Document Document Title
US08056383B2 Method of reheating steel part
A steel part with regions of different ductility is made by first loading the part onto a heatable rack and then heating the rack with the part on it in a furnace to a temperature above the AC3 point of the part. The part is then removed from the rack and loaded while still above the AC3 point into a press where it is shaped and hardened. In the press the part is engaged by tools that deform it and that cool it quickly to well below the AC3 point. Finally, before the rack has cooled substantially, the shaped and hardened part is taken out of the press and placed on the rack with predetermined regions of the part in heat-conducting engagement with the rack such that the ductility of the predetermined regions is increased by transfer of the residual heat from the rack to the predetermined regions.
US08056382B2 Apparatus and method for curving metal panels
The pressures provided by several wheels or rollers (18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 32) on various members of a metal panel are controlled to produce a curved panel of desired radius with little or no distortion. Predetermined pressures are used to achieve the desired curvature and increased pressures provide smaller radii of curvature. For metal “U” panels pressure is preferably applied on two members. For seamed metal panels pressure is preferably applied on three members. Additional curvature may be obtained by use of a curving bar (82). Motors (34, 36, 38) drive the wheels, which urge these panel members through the wheels, the wheels having a separation distance less than the original thickness of the metal. This results in the metal of those members being elongated, thereby curving the panel with little or no distortion. Repeatable results are also provided.
US08056379B2 Lock cylinder with offset pin
A lock cylinder that includes a housing and a plug. The housing includes a wall that defines a hollow portion and a pin portion that defines a first pin chamber that is configured to receive a first pin. The plug includes a body rotatably housed within the hollow portion of the housing. A key slot is defined in the body in part by a pin resting surface 90, and a second pin chamber is disposed in communication with the key slot. A second pin is disposed within the second pin chamber and is configured to engage the pin resting surface 90. An engagement member is disposed within the body as a separate piece, and engaged with the second pin to space the second pin a distance from the pin resting surface 90 in the absence of a key in the slot.
US08056375B2 Method for fixing the drum of a washing machine and fitting for the same
A drum is fixed to a mounting star, on which a shaft for drive of the drum is fixed. The fixing is achieved by means of arrangement of several openings in the mounting star with different entry and exit diameters, whereby a tip corresponding to each opening is arranged on the drum, which is introduced through the smallest hole in the opening. The tip is subsequently deformed such that the outer surface thereof is pressed against at least the walls of the opening, whereupon the fixing is generated.
US08056373B2 Light-transmitting sheet material and method for manufacturing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a light-transmitting sheet material capable of transmitting sufficient amount of light and providing high blinding effect. A sheet material (1) includes a front fabric (2), a back fabric (3), and light-shielding layers (4), and is shaped such that the front fabric (2) and the back fabric (3) are held with a predetermined distance therebetween by fixing entire constituent yarns by resin treatment. The front fabric (2) and the back fabric (3) are formed into a planar shape by arranging stitch rows of chain stitches, knitted in a warp direction, in a weft direction at a predetermined interval and by knitting an insertion yarn alternately in adjoining stitch rows by a predetermined length. The light-shielding layers (4) are formed into sheet-like structures in the warp direction by knitting a connecting yarn alternately between the stitch rows of the front fabric (2) and the back fabric (3), and the plurality of light-shielding layers (4) are arranged in parallel in the weft direction.
US08056367B2 Process for producing glass sheet and glass sheet producing equipment
A situation where glass chip produced as a result of breakage of waste glass sheets floats in a cutting chamber when the waste glass sheets produced in glass sheet producing steps are collected is suppressed. Provided is a glass sheet production installation (1), in which a sheetshaped glass ribbon (B) is formed by supplying molten glass (A) into a forming body (2) and causing the molten glass (A) to flow downward on a conveyance path extending in an upper and lower direction from the forming body (2), and the glass ribbon (B) is cut into a predetermined dimension in a cutting chamber (6) provided on the conveyance path so that glass substrates (C) are produced. The glass sheet production installation (1) is provided with a drop hole (8) provided in a floor surface of the cutting chamber (6) and a collection chamber (7) provided under the cutting chamber (6) and is configured so as to collect waste glass substrates of the glass substrates (C) by dropping the waste glass substrates through a drop hole (8) into the collection chamber (7), the glass substrates (C) being obtained by cutting.
US08056364B2 Preform production apparatus for precision press molding, production method of a preform for precision press molding and production method of an optical element
A preform production apparatus for precision press molding, which is downsized but can produce preforms at a lower cost, and a production method thereof using the apparatus are provided. The production method of a preform for precision press molding includes forming a molten glass body C by way of receiving and cutting molten glass A, being flowed continuously from a discharge nozzle 2, by a support member 1 or by way of allowing molten glass to fall in drops from a discharge nozzle 2 and receiving thereof by a support member 1, and transferring the molten glass body C from the support member 1 to a mold 5 by way of displacing the support member to near the mold 5, disposed not to be beneath the discharge nozzle 2, while increasing the viscosity of the molten glass body C on the support member 1.
US08056361B2 Multi-stage rotary-type fluid machine and refrigeration cycle apparatus
A multi-stage rotary-type fluid machine may be configured as what is called a two-stage rotary expander, in which a refrigerant expands in an expansion chamber having a first discharge side space (115b) of a first cylinder (105), a second suction side space (116a) of a second cylinder (106), and a communication hole (104a) for allowing communication between the two spaces (115b, 116a). The first cylinder (105) and the second cylinder (106) are partitioned by an intermediate plate (104). The communication hole (104a) is formed so as to penetrate through the intermediate plate (104). The opening shape and location of the communication hole (104a) are set so that direct blow-through of the refrigerant from a suction port (105b) to a discharge port (106b) cannot occur at any rotation angle of a shaft (103).
US08056360B2 Absorption refrigeration protective controller
The present invention provides an improved control system and method for the absorption refrigeration process. The system includes sensors that measure the absorption process in order to determine if the absorption cycle is continuous. A control unit in communication with the sensors which compares the measured sensor values to predetermined safe limits. When the control unit determines that safe limits have been exceeded, the control unit communicates with actuators adjusting the absorption cycle heat source, ultimately protecting the absorption refrigeration process from damage. Further, the control may reestablish the absorption cycle heat source when predetermined safe operation conditions are detected.
US08056354B2 Air conditioning system using dehumidifying cooling device
An air conditioning system using for a dehumidifying cooling device has developed that comprising a heating source for producing hot water, a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the hot water to circulating water, a circulation pump for circulating the resulting hot water heated in the heat exchanger, a heating pipeline connected to the circulation pump for conveying the hot water to a heat supply target area, a user heat exchanger connected to the heating pipeline for conveying hot water to the heat supply target area, a dehumidifying cooling device connected to a hot water pipe of users heat exchanger and installed in each household within the heat supply target area, the dehumidifying cooling device removing moisture from the air by using hot water supplied from the hot water pipe to deal with latent heat load and to lower the temperature of the dehumidified air via evaporation of water contained in the air.
US08056352B2 Multiple discharge port indoor unit of air conditioner
An indoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The indoor unit includes a cabinet, a heat exchanger, and at least one ventilation unit. The cabinet includes a plurality of discharge ports formed on different surfaces thereof. The heat exchanger is installed in one side of the cabinet. The ventilation unit is installed inside the cabinet and includes a discharge port selectively communicating with one of the plurality of discharge ports of the cabinet.
US08056350B2 Cooling apparatus for air conditioning and heat pumps
An apparatus for cooling, comprising: a liquid pump for transport of fluid through a heating cycle, an external heat source for heating the fluid in the heating cycle, for example a solar heater directly connected to the heating cycle or connected through a heat exchanger, an expander with an expander inlet and an expander outlet, the expander inlet having a fluid connection to the external heat source for receiving fluid in the gas phase to drive the expander by expanding the fluid, a compressor with a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, the compressor being driven by the expander for compressing working fluid from a low pressure compressor inlet gas to a high pressure compressor outlet gas, a first heat exchanger with a fluid connection to the compressor outlet and connected to the expander inlet for transfer of heat from the high pressure compressor outlet gas to the fluid in the heating cycle, a second heat exchanger with a condenser for condensing the working fluid from the expander by energy transfer to a second fluid of lower temperature, for example ambient air, a third heat exchanger with evaporator for evaporating the working fluid from the second heat exchanger by energy transfer from a third fluid and for creating a desired cooling effect in the third fluid. Particularly, according to the invention, the first heat exchanger is connected to the heating cycle between the external heat source and the expander inlet.
US08056349B2 Method and apparatus for maintaining a uniform temperature in a refrigeration system
A refrigeration apparatus includes an air chiller, a storage enclosure defining a compartment, a duct system, and a valve system. The air chiller blows chilled air into the duct system. The compartment has a first and a second opening, each of which is coupled to the duct system. The valve system has valves that can be moved to route the chilled air so that it enters into the first opening and exits the second opening, or vice versa. In one implementation, the first opening is at the top of the compartment and the second opening is at the bottom of the compartment, and the valve system is controlled by a control circuit that periodically switches the valves (via an actuator) to change the direction of the chilled air. This effectively maintains a relatively uniform temperature throughout the compartment.
US08056343B2 Off center combustor liner
The present application provides a liner for a combustor. The combustor liner may include a mouth, a passage for a flow of fuel, a passage for a flow of air, a first zone for mixing the flow of fuel and the flow of air, and the first zone having a constant diameter. The combustor liner may have at least one transition zone with first and second side walls angled substantially in the same direction, and an off center exit. This configuration will provide a more stable flow when exiting the combustor liner.
US08056338B2 Re-introduction unit for low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation condensate at or before compressor
The present invention is an exhaust gas recirculation system for a motor vehicle, having a turbocharger unit (18) which has a turbine (20) and a compressor (36), the compressor (36) having a compressor wheel (42) which rotates on an axis (66). There is also a dispersion apparatus (56) operably associated with a condensation separation apparatus (58). The condensation separation apparatus (58) separates moisture from exhaust gas flowing from the turbine (20), and the dispersion apparatus (56) reintroduces the moisture into the compressor (36) in proximity to the compressor wheel axis (66), preventing erosion of the compressor wheel (42).
US08056337B2 Internal combustion engine and control method thereof
In a V-type six cylinder engine, cylinder groups are provided in which a plurality of cylinders are arranged divided into left and right first and second banks. An intake pipe, a first exhaust pipe, and a second exhaust pipe are connected to the cylinder groups of the banks. A first upstream three-way catalyst and a first control valve are provided in one exhaust pipe while a second upstream three-way catalyst and a second control valve are provided in the other exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipes are communicated together upstream of the upstream three-way catalysts and the control valves by a communicating pipe. A third control valve that adjusts the flowrate of exhaust gas is provided in the communicating pipe.
US08056336B2 Turbocharger with variable nozzle having vane sealing surfaces
A variable nozzle for a turbocharger includes a plurality of vanes rotatably mounted on a nozzle ring and disposed in a nozzle flow path defined between the nozzle ring and an opposite nozzle wall. Either or both of the faces of the nozzle ring and nozzle wall include(s) at least one step that defines sealing surfaces positioned to be substantially abutted by airfoil surfaces of the vanes in the closed position of the vanes and to be spaced from the airfoil surfaces in positions other than the closed position. This substantial abutment between the airfoil surfaces and the sealing surfaces serves to substantially prevent exhaust gas from leaking past the ends of the airfoil portions. At the same time, clearances between the nozzle ring face and the end faces of the airfoil portions can be sufficiently large to prevent binding of the vanes under all operating conditions.
US08056335B1 SMA actuator
A shape memory alloy actuated device is provided for engaging a movable object. The device may include a first movable component, a shape memory alloy for moving the first component from a first position to a second position, a biasing element configured to expand the shape memory alloy object and apply a continual tensile force to the shape memory alloy object. The device may be configured to allow the first component move between the first position and the second position other than by transferring force to the shape memory alloy object. The device may also be configured to allow the shape memory alloy object to expand and contract when the first component is retained in the first position.
US08056332B2 Method for activating an actuating means
A method for controlling an actuating device in an automated shifting system of a motor vehicle. The position of the actuating device is determined by a path measurement system. The actuating device can be controlled by a pressure regulation device, including a pressure medium reservoir, at least two pressure lines and a switching valve for connecting a first pressure line to a pressure medium line leading to the pressure chamber of the actuating device, and a pressure regulating device for adapting the pressure level of the main pressure line to the control pressure level of the actuating device. By appropriately controlling the pressure regulation device before the piston of the actuating device moves in the intended direction, it is moved in the direction opposite to the intended movement direction. When this movement direction is registered the movement direction is changed to the intended movement direction.
US08056331B2 Pump torque controller of hydraulic working machine
To permit a precise and easy adjustment of a pump absorption torque of a main pump in accordance with environmental conditions when a sub-pump different in characteristics from the main pump is connected to a prime mover. A main controller 12 includes a processor means for setting the level of an absorption torque of a cooling fan pump 20 at a maximum absorption torque in use, a processor means for incrementing an adjustment target absorption torque for a main pump 13 at a slow rate from a sufficiently small pump absorption torque, and a processor means for repeating loading of a load factor signal and the increment of the adjustment target absorption torque as long as “NO” is determined by a fourth determination means, and a processor means for storing the adjustment target absorption torque as an adjustment value when “YES” has been determined by the fourth determination means.
US08056328B2 Exhaust diffuser for a truck
An apparatus for diluting and diffusing engine exhaust, includes a diffuser pipe horizontally oriented and having an inlet connection to receive exhaust gases from an engine and having an outlet defined as an elongated opening on an upper surface thereof, the inlet being disposed at about a longitudinal midpoint of the diffuser pipe, a deflector mounted in the diffuser pipe opposite the inlet to divide an entering exhaust gas flow toward opposite ends of the diffuser pipe, a baffle formed as an elongated plate having a multiplicity of holes mounted in the pipe between the inlet connection and the outlet and extending a length of the diffuser pipe, and, a dispersing grate formed as an elongated plate having a multiplicity of holes and being mounted above the outlet and spaced therefrom, the dispersing grate having a curvature about a longitudinal axis, and being mounted with a convex surface facing the outlet.
US08056325B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus regeneration system of internal combustion engine
An object of the present invention is to prevent, in connection with an exhaust gas purification apparatus regeneration system of an internal combustion engine, the possible travel distance of a vehicle after warning by a warning apparatus for warning excessive smallness of the fuel quantity is started from being unduly shortened even if regeneration control is executed while the warning is given by a warning apparatus. The system according to the invention has a warning apparatus that gives warning when the remaining fuel quantity is equal to or smaller than a first specified fuel quantity. When it is predicted that the regeneration control in which fuel is supplied to the exhaust gas purification apparatus will be executed when the remaining fuel quantity is equal to or smaller than the first specified remaining quantity, warning by the warning apparatus is started before the remaining fuel quantity becomes equal to the first specified remaining quantity (S104, S105).
US08056321B2 Exhaust gas purification method and exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system provided with an exhaust gas purification device, such as a NOx occlusion-reduction catalyst, in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine for purifying exhaust gas when the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is in a lean state, and recovering purification ability when in a rich state. The system prevents highly dense, uncombusted fuel from acting as a binder that causes soot, together with the uncombusted fuel, to clog an EGR cooler in an EGR passage. An uncombusted fuel adsorption device for adsorbing uncombusted fuel is provided upstream of the EGR cooler for adsorbing uncombusted fuel passing through the EGR passage during a rich control.
US08056320B2 Cold-start control systems for internal combustion engines
A cold-start control system includes an air pump control module that controls an air pump and an engine starting module that starts an engine. The air pump control module activates the air pump to supply oxygen to a catalytic converter based on a temperature of the catalytic converter. The engine starting module starts the engine based on the temperature of the catalytic converter.
US08056319B2 Combined cycle missile engine system
An insensitive combined cycle missile propulsion system includes a solid fuel contained within a first section of the missile, a liquid oxidizer contained within a second section of the missile and a solid oxidizer contained within a third section of said missile. A first conduit has a first valve communicating the fuel and the oxidizer and a second conduit, spatially removed from the first conduit, has a second valve communicating the fuel and the oxidizer. An inlet system for delivering atmospheric oxygen for combustion with the fuel rich gases generated within the missile and a nozzle exhausts combustion products that result from combustion of the fuel, the liquid and solid oxidizers, and air.
US08056316B2 Process for optimizing the energy of a combined heat and power generation site
The invention relates to a process for producing power, heat and steam employing: a cogeneration unit comprising: a gas turbine producing power and combustion gases and a heat recovery unit fed with water and heating said water by recovering the heat from the combustion gases from the gas turbine; and a steam production unit heating water by combustion of a fuel with air, and in which the air for the steam production unit is preheated at least partly by heat exchange with the water that feeds the heat recovery unit of the cogeneration unit.
US08056314B1 Wide crop pick-up having primary and secondary stripper plates for converging augers respectively mounted to movable crop guide plate portion and to fixed walls behind the augers
A wide pick-up for a baler includes a crop feed rotor and auger arrangement located at an elevated position rearward of a tined pick-up reel arrangement. Positioned for receiving crop delivered by the reel arrangement, and extending beneath the crop feed rotor and auger arrangement is a crop guide plate arrangement including a central movable crop guide plate portion mounted to be moved vertically between a raised feed position, wherein it is relatively close to a circular path traced by the outer peripheries of the crop feed rotor and the converging augers, and a lowered, crop unplugging position, wherein it is spaced to create a gap between the crop guide plate portion and the crop feed rotor and auger arrangement. Right and left, primary crop stripper plates are respectively mounted to right and left front end regions of the moveable crop feed plate portion, with the primary stripper plates each having an edge located close to the associated auger for preventing crop from being wrapped about the augers when the movable crop guide plate portion is in its normal raised operating position. Right and left secondary crop stripper plates are respectively mounted to right and left fixed walls extending upwardly about the augers from right and left fixed guide plate portions, these secondary stripper plates remaining in place to strip crop from the augers when the central movable crop guide plate portion is lowered.
US08056312B1 Reduced mass high speed doffer column with improved shaft preload
A light-weight upright shaft (14) supports cotton harvester doffers (12). An internally threaded mounting end (36) receives a bolt (38) which is stretchable to a greater degree than the shaft to provide a reliable shaft preload condition that prevents the doffers from spinning relative to the shaft. The shaft may be hollow and may have a diameter greater than conventional shafts to reduce weight and increase the stiffness and thereby increase critical speed. The preload structure does not require a nut and has increased thread engagement.
US08056309B2 Feed roll control system for a forage harvester
A system to control the position of one or more feed rolls in a forage harvester. The system includes at least one fixed feed roll arranged to rotate around a rotation axis which is fixed with respect to a chassis of the harvester, and in cooperation with the at least one fixed feed roll, a movable feed roll arranged to rotate around a rotation axis which is movable towards or away from the corresponding fixed roll. The system determines various parameters, including input data for the driving force exerted on the rolls, position of the movable feed roll, and rotational speed of the drive shaft, and inputs the data to a control unit, which provides commands to one or more valves and to one or more throttles to control the movable feed roll via the hydraulic piston/cylinder arrangements.
US08056308B2 Apparatus and method for cutting and harvesting infestations of aquatic vegetation and/or skimming algae/floating vegetation
A harvester and method for harvesting aquatic algae or floating vegetation in shallow areas of water bodies, such as lakes. The harvester is manually operated. The harvester includes a pair of blades which are manually moved by a rope connected to an extension spring, a compressed gas cylinder or the harvester wheels through a metal rod driven system. The harvester provides improved hydraulic flow through a hydraulic friction reducing plastic or metal sheet, a movable plastic or metal bar to adjust the volume of water allowed into the apparatus and vertical hydraulic flow guides to improve flow of water through the apparatus. The aquatic algae or floating vegetation is collected on the harvester, removed from the harvester, dewatered and used for compost in garden and agricultural activities.
US08056305B1 Automatic strapping and bagging of funds
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.
US08056298B2 Support for elevated mass
A support (4) for an elevated mass (6, 8), comprising at least three extended, mutually trussless supporting counts (14, 14′, 14″, 14′″), and where the longitudinal axes of the supporting columns (14, 14′, 14″, 14′″) meet near the center of gravity (20) of the elevated mass (6, 8).
US08056296B2 Methods and apparatus for assembling wind turbine towers
A method of assembling a wind turbine tower is provided, wherein the method includes providing a plurality of tower members having a top end and a bottom end, and coupling the bottom end of a first tower member to the top end of a second tower member such that the bottom end of the first tower member is interlocked within at least a portion of the top end of the second tower member. The method also includes coupling at least one support member to each of the plurality of tower members.
US08056293B2 Head-of-wall fireblock systems and related wall assemblies
The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.
US08056289B1 Dual glazing panel system
A transparent or translucent modular upstanding seam flange panel unit comprising opposed seam flange panels mounted in metal male and female locking engagement members designed to interlock and provide an internal gutter for collecting infiltrating water and for accommodating lateral expansion and contraction of the panels as well as a method for erecting an architectural structure for passing sunlight into an interior region of a building using such panel units.
US08056288B2 Step for modular staircases and relative staircase
A step for modular staircases, preferably produced by molding using a thermoplastic technopolymer, comprises at least a main body (11) and a spacer (12). The main body (11) comprises at least a tread surface (Ha) and a hollow portion (lib) extending vertically with an internal thread (111), while the spacer (12) has an external thread (121) matching that of the hollow portion (lib) of the main body (11), allowing the spacer (12) and the hollow portion (lib) to be screwed together. The hollow portion (lib) and the spacer (12) also have ends (112,122) which do not interact, shaped to match one another, to allow vertical stacking of two or more steps (10), thus obtaining a modular staircase (1), complete with a landing (20) produced in a similar way to the step (10).
US08056287B2 Weatherstrip with releasable protective covering
A pile weatherstrip has a pile of yarn ultrasonically welded to a backing strip inside a channel defined by flanges, called pile directors, which direct the pile perpendicularly with respect to the backing. A film provides a covering for the pile and is releasably attached to the flanges on the outside thereof. The covering film may have perforations therein which are located adjacent to the flanges near the upper ends of the flanges. Alternatively, a weak ultrasonic weld of the covering to the flanges, such as made at much lower energy than used to weld the pile and the backing together, provides a releasable attachment for the covering. The covering protects the pile, for example during installation in a frame which may be painted after the weatherstrip is installed. The covering can be released by being pulled off the pile director flanges after installation and painting.
US08056286B2 Configurable sliding doors with reversible hand configurations
A sliding door with reversible hand configurations can include a plurality of mounting locations along a top and a bottom edge thereof. The plurality of mounting locations can be configured to allow the sliding door to selectively hang and operate according to multiple orientations in order to satisfy site-specific handedness requirements. In one implementation, the sliding door includes a door frame and mounting hardware for selectively mounting the sliding door to a roller track affixed near the upper portion of a doorway.
US08056278B2 Barrel insert
A barrel insert is disclosed. A firearm may use a target barrel or another barrel, such as a standard barrel. The stock of a firearm may have a barrel receptacle that is shaped to hold a larger barrel. The larger barrel may be untapered. The barrel insert may be used to adapt a barrel receptacle to fit a smaller barrel. The smaller barrel may be tapered. The barrel insert may have a texture that substantially matches a texture of the firearm.
US08056264B2 Upper structure for a shoe
An upper structure for a shoe improves a fit of the heel portion during heel contact with the ground to the push off motion of a foot. The upper structure includes an upper body 30, and an outside upper member 31 that overlaps the lateral side of the upper body 30 to cover the talus T of the foot, and that has a bottom edge portion 31a fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the upper body 30. The rear end portion A of the bottom edge portion 31a is located rearwardly of the load centerline C of the calcaneus. A rear edge portion 31c of the outside upper member 31 is provided separately from the upper body 30 rearwardly of the talus T of the foot. An instep edge portion 31b of the outside upper member 31 is connected to the shoelace 4. On the lateral side of the heel portion of the upper body 30, there is a region 10 that is expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction. The top end of the region 10 extends to the opening of the upper body 30 and the bottom end B of the region 10 is disposed in front of the load centerline C of the calcaneus and below a height h that corresponds to 55% of the lateral ankle height H of the foot.
US08056260B2 Goodyear waterproof shoe
A Goodyear waterproof shoe includes a main body stitched with a shoe collar and having a bottom portion coupled sequentially with a filler plate, a thin sole, and an outsole. An outer welt is stitched to a lower outer rim of the main body by a thread and stitched to the thin sole by another thread. The Goodyear waterproof shoe is characterized in that the main body is an integrally formed waterproof body having an upper opening and includes a shoe-shaped portion, the bottom portion, and a welt portion on a lower side of the bottom portion. The thread for stitching the outer welt to the main body passes through the welt portion but not the bottom portion of the main body so as to enhance waterproofness. The main body is integrally formed from the upper, midsole, and inner welt of a conventional Goodyear shoe to reduce production procedures and assembly time.
US08056259B2 Air cushion shoe sole
An air cushion shoe has an air chamber at an upper surface of a front side of a main body. An air passageway extends from the air chamber to an air inlet. Air pockets are formed in the main body at predetermined positions below the air passageway. First air vents are formed at a front side of the hardened reinforcement sheet positioned onto the main body to cover the open upper portions of the air passageway and the air pockets. Second air vents are formed at a front side of a main body of a shoe liner. A cushioning material having a honeycomb structured body is formed at the bottom surface of the main body.
US08056257B2 Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber, and a cleaning-liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether onto a substrate to be processed placed in the chamber. In the chamber, there is further disposed a gas supply unit that supplies into the chamber a gas for preventing moisture from being adhered to a substrate to be processed, when a cleaning liquid containing hydrofluoro ether is supplied onto the substrate to be processed.
US08056256B2 Method for reconditioning FCR APG-68 tactical radar units
A method for reconditioning Fire Control Radar APG-68 tactical radar systems (FCR) utilized in military aircraft and returning them to operation with extended useful life expectancies equivalent to or better than new of the FCR APG-68 unit high frequency, high voltage dual mode radar transmitters that are deployed in over 1000 state-of-the-art military aircraft such as the F-15, F-16 and F-18 fighter aircraft, and B-1 bombers. The novel method extends the mean lifetime of previously repaired and repairable FCR APG-68 tactical radar units and radar units and ageing transmitters from about 100 to a few hundred hours to about five hundred or more hours by the step of removing embedded moisture and absorbed moisture from the heterogeneous electronic components in the FCR APG-68 tactical radar unit.
US08056254B2 Tumble dryer with a lint filter
A tumble dryer is provided having a heat exchanger through which a process-air stream flows in a first direction and a first duct which is arranged in fluid communication with the heat exchanger through which a process-air stream flows in a second direction and in which a lint filter is disposed. A tray having its own lint filter is removably attached to the heat exchanger and arranged between the duct and the heat exchanger.
US08056249B1 Apparatus and methods for level and/or straight edge tools
The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented I beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the I beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction.
US08056246B1 Ferrofluidic orientation sensor and method of forming the sensor
An orientation sensor includes a measure of ferrofluid that moves as the orientation sensor moves. The movement of the ferrofluid, which lies over a number of coils, alters the magnetic permeability of the flux path around each coil. The orientation sensor determines a change in orientation by measuring a change in the voltage across each coil. The voltage across each coil changes as the inductance changes which, in turn, changes as the magnetic permeability of the flux path changes.
US08056242B2 Multi-use hand tool
A hand tool for a craft knife has a handle, a blade tray and a connector. The handle has a mounting chamber, a mounting tube, a cap, a socket bit and an ejector tube. The blade tray is mounted in the mounting chamber and the mounting tube of the handle and has a base and a casing. The base has two mounting protrusions formed on an internal surface of the base. The casing is pivotally mounted in the base and has two mounting holes and a blade chamber. The connector is detachably connected to the handle and has a socket bar, a clamping tube and a pressing tube. The socket bar is detachably mounted in the socket bit. The clamping tube is mounted securely in the socket bar. The pressing tube is mounted around the clamping tube and presses against the socket bar and the clamping tube.
US08056240B2 Scrubbing razor
The scrubbing razor includes a handle, an elongated head with a blade mounting portion, and one or more forward straight blades and one or more rearward straight blades mounted to and extending from the underside of the blade mounting portion. The one or more rearward straight blades are mounted in opposing relation to the one or more forward straight blades, so that the scrubbing razor is bidirectional. The cutting edges of the one or more forward straight blades and the opposing cutting edges of the one or more rearward straight blades define a single plane.
US08056236B2 Method for manufacturing floor panels, as well as floor panel obtained by means of such method
Method for manufacturing floor panels, of the type, which comprises a top layer (4) on the basis of synthetic material (5) and which, at least at two opposite sides (7A-8A; 7B-8B), has profiled edge areas (9) that comprise at least coupling parts (10), whereby, for manufacturing the floor panels (1), one starts from a board-shaped material (6), characterized in that the floor panels (1) are formed at least partially by means of a laser treatment (11) of said board-shaped material (6).
US08056231B2 Method of constructing heat exchanger with snap-in baffle insert
An insert snaps into position in a manifold of a fluid device to perform a baffling function. The insert includes a cradle having a base portion and opposed spring fingers for retaining the insert in position. The base portion can be completely closed to prevent flow through the insert, or have a spring flapper valve or bimetallic flapper valve to permit partial or full flow through the insert under predetermined conditions.
US08056227B2 Turbine blade having material block and related method
A turbine blade including a root section at an end of the turbine blade, a first airfoil section adjacent to the root section, and a tip section adjacent to the airfoil section and including a material block that is incongruous with the airfoil section. A midspan section may also include a material block. Each material block can be selectively machined to customize the length of the turbine blade and the position of a tip shroud connection or midspan connection. The turbine blade can be sized for retrofitting last stage blades of older turbines. A radial position of the root mounts for the turbine blade may also be adjusted to provide further customization.
US08056224B2 Method of manufacturing a network jack
A method for manufacturing a network jack is provided. The method includes steps of: a) providing a circuit board having a first side, plural first contacting areas along the first side, plural second contacting areas and an upper and a lower surfaces; (b) forming first bendable contacts on the plural first contacting areas by using a first riveting process; (c) forming second bendable contacts on the plural second contacting areas by using a second riveting process; and (d) bending each of the second bendable contacts by assembling an acting portion on the circuit board to make the second bendable contacts have at least two arranged directions, wherein the first bendable contacts and the second bendable contacts contact with an external plug and are fixed to the circuit board of the network jack by the first and the second riveting processes.
US08056221B2 Power-ground plane partitioning and via connection to utilize channel/trenches for power delivery
An apparatus that includes a plurality of metalized planes, one or more dielectric layers separating the plurality of metalized planes; and one or more conductive trenches connecting to at least one of the plurality of metalized planes.
US08056220B2 Printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A printed circuit board is disclosed. A printed circuit board, which includes a first board part, a flexible board part which has one side coupled with the first board part and which includes an electrical wiring layer and an optical waveguide to transmit both electrical signals and optical signals, and a second board part coupled with the other side of the flexible board part, where the electrical wiring layer and the optical waveguide are disposed with a gap in-between, can provide greater bendability and reliability, by having the optical waveguide and electrical wiring layer separated with a gap in-between at the flexible portion of the board, and the optical waveguide can be manufactured with greater precision for even higher reliability, by having the optical waveguide manufactured separately and then inserted during the manufacturing process of the board.
US08056215B2 Method for manufacturing a stator coil formed in a corrugated shape
A first tool set holds a wire covered with an insulation film at a bending point of the wire to protrude the wire from the first tool set. A second tool set holds the protruded portion of the wire. The second tool set is rotated about the first tool set to bend the wire along a wall of the first tool set and to form a boundary corner in the wire at the same radius of curvature as the wall. The wire is released from the second tool set and is moved to place the first tool set at another bending point while protruding from the first tool set. The second tool set is placed at the protruded portion of the wire. When the wire is bent at a predetermined number of bending points and is rounded, a stator coil formed in a corrugated shape is manufactured.
US08056212B2 Coil and method of forming the coil
A reactor coil 12 has a first coil element 121 formed by winding one flat type wire 17 edgewisely and rectangularly in a manner in which the wound flat type wire 17 is stacked rectangularly and cylindrically, and a second coil element 122 formed by winding the flat type wire 17 edgewisely and rectangularly at a winding terminating end point of the first coil element 121 in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the first coil element 121 and thereby stacked in a direction opposite to the stacking direction of the first coil element 121. Parts of the flat type wire 17 constituting each one edge of the first coil element 121 and the second coil element 122 are rendered to be projecting from outer circumferences of the first coil element 121 and the second coil element 122 by distances capable of obtaining insulation between a core and lead portions 121L, 122L formed in end portions of start-of-windings of the first coil element 121 and the second coil element 122.
