| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08108938B2 |
Data communication system, device, and method
A data communication device that communicates with a storage device via a network includes an input unit for inputting user identification information, a log-in processing unit configured to enable a user to log in to access a storage area of the storage device associated with the user identification information, an accessing unit configured to access the storage area if the user logs in, a determining unit configured to determine whether data processing involving the accessed storage area is ongoing when an instruction is sent to cause the user to log out, and a controller unit configured to enable the user to log out and disable access to the storage area when the data processing is not ongoing, and, when the data processing is ongoing, enable access to the storage area even after the user has logged out until the data processing has been completed. |
| US08108935B1 |
Methods and systems for protecting active copies of data
A computer-implemented method for protecting active copies of data may include detecting an attempt to access an active copy of original data, identifying an access rule associated with the original data, and determining whether to allow access to the active copy by applying the access rule to the attempt to access the active copy. The computer-implemented method may also include associating the access rule with a file-system path of the active copy. The access rule may be a file-system rule associated with a file-system path of the original data. Various other computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for protecting active copies of data are also disclosed. |
| US08108931B1 |
Method and apparatus for identifying invariants to detect software tampering
Various embodiments of a method and an apparatus for identifying invariants to detect software tampering is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of identifying invariants associated with a software package comprises applying a machine learning technique to a plurality of images associated with a software package to identify a memory location within the plurality of images to be a candidate invariant, wherein the plurality of images comprises images of memory used during execution of the software package and determining an invariant based on the candidate invariant. |
| US08108930B2 |
Secure self-organizing and self-provisioning anomalous event detection systems
An approach for providing managed security services is disclosed. A database, within a server or a pre-existing anomalous event detection system, stores a rule set specifying a security policy for a network associated with a customer. An anomalous detection event module is deployed within a premise of the customer and retrieves rule sets from the database. The anomalous detection event module monitors a sub-network of the network based on the rule sets. The anomalous event detection module is further configured to self-organize by examining components of the network and to monitor for anomalous events according to the examined components, and to self-provision by selectively creating another instance of the anomalous detection event module to monitor another sub-network of the network. |
| US08108918B2 |
Zero knowledge attribute storage and retrieval
Some embodiments of zero knowledge attribute storage and retrieval have been presented. In one embodiment, the content of a piece of data is encrypted at a client machine. Further, an identifier of the piece of data is hashed at the client machine. The encrypted content and the hashed identifier may be stored in a database maintained by a server without disclosing the content of the data to the server. |
| US08108917B2 |
Management apparatus
There is provided a management apparatus, which comprises a transmission condition judgment unit which refers to a target digital certificate and judges whether a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied based on a period of validity written in the target digital certificate, a mail generating unit which generates an e-mail provided with link information to a web page where updating operation on the target digital certificate is acceptable if the predetermined transmission condition is judged as satisfied by the transmission condition judgment unit, a destination setting unit which sets an destination e-mail address of the e-mail generated by the mail generating unit, and a mail transmission unit which transmits the e-mail generated by the mail generating unit to the destination e-mail address set by the destination setting unit. |
| US08108916B2 |
User fraud detection and prevention of access to a distributed network communication system
A system and method are disclosed for user fraud protection and prevention of access to a distributed network communication system. A first set of identification data associated with a first network access are stored. A second set of identification data associated with a second network access are stored. The first and second sets of identification data comprise a first computing device identification and a second computing device identification, respectively. If one or more fraud indicators are determined in the two sets of identification data, then the first and/or second network access may be revoked. The fraud indicators may include, e.g., use of the same username with different computing device identifications, use of the same computing device identification at different geographical locations, violation of a threshold for computing device identifications, violation of a threshold for authentication failures, and violation of a threshold for rate of network propagation by a user account. |
| US08108914B2 |
Converged logical and physical security
A security management system that includes a hierarchical security platform, converged IT and physical security management, unified credentialing, credential issuance and incident(s) management. An exemplary aspect of the invention also relates to physical and logical security management and information technology/network security management, with a credential issuance and integrity checking system as well as associated readers and printers of the credential. Still further aspects of the invention relate to obtaining, assembling and analyzing one or more of data, video information, image information, biometric information, sensor information, terrorist information, profile information, and/or other types of information to provide a comprehensive platform for all aspects of security management. A toolkit is also provided that allows complete management, integration, scalability, interoperability and centralized control of all aspects of security including personnel credentialing, personnel management, personnel tracking, task management, security system integration, security information exchange and scalability. |
| US08108909B2 |
Systems and methods of controlling network access
A new approach to network security includes manipulating an access point such that an initial communication from an external device is passed to a restricted subset of a computing network including a gatekeeper. The gatekeeper is configured to enforce a security policy against the external device before granting access to a less-restricted subset of the computing network. If requirements of the security policy are satisfied, then the gatekeeper reconfigures the access point such that further communication from the external device may be received by elements of the less-restricted subset. Enforcement of the security policy optionally includes performing a security audit of the external device. |
| US08108906B2 |
Electronic data authenticity assurance method and program
The present invention provides an electronic document authenticity assuring method in which a series of procedures concerning redactable signature are divided into procedures dependent on a document to be signed and procedures dependent on a redactable signature method. Further, the present invention provides program codes that realize the divided procedures and a system comprising apparatuses for implementing those program codes. According to the present invention, even when type of electronic document to be signed is changed or added to, it is sufficient to add a procedure dependent on a document to be signed, without changing procedures dependent on redactable signature methods. Similarly, even when a redactable signature method is to be changed or added, it is sufficient to add a procedure dependent on the redactable signature method without changing procedures dependent on document to be signed. |
| US08108898B2 |
Content and application download based on a home network system configuration profile
A system and method is provided for identifying, accessing, and managing service applications for use with associated consumer electronic devices in a home network system. A client side process, executed by a client computing system in the home network system, operates in conjunction with a server side process executed by a server computing system that is coupled with the client computing system via the Internet. The client computing system is implemented by a gateway device coupled with each of the devices via the home network. The client side process includes the steps of: determining device ID information associated with at least one selected one of the consumer electronic devices in the home network system; determining a home network system configuration profile based at least on the device ID information; providing the home network system configuration profile to a selected server computing system via the Internet; downloading an application from the selected server computing system, the application being operative to provide a process associated with the selected electronic devices; and executing the downloaded application at the gateway device to provide a remote interactive process associated with the selected electronic devices. |
| US08108897B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying entertainment system data upon selection of a video data display
A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a first window that displays video data of a first entertainment selection. A first area of the first window displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the first entertainment selection. The GUI includes a second window that displays video data of a second entertainment selection. A second area of the second window, displays entertainment system data that corresponds to the second entertainment selection. Upon selection by a user of the respective window, entertainment system data regarding the entertainment selection corresponding to the respective window is displayed. |
| US08108896B2 |
Method and system for providing interactive services using video on demand infrastructure
A method for providing service to an end user, the method includes: converting images to multiple end user device readable pictures; receiving a request from an end user to display at least one image, wherein the request is conveyed over a TVOD infrastructure; and providing the end user with a stream of end user device readable pictures that includes at least one end user device readable picture that corresponds to the requested image. |
| US08108894B2 |
Internet-based submission of cable network content
A cable network content delivery system providing advertising information via a cable network and an advertising content interface are described. An advertiser submits advertising content over an internet which is then adapted for a cable network. A data gateway stores the advertising information. The system processes a user command received via the cable network, including an advertising information search command, and provides advertising information retrieved via the cable network. |
| US08108892B1 |
Interactive television network and method including content searching
The present invention is directed to content searching of various databases in an interactive television network; caching programming for rebroadcasting to interactive television network subscribers; and interactively offering goods and services referred to in broadcast programming to interactive television network subscribers. |
| US08108883B2 |
Methods of populating a third-party document with digital information content
Methods of populating a document with digital information content. An information management software application is launched on a computer-based platform and a data drop window or a base format document is opened such that digital files, having digital data content, may be easily dragged and dropped (or pasted) into data holder locations of the data drop window or the base format document. A third-party document generation application is launched on the computer-based platform such that the third-party document generation application is able to communicate with the information management software application, for example, through an API, or the third-party document generation application is able to open and save the base format document, such that a third-party document, that is populated with the digital data content, may be automatically generated. |
| US08108881B2 |
System and method for implementing click-through for browser executed software including ad proxy and proxy cookie caching
An improved proxy is disclosed for allowing click-through on an ad URL delivered on a web page within a Java® applet executing on a client machine. The proxy caches cookie information for the browser, to support java applications that do not allow for planting of cookies directly. When the user clicks on the ad URL, the proxy retrieves the relevant cookie and link information from a host side database, and uses the same to help the browser open the correct URL associated with the ad. The proxy acts to extend the reach and access of a conventional applet beyond the resources of a download host associated with such applet. |
| US08108877B2 |
Affinity dispatching load balancer with precise CPU consumption data
A system for distributing a plurality of tasks over a plurality of nodes in a network includes: a plurality of processors for executing tasks; a plurality of nodes comprising processors; a task dispatcher; and a load balancer. The task dispatcher receives as input the plurality of tasks; calculates a task processor consumption value for the tasks; calculates a node processor consumption value for the nodes; calculates a target node processor consumption value for the nodes; and then calculates a load index value as a difference between the calculated node processor consumption for a node i and the target node processor consumption value for the node i. The balancer distributes the tasks among the nodes to balance the processor workload among the nodes according to the calculated load index value of each node, such that the calculated load index value of each node is substantially zero. |
| US08108876B2 |
Modifying an operation of one or more processors executing message passing interface tasks
Mechanisms for modifying an operation of one or more processors executing message passing interface (MPI) tasks are provided. Mechanisms for adjusting the balance of processing work loads of the processors are provided so as to minimize wait periods for waiting for all of the processors to call a synchronization operation. Each processor has an associated hardware implemented MPI load balancing controller. The MPI Load balancing controller maintains a history that provides a profile of the tasks with regard to their calls to synchronization operations. From this information, it can be determined which processors should have their processing loads lightened and which processors are able to handle additional processing loads without significantly negatively affecting the overall operation of the parallel execution system. As a result, operations may be performed to shift workloads from the slowest processor to one or more of the faster processors. |
| US08108868B2 |
Workflow execution plans through completion condition critical path analysis
Optimizing workflow execution. A method includes identifying a completion condition. The completion condition is specified as part of the overall workflow. The method further includes identifying a number of activities that could be executed to satisfy the completion condition. One or more activities from the number of activities is ordered into an execution plan and assigned system resources based on an analysis of activities in the number of activities and the completion condition. |
| US08108863B2 |
Load balancing for multi-threaded applications via asymmetric power throttling
A first execution time of a first thread executing on a first processing unit of a multiprocessor is determined. A second execution time of a second thread executing on a second processing unit of the multiprocessor is determined, the first and second threads executing in parallel. Power is set to the first and second processing units to effectuate the first and second threads to finish executing at approximately the same time in future executions of the first and second threads. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08108861B2 |
Information management apparatus and method, recording medium, as well as program for scheduling a recording of an event
An information management apparatus presents an unexpected event to all users.This apparatus displays time ranges of scheduled events from the start time to the end time along a time axis based on an operation performed to schedule the start time and end time of the events. Further, this apparatus displays a time range of an unexpected event along the same time axis on the same screen based on an operation corresponding to a start of the unexpected event such that the time of the operation is set as a starting point and the time range of the unexpected event is extended as time elapses until an operation corresponding to an end of that unexpected event is performed. |
| US08108857B2 |
Computer program product and method for capacity sizing virtualized environments
A computer system determines an optimal hardware system environment for a given set of workloads by allocating functionality from each workload to logical partitions, where each logical partition includes resource demands, assigning a priority weight factor to each resource demand, configuring potential hardware system environments, where each potential hardware system environment provides resource capacities, and computing a weighted sum of least squares metric for each potential hardware system environment. |
| US08108850B2 |
Power-aware compiling method
The present invention discloses a power-aware compiling method, wherein the power model of an application program are established via building and analyzing the control flow chart and the data flow chart of the application program; each functional unit of the application program is assigned a power mode; a judgment is undertaken to determine whether the idle functional units are independent; if none dependency exists between those idle function units, the program codes of the same idle function units are merged into a new basic block, and the idle functional units are turned off for saving power; each new basic block is assigned an appropriate power mode; the basic blocks with the same power modes are merged to reduce the transitions between different power modes; thus, the power consumed by changing voltage or frequency can be decreased. |
| US08108844B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamically choosing a processing element for a compute kernel
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications. |
| US08108841B2 |
Minimizing interaction costs among components of computer programs
A method for minimizing total cost of interaction among components of a computer program, each of the components being characterized by at least one implementation property includes steps of: a) carrying out at least a partial run of the program; b) monitoring the at least partial run of the program to measure an amount of interaction between each pair of components; c) determining a cost of interaction between each pair of interacting components; d) determining a choice of implementation properties which minimizes total cost of the at least partial run; and e) assigning that choice of implementation properties to the components for a subsequent at least partial run of the program. |
| US08108840B2 |
Method for enhancing debugger performance of hardware assisted breakpoints
A method for enhancing debugger performance of hardware assisted breakpoints across multiple units includes deferring all active location breakpoints within the multiple modules, and subsequently activating each valid location breakpoint in a present one of the multiple modules being entered. |
| US08108839B2 |
Method and apparatus for tracing execution of computer programming code using dynamic trace enablement
A computer program is traced by associating a trigger with at least one code location, and upon encountering the trigger during execution, selectively enabling trace data collection data at subsequent traceable events. Preferably, collection of trace data is enabled only for procedure instances active (i.e., currently executing or on the call stack) at the time that the trigger is encountered. Preferably, a special environmental flag is set on encountering the trigger, saved in each current stack frame, reset on calling any new procedure, and restored from the stack on return from a procedure. Collection of trace data on a traceable event (such as an explicit trace statement in the code) is conditioned on the state of the special environmental flag. |
| US08108836B1 |
System and method for defining software management
A method for updating software is disclosed. The method includes accessing system data associated with a client and determining known issues to be resolved associated with the client based on the system data. The method also includes accessing system update preferences associated with the client, the system update preferences representing a minimum system status level and determining if the client satisfies the minimum system status level based on the update preferences and based on the system data. |
| US08108834B2 |
Defining and executing processes using declarative programming language constructs
A computer-implemented technique for executing a process is provided. The technique includes providing a class having at least one annotation that defines at least a portion of the process. The annotation is a run-time-readable, non-executable declarative programming construct that is associated with a first method of the class, and specifies at least one transition rule and a second method of the class associated with the transition rule. A process engine, which runs on a computer and is not an instance of the class, parses the annotation to extract the transition rule. The process engine receives a message from a source external to the process engine, and evaluates whether the transition rule is satisfied, responsively to the message. Upon finding that the transition rule is satisfied, the process engine invokes the second method, so as to generate an output with respect to the message. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08108833B2 |
Automatically generating a graphical data flow program from a statechart
A system and method for automatically generating a graphical data flow program from a statechart are disclosed. The statechart may be created in a graphical manner in response to user input, e.g., in response to the user arranging state icons on a display and creating interconnections representing transitions among the respective states. The statechart may include at least one hierarchical state, where each hierarchical state includes one or more sub-states. A graphical data flow program may be automatically generated from the statechart. The graphical data flow program may include a plurality of interconnected nodes that visually indicate functionality of the graphical data flow program, where connections among the nodes visually indicate data flow among the nodes. The graphical data flow program may be executable to implement the functionality of the statechart. |
| US08108832B2 |
Multiple device notification synchronization
A system for updating multiple copies of a software program on respective multiple devices includes a system for responding to a notification of a first copy of the software program in a first one of the devices; a system for sending a notification responded signal to a second one of the devices by the first device that the notification has been responded to; and a system for automatically preventing a duplicate of the notification from occurring in a second copy of the software program on the second device based upon the notification responded signal received by the second device from the first device. |
| US08108827B2 |
XML-based textual specification for rich-media content creation-systems and program products
Video, stills, panorama, sound and all forms of media as Rich Media in a Multimedia Vehicle Repository (MVR) file editable with a Rich Media Content description file. The Rich Media Content description file enables users to specify a vocabulary that defines the media elements and relations among the media elements thereby permitting the users to easily create and edit the Rich Media Content and compose various raw or compressed Rich Media components using any text editor. A multimedia authoring server side processor accepts the raw formatted Rich Media Content along with description text file in XML format and outputs the Rich Media, text and graphic components as an edited MVR file in accordance with user's design for execution on a multimedia player. |
| US08108826B2 |
Code-coverage guided prioritized test generation
A method for generating test cases for a program is disclosed. The method combines features of path-oriented and goal-oriented software testing. The illustrative embodiment constructs a control-flow graph with nodes that correspond to invocations of subroutines, and constructs control-flow graphs for the source code of such nodes as well. A metric that is based on the topology of the control-flow graph is evaluated recursively for nodes of the graph and for control-flow graphs that correspond to invoked subroutines. In the illustrative embodiment, the metric employed is the length of a shortest path from the starting node to a particular node. A node n with the highest metric value is then selected as a goal, and a path from the starting node to the ending node that passes through node n is generated via backtracking. |
| US08108825B2 |
Creating customized applications using templates having points of variability
A method, system, apparatus and article of manufacture for producing a customized application. In a preferred method of the invention, a selection of components can be identified which are to be deployed to form the customized application. Within the selection of components, points of variability can be specified which can be assigned values when deploying the selection of components. The identified selection of components and the specified points of variability can be persisted in a template. Subsequently, the template can be processed to deploy the identified selection of components, to prompt for values to be assigned to the points of variability, and to configure the identified selection of components with the values at the points of variability thereby producing the customized application. |
| US08108819B2 |
Object placement in integrated circuit design
A method, system, and computer usable program product for an improved object placement in integrated circuit design are provided in the illustrative embodiments. The IC design includes cells, the cells including electronic components, wires, and pins defined for interconnections of the IC. An initial placement corresponding to the design is received. A characteristic of the initial placement is estimated, which may include congestion, pin density, or both in an area of the initial placement. A transformation is performed on a part of the initial placement including the area to improve the characteristic. If the characteristic has improved in the transformed placement, a final placement corresponding to the transformed placement is produced. The transformation may be any combination of resizing an object, weighting a connection, clustering a plurality of objects, shortening of a route taken by a wire, and straightening a bend in a wire in the initial placement. |
| US08108818B2 |
Method and system for point-to-point fast delay estimation for VLSI circuits
The present disclosure is directed to a method for estimating an interconnect delay for a source-to-sink path of a net within a Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuit, the source-to-sink path connecting a source and a sink in the net. The method may comprise estimating a total wire capacitance; calculating a delay contribution based on delay of the source-to-sink path and delay of a plurality of off-path sinks; and estimating the interconnect delay for the source-to-sink path based on the delay contribution. |
| US08108812B1 |
Register retiming technique
An electronic automation system performs register retiming on a logic design, which may be a logic design for a programmable logic integrated circuit. Register retiming is a moving or rearranging of registers across combinatorial logic in a design in order to improve a maximum operating frequency or fmax. In one implementation, the system includes machine-readable code, which may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a disk, executing on a computer. The system balances timing in order to trade off delays between critical and noncritical paths. Register retiming may make changes to a design at a gate level. |
