chip protocol converter
A single chip protocol converter integrated circuit (IC) capable of receiving packets generating according to a first protocol type and processing said packets to implement protocol conversion and generating converted packets of a second protocol type for output thereof, the process of protocol conversion being performed entirely within the single integrated circuit chip. The single chip protocol converter can be further implemented as a macro core in a system-on-chip (SoC) implementation, wherein the process of protocol conversion is contained within a SoC protocol conversion macro core without requiring the processing resources of a host system. Packet conversion may additionally entail converting packets generated according to a first protocol version level and processing the said packets to implement protocol conversion for generating converted packets according to a second protocol version level, but within the same protocol family type. The single chip protocol converter integrated circuit and SoC protocol conversion macro implementation include multiprocessing capability including processor devices that are configurable to adapt and modify the operating functionality of the chip. |
| US08036240B2 |
Software defined cognitive radio
A computing device with a software defined radio. The software defined radio has an architecture with separate components to provide control functions and data processing functions. The control components configure the data processing components so that the software defined radio provides desired operating characteristics. Components in the data plane may derive information indicating operating conditions, which can be provided to one or more of the control components. In response, the control components can modify components in the data plane to adjust to operating conditions. |
| US08036238B2 |
Information processing system and access method
A plurality of logical units are set in an information processing device and a storage device and connected by logical paths. The information processing device monitors the path state. When a state change of a path has occurred, the information processing device searches for a normal path connected to the logical unit and decides a logical unit to be an object of the read request. The information processing device issues a data read request to the logical unit decided. Moreover, when a failure has occurred in the path, the information processing device performs an access to the logical unit by utilizing a path other than the path where the failure has occurred and another path sharing a part of the path where the failure has occurred. |
| US08036237B2 |
System and method for transparent virtual routing
A transparent routing device disposed within an access network configured in accordance with one or more lower-layer protocols is disclosed herein. The device includes a set of subscriber-side ports. Each of the subscriber-side ports is associated with a plurality of virtual subscriber-side interfaces disposed to effectively terminate a corresponding plurality of subscriber-side connections with subscriber host devices served by the access network. The device further includes at least one network-side port through which communication occurs with an external network in accordance with a higher-layer protocol. A routing table is configured to establish a correspondence between network addresses of the subscriber host devices and the plurality of virtual subscriber-side interfaces. During operation of the device, packets received through the at least one network-side port are forwarded to corresponding ones of the virtual subscriber-side interfaces based upon network addresses of the packets. |
| US08036234B2 |
Method for forwarding signalling data in an interworking unit and in a control unit and corresponding devices
The embodiments relates to, among other things, a network interface unit (IM-MGW) in which signaling data is separated from useful data by the values of received data. The signaling data is tunneled to a control unit (MGCF). Two different data transmission networks (CS, IMS) can thus be simply combined, in particular, for video telephony. |
| US08036228B2 |
QOS aware expansion mechanism
In a data communication system comprising a plurality of peripherals having respective interfaces, the interfaces having device drivers and being coupled to a common bus for communication with a management system, the interfaces having different real time requirements; an ATM SAR and scheduler employs a predefined PHY level interface with different levels of service, the PHY interface being used as a QOS (Quality of Service) aware common master-slave bus for the peripherals which act as slave devices, whereby respective device driver requirements can be simplified or eliminated. A predefined PHY level interface is the ATM Forum UTOPIA, each peripheral being addressed as a separate UTOPIA slave port. The invention discloses how a system required to support interfaces with differing real time requirements may be supported through the use of a common bus. |
| US08036215B2 |
Refreshing a session initiation protocol (SIP) session
In one embodiment, a session is refreshed using a message that is simplified for refresh purposes. The refresh message that is used is a message used for another purpose in a protocol (e.g., SIP). For example, a reINVITE message may be used as a refresh message. If the reINVITE message is used for its intended purpose, the reINVITE message may be used to change the characteristics of a session. This reINVITE message includes an SDP and full header such that the parameters can be properly changed. However, the reINVITE message may be used to refresh a session. This may be referred to as a simple refresh message. But, the simple refresh message does not include an SDP or any other message body. The simple refresh message includes only a reduced header. This reduces time spent building and parsing the simple refresh message. |
| US08036213B1 |
System and method for enhancing network stability by selectively controlling adjacency formation