US08056210B2 Manufacturing method for motor
A sleeve portion is inserted into a hole portion of a base bracket on which an adhesive of heat cure type is applied while a rotor portion and a stator portion are retained by a position determining jig. Then, the sleeve portion is initially affixed to the base bracket by a high frequency induction heating of an induction coil. Then, the initial affixation is cured completely in an oven. Since the adhesive of heat cure type is used, generation of outgass will be minimized and a manufacturing cost of the motor having such components will be reduced.
US08056204B2 Riveted fastener extraction apparatus and method
An extraction apparatus (40) for the removal of a riveted fastener (12) from a structure (10) includes a shaft (42) and a cutting element (62). The cutting element (62) is mechanically coupled to the shaft (42) and is configured to cut a portion of the riveted fastener (12). The shaft (42) and the cutting element (62) are configured for insertion through an inner channel (24) of the riveted fastener (12). A method of replacing the riveted fastener (12) from the structure (10) includes inserting the extraction apparatus (40) through the inner channel (24). The extraction apparatus (40) is rotated. A portion of the riveted fastener (12) that extends through the structure (10) is removed. A head (20) of the riveted fastener (12) is also removed from the structure.
US08056202B2 Tire replacement system for compact tractor
A system is provided for refitting a tire system on a compact tractor which typically comes equipped with a set of industrial tires mounted on standard industrial size wheels. A set of replacement agricultural tires or turf tires is provided. The replacement tires are sized to fit on the standard industrial size wheels while having rolling circumferences substantially equal to rolling circumferences of standard agricultural tires or turf tires, respectively, for the compact tractor in question. The industrial tires are replaced with the replacement agricultural tires or turf tires without changing at least the front wheels on the compact tractor.
US08056197B2 Blank and an assembly for a coffin
A blank (10) for a coffin comprising a blank body (12) defining a plurality of wall panels (14, 16, 18, 20) each having a pair of opposed sides; a base supporting member (28) formed integrally with one side of at least one of the panels; and a flap member (30) formed integrally with opposite side of at least one of panels. In one embodiment an insert (58) is held captive between at least one of side wall panels of the blank body and their associated flap portions folded onto the side wall panels to impart rigidity to a side wall of a coffin formed from blank.
US08056189B2 Protective element for textile lashing or fixing means, and lashing or fixing means provided with one such protective element
A protective element for textile lashing or fixing devices for lifting, fixing or lashing objects, comprises a protective layer which is intended for arrangement between the lashing or fixing device and the respective object. The protective element allows the advantages of known protective elements to be used, but at the same time ensures improved force transmission. The intention is also to provide a lashing or fixing device which can apply the forces required for lifting, fixing or lashing an object with more uniform loading across its length. This is achieved in that the protective layer is formed from a textile backing fabric which carries a textile material at least on its surface associated with the lashing or fixing device, the textile material, owing to its shaping, its arrangement and/or its material properties, in the state abutting the lashing or fixing device having different sliding properties to the backing fabric.
US08056185B2 Grip structure of a retractable handle for travel bag
A grip structure includes two holder bars respectively affixed to two inner tubes in two outer tubes of a retractable handle for travel bag, two locating rings respectively mounted in the holder bars, a grip formed of two symmetrical annular half shells and pivotally coupled between the two locating rings; two control bolts respectively movably supported in the locating rings, and a spring-supported operating member mounted in the grip and operable to move the control bolts between a first position where the inner tubes are locked to the outer tubes and the control bolts are engaged with the locating rings to lock the grip to the inner tubes and a second position where the inner tubes are unlocked from the outer tubes and the control bolts are biasable with the grip relative to the inner tubes of the retractable handle.
US08056184B2 Door lock device
The present invention relates to a door lock device for a motor vehicle door, comprising: a door retaining bar mounted on the door or the body to be pivotable, and including one first side and a profiled section formed on the first side; a first braking element arranged respectively on the other part (door or body), which is applied by sections on the first side of the door retaining bar under the effect of a preload, and which, with the profiled section of the first side, defines retaining positions. The inventive door lock device, which enables the door to be selectively opened via defined retaining positions, in particular by a specific stop, is produced according to the present invention such that an actuating device is associated with the first braking element, and so that the actuating device enables the first braking element to be moved against the preload to be no longer in contact with the first side of the door retaining bar.
US08056179B2 Centrifugal water separator for mop
A centrifugal water separator for mop includes a bucket including a first chamber and a second chamber respectively defined therein. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from each other. A separating trough is rotatably mounted in the second chamber in the bucket. A driving device is mounted in the first chamber in the bucket for driving the separating trough. A handle is pivotally mounted to the bucket. An indentation is defined in the handle and co-axially corresponding to the separating trough for holding the mop during separating water.
US08056173B2 Soluble thread in the manufacture of footwear
Aspects of the invention relate to the use of soluble thread in the preparation of footwear, in particular athletic footwear. After preparing aspects of the footwear, the soluble thread is dissolved.
US08056172B2 Appliance panel with increased natural frequency
A side panel for a fabric care appliance is described. The side panel includes an embossed pattern for increasing a first natural frequency (or first harmonic) of the side panel. Preferably, the first natural frequency is substantially higher than any ordinary operating frequency or driving frequency of the appliance. For example, in a washing machine, the first natural frequency of the side panel is preferably at least 1.6 times greater than the maximum rotational frequency of a drum or tumbler of the machine.
US08056164B2 Bed with adjustable patient support framework
An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.
US08056154B2 Automatic flushing device with magnetic valve
A device for opening a toilet flushing system, of the type that includes a water cistern fed by a filling tap, and that includes a bottom discharge orifice and a vertical mobile discharge valve element associated with this orifice, which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern or a high open position to discharge the water to a toilet pan, and of the type that includes a float which, when the cistern is full, is submerged to push the valve element towards its open position, and of the type that includes an element for locking the valve element to keep the valve element closed, characterized in that the float is secured to the valve element and in that the locking element includes a vertically mobile locking finger which is capable of being locked or released by an associated latching element.
US08056153B2 Multipurpose urinal attachment
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for advertising a product or service and for sanitizing, deodorizing, and preventing splatter of fluids discharged in a urinal. The apparatus comprises a fluid permeable receptacle herein referred to as “receptacle” suspended along its longitudinal axis for absorbing discharged fluids and releasing the absorbed fluids into a drain of the urinal, an advertisement layer, and fasteners for fastening the receptacle to the urinal. The receptacle comprises particulate material embedded within compartments of the receptacle. The particulate material comprises an anti-splatter material for preventing splatter of fluids, an odor removal material for removing undesired odor from the fluids, and a sanitizing material for cleaning and disinfecting the fluids. Grommets along with the fasteners may be used for fastening the receptacle to the urinal. Advertisements may be printed on the surface of the receptacle or the advertisement layer.
US08056152B2 Pivot assembly for headgear
A pivot assembly for use with headgear that includes a headtop and a shield, and a method for coupling the headtop to the shield using the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly can include a housing, a socket dimensioned to be received in the housing and having a plurality of first engagement features, and a post having a plurality of second engagement features adapted to engage the first engagement features. The pivot assembly can further include a spring dimensioned to be received in the housing to bias the first engagement features and the second engagement features into engagement, while allowing relative rotation between the post and the socket. A method can include moving the socket in a first direction into the housing, moving the post in a second direction that is different from the first direction toward engagement with the socket, and moving the spring in the first direction into the housing.
US08056150B2 Helmet adjustment system
A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutch mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism can prevent the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.
US08056149B2 Combination sock and shoe
A combination sock and shoe includes a shoe sole, an exterior sock that is secured to the shoe sole, an intermediate sock positioned inside the exterior sock, and an interior sock positioned inside the exterior sock and inside the intermediate sock. The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. The exterior and interior socks conceal the intermediate sock from view by sandwiching the intermediate sock between them. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot and holds the wearer's foot to the shoe sole, thereby preventing the shoe sole from separating away from the heel of the wearer's foot during walking.
US08056148B1 Shower/glove system
A glove fabricated of a polyethylene has a distal portion in a shape to accommodate a hand. A proximal portion of the glove formed as an extension of the distal portion has a length between 150 percent and 175 percent of the length of the distal portion. A polyethylene tab and a strap form a seal on the proximal portion of the glove. The tab is integrally formed with the glove. The strap is fabricated of elastic bandage material and has an attached end coupled to the tab with a semi-adhesive property for removably coupling the strap to itself.
US08056144B2 Safety helmet with screening element
A safety helmet includes a cap equipped with at least one visor, which is hinged to the sides of the front opening of the cap itself and can be rotated between a position of interception of the front opening and a raised position with respect to the opening. A shielding element is also hinged to the sides of the front opening of the cap and is rotatable both with respect to the cap and with respect to the visor. The relative rotary displacement of the shielding element with respect to the visor, and vice versa, is limited at a predefined angular interval, in both of the directions of rotation.
US08060942B2 Film fingerprinting
A technique for film marking includes coding a print identifier into a binary-coded serial number; identifying particular frames (bit frames) that will be used to convey the bits (binary digits) of the binary-coded serial number and marking these bit frames in accordance with the particular bit values of the binary-coded serial number. The presence of a predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of one, while the absence of the predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of zero.
US08060941B2 Method and system to authenticate an application in a computing platform operating in trusted computing group (TCG) domain
A method and system for verifying authenticity of an application in a computing-platform operating in a Trusted Computing Group (TCG) domain is provided. The method includes computing one or more integrity measurements corresponding to one or more of the application, a plurality of precedent-applications, and an output file. The output file includes an output of the application, the application is executing on the computing-platform. Each precedent-application is executed before the application. The method further includes comparing one or more integrity measurements with re-computed integrity measurements. The re-computed integrity measurements are determined corresponding to one or more of the application, the plurality of precedent-applications, and the computing-platform.
US08060940B2 Systems and methods for controlling access to data through application virtualization layers
A computer-implemented method for controlling access to data is. A request to access data is received. A determination is made that an access-control policy of the data is satisfied. A virtualization layer is activated to allow access to the data after determining that the access-control policy is satisfied. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08060935B2 Security incident identification and prioritization
Techniques are disclosed for protecting a computer environment. The technique comprises providing an index; comparing a first event with the index; determining whether the first event is unusual; and determining whether a security incident associated with the first event has occurred.
US08060931B2 Security authorization queries
In an example implementation, a bifurcated security scheme has a first level that does not allow usage of negations and a second level that does permit usage of negations. In another example implementation, an authorization query table maps respective resource-specific operations to respective associated authorization queries. In yet another example implementation, authorization queries are permitted to have negations, but individual assertions are not.
US08060930B2 Methods and systems for imaging device credential receipt and authentication
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for imaging device credential submission wherein credentials are extracted by scanning graphical indicia on user documents using a primary document scanner.
US08060926B1 Techniques for securely managing and accelerating data delivery
Techniques are provided for securely managing and accelerating the delivery of data associated with remote sites. A client desires to establish secure communications with a remote site. Requests made from the client to the remote site are intercepted or forwarded to a proxy, which locates a local managing service associated with handling the requests. The local managing service acts as an intermediary between the client and the remote site and communicates securely with the client. Data associated with the client's requests is at least partially cached by the local managing service for purposes of accelerating the delivery of that data to the client.
US08060922B2 Consumer internet authentication device
A method of allowing a user to authenticate to an authentication service while isolating information associated with the user from the authentication service includes generating a service user identifier (SUID) associated with an authentication code source, a subscribing site and an authentication service. The method includes creating an association of the SUID with the information associated with the user, and isolating the association within the subscribing site. The method includes providing an authentication code generated by the authentication code-generating device from the user to the subscribing site, and providing the authentication code along with the SUID and information identifying the subscribing site to the authentication service. The method includes identifying the code-generating device, using the SUID and the information identifying the subscribing site, and generating an authentication decision for the authentication code with respect to the code-generating device, and providing the decision to the subscribing site.
US08060920B2 Generating and changing credentials of a service account
Technologies are described herein for generating and changing credentials of a service account. In one method, a credential schedule is retrieved. The credential schedule specifies when a plurality of credentials are scheduled to be changed. A determination is made whether a current credential associated with the service account is scheduled to be changed according to the credential schedule. Upon determining that the current credential is scheduled to be changed, at least part of a new credential is generated. The current credential is replaced with the new credential for the service account.
US08060917B2 System and method for hosting multiple kerberos service principal names
An authentication system and method for allowing an administrator to host a plurality of service principal names (SPNs) over a common network port of a backend server. The authentication system includes a client computer, a backend server, and a service principal name (SPN) apparatus. The client computer sends an authentication request to the backend server. The backend server performs an authentication procedure in response to a reception of the authentication request from the client computer. The SPN apparatus configures a plurality of service SPNs for the web service application over the common network port.
US08060915B2 Method and apparatus for providing electronic message authentication
A method for providing electronic message authentication employs an article, such as a card, sticker, or any other suitable article, that includes sender authentication information and location information such as row and column headings. In one example, each recipient of interest is issued an article that embodies unique sender authentication information that is identifiable by corresponding location information such as column and row identifiers. In both an apparatus and method, when the sender of an electronic message wants to send a message to a recipient of interest, the sender sends the electronic message and both location information and corresponding desired sender authentication information located at the coordinate identified by the location coordinate information. If the sent desired sender authentication information matches authentication information found on the article, the sender of the message is trusted.
US08060912B2 Content reproduction device and control method thereof
A mobile phone, which is capable of reproducing a broadcast program supplied through a broadcast wave and stored programs stored in a program data storage, is provided with (i) a program ID extraction section that obtains a broadcast program ID for identifying a supplied broadcast program and a stored program ID for identifying a stored program, and (ii) a program reproduction control section that selects, as a reproduced program, at least one of a broadcast program and stored programs. On this account, a suitable program is selected and reproduced even if a broadcast program is broadcasted in a one-to-many manner. As a result, a suitable reproduced program is selected at suitable timing, in accordance with a supplied broadcast program and stored programs, and hence diversified needs of the users are satisfied.
US08060906B2 Method and apparatus for interactively retrieving content related to previous query results
The invention relates to a method and system for automatically identifying and presenting video clips or other media to a user at a client device. One embodiment of the invention provides a method for updating a user profile or other persistent data store based on user feedback to improve the identification of video clips or other media content responsive to the user's profile. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for processing user feedback. Related architectures are also disclosed.
US08060904B1 Dynamic load based ad insertion
A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.
US08060903B1 Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US08060900B2 Data storage means
Apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention includes a data storage cartridge and/or a receiver configured to receive the cartridge in facilitation of data transfer to and/or from the cartridge. The cartridge and the receiver each include respective connector portions configured to connect when the cartridge is inserted into the receiver. The cartridge and/or the receiver also include guide features configured to facilitate alignment of the connector portions for connection as the cartridge is inserted into the receiver.
US08060893B2 Data storage cartridge with optical waveguide
According to the invention, an electronic data storage cartridge for removable coupling to a computing system is disclosed. The electronic data storage cartridge includes a cartridge body, a connector, an optical waveguide, a hard disk drive, and a mechanical write-protect switch that prevents modification of information on the hard disk drive when active. The cartridge body includes at least two outer surfaces. The connector can be used for removable coupling to the computing system, where the connector couples information outside the cartridge body. The optical waveguide is configured to couple light between the two outer surfaces. The hard drive is coupled to the connector.
US08060891B2 Management of external hardware appliances in a distributed operating system
Embodiments are provided to manage external hardware appliances from a distributed operating system interface in a computer network using a driver model to communicate with device drivers associated with the external hardware appliances. In one embodiment, a request to manage an external hardware appliance in the computer network may be received in a distributed web-based operating system interface. A driver model may be selected which is configured to interface with a device driver for managing configuration settings for the external hardware appliance. The driver model may be utilized to manage the external hardware appliance configuration settings from the interface. The settings may include managing domain name changes, firewall settings, proxy settings, and the like. In another embodiment, the driver model may be utilized to manage external hardware appliance settings during a network configuration operation initiated from the distributed operating system interface.
US08060889B2 Method and system for real-time event journaling to provide enterprise data services
A data management system or “DMS” provides a wide range of data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. The data management system typically comprises one or more regions, with each region having one or more clusters. A given cluster has one or more nodes that share storage. To facilitate the data service, a host driver embedded in an application server connects an application and its data to a cluster. The host driver provides a method and apparatus for capturing real-time data modifications and application state notifications and, in response, generating data transactions in the form of an event journal that is provided to the data management system. The driver functions to translate traditional file/database/block I/O into a continuous, application-aware, output data stream. Using the streams generated in this manner, the DMS offers a wide range of data services that include, by way of example only: data protection (and recovery), and disaster recovery (data distribution and data replication).
US08060888B2 Messaging interface system for customer care
A system is disclosed for serving a message to a target system. A database message is converted to a common data model to conform to at least two systems and an architecture of the target system. The common data model is transformed into a specified data type of the architecture of the target system. Calls are managed using specified functions available through an application programming interface offered by the architecture of the target system. Functions of the application programming interface are invoked to implement a target message in the architecture of the target system. The message is written to the target system.
US08060886B2 XML scripting of SOAP commands
A computer-implemented method processes a simple object access protocol (SOAP) command. The method includes interpreting an XML script to perform a function contained in the XML script, the XML script containing the SOAP command, parsing the SOAP command from the XML script, and passing the SOAP command to a SOAP interpreter for execution.
US08060885B2 Creating task queries for concrete resources using alias selection fields specifying formal resources and formal relationships
A solution is proposed for facilitating the selection of execution servers to be used in a scheduler for submitting the execution of jobs. Each job is defined by a corresponding descriptor. The descriptor specifies the execution servers to be used by the jobs in a formal way (through their properties); in addition, the descriptor may also include the definition of formal relationships to be satisfied by the execution server with other resources of the system (in turn defined in a formal way through their properties). A query is created according to the descriptor for selecting (concrete) execution servers having the desired properties and satisfying the desired relationships with the resources of the system. This query is then run on a central database, wherein all the concrete execution servers, resources and relationships are defined. In this way, it is possible to obtain a list of concrete execution servers eligible to execute the job in a single transaction.
US08060882B2 Processing tasks with failure recovery
A method and apparatus is provided for processing tasks with failure recovery. The method includes storing one or more tasks in a queue, wherein each task has an associated exit routine, and determining at least one task to process based on a priority scheme. The method further includes processing the at least one task, and calling the exit routine based on determining that the task has not completed processing within a preselected period of time.
US08060867B2 Systems and methods for excluding user specified applications
A method for blocking the execution of prohibited files, includes requesting execution of a file to be executed, identifying the file to be executed, comparing the identified file to be executed to a list of files that are prohibited and executing the identified file to be executed when the identified file to be executed does not match a file listed in the list of files that are prohibited.
US08060864B1 System and method for live software object interaction
Systems, methods, apparatus and software can provide object interaction tools and techniques that allow a user to interact with a software object using familiar user interface elements. Information about the target object is provided so that an instance can be constructed. The object is introspect so available data and methods information can be used to populate a corresponding object interaction description and present an object interaction session.
US08060860B2 Security methods and systems
The present invention describes methods for improving security when accessing applications and other executable programs. In one exemplary method, a user is warned if an application that has never been previously run is being launched by the user. Other methods, as well as data processing systems and machine readable media, are also described.
US08060859B2 Core object-oriented type system for semi-structured data
A type system employing structural subtyping is disclosed herein. A core type system supports several structural types, such as stream, choice, intersection and sequence. Also part of the core type system is a new invariant type, which denotes values whose dynamic type is the same as its static type, and type restrictions for limiting a range of a base type. Furthermore, a streamlined structural version of delegates, called structural delegates and a validation method thereof are introduce into the type system. To further facilitate type safety, strict statically checked interface casts are introduced.
US08060857B2 Automated partitioning of a computation for parallel or other high capability architecture
A method and a system for transformation-based program generation using two separate specifications as input: An implementation neutral specification of the desired computation and a specification of the execution platform. The generated implementation incorporates execution platform opportunities such as parallelism. Operationally, the invention has two broad stages. First, it designs the abstract implementation in the problem domain in terms of an Intermediate Language (IL) that is unfettered by programming language restrictions and requirements. Concurrently, the design is evolved by specializing the IL to encapsulate a plurality of desired design features in the implementation such as partitioning for multicore and/or instruction level parallelism. Concurrently, constraints that stand in for implied implementation structures are added to the design and coordinated with other constraints. Second, the IL is refined into implementation code. With this invention, porting an implementation neutral computation to an arbitrary architecture can be automated.
US08060854B2 Semiconductor device using a plurality of high-potential-side reference voltages
A plurality of third fixed potential lines are wired in parallel. A group of high-potential-side fixed potential lines containing a first fixed potential line and a second fixed potential line are wired in a plurality at predetermined intervals in a direction perpendicular to the third fixed potential line. In a layout region, surrounded by a pair of adjacent third fixed potential lines and a pair of groups of adjacent high-potential-side fixed potential lines, where a first element or a second element is arranged, either one of the first fixed potential line and the second fixed potential line is wired between the pair of third fixed potential lines. In a layout region used for second elements, a second fixed potential line connecting a pair of second fixed potential lines contained respectively in a pair of groups of high-potential-side fixed potential lines that form the layout region is wired between a pair of third fixed potential lines that form the layout region.
US08060853B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit designing apparatus, semiconductor integrated circuit designing method and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of logical elements and a plurality of wiring lines. The plurality of wiring lines have a wiring line which connects the logical elements to each other, and a wiring line which is disconnected on one end from one of the logical elements and connected on the other end to another one of the logical elements.
US08060851B2 Method for operating a secure semiconductor IP server to support failure analysis
A method for operating a secure semiconductor IP access server to support failure analysis. A client presents a test failure and failure type to an automated server which traverses an electronic product design, definition, and test database to report specifically those components and interconnect likely to cause the failure with geometrical information which may be displayed on the client. Other aspects of semiconductor IP are protected by the server by limiting the trace mechanism and renaming components.
US08060842B2 Method, program product and apparatus for model based geometry decomposition for use in a multiple exposure process
A method of decomposing a target pattern having features to be imaged on a substrate so as to allow said features to be imaged in a multi-exposure process. The method includes the steps of: (a) segmenting a plurality of the features into a plurality of polygons; (b) determining the image log slope (ILS) value for each of the plurality of polygons; (c) determining the polygon having the minimum ILS value, and defining a mask containing the polygon; (d) convolving the mask defined in step (c) with an eigen function of a transmission cross coefficient so as to generate an interference map, where the transmission cross coefficient defines the illumination system to be utilized to image the target pattern; and (e) assigning a phase to the polygon based on the value of the interference map at a location corresponding to the polygon, where the phase defines which exposure in said multiexposure process the polygon is assigned.
US08060837B2 Information processing device and program
An information processing device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction input by a user; a display control unit configured to control a display unit to display a plurality of windows in a display area of the display unit; and a window control unit configured to control a size or position of a window displayed on the display unit in response to the instruction received, the window control unit being configured to control, if the receiving unit receives an instruction to expand a first window and the expanded first window overlaps a second window, a size or position of the second window in response to a positional relationship between the first window and the second window.
US08060836B2 Navigating displayed content on a mobile device
Methods and systems are provided for displaying scrollable information with an improved indicator of relative position. Certain embodiments may be use a focus element that indicates, by its relative position within the display, the relative position of the scrollable information displayed.
US08060835B2 Three dimensional defect mapping
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for a three dimensional presentation of defects in a system. In response to a request to present a set of defects using a three dimensional presentation, information is retrieved for the set of defects from a database, wherein the information includes an identification of a defect and a location of the defect in the system. A three dimensional model of the system is retrieved in which the defects are located. The defects are placed in the three dimensional model of the system to generate a modified three dimensional model. The modified three dimensional model is presented on a graphical user interface.
US08060834B2 Graphics integration into a process configuration and control environment
Graphic elements and graphic displays are provided for use in a process environment to display information to one or more users about the process environment, such as the current state of devices within a process plant. The graphic elements and displays may be associated with various logical and physical elements within the process plant during configuration of the process plant, and may be configured and downloaded to the hardware within the process plant along with other configuration items, such as control routines. In particular, the graphic elements and graphic displays may be created and stored in a library, and may then be configured by being associated with various logical or physical entities within the plant. During the configuration process, the graphic elements and graphic displays may be associated with areas, equipment, process modules, control routines or control strategies of the plant as defined elsewhere in the plant configuration, or may be associated with interfaces or display devices, to define the hardware on which the graphic displays will execute during runtime, as well at to define the process entities to which these displays will be bound for display purposes. Still further, each of the graphic displays may be defined with a role or a functional use, such as an operator view, a maintenance view, etc., and these roles may be used to define the proper access and use of the graphic displays within the runtime environment.
US08060832B2 Managing information display
Systems and methods for managing information display include the ability, at least in one implementation, to receive a message indicating that the information of a resource is to be displayed and to form a user interface for displaying the resource information by defining a pane in which to display the information and selecting a renderer operable to render the information in the pane.
US08060828B2 Window overlay for online collaboration platform
In an example embodiment, an online advertising management platform maintains an account that includes data relating to an order for advertising provided by an ad network affiliated with the platform. When the platform receives a login that identifies a user as having access rights to the account, the platform displays a view that includes a window displaying data relating to the order and a toolbar in a standardized location relative to the window. The toolbar includes a tab. When the user clicks on the tab, the platform displays a tabbed window that includes a list of the informational messages, regardless of whether an informational message on the list has been read or dismissed by another user allowed access to the account. The platform locates the window contiguous to the toolbar over some but not all of the view displaying the data relating to the order.
US08060825B2 Creating digital artwork based on content file metadata
A computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method applies to a set of content files including a subset of the content files that do not have associated digital artwork. For each content file in the set of content files, whether the content file has associated digital artwork is determined. For each content file in the set of content files that does not have associated digital artwork, digital artwork for the content file is created based on metadata associated with the content file. The digital artwork for a plurality of content files in the set of content files is displayed.
US08060822B2 System and method for creation of an object within an object hierarchy structure
A system and method relating to creation of object(s) in an object hierarchy structure is provided. An object generator that in response to a command to expand a node/object provides a initiator node that facilitates generation of a new object within the object hierarchy upon expansion of the node. A display component concurrently displays the initiator node with the expanded node. The initiator node used for creating objects placed (e.g., in-line) within an object hierarchy structure. To create a new object, an instruction (e.g., user input) to expand a node having a initiator node is received. By selecting the initiator node and entering a name, an object of type defined by the initiator node is created. For example, once the object is created the user can enter information defining parameter(s) of the object. Information can be entered through a user interface box (e.g., text box) that is displayed upon the creation of the object. Also, a grid can overlay the object hierarchy structure allowing information to be entered directly into grid cell(s). The grid can further be employed to display defined parameter(s).
US08060819B2 Method for automated permutation of computerized lists of text data objects with selected columns of imaged parametric data excluded from sorting
A method for a computer generated data table of parametric text data objects to be permuted based on automated sorting of a lesser number of parameters than are imaged on the data table.
US08060814B2 Error recovery within processing stages of an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit includes a plurality of processing stages each including processing logic 1014, a non-delayed signal-capture element 1016, a delayed signal-capture element 1018 and a comparator 1024. The non-delayed signal-capture element 1016 captures an output from the processing logic 1014 at a non-delayed capture time. At a later delayed capture time, the delayed signal-capture element 1018 also captures a value from the processing logic 1014. An error detection circuit 1026 and error correction circuit 1028 detect and correct random errors in the delayed value and supplies an error-checked delayed value to the comparator 1024. The comparator 1024 compares the error-checked delayed value and the non-delayed value and if they are not equal this indicates that the non-delayed value was captured too soon and should be replaced by the error-checked delayed value. The non-delayed value is passed to the subsequent processing stage immediately following its capture and accordingly error recovery mechanisms are used to suppress the erroneous processing which has occurred by the subsequent processing stages, such as gating the clock and allowing the correct signal values to propagate through the subsequent processing logic before restarting the clock. The operating parameters of the integrated circuit, such as the clock frequency, the operating voltage, the body biased voltage, temperature and the like are adjusted so as to maintain a finite non-zero error rate in a manner that increases overall performance.
US08060812B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for class verification
A system for class verification includes a data storage device holding verification caches; and a host system in communication with the data storage device, the host system executing a virtual machine (VM), including a class verifier. The VM is configured to perform: initiating loading of a class; searching for the class in the verification caches, wherein a record from the verification caches, including a checksum, is returned upon locating the class; comparing the checksum in the record to a checksum of the class being loaded; completing the loading of the class when the checksums match; performing bytecode verification of the class upon one of: a checksum comparison mismatch, and a failure to locate the class in the verification caches; calculating new checksum of the class upon a successful bytecode verification; and storing the new checksum in the verification caches.
US08060811B2 Low complexity optimal soft MIMO receiver
A low-complexity optimal soft MIMO detector is provided for a general spatial multiplexing (SM) systems with two transmit and NR receive antennas. The computational complexity of the proposed scheme is independent from the operating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and grows linearly with the constellation order. It provides the optimal maximum likelihood (ML) solution through the introduction of an efficient Log-likelihood ratio (LLR) calculation method, avoiding the exhaustive search over all possible nodes. The intrinsic parallelism makes it an appropriate option for implementation on DSPs, FPGAs, or ASICs. In specific, this MIMO detection architecture is very suitable to be applied in WiMax receivers based on IEEE 802.16e/m in both downlink (subscriber station) and uplink (base station).
US08060809B2 Efficient Chien search method and system in Reed-Solomon decoding
An efficient Chien search method in Reed-Solomon decoding is adapted for use in a processor having a parallel processing instruction set. The method includes the following steps: (a) if an error location polynomial that has been found matches a preset condition, finding at least one error symbol location directly through table lookup; (b) if the error location polynomial does not match the preset condition, executing steps (c) to (e); (c) calculating an error evaluation value; (d) if the error evaluation value is equal to 0, storing an error symbol location in an error location memory; and (e) if the error evaluation value is not equal to 0, the flow returning to step (c).
US08060807B2 Content and channel aware object scheduling and error control
A method and system for wireless data communication. A request is accepted for communication of a data collection including a plurality of data objects. For each of the plurality of data objects, content importance and error resilience properties are evaluated. A transmission order of the data objects is determined based upon evaluated content importance, error resilience properties, past channel conditions and predicted channel conditions, and one or more data objects are selected based on the determined order. An error control level is selected for transmission of data packets for communicating the selected data objects based upon error resilience properties and current channel conditions to achieve communication of the data collection.
US08060805B2 Apparatus and method to transmit/receive signal in a communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving a signal in a communication system are provided. A signal reception apparatus of a communication system receives a signal and generates a child Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codeword vector by decoding the received signal according to a child parity check matrix supporting a first coding rate. The child LDPC codeword vector includes an information vector including A (A≧1) information bits, and when the first coding rate is equal to a coding rate for a case where D (D≧1) parity bits are punctured among B (B≧1)+C (C≧1) parity bits included in a parent LDPC codeword vector generated by encoding the information vector according to a parent parity check matrix supporting a second coding rate, a child bipartite graph corresponding to the child parity check matrix is generated such that a parent bipartite graph corresponding to the parent parity check matrix corresponds to an edge merge scheme.
US08060804B2 Method, system, and access device for implementing error correction
A method, a system and an access device for implementing error correction are disclosed. The method includes upon receiving a data stream, identifying, by an access device, the data stream on which a forward error correction (FEC) needs to be performed and performing FEC coding on the data stream, and then sending out an FEC data stream generated by FEC coding together with a raw data stream, or sending out directly a data stream on which the FEC does not need to be performed. The system includes a data source for sending out a data stream and an access device for receiving the data stream from the data source, identifying the data stream on which a FEC needs to be performed, performing FEC coding on the data stream, and then sending out an FEC data stream generated by FEC coding together with a raw data stream, or sending out directly a data stream on which the FEC does not need to be performed. The bandwidth can be saved when the FEC is performed in data stream transmission, and it can be adapted to conditions of different access lines according to the invention.
US08060803B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product providing soft iterative recursive least squares (RLS) channel estimator
Disclosed is an apparatus having a detector for an iterative LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDM system, where the detector is configured to use a structured irregular LDPC code in conjunction with a belief propagation algorithm. Also disclosed is an apparatus having a detector for a structured irregular LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDM system, where the detector is configured to use an iterative Recursive Least Squares-based data detection and channel estimation technique. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08060798B2 Refresh of non-volatile memory cells based on fatigue conditions
In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, memory cells in a memory device are refreshed upon an indication of a fatigue condition. In one such embodiment, controller monitors behavior parameters of the cells and determines if any of the parameters are outside of a normal range set for each one, thus indicating a fatigue condition. If any cell indicates a fatigue condition, the data from the block of cells indicating the fatigue is moved to another block. In one embodiment, an error detection and correction process is performed on the data prior to being written into another memory block.
US08060797B2 Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device can efficiently perform a refresh operation. A semiconductor storage device is provided which includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory storing data in blocks, the block being a unit of data erasing. A controlling unit is further included monitoring an error count of data stored in a monitored block selected from the blocks and for refreshing data in the monitored block in which the error count is equal to or larger than a threshold value.