| US08108810B2 |
Synchronous circuit synthesis using an asynchronous specification
A method for specifying and synthesizing a synchronous digital circuit by first accepting a specification of an asynchronous system in which stored values are updated according to a set of state transition rules. For instance, the state transition rules are specified as a Term Rewriting System (TRS) in which each rule specifies a number of allowable state transitions, and includes a logical precondition on the stored values and a functional specification of the stored values after a state transition in terms of the stored values prior to the state transition. The specification of the asynchronous circuit is converted into a specification of a synchronous circuit in which a number of state transitions can occur during each clock period. The method includes identifying sets of state transitions, for example by identifying sets of TRS rules, that can occur during a single clocking period and forming the specification of the synchronous circuit to allow any of the state transitions in a single set to occur during any particular clocking period. |
| US08108808B2 |
Description processing device, description processing method, and recording medium
A receiving unit receiving a description expressing a finite state machine comprising states 0, 1, 2, . . . , N−1; a dividing unit dividing the states 0, 1, 2, . . . , N−1 into groups 0, 1, 2, . . . , M−1, wherein the dividing unit allocates the states 0, 1, . . . , L[0]−1 to the group 0, allocates the states L[0], L[0]+1, . . . , L[1]−1 to the group 1, allocates the states L[1], L[1]+1, . . . , L[2]−1 to the group 2, . . . , and allocates the states L[M−2], L[M−2]+1, . . . , L[M−1]−1=N−1 to the group M−1; and a generating unit generating a register transfer level description so that decoders which acquire the current state are generated for each group are provided. |
| US08108801B2 |
Host screen transformation for mobile devices having a reduced display size
The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for improved display of host terminal applications on data processing systems having a small display size. In one embodiment, a host application translator reads characters stored in a character buffer and character attributes stored in an attribute buffer of a computer host terminal application that is displayed to a user as lines of characters. The host application translator performs component recognition on the characters and the character attributes to identify essential characters. Essential characters are characters that are required to be displayed to a user for the user to be able to interact with the computer host terminal application. The host application translator generates hypertext markup language code (HTML) for reconfiguring the characters for display on a portable data processing system having a small display size. |
| US08108800B2 |
Calculating cognitive efficiency score for navigational interfaces based on eye tracking data
A method and apparatus for computing efficiency score of a page is provided and using the efficiency score to optimize page design. Eye tracking study is performed on a group of subjects where eye fixation data, gaze plot data, and qualitative information data are collected. Fixation information data for page is aggregated over the subjects in the study. The fixation information data is divided into a grid. Number of fixations is computed for every grid element. Seen and noticed thresholds are established for every grid element. Seen and noticed area of a page is computed by counting number of grid elements falling into either threshold. Ratio of area noticed over area seen is computed to yield efficiency score. Page fixation data are compared for alternate page designs. Areas of large difference are correlated with gaze plots and qualitative data to identify distinguishing features. |
| US08108799B2 |
Remoting of windows presentation framework based applications in a non-composed desktop
Described are systems and methods for remoting applications, such as those based on Windows® Presentation Foundation (WPF). The systems and methods are based on remoting information associated with a structural representation. The structural representation corresponds to visual contents or elements of a desktop to be displayed at a remote end or client end, without rendering the contents at a client or remoted end. The information associated with the structural representation or structural information includes data that specifies the placement of the visual contents on the desktop when displayed. The information is used for recreating the structural representation at the client end and displaying the visual contents in conformance with the structural representation. |
| US08108798B2 |
Method and system for implementing enhanced buttons in a graphical user interface
A method and system are provided for implementing enhanced buttons in graphical user interface of a software application running on computer system. The enhanced buttons allow additional options to be presented to the user in a context-sensitive manner in the same graphical user interface screen that the user is interacting with. The enhanced buttons are context-sensitive buttons that appear on a graphical user interface window as a result of an initiating action or operation selected from the screen. The initiating operation may be linked to a field, button, or other graphical element or object on the screen and the context-sensitive buttons are associated with this linked graphical element. The context-sensitive buttons may be displayed on the graphical user interface screen in relation to the associated graphical element. |
| US08108797B2 |
Integrated content guide for interactive selection of content and services on personal computer systems with multiple sources and multiple media presentation
A integrated content guide for multiple sources is provided with hyper-text type links to allow for the selection of various programs. The hyper-text links are provided for a transmitted and then stored digital bit stream. This allows for the embedding within the content guide what could be additional commercial information. The embedding may also be as to additional information for other related television or radio shows or the like. Information can be additional television shows, related information or activities on on-line services or automatic telephone ordering of products or services being displayed. |
| US08108790B2 |
Apparatus and method for visualization of control techniques in a process control system
Various graphical displays used for visualization of control techniques in a process control system can be provided to an operator. For example, a graphical display could include (i) an image associated with at least a portion of a process and (ii) one or more icons identifying one or more process variables associated with at least the portion of the process. Selection of an icon could present the operator with a faceplate containing information associated with at least one of the process variables. Another graphical display could include (i) a focal variable symbol identifying a focal process variable and (ii) one or more additional variable symbols identifying one or more additional process variables associated with the focal process variable. Gains associated with the additional process variables could be identified in the display. Yet another graphical display could be used to remotely invoke and control applications executing in a process control system. |
| US08108789B2 |
Information processing device, user interface method, and information storage medium
To group a plurality of data items through a simple operation, an information processing device includes a displaying unit for displaying an image of a virtual space where a plurality of data-related positions respectively associated with a plurality of data items are set and each data-related position is surrounded solely or together with other data-related position by a closed area, such that each closed area is distinctive; an operation unit for allowing a user to operate so as to arbitrarily move the data-related position in the virtual space; a closed area update unit for updating each closed area in the virtual space according to movement of the data-related position in the virtual space; and a grouping unit for grouping, when the plurality of data-related positions are surrounded by a common closed area, data associated with the respective data-related positions. |
| US08108788B2 |
Method and an arrangement for scrollable cross point navigation in a user interface
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for scrollable cross point navigation on a user interface in order to select a feature by combining object fields. Bars where at least one of them is scrollable, have object fields which overlap and combine each other when scrolled or put to a visible focus area in the user interface at the cross point of the bars. Object fields in the focus area select a feature connected to a combination of fields, which is chosen by a confirmation action. |
| US08108787B2 |
Distributing input events to multiple applications in an interactive media environment
In an interactive media environment, input events are distributed to a plurality of applications where each application includes zero or more script components and zero or more markup files and has a Z order which corresponds to the position of the applications' visual elements on a display. An input event processing order is utilized where the application that has focus in an interactive media environment (by virtue of its receipt of user events) is provided with the first opportunity to consume the input event. If the focused application does not consume the input event, it is then delivered to the remaining applications in top down, inverse Z order. Each application is enabled with the ability to consume an input event, pass it on to lower Z ordered applications, hide it from lower Z ordered applications, or otherwise handle it. Input event processing stops when an application consumes the input event. |
| US08108781B2 |
Searching method and apparatus
A method of searching for a data item in a stored chronological sequence of communication events relating to a user of a user terminal is provided. The method comprises: querying a communication event database comprising individually accessible records of each of the communication events, each record being associated with an event time at which the communication event occurred, wherein the step of querying locates a target event comprising the data item and having an event time earlier than a predetermined first time instance; loading the target event into a storage means; displaying the contents of the target event to the user in a user interface; and loading communication events occurring in a time period between the event time and the first time instance of the target event into the storage means and updating the display to include the contents of the communication events occurring in the time period. |
| US08108777B2 |
Sections of a presentation having user-definable properties
In general, this disclosure describes techniques that employ user-defined values of properties of sections of an electronic presentation. As described herein, a user may configure a presentation to include a plurality of sections. Each of the sections includes zero or more slides of the electronic slide presentation. In addition to the slides associated with each section, each of the sections is associated with one or more properties having values that can be defined by an author of the presentation. Because the values of the properties of the sections are user-definable, these properties may, in some implementations of these techniques, enable the author of the presentation to use the sections in ways not possible in presentation applications that merely use sections as a means of grouping thumbnail images of slides for navigation among slides in an authoring interface. |
| US08108776B2 |
User interface for multimodal information system
A method and system for providing a user interface for information services related to multimodal information on a computer system is presented. A system for providing a user interface for augmenting multimodal information with information services and interacting with the information services is described. |
| US08108771B2 |
Secure inter-module communication mechanism
Methods, apparatuses, and systems directed to facilitating secure, structured interactions between code modules executing within the context of a document processed by a user agent, such as a browser client, that implements a domain security model. In a particular implementation, a module connector script or object loaded into a base document discovers listener modules and sender modules corresponding to different origins or domains, and passes information between them. In this manner, a listener module may consume and use information from a sender module located on the same page simply by having an end-user add both modules to a web page without having to explicitly define any form of interconnection. For example, a photo module may access a user account at a remote photo sharing site, and provide one or more photos to a module that renders the photographs in a slide show. |
| US08108758B2 |
Stochastic decoding of LDPC codes
The present invention relates to a decoding method and system for stochastic decoding of LDPC codes. Each encoded sample of a set of encoded samples is first scaled by a scaling factor proportional to a noise level of the set of encoded samples. Each of the scaled encoded samples is then converted into a corresponding probability. For each probability a corresponding probability message is the generated by encoding each probability as a sequence of digital bits. Each probability message is then provided to a respective node of a logic circuitry for stochastic decoding. The logic circuitry represents a factor graph of the parity check matrix of the LDPC code. Using the logic circuitry each probability message is processed for determining an estimated sequence of information bits. If an equality node is in a hold state a chosen bit is provided from a corresponding edge memory which is updated by storing output bits from the equality node when the same is in a state other than a hold state. |
| US08108757B2 |
Method for effectively transmitting control signal in wireless communication system
A method of performing HARQ performed by a user equipment (UE) is provided. The method includes receiving a bundling indicator which indicates the number of bundled downlink subframes, determining whether at least one bundled downlink subframe is missed by comparing the bundling indicator with the number of detected bundled downlink subframes, generating a representative ACK/NACK signal when no bundled downlink subframe is missed, and transmitting the representative ACK/NACK signal on an uplink channel. Recovery capability is maximized and the packet loss is reduced in such a situation that less number of ACK/NACK signals are fed back than that of downlink packets. |
| US08108756B2 |
Techniques to perform forward error correction for an electrical backplane
Techniques to perform forward error correction for an electrical backplane are described. An apparatus comprises a physical layer unit having a forward error correction sublayer to perform forward error correction using a single bit to represent a two bit synchronization header. |
| US08108755B2 |
Method and apparatus of correcting error data caused by charge loss within non-volatile memory device
Example embodiments provide a method and apparatus of correcting error data due to charge loss within a non-volatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells. The method of correcting error data within the non-volatile memory devices may include detecting error data in a second data group by comparing a first data group read from memory cells in response to a first voltage with the second data group read from memory cells in response to a second voltage. The second voltage is higher than the first voltage. Error data in the first data group is detected by error-correcting code (ECC). Re-writing data in the memory cells is performed by correcting error data in the first data group and error data in the second data group. A central processing unit (CPU) may detect error in the second data group. The second data group may be read through a page buffer and compared with the first data group stored in a SRAM. The detected error may be updated to the page buffer. Error data in the first data group may be updated to the page buffer. The CPU corrects error in the final error data, and the page buffer rewrites the corrected data in the plurality of memory cells. |
| US08108747B2 |
Data repair
The invention relates to a method for data repair in a system capable of one-to-many transmission. The method comprises transmitting data from a sender to at least one receiver and provides for various sender driven or receiver driven repair methods of missing data. |
| US08108746B2 |
Radio communications apparatus and radio communications method
A disclosed radio communications apparatus performs at least an automatic repeat request control and performs radio communications using a frame that occupies predetermined plural frequency bands. This apparatus includes a reception portion that receives feedback information about each of a plurality of frequency bands from a communications party, a determination portion that determines which frequency band among the plural frequency bands is to be used to retransmit a retransmission packet indicated by the feedback information, and a transmission portion that transmits the retransmission packet using one or more determined frequency bands. |
| US08108740B2 |
Method for operating a memory device
In the method for operating a memory device which has a number of memory blocks, the memory blocks are marked as intact, suspect, or defective. The memory blocks marked as suspect are monitored. If the number of memory blocks marked as intact in the memory device falls below a predetermined limit, at least one of the memory blocks marked as suspect is subsequently marked as intact and is used. |
| US08108739B2 |
High-speed testing of integrated devices
A method for allowing high-speed testability of a memory device having a core with memory cells for storing data, comprising: enabling a data signal having a first logical state or a second logical state from the core to reach an output port of the memory device within an evaluate cycle during a functional operating mode and pass an array built in self test during LBIST mode; enabling the data signal to change from the first logical state to the second logical state during LBIST mode at a time that coincides with the latest possible time the data signal from the core can reach the read output port within the evaluate cycle during the functional operating mode and pass the array built in self test; and executing a logic built-in self test configured to test a logic block located downstream of a transmission path of the memory device. |
| US08108738B2 |
Data eye monitor method and apparatus
An apparatus and method for providing a data eye monitor. The data eye monitor apparatus utilizes an inverter/latch string circuit and a set of latches to save the data eye for providing an infinite persistent data eye. In operation, incoming read data signals are adjusted in the first stage individually and latched to provide the read data to the requesting unit. The data is also simultaneously fed into a balanced XOR tree to combine the transitions of all incoming read data signals into a single signal. This signal is passed along a delay chain and tapped at constant intervals. The tap points are fed into latches, capturing the transitions at a delay element interval resolution. Using XORs, differences between adjacent taps and therefore transitions are detected. The eye is defined by segments that show no transitions over a series of samples. The eye size and position can be used to readjust the delay of incoming signals and/or to control environment parameters like voltage, clock speed and temperature. |
| US08108737B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for sending failure information from a serial ATA (SATA) solid state drive (SSD) to a host device
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for sending failure information from a solid state drive (SSD) to a host device. In operation, an error is detected during an operation associated with a Serial ATA (SATA) solid state drive. Additionally, a command is received for failure information from a host device. Further, the failure information is sent from the solid state drive to the host device, the failure information including failure information associated with the solid state drive. |
| US08108723B2 |
Triggered restart mechanism for failure recovery in power over ethernet
A triggered restart mechanism for failure recovery in power over Ethernet (PoE). Powered devices (PDs) that fail can be remotely recycled by a power sourcing equipment (PSE). After detection of a failure of a PD, such as by the failure to receive a status message, a PSE can generate a reset signal (e.g., power cycle, reset pulse, etc.) on the port. This reset signal can cause the PD to perform a full power cycle or quick restart. |
| US08108722B1 |
Method and system for providing high availability to distributed computer applications
Method, system, apparatus and/or computer program for achieving transparent integration of high-availability services for distributed application programs. Loss-less migration of sub-programs from their respective primary nodes to backup nodes is performed transparently to a client which is connected to the primary node. Migration is performed by high-availability services which are configured for injecting registration codes, registering distributed applications, detecting execution failures, executing from backup nodes in response to failure, and other services. High-availability application services can be utilized by distributed applications having any desired number of sub-programs without the need of modifying or recompiling the application program and without the need of a custom loader. In one example embodiment, a transport driver is responsible for receiving messages, halting and flushing of messages, and for issuing messages directing sub-programs to continue after checkpointing. |
| US08108721B2 |
Architecture and method for hardware-assisted processor checkpointing and rollback
A method to enable an adaptive fault tolerance in a data system is provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a radiation hardened hardware element to at least one interrupt service routine application in a respective at least one processing element, triggering an interrupt service routine by an interrupt signal received from the radiation hardened hardware element at the interrupt service routine application after an execution of a code block by the at least one processing element, and inspecting the internal state of the at least one processing element to determine if an error occurred. |
| US08108716B2 |
Method and device for monitoring functions of a computer system
A method and device for monitoring functions of a computer system having at least two execution units, a switchover unit being provided, and switchover operations being carried out between at least two operating modes, and a comparison unit being provided, a first operating mode corresponding to a comparison mode and a second operating mode corresponding to a performance mode, and a first function being monitored by a second function, the second function being executed in the comparison mode on at least two execution units, and each of these two second functions, which are executed on at least two execution units, monitoring the same first function. |
| US08108715B1 |
Systems and methods for resolving split-brain scenarios in computer clusters
A computer-implemented method for resolving split-brain scenarios in computer clusters may include (1) identifying a plurality of nodes within a computer cluster that are configured to collectively perform at least one task, (2) receiving, from a node within the computer cluster, a failure notification that identifies a link-based communication failure experienced by the node that prevents the nodes within the computer cluster from collectively performing the task, and, upon receiving the failure notification, (3) immediately prompting each node within the computer cluster to participate in an arbitration event in order to identify a subset of the nodes that is to assume responsibility for performing the task subsequent to the link-based communication failure. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08108714B2 |
Method and system for soft error recovery during processor execution
A system for soft error recovery used during processor execution. The system may include a microprocessor, processor, controller, or the like. The system may also include a pipeline to reduce the cycle time of the processor, and a write-back stage within the pipeline. The system may further include an error-correcting code stage before the write-back stage that checks a value to be written by the processor for any error. The error-correcting code stage may correct any error in the value, and the pipeline may lack a recovery unit pipeline. |
| US08108713B2 |
Arrangement for recovery of data by network nodes based on retrieval of encoded data distributed among the network nodes
Distributed data, having been stored in a distributed storage system as a collection of distributed data elements, is recovered based on connection of multiple user nodes, each user node having stored selected distributed data elements as a corresponding portion of the distributed data during replication of the distributed data elements throughout the distributed storage system. Each distributed data element is identifiable by a corresponding unique object identifier (OID). Each user node includes a discovery resource for discovering reachable user nodes, a local cache configured for identifying at least the corresponding portion of the distributed data based on the respective OIDs, and an identification service module configured for resolving a data object to a corresponding OID, via the corresponding local cache, or based on sending a query to the reachable user nodes. Hence, user nodes can recover distributed data based on exchanging resolution information and OID information. |
| US08108710B2 |
Differential communication link with skew compensation circuit
A system and method is presented for reducing skew between the positive and negative components of a differential signal in a high speed communications link. The communications link includes a signal generator producing and transmitting complementary positive and negative signals over separate transmission lines and a receiver receiving the complementary signals. The communication link further includes a skew compensation circuit having a skew detector, a controller, and separate delay and buffer elements for both the positive and negative component of the differential signal. The controller separately controls each of the delay or buffer elements in response to the detected skew between differential signal components. |
| US08108705B2 |
Power supplying device, power supply controlling method, power supply controlling program and network system
A power supplying device for supplying power through a network to a plurality of communication terminals to transmit or receive data in a form of a packet including: a power supply controlling unit to preset a count of the communication terminals which are to be targeted for power supply, for every predetermined time period, out of the plurality of communication terminals, and to measure a flow rate of packets to be transmitted or received for every communication terminal to which power is being supplied, out of the communication terminals targeted for the power supply in each time period, and to supply power to at least one communication terminal to which power is not yet being supplied, out of the communication terminals targeted for the power supply, when the measured flow rate of packets in any communication terminal becomes not less than a predetermined threshold. |
| US08108700B2 |
Power supply identification using a modified power good signal
Method, system and apparatus enabling a computing system to automatically identify the capabilities of a power supply coupled to the computing system. The power supply includes a controller that sends an identification code to a computing system prior to sending a power good signal to the computing system. The identification code and the power good signal are preferably sent over a single conductor, such as a power supply connector pin. The computing system receives the identification code for cross-referencing against a list of power supply identification codes and associated capabilities. Optionally, instructions from the computer system to an output device may be controlled as a function of the identified power supply capabilities. |
| US08108699B2 |
System and method for power over ethernet configuration for a power sourcing equipment using a network profile
A system and method for power over Ethernet (PoE) configuration for a power sourcing equipment using a network profile. Various types of PSE profile information can be stored in a network database. Upon startup or other configuration setting state, a PSE can retrieve the profile information from the network database and configure its operation based upon such retrieval. Remote configuration of the PSE is thereby enabled. |
| US08108698B2 |