A system and method for facilitating connecting a switch to a network to improve network performance. In an illustrative embodiment, the system includes a first module for determining when the switch is initially connected to a network and providing a signal in response thereto. A second module selectively forms adjacencies with peers of the switch in response to the signal and based on one or more predetermined parameters. In a more specific embodiment, the switch is a router or Layer-3 (L3) switch. The one or more predetermined parameters include a load factor, values pertaining to capabilities of a processor included in the router, bandwidth capabilities of the interface and/or the router, internal router queue counts, and so on. The router employs a routing protocol such as Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP). The second module throttles and adjacency-formation rate based on the predetermined parameters. |
| US08036210B2 |
Method for providing on-line charging and device and system thereof
The present invention discloses a method for providing an online-charging to solve a problem that a related charging can not be processed correctly for a service involving simultaneously a CS domain and an IMS. The method includes: not invoking an online charging for the user in the CS domain when the user, who subscribes for the service involving simultaneously the CS domain and the IMS and the online charging service, originates or terminates a call in the CS domain; and performing the credit control in the CS domain and/or the IMS for the user in the IMS when the call of the user is processed through the IMS. The present invention also discloses a device and a system for an online credit control. |
| US08036208B2 |
Telephone network interface bridge between data telephony networks and dedicated connection telephony networks
A computerized telephony bridge unit has a Data Network Telephony (DNT) Port and a Connection Oriented/Switched Telephony (COST) trunk port, each associated with circuitry for receiving a placing calls in the data format required by connected networks. The bridge unit further comprises conversion circuitry for converting data dynamically between network protocols compatible with each connected network. Control routines executable on the computerized bridge unit are adapted to receive a first call from one of the COST and DNT networks, to place a call associated with the received call on the network other than the network on which the call is received, and to dynamically convert data between a call connected at one port and a call connected at the other port. The data network can be the Internet, and the COST network can be any publicly or privately switched dedicated-connection-oriented telephone network. Association between calls between two otherwise incompatible networks can be by a locally-stored lookup table, by negotiation with a caller, or by retrieval of data from incoming calls. Methods for practicing the invention are taught in the disclosure. |
| US08036207B2 |
Adaptive routing
Methods and devices are shown for improving an existing route between a first node and a second node in a first ad-hoc network that includes a plurality of nodes, the method and devices selecting based on a predetermined performance criterion or criteria one of a plurality of candidate routes between the first node and the second node, wherein each candidate route includes at least one inter-node link that is not included within the first ad-hoc network and at least one candidate route including multiple inter-node links; initializing, via the existing route, the use of the inter-node links of the selected candidate route; and switching from using the existing route to using the candidate route. |
| US08036204B2 |
Mobile terminal, control apparatus, home agent and packet communications method
In a packet communications system, a control apparatus implements routing control of a received packet directed for the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a plurality of network interface cards; a communication manager configured to select at least one network interface card among from the plurality of network interface cards, in accordance with information regarding the network interface card; and an upper layer manager configured to receive the packet transmitted from the control apparatus, with using a selected network interface card. |
| US08036203B2 |
Method and apparatus for coordinating adjacent channel transmissions on multiple radio nodes
A method, apparatus and computer program product for coordinating adjacent channel transmissions on multiple-radio nodes is presented. A Maximum Channel Occupancy Duration (MCOD) limit for a length of an overall transmit period is defined. A set of timers (NNAV) for each neighbor node is maintained, each of said NNAV including a first timer (CTSNNAV) for the channel which, if set, indicates the maximum duration of a transmission to said neighbor node and a second timer (RTSNNAV) for a channel which, if set, prevents the neighbor node from authorizing a transmission the channel. |
| US08036201B2 |
Voice channel control of wireless packet data communications
A data session with a wireless device ordinarily cannot be initiated from the network side because the wireless device has no predetermined IP or other network address. Methods are disclosed for instead causing the wireless unit to initiate a data session with a target destination, thereby obviating the IP addressing problem. A voice call is first initiated by a requester application to a remote wireless unit. The requester transmits a request message to the remote wireless unit via the wireless voice channel using in-band techniques; preferably including a payload in the polling message that identifies the target destination. In response, the remote wireless unit initiates a packet data session with the target destination. |
| US08036193B2 |
Advance notification of transmit opportunities on a shared-communications channel