US08060795B2 Solution for automatically incorporating diagnostic data within screen capture images
The present invention can include an automated solution for incorporating diagnostic data within an image of a screen capture image. When a screen capture event is detected, a screen capture image can be generated. The software applications contained within the screen capture image can be identified. Diagnostic data pertaining to the identified software applications can be automatically collected and incorporated into the screen capture image file.
US08060792B2 Monitoring and automated recovery of data instances
The monitoring and recovery of data instances, data stores, and other such components in a data environment can be performed automatically using a separate control environment. A monitoring component of the control plane can include a set of event processors for monitoring a workload of the data environment, where an event processor detecting a problem in the data plane can cause a recovery workflow to generated in order to recover from the detected problem. The event processors can communicate with each other such that if one of the event processors becomes unavailable, the other event processors in a set are able to automatically redistribute responsibility for the workload.
US08060784B1 Programmable logic device and methods for providing multi-boot configuration data support
In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device includes configuration memory and a controller. The controller can read a first bitstream from a first memory block of non-volatile memory and detect whether the first bitstream contains a valid preamble as the first bitstream is read from the non-volatile memory and before configuration data in the first bitstream is programmed into the volatile configuration memory. If a valid preamble is detected in the first bitstream, the controller programs the configuration memory with configuration data in the first bitstream. If a valid preamble is not detected in the first bitstream, the controller reads a second bitstream from a second memory block of the non-volatile memory.
US08060783B2 Distributed runtime diagnostics in hierarchical parallel environments
A technique is disclosed for distributed runtime diagnostics in hierarchical parallel environments. In one embodiment, a user is allowed to configure, during runtime, a processing element on which to perform diagnostics, an algorithm for the processing element to execute, a data set for the algorithm to execute against, a diagnostic function for the processing element to execute, a condition for executing the diagnostic function, and visualization parameters for memory local to the processing element. As a result, runtime diagnostics can be performed with sufficient degree of control and customization to aid debugging in a hierarchical parallel environment.
US08060782B2 Root cause problem identification through event correlation
Correlating activity events to identify a root cause of a process failure. Activity event data is received from a process executing on a computing device. The activity event data corresponds to a plurality of activity events. Each of the activity events has a correlation identifier, a resolution status, and an occurrence time value associated therewith. Each of the activity events are assigned to one of a plurality of event groups based on the correlation identifier of the activity event. Thereafter, at least one of the event groups is determined to have an activity event with a resolution status indicating failure of the process. One of the activity events within the determined event group is selected as a root cause activity event based on the occurrence time values. In some embodiments, the root cause activity event is identified to a user of the computing device.
US08060781B2 Data processing apparatus and program
A data processing apparatus which saves data in a volatile memory into a nonvolatile memory when power is off, the data processing apparatus including: a detecting circuit for outputting a momentary interruption detecting signal when a power source voltage is below a first threshold voltage, and a power failure detecting signal when the power source voltage is below a second threshold voltage that is lower than the first threshold voltage; and a control section adapted to start saving of the data in the volatile memory into the nonvolatile memory when the detecting circuit has output the momentary interruption detecting signal, continue save of the data, and carry out a predetermined shutdown processing when the detecting circuit has output the power failure detecting signal after the detecting circuit has output the momentary interruption detecting signal.
US08060780B2 Transient transaction execution with on-demand persistency
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products for handing transactions. The method may include, for example, processing, at a state correlation engine, a plurality of transactions; saving the effects of at least one of the transactions to a persistence, when the at least one transaction includes a reliable interaction with an external application; saving other transactions to a buffer rather than to the persistence; and reading the at least one transaction from the persistence and continuously executing rules representing the other transactions in response to a failure causing a recovery. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US08060779B2 Using virtual copies in a failover and failback environment
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for using virtual copies in a failover and failback environment. Updates are copied from a primary first storage at the primary site to a secondary first storage at the secondary site during system operations. A second storage is maintained at at least one of the primary and secondary sites. A failover is performed from the primary site to the secondary site after a failure at the primary site. The at least one second storage is used after recovery of the primary site to synchronize the secondary site to the primary site. Only updates made to the secondary site during the failover are copied to or from the at least one second storage in response to the recovery at the primary site.
US08060778B2 Processor controller, processor control method, storage medium, and external controller
A processor having a plurality of hardware resources can perform separate controls within a proper range according to the dependent relations of hardware resources troubled. In case a notification is made of the failure of the hardware resources constituting the processor, a processor control method decides the range of the hardware resources, which cannot be used because of that failure, as a failure range, on the basis of the dependencies of the individual hardware resources predetermined, and stops the use of the hardware resources of the failure range on the basis of that decision result. When the use of the hardware resources indicated by the failure range is stopped, the hardware is not stopped before a predetermined operation is performed not to affect the instruction processing procedure outside of the failure range.
US08060773B1 Systems and methods for managing sub-clusters within a multi-cluster computing system subsequent to a network-partition event
A computer-implemented method for managing sub-clusters within a multi-cluster computing system subsequent to a network-partition event may include: 1) identifying a plurality of computer clusters, 2) identifying a network-partition event that partitions each of the plurality of computer clusters into multiple sub-clusters, 3) identifying, within the multiple sub-clusters, a plurality of nodes that share a common attribute or property, and then 4) ensuring that only those nodes that share the common attribute survive subsequent to the network-partition event. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08060767B1 Ultra low power sleep mode
An integrated circuit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can include a plurality of storage elements that can be coupled in a first mode and a second mode. The first mode includes the plurality of storage elements being coupled to enable normal operation of the integrated circuit, and the second mode includes the plurality of storage elements being coupled together as a shift register. The integrated circuit also includes a rewritable non-volatile memory and a sleep controller that is coupled to the rewritable non-volatile memory. The sleep controller is for switching the plurality of storage elements between the first mode and the second mode. The sleep controller is for extracting data from the plurality of storage elements in the second mode and storing the data with the non-volatile memory to record the operating state of the plurality of storage elements in the first mode.
US08060765B1 Power estimation based on block activity
A power monitor for electronic devices, such as computer chips, is used to estimate the power consumption and to compare the estimated power consumption against the power budget. The estimated power consumption is based on activity signals from various functional blocks of the computer chip. The activity signals that are monitored correlate accurately to the total number of flip-flops that are active at a given time. If the estimated power consumption exceeds the power budget, the speed of the clock signals supplied to the computer chip is reduced.
US08060764B2 Power supply converting circuit
A power supply converting circuit includes a multi-phase pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller, a single-phase PWM controller, some first voltage converting circuits, a second voltage converting circuit, first and second electrical switch units. The multi-phase PWM controller provides some first PWM signals and a second PWM signal. The single-phase PWM controller provides a third PWM signal. The first voltage converting circuits receive the first PWM signals to output a first power supply to a central processing unit (CPU) chipset. The first electrical switch unit receives the second and third PWM signals to selectively output the second or third PWM signal to the second voltage converting circuit to output one of the first and second power supplies. The second electrical switch unit receives one of the first and second power supplies from the second voltage converting circuit to selectively output one of the first and second power supplies to the CPU chipset.
US08060760B2 System and method for dynamic information handling system prioritization
Modular information handling systems supported in a modular chassis, such as blade information handling systems, have power allocation managed by dynamic and automated prioritization of power application to each modular information handling systems. A priority list of modular information handling systems is generated and updated by analysis of priority factors discovered from the modular information handling systems, such as with periodic polling of the modular information handling systems or detection of predetermined events at the information handling systems.
US08060759B1 System and method of managing and optimizing power consumption in a storage system
Described is a storage system and method for managing and optimizing power consumption in a storage system. Logical devices are mapped to physical disk drives. A plurality of power profiles is defined. Each power profile is associated with a mode of operation for a physical disk drive. One of the power profiles is assigned to each logical device. One of the physical disk drives is identified for which every logical device mapped to that physical disk drive has been assigned the same power profile. The identified physical disk drive is operated in the mode of operation associated with said same power profile. The mapping of the logical devices to the physical disk drives may be changed in order to group logical devices assigned the same power profile onto the same physical disk drive.
US08060757B2 Decryption and encryption during write accesses to a memory
An encryption part or a decryption part of an encryption/decryption apparatus or a part common to both parts is used both for encryption and decryption of a datum to be stored and the encrypted memory content and for the generation of the address-individual key and the address-dependent key, respectively.
US08060756B2 Data security and digital rights management system
A system and method is described for enhancing data security in a broad range of electronic systems through encryption and decryption of addresses in physical memory to which data is written and from which data is read. It can be implemented through software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. Implementation in Digital Rights Management execution using the invention reduces cost, enhances performance, and provides additional transactional security.
US08060755B2 Apparatus and method for providing user-generated key schedule in a microprocessor cryptographic engine
An apparatus and method for performing cryptographic operations within microprocessor. The apparatus includes an instruction register having a cryptographic instruction disposed therein, a keygen unit, and an execution unit. The cryptographic instruction is received by a microprocessor as part of an instruction flow executing on the microprocessor. The cryptographic instruction prescribes one of the cryptographic operations, and also prescribes that a user-generated key schedule be employed when executing the one of the cryptographic operations. The keygen unit is operatively coupled to the instruction register. The keygen unit directs the microprocessor to load the user-generated key schedule. The execution unit is operatively coupled to the keygen unit. The execution unit employs the user-generated key schedule to execute the one of the cryptographic operations. The execution unit includes a cryptography unit.
US08060752B2 Twisted signature
Sampling and transforming (“twisting”) of biometric data are performed at client based on information known at client only. Twisting includes shuffling the arrays of biometric data and may include changing of values in these arrays. Twisted biometric data are submitted to server. Amount of information contained in twisted data is enough to verify and/or identify the client using proposed correlation procedure, however, is not enough to restore the client's real biometrical data in case of interception of submitted data and in case of compromising security of server. As a result the privacy of the client is guaranteed in the highest degree.
US08060747B1 Digital signatures for embedded code
Generating a digital signature of an entire embedded code project while maintaining certain exclusion areas so that a productivity application can incorporate application-specific information into the embedded code project without hampering the digital signature.
US08060744B2 Computer architecture for an electronic device providing single-level secure access to multi-level secure file system
Method for providing a single level secure (SLS) user processor (402, 502) with access to a multi-level secure (MLS) file system (300). The method begins by authenticating a user to a cryptographic processor (302) by communicating one or more types of user authentication information to the cryptographic processor. Based on such authentication, the MLS file system services are provided such that the SLS user processor (402, 502) has access to files (306, 308, 310, 312, 314) at only one defined security classification level at a time. The method also includes zeroizing one or more data stores used by the SLS user processor each time the SLS user processor transitions between accessing classified data files at a first security classification level and a second security classification level.
US08060735B2 Portable device and method for externally generalized starting up of a computer system
An improved portable device for start-up of a computer system is disclosed. This portable device for externally starting up a computer system comprises a connection interface to the computer system and a data medium comprising data and executable codes of a host operating system that can be activated by a start-up program of the computer system and configured to automatically detect hardware and/or software elements of the computer system and to activate the corresponding computer drivers. The data medium further comprises data and executable codes of a management software interface, configured to present the computer drivers activated by the host operating system in the form of at least one predetermined generic computer driver, and data and executable codes of a guest operating system that can be activated by the management software interface and configured to manage the hardware and/or software elements on the computer system using the predetermined generic computer driver.
US08060733B2 Apparatus for displaying BIOS POST code and method thereof
An apparatus for displaying a basic input output system (BIOS) power-on self-test (POST) code and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a BIOS, a conversion module, and an output module. The BIOS is used for generating a POST code. The POST code is transmitted via a low pin count (LPC) interface. The conversion module receives the POST code and converts the POST code into a system management bus (SMBus) format. The output module is used for receiving and outputting the POST code transmitted by the conversion module. The output module is an SMBus interface.
US08060730B2 Selective MISR data accumulation during exception processing
A plurality of test points are located at predetermined circuit nodes in a processing system. Test code which includes a set of software-controllable interrupts is executed using a multiple input shift register (MISR) to generate a MISR signature. One or more selected software-controllable interrupt types are determined. During execution of the test code, the MISR is used to also accumulate data values from the plurality of test points during exception processing of one or more of the software-controllable interrupts within the set of software-controllable interrupts which are of the one or more selected software-controllable interrupt types to generate the MISR signature. A test control register has a plurality of fields, each for selecting or not selecting a corresponding software-controllable interrupt type.
US08060728B2 Generating stop indicators during vector processing
A method for performing parallel operations in a computer system when one or more memory hazards may be present, which may be implemented by a processor, is described. During operation, the processor receives instructions for detecting conflict between memory addresses in vectors when operations are performed in parallel using at least a portion of the vectors, and generating one or more stop indicators corresponding to any detected conflict between the memory addresses, where a given stop indicator indicates a memory hazard. Next, the processor executes the instructions for detecting the conflict between the memory addresses and generating the one or more stop indicators.
US08060724B2 Provision of extended addressing modes in a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) data processor
Executing a first memory access instruction with update by an N-bit processor includes accessing at least one source register of a plurality of registers, wherein the accessing includes accessing a first register, wherein each register of the plurality of registers includes a main portion of N bits and an extension portion of M bits, wherein the main portion of the first register includes a first address operand. The execution of the first instruction further includes forming a memory access address using the first address operand; using the memory access address as an address for a memory access; producing an updated address operand; and writing the updated address operand to the main portion of the first register. The producing includes accessing an extension portion of a source register of the at least one source register to obtain modifying information and using the modifying information in the producing an updated address operand.
US08060720B2 System and method for removing a storage server in a distributed column chunk data store
An improved system and method for removing a storage server in a distributed column chunk data store is provided. A distributed column chunk data store may be provided by multiple storage servers operably coupled to a network. A storage server provided may include a database engine for partitioning a data table into the column chunks for distributing across multiple storage servers, a storage shared memory for storing the column chunks during processing of semantic operations performed on the column chunks, and a storage services manager for striping column chunks of a partitioned data table across multiple storage servers. Any data table may be flexibly partitioned into column chunks using one or more columns with various partitioning methods. Storage servers may then be removed and column chunks may be redistributed among the remaining storage servers in the column chunk data store.
US08060713B1 Consolidating snapshots in a continuous data protection system using journaling
In one aspect, a method of consolidating snapshots includes storing snapshots using a journal in a continuous data protection environment. Each entry of the journal corresponds to one of a unique group of DO METADATA stream data blocks and a unique group of UNDO METADATA stream data blocks. The method also includes receiving a user input designating at least two snapshots to consolidate, storing changes to the data blocks from the at least two snapshots in a temporary stream on the journal and consolidating the at least two snapshots by replacing the at least two snapshots in the journal with a single consolidated snapshot comprising the changes for each data block from the temporary stream. Storing changes includes storing one of the oldest changes of the UNDO METADATA stream data blocks and the latest changes of the DO METADATA stream data blocks.
US08060711B2 Storage system
Provided is a storage system capable of holding data by associating main data for long-term retention with sub data for maintaining its readability. The storage system: stores first data in a first location within a storage area upon reception of a storage request for the first data with a first file identifier being specified; holds information for associating the first file identifier, the first location, a retention period of the data, and first version information with one another; stores second data in a second location within the storage area upon reception of a storage request for the second data with the first file identifier and second version information being specified; holds information for associating the first file identifier, the second location, and the second version information with one another; and inhibits the first data and the second data from being changed before elapse of the retention period of the data.
US08060703B1 Techniques for allocating/reducing storage required for one or more virtual machines
Techniques for allocating/reducing storage required for one or more virtual machines are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for allocating storage for one or more virtual machines. The method may comprise providing one or more virtual machines. The method may also comprise creating one or more master images containing one or more commonly used blocks. The method may also comprise creating one or more Copy on Write volumes, where each Copy on Write volume may be associated with at least one of the one or more virtual machines and at least one of the one or more master images, and wherein updated blocks may be stored in at least one of the one or more Copy on Write volumes, thereby reducing storage required for one or more virtual machines.
US08060695B1 System and method for proxying data access commands in a clustered storage system
A system and method proxies data access commands across a cluster interconnect between storage appliances in a cluster. Each storage appliance activates two ports for data access, a local port for data access requests directed to clients of the storage appliance and a proxy port for data access requests directed to the partner storage appliance. Clients utilizing multi-pathing software may send data access requests to either the local port of the storage appliance or the proxy port of the storage appliance.
US08060694B2 Techniques for storing system images in slices on data storage devices
A data storage device has a data storage medium. A data storage capacity of the data storage device is divided into slices. Each slice has a set of sectors. Data storage device firmware is configured to store copies of a system image in the slices on the data storage device. Each of the slices stores a different copy of the system image.
US08060693B2 Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and computer readable medium
A data processing apparatus includes: a storage that has first to nth storage areas and stores data in the first to nth storage areas; a specific area erasion section that erases the data stored in the first storage area of the storage; a area erasion section that erases the data stored in at least one of the second to nth storage areas; and a erasion control section that controls the specific area erasion section and the area erasion section so that erasion of the specific area erasion section takes precedence over erasion of the area erasion section, wherein n is natural number.
US08060690B1 Controlling memory operations using a driver and flash memory type tables
Systems and processes may include a first memory and a second memory. A driver and/or an application may be stored in the first memory. Flash memory type data of the first memory may be stored in the second memory. The driver may control the first memory at least partially based on the flash memory type data. The first memory may be exchanged for a third memory. The driver may be stored on the third memory. The flash memory type data for the third memory may be stored on the second memory.
US08060689B2 Method for manipulating state machine storage in a small memory space
A method includes configuring a flash memory device including a first memory sector having a primary memory sector correspondence, a second memory sector having an alternate memory sector correspondence, and a third memory sector having a free memory sector correspondence, copying a portion of the primary memory sector to the free memory sector, erasing the primary memory sector, and changing a correspondence of each of the first memory sector, the second memory sector, and the third memory sector.
US08060681B2 Interface protocol and API for a wireless transceiver
A wireless protocol may be implemented in a smart transceiver device that contains the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers of the wireless protocol stack. In various embodiments, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) based design may be used. Disclosed is an embodiment of a protocol which may be used to provide control and data transfer to and from the smart transceiver. In particular, an exemplary format of the protocol, the commands, and responses is disclosed. In a further embodiment, an application programming interface (API) is disclosed. The API may provide hardware independent services that can be used to establish, maintain, and transport data to and from the system and the smart transceiver device. In particular, an exemplary and non-limiting set of services, function calls, configuration methods, events, and parameters is disclosed.
US08060677B2 Real-time industrial ethernet ethercat communication control
A real-time industrial Ethernet EtherCAT system including a communication master and a plurality of slave nodes, wherein one slave node acts as a logic control master and the further slave nodes act as logic control slaves, and wherein a communication flow is as follows: the communication master sends a data fetching frame, when the data fetching frame passes through the logic control master, the logic control master inputs control data for the logic control slaves into the data fetching frame, when the data fetching frame passes through the logic control slaves, each logic control slave inputs status data into the data fetching frame, after return of the data fetching frame to the communication master, the communication master sends a data sending frame with output data, said output data being reorganized according to the control relationship between the logic control master and the logic control slaves by the communication master, when the data sending frame passes through the logic control master, the logic control master gets the status data of the logic control slaves from the data sending frame, and when the data sending frame passes through the logic control slaves, each logic control slave gets command data from data sending frame.
US08060676B2 Method of hot switching data transfer rate on bus
The present invention provides a method of hot switching data transfer rate on the bus to hot switch the data transfer rate of the bus between the control chips without the process of RESET. When the bus between the control chips demands a large amount of data transfer, the bus is hot switched to a higher data transfer rate to fulfill the data transfer requirement. Contrarily, when the bus between the control chips demands less amount of data transfer, the bus is hot switched to a lower data transfer rate to save power consumption.
US08060675B2 Computing module with serial data connectivity
A computing module includes an interface to asynchronously, serially exchange parallel system bus data with one or more other modules of a computer system that includes the computing module. The computing module can asynchronously, serially transfer first parallel bus data to another module of the computer system, and can asynchronously, serially receive second parallel bus data from another module of the computer system.
US08060668B2 Low latency data packet reception and processing
Devices in a process control system communicate by data messages over a communication medium segment. Each device includes a communication controller that includes a data queue and a queue of received message objects. The data queue stores a plurality of messages received on the communication medium. The received message objects contain information about a corresponding message in the data queue.
US08060665B2 Integrated circuit input/output interface with empirically determined delay matching
An integrated circuit input/output interface with empirically determined delay matching is disclosed. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit input/output interface uses empirical information of signal traces coupled to the integrated circuit to adjust a transmit/receive clock of each pin of the interface so as to compensate for delay mismatches caused by differences in signal trace lengths. In one embodiment, values representative of the empirical information are stored for use by the integrated circuit to generate trace-specific signals so as to compensate for delay differences that are at least partially caused by unmatched signal trace lengths. The empirical information, in one embodiment, includes signal flight time of each signal trace, which can be pre-measured or pre-calculated from known signal trace lengths. The empirical information, in another embodiment, includes trace-specific phase offset values calculated from pre-calculated or pre-measured signal flight times or signal trace lengths.
US08060662B2 Recording control apparatus, recording control method, and computer program product
A determining unit performs a position determination determining whether a nonvolatile memory is mounted in a right position or in a wrong position. When the determining unit determines that the nonvolatile memory is mounted in the wrong position, a protecting unit protects data stored in the nonvolatile memory.
US08060658B2 Auto addressing devices on a common power and communication bus structure and method therefor
A method for auto-addressing a device in communication with a controller is disclosed. The method includes communicating a pulse from a first contact of a controller, receiving the pulse at a second contact of a device in communication with the controller, communicating a number of pulses from a first contact of the device, and receiving the number of pulses at a second contact of the controller, wherein the number of pulses indicates a number of devices in communication with the controller.
US08060655B1 User interface for customer premises communications gateway
A user interface is provided for an apparatus located at a customer premises location that manages routing of network services to communication endpoints at the customer premises location. The apparatus aggregates network traffic for the customer premises location and routes the network traffic to any of a variety of different communication endpoints at the customer premises location. Routing of network traffic may be based on user-configurable customer management rules. The user interface facilitates access to and interaction with network services and control of the customer management rules.
US08060653B2 Background synchronization
Systems, methods and computer program products for determining a schedule for synchronizing a server and a client are described herein. The method operates by tracking user usage of the client to develop usage patterns. A sync schedule is generated using the usage patterns, where the sync schedule enhances at least one of sync usefulness and sync transparency. The server and client are synchronized according to the sync schedule. More particularly, a sync fitness measure for an interval t is determined. The sync fitness measure is based on at least one of (a) sync transparency; and (b) sync usefulness. It is determined whether the sync fitness measure satisfies a threshold. If the sync fitness measure satisfies the threshold, then the server and client are synchronized during interval t.
US08060650B2 Diagnosing a path in a storage network
Described herein are exemplary storage network architectures and methods for diagnosing a path in a storage network. Devices and nodes in the storage network have ports. Port metrics for the ports may be ascertained and used to detect link problems in paths. In an exemplary described implementation, the following actions are effectuated in a storage network: ascertaining one or more port metrics for at least one device at a first time; ascertaining the one or more port metrics for the at least one device at a second time; analyzing the one or more port metrics from the first and second times; and determining if the analysis indicates a link problem in a path of the storage network.
US08060645B1 Semi reliable transport of multimedia content
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) segments received from a server are processed to result in improved reliability. An embodiment of the method comprises receiving a first TCP segment from a server and placing the first TCP segment in a segment queue, the first TCP segment having a first sequence number. A determination is made as to whether a second TCP segment is missing from the segment queue based at least in part on a first sequence number. Responsive to determining that the second TCP is missing from the segment queue, placing a placeholder for the second TCP segment in the segment queue. The first TCP segment is delivered to an application responsive to the first TCP segment being the next TCP segment in a sequence.
US08060643B2 Method and apparatus for dynamically managing bandwidth for clients in a storage area network
A method for managing bandwidth allocation in a storage area network includes receiving a plurality of Input/Output (I/O) requests from a plurality of client devices, determining a priority of each of the client devices relative to other client devices, and dynamically allocating bandwidth resources to each client device based on the priority assigned to that client device.
US08060642B2 Techniques for host to host transfer of sequential media and use of persistent reservation to protect media during host to host transfer
Techniques for host to host transfer of media and the use of persistent reservation to protect media during host to host transfer is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments may be realized as methods and systems for transferring a sequential media loaded in a drive from a first host to a second host without physically unloading the media. The first host may have a persistent reservation or non-persistent reservation of the drive. Likewise, the second host may have a persistent reservation or non-persistent reservation of the drive. Logical unload, logical load and preemption commands are utilized as is error recovery from a failed reservation.
US08060641B2 Media article adaptation to client device
Systems and methods provide for on-the-fly adaptation of a send rate for content sent to a client based on a detected read rate of the client system for data previously sent. The system and method work within the bounds of simple, existing, open protocols and the media files served are playable by standard media playback clients. The method is driven by a request for media content from a client, in response to which the server provides portions of the media content and monitors the reception rate of the content as it is sent to the client. This method allows for dynamic modification of the send rate of the content after the server has calculated an adjustment to correct for the difference between the reading rate and sending rate, thereby allowing for a send rate most compatible with the client.
US08060639B2 System and method for utilizing asynchronous client server communication objects
A session-based client-server asynchronous information search and retrieval system for sending character-by-character or multi-character strings of data to an intelligent server, that can be configured to immediately analyze the lengthening string and return to the client increasingly appropriate search information. Embodiments include integration within an Internet, web or other online environment, including applications for use in interactive database searching, data entry, online searching, online purchasing, music purchasing, people-searching, and other applications. In some implementations the system may be used to provide dynamically focused suggestions, auto-completed text, or other input-related assistance, to the user.
US08060637B2 Playback apparatus and playback control method
In a playback apparatus adapted to receive stream data transmitted from a server and play back the received stream data, attribute information is sequentially received from the server and stored in an attribute information buffer, and, on the basis of the attribute information stored in the attribute information buffer, a request is issued to the server to transmit stream data corresponding to the attribute information. The stream data received from the server is sequentially stored in a first-in-first-out stream data buffer. When an end part of the stream data being currently played back has been stored in the stream data buffer, attribute information corresponding to stream data to be played next is read from the attribute information buffer, and on the basis of this attribute information, a request is issued to the server to transmit the stream data to be played next.
US08060636B2 Content reproducing method and apparatus
A content reproducing method and a content reproducing apparatus capable of continuously reproducing content by searching for an apparatus having optimal capabilities for reproducing the content, when a plurality of content reproducing apparatuses with similar functions are located within a short range of each other.
US08060632B2 Method and system for user-determined attribute storage in a federated environment
A system is presented for facilitating management of user attribute information at one or more attribute information providers (AIPs), which can manage the user's attribute information in accordance with user-selected or administratively-determined options, including options that are stored in attribute release policies and/or dynamically determined during a transaction. E-commerce service providers (ECSPs), such as online banks or merchants, also maintain a relationship with an AIP such that the ECSP can trust the user attribute information that is provided by the AIP on behalf of the user. The user can complete transactions that require user attribute information at any ECSP without having to have previously established a relationship with that particular ECSP. If the ECSP has a relationship with one of the user's AIPs, then the user will be able to direct the ECSP to an AIP when the ECSP needs user attribute information to complete a transaction for the user.
US08060629B2 System and method for managing information requests
A system for managing information requests a header data library accessible by a processor. The system also comprises a security module accessible by the processor. The security module is adapted to receive a request for information from a client where the request comprises header data and direct the request to a server if the request header data corresponds to the library header data.
US08060624B1 Initiating a communication session from a presence enabled media host device
A presence enabled media host device is provided for accessing presence information associated with a number of communication endpoints and requesting the initiation of a communication session with at least one of the communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may access presence information, which includes information relating to the availability of a number of first communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may also receive a command requesting establishment of a communication session between at least one of the first communication endpoints and one or more second communication endpoints. The presence enabled media host device may then communicate a request for the communication session to a proxy server.
US08060621B2 Method and system for establishing session for message communication between converged IP messaging service client and short messaging service client
A converged IP messaging client transmits a session establishment request for interactive message communication. When a converged IP messaging server receives the request, it determines whether a target client of the interactive message communication uses a converged IP messaging service. If not, the converged IP messaging server transmits the session establishment request to an IWF. If it is determined that the target client is an SM client, the IWF generates an interactive message communication request by transforming a format of the session establishment request into an SMS format and transmits the interactive message communication request to the SM client. If the IWF receives an acceptance response from the SM client in response to the interactive message communication request within an effective response time, a session for the interactive message communication can be established between the converged IP messaging client and the SM client.
US08060613B2 Resource invalidation in a content delivery network
A repeater server in a content delivery network (CDN) maintains a list of resources that are no longer valid. When the server gets a request for a resource, it checks whether that resource is on the list, and, if so, it replicates the resource from a content provider's content source such as an origin server. Otherwise the repeater server tries to serve a copy of the requested resource or to obtain a copy from another location in the CDN.
US08060611B2 Content providing system for enabling a user to change destination of contents
A server for providing content, including a registration unit that stores first destination information representing a first destination in a memory, if the registration unit receives a command for registration accompanied by the first destination information, a content providing unit that provides content to a client device corresponding to the first destination stored in the memory, and a switched content providing unit that operates to switch offering of content by the content providing unit from the first destination to a second destination for a predetermined time period if the switched content providing unit receives a command for switching accompanied by second destination information representing the second destination, to provide content to a client device corresponding to the second destination, and to switch offering of content from the client device corresponding to the second destination information if the predetermined time period has elapsed back to the first destination.
US08060610B1 Multiple server workload management using instant capacity processors
In one embodiment, a method for workload management using instant capacity (iCAP) processors comprises generating performance data related to workloads on multiple servers, determining processor resources appropriate for the workloads using the performance data, communicating a request from a first server to reallocate processor resources in response to the determining, deactivating at least one iCAP processor on a second server in response to the request, and activating at least one iCAP processor on the first server in conjunction with the deactivating.
US08060603B2 Persistent personal messaging in a distributed system
A persistent personal messaging system provides tuple space functionality supporting a user changing between a plurality of client devices, even within a loosely coupled, distributed system for persistent personal messaging. A user, irrespective of which messaging client they are using, logs on to the system. The act of logging on places a tuple, representing the user, into the tuple space. A “contacts” service agent finds the friends and groups that the user belongs to and notifies other users that the user has logged on. Given the on-line status of other users and groups, a “history” service agent will retrieve previous messages from the tuple space that formed the user's conversations with users and groups, as if the user had never logged off or switched devices. When the user adds a new message to any conversation, the message is added as a tuple to the tuple space.
US08060602B2 Network usage collection system
A system includes a first database to associate a sub-interface identifier with customer information, a second database to store a history of customer usage records, and a first device. The first device may receive information from a routing device, where the information includes the sub-interface identifier for a sub-interface of the routing device and information identifying an amount of network traffic received at or transmitted from the sub-interface over a time period, use the sub-interface identifier to obtain the associated customer information from the first database, associate the customer information with the information identifying an amount of network traffic received at or transmitted from the sub-interface over a time period to create a new customer usage record, and store the new customer usage record in the second database.
US08060601B1 Detecting content and user response to content
A first set of data including a first tracking identifier for a first webpage component and a destination address for the first webpage component is accessed. A second set of data that includes an address for retrieving a second webpage component, is accessed. The address includes a second tracking identifier. Whether the second tracking identifier is the same as the first tracking identifier is determined. The second webpage component is associated with the destination address when the second tracking identifier is the same as the first tracking identifier.
US08060598B1 Computer network multicasting traffic monitoring and compensation
A method is provided for monitoring multicasting traffic in an internetwork between a multicasting source in a first domain and a multicasting destination in a second domain. The multicasting source offers connections to a predetermined multicast stream according to predetermined multicast group information. The multicasting destination sends a join message to a router within the internetwork in order to initiate routing of the predetermined multicast stream to the multicasting destination. A notification of the joining is sent from the router to a ledger application, the notification including identifying information of the multicasting destination and the multicasting source. The multicasting source transmitting datagrams of the predetermined multicast stream to the multicasting destination via the router. The ledger application receives and logs the notification as a transaction event. The transaction events are aggregated in response to the first domain of the multicasting source and in response to the second domain of the multicasting destination, thereby allowing reimbursement of costs between domains for transporting the multicasting traffic.
US08060592B1 Selectively updating network devices by a network management application
A network device management application may manage a number of network devices. When managing the network devices, the management application may receive requests from administrators to modify a configuration of the network devices. In response, the management application may apply the requested modification to a model of the network device and synchronize configuration information of the model of the network device to the configuration information of the real network device using a configuration-based state machine.