Computer storage components that provide external and internal access
A primary computing device and a secondary computing device couple with an internal storage component of the primary device powered by, and data accessed by either the first or secondary computing device. The internal storage component includes multiple connectors for connecting internal buses and external buses over which data can be accessed, internally or externally. It includes an internal storage unit (in general, at least one storage unit, and multiple storage units are supported) to which data can be written and from which data can be read. It also includes arbitration and isolation circuitry that makes it possible to access the internal storage unit (for read/write data access, etc.) over one of the buses. The arbitration and an isolation circuitry also facilitates powering the internal storage component employing power supplied by an internal power source, or via an external power source, such as power from an USB connection. |
| US08108696B2 |
Optimizing non-preemptible read-copy update for low-power usage by avoiding unnecessary wakeups
A technique for low-power detection of a grace period following a shared data element update operation that affects non-preemptible data readers. A grace period processing action is implemented that requires a processor that may be running a non-preemptible reader of the shared data element to pass through a quiescent state before further grace period processing can proceed. A power status of the processor is also determined. Further grace period processing may proceed without requiring the processor to pass through a quiescent state if the power status indicates that quiescent state processing by the processor is unnecessary. |
| US08108693B2 |
Method for data storage protection and encryption
Methods for data storage protection and encryption are disclosed. In some of these methods, the method may include any of the following, among other things, storing information about the storage format to a Geometrical Cell Location Table (GCLT), shuffling a Geometrical Cell Location Table giving rise to a Shuffled Geometrical Cell Location Table (SGCLT), encrypting data using more than one key, renewing content, and/or filling empty sectors with encrypted data. |
| US08108691B2 |
Methods used in a secure memory card with life cycle phases
A secure memory card with encryption capabilities comprises various life cycle states that allow for testing of the hardware and software of the card in certain of the states. The testing mechanisms are disabled in certain other of the states thus closing potential back doors to secure data and cryptographic keys. Controlled availability and generation of the keys required for encryption and decryption of data is such that even if back doors are accessed that previously encrypted data is impossible to decrypt and thus worthless even if a back door is found and maliciously pried open. |
| US08108689B2 |
Obfuscation evaluation method and obfuscation method
An obfuscation evaluation method which sufficiently evaluates an obfuscation performed on a program. The obfuscation evaluation method includes: a step of executing an obfuscated code module produced by obfuscating an original code module of a program, and generating a trace output file by logging a result of the execution; and a step of identifying the degree of obfuscation of the obfuscated code module by evaluating the trace output file. |
| US08108687B2 |
Method and system for granting access to system and content
A method and system for granting access to system and content is provided. A key is provided that allows access by a client computer to content that includes a plurality of resources. A server is accessed and the key is provided to the server. Based on the key, access is granted to the content. A program on the client computer requests a resource of the plurality of resources. If the resource is located locally, the resource is provided to the program. Otherwise, the resource is downloaded from the content server and stored locally. A data structure is modified to indicate that the resource is stored locally and the resource is provided to the program. |
| US08108685B2 |
Apparatus and method for indicating password quality and variety
A method of presenting password information to a user, the method comprising: receiving a password; determining the number of unique character sets utilized in the password; and displaying the number of unique character sets that are contained within the password. |
| US08108684B2 |
Method and system for controlling a security system using near field communication
A security system control system using a host object with a near field communication device and a target object with a near field communication device. The target object broadcasts a carrier signal to the host object. Using the near field communication device, the host object modulated identification information on the carrier signal and broadcasts the modulated signal. The target object demodulates the signal to determine if a user associated with the identification information is authorized to perform the intended control function. The target object determines the intended control function based upon a detection criterion. The target object causes the intended control function to be performed if the associated user is authorized to control the intended control function such as to arm or disarm the security system. The identification information can expired after a predetermined period of time. The target object updates the identification information after expiration. |
| US08108683B2 |
Mitigating dictionary attacks on password-protected local storage
The invention includes a method for key creation and recovery based on solutions to puzzles solvable by humans and not computers. In some exemplary embodiments, the key is created and recovered based on the solution(s) in conjunction with the password entered by the user. The puzzle(s) is selected based on the password used by the user from a puzzle database containing multiple puzzles that is greater in number to the number of puzzles used in conjunction with a particular password. |
| US08108676B2 |
Link key injection mechanism for personal area networks
According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes generating a link key at a secure component within a first personal area network device and injecting the link key into a protocol stack component database within the first device. The link key may further be transmitted to a second device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08108673B2 |
Configuring interfaces of a switch using templates
Configuring an interface of a switch includes sending an authentication request requesting authentication for an endpoint from a switch to an authentication server. The switch comprises interfaces and is operable to access templates, where a template is operable to generate one or more interface commands for an interface. An instruction is received from the authentication server. The instruction instructs the switch to apply an identified template to an interface, where the identified template is identified by the authentication server as associated with the endpoint. The identified template is applied to configure the interface according to the instruction. |
| US08108672B1 |
Transparent authentication process integration
Systems and techniques to provide transparent authentication integration. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving a request from a client to take an action with respect to an electronic document, in response to the request, obtaining an authentication process, and sending the authentication process to the client for use in identifying a current user and controlling the action with respect to the electronic document based on the current user and document-permissions information associated with the electronic document. Obtaining the authentication process can involve requesting and receiving the authentication process from a second server. The authentication process can use an existing interface provided by the client to communicate authentication information to the server. |
| US08108668B2 |
Associating a multi-context trusted platform module with distributed platforms
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for creating an instance of a virtual trusted platform module (TPM) in a central platform and associating the instance with a managed platform coupled to the central platform. Multiple such vTPM's may be instantiated, each associated with a different managed platform coupled to the central platform. The instances may all be maintained on the central platform, improving security. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08108666B2 |
System and method for transferring user preferences
A system and method for customizing a device includes identifying a user of a device and determining a profile for the user of the device from a network. The profile includes a record of at least one user preference for a type of the device. The profile is translated to a configuration of the device. The device is modified according to the configuration to permit use of the device with the at least one user preference. |
| US08108664B2 |
Fast and compact circuit for bus inversion
A bussed system with a fast and compact majority voter in the circuitry responsible for the bus inversion decision. The majority voter is implemented in analog circuitry having two branches. One branch sums the advantage of transmitting the bits without inversion, the other sums the advantage of transmitting the bits with inversion. The majority voter computes the bus inversion decision in slightly more than one gate delay by simultaneously comparing current drive in each branch. |
| US08108663B2 |
Micro controller and method of updating the same
A micro controller includes a first storing circuit configured to store program data for performing a power on operation of a system, and a second storing circuit configured to temporarily store algorithm program data for operation of the system loaded from an external storing means while the system operates in response to control of the first storing circuit. |
| US08108661B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method of controlling the data processing apparatus
Provided are a data processing apparatus and a method of controlling the data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus may select a single stream processor from a plurality of stream processors based on stream processor status information, and input data into the selected stream processor. The stream processor status information may include first status information of a processor core and second status information of at least one internal memory. |
| US08108655B2 |
Selecting fixed-point instructions to issue on load-store unit
Issue logic identifies a simple fixed point instruction, included in a unified payload, which is ready to issue. The simple fixed point instruction is a type of instruction that is executable by both a fixed point execution unit and a load-store execution unit. In turn, the issue logic determines that the unified payload does not include a load-store instruction that is ready to issue. As a result, the issue logic issues the simple fixed point instruction to the load-store execution unit in response to determining that the simple fixed point instruction is ready to issue and determining that the unified payload does not include a load-store instruction that is ready to issue. |
| US08108654B2 |
System and method for a group priority issue schema for a cascaded pipeline
The present invention provides system and method for a group priority issue schema for a cascaded pipeline. The system includes a cascaded delayed execution pipeline unit having a plurality of execution pipelines that execute instructions in a common issue group in a delayed manner relative to each other. The system further includes circuitry configured to receiving an issue group of instructions, reordering the issue group of instructions using instruction type priority, and executing the reordered issue group of instructions in the cascaded delayed execution pipeline unit. The method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: receiving an issue group of instructions, reordering the issue group of instructions using instruction type priority, and executing the reordered issue group of instructions in the cascaded delayed execution pipeline unit. |
| US08108652B1 |
Vector processing with high execution throughput
The claimed invention is an efficient and high-performance vector processor. Through minimizing the use of multiple banks of memory and/or multi-ported memory blocks to reduce implementation cost, vector memory 450 provides abundant memory bandwidth and enables sustained low-delay memory operations for a large number of SIMD (Single Instruction, Multiple Data) or vector operators simultaneously. |
| US08108646B2 |
Storage system and storage control method that compress and store data elements
A pool is formed based on a plurality of storage devices. This pool is constituted by a plurality of real pages. Real pages of different lengths are included in this plurality of real pages. Among a plurality of virtual pages which make up a virtual volume, a controller compresses a write data element for a write destination virtual page, selects a real page of a real page length based on the data length of a data unit including the compressed write data element, and allocates the selected real page to the write destination virtual page. |
| US08108645B2 |
Optimized memory allocation via feature extraction
A method and system for recovering embedded system memory contained within an embedded system includes a software image in embedded system memory and identifying unneeded software features in the software image; identifying memory portions containing the unneeded software features; and reallocating the memory portions containing the unneeded features. |
| US08108642B1 |
Method and system for play-only media player
A method and system for play-only media player is disclosed. The player includes a controller, a recording interface, and a non-removable storage. In recording content onto the media player, media signals are received through the recording interface. The media signals are stored in a media file on non-removable storage. When a controller receives a disable recording indication, it permanently disables the recording capabilities of the media player. The media file now is not accessible except for the purpose of playing the media file. To play the media file, a play indication is received by the controller. The controller then retrieves the content from the media file and sends the content to an output interface. In this manner, the media player only plays pre-loaded media content. The digital right for the content is protected against unauthorized copying while maintaining user friendliness of the media player. |
| US08108641B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for secure demand paging and other paging operations for processor devices
A secure demand paging system (1020) includes a processor (1030) operable for executing instructions, an internal memory (1034) for a first page in a first virtual machine context, an external memory (1024) for a second page in a second virtual machine context, and a security circuit (1038) coupled to the processor (1030) and to the internal memory (1034) for maintaining the first page secure in the internal memory (1034). The processor (1030) is operable to execute sets of instructions representing: a central controller (4210), an abort handler (4260) coupled to supply to the central controller (4210) at least one signal representing a page fault by an instruction in the processor (1030), a scavenger (4220) responsive to the central controller (4210) and operable to identify the first page as a page to free, a virtual machine context switcher (4230) responsive to the central controller (4210) to change from the first virtual machine context to the second virtual machine context; and a swapper manager (4240) operable to swap in the second page from the external memory (1024) with decryption and integrity check, to the internal memory (1034) in place of the first page. |
| US08108638B2 |
Backup of deduplicated data
Methods and systems back up deduplicated data to data storage media, the deduplicated data comprising a plurality of data blocks referenced for deduplication. In one embodiment, the existence of multiple references to each of the data blocks is determined; and at least two copies of at least each data block having multiple references thereto is stored, each to a separate data storage media. In another embodiment, the references to each of the data blocks is determined; the total of multiple references is compared to a percentage threshold; and multiple copies are stored for all the data blocks where the percentage threshold is exceeded. |
| US08108637B2 |
Information processing system, controlling method in information processing system, and managing apparatus to manage remote copy in consideration of saving power
A problem is to support to realize the efficient power saving according to the status of a remote copy in an information processing system provided with a storage apparatus. When newly using any one of volumes of a first storage apparatus and a second storage apparatus, a management apparatus of the present invention extracts a candidate volume to screen-display the extracted volume so that the volumes, whose power control characteristics are the same or similar, are collected in the same array group. |
| US08108633B2 |
Shared stream memory on multiple processors
A method and an apparatus that allocate a stream memory and/or a local memory for a variable in an executable loaded from a host processor to the compute processor according to whether a compute processor supports a storage capability are described. The compute processor may be a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a central processing unit (CPU). Alternatively, an application running in a host processor configures storage capabilities in a compute processor, such as CPU or GPU, to determine a memory location for accessing a variable in an executable executed by a plurality of threads in the compute processor. The configuration and allocation are based on API calls in the host processor. |
| US08108632B2 |
Kernel and application cooperative memory management
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism for an operating system and applications to cooperate in memory management. Applications register with the operating system for cooperative memory management. The operating system monitors the memory and determines a memory “pressure” related to the amount of demand for the memory. As the memory pressure increases, the operating system provides a memory pressure signal as feedback to the registered applications. The operating system may send this signal to indicate it is about to commence evicting pages from the memory or when it has commenced swapping out application data. In response to the signal, the registered applications may evaluate the memory pressure, determine which data should be freed, if any, and provide this information back to the operating system. The operating system may then free those portions of memory relinquished by the applications. By releasing data the system may thus avoid swapping and increase its performance. |
| US08108628B2 |
Processor instruction used to perform a matrix test to generate a memory-related trap
Instruction execution includes fetching an instruction that comprises a first set of one or more bits identifying the instruction, and a second set of one or more bits associated with a first address value. It further includes executing the instruction to determine whether to perform a trap, wherein executing the instruction includes selecting from a plurality of tests at least one test for determining whether to perform a trap and carrying out the at least one test. The second set of one or more bits is used in the determination of whether to perform the trap; and the plurality of tests includes a matrix test that determines whether a data value being stored as pointed to by the first address value is escaping from one of a plurality of managed memory types to another one of the plurality of managed memory types and generates a trap in the event that the data value is determined to be escaping from one of the plurality of managed memory types to another one of the plurality of managed memory types, wherein the matrix test is based on a matrix associated with garbage collection and a matrix entry located using at least some of the first set of one or more bits and at least some of the second set of one or more bits. |
| US08108626B2 |
Apparatus and method of time keeping for non-real-time operating system
An apparatus and method of time keeping for a non-real-time OS is provided. The apparatus includes a processor and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The processor requests performance of a Dual-Port Random Access Memory (DPRAM) read/write (R/W) operation in a DPRAM R/W time interval in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme using a system clock. Upon receipt of the DPRAM R/W operation performance request from the processor, the FPGA compares the operation performance request time with an access time table defining a DPRAM R/W time interval for each processor, generated in the TDMA scheme using the system clock. The FPGA performs the operation requested by the processor when the operation performance request has been made in the DPRAM R/W time interval of the processor. |
| US08108625B1 |
Shared memory with parallel access and access conflict resolution mechanism
Concurrent threads in a multithreaded processor share access to a memory, with any location in the shared memory being accessible by any thread. In one embodiment, the shared memory has multiple independently-addressable memory banks, and one location per bank can be accessed in parallel. Parallel processing engines executing the threads generate a group of parallel memory access requests. Address conflict logic determines whether the requests can be satisfied in parallel (e.g., based on bank access constraints) and serializes the requests to the extent needed to avoid conflicts. In some embodiments, data read from one address in the shared memory can be broadcast to multiple processing engines. |
| US08108624B2 |
Data cache with modified bit array
A microprocessor includes first and second functional units and a data cache having a data array having a write port, a modified bit array having a read port and a write port, and a tag array having a read port, each array having the corresponding predetermined organization. The first functional unit writes data to a cache line of the data array. The first functional unit sets a modified bit in the modified bit array to indicate that the corresponding cache line in the data array has been modified. The second functional unit reads the modified bit from the modified bit array to determine whether or not the cache line has been modified. The second functional unit reads a partial status of the corresponding cache line from the tag array. The partial status does not indicate whether the cache line has been modified. The tag array does not include a port by which the first functional unit may update the partial status of the corresponding cache line. |
| US08108623B2 |
Poll based cache event notifications in a distributed cache
Systems and methods that supply poll based notification system in a distributed cache, for tracking changes to cache items. Local caches on the client can employ the notification system to keep the local objects in sync with the backend cache service; and can further dynamically adjust the “scope” of notifications required based on the number and distribution of keys in the local cache. The server can maintain the changes in an efficient fashion (in blocks) and returns the changes to clients that perform the appropriate filtering. Notifications can be associated with a session and/or an application. |
| US08108620B2 |
Cooperative caching technique
A method of caching data in a global cache distributed amongst a plurality of computing devices, comprising providing a global cache for caching data accessible to interconnected client devices, where each client contributes a portion of its main memory to the global cache. Each client also maintains an ordering of data that it has in its cache portion. When a remote reference for a cached datum is made, both the supplying client and the requesting client adjust their orderings to reflect the fact that the number of copies of the requested datum now likely exist in the global cache. |
| US08108613B2 |
Detection and recovery of dropped writes in storage devices
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein a request to write data to a storage medium is received. The data requested to be written to the storage medium is stored in a cache. A writing of the data is initiated to the storage medium. A periodic determination is made as to whether the stored data in the cache is the same as the data written to the storage medium. |
| US08108607B2 |
Memory system topologies including a buffer device and an integrated circuit memory device
Systems, among other embodiments, include topologies (data and/or control/address information) between an integrated circuit buffer device (that may be coupled to a master, such as a memory controller) and a plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. For example, data may be provided between the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices and the integrated circuit buffer device using separate segmented (or point-to-point link) signal paths in response to control/address information provided from the integrated circuit buffer device to the plurality of integrated circuit buffer devices using a single fly-by (or bus) signal path. An integrated circuit buffer device enables configurable effective memory organization of the plurality of integrated circuit memory devices. The memory organization represented by the integrated circuit buffer device to a memory controller may be different than the actual memory organization behind or coupled to the integrated circuit buffer device. The buffer device segments and merges the data transferred between the memory controller that expects a particular memory organization and actual memory organization. |
| US08108606B2 |
Computer system and control method for the computer system
A computer system including a first storage system connected to a first host computer, a second storage system connected to a second host computer and a third storage system connected to the first and second storage systems. The second storage system sets transfer setting before an occurrence of a failure, the transfer setting being provided with a dedicated storage area to be used for transferring data to the third storage system by asynchronous copy in response to a failure at the first host computer. Before the start of data transfer between the second storage system and third storage system to be executed after an occurrence of the failure, the second storage system checks the dedicated storage area, data transfer line and transfer setting information, and if an abnormal state is detected, this abnormal state is reported to the host computer as information attached to the transfer setting. |
| US08108605B2 |
Data storage system and cache data—consistency assurance method
According to one embodiment, a data storage system includes a controller which accesses a first storage device using a first module on startup and accesses the first storage device using a second module after the startup. The first module records, when the write-target data is written to the first storage device, trace information indicating the write command in a second storage device. The second module determines, when taking over a reception of a command instructing writing/reading of data from the first module, whether or not unupdated data to be updated as a result of a writing of the first module is cached in the second storage device based on the trace information, and invalidates a data block including the unupdated data when the unupdated data is cached. |
| US08108597B2 |
Storage control method and system for performing backup and/or restoration
A second storage system (SS2) comprises a plurality of tapes, a first storage device capable of performing random access at a rate higher than the tapes, and a virtual storage device emulating the first storage device. A first storage system (SS1) comprises a second storage device and a third storage device that has the virtual storage device mapped therewith. The SS2 reserves a storage space on the first storage device and reads data from the tape corresponding to the virtual storage device into the storage space. The SS1 performs copying between the second storage device and third storage device and, in this process, sends a command for access generated in the third storage device to the virtual storage device. When receiving the Access Command corresponding to the virtual storage device, the SS2 accesses the storage space. |
| US08108595B2 |
Storage apparatus and method of managing data storage area