A technique is disclosed that enables both an IEEE 802.11 transceiver and a Bluetooth transceiver to be employed in a single wireless telecommunication station (e.g., a device supporting a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, etc.) without interfering on each other. In particular, the illustrative embodiment enables standard “off-the-shelf” IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth transceivers to work in a coordinated fashion in a single telecommunications terminal. In the illustrative embodiment, an IEEE 802.11 transceiver that uses a shared-communications channel notifies a Bluetooth transceiver that a transmit opportunity exists and that the Bluetooth transceiver has permission to use the shared-communications channel. The technique disclosed is also applicable to communications protocols other than IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth. |
| US08036192B2 |
Autonomous and heterogeneous network discovery and reuse
In some embodiments, a method is disclosed involving a mobile device discovery and use of target wireless networks which are at least partly within a coverage area of another wireless network which provides location information which includes: acquiring data from a plurality of said target wireless networks; acquiring location information from said another wireless network; mapping said data from said plurality of said target wireless networks with said location information; and selecting one of said plurality of target wireless networks based on said mapped data. |
| US08036181B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing multi-user processing in wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus is disclosed for reducing multi-user processing at the receiver in wireless communication systems. Detected codes are grouped according to channel impulse response and a parent code is identified for each group of detected codes. A matrix A is constructed and joint detection is performed using the identified parent codes. Data symbols of the detected codes are obtained from the data symbols of the identified parent codes. |
| US08036180B2 |
Random access channel preamble
One out of sixteen preamble signatures is selected. A code is produced based on the selected preamble signature. The produced code is phase rotated to produce a processed preamble signature signal. The processed preamble signature signal is used in processing the CDMA RACH signal and the CDMA RACH signal is used to access a CDMA system. |
| US08036173B2 |
System and method for managing wireless base station handoff information
The present invention is directed to a system and method which base stations send informational messages to neighbor base stations when conditions change, so that the neighbor base stations can update its database to keep itself current on the parameters (including availability, traffic load, modulation scheme, etc.) to use in effecting efficient base station to base station handoffs. In one embodiment, the receiving base station marks the time of the received message from a neighbor base station and if a new updated message is not received within a time window then the receiving base station assumes that there is a problem with that neighbor. |
| US08036168B2 |
Method and apparatus for link adaptation by stochastically selecting a transmit parameter
A method and apparatus for link adaptation is provided. A node stores a set of transmit parameters and corresponding selection probabilities for each of the transmit parameters. The node stochastically selects a particular transmit parameter based on the selection probabilities, and then transmits a packet according to the particular selected transmit parameter. From received transmission feedback information, the node derives performance statistics, and uses the performance statistics to specify an estimated performance function for the particular transmit parameter. The node updates a selection probability computation function (SPCF), and uses the SPCF to generate updated selection probabilities corresponding to each transmit parameter in the set of available transmit parameters. |
| US08036163B2 |
Wireless communication control system and method thereof
A wireless communications control system includes: a data server; a base station; and a plurality of wireless terminals, each exchanging data communications with the data server by establishing wireless communications with the base station. Each wireless terminal includes a control section for generating property information representing own property and a wireless communications section for transmitting that property information to the base station. The property information includes at least one of information indicating operating status of the wireless terminal, information identifying the wireless terminal itself, and information identifying the user of the wireless terminal. The data server includes a communications section for receiving the property information from the respective wireless terminals by way of the base station and a control section for choosing, by reference to the property information received, one of the wireless terminals to exchange the data communications with. The control section of the data server exchanges the data communications with the wireless terminal chosen. |
| US08036161B2 |
Wireless switch with virtual wireless switch modules
A wireless switch device is provided that includes a first wired Ethernet interface and a second wired Ethernet interface, and a plurality of virtual wireless switch modules (VWSMs) implemented within the wireless switch device. The VWSMs include a first VWSM that is coupled to a first access port via the first wired Ethernet interface that is allocated to the first VWSM, and a second VWSM that is coupled to a second access port via the second wired Ethernet interface that is allocated to the second VWSM. The first VWSM can be control and manage the first access port, and the second VWSM can control and manage the second access port. |
| US08036154B2 |
Device and method for saving power in digital broadcasting receiver
A device and a method are provided for saving electric power consumed in a digital broadcasting receiver. The device and method includes acquiring information regarding a transmission order of all service channels, calculating a delay relationship between an arbitrarily played service channel and a service channel for switching, and enabling a broadcast receiving unit when the service channel for switching is received. |
| US08036152B2 |
Integrated power management of a client device via system time slot assignment