US08060587B2 Methods and apparatus for launching device specific applications on storage area network components
A storage area network (SAN) of the type has a plurality of components including one or more digital data processors in communication with one or more storage devices via a switching fabric. An interface process, e.g., resident on a manager digital data processor, permits the operator/administrator to effect execution of at least a process residing on the manager and at least one process, such as a management application, residing on another SAN component.
US08060586B2 Dynamic web service deployment and integration
A computer system receives registration information from a service provider registering web services with the dynamic web service configuration store. The registration information indicates a mapping of which web service components are to be used with corresponding user requests. The computer system receives a request from a user requesting a portion of web service functionality and provides the web service functionality using the web service component indicated in the mapping. The computer system receives an indication from the service provider that various web service components are to be updated, where the indication includes updated web service component portions. The computer system also dynamically updates the web service component, so that subsequent user requests for the same portion of web service functionality are processed using the updated web service component.
US08060582B2 Geocoding personal information
A computer-implemented method for generating geocoded user information is disclosed. The method comprises searching user data across multiple different data corpuses for entries having location-related information and determining locations for the location-related information. The method further comprises generating a map showing a current location of a mobile device along with representations of the entries having location-related information, at the determined locations, for entries from the multiple different data corpuses.
US08060579B2 User location dependent DNS lookup
A system and method which may directly resolve a URL into the IP address of a web server running a regional website of a web service provider based on a user's geographic location. A user may type a URL of a website in his browser. A user location analyzer may decide the user's geographic location according to his IP address. With the user's geographic location, a DNS server may resolve the URL to a regional website of a web service provider which provides services specific to the user's geographic location. Consequently, the user may be presented a regional website of a web service provider without delays caused by re-directing, and save the user's time and effort to look for a regional website himself.
US08060578B2 Output information management system
There are provided an output information management system and a method therefor that prevent an output device, which outputs information onto media from being used by an unauthorized third party and allow efficient investigation of an unauthorized activity by an authorized user. A server which constitutes the output information management system stores ID information stored on an IC card for a user and information to be outputted by the output device in an output information database in association with each other. Thus, in case that an unauthorized output is performed, specific evidence as to who outputted what information on the output device is preserved. Therefore, an unauthorized output can be deterred and, if by any chance an unauthorized activity is committed, the activity can be efficiently identified.
US08060577B1 Method and system for employing user input for file classification and malware identification
A method and apparatus for employing user input to classify unknown files whereby when a given unknown/unclassified file is downloaded and/or activated on a given computer system associated with a given user, the given user is asked to provide input regarding the legitimacy of the given unknown/unclassified file. The classification of the given unknown/unclassified file is then determined via one or more sources other than the given user's input. The accuracy of the given user's input regarding the legitimacy of the given unknown/unclassified file is then determined and used to calculate, and/or transform, a reliability score that is then associated with the given user. A given user's reliability score is then used to determine the given user's eligibility to provide further input regarding the legitimacy of other unknown/unclassified files, and/or to determine a value to be place on, or otherwise filter, future input from the given user regarding the legitimacy of other unknown/unclassified files.
US08060574B2 System and method providing quality based peer review and distribution of digital content
A digital content review and distribution system and method are provided. In general, a number of authors of digital content register with a content review and distribution agent, which may be hosted by a central server. The authors agree to review digital content submitted by other authors in exchange for review and distribution of their own content. In operation, an author submits metadata associated with digital content to be reviewed and optionally the digital content to the content review and distribution agent. In response to the submission, the content review and distribution agent effects a review of the digital content by one or more groups of reviewers, where the groups of reviewers are selected from the other authors registered with the content review and distribution agent based on the metadata for the digital content and reviewer credentials of the other authors.
US08060570B2 Systems and methods for sending and receiving e-mail on a network community platform
A network platform for supporting a network-enabled application, comprising a plurality of communication channels to respective plurality of wireless network carries, each of the wireless network carriers having a plurality of users, the network platform comprises at least one processor, at least one interface having access to the internet, a mobile desktop applications, at least one email application, an address book widget, a private view widget, a fake public view profile, and a real public profile.
US08060569B2 Dynamic email directory harvest attack detection and mitigation
Dynamic directory harvest attack detection and mitigation system is accomplished by altering the logic surrounding how a receiving email server enforces its email delivery rules. The email server's assumed response to received emails is changed when it is determined that the server is under attack, thereby foiling the unauthorized acquisition of valid email addresses and other information retained by the email server.
US08060566B2 Automatically enabling the forwarding of instant messages
Methods and systems are provided for forwarding an electronic message. In one implementation, a method is provided for receiving an electronic message and an indication of a sender-specified destination for the electronic message. The method further includes determining whether the destination is available to receive an electronic message using a first mode of communication, determining whether an identity associated with the sender-specified destination is known by the sender, and determining whether to transmit a communication that is based on the electronic message using a mobile telephone number associated with the identity.
US08060565B1 Voice and text session converter
In one embodiment, a communication system is provided that includes:(a) an input operable to receive incoming instant messages;(b) a text-to-speech converter 220 operable to convert a text message in an incoming instant message into a voiced equivalent thereof;(c) a speech-to-text converter 232 operable to convert a voice signal into a text equivalent thereof;(d) a message completion agent 428 operable to convert the text equivalent into an outgoing instant message; and(e) an output operable to send the outgoing instant message to a selected recipient.
US08060562B2 Real time update notification
Computer method and apparatus for communicating information between a plurality of client computers by means of a communications network. A data server computer coupled to the network communicates data from the data server computer to one or more of a plurality of client computers in response to a request for data by a client computer in the form of a hypertext transfer protocol update request. The data server computer sends the data made available from the data server computer in response to a data update request from one of the plurality of client computers to said data server computer. A communications server computer coupled to the communications network for communicating the fact that the data on the server has been updated by communicating a client to client message from the client computer that updated the data on the data server computer to other client computers thereby prompting said other client computers to request updated data from the data server computer.
US08060559B2 Systems, methods and protocols for securing data in transit over networks
Methods, systems, and protocols are described for securing data in transit over networks. A communication session is initiated between a client and a server. One or more communication channels can be set up between the client and the server. Each established communication channel may have zero or more intermediary nodes that are selected by the client or by the server to process information exchanged between the client and the server via the communication channels.
US08060555B2 Electronic content management systems and methods
Electronic content management systems and methods are disclosed. Geographic locator addresses such as mailing addresses are associated with respective, unique, geo-specific electronic addresses. For example, unique electronic addresses may be generated based on information specifying geographic locator addresses. The electronic address associated with a geographic locator address, to which information is to be distributed, may then be determined, and electronic content which includes the information to be distributed can be made available through the electronic address. The geo-specific nature of the electronic addresses may also be used to make electronic content that has local significance available through an electronic address. A user system may determine a type of the electronic content obtained through an electronic address and process the electronic content according to the determined type.
US08060554B2 System and method for enabling asynchronous push-based applications on a wireless device
There is provided a system and method of enabling asynchronous push-based applications on a wireless device in a system having an application gateway server including an application repository and a server proxy including an event sink for communicating between the system and the device. The method comprises reading a Web service interface, generating a Web service interface therefrom conforming to a notification protocol, creating a notification-based application bundle for the Web service, publishing the notification-based application bundle, creating an event source. The system comprises an application gateway server, an application repository and an application registry. The application gateway includes an event sink for communicating between the system and the device. The application gateway server is configured for communication with a backend server including an event source.
US08060552B2 Self-organizing hive of computing engines
A self-organizing hive of computing engines is used to process information. A network communicatively couples multiple of hive engines together. These hive engines are configured to self-organize into a cooperative hive for performing computing of client jobs, with the cooperative hive including a multiple processing regions and a request region. This self-organization includes self-forming the processing regions and the request region by the hive engines such that each of the hive engines belongs to at least one of the processing regions; and wherein each the request region includes multiple of the plurality of hive engines.
US08060547B2 Pade approximation convert circuit of direct digital frequency synthesizer
This invention relates to Pade approximation convert circuit of the direct digital frequency synthesizer in which a multiplier receives and multiplies a first input signal and a variable signal so as to produce a multiplication signal; a divider receives and divides a second input signal and a variable signal so as to produce a division signal; an adder receives and adds the multiplication signal and the division signal so as to generate an output signal, that is then returned back to the divider. A quarter period of a sinusoidal wave signal is completed by the proceeding of direct calculation two times such that the time for the calculation of a complete sinusoidal wave can be saved and the area of the calculation circuit can be reduced.
US08060545B2 Composition of decimal floating point data, and methods therefor
A decimal floating point finite number in a decimal floating point format is composed from the number in a different format. A decimal floating point format includes fields to hold information relating to the sign, exponent and significand of the decimal floating point finite number. Other decimal floating point data, including infinities and NaNs (not a number), are also composed. Decimal floating point data are also decomposed from the decimal floating point format to a different format.
US08060534B1 Event management
Managing network event information from a plurality of network appliances is disclosed. Each network appliance provides a network service and each has a version of a common database. Managing includes detecting network event information at a first network appliance, updating a version of the common database on the first network appliance with the network event information, and propagating the network event information to other versions of the database on other network appliances.
US08060525B2 Method and system for generating media recommendations in a distributed environment based on tagging play history information with location information
A computer-implemented method and system are provided for generating media recommendations in a media recommendation network. Aspects of the method and system include receiving by a server a plurality of play histories of media items from a plurality of users of devices, wherein at least a portion of the media items are tagged with corresponding time and location data indicating a time and location of play; receiving by the server a media recommendation request from a requester, including receiving seed information indicating a current location of the requester; using at least one of user preferences of the requester and the seed information to identify correlated users from which to search corresponding play histories from among the plurality of play histories; comparing the seed information to the corresponding play histories and generating a list of related media items contained therein; and returning the list of related media items to the requester.
US08060523B2 Search system and method using a plurality of searching criteria
Disclosed is a search system using a plurality of search references, and a search method thereof. When a search word is provided by a user terminal through a network, search targets to be searched are established based on the search word. The search process is performed by applying different search references to the respective search targets, and search results are provided to the search targets. According to the present invention, more reliable information is provided.
US08060522B2 Parallel data processing system
A tree-structured index to multidimensional data is created using naturally occurring patterns and clusters within the data which permit efficient search and retrieval strategies in a database of DNA profiles. A search engine utilizes hierarchical decomposition of the database by identifying clusters of similar DNA profiles and maps to parallel computer architecture, allowing scale up past previously feasible limits. Key benefits of the new method are logarithmic scale up and parallelization. These benefits are achieved by identification and utilization of naturally occurring patterns and clusters within stored data. The patterns and clusters enable the stored data to be partitioned into subsets of roughly equal size. The method can be applied recursively, resulting in a database tree that is balanced, meaning that all paths or branches through the tree have roughly the same length. The method achieves high performance by exploiting the natural structure of the data in a manner that maintains balanced trees. Implementation of the method maps naturally to parallel computer architectures, allowing scale up to very large databases.
US08060520B2 Optimization of targeted advertisements based on user profile information
A system and method to facilitate optimization of targeted advertisements based on user profile information are described. A set of event keywords associated with an event or action performed by the user or an agent of the user is identified in a data storage module. User profile information, if available, is further retrieved from the data storage module. A set of profile keywords is further identified from the retrieved user profile information and the set of profile keywords is compared to the set of event keywords based on predetermined business rules to determine a set of resulting keywords. Advertising information related to the set of resulting keywords is further retrieved from an advertising storage module. The retrieved advertisements are ranked based on one or more parameters within one or more keyword/advertisement matrices based on user, segment, or time parameters, and, finally, top ranked advertisements are transmitted to the user or the agent of the user for further display in connection with the requested content.
US08060518B2 System and methodology for extraction and aggregation of data from dynamic content
A system and methodology for extraction and aggregation of data from dynamic content is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method is described for extracting and structuring items of data from content available via the Internet, the method comprises steps of: receiving input of a user specifying at least one source of content available via the Internet, types of data to be extracted from the at least one source, and fields for structuring extracted items of data; retrieving content from the at least one source; parsing the retrieved content to extract items of data of the types specified by the user; and mapping the extracted items of data to the fields specified by the user so as to transform the extracted items of data into a structured format.
US08060508B2 Identifying and changing personal information
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for analyzing information about a user are presented which include obtaining at least one search result based on at least one search terms describing the user; presenting the at least one search result to the user; receiving an indication from the user of the desirability of a search result; and performing an action based on the desirability of the search result. Systems, apparatuses, and methods are also presented for determining a reputation score representing the reputation of a user which include collecting search results from data source, determining an effect on the reputation of the user of the search results from the data source, and calculating a reputation score for the user based on the determined effect on the reputation of the user from the search results from the data source.
US08060505B2 Methodologies and analytics tools for identifying white space opportunities in a given industry
A method for analyzing predefined subject matter in a patent database being for use with a set of target patents, each target patent related to the predefined subject matter, the method comprising: creating a feature space based on frequently occurring terms found in the set of target patents; creating a partition taxonomy based on a clustered configuration of the feature space; editing the partition taxonomy using domain expertise to produce an edited partition taxonomy; creating a classification taxonomy based on structured features present in the edited partition taxonomy; creating a contingency table by comparing the edited partition taxonomy and the classification taxonomy to provide entries in the contingency table; and identifying all significant relationships in the contingency table to help determine the presence of any white space.
US08060500B1 Method and system for selecting a healthcare provider with minimal office wait times
A method and system for selecting a healthcare provider includes a process for selecting a healthcare provider whereby healthcare provider list data is obtained, along with various data regarding the healthcare providers on the healthcare provider list, and the data is stored in a healthcare provider database. When a healthcare consumer initiates a healthcare provider search request, one or more healthcare consumer criteria for acceptable/desired healthcare providers and/or healthcare services needed is obtained and used to search the healthcare provider database to identify one or more healthcare providers most closely meeting the healthcare consumer's criteria. The availability of appointments and/or estimated wait times for the identified one or more healthcare providers are then obtained. The healthcare consumer is then provided information regarding the one or more identified healthcare providers along with the available appointments and/or estimated office wait times for the one or more identified healthcare providers.
US08060499B2 Simple discovery UI of location aware information
A system and method for rendering location dependent information on a communications terminal. A position of the communications terminal is retrieved and presented in a spatial orientation metaphor. A predetermined set of categories comprising objects with location dependent information are retrieved and criteria is determined for the objects to be retrieved. The determined objects associated with the set of categories are retrieved. Location dependent information associated with a first object of the determined objects is retrieved. The first object in the spatial orientation metaphor is presented.
US08060498B2 Broadcast network platform system
A commercial search engine for searchmercials. The system manages and searches advertising media video and audio files and associating the media with one or more calls to action. The system contains Metadata utilized for various queries including search, channels of distribution and account information. The system uses a manually data entry interface or a custom retrieval system to selectively update media files and Metadata from Meta tags or feeds on a scheduled basis automatically without having to manually update this data in the system. The system spiders these custom Meta tags or feeds for new Metadata on a scheduled basis to automate the submission and programming of the searchmercials content over the search engine. The system provides videos tailored for search in the results list in order to better inform users as to the contents of a link URL. The system can also provide users with other call to action options such as click to call, literature, order forms, etc. The system can schedule searchmercials to target users by time of day, location, device, and other parameters to offer a call to action to different audiences.
US08060495B2 Query execution plan efficiency in a database management system
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for improving query execution plan efficiency in a database management system. The present invention binds both static database queries and dynamic database queries to new query execution plans (QEPs) that produce the same result set as a former QEP bound to the database queries. Next, the present invention identifies one of the former QEPs and the new QEP as an active QEP and automatically collects execution statistics for one of the former QEPs and the new QEP. Finally, the present invention automatically selects one of the former QEPs and the new QEP as the active QEP in response to completion of the automatic collection of execution statistics, the active QEP selected such that the automatically selected QEP provides optimal execution performance based on performance criteria in comparison to the automatically unselected QEP, the active QEP selected based on the execution statistics.
US08060491B2 Automatic extraction of semantics from text information
The present invention provides systems, methods and computer program products for extracting semantic information from text data having metadata associated therewith. A method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes selecting an ordered set of scale values for a plurality of scales and, for each of the scale values, determining one or more subset of metadata information related to the scale value. For each of the scales and associated subsets, a statistic on occurrences of content associated with the metadata in each subset is determined and the statistics are aggregated for each scale and associated subsets to determine a semantic level for the content. The scales and associated subsets having content with a semantic level above a threshold may be determined to extract semantic information across multiple time frames with the ordered set of scale values for the plurality of scales.
US08060490B2 Analyzer engine
Methods and systems provide a tool for searching and analyzing XPS files. In accordance with the described embodiments, a user can search and analyze XPS files without having a full understanding of an associated software development kit (SDK). Further, in at least some embodiments, the tool can load an XPS file, analyze XPS/OPC/ZIP metadata information, and store the metadata information into a set of predefined rules.
US08060488B2 System and method for classifying and defining relationships between product information data
A system and method for classifying and defining relationships between product information data is provided. The method classifies the product information data to two different data types. Each data type includes a plurality of items. The items of each of the two types are arranged in a product information tree. The items of all the product information trees are associated to construct a new tree for showing the relationships of the product information data.
US08060487B2 Searching for and launching data files not associated with an application
A technique may receive a search query including at least one search term. In response to this search query an index of a plurality of data files may be searched to identify data files containing the at least one search term. Subsequently, a list of one or more links to launch having a corresponding data file identified as containing the at least one search term is generated. In some variations, each data file corresponds to an application and has a file extension that is not associated with the application. Related techniques, apparatuses, systems, articles of manufacture are also described.
US08060486B2 Automatic conversion schema for cached web requests
Various embodiments are directed to a proxy system for implementing an automatic conversion schema which allows data results from a publishing application to be extracted and displayed by a display application other than the publishing application. In one embodiment, a proxy publisher may receive a request from a publishing application to retrieve a data result from a data server. The request may include a path to the data server and appended publishing parameters. In accordance with the automatic conversion schema, the publishing parameters may comprise decode parameters associated with the publishing application for allowing a display application other than the publishing application to decode variables of the data result and to transform the decoded variables for display. The proxy publisher may cache the request including the appended publishing parameters and retrieve the data result from the data server. The proxy publisher may locally store the data result along with the cached publishing parameters and may respond to a query from a display application for data associated with the publishing application by providing the cached data result and the publishing parameters to the display application. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08060482B2 Efficient and consistent software transactional memory
A method and apparatus for efficient and consistent validation/conflict detection in a Software Transactional Memory (STM) system is herein described. A version check barrier is inserted after a load to compare versions of loaded values before and after the load. In addition, a global timestamp (GTS) is utilized to track a latest committed transaction. Each transaction is associated with a local timestamp (LTS) initialized to the GTS value at the start of a transaction. As a transaction commits it updates the GTS to a new value and sets versions of modified locations to the new value. Pending transactions compare versions determined in read barriers to their LTS. If the version is greater than their LTS indicating another transaction has committed after the pending transaction started and initialized the LTS, then the pending transaction validates its read set to maintain efficient and consistent transactional execution.
US08060481B1 Time indexed file system
A method and mechanism for managing a time-indexed block map in a file system configured to store multiple versions of file data. A file system includes inodes or other structures corresponding to files in the system. Responsive to creating a file, one or more blocks are allocated for use in storing the file data. A block map is maintained for the file and is updated to include an identification of the blocks storing the file data and a timestamp corresponding to the stored data. In response to creating a file, data corresponding block map is maintained. In addition, a new entry is created in the block map which identifies the newly allocated blocks. Further, an entry of the block map is updated to (i) identify the particular blocks to which the write was directed and (ii) include a timestamp corresponding to the time of the write.
US08060480B2 Processing substantial amounts of data using a database
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method for handling large amounts of data is to be initiated. The method includes receiving, using an application program executed from local memory of a computer system, portions of information from a first file. The method includes generating a database table in a peripheral storage device. The method includes storing the portions of information in the database table of the peripheral storage device. The method includes locking the database table, wherein the locking exclusively provides the application program a database accessing technique to the database table. The method includes processing by the application program the portions of information in the database table using the database accessing technique. The method includes clearing the database table upon a termination of the application program. The method includes, unlocking the database table upon the termination of the application program.
US08060479B1 Systems and methods for transparently restoring data using file streaming
A computer-implemented method for transparently restoring data using streaming may comprise identifying an attempt to access backed-up data that is not present on a computing device, transmitting a request to a server to restore the backed-up data, receiving the backed-up data from the server via streaming, and restoring the backed-up data to the computing device. A corresponding method for streaming backed-up data to a target computing device is also disclosed. In addition, corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08060474B2 Backing up and restoring security information for selected database objects
A mechanism to selectively restore portions of a monolithically backed up database, while maintaining security relationships associated with the restored portions of the database is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer-readable storage medium for receiving a request to restore a selected object from among a plurality of backed up objects in a database backup, accessing security-related information associated with the selected object in the database backup, restoring the selected object using the information associated with the selected object in a target area, and associating elements of the security-related information with the restored selected object.
US08060472B2 Information processing system, information processing method, and computer-readable storage medium
An information processing system which utilizes apparatus data recorded in a database in conformity with a data definition which can be updated as needed, comprises a storage unit configured to store a data definition history in which a data definition version is associated with a period for which a data definition in the data definition version is used, a data definition library configured to register a data definition version and a data definition in the data definition version in association with each other, an extractor configured to extract, from the database, apparatus data which meets an extraction condition including an extraction period designated via a user interface, and a converter configured to convert an expression of the apparatus data extracted by the extractor into an expression conforming to a data definition designated via the user interface.
US08060466B1 Service for accepting and selectively exposing user-created lists of items
Information retrieval systems and methods are disclosed for presenting items of interest to a user of a computer-based data repository, where the items are presented in the form of lists generated by other users. Users of a data repository may generate lists of items from the repository that are accessible by other users. In various embodiments, users generating lists may add supplemental commentary about the items and other personalizing information. The information retrieval systems and methods store the user-generated lists for future presentation to other users. When a user of the data repository submits a search query, items returned in the query's results are interpreted to be items of interest to the user, and in response, one or more lists determined to be similar to the items of interest are presented to the user.
US08060465B2 Data management system, and information processing device and computer readable medium therefor
A data management system includes an external device and information processing device communicably connected with the external device. The information processing device includes a data sending unit sending a data file to the external device, a specifying information storing unit storing data specifying information, a request unit sending a request for data information regarding a data file stored in the external device to the external device, a response receiving unit receiving the data information as a response to the request, a judging unit judging whether the data file specified by the data information includes the data file specified by the data specifying information, and a deletion request unit sending a deletion request for deleting the data file specified by the data specifying information to the external device when the judgment is affirmative.
US08060458B2 Method and system of knowledge component based engineering design
The present invention relates to an engineering design method and a system of implementing same. In one embodiment, the method includes a construction process of knowledge components and a design process based on the knowledge components. The knowledge components pack universal modules in the standard forms. Accordingly, the knowledge components are independent from design layouts or design processes of products, and reusable in different projects and platforms. The design process integrates a variety of software platforms via a uniform environment and calls the knowledge components to complete the engineering designs. Further, the design process defines a data relation and an execution relation of the knowledge components and establishes a relationship between the knowledge components without programming. The universal module comprises at least operations, methods, rules and/or flows of an engineering design process and engineering analysis process.
US08060454B2 Method and apparatus for improved reward-based learning using nonlinear dimensionality reduction
The present invention is a method and an apparatus for reward-based learning of management policies. In one embodiment, a method for reward-based learning includes receiving a set of one or more exemplars, where at least two of the exemplars comprise a (state, action) pair for a system, and at least one of the exemplars includes an immediate reward responsive to a (state, action) pair. A distance measure between pairs of exemplars is used to compute a Non-Linear Dimensionality Reduction (NLDR) mapping of (state, action) pairs into a lower-dimensional representation, thereby producing embedded exemplars, wherein one or more parameters of the NLDR are tuned to minimize a cross-validation Bellman error on a holdout set taken from the set of one or more exemplars. The mapping is then applied to the set of exemplars, and reward-based learning is applied to the embedded exemplars to obtain a learned management policy.
US08060453B2 System and method for funds recovery from an integrated postal security device
Systems and methods for providing funds recovery for mailing machines including integrated circuits such as those used in postal security devices are described, and in certain configurations, systems and methods for recovering data such as postal funds records from a partially disabled single integrated circuit in a postal security device are described.
US08060449B1 Partially delegated over-the-air provisioning of a secure element
A system for provisioning a secure element on a mobile device is provided. The system comprises a first trusted service manager associated with a credit card, a second trusted service manager associated with a wireless service provider, and a mobile device. The mobile device has a secure element to hold the credit card and an over-the-air client to communicate wirelessly with the first trusted service manager and the second trusted service manager. When the second trusted service manager receives a message from the first trusted service manager to provision a personalization information for the credit card to the mobile device, the second trusted service manager transmits to the over-the-air client a message to initiate transfer of the personalization information for the credit card.
US08060448B2 Late binding tokens
A system for verifying intent in a card not present transaction is provided. The system includes a late binding token that is distributable to consumers without necessarily being bound to an account. The system also includes a client software that locates a token server configured to facilitate managing and communicating with the late binding token. The system also includes a protocol concerning how to build a verifiably secure structured proposal that carries an offer to the consumer through the client software.
US08060447B2 Method of providing transactions employing advertising based verification
A method of improving electronic security establishes a secure trusted path between a user and an institution seeking an electronic signature to verify a transaction before any request for signature and completing electronic transaction activities occurs. The secure trusted path providing the user with a first predetermined portion of a branded watermark, for instance an advertisement, provided from the institution in conjunction with the request, and a second predetermined portion of the branded watermark being provided upon a personalized device that cannot be intercepted or manipulated by malware, allowing the user to verify that the request as displayed upon the user's primary computing device is valid.
US08060446B2 Method of providing services including essay providing and review services based on authentication of college students, and system therefor
Provided are a method and system for providing services based on authentication of college students. According to the present invention, a verification code is transmitted to an email account that is provided by a college, a college student who inputs the same verification code is authenticated, and the authenticated college student provides the services including an essay providing service or an essay review service, based on the verified identity of the college student.
US08060441B2 Electronic payment and authentication system with debit and identification data verification and electronic check capabilities
An electronic payment and authentication system that includes features to verify the authenticity of a payer, validate debit data, and facilitate debit (as opposed to credit) payment transactions. The electronic payment system allows a consumer to purchase items and services via a network while utilizing a debit transaction. The invention provides merchants with the ability to verify the identity of the consumer, determine if the consumer is a good debit transaction risk, and retrieve debit data associated with a particular consumer.
US08060439B2 Method and system for reporting cashflows to clients
A system and method of providing a client with cashflow monitoring during a transfer of services (e.g. pre-authorized debits and credits) from a first account to a second account, the method comprising the steps of: (i) determining an effective date for the transfer of each service, said effective dates creating a transfer window; (ii) determining cashflows for said first account and said second account during said transfer window; (iii) adjusting effective dates for transfer of each services to avoid cashflow interruptions in said first and said second accounts; and (iv) providing a cashflow analysis to the client that lists all the effective dates for each service transfer and predicted cashflows for said first and said second account during said transfer window.
US08060438B2 Automated loan processing system and method
A browser based automated loan system includes a loan engine offered individually to financial institutions to set up, operate and manage loan product offerings, a consumer website interface having a loan application form with data fields relevant to the loan product offerings, a designer component that establishes tasks in the form of a loan process checklist associated with each loan product offering, and a workflow engine for automatically evaluating the loan application form using the applicable loan process checklist in conjunction with rules, logical mathematical computational components, and risk based offer configurations for generating an instant loan offer when a borrower qualifies. Each task has attributes available for establishing entry conditions to provide workflow automation, and each task is performed when the entry conditions associated therewith are satisfied. The consumer website interface enables selecting a category of loan product offerings, and each checklist is associated with the selected category.
US08060437B2 Automatic termination of electronic transactions
A system and method of terminating a transaction between a merchant and customer are disclosed.
US08060436B2 Software application domain and storage domain risk analysis process and method
A method for analyzing management risk of a computer network includes selecting a portion of a storage system, determining a first downtime cost associated with a component included in the portion of the storage system, assigning the first downtime cost to the component, and disseminating the assigning of the downtime cost to a user.
US08060435B2 Systems and methods for providing a trading interface
Systems and methods for configurable trading interfaces that allow a trader to quickly and easily submit trading commands to a trading system are provided. Using these systems and methods, a trader can using various trading interfaces to initiate trading commands, configure various display features and default command settings, and control a level of command entry verification that is provided to protect against inadvertent entry of incorrect trading commands.
US08060433B2 Method of determining an exchange allocation that promotes truthful bidding and improves the obtainment of exchange objectives
In an apparatus and method of solving a combinatorial exchange, a plurality of candidate allocations of input bids is determined from input bids and a set of bid vectors is formed from the input bids. A probability value, representing how likely the bids of a bid vector will comprise the bids from which a final allocation is determined, is associated with each bid vector. A mapping is then determined between each bid vector and at least one of the candidate allocations based on a set of objectives and a set of constraints. A candidate allocation is selected as a final allocation based on a comparison of another set of bids that define an exchange event bid vector with at least one of the bid vectors.
US08060431B2 Hedging risks associated with variable priced orders for derivative financial products
Systems and methods are provided for executing a hedge transaction in connection with the execution of a derivative product order in which the price of the derivative product is defined by one or more variables. The hedge transaction may be executed at an exchange or match engine that is different from the exchange or match engine executing the derivative product order. The execution of derivative product transaction may be contingent on the existence of an appropriate hedge transaction. Alternatively, a best efforts approach may be used to fill the hedge transaction order after executing the derivative product transaction.
US08060430B1 System and method for implementing a recurrent bidding process
A system and method for implementing a recurrent bidding process is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method for implementing a recurrent bidding process to dispose of a portfolio of consumer debts may comprise the steps of: offering the portfolio of consumer debts in an initial bidding among a plurality of potential buyers to identify a first buyer and a second buyer, wherein the first buyer is the highest bidder in the initial bidding and is allocated a first portion of the portfolio, and wherein the second buyer is the next highest bidder in the initial bidding and is allocated a second portion of the portfolio; maintaining the allocation of the portfolio of consumer debts between the first buyer and the second buyer for a first time period; designating a portion of the portfolio as an at-risk volume for a second time period; offering the at-risk volume in a second bidding between the first buyer and the second buyer, wherein the highest bidder in the second bidding is allocated the at-risk volume; and maintaining the resulting allocation of the portfolio of consumer debts between the first buyer and the second buyer for the second time period.
US08060428B1 System and method for managing tax-deferred retirement accounts
A system and method of managing tax-deferred retirement accounts may allow a plurality of participants to invest in a portfolio having a plurality of exchange traded funds (ETFs) according to an asset allocation model. The system and method may use at least one regular contribution to selectively buy at least one underweighted exchange traded fund to cause a participant's portfolio to more closely conform to the asset allocation model. The system and method may allow a plurality of participants to conduct calculations of estimated retirement savings based on a plurality of parameters.
US08060425B2 Evaluation and adjustment of settlement value curves
Disclosed is a method that is useful in connection with providing discount factors for an exchange-traded mark-to-market derivative product that has a variable tick rate, such as an interest rate swap product. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a series of consecutive settlement values, which collectively represent a settlement value curve for the derivative product. The curve is evaluated by determining, for each consecutive pair of settlement values, whether the difference between the first settlement value in the pair and the second settlement value in the pair exceeds a threshold. The threshold represents the value at which a discount factor derived from said pair of settlement values, in conjunction with other parameters, would be negative. In other embodiments the disclosed invention encompasses an apparatus and a computer-readable medium.
US08060423B1 Method and system for automatic categorization of financial transaction data based on financial data from similarly situated users
Financial data associated with one or more “contributing consumers” is obtained from one or more sources and categorized and associated with a specific expense/income category. One or more attributes associated with the contributing consumers are then identified and used to analyze, aggregate, and categorize the financial data according to the attributes. Data representing a user financial transaction is then obtained for categorization and one or more specific user attributes associated with the user are identified. The user financial transaction is then categorized based, at least in part, on the categorization of similar contributing consumer financial transactions by contributing consumers having at least one of the specific user attributes.
US08060420B2 Gift card reimbursement system and method
A method for purchasing goods and services in transactions utilizing a valued card includes issuing to a card owner from an issuing institution a valued card pursuant to an agreement between the card owner and the issuing institution. The valued card has a purchase value. The valued card is transferred to a recipient having authority to purchase goods and services utilizing at least a portion of the purchase value. The card owner is reimbursed a percentage of a remaining balance of the purchase value at an expiration date pursuant to the agreement.
US08060417B2 Date effective quantity on hand and adjusted unit cost calculation
An accounting method can insert changes that affect average cost calculations after the initial average cost calculations. The method can go back in time and add in transactions that affect average cost and re-calculate average cost based on the added entry to all entries after the added entry.