To extend endurance and reduce bit cost, a method and a storage apparatus are provided, which storage apparatus includes a controller and a semiconductor storage media that includes a first storage device and a second storage device having an upper limit of an erase count of data smaller than the first storage device. Area conversion information includes correspondence of a first address to be specified as a data storage destination and a second address of an area in which data is to be stored. A rewrite frequency of stored data is recorded for each area. The controller selects an area corresponding to the first address, determines whether or not the rewrite frequency of the selected area is equal to or larger than a first threshold value, when the rewrite frequency is equal to or larger than the threshold value, selects an area to be provided by the first storage device, and when the rewrite frequency is smaller than the threshold value, selects an area to be provided by the second storage device and maps the address of the selected area to the first address. |
| US08108594B2 |
Memory system
To provide a memory system that can surely restore management information even when a program error occurs during data writing. After “log writing (1)” for a pre-log, when a program error occurs when data writing is being performed (a data writing error), the memory system performs the data writing again without acquiring a pre-log corresponding to data rewriting processing. After finishing the data writing, the memory system acquires, without generating a post-log, a snapshot instead of the post-log and finishes the processing. |
| US08108592B2 |
Memory system and wear leveling method thereof
A memory system includes a variable resistance memory configured to input and output data by a first unit and a translation layer for managing the degree of wear of the variable resistance memory by a second unit, different from the first unit. |
| US08108587B2 |
Free-space reduction in cached database pages
A computing system stores a database comprising pages. Each of the pages is the same size. When a page is requested, a block of virtual memory addresses is associated with the page and a set of physical data storage locations is committed to the block of virtual memory addresses. A copy of the page is then stored into the set of physical data storage locations. Physical data storage locations committed to the virtual memory addresses associated with available free space in the copy of the page are deallocated, thereby allowing reuse of these physical data storage locations. A reference to the copy of the page is then returned. |
| US08108586B2 |
Multi-core data processor
To provide a multi-core LSI capable of improving the stability of operation. A multi-core LSI comprises a plurality of CPUs coupled to a first shared bus, one or more modules coupled to a second shared bus, a shared bus controller coupled between the first shared bus and the second shared bus, for arbitrating an access to the module (s) by the CPUs, and a system controller that monitors whether or not a response signal to an access request signal of the CPUs is output from module to be accessed, wherein the system controller outputs a pseudo response signal to the first shared bus via the shared bus controller to terminate the access by the CPU while accessing if the response signal is not output from the module to be accessed after the access request signal is output to the second shared bus from the shared bus controller and before a predetermined time elapses. |
| US08108585B2 |
Crossbar circuitry and method of operation of such crossbar circuitry
Crossbar circuitry, and a method of operation of such crossbar circuitry, are provided. The crossbar circuitry has an array of data input paths and data output paths where the data output paths are transverse to the data input paths. At each intersection between a data input path and a data output path, a crossbar cell is provided that comprises a storage circuit programmable to store a routing value, and a transmission circuit. In a transmission mode of operation the transmission circuit is responsive to the routing value indicating that the data input path should be coupled to the data output path to detect the data input along the data input path, and to output an indication of that data on the data output path at the associated intersection. Control circuitry is used to issue control signals to the crossbar cells, and during a configuration mode of operation the control circuitry re-utilizes at least one of the data output paths to program the storage circuitry of one or more of the crossbar cells. Such a construction of crossbar circuitry provides a very regular design, with uniform delay across all paths, and which requires significantly less control lines than typical prior art crossbar designs. Such crossbar circuitry is readily scalable to form large crossbars. |
| US08108583B2 |
Direct memory access controller system with message-based programming
A data transfer system comprising a first bus interface, a second bus interface, a first-in-first-out memory, a controller and a message unit. The message unit is operable to queue a plurality of data transfer request messages from the first bus interface and the second bus interface. The controller is operable to process each data transfer request message and transfer data between the first bus interface, the first-in-first-out memory and the second bus interface. The controller is configured to calculate error detection codes (EDCs) and chain EDC values. |
| US08108582B2 |
Notifying asynchronous events to a host of a data storage system and apparatus for the same
A method of notifying asynchronous events to a host of a data storage system is presented. The method comprises the steps of: detecting an asynchronous event; generating an interrupt message in response to the detected asynchronous event; and communicating the generated interrupt message to the host. |
| US08108579B2 |
Mechanism and method for managing data storage
Described are techniques and mechanisms for media data storage management. Briefly stated, a media control component monitors the usage patterns of media files on a local device. Any media files whose usage pattern falls below a given threshold is identified as a trim candidate. The media control component trims those trim candidates by eliminating data (content) from the media files. The data is eliminated from the latter portion of the media file so that the trimmed media file will continue to render properly when initially launched. If the trimmed media file is launched, the media control component retrieves the eliminated data from a content server on which is stored a library of media files. |
| US08108577B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing a low-latency connection between a data processor and a remote graphical user interface over a network
A pair of processing modules and methods that enable low latency communications between a data processing system and devices located at a remote graphic user interface across a standard shared network in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for communicating a raster video signal comprises a receiver enabled to receive the raster video signal from a graphics processor and obtain display control parameters of the raster video signal, the display control parameters comprising frequency and resolution information for the raster video signal; a raster encoder, coupled to the receiver, enabled to encode a plurality of scan lines of the raster video signal to generate a plurality of encoded scan lines; and a network controller, coupled to the raster encoder, enabled to transmit the plurality of encoded scan lines and the display control parameters as packets via an IP/Ethernet network. |
| US08108576B2 |
Dongle module, console module, matrix KVM switch system, local-end module, remote-end module, and extender system
A dongle module including a digital video differential signal input terminal, a keyboard control signal I/O terminal, a mouse control signal I/O terminal, a processing unit, a transforming unit, a synthesizer unit and a signal I/O terminal is provided. The digital video differential input terminal receives a digital video differential signal, which includes multiple differential data signals, a differential clock signal and multiple low-frequency signals. The processing unit processes the low-frequency signal, a keyboard control signal and a mouse control signal to obtain a digital hybrid data. The transforming unit transforms the digital hybrid data into a differential hybrid signal. The synthesizer unit receives and composes the differential clock signal and the differential hybrid signal into a differential synthesized signal. The signal I/O terminal receives and outputs the differential data signals and the differential synthesized signal. |
| US08108575B2 |
Methods of multi-server application synchronization without stopping I/O
A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a request to perform a backup of data associated with an application running on multiple servers; calculating a time value based on communications with the servers, the time value calculation including at least one of a latency of at least one of the communications, and a difference between a reference time clock value and a time clock value of at least one of the servers; and communicating with I/O Handlers on the servers for initiating a coordinated backup operation on the data at about a same start time. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08108570B2 |
Determining the state of an I/O operation
A state of an input/output (I/O) operation in an I/O processing system is determined. A request for performing the I/O operation is received from an I/O operating system at a channel subsystem and forwarded to a control unit controlling an I/O device for executing the I/O operation. After a predetermined amount of time passes without receiving indication from the control unit that the I/O operation is completed, an interrogation request is received at the channel subsystem from the I/O operating system for determining the state of the I/O operation. An interrogation command is sent from the channel subsystem to the control unit. A response is received from the control unit, the response indicates a state of the I/O device executing the I/O operation, a state of the control unit controlling the I/O device executing the I/O operation, and the state of the I/O operation being executed. |
| US08108567B2 |
Method and apparatus for connecting HDMI devices using a serial format
An apparatus and a method for providing serialized HDMI data from an HDMI source to an HDMI sink. An HDMI transmitter may include inputs including control inputs, a deserializer, and a parser. The inputs may receive serialized HDMI data from an HDMI data source. A deserializer may deserialize the serialized HDMI data received on each of the respective inputs and outputting parallel data for each of the inputs. A parser may parse the parallel data output from the deserializer from each of the respective inputs into serial video data at a first clock rate and audio data at a second clock rate. Control inputs of the transmitter may be set to a first mode in which from the deserializer is caused to bypass the parser, and the parallel data is output from the HDMI transmitter. |
| US08108565B2 |
Host apparatus connected to image forming apparatus, remote configuration system including the same and remote configuration method using host apparatus
A host apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus, a remote configuration system including the same, and a remote configuration method using the host apparatus. The method of remotely configuring a host apparatus connectable to at least one image forming apparatus includes selecting the at least one image forming apparatus; configuring at least one configuration item of the at least one image forming apparatus; and displaying the at least one configured configuration item on a work list window. With this, a work list window displaying configured configuration item is prepared and it is thus convenient for a user to grasp the configured configuration item at a glance. |
| US08108558B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for synchronization of clocks in a network
A circuit arrangement and a method for synchronizing clocks in a network is provided, comprising a plurality of at least two nodes, wherein at least two of said nodes can communicated with each other and each have a local clock, wherein, in a receiving one of said nodes, from at least one transmitting other such node, a global time transmitted by said transmitting one of said node of said transmitting one of said nodes is received, and a global time of said receiving node is determined or estimated as a function of both the received global time of said transmitting node and of a local time of the receiving node's own local clock. |
| US08108552B2 |
Information processing device, server, communication system, address decision method, address modification method, and program
A first information-processing device for communication source performing tunnel communication with a device at communication destination, equipped with: tunnel communication part performing tunnel communication with communication target data encapsulated; identifier acceptor for accepting a communication destination device identifier for identifying a device for communication destination; identifier storage part for storing a communication source device identifier for identifying first information-processing device; and address determination part for determining an address used for communication target data, according to a communication destination device identifier and a communication source device identifier. Such a makeup provides an information-processing device capable of determining an address used for communication target data encapsulated in tunnel communication. |
| US08108549B2 |
Method for using the loopback interface in a computer system having multiple workload partitions
In a computer system divided into multiple separate workload partitions, wherein at least one of the partitions contains multiple applications, and a loopback interface is made available to each partition, a method is provided for routing packets from one application to another application. In one embodiment of the invention, each packet to be routed from one application to another application in the same home partition comprises a first packet, and all other packets comprise second packets. The method comprises the steps of assigning the same pre-specified IP address to each of the first packets, and routing each of the first packets from its home partition to a loopback interface at the IP network processing layer. The method further includes marking the first packets to identify the home partition of each first packet, and directing the marked first packets to a mechanism configured to deliver each first packet only to its home partition, in response to the markings. Each second packet is assigned the IP address of its intended destination, and routed thereto over the loopback interface. |
| US08108542B2 |
Method and apparatus to determine broadcast content and scheduling in a broadcast system
A broadcast system, method and apparatus providing content on demand. In one embodiment, the disclosed broadcast system includes a server that broadcasts meta-data to a plurality of clients. The meta-data describes a plurality of data files that are to be broadcast or potentially broadcast later by the server. Each client receives the broadcasted meta-data from the server and updates and maintains a local meta-data table and a content rating table. Based on the meta-data, previous access habits of the user and optional user classifications, the client system selectively receives and/or stores the data files that are later broadcast by the server. In one embodiment, the client systems transmit back to the server ratings of each one of the data files described by the meta-data based on the user's previously accessed data files and optional user classifications. The server then determines the data files to be broadcast and the broadcast schedule based on the ratings received from the clients. |
| US08108539B2 |
Method for synchronising scene data files and media data flows in an unindirectional broadcast system
A method for the temporal synchronization of data packets of at least one media data flow with scene data files describing at least one scene and/or the data packets of said data files, in a unidirectional broadcast system. The data packets of the media data flow are each provided with a first time mark relating to a first reference time, and the scene data files and/or the data packets thereof are each provided with a second time mark relating to a second reference time. At least one time mark allocation data flow is transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, the first time marks of the media data flow and the second time marks of the scene data files and/or the data packets thereof being respectively associated with a third time mark relating to a third reference time. |
| US08108537B2 |
Method and system for improving content diversification in data driven P2P streaming using source push
A system and method for improving content diversification in data driven streaming includes computing a weight factor and a qualification factor for each of at least two nodes among a plurality of nodes, based upon a bandwidth of each node. Content is pushed to a node based on the qualification factor and the weight factor of each node. The qualification factor is updated for the node which received pushed content. |
| US08108535B1 |
Methods, systems, and products for selecting images
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for selecting images from media. As a media stream is processed for display, thumbnail images are extracted at a periodic rate from the media stream. The media stream and the thumbnail images are concurrently processed for display. |
| US08108532B2 |
Service distribution apparatus and method
A service distribution apparatus and method are provided. The service distribution apparatus includes a service module that provides a plurality of separable services; a storage module that stores group information of service reproduction apparatuses which reproduce the services, and a service control module that distributes requested services to different service reproduction apparatuses, respectively, based on the group information. |
| US08108528B2 |
System and method for verifying the identity of a chat partner during an instant messaging session
A system for verifying the identity of a chat partner during an instant messaging session. The identity of an instant messaging partner can be verified at any given moment during an instant messaging session. The status of the verification is displayed in the current session, and is contained into any subsequently saved session history file. Prior to the beginning of communication, a participant has the ability to challenge one or more other participants to verify that they are really the people assigned to the corresponding instant messaging identifiers. During the instant messaging session, participants are further allowed to challenge any other participant before going further with the session (e.g. prior to discussing confidential information or accepting files). The system addresses the problem of an unauthorized user gaining access to another user's instant messaging identifier. |
| US08108524B2 |
Internet connection user communications system
A method for communicating in real-time to users of a provider of Internet access service, without requiring any installation or set-up by the user, that utilizes the unique identification information automatically provided by the user during communications for identifying the user to provide a fixed identifier which is then communicated to a redirecting device. Messages may then be selectively transmitted to the user. The system is normally transparent to the user, with no modification of its content along the path. Content then may be modified or replaced along the path to the user. For the purposes of establishing a reliable delivery of bulletin messages from providers to their users, the system forces the delivery of specially-composed World Wide Web browser pages to the user, although it is not limited to that type of data. These may be displayed permanently, temporarily, or in separate pop-up browser windows, according to policies set by the provider irrespective of the user's intended browsing destination. |
| US08108521B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamic parallel processing
Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamic parallel processing of a plurality of subprocesses of a process initiated by a parallel processing framework. The plurality of subprocesses may include processing of one or more data objects in a computer system including a plurality of servers for processing the plurality of data objects by the plurality of subprocesses. The method may include building work packages from the plurality of data objects according to a process-specific scheme, and dynamically distributing the work packages of the plurality of data objects among the plurality of servers according to a process-specific execution order. |
| US08108515B2 |
Enabling rent/buy redirection in invitation to an online service
A system and method are directed towards enabling a user to access a client service such as a client game program that interacts with an online service such as a multiplayer game. A client probe detects execution of the client service on a first client device, and sends an instant message with address information to a second client device. A messaging service on the second client device, displays a presence of the first client and provides a selectable button to initiate the client service. If not already installed, the messaging service requests the client service from a remote online service such as a portal that may be independent from the online game service. The remote online service may provide options to freely try, rent, or buy the client service. The second client device downloads the client service and uses the address to connect to the same online multiplayer game. |
| US08108513B2 |
Remote monitoring of local behavior of network applications
Computer-executable instructions comprising some or all of a program can be delivered to a client for execution on a real-time basis such that the client receives anew the computer-executable instructions for each new execution of the program. Such an environment enables instrumentation instructions to be inserted into the computer-executable instructions after a request and prior to the delivery of the computer-executable instructions. The inserted instrumentation instructions can be spread across multiple deliveries of the same computer-executable instructions, and they can be modified to account for information received from previously inserted instrumentation instructions. The instrumentation instructions can be inserted as part of the server process, the client process, or as part of a proxy server that can be used at the discretion of the program developer. |
| US08108507B2 |
Content delivery network service provider (CDNSP)-managed content delivery network (CDN) for network service provider (NSP)
A CDN service provider shares its CDN infrastructure with a network to enable a network service provider (NSP) to offer a private-labeled network content delivery network (NCDN or “private CDN”) to participating content providers. The CDNSP preferably provides the hardware, software and services required to build, deploy, operate and manage the CDN for the NCDN customer. Thus, the NCDN customer has access to and can make available to participating content providers one or more of the content delivery services (e.g., HTTP delivery, streaming media delivery, application delivery, and the like) available from the global CDN without having to provide the large capital investment, R&D expense and labor necessary to successfully deploy and operate the network itself. Rather, the global CDN service provider simply operates the private CDN for the network as a managed service. |
| US08108506B2 |
Electronic device and connected device searching method
According to one embodiment, a method of making it possible to identify the connection of an external device reliably, the method comprises transmitting a command to check the connection of an external device to a logical address to which no physical address has been caused to correspond in an address list, if there has been a response to the command to check the connection, transmitting to the logical address a command to obtain a physical address allocated to an external device to which the logical address has been allocated, and registering a physical address included in a response to the command to obtain the physical address so as to correspond to the logical address to which the command to check the connection has been transmitted in the address list stored in a storage unit. |
| US08108505B2 |
Wireless local area network radio resource management admission control
In a method for controlling channel access in wireless communications, an admitted time value is calculated for each access category in a station. The admitted time value is a maximum amount of medium time the station can use in a time period. A used time value is calculated for each access category in the station. The used time value is an amount of medium time used by the station. A determination is made whether the used time value is less than the admitted time value. If the used time value is less than the admitted time value, a frame with enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) parameters is transmitted. If the used time value is not less than the admitted time value, a frame without the EDCA parameters is transmitted. |
| US08108504B2 |
Non-centralized network device management using console communications apparatus
A apparatus for the management of one or more wide area or local area network connected devices by a collocated managing device. The managing device includes communications connectivity to each of the managed devices via a console connection and optionally via shared local area network connections. Additionally, the managing device includes a control system and a database. The device is designed to operate securely and operate autonomously or coupled with an external device, for example a management system, or a user. |
| US08108503B2 |
Dynamic load balancing between chassis in a blade center
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for load balancing between different blade chassis within a blade center are presented. Each blade chassis is monitored for total data traffic to and from that blade chassis. If a first blade chassis within the blade center is overworked, then a most overtaxed blade within that first blade chassis is disabled. A less utilized second blade chassis within the blade center is then identified, and a least taxed blade within the second blade chassis is assigned to take over the workload of the disabled blade from the first blade chassis. |
| US08108496B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting forwarding modes
A method is provided for automatically determining in which data forwarding mode a network device should operate. Also, other settings for operation of the device may be automatically determined. These modes and settings may be selected based on one or more attributes of the network to which the device is connected. In one example, the network device includes a wired network interface and a wireless network interface. The device may be capable of operating in a routing, bridging, or repeating mode. The network device may select a forwarding mode based on attributes of the network that are detected or otherwise received by the network device. |
| US08108492B2 |
Web application network portal
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for providing real-time, two-way transactional capabilities on the Web. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for enabling object routing, the method comprising the steps of creating a virtual information store containing information entries and attributes associating each of the information entries and the attributes with an object identity, and assigning a unique network address to each of the object identities. A method is also disclosed for enabling service management of the value-added network service, to perform OAM&P functions on the services network. |
| US08108485B1 |
Method and system for operating a communication system
A method of operating a communication server system is provided. The method includes monitoring communications exchanged between a first communication device and a second communication device for a transmission of data from the first communication device to the second communication device, and in response to detecting the transmission of the data, storing a copy of the data. The method further includes receiving a request for the data from a third communication device, and in response to the request, transmitting the data to the third communication device. The method also includes receiving a download credit from the third communication device in response to transmitting the data to the third communication device, and transmitting the download credit to the first communication device. |
| US08108479B2 |
E-mail management system, mail server, forwarding method and medium
The invention provides a technique of automatically checking the validation of a destination address to which electronic mail is to be transferred. If the destination address is validated, the transfer of the mail to the address is permitted, so that no mail is transferred to the wrong address. An electronic mail management device (1, 2) for managing the destination addresses to which electronic mail is to be transferred comprises: means for receiving a request to set a destination address corresponding to a receiving mail address, and means for checking the validity of the destination address. |
| US08108476B2 |
High performance electronic message delivery engine