In a wireless network, time slots may be configured in a manner such that the network directs portable wireless client devices to listen and respond within specific time slots. Because the time slots can be predicted or are known, one of the client devices may be configured to set a timer, enter a sleep mode, and then later awaken when a specific, time-slotted data interaction is required of the client device. Accordingly, battery power that would otherwise be consumed if the client device were active outside of the time slot may be saved. |
| US08036150B2 |
Method and a device for improved status reports
The invention discloses a method (700) for a cellular system (100), in which traffic can be exchanged between first (110, 120) and second (110, 120) transceivers. The traffic is sent in data units, each of which is given an identifier, and which data units may be divided into segments. A receiving transceiver (110, 120) may send status information in data frames or data units (200, 300) about properly received, partially received, or non-received data units to a sending transceiver, i.e. the transceiver from which the data was sent. In the case (705) of partially or non-received data units, the status information includes (710) information about whether the data unit or units were non-received or partially received, and in the case of one or more partially received data units, which (715) parts of those data units that were not received. |
| US08036148B2 |
High-frequency circuit, high-frequency device and communications apparatus
A high-frequency circuit for wireless communications selectively using a first frequency band and a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, comprising an antenna terminal; first and second transmission terminals to which transmitting signals in the first and second frequency bands are input; first and second receiving terminals from which received signals in the first and second frequency bands are output; a diplexer circuit for branching a first-frequency-band-signal path and a second-frequency-band-signal path; a switch circuit for switching a path for a transmitting signal and a path for a received signal; a low-noise amplifier circuit disposed between the switch circuit and the second receiving terminal for amplifying a received signal in the second frequency band; and first and second filter circuits disposed between the antenna terminal and the low-noise amplifier circuit in this order from the antenna terminal, both filter circuits passing a received signal in the second frequency band but blocking a frequency band lower than the second frequency band, and the band blocked by the first filter circuit being lower than the band blocked by the second filter circuit. |
| US08036147B2 |
Method for transmitting LCAS protocol via an optical communication line
A technique for exchanging LCAS control information between a first network element and a second network element interconnected by a bi-directional optical communication line, while conveying substantially unidirectional data traffic in the form of a virtual concatenated group (VCG) binary stream transmitted in a first direction via the bi-directional optical communication line, the technique comprising: —in the first direction, transmitting the LCAS control information via the bi-directional optical communication line in the VCG binary stream, by placing the information in one or more overhead bytes conventionally specified for the VCG binary stream, —in a second (opposite) direction, transmitting the LCAS control information in an existing binary stream non-related to the above-mentioned unidirectional data traffic; the existing binary stream should pass via a communication trail connecting the first network element and the second network element but not obligatory coinciding with the above-mentioned line; the discussed information should be placed in one or more overhead bytes of the existing binary stream. |
| US08036144B2 |
Gateway selection method for wireless mesh network
A gateway selection method for a wireless mesh network is provided for selecting an optimal gateway includes building a spanning routing tree to a given network. Reference factors of routers are calculated regarding the network to total network capacity in association with the spanning routing tree. A router is selected which has the greatest reference factor as being an optimal gateway of the network. |
| US08036140B2 |
Application programming interface for inviting participants in a serverless peer to peer network
Methods and computer readable mediums are described that facilitate inviting user entities on a network. The method may include initiating a first application for sending an invitation by a first user entity on a first endpoint, selecting a second user entity to receive the invitation, and selecting an activity. The method may also include sending from the first endpoint to the second user entity the invitation to participate in the activity if the first endpoint determines the activity is supported by a computing application on the first endpoint. |
| US08036138B2 |
System and method for optimized initial configuration distribution for cyclic sleeping devices
Various embodiments include a method and system for optimizing the initial configuration of cyclic sleeping devices on a wireless network. The devices, or nodes, may need additional configuration by a configuration device after being placed on the network. Some nodes may sleep and not report in to the configuration device causing the configuration device to reach out to these non-reporting nodes. The configuration device may have limited resources with which to transmit the configuration to the nodes, and so the network can be efficiently configured if the configuration device reaches out to non-reporting nodes when it does not expect to use its transmission resources to configure a reporting node. This can be accomplished by maintaining a list of nodes yet to be configured, using the node configuration and reporting times to determine periods in which the configuration device's transmission resources will be idle, contacting non-reporting nodes during those periods. |
| US08036134B2 |
Disabled state and state signaling for link aggregation