US08060416B2 Method and system for providing advertising inventory information in response to demographic inquiries
The present invention relates to a method and system for providing advertising inventory information. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for providing advertising inventory information in response to demographic inquiries. In an exemplary embodiment, a server responds to a demographic query. Based on the query, the server queries an advertising inventory database and a contract database to retrieve relevant information. Using the relevant information, the total inventory and the total sold inventory are obtained. Using the now obtained total inventory and the total sold inventory information, the server then provides an estimation of the total available inventory matching the query.
US08060415B2 Method for generating sales of a conversational voice response system
In one aspect, the invention provides a method for generating a sales lead for the sale of a CVR system. The method comprises initiating a call in which a human calls an organization and interacts with an interactive voice response (IVR) system that defines an interface to a database for an organization in order to obtain information from the database; generating a first audio file comprising a recording of the interaction; generating a second audio file comprising a recording of an interaction of the caller with a CVR system in order to obtain the same information from the database; presenting the first and second audio files to a decision maker in the organization who has some influence on a decision to purchase the CVR system; tracking when the decision maker accesses the audio files; and initiating contact with the decision maker once access of the audio files is established.
US08060414B1 Encoding and decoding of product properties in a uniform resource locator
Disclosed are various embodiments for generating bundle uniform resource locators (URL). A URL is generated that contains a parameter with a value corresponding to a product available in the electronic commerce system. At least one parameter with a value corresponding to configurable features of the product is also encoded in the URL. The URL parameters are validated to determine whether the product and configurable features are compatible.
US08060408B2 Diagnostic data interchange
The present invention provides a bi-directional communication network which provides monitoring, data collection, and control of food service industry operations. The system includes a computer and control logic implemented by the computer which may be configured to perform various tasks. A communication network may be provided linking the computer with equipment and appliances having a microprocessor based controller capable of communicating with the system. In one embodiment, the system automatically verifies the performance of equipment-related manual tasks in food preparation. In another embodiment, the system schedules the maintenance of a plurality of kitchen appliances. In another embodiment, the system provides a hold timer for tracking the hold time of cooked food products and determines when the hold time elapses. In yet another embodiment, the system manages the inventory of cooked food products in a food preparation establishment.
US08060405B1 Methods and systems for correlating connections between users and links between articles
Methods and systems for correlating connections between users and links between articles to identify search and/or ad spamming are disclosed. Social networks can be used to identify connections between users for correlation with links between articles, which can be identified through searches of article contents and/or back tracing accesses to articles. One disclosed method comprises identifying first associations between a plurality of users in a network of associated users; identifying second associations between one or more users and one or more articles; identifying third associations between at least some of the articles or between some of the users and access to some of the articles; and determining at least one of the third associations is correlated with one or more of the first associations.
US08060400B2 Fleet management system
Systems of hardware and software are provided for enabling mobile assets to communicate across a wireless network environment. Systems, computer-implemented methods and computer program products are also provided for leveraging wireless communication and/or processing capabilities of mobile assets against a robust software solution to implement enterprise wide asset management functions, to integrate mobile asset data into existing enterprise workflows and/or to enable trusted third party integration into the enterprise for enhanced asset and/or workflow management.
US08060388B1 Resource distribution
Provided are techniques for allowing consumers to reserve a resource, in which potential consumers have a choice among a number of different reservation contracts for reserving a resource to be provided at a future time. Each reservation contract allows a corresponding contracting customer to elect whether to receive the resource and requires the contracting customer to make a first payment in aggregate if the resource ultimately is elected and to make a second payment in aggregate if the resource ultimately is not elected, with the first payment being higher than the second payment, and with both being nonzero.
US08060384B2 Program for alternative funding of employee and retiree benefits
An insurance program for funding benefits by maintaining assets in the insurance program that includes an employer or employee owned trust account and at least one life insurance contract obtained directly or indirectly from a captive insurance company. The life insurance contract is purchased with assets from the trust account and the captive insurance company is a least partially owned by the employer. When paying or reimbursing benefits, the employer or the trust may pay the benefit and if the employer pays the benefit, the trust may reimburse the employer.
US08060382B1 Method and system for providing a healthcare bill settlement system
A system and method for providing a healthcare bill settlement system whereby a given healthcare service consumer's EOB data relating to a given healthcare service item is obtained and is translated into a description of the services in language, and/or a format, that a typical healthcare service consumer can understand. The healthcare service consumer's EOB data is also used to present the healthcare service consumer with a payment calculation display and an explanation of how the healthcare service consumer's portion of the claim amount was calculated. The healthcare services consumer is then provided communication access to the healthcare services provider to propose a settlement payment prior to the healthcare services consumer receiving an invoice from the healthcare services provider. The healthcare services provider is then provided the capability to accept or reject the proposed settlement payment.
US08060381B2 User interface for analyzing opportunities for clinical process improvement
User interfaces are provided for analyzing opportunities for optimizing clinical processes within clinical facilities. An optimized practice process model may be defined for a particular clinical procedure, setting forth an optimal clinical process. In addition, critical levers may be identified within the optimal clinical process, representing the activities that have the greatest impact on outcomes. Clinical facilities may collect current measures for the critical levers, and the current measures may be compared against an optimal, benchmark, and/or target measure. Based on the comparison, opportunities for clinical process optimization may be identified. User interfaces are provided for analyzing the opportunities.
US08060380B2 Apparatus and method for processing phone-in prescriptions
An apparatus and method are disclosed for processing phone-in prescription requests. The apparatus is in the form of a prescription processing network that includes a prescription processing system and a communication device remotely located from the prescription processing system. The communication device is used to establish a communication channel with the prescription processing system and submit a prescription request over the communication channel. A pharmacist, associated with the prescription processing system, prepares a completed prescription form based, at least in part, on the submitted prescription request. The prescription processing network also includes a pharmacy for receiving the completed prescription form, and filling the prescription request based on the completed prescription form.
US08060379B1 Systems and methods for alternate pricing for prescription drugs
Systems and methods may be provided for alternate pricing. The systems and methods may include receiving first information associated with a first claim transaction, where the first information identifies a first drug, a first quantity of the first drug, and a first price for the first drug, determining a first product classification for the identified first drug, where the first product classification indicates that the identified first drug is a preferred drug, and updating an alternate pricing database with the first price for the first drug. The systems and methods may also include utilizing the alternate database to identify one or more lower-cost alternate drugs that are therapeutic alternatives for a requested drug. Customers may be provided with information regarding the identified lower-cost alternate drugs.
US08060378B2 Disease management system and method including question version
A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.
US08060377B2 System and method for collaborative patient care
A system for developing a patient care plan and executing the patient care plan and assessing the success of the planning and execution of the patient care plan. A coordinated, collaborative approach to the development of a patient care plan at the admission of a patient to a health care facility and may include a plurality of healthcare professionals in the development of the plan. The plan may include a plurality of phases spanning from admission through treatment and discharge of the patient from the health care facility. A system of executing the patient care plan with specific milestones established before transitioning the treatment from one stage of the care plan to the next stage of the care plan. A method of developing, executing and assessing the execution of a patient care plan including a plurality of phases of patient care and milestones to be met before transitioning to the next phase of care.
US08060376B2 System and method for collection of community health and administrative data
The present invention involves a health care patient document system and method which enable patients to enter clinical, administrative, and financial information normally completed on a clipboard in a medical office into a computerized system that stores the information. The patient is then enabled to direct the stored information to any health care provider whether the provider is enabled to receive the data electronically or not. For those provider clinicians and organizations not enabled to receive the information electronically, the system completes the paper-based forms already in use within the organization and sends the completed form by facsimile or mail delivery.
US08060375B2 Adapting masking thresholds for encoding a low frequency transient signal in audio data
An improved audio coding technique encodes audio having a low frequency transient signal, using a long block, but with a set of adapted masking thresholds. Upon identifying an audio window that contains a low frequency transient signal, masking thresholds for the long block may be calculated as usual. A set of masking thresholds calculated for the 8 short blocks corresponding to the long block are calculated. The masking thresholds for low frequency critical bands are adapted based on the thresholds calculated for the short blocks, and the resulting adapted masking thresholds are used to encode the long block of audio data. The result is encoded audio with rich harmonic content and negligible coder noise resulting from the low frequency transient signal.
US08060374B2 Slot position coding of residual signals of spatial audio coding application
Spatial information associated with an audio signal is encoded into a bitstream, which can be transmitted to a decoder or recorded to a storage media. The bitstream can include different syntax related to time, frequency and spatial domains. In some embodiments, the bitstream includes one or more data structures (e.g., frames) that contain ordered sets of slots for which parameters can be applied. The data structures can be fixed or variable. The data structure can include position information that can be used by a decoder to identify the correct slot for which a given parameter set is applied. The slot position information can be encoded with either a fixed number of bits or a variable number of bits based on the data structure type.
US08060369B2 System and method of providing a spoken dialog interface to a website
Disclosed is a system and method for training a spoken dialog service component from website data. Spoken dialog service components typically include an automatic speech recognition module, a language understanding module, a dialog management module, a language generation module and a text-to-speech module. The method includes converting data from a structured database associated with a website to a structured text data set and a structured task knowledge base, extracting linguistic items from the structured database, and training a spoken dialog service component using at least one of the structured text data, the structured task knowledge base, or the linguistic items. The system includes modules configured to implement the method.
US08060368B2 Speech recognition apparatus
A voice recognition apparatus 10, which performs voice recognition of an input voice by referring to a voice recognition dictionary and outputs a voice recognition result, has an external information acquiring section 14 for acquiring from externally connected devices 20-1-20-N connected thereto a type of each externally connected device, and for acquiring data recorded in each externally connected device; a vocabulary extracting analyzing section 15 and 16 for extracting a vocabulary item from the data as an extracted vocabulary item, and for producing analysis data by analyzing the extracted vocabulary item and by providing the extracted vocabulary item with reading; and a dictionary generating section 17 for storing the analysis data in the voice recognition dictionary corresponding to the type. For each type of the externally connected devices, one of the voice recognition dictionaries 13-1-13-N is assigned.
US08060366B1 System, method, and computer-readable medium for verbal control of a conference call
A system, method, and computer readable medium that facilitate verbal control of conference call features are provided. Automatic speech recognition functionality is deployed in a conferencing platform. Hot words are configured in the conference platform that may be identified in speech supplied to a conference call. Upon recognition of a hot word, a corresponding feature may be invoked. A speaker may be identified using speaker identification technologies. Identification of the speaker may be utilized to fulfill the speaker's request in response to recognition of a hot word and the speaker. Particular participants may be provided with conference control privileges that are not provided to other participants. Upon recognition of a hot word, the speaker may be identified to determine if the speaker is authorized to invoke the conference feature associated with the hot word.
US08060365B2 Dialog processing system, dialog processing method and computer program
A dialog processing system which includes a target expression data extraction unit for extracting a plurality of target expression data each including a pattern matching portion which matches an utterance pattern, which are inputted by an utterance pattern input unit and is an utterance structure derived from contents of field-independent general conversations, among a plurality of utterance data which are inputted by an utterance data input unit and obtained by converting contents of a plurality of conversations in one field; a feature extraction unit for retrieving the pattern matching portions, respectively, from the plurality of target expression data extracted, and then for extracting feature quantity common to the plurality of pattern matching portions; and a mandatory data extraction unit for extracting mandatory data in the one field included in the plurality of utterance data by use of the feature quantities extracted.
US08060363B2 Audio signal encoding
For an audio coding, noise suppression is applied to an original audio signal to obtain an audio signal with reduced noise. A coding mode is selected based on the audio signal with reduced noise. The original audio signal is then encoded using this selected coding mode.
US08060362B2 Noise detection for audio encoding by mean and variance energy ratio
The techniques described are utilized for detection of noise and noise-like segments in audio coding. The techniques can include performing a prediction gain calculation, an energy compaction calculation, and a mean and variation energy calculation. Signal adaptive noise decisions can be made both in time and frequency dimensions. The techniques can be embodied as part of an AAC (advanced audio coding) encoder to detect noise and noise-like spectral bands. This detected information is transmitted in a bitstream using a signaling method defined for a perceptual noise substitution (PNS) encoding tool of the AAC encoder.
US08060358B2 HMM alignment for combining translation systems
A computing system configured to produce an optimized translation hypothesis of text input into the computing system. The computing system includes a plurality of translation machines. Each of the translation machines is configured to produce their own translation hypothesis from the same text. An optimization machine is connected to the plurality of translation machines. The optimization machine is configured to receive the translation hypotheses from the translation machines. The optimization machine is further configured to align, word-to-word, the hypotheses in the plurality of hypotheses by using a hidden Markov model.
US08060357B2 Linguistic user interface
A system for retrieval of text includes a processor which identifies grammar rules associated with text fragments of a text string that is retrieved from an associated storage medium, and retrieves text strings from the storage medium which satisfy the grammar rules. A display displays retrieved text strings. A user input device in communication with the processor enables a user to select text fragments of the displayed text strings for generating a query. The processor identifies grammar rules associated with the user-selected text fragments and retrieves text strings from the storage medium which satisfy the grammar rules.
US08060352B2 Geospatial modeling system using void filling and related methods
A geospatial modeling system may include a geospatial model data storage device and a processor cooperating therewith for determining a void within a geospatial model data set defining a void boundary region, and selecting at least one raw fill region from within the geospatial model data set for filling the void. The processor may also cooperate with the geospatial model data storage device for adjusting elevation values of the at least one raw fill region based upon elevation differences between corresponding portions of the void boundary region and the at least one raw fill region, and updating the geospatial model based upon the adjusted elevation values of the at least one raw fill region.
US08060350B2 Method of performing computational aeroelastic analyses
Computational aeroelastic analyses typically use a mathematical model for the structural modes of a flexible structure and a nonlinear aerodynamic model that can generate a plurality of unsteady aerodynamic responses based on the structural modes for conditions defining an aerodynamic condition of the flexible structure. In the present invention, a linear state-space model is generated using a single execution of the nonlinear aerodynamic model for all of the structural modes where a family of orthogonal functions is used as the inputs. Then, static and dynamic aeroelastic solutions are generated using computational interaction between the mathematical model and the linear state-space model for a plurality of periodic points in time.
US08060349B2 Method of designing a static synchronous compensator based on passivity-based control
This invention presents a method of novel nonlinear control for designing Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM). A passivity-based approach is proposed for designing robust nonlinear STATCOM controller. The mathematical model of STATCOM will be represented by an Euler-Lagrange (EL) system corresponding to a set of EL parameters. By employing the Park's transformation, the differential geometry approach is used to investigate the power system dynamics with considering STATCOM under the synchronous d-q frame. The energy-dissipative properties of the proposed model derived in the synchronous d-q rotating frame are fully retained. This model also consider the dynamic response of the changable load. Finally, the passivity-based control is employed by using energy shaping and damping injection techniques to produce the proper control signals for Voltage Source Converter. So that the system embedded with STATCOM is more robust and stable.
US08060347B2 Complexity management for vehicle electrical/electronic architecture design
Disclosed herein are computer aided design (CAD) techniques to implement a unified data schema and graphical user interface (GUI) to link ECU/devices, in-vehicle communications, and vehicle harness information together with respect to architectural relation, performance relation, and cost relation, and to facilitate a designer's understanding and manipulation of this information. The domain-specific information from each domain is converted to objects in this unified data schema and stored in a unified database that is accessible to every domain, so that the impact of the current state in the device domain can be accessed and analyzed by a designer from any domain. This approach enables design data sharing and real-time collaboration between different electrical/electronic (E/E) design domains, thereby facilitating the realization of design data collaboration, design change management, and product lifetime management (PLM) and product data management (PDM) implementation.
US08060346B2 Thin client graphical presentation and manipulation application
A distributed graphical presentation and manipulation application executes as a thin client application in a network. The networked graphical presentation and manipulation application can generally be used without requiring a user to install any specific software prior to using the application. In one aspect, code may be received from a server, and a local environment may be generated based on the code, where the local environment may be configured to display a view of the graphical model. One or more model views to be requested may be predicted, and the predicted views may be stored in a memory for display in the local environment.
US08060344B2 Method and system for automatically performing a study of a multidimensional space
A method and system comprising a Master station, a processor and one or more targets that allows a user of said system to automatically generate a 3 dimensional graphical representation of a construction site and also overlay a drawing onto the graphical representation to guide the user within a virtual space being displayed by the processor.
US08060343B2 Semiconductor device and noise measuring method
Provided is a semiconductor device for outputting only the necessary information from non-periodic noise information to the outside. An analysis object information extracting section specifies analysis object information used to analyze noise associated with a malfunction from the non-periodic noise information having a large amount of information and extracts only the specified analysis object information from the noise information. A communication section outputs the extracted analysis object information to the outside. Thus, the amount of the information can be reduced and the noise information can be outputted by an inexpensive communication section such as a serial communication device.
US08060339B2 Multistatic concealed object detection
Concealed object detection using electromagnetic and acoustic multistatic imaging systems and methods. A method of simultaneously screening plural subjects for concealed objects includes transmitting a signal into a screening area where there is at least one subject to be screened having an associated object, receiving a reflected signal from the object when the object is located within the screening area, processing the reflected signal using multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction to generate a three-dimensional image of the object and displaying the three-dimensional image. The transmitting and receiving are performed using a multi-directional array including at least three sensors. An object detection system includes a screening area, a multi-directional array including at least three sensors, a processor configured to execute multistatic Fourier space sampling and tomographic reconstruction and a display.
US08060337B2 Method and apparatus for estimating a motion parameter
A system for estimating motion parameters corresponding to a user. The system may generally include a receiver operable to receive a signal from an external source, an inertial sensor operable to be coupled with the user and arbitrarily oriented relative to the direction of user motion for generation of a signal corresponding to user motion, and a processing system in communication with the receiver and inertial sensor. The processing system can be operable to utilize the receiver signal to estimate a first parameter corresponding to a first motion parameter type, utilize the inertial sensor signal to estimate a second parameter corresponding to a second motion parameter type, generate a user-specific motion model to correlate the first parameter type and second parameter type using at least the first and second estimated parameters, utilize the inertial sensor signal to estimate a third parameter corresponding to the second parameter type, and utilize the motion model and the third parameter to estimate a fourth parameter corresponding to the first parameter type independent of the receiver signal.
US08060333B2 Test apparatus and test method
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, including a pattern list storage section that stores a plurality of pattern lists that each designate, in a prescribed order, the test patterns to be output by the device under test, and a pattern list processing section that (i) sequentially outputs the test patterns by sequentially executing the pattern lists according to test results of the device under test and, (ii) when transitioning from a current pattern list to a subsequent pattern list, repeatedly outputs a prescribed idle pattern until execution of the subsequent pattern list is begun.
US08060323B2 Secondary-battery life estimation apparatus and method
A secondary-battery life estimation apparatus includes: a voltage measuring portion measuring a terminal voltage of a secondary battery to be measured; a first memory storing in advance a terminal voltage V0 of a non-degraded secondary battery before the non-degraded secondary battery discharges after fully charged; a second memory which stores in advance a life-estimation data map as a look-up table associating a voltage difference dV between a terminal voltage V of the secondary battery to be measured before the secondary battery to be measured discharges after fully charged and the terminal voltage V0 with a residual life of the secondary battery to be measured; and a CPU calculating the voltage difference dV between the terminal voltage V measured by the voltage measuring portion before the secondary battery to be measured discharges after fully charged and the terminal voltage V0 stored in the first memory and estimating the residual life of the secondary battery to be measured based on the life-estimation data map stored in the second memory using the voltage difference dV.
US08060322B2 Battery management system and driving method thereof
Battery management system and a driving method thereof including a sensing unit and an MCU. The sensing unit measures a battery current and a battery voltage. The MCU sets an OCV during a no-load state period at time increments measured from the beginning of the no-load state period, and estimates an SOC corresponding to the set OCV.
US08060319B2 Acoustic structural integrity monitoring system and method
A method and system for detecting structural damage in a structure by detecting acoustic emissions from damage in a structure to obtain acoustic emission data, and processing the acoustic emission data in accordance with a model characterising acoustic paths. The model is built by inducing a plurality of types of acoustic emissions at each of a plurality of positions on a structure, the plurality of types of acoustic emissions corresponding to a respective plurality of types of structural damage. The acoustic emissions are detected using at least three sensors arranged on the structure, and the detected acoustic emissions are processed for each position to determine model data characterising effects on each type of acoustic emission from each position of acoustic paths between the positions and the sensors. The processed data is then stored as model data.
US08060318B2 Assessment method to process a glucose concentration signal and devices thereof
Embodiments of an assessment method for processing a signal corresponding to a glucose concentration and performing a retrospective analysis comprises the steps of: a) initiating a first trigger, wherein the first trigger defines the beginning of a segment of a continuous measurement of glucose concentration or defines the first of a series of spot measurements of glucose concentration; b) collecting data of the continuous measurement or the series of spot measurements of glucose concentration to be analyzed, wherein the collected data relates to a glucose concentration excursion corresponding to a reaction to a relevant event such as a meal or physical activity; c) analyzing the collected data initiated by a second trigger, wherein the second trigger defines the end of the collected data to be analyzed, wherein a measure for a grading of the excursion is determined from the collected data, and d) displaying the results of the analysis.
US08060317B2 Method for measuring the incidence of hospital acquired infections
Disclosed is a method and system for analyzing patient hospitalization data to determine a Nosocomial Infection Marker (NIM), the method comprising receiving from a database hospitalization data associated with at least one patient, calculating from the hospitalization data the number of specimens with non-duplicate hospital isolates (SNDHI) markers, calculating from the hospitalization data antibiotic utilization criteria (AUC) markers, and determining the nosocomial infection marker (NIM) for each patient, based upon the calculated SNDHI and AUC markers.
US08060313B2 Simulation system using electromagnetic field analysis and circuit analysis and recording medium storing simulation program
A simulation system includes electromagnetic field analyzing units that execute electromagnetic field analysis with respect to electromagnetic field analysis areas obtained by division of an area to be analyzed into the electromagnetic field analysis areas; one or more circuit analyzing units that execute circuit analysis with respect to a circuit unit in the area to be analyzed; and an aggregating unit that aggregates, from the electromagnetic field analyzing units, data for the circuit analysis by the one or more circuit analyzing units and transmits the data to the circuit analyzing units. The simulation system links plural processing units that mutually exchange data.
US08060300B2 Navigation systems
Systems, methods, and programs, store map data including a roadway network, detect a current position of the vehicle, and detect or receive at lest one of a distance to another vehicle, a speed of another vehicle, and traffic congestion information. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a passing lane, a climbing lane, or a lane for slower traffic based on the detected current vehicle position and the map data. If the vehicle is within the predetermined distance, the systems, methods, and programs provide guidance regarding the passing lane, the climbing lane, or the lane for slower traffic based on at least one of the distance to the other vehicle, the speed of the other vehicle, and/or the received traffic congestion information.
US08060298B2 Multiple directions to a destination without providing a specific origin
The automatic generation of multiple sets of directions for navigating geographically to a specific destination without specification of an origin. Based on the destination, candidate roads or other transportation conduits are selected for analysis. Candidate meta-departure points are analyzed and selected along the roads based on distribution about the destination, cardinal directions relative to the destination, road metadata, distance to the destination, driving time, and other factors. The number of departure points generated to represent routes to the destination from the several logical cardinal directions is minimized. The generated departure points also represent routes that a majority of people would likely take to the destination. Additionally, the generated departure points originate from places that users are likely to be familiar with and can get to without additional guidance. The final instruction sets for navigating to the destination are presented along with a map that identified the departure points.
US08060295B2 Automated separation manager
A separation management system includes a data input module for receiving and filtering aircraft information and airspace information related to a control aircraft and a relevant aircraft, the aircraft information enabling the calculation of a trajectory window for each aircraft. A conflict monitoring module may be included in the system for monitoring the trajectory window for each aircraft with respect to time and probabilistic location, the conflict monitoring module determining when a trajectory overlap occurs resulting from the intersection of the trajectory window for the control aircraft and the relevant aircraft. In addition, the system may include a separation routing module for rerouting the control aircraft when a trajectory overlap for the control aircraft is detected by the conflict monitoring module.
US08060292B2 Cetane number detection means and engine having the cetane number detection means
A cetane number detection device in which an angular velocity detection device (10) for detecting the rotation angular velocity of the crankshaft (11) of an engine (54), and which detects a variation in the value of the amplitude of the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection device (10) as a variation in cetane number.
US08060291B2 Internal combustion engine control system
After power supply from a backup power source to a volatile memory is restored from temporary suspension, a remaining data determining section determines whether data of change history remaining in the volatile memory is data that has been stored immediately before the suspension of the power supply. When it is determined that the data remaining in the volatile memory is not the data that has been stored immediately before suspension of the power supply, a reference value learning section moves an actuator to a limit position, assigns the reference value to an initial value, and clears the change history. When suspension of the power supply from the backup power source reoccurs before completion of the reference value learning by the reference value learning section, a control section invalidates the determination of the remaining data determining section and performs the reference value learning, after the power supply is restored.
US08060289B2 Vehicle driving assist system
A vehicle driving assist system is provided that calculates the risk potential of the host vehicle with respect to a preceding object existing in front of a host vehicle. A first driving assistance control system controls at least one of an actuation reaction force exerted by a driver-operated driving operation device and a braking/driving force exerted against the host vehicle based on the calculated risk potential. A second driving assistance control system configured to control the braking/driving force of the host vehicle such that at least one of a host vehicle speed and a headway distance between the host vehicle and the obstacle is maintained. An operating state reporting section reports an operating state of the first driving assistance control system based on an operating state of the second driving assistance control system, the risk potential, and an accelerator pedal actuation state.
US08060286B2 Torque converter clutch control
A clutch control system comprises a clutch torque determination module and a clutch pressure control module. The clutch torque determination module determines a desired torque value for a torque converter clutch (TCC) based on a torque output of an engine, a pump torque value for a pump integrated with a torque converter, a desired engine acceleration, and an inertia value of the engine. The clutch pressure control module selectively controls pressure applied to the TCC based on the desired torque value.
US08060285B2 System and method of intelligent agent management using an overseer agent for use in vehicle diagnostics
A system and method of intelligent agent management within a vehicle intelligent agent system includes a host system, an overseer agent, and an agent that are all in communication via a communications network. The system includes an executable overseer agent management program that uses the identification code of the agent to determine if the agent identification code has been copied and deletes the agent from the intelligent agent system if the agent identification code has been copied. If the agent identification code has not been copied, the agent gathers new information, and the information in the agent knowledge database is updated using the new information and the updated information is transferred from the agent knowledge database to the overseer agent knowledge database. The overseer agent checks the validity of the transmitted information, and agent is deleted and a new agent is generated if the learned information is not valid.
US08060280B2 Vision system for deploying safety systems
A control system for safety deployment. The control system includes a processor, a first imaging sensor, and a second imaging sensor. The first and second imaging sensor are in electrical communication with the processor. The processor generates a safety system activation decision based on two-dimensional information received from the first imaging sensor and three-dimensional information based on the first and second imaging sensor.
US08060279B2 Method and device for generating at least one feature for an occupant protection system
A method is described for generating at least one feature for an occupant protection system, which is determined from at least one basic feature and analyzed for generating a triggering signal for an occupant protection device, and a corresponding device. During normal operation, at least one short-term window integral is calculated from the at least one basic feature and used as a starting value for calculating a corresponding long-term integral when a starting condition for a crash operation obtains, the at least one long-term integral being made available to a following method as a feature for generating the triggering signal for the occupant protection system.
US08060273B2 Method for diagnosing a component of a vehicle
A method for diagnosing a component of a vehicle, which presents the steps of: identifying a series of classes, each of which is associated to a given mode of operation of the component; identifying at least one control signal of the component; providing a mathematical model of the component designed to classify an evolution in time of the control signal, assigning a respective class to the evolution in time of the control signal itself; detecting a number of evolutions in time of the control signal; classifying each evolution in time of the control signal by the mathematical model of the component; and determining a diagnosis of the component on the basis of the classification of the evolutions in time of the control signal.
US08060268B2 Control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle and method for controlling the same
A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle that is capable of suppressing overheating of the second clutch is taught herein. Control is switched between engine-used slip drive control and motor drive control on a basis of a vehicle load such as weight or a road incline gradient. Control methods for hybrid vehicles are also disclosed.
US08060267B2 Method for controlling power flow within a powertrain system
A method for operating a powertrain system includes monitoring a state of charge of an energy storage device and determining an effective state of charge based upon the monitored state of charge of the energy storage device and a range of available power from the energy storage device. A preferred output power to an output member is determined. A preferred charge state for operating the powertrain is concurrently selected with operating an engine in one of a cylinder deactivation state and an all-cylinder state based upon the effective state of charge and the preferred output power to the output member.
US08060265B2 Method of steering aquatic vessels
There is provided a boat (200) including a hull (20), and two engines (30, 50) couplable to rotationally drive mutually spaced separate corresponding propeller assemblies for providing thrusts. Directions of the thrusts are angularly adjustable (α1, α2) relative to the hull (20). A control unit (70) receives first and second user commands (S1, S2) and sends corresponding signals for controlling powers (P1, P2) coupled from the engines (30, 50) to their propeller assemblies. The control unit (70) determines a difference in power (ΔP) to be coupled to the propeller assemblies as a function of the first and second user commands (S1, S2). The control unit (70) controls coupling of power (P1, P2) to the propeller assemblies so that the propeller assemblies develop a difference in thrust which is a function of the difference in power (ΔP). The control unit (70) adjusts angles (α1, α2) of the directions of thrusts as a function of the difference in power (ΔP) to assist the difference in power (ΔP) coupled to the propeller assemblies to enhance maneuverability of the vessel (200).
US08060264B2 System for monitoring railroad cars
A system for monitoring railroad cars comprising a hatch cover assembly including a cover body, a sensor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting data received from the sensor, a wireless receiver for receiving the data from the wireless transmitter, and a satellite transmitter for transmitting the data to a satellite. The wireless receiver and the satellite transmitter are attached to the hatch cover assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is an air flow sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is a chain tension sensor attached to a handbrake chain. In another embodiment, the sensor is a hatch cover position attached to the hatch cover assembly.
US08060263B2 System and method for forecasting the composition of an outbound train in a switchyard
A system for forecasting the outbound workload in a switchyard. The system has a processing entity for which receives information on railcar traffic for handling by the switchyard, wherein the railcar traffic includes railcars that are yet to be switched into classification tracks of the switchyard. For every departure train of two or more departure trains, the processing entity applies logic rules to the information to compute a forecast of railcar traffic that will be available to the departure train for transport out of the switchyard. An output releases data derived from the forecast of railcar traffic, describing the traffic available for each train of the two or more departure trains.
US08060261B2 Method and system of determining effectiveness of an aircraft braking system on an aircraft during an aircraft landing
A method of determining effectiveness of an aircraft braking system on an aircraft during an aircraft landing including generating a scalar deceleration value when a predefined braking event occurs that corresponds to effectiveness of a braking system associated with an aircraft landing operation during occurrence of a predefined braking event on an aircraft; and disseminating the generated scalar deceleration value to downstream users. A system includes a data collection module adapted to collect data relating to braking data associated with each of an associated plurality of segments of deceleration of the aircraft during a predefined braking event; a calculation module adapted to generate a scalar deceleration value based on data obtained; and a communication module in signal communication with the calculation module and with at least one downstream user of the system adapted to communicate the scalar deceleration value to at least one downstream user.
US08060260B2 Adaptive vehicle control system with driving style recognition based on vehicle passing maneuvers
An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle passing maneuvers. A process determines whether the vehicle has started a lane change from a first lane to a second lane as a first phase of the passing maneuver. If so, the process determines whether the lane change to the second lane has been completed as a second phase of the passing maneuver. If the lane change to the second lane has been completed, the process determines whether there has been a lane change back to the first lane to complete the passing maneuver as a third phase of the passing maneuver. Further, the process determines whether a time threshold has been exceeded after the passing maneuver is in a second phase, but no lane change back to the first lane has occurred.
US08060259B2 Wide-area, real-time monitoring and visualization system
A real-time performance monitoring system for monitoring an electric power grid. The electric power grid has a plurality of grid portions, each grid portion corresponding to one of a plurality of control areas. The real-time performance monitoring system includes a monitor computer for monitoring at least one of reliability metrics, generation metrics, transmission metrics, suppliers metrics, grid infrastructure security metrics, and markets metrics for the electric power grid. The data for metrics being monitored by the monitor computer are stored in a data base, and a visualization of the metrics is displayed on at least one display computer having a monitor. The at least one display computer in one said control area enables an operator to monitor the grid portion corresponding to a different said control area.