In a messaging system interfaced through the Internet, a method for processing a message from a sender and intended for delivery to at least one recipient, which sender is interfaced to the Internet through a sender server and which recipient is interfaced to the Internet through a recipient server, where the message includes at least recipient information and message body, is disclosed. The method includes testing the recipient information by establishing a temporary test connection through the Internet from the sender server to the recipient server, before relying on the recipient information for sending the message, so as to provide an indication of deliverability of the message to the recipient without using an SMTP VRFY command. |
| US08108474B2 |
System and method for indication of IM tracking
A method and computer program product for processing a tracking request from a first user of an instant messaging system concerning the online status of a second user of the instant messaging system. The online status of the second user is monitored. A tracking notice is provided to the second user. The tracking notice informs the second user that the first user is monitoring the online status of the second user. |
| US08108473B2 |
Mobile phone with CDMA and an audio/video electronic mail generator, and method of sending/receiving an audio/video electronic mail
An audio/video electronic mail system which is stored in a computer readable or access-able storage media comprises an address book providers to access to directory information; an audio/video e-mail generator coupled to the address and provided to generate an audio/video e-mail; a spooler coupled to the audio/video e-mail generator and responsible for sending messages to and receiving message from a messaging system; and a transport providers coupled to audio/video e-mail generator to handle message transmission and reception. |
| US08108472B2 |
Electronic mail system
An E-mail terminal device comprises a judging unit which judges whether or not a reply destination mail address extracted from an E-mail received is an address of a mailing list capable of broadcasting the same E-mail to a plurality of destinations at one time, an extracting unit which extracts, when the reply destination mail address is the address of the mailing list, at least one mail address contained in a text of the E-mail received, and a selecting module which displays the at least one extracted mail address as a candidate for a reply destination from which a specified reply destination can be selected. This construction makes it feasible to prevent a reply mail from being mis-transmitted to the mailing list. |
| US08108471B2 |
Communicating a response to the creator of a voice message forwarded by another
In one embodiment, a method for responding to a voice message includes accessing input from a first user at an endpoint indicating a desire to communicate to a second user a response to a voice message created by the second user and forwarded to the first user by a third user. The forward includes the voice message and at least one introduction to the voice message. The method also includes accessing the response, which includes a voice message created by the first user, automatically determining an address associated with the second user for communicating the response to the second user, and automatically communicating the response to the determined address without communicating to the determined address the introduction to the voice message forwarded to the first user. |
| US08108469B2 |
User interface for a communication suite
Embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for integrating communication services. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. An association of communications services is created. Accordingly, options are specified for a first communication services this is included in the association. Therefore, when one of the communication services in the association is actively utilized by a user, then the specified options are implemented for the first communications service in a first graphical display area for the first communications service. Other systems and methods are provided. |
| US08108467B2 |
Load balanced data processing performed on an application message transmitted between compute nodes of a parallel computer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for load balanced data processing performed on an application message transmitted between compute nodes of a parallel computer that include: identifying, by an origin compute node, an application message for transmission to a target compute node, the message to be processed by a data processing operation; determining, by the origin compute node, origin sub-operations used to carry out a portion of the data processing operation on the origin compute node; determining, by the origin compute node, target sub-operations used to carry out a remaining portion of the data processing operation on the target compute node; processing, by the origin compute node, the message using the origin sub-operations; and transmitting, by the origin compute node, the processed message to the target compute node for processing using the target sub-operations. |
| US08108462B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program and recording medium for storing the program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus capable of exchanging information with another apparatus. The apparatus includes: a unit for carrying out a communication with the other apparatus; a unit for acquiring information on a state of a communication with the other apparatus carried out by the communication unit; and a unit for determining image information for a user owning the other apparatus based on the information acquired by the communication-state information acquisition unit and determining an array including the image information. The apparatus further includes: a unit for generating a display image including the image information based on the array; and a unit for displaying the display image. |
| US08108461B2 |
Method and system for processing a request sent over a network
A method for processing a request sent over a network. The method includes receiving a first request sent by a client over the network at a physical server hosting a first application. The method further involves processing the first request using the first application to generate a second request. The method further involves the addressing and sending of the second request to a software-implemented distributed service delivery controller (SDC) on the physical server, where a loopback interface Internet Protocol (IP) address and a port associated with the distributed service delivery controller (SDC) are used to address the second request. The method further involves determining, using the distributed SDC, an IP address for a destination server hosting the second application. The method further involves processing the second request on a network layer of a network protocol stack of the physical server and sending the second request to the destination server. |
| US08108457B2 |
Methods and apparatus to enhance the performance of web browsers over bandwidth constrained links
Increasing the performance of a browser while operating over bandwidth constrained links by pre-fetching of web objects to increase the level of concurrency. Using an agent or a gateway to speed up its Internet transactions over bandwidth constrained connections to source servers. Assisting a browser in determining the order of fetching objects in such a way that an object is ready and available locally before the browser requires it. Providing seemingly instantaneous availability of objects to a browser enabling it to complete processing the object to request the next object without much wait. |
| US08108456B2 |
Method and apparatus for migrating the system environment on which the applications depend
The present invention provides an effective method for migrating the system services on which applications depend, rather than all of the system services, from a source OS platform to a target platform, in order to provide a suitable and consistent environment for the applications, while reducing the cost of the migration. The migration method further classifies the configurations of system services on different platforms into common configurations and specific configurations to accelerate the determination of the source of a migration error. |
| US08108455B2 |
Mobile agents in peer-to-peer networks
Embodiments of a mechanism for implementing mobile agents in peer-to-peer networks. An initiating peer may generate a mobile agent to perform one or more tasks on or gather information from other peers in the peer-to-peer network. The mobile agent may include an itinerary of peers that the mobile agent may visit. The mobile agent may be transmitted on communications channels in the peer-to-peer network to each peer on the itinerary in turn, and return to the initiating peer after visiting or attempting to visit each peer on the itinerary. In one embodiment, the mobile agent may traverse its itinerary via virtual communication channels (pipes) implemented according to a peer-to-peer platform. A mobile agent may include information identifying input pipes for each peer on its itinerary. Peers may generate and advertise input pipes for use by mobile agents. |
| US08108451B2 |
System and program products for efficiently locking resources of a global data repository
Concurrent access to a global data repository is provided, while minimizing the number of locks acquired to provide the concurrent access. One or more resources within the global data repository have predefined relationships with one or more other resources of the repository. Thus, locking for a particular resource is based on its relationship with one or more other resources of the repository. |
| US08108449B2 |
Information storage medium for storing metadata supporting multiple languages, and systems and methods of processing metadata
An information storage medium for storing metadata supporting multiple languages and a method of processing the metadata are provided. The information storage medium is provided to store contents, and at least one metadata file in which information regarding the contents is recorded in at least one language. The metadata file comprises a plurality of language files in which a plurality of versions of the information regarding the contents written in a plurality of languages are provided, and the languages are identified by the names of the respective language files. The names of the language files may include a language identifier according to an ISO 639-2 standard. The information may also include download information regarding a plurality of downloadable metadata files that are downloadable from other storage media. |
| US08108439B2 |
Method and device for displaying and browsing a multi-faceted data set
This invention aims to provide a method and apparatus for displaying and/or browsing a multi-faceted data set containing hierarchical subject labels. In the present invention, subject labels can be located into a 3D space. Complex information, such as, the relationship between subject labels and weights of respective subject labels can be presented by displaying the 3D space. In this way, the screen size can be reduced and the user experience is improved. |
| US08108437B2 |
Sortable hash table
A method for providing symbolic access to a plurality of objects stored in a data storage is provided. An associative array comprising a plurality of associative array keys and a plurality of associative array values may be generated. A data array comprising a plurality of data array elements may be generated, such that each object stores a sortable property value of the object and an original offset of the object. A mapping table to map original offsets to modified offsets is generated. The mapping table includes a plurality of mapping table elements, and each associative array value is used as an offset into the mapping table, and each mapping table element storing a modified offset, each modified offset is a numeric value used as an offset into the data array. |
| US08108434B2 |
Dynamic node extensions and extension fields for business objects
A system may include generation of extension metadata defining an extension node associated with a core node of a business object and extension fields associated with the extension node, and generation of a runtime metadata buffer comprising enhanced metadata, the enhanced metadata based on core metadata of the business object and the extension metadata. In some aspects, a service request associated with the business object is received, it is determined whether the service request is associated with the extension node, an extension service associated with the extension node is provided if it is determined that the service request is associated with the extension node, and a core service associated with core data of the business object is provided if it is determined that the service request is not associated with the extension node. |
| US08108432B2 |
Systems and methods for converting and delivering medical images to mobile devices and remote communications systems
A system for automated conversion and delivery of medical images. A data storage system is configured to store medical images, associated metadata, converted medical images, standardized format specifications for destination devices and services, and message templates. A server is coupled to the data storage system and a communication interface. The server is configured to receive a medical image file, comprising medical data and metadata, in a medical data format, determine an output destination type based on the metadata, correlate the output destination type with a standardized format specification, convert the medical data based on the correlated standardized format specification, and assemble and translate an output message that includes the converted medical data based on message templates that correlate with the output destination type. |
| US08108431B1 |
Two-dimensional data storage system
A method providing a level of indirection that abstracts the details of physical data storage, requiring neither indexing nor contiguity of data elements in physical storage for efficient data access. Tables are organized in a diagonal pattern (with a natural implementation in electronic spreadsheets), where the region occupied by each table is expandable and shrinkable. A novel query processing mechanism applies successive expressions in a query to progressively smaller arrays of references to a table's records. A novel method for implementing join operations avoids data replication, where the table derived from the join contains a matrix of references to values in the original tables. The derived table can subsequently be used to update the original tables via references, where this capability can be utilized in a user interface supporting atomic data entry transactions, where users may edit the derived table, and the corresponding original tables are atomically updated. |
| US08108430B2 |
Carousel control for metadata navigation and assignment
A property tree user interface permits user assignment of values to metadata properties and user navigation of data, within a system that includes a data storage subsystem in which data items are organized and queried by way of properties. The property tree includes nodes that expose properties of data items. A user may interact with the property tree in order to effect an assignment of a property, in which case the value associated with the property in the data storage subsystem is modified. The property tree may also display nodes that represent folders within a hierarchical file system, nodes that represent properties with inherent hierarchy, and nodes that represent user-defined hierarchical properties, and the property tree may display such nodes in a carousel control. |
| US08108427B2 |
System and method for storage operation access security
A method and system for controlling access to stored data is provided. The storage access control system leverages a preexisting security infrastructure of a system to inform the proper access control that should be applied to data stored outside of its original location, such as a data backup. The storage access control system may place similar access control restrictions on the backup files that existed on the original files. In this way, the backed up data is given similar protection as that of the original data. |
| US08108418B2 |
System, method and article of manufacture for advanced information gathering for targetted activities
An agent based system assists in preparing an individual for an upcoming meeting by helping him/her retrieve relevant information about the meeting from various sources based on preexisting information in the system. The system obtains input text in character form indicative of the target meeting from a calendar program that includes the time of the meeting. As the time of the meeting approaches, the calendar program is queried to obtain the text of the target event and that information is utilized as input to the agent system. Then, the agent system parses the input meeting text to extract its various components such as title, body, participants, location, time etc. The system also performs pattern matching to identify particular meeting fields in a meeting text. |
| US08108416B2 |
System and method for updating a search results page in response to a user map interaction
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for updating a search results page in response to user interaction with a map resource. The method of the present invention comprises receiving a first search results page in response to a search query comprising at least a first map resource. The method monitors a change in position of a map resource in response to a user interaction and calculates a location corresponding to a map position. The method then re-executes at least one search query based upon said calculated location and displays a second search results page comprising a plurality of updated search results. |
| US08108412B2 |
Phrase-based detection of duplicate documents in an information retrieval system
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are identified that predict the presence of other phrases in documents. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases. Related phrases and phrase extensions are also identified. Phrases in a query are identified and used to retrieve and rank documents. Phrases are also used to cluster documents in the search results, create document descriptions, and eliminate duplicate documents from the search results, and from the index. |
| US08108410B2 |
Determining veracity of data in a repository using a semantic network
A mechanism for determining the veracity of data in a repository. Responsive to receiving a search query from a user, a semantic network is created from the documents in the repository. A determination is made as to whether data from a first document in the semantic network conflicts with data from a second document in the semantic network. If a conflict exists, a determination is made as to whether the data from the first document is obsolete in comparison to data from the second document. If the data from the first document is obsolete in comparison to data from the second document, a portion of the first document corresponding to the obsolete data is automatically annotating with the data from the second document to form an annotated first document. A search result list is then provided to the user comprising the second document and the annotated first document. |
| US08108406B2 |
Pangenetic web user behavior prediction system
Computer based systems, methods, software and databases are presented in which correlations between web item preferences, behaviors and pangenetic (genetic and epigenetic) attributes of individuals are used for pangenetic based user behavior prediction in which predictions of a user's online behavior can be generated based on the user's pangenetic makeup. Data masking can be used to maintain privacy of sensitive portions of the pangenetic data. |
| US08108405B2 |
Refining a search space in response to user input
In one embodiment, a search space of a corpus is searched to yield results. The corpus comprises documents associated with keywords, where each document is associated with at least one keyword indicating at least one theme of the document. One or more keywords are determined to be irrelevant keywords. The search space is refined according to the irrelevant keywords. |
| US08108403B2 |
User engagement during large file uploads
A content server receives metadata describing content that is to be uploaded from a client computer to the content server. A prediction is made as to how long it will take to upload and/or process the content. Based on this predication, an appropriate-length user engagement content is transmitted to the client computer for a user to view while the content is being uploaded and/or processed. |
| US08108402B2 |
Techniques for measuring the relevancy of content contributions
Techniques for measuring the relevancy of content contributions are provided. Relevancy measurements for components of a collection of content are obtained. The relevancy measurements, the components to which they relate, and the collection of content as a whole are organized into a graphical presentation for subsequent analysis of the components vis-à-vis the collect of content as a whole. |
| US08108396B2 |
Techniques for specifying and collecting data aggregations
Data records containing one or more fields, which can be considered keys and/or values, are received, and processed such that data values of records that contain key values of interest are aggregated together. The keys of the resultant aggregations or “resultant keys” are created under the control of simple parameters to an aggregation framework. Similarly, the particular aggregations performed are also under the control of a similar set of simple parameters to the aggregation framework. Mapping of keys to reduce originality is one of the important features of resultant key creation. Finally, the structure of the parameters used to control aggregation is simple, flexible, and powerful. |
| US08108395B2 |
Automatic arrangement of portlets on portal pages according to semantical and functional relationship
The present invention relates to the field of network computing, and in particular to method and system for designing a Web Portal comprising a hierarchical structure of portal pages and portlets for accessing Web contents accessible via the Portal. A typical larger enterprise's portal contains large numbers, e.g., thousands of pages and portlets. Due to the complexity of an enterprise portal, manual administration is inefficient as it is time-consuming, error-prone and thus expensive. In order to overcome these disadvantages, it is proposed that a Portal according to the invention performs some mining of the portlet markup and/or that of the portlet description in order to autonomously compute and propose an enhanced portal content structure. This helps to provide a user-friendly content structure that reflects well the relationships between portlets. |
| US08108389B2 |
Techniques for knowledge discovery by constructing knowledge correlations using concepts or terms
Techniques for identifying knowledge use an graphical user interface for inputting one or more terms to be explored for additional knowledge. Then a search is conducted across one or more sources of information to identify resources containing information about or information associated with said terms. The resources are decomposed into elemental units of information and stored in a data structures called nodes. A group of nodes are stored in a node pool and, from the node pool, correlations of nodes are constructed that represent knowledge. |
| US08108386B2 |
More efficient search algorithm (MESA) using alpha omega search strategy
A more efficient search algorithm introduces a variety of new tools and strategies to more efficiently search and retrieve desired records from an electronic database. Among these are a strategy that utilizes the first and last positional characters, or phonemes, to exploit the fact that often last positional character is nearly as important as a first positional character in distinguishing database records from one another. In addition, virtual search parameters, that are not a portion of the database records, can also be utilized in distinguishing database records, such as by identifying a number of characters in a search field for a requested database record as a way of distinguishing that record from all others with a different number of characters. The invention finds potential application in any database search application, but is particularly useful in delivering directory assistance services. |
| US08108382B1 |
Optimizing the execution of a query in a multi-database system
Optimizing the execution of a query in a multi-database system includes identifying a region within a table, the table being referenced in the query. The region is stored on a data-storage device on a first of the system databases in the multi-database system. The region is stored on a data-storage device on a second of the system databases in the multi-database system, the second system database being a different system database than the first system database. A first access plan for the query is developed, the first access plan comprising accessing the version of the region stored on the first system database. A second access plan for the query is developed, the second access plan comprising accessing the version of the region stored on the second system database. A selection is made between the first access plan and the second access plan to execute the query. The query is executed using the selected access plan to produce a result. The result is stored. |
| US08108377B2 |
Predictive resource identification and phased delivery of structured documents
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request for a target structured document. In a first response phase, the method includes accessing a data structure comprising an entry for the target structured document and one or more first resources associated with the target structured document, generating a first response portion including a first portion of the target structured document including one or more of the first resources or references for one or more of the first resources, and transmitting the first response portion to the client. The method further includes, in a second response phase, generating a second response portion that includes a second portion of the target structured document including one or more of: one or more second resources, or references for the one or more second resources, associated with the target structured document; and structured document language code, and transmitting the second response portion to the client. |
| US08108374B2 |
Optimization framework for tuning ranking engine
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for facilitating the ranking of web objects. The method includes automatically adjusting a plurality of weight values for a plurality of parameters for inputting into a ranking engine that is adapted to rank a plurality of web objects based on such weight values and their corresponding parameters. The adjusted weight values are provided to the ranking engine so as to generate a ranked set of web objects based on such adjusted weight values and their corresponding parameters, as well as a particular query. A relevance metric (e.g., that quantifies or qualifies how relevant the generated ranked set of web objects are for the particular query) is determined. The method includes automatically repeating the operations of adjusting the weight values, providing the adjusted weight values to the ranking engine, and determining a relevance metric until the relevance metric reaches an optimized level, which corresponds to an optimized set of weight values. The repeated operations utilize one or more sets of weight values including at least one set that results in a worst relevance metric value, as compared to a previous set of weight values, according to a certain probability in order to escape local optimal solution to reach the global optimal solution. |
| US08108373B2 |
Selecting an author of missing content in a content management system
A content management system (CMS) includes metadata for each element in the repository. When an element has missing content that needs to be created, the repository is queried to identify elements which most closely match the metadata of the missing content. The metadata for these identified elements is analyzed to determine the authors for these elements which most closely match the element that needs to be authored. The authors are then ranked according to an author selection policy that may specify any suitable criteria for ranking authors, including author selection criteria, author ranking criteria, author filtering criteria, and author backup criteria. The result is a ranked list of one or more authors that are deemed the best choices of authors to author the missing content. The user may then request one of the authors in the ranked list to create the missing content. |
| US08108372B2 |
Information gathering system and method