A device enables a disabled timer state for a link aggregation group (LAG) link if a disabled timer condition is determined for the LAG link, and enables a disabled state for the LAG link if a disabled condition is determined for the LAG link in the disabled timer state. |
| US08036133B2 |
Efficient techniques for error detection and authentication in wireless networks
Various example embodiments are disclosed relating to efficient techniques for error detection and authentication in wireless networks. For example, according to an example embodiment, an apparatus adapted for wireless communication in a wireless network may include a processor. The processor may be configured to transmit a message including a field to provide both authentication and error detection for the message. The field may include an authenticated checksum sequence. |
| US08036132B1 |
Systems, devices, and methods for determining network failures
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method, which can comprise automatically generating a trouble ticket responsive to a determined failure of one or more elements of a management Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC). The management PVC can be established between a signaling device and a device communicatively coupled to a backbone network. |
| US08036131B2 |
Method for transmitting channel quality information based on differential scheme
A method for transmitting channel quality information based on a differential scheme is disclosed. When channel quality information of a predetermined number of sub-bands selected by a receiver in a frequency selective channel is transmitted, total average channel information is transmitted. Channel information of the selected sub-bands is transmitted as sub-band differential information associated with average channel information. In this case, the sub-band differential information may be denoted by a specific value contained in a differential-value range including only positive (+) values. If at least two channel quality information is transmitted by a MIMO system, channel quality information of one channel is transmitted, then channel quality information of the other channel is transmitted as spatial differential information. In this case, the spatial differential information is denoted by a specific value contained in a differential-value range asymmetrical on the basis of “0”. |
| US08036118B2 |
Inducing symmetry via multi topology routing
In one embodiment, a technique for selecting a topology, in a multi-topology routing network, based on a source-destination pair of a packet is provided. The packet may be routed on a preferred path of the selected topology. By selecting the same topology for the source-destination pair even if the source and destination addresses are swapped, upstream and downstream traffic may be routed in a symmetrical manner. For some embodiments, a topology may be selected using a hash value that is generated using an algorithm that is commutative with respect to the source and destination addresses. |
| US08036113B2 |
Packet sampling using rate-limiting mechanisms
Apparatus having related methods and computer programs comprises an input circuit and one or more output circuits; a forwarding engine to transfer packets to the output circuits; and a rate limiting circuit to selectively pass packets from the input circuit to the forwarding engine, the rate limiting circuit comprising a counter to keep a count, an increment circuit to increment the count when the input circuit receives a packet, a decrement circuit to decrement the count by a decrement amount, an action circuit to perform action(s) based on the count and count threshold(s), and a configuration register to store a sampling flag, wherein when the sampling flag is set, the decrement amount is set to zero and the actions include sending a packet to a predetermined destination, and setting the count to zero, when the count exceeds a count threshold. |
| US08036109B2 |
Network communication handling
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with set transparent network communication are described. In one embodiment, in response to receiving a listen signal from a listen requestor, where the listen signal contains a handle identifying a set of interfaces from which the listen requestor is configured to receive incoming network communications: a set of listening endpoints are opened, where a member of the set of listening endpoints is associated with a member of the set of interfaces. The handle is modified to produce a modified handle that identifies the set of listening endpoints. The modified handle facilitates set transparent communication between the listen requester and a member of the set of listening endpoints. The modified handle is provided to the listen requester. |
| US08036106B1 |
Distributed control packet transmission
Packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using first processing circuitry of the packet switch, configure different second processing circuitry of the packet switch to periodically transmit control packets to a destination device via a port of the packet switch and, subsequent to the configuring and using the second processing circuitry, transmit the control packets to the destination device via the port during moments in time when the first processing circuitry is non-operational. Other packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using first processing circuitry of the packet switch, specify a configuration for a control packet processing procedure implemented by different second processing circuitry of the packet switch, communicate the configuration to the second processing circuitry, and using the second processing circuitry, transmit control packets according to the control packet processing procedure, the control packet processing procedure being configured according to the configuration. |
| US08036105B2 |
Monitoring a problem condition in a communications system
A solution for monitoring a problem condition in a communications system is provided. A communications protocol implementation monitors the communications system for the problem condition. The communications protocol implementation can initiate a response based on the problem condition being present. In this manner, the communications protocol implementation provides an effective monitor for detecting and/or recovering from a problem condition in the communications system. |