US08060258B2 Multivariable process controller and methodology for controlling catalyzed chemical reaction to form phthalic anhydride and other functionalized aromatics
A multivariable method and process controller is for controlling a catalyzed chemical reaction to form phthalic anhydride (PA), produced by a production unit including a chemical reactor having a plurality of pipes connected in parallel having inner surfaces affixed with at least one solid catalyst. The reactor implements a process for forming PA by receiving flows of reagents including at least one oxidizable substituted aromatic and an oxygen including source gas at one or more inlets of the reactor. A dynamic multivariable model for the process represents the effects of moving a plurality of manipulated variables (MVs) including a flow of the oxygen including source gas and a flow or temperature of the oxidizable substituted aromatic on controlled variables (CVs) including a temperature at a plurality of positions along a length of the pipes. During the process, a first parameter related to performance of the catalyst in producing PA and a second parameter including a temperature at one or more of the plurality of positions in measured. Using the dynamic model, the temperature in the plurality of positions along the length of the reactor are automatically adjusting based on at least the first measured parameter, which permits the temperature profile to be adjusted to compensate for ageing of the catalyst to improve production efficiency.
US08060257B2 Network architecture for remote robot with interchangeable tools
Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices. Systems according to the preferred embodiments find particular application in the pipeline arts. For example, interchangeable tool heads may be designed to facilitate inspection, debris clearing, cleaning, relining, lateral cutting after relining, mapping, and various other common pipeline-related tasks.
US08060255B2 System and method of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show
A system of distributed control of an interactive animatronic show includes a plurality of animatronic actors, at least one of the actors having a processor and one or more motors controlled by the processor. The system also includes a network interconnecting each of the actors, and a plurality of sensors providing messages to the network, where the messages are indicative of processed information. Each processor executes software that schedules and/or coordinates an action of the actor corresponding to the processor in accordance with the sensor messages representative of attributes of an audience viewing the show and the readiness of the corresponding actor. Actions of the corresponding actor can include animation movements of the actor, responding to another actor and/or responding to a member of the audience. The actions can result in movement of at least a component of the actor caused by control of the motor.
US08060254B2 Method, apparatus, and medium for building grid map in mobile robot and method, apparatus, and medium for cell decomposition that uses grid map
Provided are a method, apparatus, and medium for building a grid map in a mobile robot and a method, apparatus, and medium for cell decomposition using the grid map building method and apparatus. A mobile robot for building a grid map includes a grid map building unit obtaining grid points by sensing a distance to an external space or obstacle, and building a grid map, a feature point extraction unit extracting feature points from the grid points, a feature point update unit estimating the pose of the robot after the robot moves, and obtaining updated feature points by SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Map building) algorithm, a transform formula calculation unit calculating a transform formula that transforms feature points extracted by the feature point extraction unit into feature points updated by the feature point update unit, and a grid map update unit updating the grid map according to the obtained formula.
US08060252B2 High throughput method of in transit wafer position correction in system using multiple robots
Methods correcting wafer position error are provided. The methods involve measuring wafer position error on a robot, e.g. a dual side-by-side end effector robot, during transfer to an intermediate station. This measurement data is then used by a second robot to perform wafer pick moves from the intermediate station with corrections to center the wafer. Wafer position correction may be performed at only one location during the transfer process. Also provided are systems and apparatuses for transferring wafers using an intermediate station.
US08060251B2 Interface for robot motion control
Systems and methods are presented that enable a higher-level software application to control a robot's motion through a generic motion interface. In one embodiment, a system includes a controller, an interface, and a set of robot driver modules. The interface receives a command from the controller and translates the command into another command to send to the driver modules. The interface includes a client, a server, and a network. The server includes two interfaces: a client interface to communicate with the client and a driver interface to communicate with the driver modules. The server also includes two buffers: a command queue and a reply queue. The command queue stores commands received from the controller (via the client). The reply queue stores replies received from the driver modules.
US08060248B1 Robotic arm and method for using with an automatic pharmaceutical dispenser
There is provided an automated prescription filling system using a robotic arm in combination with an automatic pharmaceutical dispenser having a plurality of individual pill-counting units, each under the control of its own microprocessor. The automatic pharmaceutical dispensers are modified for use with the robotic arm. Because tablet counting is completely independent of the robotic arm, system throughput is higher than in systems of the prior art. Unlike systems of the prior art, each individual pill-counting unit can be removed from behind the pharmaceutical dispenser so that the system need not be stopped for such service. The fact that counting operations are divorced from robotic arm movements allows the arm movements to be optimized and multiple prescriptions to be processed simultaneously. Controller software optimizes movement of the robotic arm based upon such factors as the fullness of the vial being transported.
US08060244B2 Substrate processing apparatus and carrier adjusting system
An object of the present invention is to perform replacement of parts of a substrate processing apparatus more rapidly than that by the prior art. The present invention is a substrate processing apparatus constituted of a plurality of component parts for performing predetermined processing for a substrate, identification marks being attached to the respective component parts, the apparatus including: a storage unit for storing part information on each of the component parts necessary when placing an order for a component part, in correspondence with the identification mark; an input unit for inputting an identification mark of a component part to be ordered; and a display unit for displaying the part information in the storage unit corresponding to the inputted identification mark.
US08060235B2 Saw adjustment mechanism
The present invention relates to a saw including a sawhead pivotably connected to a base. The pivotable connection may define a pivot axis therethrough, wherein the pivot axis may be parallel to the horizontal plane. In addition, the sawhead may rotate around the pivot axis and may be axially displaceable along the pivot axis.
US08060234B2 Accurate tracking of web features through converting processes
There is described a method and apparatus for tracking the location of web features through a converting process, one application of which can involve tracking paper defects from a paper machine as detected by a camera system, to a winder where the sheet is wound to rolls so that the web defects can be repaired in the winder before making the rolls. The method to track web features is based on pattern identification of inherent sheet variability or defects. The apparatus involves two or more sheet property or defect monitoring web sensors arranged at the same cross directional location at different stages of the converting operation, augmented by tachometers and/or roll diameter sensors. A full automation system for drive control on the winder based on this information is preferably added to make maximum advantage of this information.
US08060230B2 System for synchronizing part design and die design, server, part design terminal apparatus and die design terminal apparatus used therefor
Information with regard to each finished part model is transmitted from a part design terminal 1 to an exclusive server 3 at each time of finishing each part model formed in steps for designing a part. Further, the information with regard to the each part model is acquired by making access to the exclusive server 3 from a die design terminal 2. Therefore, tasks with regard to designing the die can be progressed in parallel based on the acquired information without awaiting for finishing all of the respective part models for designing the die.
US08060223B2 Editing lifecycle and deployment of objects in an industrial automation environment
An editor in an industrial automation environment comprises an input component that receives modification data relating to at least one of lifecycle and deployment of an object, the object is associated with a programmable logic controller and configured in accordance with a hierarchically structured data model. An implementation component can implement the modification data with respect to the object. The editor can further comprise a security component that determines that an entity providing the data to the input component is authorized to implement the modification data.
US08060221B2 Peripheral device of programmable logic controller
A tracing-result optimization processing unit generates an optimized tracing result. A tracing-result collation processing unit collates the optimized tracing result and a time chart as a basis of a sequence processing for an external apparatus and detects shift of the optimized tracing result. A tracing-result storing unit accumulates and stores therein a tracing result obtained by a programmable logic controller at predetermined time intervals. Every time the tracing result is stored in the tracing-result storing unit, the tracing-result optimization processing unit generates the optimized tracing result.
US08060218B2 Inductive element for intravascular implantable devices
An inductive element adapted for use in implantable intravascular devices (IIDs) having an elongate form factor with a cross-section. The inductive element includes a core that has an outer surface contour that corresponds to the form factor. A set of elongate, or oblong, windings are situated lengthwise along the major length dimension of the inductive element. The windings are also situated to direct a magnetic field along a radial direction in relation to the elongate form factor. In one embodiment the form factor is generally cylindrical and the cross-section is generally round.
US08060217B2 Neural device using at least one nano-wire
The present invention relates to a neural device comprising wires transmitting and receiving electric signals. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure of the neural device comprising wires which effectively obtain electric signals developed in nerve fibers and transmit electric stimuli to the nerve fibers.The neural device according to the present invention is connected to a processing module processing electric signals detected from nerve fibers, and the neural device is inserted in nerve fibers via nanowires to obtain electric signals from the nerve fibers, or inserted in the nerve fibers to transmit electric stimuli. The neural device may further provide with at least one through-hole and support.The neural device according to the present invention has an advantage that may obtain electric signals without killing nerve fibers or provide them with electric stimuli.
US08060214B2 Implantable medical device with inductive coil configurable for mechanical fixation
An embodiment of a system for gathering physiologic data related to a human body includes a sensor device implanted in the human body, an inductive coil communicably coupled to the implanted sensor device; and a manager device in communication with the implanted sensor device via the inductive coil. The coil may be wrapped around the sensor device or attached to the sensor device fixation. An embodiment of a method for gathering physiologic data related to a physiologic parameter in a human body includes communicably coupling an inductive coil to communication circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD), deploying the inductive coil and the IMD into a vessel of the human body, and inducing current in the inductive coil via the communication circuitry, the current representative of data associated with the IMD.
US08060213B2 Medical telemetry system and operating method therefor
A method in a telemetry system for establishing a connection between a base station and an implantable medical device includes the steps of: starting, in the base station, a first timer B-T2; determining, in the base station 4, channels that are free for communication among a number of available channels, and selecting one of the free channels; starting, in the base station, a second timer; transmitting, as long as the first or second timer has not expired, a recognition message on the selected channel to the implantable medical device; and establishing, upon receipt of a recognition reply message from the implantable medical device, communication between the base station and the implantable medical device on the selected channel. The invention is readily adaptable for fulfillment of different requirements, such as stipulated by the ETSI standard.
US08060203B2 Method and apparatus for determining variation over time of a medical parameter of a human being
An apparatus for determining variation over time of a medical parameter of a human being obtained from a sensed signal has a sensor implantable in the human being for sensing the signal. A comparator compares at least one characteristic property, derived from the sensed signal obtained for at least one predetermined first level of activity of the human being, with corresponding reference property of a sensed reference signal, obtained for a predetermined reference level of activity of the human being, for determining a relation between the characteristic property of the sensed signal and the reference property. A trend determining unit determines trends in the medical parameter by analyzing the relation between the characteristic property of the sensed signal obtained at different times and the reference property. A corresponding method also function an implant for heart failure diagnostics also function as described. A sensor is then arranged to pick up dynamic mechanical information from the heart of the human being and generate a corresponding signal. A heart stimulator includes such an implant and a control unit arranged to control stimulation of the heart depending on determined trends in the medical parameter.
US08060200B2 Self-adjusting optimal waveforms
An exemplary method includes detecting fibrillation, measuring impedance of a defibrillation circuit that includes myocardial tissue, determining one or more defibrillation shock parameters based at least in part on the impedance, delivering a defibrillation shock using the one or more defibrillation shock parameters and, if the shock was unsuccessful, adjusting a membrane time constant and determining one or more new defibrillation shock parameters based at least in part on the adjusted membrane time constant. Various other exemplary methods are disclosed as well as various exemplary devices, systems, etc.
US08060198B2 Method and apparatus for generating a composite farfield electrogram
Method and apparatus that uses dual-chamber (RA-RV), three-chamber (BiA-RV, or RA-BiV), or four-chamber (BiA-BiV) implantable cardiac devices including pacemakers, defibrillators and cardioverters, which stimulate cardiac tissue electrically to control the patient's heart rhythm. The method and apparatus are further configured to create a far-field intra-atrial electrogram (AEGM) and a far-field intra-ventricular electrogram (VEGM) that are independently filtered, scaled, and then summed to form a composite far-field electrogram.
US08060197B2 Parasympathetic stimulation for termination of non-sinus atrial tachycardia
Apparatus is provided, which includes an electrode device, configured to be coupled to an atrial site of a subject containing parasympathetic nervous tissue, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to, responsively to a detection of an episode of non-sinus atrial tachycardia, restore normal sinus rhythm (NSR) of the subject, by driving the electrode device to apply a parasympathetic stimulation signal to the atrial site, and configuring the parasympathetic stimulation signal to activate the parasympathetic nervous tissue sufficiently to restore the NSR. Other embodiments are also described.
US08060196B2 Device for determining thoracic impedance
An electromedical implant includes a measuring signal generator, an impedance measuring unit to determine the impedance of human or animal tissue, a control unit which, for controlling the measuring signal generator and the impedance measuring unit, is at least indirectly connected to the measuring signal generator and to the impedance measuring unit, as well as an electrode arrangement comprising at least two electrodes which can be directly or indirectly connected or at least temporarily connected to the measuring signal generator and to the impedance measuring unit, or to a connection for such an electrode arrangement. The measuring signal generator is designed to generate and emit a current pulse or a series of current pulses, and the control unit is designed at a specific point in time to cause the measuring signal generator (to generate and emit a current pulse, and to cause the impedance measuring unit to measure the voltage that is present between the electrodes connected to the measuring signal generator and the impedance measuring unit after the passing of at least two time periods of different length that start with commencement of the current pulse being emitted and end before the end of emitting the current pulse, and to issue a voltage value which in each case represents the measured voltage.
US08060195B2 Devices, systems and methods for bioimpedance measurement of cervical tissue and methods for diagnosis and treatment of human cervix
Featured are apparatuses for measuring bioimpendence of tissues of the cervix, more specifically the mammalian cervix. Also featured are methods for examining the tissues of the cervix for clinical or diagnostic purposes such as during routine gynecological examinations to determine early onset of labor in pregnant patients or to assess such tissues for the presence of abnormalities such as cancerous lesions in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Also featured are methods for treating onset of early or pre-term labor that embody such devices, apparatuses and methods of the present invention. Also featured are systems embodying such devices, apparatuses and/or methods, where such systems preferably are configured to provide diagnostic and/or clinical information to further assist the diagnostician or clinician in diagnosing and/or examining pregnant or non-pregnant patients.
US08060193B2 Systems and methods for graphic display of ST-segment deviation
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a patient and graphically representing ST-segment deviations. A receiver acquires, from a plurality of leads, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals that each includes an ST-segment. A processor processes the ECG signals to determine baseline and current ST-segment deviations relative to an isoelectric value. A display module displays a graph that includes a first axis representing ST-segment deviation values and a second axis representing the plurality of leads. At each location along the second axis representing a respective lead, the graph displays a first set of graphic indicia representing the baseline ST-segment deviations and a second set of graphic indicia representing the current ST-segment deviations. In certain embodiments, the graphic indicia are represented by bar graphs. In other embodiments, the graphic indicia are represented by symbols that may be connected by line segments.
US08060192B2 Method and system for detecting T-wave alternans
A method for generating a cardiac electrical instability assessment is disclosed herein. The method includes obtaining a short duration T-wave alternans (SDTWA) measurement, obtaining a long duration T-wave alternans (LDTWA) measurement, and obtaining a cardiac electrical instability assessment based on both the SDTWA measurement and the LDTWA measurement.
US08060187B2 Near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of blood vessel walls
The invention relates to methods and devices for characterizing tissue in vivo, e.g., in walls of blood vessels, to determine whether the tissue is healthy or diseased, and include methods of displaying results with or without thresholds.
US08060182B2 MRI-monitored equipment with built-in MR signal reception coil and signal emitter
In a system having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and MRI-monitored medical equipment, the MRI-monitored medical equipment has an inductive coil built into the equipment that receives magnetic resonance signals from a subject and generates inductive electromagnetic signals according to the received magnetic resonance signals. The magnetic resonance imaging system has at least one reception coil that is positioned externally of the MRI-monitored medical equipment and that is connected to the magnetic resonance imaging system via a cable. The reception coil receives the electromagnetic signals that are generated by the inductive coil that is built into the medical equipment.
US08060178B2 System and method for performing probabilistic classification and decision support using multidimensional medical image databases
A system and method for providing decision support to a physician during a medical examination is disclosed. Data is received from a sensor representing a particular medical measurement. The received data includes image data. The received data and context data is analyzed with respect to one or more sets of training models. Probability values for the particular medical measurement and other measurements to be taken are derived based on the analysis and based on identified classes. The received image data is compared with training images. Distance values are determined between the received image data and the training images, and the training images are associated with the identified classes. Absolute value feature sensitivity scores are derived for the particular medical measurement and other measurements to be taken based on the analysis. The probability values, distance values and absolute value feature sensitivity scores are outputted to the user.
US08060177B2 Registration of computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) image scans with automatic patient motion correction
A method for combined computed tomography (CT) imaging and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging uses respiration-gated CT imaging in which the optimal criteria for CT scan gating are determined after the PET scan has been performed. After acquisition of first CT scan image data and PET scan image data with strain gauge levels being recorded, optimal gating criteria are calculated based on the strain gauge levels, and a second CT scan is then performed with triggering in accordance with the optimal gating criteria.
US08060171B2 Medical sensor for reducing motion artifacts and technique for using the same
A sensor for pulse oximetry or other applications utilizing spectrophotometry may be adapted to reduce motion artifacts by fixing the optical distance between an emitter and detector. A flexible sensor is provided with a stiffening member to hold the emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. Further, an annular or partially annular sensor is adapted to hold an emitter and detector of the sensor in a relatively fixed position when applied to a patient. A clip-style sensor is provided with a spacer that controls the distance between the emitter and detector.
US08060163B2 Seamless slider
The present invention relates to a radio communication terminal comprising a first casing, a second casing and a slider mechanism, comprising a slider and a base, the slider is mounted on either one of the first casing and the second casing and the base is mounted on the other of the first casing and the second casing, wherein the first casing is adapted to be moved in relation to the second casing in a first and a second direction between at least a first and a second position, and wherein said first and second directions are situated in a two dimensional plane.
US08060161B2 Portable electronic device and method for selecting operation mode thereof
A portable electronic device includes: first and second bodies connected to be relatively movable; a position sensing unit configured to sense at least one relative position set between opened and closed positions of the first and second bodies; and an output unit mounted on at least one of the first and second bodies and outputting an operation mode corresponding to the sensed relative position. A desired operation mode can be selected easily when the mobile terminal is moved to be opened and closed.
US08060160B2 Mobile terminal having speaker control and method of use
An apparatus and method for speaker control in a mobile terminal is provided. The mobile terminal includes a first body having first and second key input units, and a second body having a display unit and swingably connected in at least one of a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, such that the display can be positioned in a vertical direction in a closed state and in a horizontal direction in an open state, and at least two sound emission holes are formed on an upper surface of the second body for outputting sounds from at least two speakers, based on the open and closed state.
US08060159B2 Slidably and rotationally attaching unit and electronic device
A slidable and rotationally attaching unit configured to slidably and rotatably attach a movable housing on a supporting base so that a part of the movable housing is overlapped with the supporting base, the slidable and rotational attaching unit includes a base plate provided between the supporting base and the movable housing and attached to the supporting base; a plate cam provided between the supporting base and the movable housing and attached to the movable housing; a slide guide provided on a surface of the base plate facing the plate cam, the slide guide being formed by a slit or a groove along upper and lower directions in a standard pose that is a basic using state of the movable housing; a guide pin provided on a surface of the base plate facing the plate cam, the guide pin being positioned on an extended line of a lower end of the slide guide; and a connecting pin slidably and rotatably engaged with the plate cam so that the connecting pin prevents the plate cam from coming off from the slide guide.
US08060157B2 Recessed hinge
An apparatus including a first housing section having a first one-piece housing member; a second housing section having a second one-piece housing member; and a hinge rotatably connecting the first and second housing sections to each other. The hinge includes the first housing member forming a first hinge section at a first end of the first housing section which is pivotably connected to a second hinge section formed by the second housing member at a second end of the second housing member. The first and second hinge sections form opposite outer lateral ends of the hinge. The first and second hinge sections are spaced from outer lateral sides of the first and second housing sections. An axis of rotation of the hinge extends generally between the outer lateral sides.
US08060156B2 Filter having impedance matching circuits
A filter package is provided with a support structure, a filter device having terminals, impedance matching circuits formed on the support structure and electrically connected to at least some of the terminals of the filter device, and at least one electrical ground structure electrically connected to the impedance matching circuits. Moreover, the filter package has an outer housing to contain the support structure, filter device, impedance matching circuits, and at least one ground structure.
US08060155B2 Port cover opening/closing device for portable terminal
A port cover opening/closing device for a portable terminal to open or close a plurality of port covers using a single cover dummy is disclosed. The device includes a cover opening; a first sliding cover and a second sliding cover slidably combined along the longitudinal direction of the cover opening to selectively open or close a first opening/closing space, and a second opening/closing space of the cover opening; a cover dummy provided between the first and second sliding covers, overlapping the first and second sliding covers when the first and second opening/closing spaces are opened respectively, and positioned parallel with the first and second sliding covers when the first and second opening/closing spaces are closed respectively; and an elastic member in the cover opening, providing an elastic force to the cover dummy.
US08060153B2 Measurement method and apparatus of user equipment having variable measurement period in a mobile communication system
A method and apparatus for performing measurement by a User Equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system are provided. The UE has a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mode for discontinuously receiving data and a continuous reception mode for continuously receiving data. The mobile communication system also has a serving cell where the UE is located, and a neighboring cell located near the serving cell. Signal strength of the serving cell is measured according to a period of the DRX mode. The signal strength measurement is continuously performed on the serving cell and the neighboring cell, if the measured signal strength of the serving cell is less than or equal to a particular threshold. The continuous signal strength measurement is stopped and signal strength of the serving cell is measured according to the period of the DRX mode, if the continuously measured signal strength of the serving cell is greater than the particular threshold.
US08060149B1 Wireless radio and headphones system and associated method
A system includes a portable transmitting unit and at least one portable receiving unit in wireless communication therewith. The receiving unit has at least one receiver positioned within a user ear and at least one microphone. A mechanism removably secures the receiving unit to the user ear, and a mechanism removably attaches the transmitting unit to a user body part. A mechanism protects the transmitting unit from damage caused by harsh environmental conditions and is removably attached to the transmitting unit.
US08060147B2 Feeder cable reduction
The present invention allows transmission of multiple signals between masthead electronics and base housing electronics in a base station environment. At least some of the received signals from the multiple antennas are translated to being centered about different center frequencies, such that the translated signals may be combined into a composite signal including each of the received signals. The composite signal is then sent over a single feeder cable to base housing electronics, wherein the received signals are separated and processed by transceiver circuitry. Prior to being provided to the transceiver circuitry, those signals that were translated from being centered about one frequency to another may be retranslated to being centered about the original center frequency.
US08060146B2 Base station device and base station device installation error detection method
In a base station device (10), a reference installation direction storage unit (54) stores at least one reference installation direction serving as a reference installation direction. An acceleration sensor (52) measures an installation direction of the base station device. An inclination judgment unit (56) calculates inclination angles each defined by each reference installation direction stored in the reference installation direction storage unit (54) and the installation direction measured by the acceleration sensor (52). Moreover, the inclination judgment unit (56) judges whether each of the inclination angles exceeds a predetermined value. Then, an installation error alarm unit (58) issues a predetermined alarm when the inclination judgment unit (56) judges that some or all of the inclination angles exceed the predetermined angle.
US08060143B2 Combined base transceiver station and base station controller
A combined base station controller (12) and base transceiver station (14) comprises a selector distribution unit (SDU, 20), a main call control (MCC, 22) coupled to the SDU, a radio call control (RCC, 18) coupled to the MCC, and a channel element control (CEC, 16) coupled to the RCC.
US08060142B2 Method for reducing power consumption for detachable card and mobile communication terminal thereof
Disclosed are a method for reducing power consumption of a card for a mobile communication terminal and a mobile communication terminal thereof, in which power consumption of a battery is reduced by differently supplying voltage to first and second cards according to an operation or non-operation state of the first card or the second card.
US08060140B2 Method and apparatus for increasing data read speed from subscriber identity module
Provided is a method of efficiently reducing time taken for reading data from a SIM. For this purpose, the valid records of each EF are checked and only valid records with data are selectively read from a desired EF.
US08060128B1 Intelligence in power control algorithm
A method and system is disclosed for intelligent power control in a wireless communication system. In accordance with an example embodiment, a first device will operate in a dynamic-power state in which it responds to each power-increment command and power-decrement command received from a second device by incrementing or decrementing transmission power on an air interface. While operating in the dynamic-power state, the first device will recognize when a first threshold number of alternating power-increment and power-decrement commands have been received, and responsively will transition to operating in a steady-power state in which it no longer increments or decrements transmission power in response to power-control commands from the second device. While operating in the steady-power state, the first device will recognize when receives a particular sequence of power-control commands from the first device, and based at least on the recognition will transition to operating in the dynamic power state.
US08060127B2 Method and arrangement for power control
A method for setting a power control level (600) in a wireless communication system. The method includes the steps of obtaining (620) transmission information from a wireless subscriber unit, and modifying a power control level and/or a communication channel format (660) in response to said transmission information. Preferably, the transmission information is re-transmission requests from a wireless subscriber unit, which are transmitted frequently. In this manner, rapid adjustment of power control can be attained utilising an optimal selection of the available communication channel format, followed by a fine-tuning power control operation.
US08060126B2 Method of allocating transmission power based on symbol error rate for orthogonal space-time block codes in a distributed wireless communication system
Disclosed is a device for allocating transmission power using a symbol error rate (SER) for orthogonal space-time block codes (OSTBC) in a wireless communication system. The device includes: a plurality of antennas, which are distributed geographically and independently linked to a central processing unit; a receiver to select an optimum subset of the SER performance, using a preset power allocation to each of available antenna subset combinations, and sending the selected subset to a transmitter; and a central processing unit to allocate power by applying an OSTBC symbol having a unit average power to the optimum subset from the receiver.
US08060119B2 Adaptive wake-up period of roaming wireless terminals
A method for controlling a wireless terminal operating in a hibernation cycle alternating between a wake mode and a hibernation mode includes communicating with a first wireless network during a first waking period having a first duration, and with a second wireless network during a second waking period following the first waking period. The second waking period is extended to a second duration, greater than the first duration, responsively to detecting that the second wireless network is different from the first wireless network. Network information relating to the second wireless network is received during the second waking period.
US08060118B2 Mobile handset information stream
A system and method which allows for a more direct form of presenting useful information to a mobile handset user is disclosed. More specifically a method to dedicate a transmission period of the MAC protocol when certain pre-formatted information is transmitted to all users on a network.
US08060117B1 Location based information system
A wireless device-based system provides location-based services by determining the location of the wireless device and arranges for the service and the payment therefor.
US08060116B2 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) includes receiving, by the H-SLC, a request for positioning of the terminal; transmitting, a session initialization message including a notification mode parameter to the terminal if one or more of location-based notification and verification are required as a result of checking the privacy of the terminal; and receiving a report message including the positioned location of the terminal from the terminal, wherein the positioned location of the terminal is acquired by a positioning process between the H-SPC and the terminal.
US08060114B2 Mobile communication system and method for capturing information of other mobile communication terminals
A mobile communication system and a method for capturing information of other mobile communication terminals located within a distance from the user's mobile communication terminal may include a first mobile communication terminal for transmitting capture signal, location information and identification information; the second mobile communication terminals for transmitting location information and identification information of the second mobile communication terminals; and a base station for transmitting the GPS driving signal to the second mobile communication terminals and capturing information of the second mobile communication terminals.
US08060113B2 Location visit detail services for wireless devices
A location visit detail service, typically provided by a wireless carrier to a subscriber includes a portable wireless device, a location identification means and a central processor. The central processor periodically receives location data generated by the location identification means. The central processor data transforms the location data into time and position data pairs that identify the location of the portable wireless device at a particular time. Through a geographic information system database, the position data is converted to street address data. The details data is provided by the wireless carrier to the subscriber, which can use the details data to provide a summary report describing the activity of the service person. This summary report can be used for preparation of bills or for gathering statistics on (individual or group) service person efficiency. Alternatively, the wireless carrier can prepare the report that is then transmitted to the subscriber.
US08060110B2 Method for localizing mobile terminals
The geographical position, or measured information from which the geographical position may be deduced, of a mobile terminal is determined via requests to the terminal and positional information or measured information transmitted to a control device. The speed of displacement of the mobile terminal is determined from the transmitted positional information or measured information and the frequency of requests controlled depending on the determined speed of displacement of the mobile terminal. The communication exchange, in particular, for mobile terminals with low speeds of displacement is therefore significantly reduced and the mobile terminals and central devices provided with dynamic load reduction.
US08060103B2 Apparatus and method for operating broadcast message in broadband wireless communication system
Provided is an apparatus and method for transmitting neighbor base station information in a broadband wireless communication system. In the method, the priorities of subcells included in neighbor base stations that use at least one frequency allocation are determined. Subcells are selected among the subcells according to the determined priorities, information about which is to be transmitted to mobile stations located in a coverage area. Information about the selected subcells is transmitted to the mobile stations. Thus, the amount of resource for transmission of the neighbor base station information can be reduced. Therefore, the available resource of the downlink can be increased and the amount of a scan operation of the mobile station can be reduced.
US08060102B2 System and method for coverage analysis in a wireless network
The present invention is a system and method for coverage analysis in a wireless network. The invention seeks to evaluate the location and characteristics of a proposed base station in a wireless communication network, prior to the base station being erected. Data is collected from both: a test transmitter of known characteristics, erected at the proposed location for the proposed base station; and from a plurality of wireless channels of the existing network. The data may be collected at a plurality of measurement locations. The collected data is used to model and subsequently evaluate the behaviour of the network in the presence of channels that would be introduced into the network if the new base station were erected. Modeled data may include estimates of signal to noise ratios for various wireless channels for both existing base stations and the proposed base station, at the measurement location. The model data may be displayed on a GUI, depicting modeled signal characteristics in a geographical area surrounding the proposed base station, to estimate overall acceptability of a proposed base station at a proposed location before incurring the cost of installing the base station.
US08060100B1 Neighbor list control for a wireless communication system
A control system processes a first neighbor list for a first base station to identify a second base station and a third base station. The control system processes a second neighbor list for the second base station and a third neighbor list for the third base station to determine if the second base station is on the third neighbor list and if the third base station is on the second neighbor list. The control system processes wireless coverage data for the second base station and the third base station to determine if a wireless coverage overlap exists between the second base station and the third base station. If the overlap exists and if one of the base stations is not on the other base station's neighbor list, then the control system indicates that the missing base station should be added to the other base station's neighbor list.
US08060095B1 Individual neighbor threshold and hysteresis assignment
Systems and methods for handover of a mobile station to a base station are provided. Handover criteria for determining which base station to handover to is different for different candidate base stations. This difference can account for base station loading and/or environmental factors. The handover criteria can include a threshold and hysteresis value. A wireless communication system can employ a fixed threshold and hysteresis value for all base stations, and these fixed values are adjusted differently for different candidate base stations.
US08060094B2 Transmission of messages between network entities in a wireless communications network
A method of transmitting data between first and second network entities in a communications network, the method including, transmitting from the first network entity an establishment message providing a first indication which indicates whether the first network entity is capable of handling extended messages, receiving the message at the second network entity and returning to the first network entity an establishment response which provides the first indication in respect of the second network entity, and transmitting a data message from the first network entity to the second network entity, the data message selectively being an extended message in dependence on the first indication received in the response message, the data message further providing a second indication which indicates whether or not the data message is an extended message.
US08060093B2 Handover system and method in a wireless mobile communication system
A handover method of a Mobile Station (MS) and a wireless mobile communication system are provided. The handover method includes sending a handover request message to a Serving Base Station (BS), receiving a handover response message including handover Target BS information and an entire Cipher-based Message Authentication Code (CMAC) value corresponding to a first number of bits, from the Serving BS in response to the handover request message, storing a partial CMAC value corresponding to a second number of Most Significant Bit (MSB) bits in the entire CMAC value, sending to the Serving BS a handover indication message including the entire CMAC value and information on a Target BS to which the MS has determined to handover, selecting a ranging code using the partial CMAC value, and sending the selected ranging code to the Target BS.
US08060091B2 Transfer rate measurements
An apparatus in a radio terminal (MS) determines a measure representing transfer rate from a radio cell to the terminal. The apparatus includes units (SINR-1, . . . , SINR-4) for determining several signal quality measures of pilot signals received from and associated with several antennas in the radio cell. A summation unit (SUM) combines several such signal quality measures into a combined transfer rate measure associated with the radio cell. Such combined measures are determined for several radio cells surrounding the terminal. Further means (MEN, SEL, TH) select radio cells associated with combined transfer rate measures that support a predetermined transfer rate as candidates for communication with the terminal. The selected measures are reported to the radio network controller and used for cell selection or handover.
US08060090B2 Mobile station and handover control method
A mobile station includes a handover controller. When the mobile station simultaneously communicates with a plurality of radio base stations by using first channels and communicates only with a certain one of the plurality of radio base stations by using a second communication channel, and even when the radio quality of the certain radio base station communicating by using the second communication channel becomes deteriorated, the handover controller maintains communications with the certain radio base station communicating by using the second communication channel.