A system and method for compiling selected information from a plurality of individuals is disclosed. The system and method of this invention may include a first portion comprising a plurality of criteria identifiers, such as a birth date, birth year, age, zodiac sign, name, profession, nationality, country of citizenship, favorite sport, hobby or interest, or other criteria. Each criteria identifier may display to a user the criteria for selecting the individual to input said selected information such as an individual's signature or other information. The system and method may also include a second portion comprising one or more storage elements, each storage element being associated with at least one of the criteria identifiers for storing and inputting the selected information. Once information is input into a particular storage element, that specific criteria identifier (e.g. birth date) associated with the storage element may be eliminated from being used to select an individual. A computerized or interactive on-line version of the system and method of this invention is also disclosed. |
| US08108371B2 |
Web engine search preview
Presenting both hyperlinks and thumbnail versions of search engine results is described in this application. More specifically, a graphical user interface (GUI) having multiple display areas is described. One display area is configured for displaying the hyperlinks returned from a search-engine query. Another display area is configured to display thumbnail versions of the one or more web pages related to the search-engine query. The thumbnail versions are retrieved after a search-engine query is submitted and after hyperlinks to relevant web pages are received. Each relevant web page is retrieved on one or more background threads. The retrieved web pages are then stored, and their thumbnail versions are presented along with the hyperlinks. |
| US08108364B2 |
Representation of system clock changes in time based file systems
A plurality of data units with associated timestamps is stored in a time based file system, wherein a timestamp corresponds to a time indicated by a system clock. A time indicated by the system clock is changed while the plurality of data units is being stored. A plurality of epochs is stored in a data structure, wherein an epoch is a period of time between a starting and an ending timestamp selected from the timestamps, and wherein successive epochs have overlapping time periods. The time based file system is reverted to an earlier point in time based on the plurality of epochs stored in the data structure. |
| US08108363B2 |
Computer product, method, and apparatus for analyzing computer system
A system analyzing apparatus analyzes a processing state of a computer system that includes a plurality of types of unit processing. The system analyzing apparatus includes a selecting unit that selects a plurality of representative unit processing based on similarities between individual units of the unit processing; and a grouping unit that groups each unit processing based on similarity between the each unit processing and each of representative unit processing selected by the selecting unit. |
| US08108362B2 |
Secure content descriptions
The invention describes a control node for a content distribution network and a method of automatically verifying content distributed over a network at a node in the network. In the method, a content description is received which comprises a content identifier, a publisher identifier, publisher authorization information and content checking information. The integrity and validity of this information are checked and if both the checks are passed, the content description is stored. |
| US08108361B2 |
Efficient column based data encoding for large-scale data storage
The subject disclosure relates to column based data encoding where raw data to be compressed is organized by columns, and then, as first and second layers of reduction of the data size, dictionary encoding and/or value encoding are applied to the data as organized by columns, to create integer sequences that correspond to the columns. Next, a hybrid greedy run length encoding and bit packing compression algorithm further compacts the data according to an analysis of bit savings. Synergy of the hybrid data reduction techniques in concert with the column-based organization, coupled with gains in scanning and querying efficiency owing to the representation of the compact data, results in substantially improved data compression at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems. |
| US08108358B2 |
File management method of server
A file management method of a server is implemented on a Linux operating system of the server. The method includes the steps of determining if there is a file deleted; when the result is yes, searching for an actual disk block location at which the deleted file is originally located and then recovering the deleted file; moving the recovered file to a predetermined location; and changing an access privilege level of the Linux operating system. |
| US08108353B2 |
Method and apparatus for block size optimization in de-duplication
The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining sizing of chunk portions in data de-duplication. The method chunks input data into segments where each segment has a first size, assigns an identifier to each of the data segments, assigns an index to each of the identifiers, creates a suffix structure and a longest common prefix structure from the indexes, detects repeated sequences of indexes and non-repeated indexes from the suffix structure and the longest common prefix structure, determines a second size based on said detected repeated sequences and non-repeated indexes, and chunks the input data into a second plurality of data segments each having the second size. |
| US08108350B2 |
End-to-end tracing for database applications
Techniques for end-to-end tracing of database operations in source code for database applications are provided. Source code on the client side is instrumented to measure time spent on selected database operation statements (e.g., queries). The selected database operation statements can be uniquely tagged or identified. Tracing is enabled on the database application on the server side so that a log is produced, where the log includes performance (e.g., time spent) information on database operation statements that are executed. The performance information in the log is correlated to the selected database operation statements so that, among other things, the time spent on the client side and the time spent on the server side can be presented for analysis. |
| US08108343B2 |
De-duplication and completeness in multi-log based replication
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to multi-log based replication. In aspects, database fragments are associated with different logs. Each change to a duplicated database record may be recorded in multiple logs. A history data structure is used to determine when duplication schemas are valid. A duplication schema indicates what database fragments duplicate one or more database records. For a particular time range, the duplication schema history is used to determine whether currently available logs include all changes. If multiple logs include the same change, one log may be selected to provide the change. Non-duplicative changes may be placed into a single data stream usable to update a remote database. |
| US08108342B2 |
Methods and systems of content mobilization, mobile search, and video editing through a web interface
This invention relates to computer implemented methods and systems for content mobilization, and in particular, methods and systems for mobilization of video, music, photos and other media, including processes for mobile search, mobile messaging, building a mobile content library, and combinations thereof. Content mobilization may be initiated by entry of search parameters or keywords and followed by retrieval of search results (e.g. videos, images, audio files) from online source(s). Upon selection of a content item by user, the process dynamically retrieves the media from online source. Further, the media file may be dynamically edited and then dynamically transcoded and sent to a mobile device. |
| US08108339B2 |
Implementing formulas for custom fields in an on-demand database
The efficiency and versatility for the implementation of formulas in an on-demand database is improved. Formulas are categorized. Based at least partly on the categorization, formulas are evaluated synchronously or asynchronously. An asynchronous evaluation may be performed if a certain set of criteria is not satisfied. Asynchronous evaluations may be performed using a queue. During an asynchronous update of an object, a counter field and/or an estimate field may be used respectively for indicating the consistency of values of the object and a time when the values were consistent. The versatility of formulas is enhanced by using a formula to create a default value for a custom field when it is created and to determine whether an action is to be performed, and is enhanced by having an action define when a formula is to be updated. |
| US08108332B2 |
Methods and systems for selecting features and using the selected features to perform a classification
A method is provided for performing a classification. The method includes ranking a plurality of features of a training set according to how closely they are correlated to their corresponding classifications, extracting a plurality of features of from input data, selecting a subset of the plurality of features such that a computational resource cost of the subset is less than a predefined computational resource maximum and a degree of utility achieved by a classification of the subset by a selected classifier is optimized and exceeds a predefined utility minimum, predicting one of the features of the sensor data that is not selected for the subset of features from a predefined number of past samples of the feature and adding the predicted feature to the subset of features, and classifying, by a processor, using the selected classifier and the resulting subset of features. |
| US08108331B2 |
Method and system for enhancing computer object rules and catalogs
A method, a machine-readable storage medium and a system are provided for enhancing computer rules in a computer application. In an embodiment, a rule is accessed from a set of computer rules provided by a computer application. The rule includes a number of fields, e.g., an attribute field and an enhancement type field. In response to receiving an input attribute and an input enhancement type, the rule is updated in the set of computer rules. The updated rule is implemented and operation of the updated rule in the computer application is altered based on the inputs. |
| US08108323B2 |
Distributed spam filtering utilizing a plurality of global classifiers and a local classifier
Embodiments are directed towards using a community of weighted results from local and global message classifiers to determine whether a message is spam. Each local classifier may receive a message that is to be evaluated to determine whether it is spam. A local classifier receives the message and performs a classification of the message. The local classifier may receive predictions of whether the message is spam from at least one global classifier. The local and global predictions are combined using, in one embodiment, a regression analysis to generate a single local message classification. Combining the local and global predictions is directed towards enabling a community of predictions to be used to classify messages. The user may then re-classify this output, which in turn is used as feedback to modify weights to the local and received global predictions for a next message. |
| US08108322B2 |
PC postage™ service indicia design for shipping label
Systems and methods of insuring payment of a proper amount of postage, comprise receiving payment for an amount of postage, affixing a postage indicia to a piece of mail, wherein the postage indicia includes the postage amount in a format readable only by machine, and adjusting the postage amount at a time subsequent to receipt of payment. |
| US08108320B2 |
Requirement analyzing with dynamic qualification blocks
A method for matching an object with a set of qualifications to an object with a set of requirements includes determining whether one or more predetermined blocks of qualifications are wholly or partially fulfilled by the set of qualifications and matching the object with the set of qualifications to the object with the set of requirements based on the one or more predetermined blocks of qualifications that have been determined to be wholly or partially fulfilled. |
| US08108315B2 |
Discovering software code subject to licenses
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for discovering whether software files are associated with licenses. One method of software execution includes dividing software code into plural functions, transforming each function into plural tokens, and comparing the plural tokens with a set of tokens that corresponds with a known function subject to a software license. |
| US08108311B2 |
Systems and methods for constructing a local electronic medical record data store using a remote personal health record server
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for managing medical information. Certain embodiments provide a local electronic medical record system including a local personal health record (PHR) client, the PHR client downloading encrypted patient documents from a remote PHR server and parsing the downloaded encrypted patient documents to form a local PHR database. The example system also includes an interface receiving user input including an encryption key to decrypt the downloaded encrypted patient documents and displaying patient medical information to the user based on the downloaded decrypted patient documents. |
| US08108310B2 |
Recording apparatus and method, and communication device and method
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus and method and communication apparatus and method suitably for use in supplying the encoded data of accumulated music for example to a semiconductor memory or a portable device. In step S461, the content data enabled for check-in into an MS are identified. In step S462, a check-in process is executed. In step S463, it is determined whether or not the content data enabled for check-in have all been checked in. In step S464, an album to be checked out is determined. In step S465, one track is selected. In step S466, the selected track is determined whether or not it is enabled for check-out. In step S467, the capacity of the MS is confirmed. In step S468, a check-out operation is performed. In step S469, it is determined whether or not all tracks in the album to be checked out have been selected. The present invention is applicable to audio servers for example. |
| US08108309B2 |
Protecting a manufactured item from counterfeiting
A method and system are described for protecting a manufactured item from counterfeiting. The manufactured item, which is marked with an identifier, such as a serial number, is associated with a code generator that has secret functions and data for generating verification codes. The manufactured item is then supplied along with the corresponding code generator. Thereafter, the identifier from the manufactured item and the verification code generated by the code generator are used to verify authenticity of the manufactured item. |
| US08108308B2 |
Life settlement transaction system and method involving apportioned death benefit
A method and system for structuring a life settlement with a paid-up policy transaction. An existing insurance policy holder exchanges an existing insurance policy for a paid-up insurance policy or life insurance group certificate purchased by a buyer on a secondary market. The policy could also exchange their policy for being named as a beneficiary of a second insurance policy purchased by a buyer on a secondary market. |
| US08108299B1 |
Methods and systems related to trading engines
An aspect comprises: (a) receiving data describing a trading order; (b) checking the data to determine whether a first set of conditions is satisfied, wherein the first set of conditions is associated with a first set of trading algorithms, and determining that the first set of pre-defined conditions is satisfied; (c) selecting first trading algorithms from the first set of trading algorithms, for execution of the trading order; (d) commencing execution of the trading order; (e) checking, during execution of the trading order, status of the trading order and the first set of conditions; (f) if the first set of conditions is no longer satisfied, checking whether a second set of conditions is satisfied; and (g) if the second set of conditions is satisfied, switching execution of the trading order to second trading algorithms selected from a second set of trading algorithms associated with the second set of conditions. |
| US08108296B2 |
System and method for varying electronic settlements between buyers and suppliers with dynamic discount terms
A method of making payment. A request is received to effect payment between a buyer and a seller for a transaction having established terms. The terms include a payment amount and a settlement date. Messages are exchanged between the buyer and the seller that include an offer and acceptance of new terms for payment other than the established terms. The new terms include an adjusted amount of payment to be made at a particular time after an event associated with the transaction. An electronic notification that the event has occurred is received, and after the notification, payment between the buyer and seller is effected under the new terms. In one implementation, a digital signature indicating acceptance of the new terms is received. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of effecting payment that includes receiving requests to effect a set of transactions with a set of entities. Requests for offers of terms different than the established terms are sent to the entities, and the different terms are to apply to payment made at a particular time after the event. Offers are received in response to the requests, and a set of offers among the offers is selected based on a set of one or more criteria. Requests for offers and selection of the offers may be made based on a goal seeking process. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of making payment involving a buyer, seller and a third party, such as a financial institution. A system for making payment is also described. |
| US08108293B2 |
Automated trading systems
In an electronic trading system, prime brokerage services may be provided by assigning one or more dependent or child deal codes to a deal code. Prime broker trades are conducted via the dependent deal codes but appear to the market as deals with the parent deal code using credit assigned to the parent deal code. The prime bank customer is a dependent deal code of the customer bank which also trades on the system, allowing credit to be allocated by the customer dependent code for prime broker trades. A deal code may have several dependent deal codes which can trade with one another. Dependent deal codes can be used to expand the size of trading floors beyond that which can be supported by a single deal code and to assist in migration between system versions. |
| US08108291B1 |
System and method for creating trade-related annotations in an electronic trading environment
A client terminal displays a trading screen interface and an annotation interface in relation to the trading screen interface. The annotation interface allows a trader to enter trade-related annotations in a quick and efficient manner or flag a predetermined time and input annotations to be associated with the flagged time a later time, while the trading screen interface allows the trader to make trades at the most favorable prices and in a speedy manner. The annotation interface may alternatively not be displayed and allow for audio input. |
| US08108290B2 |
Market sentiment indicator
A method and system for determining and displaying market sentiment information is disclosed. The method may include obtaining customer opening option activity information from an order routing system database, excluding spread transactions from the customer opening option activity information, calculating a sum of buy call trades and sell put trades from the customer opening option activity information, calculating a total number of customer trades from the customer opening option activity information and dividing the sum of buy call trades and sell put trades by the total number of customer trades to calculate an indicator value. The indicator value may be recalculated every N period until an end of a trading day using all trades through the N period in the trading day. |
| US08108289B2 |
Market data recovery
Networks, systems and methods for recovering data messages from a market data stream and for building a book for a financial instrument are disclosed. An out-of-band data stream related to an as-of state of the market for one or more financial instruments is distributed parallel to a stream of market data for the financial instrument. The as-of data stream is referenced to the financial according to a unique identifier of the messages of the market data stream. The as-of data for a financial instrument may be provided at periodic rate that may be varied according to one or more factors. |
| US08108288B2 |
Distributed reverse auction
A distributed reverse auction allows an auction to end when a dealer is first in time to accept a bid. A purchaser creates an account that relates to a specified purchase. The purchaser places bids at different dealers using the created account. The first dealer to accept the bid draws the agreed upon amount of money from the account. The other bids are cancelled and thus the dealer to act first in time engages in the sale. |
| US08108280B2 |
Multiple balance state account processing
A computer based system and method for processing financial accounts. Each account is defined by multiple daily account balance records. Each daily account balance record is defined by a daily account balance record posting state that defines the types of transactions that may be posted to the daily account record balance at any one time. The various daily account balance records defining a single account may have different daily account balance record posting states, thereby allowing different types of transactions for different account days to be posted to the same account simultaneously. The resulting account processing system and method provides customers greater flexibility in transferring money between accounts and provides banking entities greater flexibility in account processing timing and reducing operational costs. |
| US08108270B2 |
Method and system for product layout display using assortment groups
A system, method and program product are provided for determining a product layout for a group of stores. An assortment is defined as a group of stores. An assortment version is defined by assigning a first product to the assortment for a time period, thereby determining the time period during which the first product is in the assortment. A layout module is defined and the layout module is assigned to the assortment, the layout module representing a display area of the store. A layout module version is defined that represents a product layout for the group of stores for a time period based on the corresponding assortment version. The layout module information is provided to a shelf optimization or ranging program. The optimized layout module information is received and the optimized layout module information is inputted to the layout module version. |
| US08108261B2 |
Store affiliation system
Techniques for improved interaction between online retailers and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers that provide patron-accessible networks are disclosed. The location and/or the fact that any given purchase was made from a particular retailer's patron-accessible network can be tracked for various purposes. The invention can facilitate partnering between online retailers (i.e., online stores) and traditional ‘brick-and-mortar’ business establishments. As an example, the invention can be used to track and give credit for online purchases at an online retailer that are facilitated by a brick-and-mortar retailer. |
| US08108259B2 |
Systems and methods for providing personalized delivery services
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing personalized delivery services by a carrier providing a package delivery service. Typically, the consignee indicates a delivery preference to be applied to delivery of a package, such as indicating a specific location where the package is to be left upon delivery, if the consignee is not present to accept the package. In one embodiment, the consignee may be notified by the carrier of the scheduled delivery of the package, and may be linked to the carrier's web site to indicate a delivery preference. Alternatively, the delivery preference may be indicated by the consignee proactively accessing the web site. After conveying a delivery preference, the carrier's systems communicate the delivery preference at the appropriate time to a portable computing device which informs the delivery personnel of the consignee's delivery preference. Other embodiments allow the consignor to indicate delivery preferences. |
| US08108257B2 |
Delayed advertisement insertion in videos
A method for achieving uninterrupted interactivity for user watching a video yet clicking on an advertisement is provided. A method for delayed interactivity is provided herein. Delayed interactivity is implemented in the form of delayed insertions. When a user clicks on an object in hypervideo, presentation of or any action on the related information is deferred rather than played immediately. Delayed interactivity also is implemented in the form of video bookmarks. When a user clicks on an actual advertisement, related information is stored, i.e., bookmarked, along with video content. In this way, the user can pursue the related information at a later time and at the user's convenience. |
| US08108252B1 |
Merchant and customer interaction system using short message service for demand aggregation
A system and a method are disclosed for aggregating demand for a merchant using short message service (SMS). The system receives a text message from a consumer containing a merchant code and a request for a discount, the merchant code being associated with a merchant. The system determines whether the merchant has an available discount. If a discount is available, information about the discount is sent to the consumer. If a discount is not available, a text message is sent to the consumer indicating a level of demand for discounts from the merchant, the text message to be shown to the merchant. |
| US08108251B2 |
Method of and system for managing promotions for purchase transactions over a network
A system for managing promotions over a network includes a promotion server system having a computer processor and associated datastore, the datastore containing data representative of terms and statistics of one or more item promotions, and a commercial server system including a computer processor, the commercial server system being selectively coupleable to the promotion server system over the network. The promotion server system includes promotion code for transferring, to the commercial server system, the data representative of the terms and statistics of the promotions. |
| US08108249B2 |
Business planner
A method and system for predicting the profit attributable to a proposed sales promotion of a product, wherein the product has a wholesale price and a manufacturing cost per unit sales, including establishing a base volume for sales of the product in the absence of promotions; determining a sales lift for the plurality of single promotions; and correlating the sales lift with promotion information to provide a sales lift model. The method and system also include proposing a promotion having a cost per unit sales for a promotion time period and having a planned sale price for the product; applying the sales lift model to the proposed promotion to predict sales of the product for the promotion time period; and calculating manufacturer profit based upon the product's predicted sales, cost per unit sales for promotion, wholesale price, and manufacturing cost per unit sales during the promotion time period. |
| US08108247B2 |
Toner estimator and reporter
Systems and methods are described that facilitate presenting estimated toner consumption for a print job to a user. A print job is identified from a print job queue or by a job ticket, and is analyzed to identify print job parameters such as rendering mode, resolution, pages in the job, etc. A user may adjust rendering resolution and/or a job sub-setting such as a page cycle value or multiple thereof (e.g., where every Nth page of the job is the same or similar). Raster image processing is performed on the print job (with or without printing the job) to generate rasters, and a lookup table is accessed to identify an amount of toner required for each page given the rasters generated therefor at the given resolution in the given rendering mode. Toner cost estimation information is summarized in a report that is presented to the user (e.g., on a GUI, a printed page, or via electronic transfer). |
| US08108241B2 |
System and method for promoting action on visualized changes to information
An improved method is provided herein of managing information that typically relates to a project, process, or workflow. The information is classified within various hierarchical levels of categories, subcategories and their lowest level data elements and is organized within an electronic graph in a corresponding hierarchical sequence. The graph comprises what is termed as “cell bodies” in the form of graphical objects. These graphical objects represent each of the categories, subcategories and data elements and are aligned against each other in various orthogonally stacked configurations where the cell bodies consist of one or more geometric shapes, symbols, characters and their respective features such as color, in a tight grouping, which together, represent several variables of a single data set record. Each cell body may be a cluster of one or more such graphical components. |