| US08036100B2 |
Digital signal demultiplexing apparatus and digital signal multiplexing apparatus
A digital signal demultiplexing apparatus that can demultiplex and a digital signal multiplexing apparatus that can multiplex signals of channels having arbitrary frequency intervals and bandwidths are provided. The digital signal demultiplexing apparatus performs discrete Fourier transform on an input signal, output samples existing within frequency bands of each channel from samples of the frequency domain, add samples such that the number of samples of each channel become a power of two, and performs, on the samples of each channel, discrete inverse Fourier transform of a length the same as the number of the samples. The digital signal multiplexing apparatus performs discrete Fourier transform of a length the same as the number of samples of an input signal for a predetermined period, outputs samples existing within frequency bands of each channel from samples of the frequency domain of each channel, and arrange the samples according to frequency assignment of each channel to perform discrete inverse Fourier transform. |
| US08036098B2 |
Wireless network and method for adaptive opportunistic clustering for interference alignment in wireless networks
Embodiments of a central scheduler and method for adaptive clustering are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a cluster of transmitter-receiver pairs is selected based on minimum singular values calculated from direct channel information and the selected pairs are instructed to perform an interference alignment technique. |
| US08036094B2 |
Objective lens and optical data storage apparatus comprising the objective lens
An objective lens is described, which is switchable between a far-field mode and a near-field mode. The objective lens comprises a lens, an optical element having a variable refractive index and a solid immersion lens, which are disposed on a common optical axis, wherein the optical element is arranged at a convex side of the solid immersion lens and has a top and a bottom surface arranged adjacent to each other in a direction of the optical axis, the bottom surface having a concave shape that is adapted to the shape of the convex side of the solid immersion lens and the top surface having a curvature that is lower than a curvature of the convex side of the solid immersion lens, and wherein a difference between a refractive index of the optical element and the solid immersion lens is small in the far-field mode so that the solid immersion lens and the optical element act substantially as a single optical element in the far-field mode, whereas the difference is large in the near-field mode so that the optical effect of the solid immersion lens is significant in the near-field mode. |
| US08036092B2 |
Optical head device for detecting an error signal and an optical information recording/reproducing device
To provide an optical head device, which can detect an excellent focus error signal for a dual layer optical recording medium, and optical information recording/reproducing device. Reflected light from a dual layer optical recording medium is diffracted by a diffractive optical element divided into four regions, and is received by a photodetector. Optical spots are equivalent to negative first order diffracted light from the four regions of the diffractive optical element, and are received by four dual-divided light receiving sections, respectively, to be used for detection a focus error signal by a Foucault's method. The four dual-divided light receiving sections are provided with positive component light receiving sections for outputting the received light as a positive component of the focus error signal and negative component light receiving sections for outputting the received light as a negative component of the focus error signal, respectively. When a signal layer of the optical recording medium is far from an objective lens by a defocusing quantity equivalent to an interval between the first layer and the second layer from a just focus position, a diffraction direction of a diffracted light generated from the reflected light from the signal layer is set so as that the diffracted light spreads to the positive component light receiving section and the negative component light receiving section, and a plurality of the positive component light receiving sections and a plurality of negative component light receiving sections are arranged. |
| US08036091B2 |
Optical pick-up and optical information recording and reproducing apparatus
An optical pick-up which permits the relative position of a diffracting optical element and a photodetector to be adjusted by feedback control with signals which are generated when more than one kind of diffracted light differing in order is received, the diffracted light occurring as the reflected light from the optical disc is divided and diffracted by the diffracting optical element having multiple regions. The photodetector which detects the light beam passing through the central region of the diffracting optical element and generates RF signals is juxtaposed with sub-photodetectors, so that they receive reflected stray light from out-of-focus layers and perform computation to calculate the reflected stray light component which the RF signal detector receives, thereby detecting only the component of signals of the reflected light from a target layer. |
| US08036083B2 |
Optical disk device
This optical disk device includes an examination means which examines a first physical characteristic of an optical disk, and a servo means which starts servo control based upon that first physical characteristic. This optical disk device includes a read means which incorporates the examination means, and which reads type information from the optical disk under that servo control based upon the first physical characteristic. This optical disk device includes a control means which decides whether or not a second physical characteristic of the optical disk, which is determined as a standard for the type of type information read, and the first physical characteristic, agree with one another. And, if the control means has decided that these two physical characteristics do not agree with one another, it commands the read means to read replay data from the optical disk, under that servo control based upon the first physical characteristic. |