US08060081B2 Remote battery replacement notification system and method
A remote battery replacement notification system (10) for a communication system includes a subscriber unit (12) having a battery (14). An operational support system (16) is in communication with the subscriber unit (12). The operational support system (16) periodically polls the subscriber unit (12). A compact service node (18) is in communication with the subscriber unit (12). The compact service node (18) sends a replace battery notification to the subscriber unit (12) when a replace battery message is received from the operational support system (16).
US08060079B1 Minimum least squares error based analysis for throughput-prioritized radio frequency performance optimization
A method and system for prioritizing the optimization of sectors within a cellular network using the minimum least squares error (“MLSE”) algorithm is presented. Each sector's throughput and performance metrics are collected over time. Problem sectors are having one or more performance metrics above or below a specified acceptable value are identified. A MLSE algorithm is applied to problem sectors to determine a weight per metric. Next, for each problem sector, the optimized throughput is calculated by substituting the value of a specific problem metric with an acceptable value. Problem sectors are prioritized in order of how much their throughput would improve as a result of an improvement to the problem metric.
US08060078B2 System for remote configuration, operation and control of an interface device
A system for remote monitoring and control of remotely located equipment that minimizes wireless airtime includes an interface device coupled with the remote equipment. The interface device selectively communicates over a wireless network with a central server and/or a user device. Wireless communication with the interface device is field configurable by a user to be selectively triggered based on user specified operational conditions. Communication by the interface device may be with one of a first protocol and a second protocol based on user specified operating conditions to optimize wireless airtime. Field configuration of operation of the interface device may be performed with a customization template.
US08060076B2 Real-time RSL monitoring in a web-based application
A system and method for monitoring an attribute of a received signal in a wireless network having plural radios wherein one of the radios includes a monitoring module operatively connected to a second network. An attribute of one radio is monitored substantially continuously at the monitoring module. A display device is operatively connected to the second network. A value representative of the current state of the attribute is transmitted via the second network to the display device upon a change in the state of the attribute from a previous state of the attribute, and the value is displayed on the display device.
US08060070B2 System and method for redirecting communications for a mobile device
A method and system for automatically triggering call redirecting in response to a mobile device detecting its connection to a host such as a personal computer, is provided. In one embodiment, the mobile device detects connection by sensing application of a charging voltage via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, and signaling the mobile device processor of the event. In response, the mobile device processor automatically decides to which alternative endpoint communications should be forwarded, and either instructs its transmitter to transmit a forwarding command to a network operations center or instructs the host to transmit the command through the Internet. The network operations center switch is operable to receive a call redirecting command respecting the mobile device from either the mobile device or the host to which the mobile device is connected, and adjusting its settings to effect call redirecting for subsequent communications for the mobile device.
US08060066B2 System and method for transmitting RDS/RBDS data
A receiver including first circuitry configured to combine corresponding soft decision values from at least two groups of RDS/RBDS data transmitted as part of a broadcast channel to generate a set of combined values and second circuitry configured to identify a subset of the combined values that indicate a relatively constant subset of the received values from the at least two groups of the RDS/RBDS data is provided.
US08060062B2 Method and system for displaying message information in mobile communication terminal
A method and system that can display information about messages that are not stored because sufficient space to store a message does not exist in a mobile communication terminal are provided. A method of displaying message information using a message server and mobile communication terminal includes storing at least two messages in the message server, generating a message including message information from the stored messages, transmitting the message to the mobile communication terminal, and acquiring and displaying the message information from the message.
US08060060B1 Selectively limiting communications through a port of a mobile communications device
Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for performing a method of selectively controlling communications through a communications port of a mobile communications device. The system-provider information is useable by the mobile communications device to communicate with a wireless telecommunications network that is designated in the system-provider information. Illustratively, the method includes presenting a user interface on the mobile communications device. The UI exposes an option to enable the communications port to be useable to modify the system-provider information. The mobile communications device can be in a first state that currently prohibits data from being passed through the communications port to the system-provider information. Input is received that is to be used to enable data to be passed through the communications port to the system-provider information. The input is authenticated to determine that it is a valid input that is authorized to transition the mobile communications device to a second state, in which the communications port is enabled to receive data that is useable to modify the system-provider information. Incident to authenticating the input, the mobile communications device is transitioned to the second state.
US08060057B2 Pre-paid wireless interactive voice response system with variable announcements
A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu-driven, and can accept information and requests from customers. In response to one type of request, the system can provide the customer with information regarding one or more previous transactions. The system also includes provisions that permit customers to retrieve multiple previous transactions.
US08060054B1 Method and system for reactive power-saving
Disclosed herein is a method and system for power management in a subscriber station. The method involves (a) during a communication session between a subscriber station and an access network, determining a packet inter-arrival time for data received from the access network; (b) determining whether the packet inter-arrival time indicates that the communication session is in a high-activity state or, in the alternative, indicates that the communication session is in a low-activity state; (c) if the packet inter-arrival time indicates that the communication session is in the low-activity state, then selecting a first power-saving mode for use by the subscriber station; and (d) if the packet inter-arrival time indicates that the communication session is in the high.
US08060051B2 Radio communication apparatus and frequency offset calculation method
In a radio communication apparatus, a frequency offset calculator of the radio communication apparatus calculates a frequency offset of the received radio signal from the reception frequency of the radio communication apparatus. An averaging unit averages the frequency offset calculated by the frequency offset calculator. A moving speed calculator calculates the moving speed of an associated radio communication apparatus with which the radio communication apparatus is communicating, based on the frequency offset calculated by the frequency offset calculator. An averaging time changer changes an averaging time for which the frequency offset is averaged by the averaging unit, in accordance with the moving speed of the associated radio communication apparatus calculated by the moving speed calculator.
US08060048B2 Mixer arrangement
A quadrature connected passive mixer arrangement for frequency converting analog signals from a first to a second frequency. The arrangement comprises two parallel connected mixers provided as transistors. First and second LO signals and their inverse signals having separated phases are provided for driving the transistors. Signal path switches are provided between the RF terminals and the mixer transistors. The switches are driven by signals having a different phase than the signal driving the corresponding mixer transistor. Thus, any short circuit between IF terminals of the arrangement may be eliminated.
US08060044B2 Impulse waveform generating apparatus
An impulse waveform generating apparatus comprises an oscillator for generating a reference signal having a center frequency in a frequency band of an impulse to generate, a timing matching circuit for shifting a phase of the reference signal by 90 degrees, a frequency demultiplier for dividing a frequency of the phase shift signal and obtaining a timing signal having a frequency component having a frequency width of an impulse to generate, a memory storing a waveform shape table, a waveform forming section for forming a waveform in synchronism with the timing signal, according to information of a shape table having a predetermined waveform, a low-pass filter for obtaining an envelope signal from an output signal of the waveform forming section, and a waveform generating section for changing an amplitude of the reference signal according to a value of the envelope signal.
US08060043B2 Adaptive IIP2 calibration
A radio frequency transceiver (102), including a transmitter (104), a duplexer (108) and a direct-conversion receiver (106) including a mixer (140 and 141). An IIP2 calibration system (170), coupled to the transceiver, includes an IIP2 coefficient estimator (172) for calculating an estimate of second-order distortion intermodulation distortion, and an IIP2 controller (174) for adjusting an IIP2 tuning port of the mixer in the receiver to minimize second-order distortion intermodulation distortion in the receiver that may be caused by the receiver receiving a transmit RF signal leaking through the duplexer.
US08060041B2 Adaptive receiver for wireless communication device
In general, the disclosure is directed to techniques for combining a high performance receiver and a low power receiver within a wireless communication device (WCD) to reduce power consumption. Upon receiving a signal from a base station, a controller within the WCD detects one or more channel conditions of a radio frequency (RF) environment between the base station and the WCD. The controller selects a high performance receiver to process the received signal when the RF environment is unfavorable and selects a low power receiver to process the received signal when the RF environment is favorable. In this manner, the WCD implements an adaptive receiver that adapts its receiver structure according to RF channel conditions.
US08060040B2 True root-mean-square detection with a sub-threshold transistor bridge circuit
A sub-threshold transistor bridge circuit for use in detecting the signal level of an input radio-frequency signal is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment each branch of the sub-threshold transistor bridge circuit comprises a transistor configured to operate in the sub-threshold region over a predetermined range of input signal levels. An input radio-frequency signal applied to a first pair of opposing corners of the bridge circuit yields a bridge output signal at the remaining pair of opposing corners that has a low-frequency component substantially proportional to the squared-amplitude of the envelope of the input radio-frequency signal. Also disclosed are various detector circuits including a sub-threshold transistor bridge circuit, as well as methods for detecting a signal level for an radio-frequency signal using a sub-threshold transistor bridge.
US08060039B2 Methods and apparatus for reestablishing a data connection with a wireless communication network
Methods and apparatus for use in a wireless communication device for communications with a wireless communication network are described. In one illustrative technique, the wireless device sends a message to the wireless network which causes data connection parameters of a previous data connection to be reset. Preferably, the message is a disconnect frame. After the message is sent, the wireless device sends a request for a new data connection to the wireless network. Thereafter, the wireless device communicates data over the new data connection with use of new data connection parameters. The data connection parameters may include an encryption parameter. The actions may be performed in response to a communication failure, such as a device reset that occurs while being out-of-coverage.
US08060037B2 Circuit and method of calibrating direct current offset in wireless communication device
A circuit for calibrating the DC offset in a wireless communication device utilizes a voltage-generating circuit to generate a first voltage value and its negative value, and utilizes a detecting circuit to detect an output of the wireless communication device and generate a first target-branch reference value corresponding to the power of the output when the first voltage value is inputted into a target branch (e.g., the in-phase branch or the quadrature branch) of the wireless communication device, and detect an output of the wireless communication device and generate a second target-branch reference value corresponding to the power of the output when the negative value of the first voltage value is input into the target branch. Then, an estimating circuit estimates the DC offset on the target branch according to the first and second target-branch reference values and the first voltage value.
US08060036B2 Wireless terminal device and method of establishing communication connection with an access point
A mobile terminal device includes a detector, a transceiver, an analyzer, an execution module, and a connection module. The detector generates a probing request signal. The transceiver receives signals sent from a plurality of access points (AP). The analyzer retrieves a plurality of Received signal strength Indications (RSSI) of the plurality of APs and workload of the plurality of APs by analyzing the signals. The execution module generates a plurality of indices of the plurality of APs based on an analysis results, and selects one of the plurality of indices as a best comprehensive index. The connection module establishes a connection between an AP corresponding to the best comprehensive index and the mobile terminal device.
US08060035B2 Transmit power control techniques for wireless communication systems
Methods and systems of controlling transmit power in a multi-user wireless communication system is provided, A transmit power, level for a transmitter is determined according to an algorithm based in communication theory, such as an iterative water-filling procedure, which takes into account an assumption of transmit behaviours of transmitters in the communication system. Actual transmit behaviours of transmitters in the communication system are monitored using a learning algorithm to determine whether any transmitters exhibit transmit behaviours which are not consistent with the assumption.
US08060034B2 Polar modulation transmission apparatus
By compensating for a detection result of the detector in feedback control of output power of the power amplifier, the polar modulation transmission apparatus is able to realize accurate transmission power control. Polar modulation transmission apparatus 100 has detector 106 that detects output power of power amplifier 103, PAPR calculating section 131 that calculates the PAPR of the spread modulated signal, compensation value generating section 134 that outputs a compensation value corresponding to the calculated PAPR and an arithmetic operator that performs an arithmetic operation using the compensation value and a detection result obtained by detector 106. By this means, it is possible to compensate for the sensitivity of detector 106 (measurement sensitivity) that changes depending on the βparameter and mode and make the sensitivity of detector 106 (measurement sensitivity) virtually constant.
US08060026B2 System and method for calibrating a transceiver
The present invention provides systems and methods for calibrating a transceiver. In an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a modular wide-range microwave transceiver, each having precalibrated modules, comprises the steps of coupling the precalibrated modules to form a radio unit, each module having a module memory storing predetermined calibration values, coupling the radio unit to a signal processing unit, determining a first attenuation value by adjusting a first transmit attenuator to achieve a predetermined target output of a AGC detector, and storing the first attenuation value in a first module memory, and when an RF loopback switch is coupled as part of the radio unit, determining a received signal level (RSL) correction factor and transmit output power correction factor based on a loop-back switch insertion loss.
US08060024B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting data in a communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting data in a communication system are provided. The method for transmitting the data includes determining data to be transmitted over a power boosting zone, generating a power boosting zone used for power-boosting and transmitting the data, allocating the data to the generated power boosting zone and power-boosting and transmitting the power boosting zone.
US08060022B2 Communication method in mobile communication system, and mobile station and base station in the same system
The present method adds uplink data to a transmission request sent to the base station from the mobile station for obtaining permission for data transmission, or to a channel establishment request sent from the mobile station to the base station for establishing a channel in order to send the transmission request therethrough. This makes it possible to suppress delay caused by negotiation prior to actual uplink data transmission as much as possible, thereby realizing efficient uplink data transmission, that is, improved throughput of uplink communication.
US08060020B2 Apparatus and method for removing interference signal using selective frequency phase converter
An apparatus and method for removing an interference signal using a selective frequency phase converter are disclosed. The apparatus for removing an interference signal using a selective frequency phase converter includes: a first phase converter configured to convert a phase of a received RF signal to differentially output first and second signals having a phase difference of 180° from each other; a second phase converter configured to receive the first signal and selectively convert the phase of a particular frequency band; a third phase converter configured to receive the second signal and selectively convert the phase of a particular frequency band; a timing controller configured to correct a signal delay time between the output from the second phase converter and that of the third phase converter; and an adder configured to add an output from the second phase converter and an output from the third phase converter, wherein the second and third phase converters phase-convert the first and second signals such that the phases of the signals of the particular frequency bands do not have a phase difference of 180° from each other.
US08060019B2 Asymmetric ESD protection for FM transmitter
Various apparatuses and methods for protecting a transmitter from electrostatic discharge are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide an apparatus including a first ESD clamp connected to an antenna input, a first reactive component connected to the first ESD clamp, a second ESD clamp connected to the first reactive component, and a second reactive component connected between the second ESD clamp and the transmitter.
US08060018B2 Data sharing based on proximity-based ad hoc network
A system and method is described for constructing a proximity-based ad hoc network among a plurality of sensor-enabled devices and for using such a network to facilitate data sharing among users of those devices (referred to herein for simplicity as “sensors”). The system and method advantageously enables data to be shared among co-located sensors in a manner that does not require local connections or communication among those sensors and that protects user privacy. The system and method also beneficially enables data to be transferred among heterogeneous sensor types that would otherwise be incapable of detecting and/or communicating with each other. The system and method may perform user-initiated data transfer as well as automatic data transfer responsive to sensor proximity and other factors, such as commonality of user interests or activities or membership in a social network.
US08060014B2 Wireless and dockable audio interposer device
An apparatus meant to be interposed between a wired device and a wireless device gathers information concerning the functions of which each of the wired device and wireless devices are capable, passing on signals from the wireless device to the wired device to perform an audio function if the wired device is determined to be present and/or capable of performing the audio function, performing the audio function if capable of doing so and if the wired device is determined to not be present and/or incapable of performing the audio function, and responding to the wireless device as if the audio function were successfully performed if incapable of doing so and if the wired device is determined to not be present and/or incapable of performing the audio function.
US08060006B2 Counter-intelligence signal enabled communication device
According to one embodiment, a radio has a memory for the storage of a number of records. Each record has a number of operating parameters that are used by a controller subsystem to control the radio's operation. The controller subsystem is operable to communicate with a first communication device using a first electro-magnetic signal while communicating with a second communication device using a second electro-magnetic signal configured according to one of the records. The first electro-magnetic signal uses a portion of the information transfer capacity of the radio and is devoid of a counter-intelligence signal. The second electro-magnetic signal comprises a counter-intelligence signal that is operable to eavesdrop or disrupt communication of the second communication device.
US08060003B2 Image forming apparatus wherein a setting unit sets an interval of image formation according to a size of a recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes a paper cassette feeding a recording material, an image forming unit forming an image on a photosensitive member, a primary transfer roller transferring the image onto an intermediate transfer belt, a secondary transfer roller transferring the image onto the recording material, and a sensor detecting the size of the recording material. The timing of starting feeding the recording material is later than the timing of starting forming the image. When image formation on the recording material is started, until the sensor detects the size of the recording material, a plurality of images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt at a first interval according to a predetermined recording material size, and after the sensor detects the size of the recording material, a plurality of images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt at a second interval according to the detected recording material size.
US08059998B2 Image forming device adapted to control speed difference between first rotary member and second rotary member
In an image forming device including a first rotary member arranged to drive an intermediate transfer belt, a first motor arranged to rotate the first rotary member, and a second rotary member arranged to transfer a toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt to a recording sheet, a torque command value detecting unit detects a torque command value to the first motor. A setting unit sets up a lower limit of the torque command value. A judgment unit determines whether a detected torque command value exceeds the lower limit. A control unit controls driving of the second rotary member when the detected torque command value exceeds the lower limits so that a difference between a surface speed of the intermediate transfer belt and a peripheral speed of the second rotary member falls within a predetermined range.
US08059997B2 Developer carrying member and developing apparatus
A developer carrying member is disclosed which can stably provide toners with triboelectric charges even in various environments. The developer carrying member has a substrate and a resin layer as a surface layer formed on the surface of the substrate, and the resin layer contains a thermosetting resin as a binder resin, an acrylic resin having two units having specific structures, and conductive particles.
US08059991B2 Belt-conveyance control device, image forming apparatus, belt-conveyance control method, and computer program product
A control unit calculates a difference between a displacement of a belt detected by an encoder and a predetermined target value, calculates a pulse frequency of a driving pulse signal based on a feedback control based on the difference and a feed-forward control based on a reference driving pulse frequency, sets a control range of the feedback control to be equal to or smaller than a frequency of one rotation of a driven roller, and controls driving of a pulse motor such that the belt moves at a constant speed.
US08059989B2 Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus with member supporting a plurality of cartridges
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cartridge supporting member supporting a plurality of cartridges and moving between a position inside a main body of the apparatus and a mounting and detaching position for mounting and detaching the cartridges. The apparatus further includes an engaging portion provided to one of the supporting member and the main body at a position corresponding to the mounting and detaching position for at least one cartridge, and a pressure member provided to the other and elastically urged to disengageably engage with the engaging portion. When the supporting member is moved from the inside position to the mounting and detaching position, a load required for movement of the supporting member at the mounting and detaching position is made larger than a load required for movement at other positions than the mounting and detaching position.
US08059988B2 Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a drum unit supporting the drum, a developing unit supporting a developing roller and swingably coupled with the drum unit, drum and developing roller rotating force receiving portions first and second positionable portions positioned at first and second main assembly side positioning portion by contacting to the first main assembly side positioning portions by contacting by the urging force of first and second main assembly side urging members, a developing device spacing force receiving portion, first and second cartridge side rotation regulating portions for limiting rotation of the drum unit by abutting first and second main assembly side rotation regulating portions, when the drum and developing roller rotating force receiving portions receive the rotating forces or when the developing device spacing force receiving portion receives the urging force from the main assembly.
US08059985B2 Image forming apparatus with accurately positionable cleaning unit for cleaning a transfer unit
A transfer unit includes: a plurality of rollers; an image forming section which performs formation of a toner image in accordance image information and transfer of the toner image; an intermediate transferring belt to which the toner image is transferred from the image forming section; and a contact member which comes in contact with a part of the cleaning unit at a position apart from the intermediate transferring belt to perform positioning of the cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit includes: a cleaning mechanism which cleans the front surface side of the intermediate transferring belt; a positioning shaft which fits into the positioning portion formed in the apparatus main body, the positioning shaft being rotatable in such a direction as to come in contact with or separate apart from the transfer unit; and an abutting member which comes in contact with the contact member of the transfer unit.
US08059983B2 Phase detecting device, phase control device including the phase detecting device, and fuser control device including the phase control device
A phase detecting device includes a power input unit that receives an AC voltage; a phase detector that detects zero-crossing points of the AC voltage, and outputs a phase detecting signal when the zero-crossing points of the AC voltage are detected; and a power switch that selectively cuts off a flow of AC into the power input unit in response to a mode control signal.
US08059979B2 Control of a power supply for a transfer unit in an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a transfer unit, a power supply unit that takes a value of a current imparted to the transfer unit as a control target and that supplies power conforming to the value of the control target to the transfer unit; and a determination unit that acquires a detection value of a voltage detection unit and a detection value of a current detection unit and that determines, as a control target value for the power supply unit, an optimum value for the control target derived from a characteristic line showing a relationship between both detection values or a detection value of the voltage detection unit and an optimum value of the control target. The characteristic line is a line showing a relationship of a change in the absolute value of the optimum value for the control target shifting from an increasing tendency to a decreasing tendency with an increase in both detection values or the detection value of the voltage detection unit.
US08059977B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting nip width based on the measured hardness of a fuser roll in an image production device
A method and apparatus for adjusting nip width based on the measured hardness of a fuser roll in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving an identification of media type, receiving a signal to measure fuser roll hardness, positioning a fuser roll hardness measurement unit onto the fuser roll, measuring the fuser roll hardness, and adjusting the nip width based on the measured fuser roll hardness and received media type identification.
US08059967B2 Optical pulse generator and optical pulse tester
An optical pulse generator includes a light emitting element that emits an optical pulse, and a driver. The driver is configured to apply a pulse driving current to the light emitting element to allow the light emitting element to emit an optical pulse. The driver is also configured to apply a preliminary driving current to the light emitting element prior to starting the application of the pulse driving current. The preliminary driving current is lower than a minimum level that needs to cause a stimulated emission of light.
US08059961B2 Customer premises optical network unit and optical transmission system
A customer premises optical network unit (ONU) comprises: an electrical/optical transform unit 6 to be connected with an optical transmission path 2 at a central office side for performing an opto-electrical transform and an inverse opto-electrical transform; an ONU function part 7 to be connected with an electric signal input and output terminal of the electrical/optical transform unit 6; a serial/parallel transform unit 8 to be connected with a parallel signal terminal of the ONU function part 7 for performing a serial/parallel transform and an inverse serial/parallel transform; and a multi source agreement interface module 9 to be connected with a serial signal terminal of the serial/parallel transform unit 8.
US08059960B2 Path computation element method to support routing and wavelength assignment in wavelength switched optical networks
A network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising transmitting a request to compute a routing assignment, a wavelength assignment, or both, wherein the request comprises a lightpath constraint indicator is disclosed. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising a Path Computation Client (PCC) configured to transmit a request to and receive a reply from a Path Computation Element (PCE), wherein the request comprises a lightpath constraint, and wherein the reply comprises a routing assignment, a wavelength assignment, an error message, a no-path indication, or combinations thereof. Included is a method comprising receiving a request comprising a request parameter (RP) object comprising a lightpath constraint, sending a reply comprising a routing assignment, a wavelength assignment, an error message, a no-path indicator, or combinations thereof, wherein the request is received and the reply is sent using path computation element protocol (PCEP).
US08059959B2 Loss-of-light detecting apparatus
According to an aspect of an embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a correction level calculating unit that calculates a correction level, which is the input light level necessary to meet an optical signal-to-noise ratio at the maximum level of an optical noise signal; a loss-of-light detection threshold-value setting unit that compares the correction level with an initial threshold value to set a loss-of-light detection threshold value used in detection of any loss of light on the basis of the comparison result; and a loss-of-light detecting unit that compares the level of an input optical signal with the loss-of-light detection threshold value to determine that any loss of light is caused if the level of the input optical signal is lower than the loss-of-light detection threshold value.
US08059955B2 Image pickup apparatus and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same
An image pickup apparatus includes an optical system, a detector, and an image processor. The detector picks up an object image that passes through the optical system. The image processor performs a predetermined process for an object image signal obtained from the detector. A relative position between the optical system and the detector is set by adjusting an optical axis and/or a back focus in association with at least one of variation in quantity of ambient light around an image pickup area, variation in image circle, and variation in angle of view.
US08059952B2 Photographing module
This invention provides a photographing module at least including: an electric drive assembly comprising a movable member, a holder, a magnetic circuit system and an elastic member, wherein the magnetic circuit system comprises at least three magnets and at least three coils so as to drive the movable member to perform a linear movement with respect to the optical axis and an angle of inclination with respect to at least an axis, and a magnetic pole direction of each magnet is perpendicular to the optical axis, an axis with respect to the coil winding axis of each coil is perpendicular to the optical axis; a photo sensor positioned on an image side of the photographing module and connected to the holder of the electric drive assembly; and a vibration sensor at a proper position of the photographing module capable of detecting directions and magnitude of a vibration.
US08059946B1 Concentrated thermal radiation transfer system from electrically produced source
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for concentrated thermal radiation heat transfer from an electrically produced source of light. Whereby, the electromagnetic energy is conveyed from the source through lens assemblies for collection and distribution. The concentrated thermal radiation can be utilized locally or remotely through optical fiber systems. It can be collected on metal or other collecting surfaces and can heat various mediums. The heated medium can then be transferred by way of ventilation, pumps. or natural dispersion. The concentrated heat can be utilized without the use of a collection surface directly into its surroundings. In this embodiment the light from the source can also be put to use without the need for optical fiber systems or other devices. The array of lens assembles and optical fiber systems can be molded together out of plastic, glass, or other materials to minimize the cost of manufacturing.
US08059945B2 Nozzle-based, vapor-phase, plume delivery structure for use in production of thin-film deposition layer
A vapor deposition source including a crucible configured to hold a quantity of molten constituent material and at least one nozzle to pass vapor evaporated from the molten constituent material out of the crucible.
US08059944B2 Electrical heating device, particularly for an automobile vehicle
The invention relates to a heating device comprising a housing (15), through which air to be heated can pass and which delimits a heating space controlled by a power supply control circuit connected to a power source. The heating space includes electric heating modules (14), each heating module consisting of a first and second metal tape (10, 10) that arc essentially parallel in a transversal direction (D) and of a positive temperature coefficient resistive elements (12) fixed between the two metal tapes.
US08059940B2 Broadcast receiving apparatus and broadcast receiving method
According to one embodiment, a broadcast receiving apparatus includes a receiving module configured to receive a broadcast signal; a storage configured to store audio files and video files; a reading module configured to determine whether the broadcast signal received is an audio signal or a video signal, and to read a video file or an audio file from the storage according to a result of determination; and a playing back module configured to play back audio and video on the basis of the broadcast signal and one of the video file and the audio file read by the reading module.
US08059938B2 Picture recording apparatus
A picture recording apparatus which can record a picture on a write-once medium having an element which specifies a first size on a recording area assigned to data saving in edit processing, and an element which subtracts the first size from a remaining amount of recording area in the write-once medium to calculate a second size secured for recording, characterized in that a recording size is managed using the second size as an upper limit of a recordable size, and that an editing area is secured using the first size as a lower limit.
US08059934B2 Video recorder and printing system including video recorder
A video recorder connected to an external device such as a printer or a personal computer. The video recorder comprises a tuner for receiving a television program and program information corresponding to the television program, a recording medium for recording the television program and the program information received by the tuner, a remote controller, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor generates a label image based on the television program selected by the user with the remote controller, the program information corresponding to the television program, and the data which the user has input in the video recorder. And then the microprocessor sends the generated label image to the external device such as the printer.
US08059933B2 Backlight asymmetric light input wedge
A backlight is disclosed and includes a visible light transmissive body primarily propagating light by TIR with a light input surface and a light output surface and a light guide portion and a light input portion. The light guide portion has a light reflection surface and a light emission surface. The light input portion has opposing side surfaces that are not parallel. One of the opposing surfaces is co-planar with either the light emission surface or the light reflection surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface. The light source emits light into the light input portion. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or on the opposing side surfaces.
US08059932B2 Modular optical fiber cassette
The present disclosure includes apparatus and methods for a modular optical fiber cassette. One embodiment includes a base housing configured to receive additional nested components and an adapter plate resiliently connected to the housing and comprising a plurality of optical fiber connectors. The adapter plate is releasable from the housing and providing access to both sides of the adapter plate. The cassette further includes a radius limiter nested with and resiliently connected to the base housing, a first expansion housing having an exterior contour substantially aligned with the base housing and configured to resiliently interlock with the base housing, and a cover resiliently connected to the expansion housing.
US08059931B2 Fiber optic monitoring patch panel providing readily accessible monitoring ports
A patch panel includes a rackmount cabinet, front and rear doors, a stepped front panel, and provision for inserting and securing a plurality of coupler cartridges. The stepped front panel has a recessed first portion and a second portion, where the second portion extends farther in a forward direction, e.g., towards the front door, than the recessed first portion. Traffic ports are positioned at the recessed first portion of the stepped front panel and monitor ports are positioned at the second portion of the front panel so that communication traffic cables inserted in the traffic ports are isolated from the monitoring ports. The communication traffic cables may be held in a cable management area that is at least partially defined by the recessed portion of the stepped front panel.
US08059930B2 Optical fiber and method for fabricating the same
An optical fiber includes a core (1a) having an oblong rectangular or square cross section and made of quartz, and a cladding (2) surrounding the core (1a), having a circular outer cross-sectional shape, and made of resin.
US08059929B2 Tools and methods for manufacturing fiber optic distribution cables
Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The methods present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. Specifically, the methods include presenting a length of distribution optical fiber outward of the protective covering that is longer than the opening at access location. After the opening is made in the protective covering at the access location, the optical fibers for distribution are selected. Then a tool according to the present invention is positioned about the optical fibers selected for distribution and slid within the protective covering of the fiber optic distribution cable until it reaches a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable. Consequently, the tool is positioned for cutting the distribution optical fiber at a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable at a downstream location. Thereafter, the tool is removed and the cut distribution optical fiber is routed through the opening at the access location so the distribution optical fiber is presented outside the protective covering.
US08059923B2 Systems and methods for minimally-invasive optical-acoustic imaging
An imaging guidewire can include one or more optical fibers communicating light along the guidewire. At or near its distal end, one or more blazed or other fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) directs light to a photoacoustic transducer material that provides ultrasonic imaging energy. Returned ultrasound is sensed by an FBG sensor. A responsive signal is optically communicated to the proximal end of the guidewire, and processed to develop a 2D or 3D image. In one example, the guidewire outer diameter is small enough such that an intravascular catheter can be passed over the guidewire. Techniques for improving ultrasound reception include using a high compliance material, resonating the ultrasound sensing transducer, using an attenuation-reducing coating and/or thickness, and/or using optical wavelength discrimination. Techniques for improving the ultrasound generating transducer include using a blazed FBG, designing the photoacoustic material thickness to enhance optical absorption. Techniques for distinguishing plaque or vulnerable plaque may be used to enhance the displayed image.
US08059916B2 Hybrid system for multi-projector geometry calibration
A method of calibrating a multi-projector image display system is provided. According to the method, non-parametric calibration data for the display system is recovered and used to generate a non-parametric model of the display system. Local parametric models relating to the display surface of the projection screen are generated and are compared with data points defined by the non-parametric calibration data to identify one or more local errors in the non-parametric calibration data. The local errors in the non-parametric calibration data are converted to data points defined at least in part by the local parametric models and the projectors are operated to project an image on the image projection screen by utilizing a hybrid calibration model comprising data points taken from the non-parametric model and data points taken from one or more local parametric models. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08059915B2 Apparatus for and method of robust motion estimation using line averages
A method of processing an image includes the steps of computing a plurality of line averages for a first image; identifying a set of pairs of line averages having high edge strengths; identifying a set of maximal pairs of line averages from among the set of line averages having high edge strength; expanding each of the maximal pairs of line averages into line stacks to form a set of line stacks; applying the set of line stacks to a second image so as to compute lines averages for the second image; shifting the line stacks to center the stacks on areas of highest edge strength and computing a distance between line stacks of the first and second images.
US08059908B2 Adaptive area of influence filter for irregular spatial sub-sampled images
A sample cell corresponding to a sample is computed to include pixels of an image according to sample cell criteria and shape. The sample cell shape and criteria define pixels to include in the sample cell. A target pixel cell corresponding to a target pixel includes pixels of the image according to a target pixel cell criteria defining which pixels are included in the target pixel cell. A sample filter coefficient is computed from pixels in the sample and target pixel cells. A filter tap corresponding to the target pixel is defined based on the sample filter coefficient. A tap extension corresponding to the target pixel is generated. The tap extension defines additional pixels of the image to be included in an extended target pixel cell according to a tap extension criteria. The extended target pixel cell includes pixel in the target pixel cell and the additional pixels. A tap extension filter coefficient based on pixels located in the extended target pixel cell and the sample cell is computed. Sample cell shape is varied according to sample cell shape parameters. An optimal filter weight for the target pixel is extracted from the sample filter and tap extension filter coefficients.