| US08108238B1 |
Flexible project governance based on predictive analysis
A computer implemented method is provided for flexible project governance based on predictive analysis. Project complexity factors are analyzed to determine a project complexity index. Initial development gates are selected for a project based on the project complexity index. Project governance factors are periodically analyzed to determine a project governance index. Actions for project reporting and for the initial development gates are selected based on the project governance index. |
| US08108237B2 |
Systems for integrating contact center monitoring, training and scheduling
Systems and methods are disclosed for an optimizing operations at a contact center. In one embodiment, an integrated contact center comprises: a workforce manager comprising a scheduler and a tracking function; and a lesson assignment function configured to receive at least one indicator of performance of the agent, and further configured to assign a lesson to the agent based on the at least one indicator. |
| US08108232B1 |
System and method for project contract management
A computer-implemented system for managing contracts for projects is provided. The system consists of a data store and an analysis component. The data store can maintain information related to a project including an original contract defining at least some aspects of the project. The data store can also maintain information for a plurality of interim contracts that include a change to the original contract. The information for the plurality of interim contracts can include resource information, date information, financial information, and variance information. The variance information is related to the change between one of the interim contracts and the original contract. The analysis component identifies the variance between the original contract and one or more of the interim contracts. |
| US08108228B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for transferring medical files
The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for managing, transferring, modifying, converting and/or tracking medical files and/or medical system messages. In certain embodiments, the foregoing may generally be based on requesting medical files at a first medical facility, identifying the requested medical files at a second medical facility, initiating a secure network connection between the first and second medical facility, modifying a header portion of the medical files based on patient identification information created by the first medical facility, and other processing steps. |
| US08108226B2 |
System and program for electronically maintaining medical information between patients and physicians
Disclosed is a method, system, program, and data structure for maintaining electronic patient medical information. An electronic patient data structure is generated to include patient biographical information and one of medical history information, medication schedule information, and appointment schedule information. The patient data structure is electronically transmitted between a physician computer and a portable patient device. The patient data structure is capable of being modified. |
| US08108225B2 |
Method, system, and software for analysis of a billing process
A method, system, and software for analyzing third party payments for provider service includes processing third party payment information data and processing provider services billing data provided to the third party to request payment. The method automatically validates provider services billing data against other provider services data and generating a report listing discrepancies between the third party payment information data, the provider services billing data, and the other provider services data. |
| US08108224B2 |
Method and system of identifying potential under reporters to monitor compliance in reporting unclaimed property
Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for monitoring compliance in reporting unclaimed property. The method is capable of identifying both potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters. In this regard, potential under-reporters may be identified as a result of a multilevel review that may take into account the recent reporting history, both in terms of frequency and the type and quantity of unclaimed property that has been reported. The potential non-reporters and potential under-reporters may then be further evaluated, such as by means of an audit or other follow up procedure, to insure compliance. |
| US08108221B2 |
Mixed lossless audio compression
A mixed lossless audio compression has application to a unified lossy and lossless audio compression scheme that combines lossy and lossless audio compression within a same audio signal. The mixed lossless compression codes a transition frame between lossy and lossless coding frames to produce seamless transitions. The mixed lossless coding performs a lapped transform and inverse lapped transform to produce an appropriately windowed and folded pseudo-time domain frame, which can then be losslessly coded. The mixed lossless coding also can be applied for frames that exhibit poor lossy compression performance. |
| US08108219B2 |
Apparatus and method of encoding and decoding audio signal
In one embodiment, at least one channel in a frame of the audio signal is subdivided into a plurality of blocks such that at least two of the blocks having different lengths, and information indicating the subdivision of the channel into the blocks is generated. |
| US08108212B2 |
Speech recognition method, speech recognition system, and server thereof
A speech recognition method comprises model selection step which selects a recognition model based on characteristic information of input speech and speech recognition step which translates input speech into text data based on the selected recognition model. |
| US08108207B1 |
Methods and apparatus for understanding machine vocabulary
Configurations herein provide a language processing mechanism operable to define a machine vocabulary and identify a machine language version of the words that preserves context and identifies the proper definition of the words by identifying and preserving context of a particular set of words, such as a sentence or paragraph. The machine vocabulary includes a definition section for each definition of a word. Each definition section includes a set of one or more definition elements. The definition elements include a predetermined format of definition fields, and each has a corresponding mask indicative of significant definition fields. The set of definition elements corresponding to a particular definition describe the usage of the word in a context matching that particular definition. Each definition element captures a characteristic of the definition according to fuzzy logic such that the definition elements collectively capture the context. |
| US08108205B2 |
Leveraging back-off grammars for authoring context-free grammars
A system and method of refining context-free grammars (CFGs). The method includes deriving back-off grammar (BOG) rules from an initially developed CFG and utilizing the initial CFG and the derived BOG rules to recognize user utterances. Based on a response of the initial CFG and the derived BOG rules to the user utterances, at least a portion of the derived BOG rules are utilized to modify the initial CFG and thereby produce a refined CFG. The above method can carried out iterativey, with each new iteration utilizing a refined CFG from preceding iterations. |
| US08108204B2 |
Text categorization using external knowledge
A method of providing weighted concepts related to a sequence of one or more words, including: providing on a computer an encyclopedia with concepts and a document explaining each concept, forming a vector, which contains the frequency of the word for each concept, for each word in the encyclopedia, arranging the vector according to the frequency of appearance of the word for each concept, selecting the concepts with the highest frequencies for each word from the vector, truncating the rest of the vector, inducing a feature generator using the truncated vectors; wherein the feature generator is adapted to receive as input one or more words and provide a list of weighted concepts, which are most related to the one or more words provided as input. |
| US08108203B2 |
Translation system, translation program, and bilingual data generation method
A translation system including: a bilingual data storage section, a plurality of pieces of first language simple sentence data and a plurality of pieces of second language simple sentence data being stored in the bilingual data storage section while being associated with each other so that the first language simple sentences and the second language simple sentences respectively make pairs; and a target language simple sentence data output section which outputs target language simple sentence data corresponding to a target language simple sentence which is a translation of a given source language simple sentence based on source language simple sentence data corresponding to the source language simple sentence. The target language simple sentence data output section receives first-language-source-language simple sentence data, selects first language simple sentence data from the plurality of pieces of the first language simple sentence data stored in the bilingual data storage section based on the received first-language-source-language simple sentence data, and outputs the second language simple sentence data associated with the selected first language simple sentence data as the target language simple sentence data. |
| US08108200B2 |
System and method for accessing and configuring field devices in a process control system using distributed control components
A system includes a client and an interface component. The client includes (i) a device manager associated with a field device in a process control system and (ii) a first emulator configured to emulate a communication manager. The device manager defines a user interface associated with the field device. The interface component includes (i) a second emulator configured to emulate the device manager and (ii) the communication manager. The communication manager is configured to communicate with the field device over a communication link using a specified protocol. The client is physically separated from the interface component. The communication manager could represent a communication Device Type Manager (DTM), and the device manager could represent a device DTM. Also, the first emulator could emulate at least some functions of the communication DTM, and the second emulator could emulate at least some functions of the device DTM. |
| US08108198B2 |
Memory tracing in an emulation environment
A system and method are disclosed to trace memory in a hardware emulator. In one aspect, a first Random Access Memory is used to store data associated with a user design during emulation. At any desired point in time, the contents of the first Random Access Memory are captured in a second Random Access Memory. After the capturing, the contents of the second Random Access Memory are copied to a visibility system. During the copying, the user design may modify the data in the first Random Access Memory while the captured contents within the second Random Access Memory remain unmodifiable so that the captured contents are not compromised. In another aspect, different size memories are in the emulator to emulate the user model. Larger memories have their ports monitored to reconstruct the contents of the memories, while smaller memories are captured in a snapshot RAM. Together the two different modes of tracing memory are used to provide visibility to the user of the entire user memory. |
| US08108197B2 |
Method to verify an implemented coherency algorithm of a multi processor environment
A coherency algorithm for a multi processor environment to run on a single processor model is verified by: generating a reference model reflecting a private cache hierarchy of a single processor within the multi processor environment, stimulating the private cache hierarchy with simulated requests and/or cross invalidations from a core side and/or from a nest side, and augmenting all data available in the private cache hierarchy with two construction dates and two expiration dates, which are set based on interface events. Multi processor coherency is not observed if the cache hierarchy ever returns data to the processor with an expiration date that is older than the latest construction date of all data used before. Further, a single processor model and a computer program product can be employed to execute the method. |
| US08108196B2 |
System for yielding to a processor
An apparatus and program product for coordinating the distribution of CPUs as among logically-partitioned virtual processors. A virtual processor may yield a CPU to precipitate an occurrence upon which its own execution may be predicated. As such, program code may dispatch the surrendered CPU to a designated virtual processor. |
| US08108194B2 |
Peak power detection in digital designs using emulation systems
A method of analyzing power consumption for a DUT (device under test) that includes an integrated circuit or an electronic system includes: providing emulation data for states of the DUT in one or more time windows; determining operational mode values from the emulation data and a selection of operational modes that characterize circuit behavior in the one or more time windows; dividing each time window into one or more segments based on at least one power criterion; determining power-activity values for the one or more segments; determining power-consumption values for the one or more segments from the power-activity values; using the power-activity values and the power-consumption values to determine relative power activity across the one or more segments and adjusting the one or more segments to target high power activity over operational modes in the one or more time windows; and saving one or more values for power activity of the DUT in a computer-readable medium. |
| US08108192B2 |
Simulator apparatus and simulation method
A simulator apparatus simulates a behavior of an image forming apparatus in order to verify the behavior. The simulator apparatus includes a computing unit that performs a simulation operation on the behavior of the image forming apparatus, and a selection unit that selects a simulation speed of the computing unit. |
| US08108190B2 |
Programmable joint simulator with force and motion feedback
A joint simulator for duplicating the biomechanical properties of body segments with joints. In one embodiment, the joint simulator includes a body model of the body segment to be simulated, controllable drive elements which are coupled mechanically with the body model in such a way that movements of the body model which correspond to real biomechanical joint movements of the body segment to be simulated can be effected by controlling the drive elements, a sensor arrangement for detecting forces and movements introduced by an examining person on the body model and a programmable control device for controlling the drive elements, whereby the control device is configured such that the measured signals processed by the sensor arrangement are introduced into a computer. |
| US08108188B2 |
Enumerated linear programming for optimal strategies
One embodiment is directed to an approach to solving a leader-follower problem in which a leader has a set of leader actions and a follower has a set of follower actions. The approach includes receiving an expression of the leader-follower problem as a normal form Stackelberg game. The approach further includes, for each possible follower action, solving a linear program (LP) problem to determine a respective optimal mixed leader strategy, wherein the LP problem optimizes a leader payoff for a given mixed leader strategy and a given fixed follower action over a feasible region that includes only mixed leader strategies that provoke that respective follower action. The approach further includes generating an output derived from the optimal mixed leader strategies, and outputting the output by changing a physical state associated with an interface. |
| US08108181B2 |
On-board performance monitor and power control system
A system and method for controlling performance and/or power based on monitored performance characteristics. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise an integrated circuit comprising a first circuit module that receives electrical power. A second circuit module may monitor one or more performance characteristics of the first circuit module and/or the integrated circuit. A third circuit module may, for example, determine power control information based at least in part on the monitored performance characteristic(s). The power control information may be communicated to power supply circuitry to control various characteristics of the electrical power. Various aspects of the present invention may also comprise an integrated circuit comprising a first module that monitors at least one performance characteristic of a first electrical device. The integrated circuit may also comprise modules that determine power control information based on the monitored performance characteristic(s) and communicate such power control information to power supply circuitry. |
| US08108178B2 |
Directed design of experiments for validating probability of detection capability of a testing system
A method of validating a probability of detection (POD) testing system using directed design of experiments (DOE) includes recording an input data set of observed hit and miss or analog data for sample components as a function of size of a flaw in the components. The method also includes processing the input data set to generate an output data set having an optimal class width, assigning a case number to the output data set, and generating validation instructions based on the assigned case number. An apparatus includes a host machine for receiving the input data set from the testing system and an algorithm for executing DOE to validate the test system. The algorithm applies DOE to the input data set to determine a data set having an optimal class width, assigns a case number to that data set, and generates validation instructions based on the case number. |
| US08108175B2 |
Method for determining self-heating free I-V characterstics of a transistor
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for determining a self-heating free drain current in a transistor corresponding to a channel temperature not affected by a drain DC current includes measuring at least three unique drain currents of a transistor corresponding to at least three unique ambient temperatures. The method further includes determining at least three unique channel temperatures of the transistor corresponding to the at least three unique drain currents, thereby establishing a current-temperature relationship for the transistor. The method further includes determining the self-heating free drain current of the transistor utilizing the current-temperature relationship. |
| US08108173B2 |
Compensating for system delay and/or extraneous illumination in analyte analyzation
A sensor that determines information related to a gaseous analyte in a body of fluid. The sensor comprises an emitter, a luminescable medium, a radiation sensor, and a processor. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation having an oscillating intensity. The luminescable medium communicates with the body of fluid and emits luminescent radiation in response to the received electromagnetic radiation. The radiation sensor receives the luminescent radiation, and generates an output signal based on the intensity of the received luminescent radiation. The processor samples the output signal generated by the radiation sensor at two or more predetermined periodic points over the oscillation of the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation to determine information from the samples related to a phase difference between the oscillation of the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter and oscillation of the intensity of the luminescent radiation received by the radiation sensor. |
| US08108171B2 |
Systems and methods for calibration of gyroscopes and a magnetic compass
Calibration systems and methods simultaneously calibrate a magnetic compass and gyroscopes. An exemplary embodiment rotates the field calibration system. Based upon the rotation sensed by the magnetic compass and the gyroscopes, the field calibration system determines compensation for both the magnetic compass and the gyroscopes. |
| US08108170B1 |
Method and system for increasing optical instrument calibration and prediction accuracy within and across different optical instrument platforms
A method and system for increasing optical instrument calibration and prediction accuracy within and across different optical instrument platforms can comprise two main submethods or routines. The first routine can include one for correcting differences among optical instruments of different model types regardless of the manufacturer and correcting differences among optical instruments of the same model type. The second main routine or sub-method can include one for analyzing new samples of a product over time and maintaining prediction accuracy as compared to a reference method over time. The first routine can include a “TRANS” procedure, a “MIN” procedure, and checkcell tests. The second main routine provides techniques on how a product database can be cleaned, condensed, and expanded automatically as it is used by one or more different optical instruments. |
| US08108165B2 |
Acquiring phasors outside the frequency tracking range for power protective relays
A system and method for acquiring phasors outside of the frequency tracking range for power protective relays. As the frequency of a power system varies from the rated frequency, phasors calculated from such samples include errors. A frequency tracking range is used to sample the signal waveform at a rate corresponding to the frequency when the frequency is within the frequency tracking range. When the frequency is outside of the frequency tracking range, the signal waveform is sampled at a rate corresponding with the maximum or minimum of the frequency tracking range depending on whether the frequency exceeds or falls below the frequency tracking range. The difference between the frequency and the minimum or maximum of the frequency tracking range is used to correct the measured phasors to result in accurate phasors. |
| US08108164B2 |
Determination of a common fundamental frequency of harmonic signals
Techniques are provided for determining the time course of the fundamental frequency of harmonic signals, wherein the input signal is split into different frequency channels by band pass filters. Distances between crossings of different orders are determined, and a histogram of all these distance values for each instant in time is calculated. The distance values build a peak at the distance corresponding to the fundamental frequency. An example application of this technique is separation of acoustic sound sources in monaural recordings based on their underlying fundamental frequency. Application of these techniques, however, is not limited to the field of acoustics. These techniques can also be applied to other signals such as those originating from pressure sensors. |
| US08108157B2 |
Electrospun fibrous nanocomposites as permeable, flexible strain sensors
The present invention generally relates to methods to provide electrospun polymer/nanoparticle composite-fiber structures for use as lightweight, compliant, porous strain sensors for non-cyclic strain sensing. In one embodiment, the fibers in the nanocomposites comprise, for example, poly(∈-caprolactone) (PCL) dielectric polymer matrix with embedded electrically conductive carbon black (CB) nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the composite-fiber structures of the present invention contain at least about 7 weight percent or more of CB and are electrically conducting in the as-spun, un-deformed state, and are thus called conductive polymer composites (CPC). In still another embodiment, the electrical resistance of a nanocomposite structure according to the invention increases with strain, and at sufficiently high strains the structure is rendered non-conductive. |
| US08108156B2 |
Methods, program products, and systems for estimating the stress-strain relationship of a toughened structural adhesive polymer
Methods, program products, and computer systems for estimating a stress of a toughened structural adhesive polymer are provided. One method comprises selecting a strain, a strain rate, a temperature, or a combination thereof at which the stress is to be estimated. A value of a strain-hardening stress of the toughened structural adhesive polymer is determined, wherein the value of the strain-hardening stress is dependent on the temperature and the strain. A value of a non-strain-hardening stress of the toughened structural adhesive polymer is determined, wherein the value of the non-strain-hardening stress is dependent on the strain, the strain rate, and the temperature. The value of the strain-hardening stress is added to the value of the non-strain-hardening stress to obtain an estimated total stress. |
| US08108154B2 |
NOx emission estimation systems and methods
A NOx estimation system includes an operating mode determination module that determines an operating mode of an engine, and an emission prediction module. The emission prediction module estimates NOx emission based on the operating mode, a plurality of sensed parameters, and a map. The map correlates the plurality of sensed parameters to the NOx emission based on the operating mode. |
| US08108152B2 |
Method for redesign of microbial production systems
A computer-assisted method for identifying functionalities to add to an organism-specific metabolic network to enable a desired biotransformation in a host includes accessing reactions from a universal database to provide stoichiometric balance, identifying at least one stoichiometrically balanced pathway at least partially based on the reactions and a substrate to minimize a number of non-native functionalities in the production host, and incorporating the at least one stoichiometrically balanced pathway into the host to provide the desired biotransformation. A representation of the metabolic network as modified can be stored. |
| US08108149B2 |
Method and device for diagnosing and treating insulin-like growth factor deficiency disorders
The present invention provides standard deviation score (SDS) calculators, which SDS calculators are useful for transforming insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations to IGF-1 standard deviation scores. In one embodiment, IGF-1 blood levels are calculated so as to take into account IGFBP-3 blood levels (and, optionally, IGF-2 blood levels) to provide an IGF-1 production rate, which can be used to calculate an IGF-1 production rate SDS. The IGF-1 SDS and IGF-1 production rate SDS are particularly useful in assessing the stimulated rate of IGF-1 production in response to, for example, growth hormone therapy. |
| US08108148B2 |
Method and system for mapping environments containing dynamic obstacles
The present invention relates to a method and system for mapping environments containing dynamic obstacles. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for mapping an environment containing dynamic obstacles using a processor including the steps of forming a current instantaneous map of the environment, determining cells which are free space within the current instantaneous map, determining cells which are occupied space within the current instantaneous map, and integrating the current instantaneous map with an old integrated map of the environment to form a new integrated map of the environment. |
| US08108146B2 |
Method and device for determining a consolidated position of a traveling object, particularly an aircraft
A method and device for determining a consolidated position of a travelling object check the coherence of position values corresponding to a current position of the travelling object and determine a consolidated position for the travelling object based on the coherent position values. |
| US08108144B2 |
Location based tracking
Location information is used to build a database of locations having associated audio, video, image or text data. In some implementations, a device includes a touch-sensitive display and collects data associated with a geographic location of interest. The geographic location of interest can be displayed on a map using an indicator. A touch selection of the indicator provides access to the data through an interface displayed on the touch-sensitive display. One or more locations of interest can be displayed and grouped together by an attribute. |
| US08108142B2 |
3D navigation system for motor vehicles
A 3D navigation system for motor vehicles includes a set-up combining a first motor vehicle and an environment scanner to generate a three-dimensional image of an environment around the first motor vehicle or at least a part of the environment around the first motor vehicle as well as at least a second motor vehicle and a communications connection between the first motor vehicle and the second motor vehicle for transmitting the three-dimensional image of the environment around the first motor vehicle or at least a part of the environment around the first motor vehicle to the second motor vehicle. |