| US08036080B2 |
Method and apparatus of discriminating different types of optical discs
A method for discriminating different types of optical discs includes the steps of focusing a beam spot generated by a laser source on an optical disc, and rotating the optical disc; generating a radio frequency signal and a corresponding first signal of the radio frequency signal; comparing a peak-to-peak value of the corresponding first signal with a predetermined value; determining the optical disc as a high density optical disc when the peak-to-peak value of the first signal is smaller than the predetermined value; and, determining the optical disc as a low density optical disc when the peak-to-peak value of the first signal is greater than the predetermined value. |
| US08036079B2 |
Recording medium, recording apparatus, reproduction apparatus, recording method and reproduction method
The present invention allows the usability of a write-once recording medium to be enhanced. The write-once recording medium is provided with an ordinary recording/reproduction area, an alternate area, a first alternate-address management information area (DMA) and a second alternate-address management information area (TDMA). In addition, written/unwritten state indication information (a space bitmap) is also recorded. The second alternate-address management information area is an area allowing alternate-address management information recorded therein to be renewed by adding alternate-address management information thereto. In addition, the written/unwritten state indication information indicates whether or not data has been recorded in each data unit (cluster) on the recording medium. Thus, it is possible to correctly execute management of defects and properly implement renewal of data in the write-once recording medium. |
| US08036077B2 |
Method and recording apparatus for recording information on a multi-layer disc
A method and apparatus for recording information on a multi-layer record carrier includes recording control information in a control information zone before recording user information after a layer jump. This ensures that all user information can be read and recorded reliably, while the storage capacity of the record carrier for storing user information is not reduced. |
| US08036076B2 |
Method of reducing storage power consumption by use of prefetch and computer system using the same
Provided is a computer system including: a computer running as a DB server; a storage system including a plurality of disk drives for storing data; and a management module, in which: at least one of the plurality of disk drives stores data of a DB schema written by the computer; the management module specifies the DB schema to be accessed based on a received query, transmits, to the storage system, an instruction to copy at least a portion of the data of the specified DB schema from the disk drive to a memory, and transmits, to the storage system, an instruction to control an rpm of the disk drive that stores the data of the specified DB schema; and the storage system controls the rpm of the disk drive based on the instruction. Accordingly, power consumption of the storage system can be reduced even if installed disks increase in number. |
| US08036075B2 |
Disk drive and information processing system having the same
A disk drive and an information processing system optimizes the number of rotations of a disk. Data read from a disk and previously-read cache data are temporarily stored in buffer memory. When a total amount of cache data achieved during a given period of time T1 or an average amount of the same is equal to or less than a threshold value X1, a system controller controls the number of rotations in an increasing manner, thereby optimizing the number of rotations. When a total amount of cache data achieved during a given period of time T2 (T1 |
| US08036071B2 |
Wobble information recording method, information recording medium, and recording and reproduction method and apparatus thereof
An optical disk and a method for identifying the optical disk making it possible to identify a recording system of the optical disk easily in a short time by a recording and reproduction apparatus when a groove-recording system and a land-recording system are both employed in one kind of optical disk, such as, for example, a BD-R. Specifically, a polarity upon reproducing wobble information is made to be the same in both an optical disk of groove-recording system and the optical disk of a land-recording system. The recording system of the optical disk that shows the same wobble polarity irrespective of the recording system can be easily detected by finding a tracking polarity that can recognize the wobble information by changing the tracking polarity, whereby the start-up time of the recording and reproduction apparatus can be shortened. |
| US08036069B1 |
Plasmon shield to shape and reduce optical spot
A TAMR head is disclosed with a triangular shaped plasmon antenna covered on two sides with a plasmon layer that generates an edge plasmon mode along a vertex of the two plasmon sides formed opposite a main pole layer. A plasmon shield (PS) is formed along the ABS and opposite the vertex to confine an electric field from the edge plasmon mode within a small radius of the edge plasmon tip thereby reducing the optical spot size on the magnetic medium and enhancing writability. An end of a waveguide used to direct input electromagnetic radiation to the plasmon antenna adjoins a PS side opposite the ABS. In one embodiment, a magnetic shield may be formed along the ABS and adjoins the PS so that a first PS section terminates at the ABS and faces the vertex while a second PS section is formed between the magnetic shield and waveguide end. |
| US08036067B2 |
Alarm clock