US08059905B1 Method and system for thresholding
Embodiments of the present invention provide for thresholding data elements (such as coefficients). According to one embodiment, a number of functions (including feature detector functions) can be applied to a data element to generate responses. Additionally, noise profiles can be consulted to determine an expected result for each function if the data element represents noise. An output value (e.g., after thresholding) for the data element can be generated based on the actual responses of the functions and the expected responses.
US08059904B2 Image-processing device, electronic camera, image-processing program, and image-processing method
An image-processing device of the invention can appropriately correct a gradation of an image to be processed in accordance with the image. Thus, it divides the image into plural small areas; generates image information indicating a characteristic of the image for each small area; determines an evaluation value indicating luminosity of each pixel constituting the image, according to the image information generated for each small area and image information generated for each of adjacent small areas to the each small area; and performs an image processing on each pixel of the image according to the determined evaluation value. A digital still camera of the invention can appropriately correct a gradation of an image created by shooting in accordance with the image. Moreover, an image-processing program and an image-processing method of the invention realize appropriate gradation correction in accordance with an image to be processed.
US08059903B2 Data compression-decompression method, program, and electronic device
An electronic device includes: a PHLCT circuit (15), which includes an input signal DCT coefficient computation module configured to compute DCT coefficients of an input signal of a subject block region in a plurality of block regions and block regions adjacent to the subject block region, respectively, an offset function DCT coefficient computation module configured to compute DCT coefficients of a gradient offset function, which offsets the gradient of the input signal at a block boundary between each subject block region and its adjacent block regions from the DCT coefficients of the input signal, and a residual computation module configured to compute a residual of the DCT coefficients of the input signal and the DCT coefficients of the gradient offset function; a quantization circuit configured to quantize the residual to obtain compressed data; and an entropy coding circuit (17) configured to encode the compressed data.
US08059901B2 Switching device for sharing input/output devices and computer system using the same
A switching device that selectively switches connections to a predetermined terminal among two or more terminals connected to servers, and can be remote-controlled via a network, includes a network interface circuit to be connected to the network, an image processing unit that includes an image compression circuit for compressing image signals outputted from the servers, and a controller that changes a compression method or compression rate to be used at the image compression circuit in accordance with the congestion level of the network.
US08059897B2 Method for automatically performing an image processing function on an electronic device
A method (400) for automatically performing a plurality of image processing functions on an electronic device (100) by providing a plurality of image processing option keys (405) including a first image processing option key and a second image processing option key. The first image processing option key is associated with a first image processing function and the second image processing option key is associated with a second image processing function that is different from the first image processing function. The method (400) performs capturing (410) a first image using a camera (119) in response to a user activation of the first image processing option key and then automatically performing (415) the first image processing function in response to capturing the first image. Next, there is performed a capturing (420) a second image using the camera (119) in response to a user activation of the second image processing option key and automatically performing (425) the second image processing function in response to capturing the second image. Both the first image processing function and the second image processing function are selected from a group of functions.
US08059896B2 Character recognition processing system and computer readable medium storing program for character recognition processing
A character recognition processing system includes a character recognition confidence evaluating unit that evaluates whether confidence of character recognition of a plurality of areas are low or high, a character area classification unit that classifies a first area evaluated low by the character recognition confidence evaluating unit into a plurality of components, a character separation unit that separates the components classified by the character area classification unit into a character component and non-character components, according to information relating to a second area evaluated high by the character recognition confidence evaluating unit, and a first character recognition unit that performs character recognition processing for the character component separated by the character separation unit.
US08059887B2 System and method for providing mobile range sensing
The present invention provides an improved system and method for estimating range of the objects in the images from various distances. The method comprises receiving a set of images of the scene having multiple objects from at least one camera in motion. Due to the motion of the camera, each of the images are obtained at different camera locations Then an object visible in multiple images is selected. Data related to approximate camera positions and orientations and the images of the visible object are used to estimate the location of the object relative to a reference coordinate system. Based on the computed data, a projected location of the visible object is computed and the orientation angle of the camera for each image is refined. Additionally, pairs of cameras with various locations can then be chosen to obtain dense stereo for regions of the image at various ranges. The process is further structured so that as new images arrive, they are incorporated into the pose adjustment so that the dense stereo results can be updated.
US08059884B2 Method and system for obtaining bounds on process parameters for OPC-verification
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of performing printability verification of a mask layout. The method includes creating one or more tight clusters; computing a set of process parameters associated with a point on said mask; comparing said set of process parameters to said one or more tight clusters; and reporting an error when at least one of said process parameters is away from said one or more tight clusters.
US08059883B1 Electronic key identifier system and method
A housing unit has an aperture for a key. A key reader is located within the housing unit. The key reader is adapted to scan a key in the aperture. The key reader is further adapted to generate a new key image signal. A memory drive is adapted to receive a key image signal from the key reader. The memory drive includes software. In this manner previously transmitted and stored key image signal transmissions are compared with newly transmitted key image signal transmissions. A screen is provided. The screen is capable of displaying information. The displayed information is provided by the software. The invention also includes the steps of utilizing the system of the present invention.
US08059881B1 Check image processing
Systems for processing digital check image files include an image classification module programmed to review a plurality of attributes associated with a digital check image file including at least one check image, and to categorize the digital check image file into at least one category of a plurality of categories, and a decision module programmed to decide how to process the digital check image file based on the category.
US08059875B2 Information processor, method of detecting factor influencing health, and program
Provided is an information processor which detects factors, in a video, influencing health, and which includes: an image input unit which receives a series of image data to process a plurality of consecutive still images constituting the video; a feature-quantity calculation unit which calculates a feature quantity of each still images on the basis of the image data; a conditional-expression storing unit which stores a conditional expression, for each factor, to determine whether each of the still images produces the factor on the basis of the corresponding feature quantity; a factor determination unit which determines, for each factor, whether each of the still images produces the factors on the basis of the corresponding feature quantity and the corresponding conditional expression; and an image-list display unit which displays, for each factor, a list of information indicating the still images determined to produce the factor.
US08059874B2 Method for producing a three-dimensional image dataset of a target volume
The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional image dataset of a target volume by using an examination facility having at least two image recording facilities, each featuring a radiation source and a radiation detector, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation which is arranged perpendicular to the connecting line between the radiation source and the radiation detector, comprising: adjusting the recording areas of the image recording facilities such that the recording areas arranged offset in the z-direction supplement each other to form a recording area, which is enlarged in the z-direction; simultaneously recording two-dimensional images in different orientations by means of the image recording facilities rotating about their axis of rotation; reconstructing a three-dimensional sub-image dataset in each instance from the images of the individual image recording facilities; combining the sub-image datasets to form the three-dimensional image dataset.
US08059873B2 Volume of interest selection
A method of creating a segmentation of a volume of interest in an object data set is described, which object data set is formatted into object data slices, in which at least two object data slices each contain a contour line defining the portion of the volume of interest present in that object data slice as a region of interest. The method comprises the steps of calculating at least one surface which cuts through each of the at least two regions of interest, defining two curves on each surface which intersect with the contour lines, arranging for those curves to define the portion of the volume of interest present in the surface, calculating on each of the remaining object data slices a contour line which includes those points on the curves which intersect with that object data slice. A computer program and work station are also described.
US08059872B2 Fingerprint image forming apparatus, finger movement amount calculation method, and fingerprint image forming method
A disclosed apparatus for forming a fingerprint image includes a partial sensor configured to obtain partial images of a fingerprint of a finger moving over the partial sensor; a reference image storing unit configured to store a reference partial image; and an image difference calculating unit configured to calculate a reference image difference between the reference partial image and a first partial image, to calculate a current image difference between the reference partial image and a second partial image, to calculate an amount of movement and/or a position of the finger based on a ratio of the current image difference to the reference image difference, and to store the second partial image and/or the first partial image as parts of the fingerprint image to be formed if the amount of movement and/or the position of the finger is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
US08059871B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method, program, and storage medium
Paper fingerprint information that represents a fiber pattern unique to a paper sheet is scanned, and the paper fingerprint information and its position information are embedded at two corners as the cater-cornered positions on a paper sheet. The paper fingerprint information is extracted based on the embedded position information.
US08059869B2 Apparatus and method for recognizing and determining a position
An apparatus for recognizing and determining the position of at least one teat of a milking animal includes a scanning head comprising a light source and a camera. The light source emits light into a region which is expected to contain a teat or teats and the camera captures images formed by the light. In a first scanning mode, the scanning head is moved from a low initial position upwards in a circular coil until the position of at least a first teat has been established. Thereafter, in a second scanning mode, the scanning head is moved upwards in a circular coil until the positions of all teats have been established, or a predetermined time limit has elapsed during the scanning procedure. The coil traversed during the first scanning mode is wider than the coil traversed during the second scanning mode.
US08059868B2 License plate recognition apparatus, license plate recognition method, and computer-readable storage medium
A license plate recognition apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a plurality of quadrangles of license plate region candidates from input images, a character recognition unit configured to execute character recognition of a character region included in the license plate region candidate detected, and an output unit configured to select a license plate region candidate to be output from among the plurality of license plate candidates detected by the detection unit based on the character recognition result and information of the quadrangle of the respective license plate region candidates and output information relating to the license plate region candidates selected.
US08059867B2 Detection system, informing system, actuation system and vehicle
A detection system is provided for easily detecting information about respective objects seated on a plurality of vehicle seats. An occupant information detection apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed which, in one form, comprises a single photographing section capable of detecting image, a projector lens and a mirror which have viewing angles wider than that of the single photographing section and can independently project the objects seated to the single photographing section to correspond to respective vehicle seats, and a control section for detecting information about objects seated on the respective vehicle seats.
US08059866B2 Image selection based on image content
An image capture system comprises an image input and processing unit. The image input obtains image information which is then passed to the processing unit. The processing unit is coupled to the image input for determining image metrics on the image information. The processing unit initiates a capture sequence when the image metrics meet a predetermined condition. The capture sequence may store one or more images, or it may indicate that one or more images have been detected. In one embodiment, the image input is a CMOS or CCD sensor.
US08059864B2 System and method of image-based space detection
Disclosed is a system and method of image-based space detection. The system includes an image selection module, a 3-layer detection mechanism and an optimization module. At least one image processing area that may affect space-status judgment is selected from plural image processing areas. The 3-layer detection mechanism having an observation layer, a labeling layer, and a semantic layer observes the information about the selected image processing area, associates with a local classification model, and adjacent local constraint model and a global semantics model to completely describe the probability distribution of the links among the three layers, and provide global label constraint information. The optimization module analyzes the probability distribution and global label constraint information, and generates an image-based optimized space detection result.
US08059856B2 Methods and apparatus for providing a heat sink for a loudspeaker
A heat sink for a loudspeaker assembly includes: a housing of generally toroidal shape defining an interior portion and an exterior portion; and a plurality of fins extending from within the interior portion of the housing to, and at least partially over, the exterior portion of the housing.
US08059854B2 Earphone
An earphone includes a housing, a reel mechanism, a speaker, and a transmission wire. The reel mechanism is pivotally disposed in the housing and has an accommodating space defined therein for accommodating the speaker. The transmission wire is wound on the reel mechanism. When the transmission wire is pulled or released and thereby drives the reel mechanism to rotate, the speaker rotates coaxially together with the reel mechanism.
US08059853B2 Externally providing a device functionality on a hand-held, portable electronic device
Device functionality is provided externally on a hand-held, portable electronic device. In one illustrative embodiment, the hand-held, portable electronic device comprises a transceiver for sending and receiving user communications; one or more processors; a memory; a user interface; a display; and a device body including a device housing. The device housing includes a side circumferential surface on at least two device edges and front, back surfaces. The device housing has a first groove being substantially disposed from the front surface to the back surface across the side circumferential surface of a first device edge of the at least two device edges. And it has a second groove being substantially disposed from the front surface to the back surface across the side circumferential surface of a second device edge of the at least two device edges, different than the first device edge such that the first groove is configured to enable a device functionality of the hand-held portable electronic device by providing an external geometric hardware feature to the device body.
US08059850B2 Condenser microphone
An exemplary condenser microphone includes a printed circuit board, a first via, a second via, and a number of through holes. The first and second vias are formed in the printed circuit board for the signal line and ground line respectively passing therethrough. The through holes are formed surrounding the first and second vias. Inner walls of the through holes are coated with a conductive material.
US08059849B2 Small-footprint microphone module with signal processing functionality
An acoustic processing module receives an acoustic signal, and outputs an analog output signal. Microphone sensors are provided for generating a corresponding electrical signal in response to the acoustic signal. A signal processing circuit is connected to the microphone sensors, and processes the electrical signals according to one or more analog signal processing functions to generate the analog output signal. An integrated casing encapsulates the microphone sensors and the analog processing circuit, and prevents external interference from affecting any electrical signals within the integrated casing.
US08059843B2 Display device with sound module
A display device includes an enclosure, a pair of speakers, and a sound reflector accommodated in the enclosure. The sound reflector defines two chambers for receiving the sounds generated from the pair of speakers respectively and outputting the sounds out of the display device independently.
US08059837B2 Audio processing method and system
An audio processing system is provided. The audio processing system comprises a transducer, a gain stage, a capacitor network, and a preamplifier. The transducer transduces a sound signal to a voltage signal. The gain stage comprises an input coupled to the transducer and an output. The capacitor network, coupled between the output of the gain stage and the transducer, provides an equivalent capacitance. The preamplifier coupled to the transducer amplifies the voltage signal.
US08059836B2 Microphone bias circuits
A microphone bias circuit is disclosed. A current source provides a first current. A voltage buffer provides a first reference voltage. A microphone coupled between the current source and the first reference voltage receives acoustic waves and converts the received acoustic waves to a second current. A loading device coupled between the current source and a second reference voltage lower than the first reference voltage outputs an output voltage according to the first current and the second current.
US08059827B2 Noise reduction apparatus
A passive noise reduction apparatus for altering predetermined sound levels of a sound producing device, the noise reduction apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric foil sensor disposed relative to the sound producing device with the at least one piezoelectric foil sensor being operable to convert such sound wave energy into an electric sound signal and one or more electric circuits in electrical communication with the at least one piezoelectric foil sensor for receiving the electric sound signal and shunting the electric sound signal to a ground connection, thereby reducing sound heard outside the sound producing device.
US08059822B2 Method and device for actively correcting the acoustic properties of an acoustic space listening zone
The invention concerns a method and device for actively correcting acoustic properties of a listening zone (27) of an acoustic space (1), comprising means for converting a signal to be reproduced (2, 4) in an acoustic space (1), means for attenuating resonance including at least means for measuring the perturbed sound signal (15), means for processing an electric signal (6) and at least one secondary sound reproduction source (8). The invention is characterized in that the means for measuring the perturbed sound signal (15) are distributed in several predetermined measuring positions (5) in the acoustic space (1), the secondary sound reproduction sources (8) are distributed in several predetermined correcting positions (17) in the acoustic space (1), the resonance attenuating means is coupled with means for processing the signal to be reproduced (3) and the electric signal processing means (6) includes at least one signal controlling means (7) connected to each means for measuring the perturbed sound signal (15).
US08059813B2 Control method of communication terminal the communication terminal and control program of the communication terminal
A control method of a communication terminal having a telephone directory user interface and a communication system, the control method and system include storing a plurality of telephone numbers corresponding to a destination user as telephone directory data, requesting a notification of location information of the destination user to a server, receiving location information of the destination user from a server, and displaying a telephone number corresponding to a current location of the destination user.
US08059808B2 System and method for implementing and accessing call forwarding services
A communications redirection service is implemented when current communications service data for an account is forwarded through a packet switching network. An instruction is received through the packet switching network for the communications redirection service to redirect communications addressed to the first receiving communications address to a second receiving communications address when the communications are from a specified sending communications address. The instruction for the communications redirection service is forwarded to a communications service manager through a data network. Communications addressed to the first receiving communications address are redirected to the second receiving communications address in accordance with the instruction for the communications redirection service when the communications are from the specified sending communications address.
US08059796B2 Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffick-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.
US08059791B2 Visual alert provisioning system and method
A visual alert method and system permits (1) a visual alert to be provided with a call to a called party on a call termination attempt; (2) a visual alert to be provided to a calling party on a call termination attempt; and (3) the respective parties to block undesired visual alerts. Such visual alerts may comprise icons that may be navigated by a subscriber to trigger and initiate corresponding and dynamically updatable communications and communication links.
US08059790B1 Natural-language surveillance of packet-based communications
Methods and systems are provided for natural-language surveillance of packet-based communications. Speech data is received, representing at least part of a speech session. The speech data is compared with at least one speech-characteristics profile in an automated manner. The comparing step comprises using natural-language-processing (NLP) to compare the speech data with the profiles on at least one of a lexical level, a syntactic level, a semantic level, a discourse level, and a pragmatic level. It is determined in an automated manner whether the speech data matches any of the profiles. If the speech data matches at least one profile, an indication that the speech data matches the at least one matching profile is responsively stored.
US08059784B2 Portable orthovoltage radiotherapy
A portable orthovoltage radiotherapy system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, the ocular structures are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the ocular structures inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the ocular structures within the coordinate system.
US08059782B2 Radiotherapeutic apparatus
The present invention seeks to provide a radiotherapeutic apparatus that mitigates the various problems found in the techniques such as tomotherapy, IMAT, IMRT and the like. It provides a radiotherapeutic apparatus comprising a source of radiation whose output is collimated by a multi-leaf collimator, and a patient support, the source being rotatable around the support and the support being translatable along the axis of rotation, thereby to move the source helically relative to a patient on the support. The leaves of the MLC are preferably oriented orthogonal to the axis of rotation, to simplify computation of the dose distribution. The apparatus thus moves the patient on the patient support system along the axis of rotation, in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the device has an effectively unlimited treatable volume in the longitudinal direction and avoids the limitations of IMAT and IMRT techniques whilst enabling the use of thin MLC leaves to give a high longitudinal resolution. The apparatus is preferably combined with an optimization system providing a computational service similar to that provided for IMAT and IMRT devices. Essentially the same computational techniques could be used, with appropriate changes to the input conditions and characteristic equations. The long aperture length (compared to tomotherapy) makes the radiation delivery efficient and therefore the delivery of high doses a practicality; hypofractionation and radiosurgery therefore become possible over large treatable volumes.
US08059781B2 Cargo scanning system
The present invention is directed to a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source. A detector array having a first configuration and a second configuration is connected to a housing and at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is capable of being transported to a site by a vehicle and of being positioned separate from the housing. The radiation source is housed in a radiation source box and movable within the radiation source box using an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to the radiation source and provides a translational energy that moves the radiation source between an operational position and a stowed position.
US08059778B1 Automatic clock frequency acquisition
A system and method are provided for automatically acquiring a serial data stream clock. The method receives a serial data stream with an unknown clock frequency and coarsely determines the clock frequency. The frequency is coarsely determined by (initially) selecting a high frequency first reference clock (Fref1), and counting the number of data transitions in a first time segment of the serial data stream at a plurality of sample frequencies equal to Fref1/n, where n is an integer ≧1. The count for each sampling frequency is compared to the count for Fref1 (n=1). Next, the highest sampling frequency (n=x) is determined, which has a lower count than Fref1, and the coarse clock frequency is set to Fc1=Fref1/(x−1).
US08059773B1 Channel equalization in receivers
Apparatus and methods relating to channel equalization include a method including: generating a first output signal in a frequency domain based on a communications signal of a channel; determining a first channel response based on the first output signal and one or more pilot signals of the communications signal; generating a first equalized signal based on the first output signal and the first determined channel response; generating a first decision signal based on the first equalized signal; generating an output signal in a time domain based on the first decision signal; determining a second channel response based on the time domain output signal; generating a second output signal in the frequency domain based on the second channel response; generating a second equalized signal based on the first and second output signals and the time domain output signal; and generating a second decision signal based on the second equalized signal.
US08059772B2 Filter and method for suppressing effects of adjacent-channel interference
A filter device and method for suppressing effects of Adjacent-Channel Interference of a received signal in a Frequency-Division-Multiple-Access system by filtering a baseband signal of the received signal. The filter device comprises an interference filter, which is a complex digital Single-Input-Multiple-Output, SIMO, filter that is adapted to simultaneously generate a first signal filtered at an upper-frequency-band and a second signal filtered at a lower-frequency-band, wherein the first signal is separate from the second signal. The filter device also comprises a selector adapted to select one of the signals as the output from the filter device.
US08059771B2 Method and system for transmitting and receiving data streams
A method and system for transmitting and receiving data using a plurality of antennas are disclosed. The method of transmitting includes the steps of receiving feedback information from a receiving end, the feedback information including group selection information and weight values for the plurality of antennas, grouping the plurality of antennas into a plurality of antenna groups based on the group selection information included in the feedback information, and transmitting, to a receiving end, a plurality of data streams through the plurality of antenna groups, respectively, based on the weight values.
US08059767B2 Communications device and related method that detects symbol timing
A communications device includes a signal input for receiving signals such as a binary phase shift keyed (BPSK) communications signal having a repeated preamble bit or symbol pattern. A modem processes the communications signal and includes a demodulator and processor that generates an initial frequency offset estimate and phase error estimate by processing such as with a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), that detects the repeated preamble pattern for a block of samples within the communications signal, correlates two halves of the block of samples with a plurality of different shifted sequences and determines a maximum correlation value for the shifted sequence that provides the maximum correlation value to establish a symbol timing estimate based on the known timing alignment of this shifted sequence. Radio circuitry is operative with the modem for processing communications data obtained from the communications signal.
US08059766B2 Communications device and related method with reduced false detects during start of message bit correlation
A communications device includes a signal input for receiving signals such as a binary phase shift keyed (BPSK) communications signal having a repeated preamble bit or symbol pattern. A modem processes the communications signal and includes a demodulator and processor that generates an initial frequency offset estimate and phase error estimate by processing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) that detects the repeated preamble pattern for a block of samples within the communications signal, correlates within a start of message correlator to search for a start of message sequence and correlates different phases of the repeated preamble pattern within training correlators for reducing false detections of the start of message. Radio circuitry is operative with the modem for processing communications data obtained from the communications signal.
US08059765B2 Method and apparatus to detect random access channel preamble
A method (and operation of a computer program and an apparatus) includes receiving a signal over a wireless channel; correlating the received signal with a reference sequence and providing a correlation output; processing the correlation output to detect a presence of a first predetermined preamble sequence using a main correlation peak and two first order frequency shift peaks and nulling second and higher order frequency shift peaks from the correlation output prior to further processing the correlation output to detect a presence of a second predetermined preamble sequence.
US08059756B2 High-speed serial link receiver with centrally controlled offset cancellation and method
A high-speed serial link receiver includes variable offset comparators with centrally controlled offset cancellation. The receiver includes a comparator stage to receive a high-speed differential input signal. Comparator elements of the comparator stage have first and second current sources to provide current to corresponding differential amplifier half-circuits. An offset cancellation controller provides an offset cancellation signal for setting current provided by one of the current sources to at least partially offset an output offset between the differential amplifier half-circuits. A receiver system may be comprised of a plurality of receiver units for receiving a corresponding plurality of channels over high-speed serial links. A state machine may sequentially determine an offset cancellation code for the comparator elements of the receiver units.
US08059746B2 Producing STTD diversity signal from rake combined level 3 message
A circuit is designed with a measurement circuit (746) coupled to receive an input signal from at least one of a first antenna and a second antenna of a transmitter. The measurement circuit produces an output signal corresponding to a magnitude of the input signal. A control circuit (726) is coupled to receive the output signal, a first reference signal (.eta..sub.1) and a second reference signal (.eta..sub.2). The control circuit is arranged to produce a control signal in response to a comparison of the output signal, the first reference signal and the second reference signal.
US08059739B2 Method and apparatus for correcting data transmission errors
A wireless communication device corrects data transmission errors caused by the simultaneous transmission of multiple streams of data in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) network. The wireless communication device corrects data transmission errors by removing the signal contribution associated with one or more received signal components from a corresponding received composite signal, thus allowing the remaining components to be decoded relatively free from the signal contribution of the removed components. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device comprises a plurality of antennas and a baseband processor. The antennas are configured to receive a composite signal having a plurality of received signal components. The baseband processor is configured to obtain decoding quality metrics for individual ones of the received signal components, form regenerated received signal components for the received signal components having satisfactory decoding quality metrics, and remove the regenerated received signal components from the received composite signal.
US08059738B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting data using a plurality of carriers
A data transmitting and receiving method of transmitting supplementary data in an OFDM communication system is disclosed. The method of transmitting and receiving the OFDM signal includes: mapping an input bit stream into at least one transfer symbol; changing at least one of amplitudes and phases of the transfer symbols that are transmitted by a specific sub-carrier group having a plurality of sub-carriers using constellation modification information to indicate specific additional data; and transmitting the transfer symbols, to which the changing is carried out, to a receiving end by an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing data processing, the constellation modification information being identical to each other with respect to the transfer symbols that are transmitted by the specific sub-carrier group.
US08059737B2 OFDM receiver having memory capable of acting in a single-chip mode and a diversity mode
An OFDM receiver is provided. The OFDM receiver comprises a Fourier transform (FFT) module, a storage device, an equalizer, and a diversity combiner module. The Fourier transform module transforms a time-domain symbol into an OFDM symbol. The storage device stores OFDM symbols. When operated in a single chip mode, the storage device stores more OFDM symbols outputted from FFT module than operated in a diversity mode. The equalizer retrieves the OFDM symbols from the storage device or the FFT module, estimates the channel frequency response of a transmission channel, and equalizes the OFDM symbol according to the channel frequency response. When operated in the diversity mode, the diversity combiner module receives the OFDM symbols and an alignment signal from a diversity OFDM receiver.
US08059734B1 MIMO equalization for wireless communication systems
A method to equalize multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signals assigns a weight to the output of each receive chain in the MIMO system based on a first noise power value in each receive chain. A second noise power value can be computed using a difference between identical symbols from one or more weighted/un-weighted receive chain signals. Notably, the second noise power value includes thermal noise, phase noise, quantization noise, and distortion noise. The weighted outputs of the receive chains and the second noise power estimate may be used in an equalization calculation to recover the input signal.
US08059731B2 Base station, mobile station and method
A base station performs communication of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme with a mobile station by using any one of equal to or greater than two frequency bands. The base station includes means that transmits a synchronization channel and a control channel using a band that includes a center frequency fA on a raster of a first band (20 MHz) and that has a bandwidth equal to or greater than that of a second band (5 MHz of the end). The control channel includes center frequency information for specifying a center frequency fA′ of the second band. Since the mobile station moves to a desired band after obtaining center frequency information using a band including the center frequency on a raster, the mobile station can connect to the desired band without searching frequencies that are not on the raster.
US08059729B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data in a multi-channel digital broadcasting system
An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data for a multi-channel digital broadcasting system, using advanced encoding schemes (including sub channels having a regular part and a parity part) but also compatible with the existing digital broadcasting systems. In the transmitting apparatus, a main service channel includes a plurality of sub channels, and at least one of the sub channels contains a regular part generated based on the information data and a parity part corresponding to the regular part.
US08059725B2 Induction neutralizing transformer
An induction neutralizing transformer is provided. The induction neutralizing transformer includes a core and a coil wrapped around the core. The coil has a length between approximately 100 feet and approximately 200 feet and includes a plurality of twisted wire pairs. The induction neutralizing transformer does not include a screen or shield to prevent crosstalk interference.
US08059722B2 Method and device for choosing a mode of coding
The present invention relates to a method and a device for choosing a mode of coding from among a plurality of modes of coding for a subset of blocks included in a set of blocks. An energy function over the set of blocks for each of the modes of coding is calculated and calculation elements of the energy function are stored for at least the subset of blocks. A first mode of coding, minimizing the energy function over the set of blocks is chosen. The energy function over the subset of blocks for each of the modes of coding is thereafter calculated by using the calculation elements stored for the subset of blocks and by said subset, of a cost of coding for the modes of coding distinct from the first mode of coding. The choice of a mode of coding minimizing the energy function over the subset is then effected.
US08059710B2 Space-time coding method for a multi-antenna system of the UWB pulse type
A space-time coding method for a UWB transmission system comprising at least two radiated elements. The method codes a block of information symbols S=(a1, a2 . . . , ap,)) belonging to an M-PPM modulation or M-PPM-M′-PAM composite modulating alphabet with M being even, into a sequence of vectors (si,j, Ωsi,j), the components of a vector being intended to modulate a UWB pulse signal for a radiative element of said system and for a given transmission interval (Tƒ).
US08059708B2 Pulse width digitizing method and pulse width digitizer using thereof
A pulse width (PW) digitizer comprises a current pump, a capacitor, a quantizer, a feedback controller, and a digital filter. The current pump provides a current signal in response to a PW signal. The capacitor obtains a voltage signal in response to the current signal. The quantizer obtains a digital signal in response to the voltage signal. The feedback controller determines a feedback PW signal in response to the digital signal. The feedback PW signal is fed back to the current pump for controlling the current signal converging to a specific value and controlling the digital signal switching between a first code and a second code. The digital filter counts times that the digital signal indicating the first code/the second code and accordingly obtains the PW of the PW signal.
US08059707B1 Decoding method and apparatus
A decoding unit for decoding a modulated signal includes a summing unit having i) a first input, ii) a second input, and iii) an output. The summing unit is configured to i) receive the modulated signal at the first input, ii) receive a feedback signal at the second input, and iii) output a first waveform based on the modulated signal and the feedback signal. A demodulation unit has a first demodulation pathway and a second demodulation pathway. The demodulation unit is configured to i) select between the first demodulation pathway and the second demodulation pathway, ii) receive and demodulate the modulated signal with the first demodulation pathway, and iii) receive and demodulate the first waveform with the second demodulation pathway. The remodulation unit is configured to selectively i) output a first complex waveform based on the modulated signal, and ii) output a subsymbol waveform of the first waveform.
US08059706B2 Method and system for transmission and/or reception of signals utilizing a delay circuit and DDFS
Aspects of a method and system for transmission and/or reception of signals utilizing a delay circuit and a DDFS are provided. In this regard, a first signal may be delayed by 90°, via a plurality of delay elements and variable capacitance, to generate a second signal. The first and second signal may be mixed to generate a first LO signal, which may be utilized for a first frequency conversion. A second LO signal may be generated via a DDFS and may be utilized for a second frequency conversion. A digital input word of the DDFS, a value of the variable capacitance, and/or at least a portion of the delay elements, may be programmatically controlled based on a desired frequency for transmission and/or desired frequency for reception. The first frequency conversions may be up-conversions and/or down-conversions to/from baseband, one or more intermediate frequencies, and/or RF.
US08059705B2 Channel equalization using frequency and phase compensation
A system and method are provided for channel equalization using a combination of frequency and phase compensation. The method receives a serial data stream input, and parallel processes the data stream input through a first and second path. The first path has a first frequency response, and the second path has a second frequency response, higher than the first frequency response. Signals are combined from the first and second paths, creating a frequency compensated signal. Then, the frequency compensated signal is parallel processed through a third path having a first time delay, and a fourth path having a fourth time delay, greater than the third time delay. The signals from the third and fourth paths are combined, created a phase compensated signal. In one aspect, the phase compensated signal is amplified, creating a voltage limited output signal.
US08059704B2 Near-end crosstalk noise minimization and power reduction for digital subscriber loops
To optimize the performance of DSL modems in the same cable bundle, the size and position of the group of subcarriers used for transmission is intelligently selected when the bit rate necessary for making the transmission is less than the total available bandwidth provided by all subcarriers. By intelligently selecting a minimum number of subcarriers for Digital Multi-tone (DMT) signal transmission, a reduction in line driver power consumption is effectuated. Additionally, by intelligently selecting the position of the groups of subcarriers within the total available subcarriers, near-end crosstalk (NEXT) noise within the cable bundle may be minimized.
US08059703B2 System and method for determining a suitable impedance for a modem
A system includes a plurality of modules which are configured for determining a suitable impedance for a modem. The plurality of modules send signals with a plurality of signal frequencies to a telephone and receive feedback signals from the telephone under each of a plurality of impedances of the modem, compute a total decibel value of the feedbacks under each impedance, and determine a suitable impedance according to a minimum total decibel value from the plurality of total decibel values.
US08059700B2 Method of processing positioning signals, in particular for indoor applications
A method of processing positioning signal constituted by a superposition of individual signals generated by a plurality of emitters, in particular satellite emitters, comprising:—a first step of coarse acquisition of said individual signals, comprising correlation of the received positioning signal with locally generated replicas of said individual signals;—a step of identifying spurious correlation peaks induced by interferences; and—a step of estimating the code delays and the carrier frequency shifts of the acquired individual signals which are not affected by said interferences. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the method can also comprise:—a refining step of determining more accurate estimates of said code delays and carrier frequency shifts; and—a step of interference cancellation. The method of the invention is particularly suitable to indoor positioning applications.