An alarm clock includes a processor and a plurality of stored audio message files in data communication with the processor. The processor is in data communication with an audio source, a speaker, a display, a user input, and a clock. The alarm clock includes a case containing these components. The processor includes programming to actuate the display to visually present time data from the clock, actuate the speaker to audibly present a first audio message file at a first alarm time, actuate the speaker to audibly present audio from the audio source after the speaker audibly presents the first audio message file, and actuate the speaker to audibly present a second audio message file at a second alarm time, actuate the speaker to audibly present audio from the audio source after the speaker audibly presents the second audio message file. |
| US08036059B2 |
Semiconductor memory circuit, circuit arrangement and method for reading out data
A circuit arrangement for reading out data time delayed from a semiconductor memory comprises a common data input at which read data, which are read out of a semiconductor memory, are present and a data buffer FIFO for buffering the read data. The buffer FIFI comprises a plurality of FIFO modules each comprising a plurality of individual FIFO cells. Each FIFO module can be addressed via respective allocated first input and output pointers and each FIFO cell can be addressed via respective allocated second input and output pointers. The circuit arrangement further comprises a controllable read latency generator generating the first and second output pointers for driving the FIFO modules and FIFO cells with a read latency predetermined with reference to the first and second input pointers, respectively, and a common data output at which the read data are present time-delayed in dependence on the predetermined read latency. |
| US08036058B2 |
Symmetrically operating single-ended input buffer devices and methods
Embodiments are described including those pertaining to an input buffer having first and second complementary input terminals. One such input buffer has a symmetrical response to a single input signal applied to the first input terminal by mimicking the transition of a signal applied to the second input terminal in the opposite direction. The aforementioned input buffer includes two amplifier circuits structured to be complementary with respect to each other. Each of the amplifier circuits includes a first transistor having a first input node that receives an input signal transitioning across a range of high and low voltage levels, and a second transistor having a second input node that receives a reference signal. The first input node is coupled to the second transistor through a capacitor that charges and discharges the drain of the second transistor responsive to the input signal transitioning to mimic the second input node transitioning in the direction opposite to the transition of the input signal, while the reference signal at the second input node is maintained at a constant voltage level. |
| US08036054B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with improved sensing margin
A semiconductor memory device includes a signal generating unit for generating first and second enable signals in response to a power-up signal, a first sub-word line signal driving unit for driving a first sub-word line signal in response to the first enable signal, a first voltage supplying unit for supplying a first voltage to a pair of bit lines in response to the first enable signal, a second sub-word line signal driving unit for driving a second sub-word line signal in response to the second enable signal, and a second voltage supplying unit for supplying a second voltage to a pair of bit lines in response to the second enable signal. |
| US08036050B2 |
Circuit for transmitting and receiving data and control method thereof
A data receiving circuit includes a delay unit for outputting a delayed control signal by delaying a control signal based on a CAS latency, an output driver for time-dividing parallel data based on the control signal and the delayed control signal to generate divided parallel data, and for writing and transmitting the divided parallel data, and a latch for receiving the parallel data from the output driver and sorting, by combining or dividing, the received parallel data in response to the control signal and the delayed control signal. |
| US08036047B2 |
Circuit and method for generating pumping voltage in semiconductor memory apparatus and semiconductor memory apparatus using the same
A circuit for generating a pumping voltage in a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a control signal generation block configured to generate a first control signal obtained by level-shifting a voltage level of a test signal to a first driving voltage level, a voltage application section configured to supply an external voltage to a first node in response to a first transmission signal, a first charge pump configured to raise a voltage level of the first node by a first predetermined level in response to an oscillator signal, and a first pumping voltage output section configured to select at least one of a first connection unit and a second connection unit in response to the first control signal, and to interconnect the first node with a second node using the selected connection unit when a second transmission signal is enabled, wherein a first pumping voltage is output through the second node. |
| US08036046B2 |
Data output circuit and method
A data output circuit includes a strobe signal controlling block configured to generate a first delayed strobe signal by delaying a first strobe signal by a certain delay amount, an input/output sense amplifying block configured to amplify first parallel data signals to generate second parallel data signals having the same number of bits as that of the first parallel data signals in response to the first strobe signal and the first delayed strobe signal, a storing block configured to latch the second parallel data signals in response to a second strobe signal and a second delayed strobe signal, and a parallel-to-serial converting block configured to sequentially output the second parallel data signals latched in the storing block, wherein the first strobe signal is used to generate a data signal that is outputted first among the second parallel data signals. |