| US08108138B2 |
Optimal vehicle router with energy management system
A method is present for generating a route for a vehicle. A start point and an end point are identified for the vehicle. A spatial model of terrain encompassing the start point and the end point is identified to form an identified spatial model. The route for the vehicle is generated from the start point to the end point using the spatial model based on a cost to traverse a grid point within a grid to meet a number of criteria for energy management for the vehicle. |
| US08108135B2 |
Traffic congestion degree determination device, traffic congestion degree notification device, and program
When an average vehicle speed corresponding to a congested road section exists and at the same time, speed limit data corresponding to the congested road section is contained in map data, a degree of traffic congestion is determined based on the difference between the average vehicle speed and the speed limit. When an average vehicle speed corresponding to a congested road section exists but speed limit data corresponding to the congested road section is not contained in map data, a degree of traffic congestion is determined based on the average vehicle speed. When there is not information indicating an average vehicle speed corresponding to a congested road section, a degree of traffic congestion indicated in externally received traffic information is directly taken as the result of determination of a degree of traffic congestion. |
| US08108133B2 |
Vehicle position keeping system
Vehicle position keeping systems and methods. The system reduces vehicle congestion by maintaining a position of a first vehicle relative to a second vehicle, determining guidance corrections based on a track state referenced to the second vehicle that take into account a tracking position error indicative of the error in the position of the first vehicle. The guidance corrections maintain desired spacing between the first vehicle and at least the second vehicle. |
| US08108132B2 |
Component vibration based cylinder deactivation control system and method
A method of changing an active cylinder count of an engine may include determining a vehicle vibration limit and a vehicle vibration level. The cylinder count may be modified (increased or decreased) based upon the vehicle vibration limit and the vehicle vibration level. The vehicle vibration limit may be based upon a vehicle speed, and a coolant temperature of the engine. The vehicle vibration level may be based upon at least one of a desired torque of the engine and a number of active cylinders of the engine. According to other features, the vehicle vibration level may be based upon a measured vibration level of a vehicle component. |
| US08108128B2 |
Controlling exhaust gas recirculation
In controlling an engine, an amount of an intake charge provided, during operation of the engine, to a combustion chamber of the engine is determined. The intake charge includes an air component, a fuel component and a diluent component. An amount of the air component of the intake charge is determined. An amount of the diluent component of the intake charge is determined utilizing the amount of the intake charge, the amount of the air component and, in some instances, the amount of the fuel component. An amount of a diluent supplied to the intake charge is adjusted based at least in part on the determined amount of diluent component of the intake charge. |
| US08108127B2 |
Method for inspecting a tank ventilation device, control device, and internal combustion engine
A robust method, an accordingly designed control device, and an internal combustion engine, enables the proper performance of a tank ventilation device during the operation of the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, the position of a pressure switch of the tank ventilation device is detected, which indicates the pressure present in the tank ventilation device, a controllable tank ventilation valve, which is disposed in a connecting line between a fuel vapor accumulator and an intake pipe of the internal combustion engine, is opened at least partially during the operation of the internal combustion engine, the position of the pressure switch is again detected after opening of the tank ventilation valve, the proper performance of the tank ventilation device; is analyzed based on a comparison of the position of the pressure switch before opening the tank ventilation valve to the position of the pressure switch after opening the tank ventilation valve. |
| US08108124B2 |
Method for determining an uncontrolled acceleration of an internal combustion engine
In a method for determining an uncontrolled acceleration of an internal combustion engine, a valve opening cross section is allocated to each load state of the internal combustion engine. In the event that a controller value is outside a limit range, an uncontrolled acceleration of the internal combustion engine is thereby detected. |
| US08108113B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing incorrect gear shifts in automatic transmissions of motor vehicles
A method (42) for preventing incorrect gear shifts in automatic transmissions (14) of motor vehicles comprising the following steps: determining a current output torque (Mis) of a source gear (GSOURCE); generating a history of output torques by storing the current output torque in the source gear (GSOURCE) for a time interval having a predetermined duration; determining an absolute value of a minimal output torque (Mmin) and an absolute value of a maximum output torque (Mmax) from the history (60) of output torques, comparing the two values and determining the greater absolute value; determining (S3) an absolute value of a target torque (MTARGET) of a target gear (GTARGET), if an instruction for a gear change exists; comparing (S4) the absolute value of the target torque (MTARGET) with the greater absolute value; and shifting (S5) the transmission (14) from the source gear (GSOURCE) to the target gear (GTARGET), if the absolute value of the target torque (MTARGET) is less than or equal to the greater absolute value (FIG. 2). |
| US08108110B2 |
Agricultural working machine
An agricultural working or harvesting machine has at least one working unit and a driver's cab in which, in a basic electronic display area of a display unit, several machine and/or crop material parameters set up in different functionality windows are visualized. The machine and/or crop material parameters set up in the functionality windows are activated and controlled using an operating device, and, in the working mode at least, at least one additional display area that includes the functionality window superimposed on the basic display area is displayable in the display unit, it being possible to control and activate the at least one functionality window of the additional display area using at least one separate operating device. |
| US08108102B2 |
Sprung mass velocity estimating apparatus
A sprung mass velocity estimating apparatus used in a four-wheeled vehicle to estimate a sprung mass velocity of a point of a vehicle body corresponding to each wheel of the vehicle, includes a state quantity detecting unit which detects a state quantity of the vehicle, a base value calculating unit which calculates a sprung mass velocity base value for each of the four vehicle body points based on a detection result of the state quantity detecting unit by using a prescribed oscillation model, and a sprung mass velocity calculating unit which calculates the sprung mass velocity for each vehicle body point by mutually adjusting the sprung mass velocity base values for the four vehicle body points such that the four vehicle body points are located on a common flat plane. |
| US08108096B2 |
Diagnostic systems and methods for a torque sensor
A system for a vehicle includes an engine torque module, a torque detection module, a torque estimation module, a torque monitoring module, and a diagnostic module. The engine torque module generates a first estimated torque signal based on engine signals and/or GPS signals. The torque detection module generates an actual torque signal of a transmission. The torque estimation module generates a second estimated torque signal based on the first estimated torque signal and/or vehicle/engine values. The diagnostic module detects a fault of a torque sensor based on a torque difference between the actual torque signal and the second estimated torque signal. The torque monitoring module generates a first and a second torque signals based on actual torque signals that represent a lowest and a highest torque values respectively over a predetermined period. The diagnostic module detects the fault based on a torque difference the first and the second torque signals. |
| US08108094B2 |
Diagnosis device for energy transfer in vehicle
Any anomaly in energy transfer is appropriately diagnosed in a vehicle. The energy transfer system of a vehicle is provided with: an input energy computation means (e.g., the chemical energy of fuel computation means) for determining the input energy of the energy transfer system; an output energy computation means (e.g., the vehicle kinetic energy computation means) for determining the energy output of the energy transfer system; and a comparing means (e.g., the comparing means) for comparing the input energy with the output energy. Any anomaly in the energy transfer system (e.g., any anomaly in fuel efficiency) is determined based on the result of comparison by the comparing means. |
| US08108093B2 |
Automotive scan tool with enhanced audio, video and voice recognition functionality
A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory. |
| US08108090B2 |
Straddle carrier with automatic steering
A straddle carrier for transporting and stacking freight containers, with automatic steering, is made up of two chassis beams having steerable wheels, for traveling over the container stack. At least one laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall from different angles, and passes the measurement signals to an electronic control, which calculates a steering angle reference value for the electronically regulated vehicle steering from the measurement signals. |
| US08108084B2 |
Vehicle display device
The present invention provides a vehicle display device which allows a driver to instantaneously grasp driving force information. A meter_ECU displays a driving force display image which displays driving force information of a vehicle on an MID, displays an acceleration-torque line (driving force characteristic line) L corresponding to the currently selected mode M and, at the same time, changes a power level which is indicated in a power display region P set within the acceleration-torque line L interlockingly with an accelerator operation of a driver. Due to such a constitution, the vehicle display device allows the driver to instantaneously grasp the driving force information. |
| US08108081B2 |
System and method for associating a load demand with a variable power generation
Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A system includes a renewable variable power generation module including a sensor, the sensor configured to determine an output power capability value for the renewable variable power generation module. The system also includes a load demand module including a response device, the response device configured to receive the output power capability value directly from the renewable variable power generation module and to determine an input power demand value based on the output power capability value. |
| US08108079B2 |
Operating method for a wind park
The present invention concerns a method of operating a wind park having a plurality of wind power installations. The invention further concerns a wind power installation having an electrically excited generator and a wind park having a central apparatus for controlling the park. Therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a wind park having a plurality of wind power installations, a wind power installation having an electrically excited generator and a wind park having a central apparatus for control of the park, wherein the execution of operational procedures is effected with a restricted or reduced power draw from the network (reference power). A method of operating a wind park comprising a plurality of wind power installations characterized in that the operational procedures of each wind power installation are controlled in such a way that electrical power is taken from the network only up to a predeterminable maximum value. |
| US08108078B2 |
Integrated actuator coil and decoder module for irrigation control
An integrated actuator coil and decoder module for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods of manufacture and installation, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises a body, decoder circuitry located within the body, a coil located within the body and coupled to the decoder circuitry, the coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. Also included is an electrical connection coupled to the decoder circuitry and adapted to couple to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system. The decoder circuitry and the coil are integrated into a single device. |
| US08108077B2 |
Intelligent sensor for irrigation management
An intelligent sensor includes an irrigation related data sensor for sensing irrigation related data and a network processor coupled to the irrigation related data sensor for receiving the irrigation data. The intelligent sensor also includes an interface coupled to the network processor for coupling the intelligent sensor to a communication bus of a peer-to-peer distributed network. The intelligent sensor also includes a memory including instructions for configuring the processor to generate a broadcast message including the irrigation related data. The interface transmits the broadcast message to a destination node coupled to the peer-to-peer distributed network via the communication bus. The destination node can be satellite field irrigation controllers or a control device. |
| US08108076B2 |
Zone based system for altering temperature setpoints
A system and method migrating virtualized environments is disclosed. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a database configured to store site report data received from a plurality of residential sites using a wireless home energy network at each site. Each residential site includes a thermostat accessible to the wireless home energy network. A processor is operably coupled to the database and configured to access the site report data and detect a current temperature set-point of the thermostat at a first residential site; detect a first seasonal profile of the thermostat; detect a current operating mode of a HVAC system operably coupled to the thermostat; and determine a thermostat schedule of the thermostat using the first seasonal profile and the current operating mode of the HVAC system. |
| US08108069B2 |
Robotic catheter system and methods
A robotic instrument system and method, comprising at least two instrument drive assemblies each detachably coupled to a respective instrument assembly. Each instrument assembly comprising an elongate, flexible guide instrument configured to be inserted into a patient's body. The instrument drive assemblies comprise one or more motors configure to operate a respective instrument assembly. One or more controllers are operatively coupled to the instrument drive assemblies. The method comprises maneuvering a distal end of each of the respective guide instruments into a patient's heart by actuating the respective drive assembly performing a procedure controlled by the one or more controllers. |
| US08108057B2 |
Control system with input averaging and hold control input
A control system for a plant is provided. A feedback control input is calculated so that a controlled output of the plant coincides with a target value. The feedback control input is averaged to calculate an averaged feedback control input. A hold control input is calculated according to an operating condition of the plant. A corrected hold control input is calculated by combining the hold control input with the averaged feedback control input according to a preset ratio. A control input to the plant is set to the feedback control input in a first state where a control deviation between the controlled output and the target value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and setting the control input to the corrected hold control input in a second state where the control deviation is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value. The feedback control input is made to gradually approach to or coincide with the corrected hold control input in the second state. |
| US08108056B2 |
Industrial controller using shared memory multicore architecture
A multicore processor for industrial control provides for the execution of separate operating systems on the cores under control of one of the cores to tailor the operating system to optimum execution of different applications of industrial control and communication. One core may provide for a reduced instruction set for execution of industrial control programs with the remaining cores providing a general-purpose instruction set. |
| US08108052B2 |
Percutaneous leads with laterally displaceable portions, and associated systems and methods
Percutaneous leads with laterally displaceable sections, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a lead body that in turn includes first, second and third percutaneous portions. The first portion can carry an electrical contact, the second portion can be spaced apart from the first portion, and the third portion can be positioned between the first and second portions along a deployment axis. The third portion can have a stiffness in a direction transverse to the deployment axis that is less than a stiffness of both the first and second portions transverse to the deployment axis, and a diameter that is less than corresponding diameters of the first and second portions. |
| US08108048B2 |
Protocol implementation for telemetry communications involving implantable medical devices
Embodiments of the invention relate to optimizing telemetry communication involving one or more medical devices and one or more electrical devices. The telemetry communication is optimized by implementing software and/or one or more additional circuits within at least one medical device and at least one electrical device to provide one or more modes or functions of optimizing transfer of data between the medical device and the at least one electrical device, minimizing interference of the data transfer, and reducing data transfer time and/or preserving electrical energy sources of one or more of the medical device and the at least one electrical device. |
| US08108047B2 |
Device and method for the treatment of pain with electrical energy
An electronic pain treatment device delivering electrical energy to the tissue of a patient in pain is provided which includes a variable wave generator, an impedance measurement circuit, and at least one electrode probe. Associated methods for treating pain are also disclosed. |
| US08108045B2 |
Set screw-less pacemaker header with lead lock system
A header for an implantable medical device such as a pacemaker which contains an advantageous molded design with encapsulated wires and conductive features. The header including a specifically formed lead lock member in which a plurality of collets residing in bores in the molded housing are used to retain and lock implantable leads in place without the use of set screws. |
| US08108043B2 |
Method and system for detecting and treating junctional rhythms
A method and an apparatus for treating cardiac arrhythmias are provided. An interval between first and second consecutive beats of a heart, having first and second chamber types, is determined. The heart is paced at a first rate if the first beat is from the first chamber type and the second beat is from the second chamber type and the interval is less than a predetermined amount of time or if the first and second beats are both from the second chamber type. The heart is paced at a second rate if the first beat is from the first chamber type and the second beat is from the second chamber type and the interval is more than the predetermined amount of time. |
| US08108042B1 |
Capacitor and inductor elements physically disposed in series whose lumped parameters are electrically connected in parallel to form a bandstop filter
One or more inductors and one or more capacitors are physically disposed relative to one another in series and are electrically connected to one another in parallel to form a bandstop filter. Chip inductors and chip capacitors having spaced apart conductive terminals are physically arranged in end-to-end abutting relation to minimize electrical potential between adjacent conductive terminals. The bandstop filter may be hermetically sealed within a biocompatible container for use with an implantable lead or electrode of a medical device. The values of the inductors and the capacitors are selected such that the bandstop filter is resonant at one or more selected frequencies, such as an MRI pulsed frequency. |
| US08108037B1 |
Methods and systems for identifying a vector for monitoring ischemia
Methods and systems may identify a vector or a vector configuration, such as a combination of electrodes, for monitoring ischemia. The method may include: selecting a first combination of sensors as a first candidate to be used for monitoring ischemia; detecting a shift in a ST segment of one of an electrocardiogram and a cardiac electrogram using the first candidate; selecting a second combination of sensors as a second candidate to be used for monitoring ischemia; detecting a shift in a ST segment of one of an electrocardiogram and a cardiac electrogram using the second candidate; comparing the ST shifts for the first and second candidates; and identifying one of the first and second candidates for monitoring ischemia based on the comparison. A multi-electrode implantable cardiac device may include a controller configured to effectuate such functions. |
| US08108032B2 |
Optical coherent tomography diagnostic apparatus
An optical coherent tomography diagnostic apparatus including: a light source; a splitter for splitting the light outputted from the light source into a measuring light and a reference light; a measuring light path; a reference light path; a probe inserted into a body cavity and emitting the measuring light to a subject of measurement; an image forming unit for calculating intensity distribution of the reflection light and for forming a tomographic image; a standard light path for transmitting standard light obtained by further splitting the light; wherein the light path length when exerting interference between the standard light and the reference light is approximately equal to the light path length when exerting interference between the reference light and the reflection light, and there is included a calculation unit for calculating time change of coherent light data obtained by exerting interference between the standard light and the reference light. |
| US08108030B2 |
Method and apparatus to identify vulnerable plaques with thermal wave imaging of heated nanoparticles
Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for the thermal imaging of cells with nanoparticles. |
| US08108028B2 |
MRI systems having MRI compatible universal delivery cannulas with cooperating MRI antenna probes and related systems and methods
In vivio deep brain medical probe systems include: (a) an NMRI compatible cannula comprising a plurality of concentric axially extending tubes with a receiving bore; and (b) an elongate antenna member with a conductor and an insulating layer configured to slidably advance through cannula bore to define an MRI receive antenna. |
| US08108026B2 |
Device consisting of a combination of a magnetic resonance tomograph and a positron emission tomograph
A sandwich structure which attenuates the PET radiation minimally, is used as a support tube for the transmit antenna. In at least one embodiment, it includes a thin strong inner wall, a likewise thin and strong outer wall and an interior of the support tube which is of the honeycomb type or is made of foam material. |
| US08108025B2 |
Flexible array for use in navigated surgery
A system can be used to determine a position of a structure in physical space. The system can include a flexible member, such as a drape, cloth, sheet, etc. that can include one or more trackable devices associated therewith. The trackable devices can be incorporated into the weave of a woven cloth or the matrix of a polymer member. The trackable devices can be used within a tracking system to determine the location of the trackable devices. |
| US08108024B2 |
Registration of multi-modality images
A system for generating registered diagnostic images (58, 62), such as nuclear and magnetic resonance (MR) images, of a subject includes a nuclear imaging device (10) for generating emission diagnostic images (58) and optionally also intermediate transmission or emission images (56). A second imaging device (12), such as an MR imaging device generates magnetic resonance diagnostic images (62) and optionally also intermediate images which are more readily registered with images from the nuclear imaging device than the diagnostic MR images. Processing for the images includes a preprocessing portion (64) for generating a transform for aligning common anatomical structures in images (56, 58, 60, 62) generated by the nuclear imaging device and the MR imaging device and a diagnostic image registration portion for applying the transform to bring the emission and magnetic resonance diagnostic images into registration (58, 62). |
| US08108019B2 |
Sliding hinge
A sliding hinge includes a base body, a sliding body slidably coupled with the base body, and a pushing component placed between the base body and the sliding body and having a torsion spring and a swinging arm. The torsion spring has a first elastic arm with a free end thereof pivotably connected to the base body, and a second elastic arm. The swinging arm defines a first end pivotably connected to the base body and a second end pivotably connected with a free end of the second elastic arm, and has a portion adjacent to the first end pivotably connected with the sliding body. The sliding body is pushed to bring the swinging arm to oscillate so that the second elastic arm can approach the first elastic arm for storing an elastic force which will be subsequently released to drive the swinging arm to make the sliding body slide automatically. |
| US08108018B2 |
Cellular phone with a guide member and sliding member with insert member having a guide groove
A phone is provided. The phone comprises a first body having a first face, a second body having a second face facing the first face and connected to the first body so as to be slidable in a moving direction parallel to the first and second faces, guiding members protruding from the first face, and a sliding member mounted on the second face and guiding the guiding members so as to slide in the moving direction. The sliding member includes insert members, each of which has a guide groove, disposed parallel to the moving direction to allow the respective guiding members to be inserted thereinto and housings fixedly mounted on the second face to house the respective insert members. The space defined by the first body and the second body is minimized. With this configuration, the first body is movable in a circular arc direction relative to the second body and has the same curvature as the second body. |
| US08108016B2 |
Portable communication device having a dual sliding flip hinge assembly
A portable communication device includes a base assembly, a flip assembly and an intermediate assembly operatively coupled to the base assembly and the flip assembly by a dual sliding flip hinge assembly. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly is configured to facilitate sliding motion of the intermediate assembly along a first direction and along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The dual sliding flip hinge assembly further facilitates rotation of the intermediate assembly upon sliding along the second direction. The base assembly, flip assembly and intermediate assembly may be configured to include respective displays and/or touch-input devices to provide a portable communication device with increased display area and/or control area with a smaller footprint often associated with conventional clamshell or slider portable communication devices. |
| US08108014B2 |
Portable communication device including a spring lift assembly
A portable communication device is configured to include a display and an auxiliary portion. In conventional operating modes, such as with the display closed or slid open to access the keypad, the auxiliary portion is concealed by the display. When the display is slid downward relative to the base, the auxiliary portion is revealed and a lift assembly raises the auxiliary portion relative to the base to a position that is generally coplanar with the display. |
| US08108010B2 |
In-vehicle handsfree apparatus
An in-vehicle handsfree apparatus performs a dialing control with a first dialing phone number, which is a phone number included in historical data of outgoing or incoming calls of a cellular phone. If the destination of the dialing with the first phone number does not answer, the handsfree apparatus performs a dialing control by using a different second phone number, if it is available from the cellular phone. The second phone number, e.g., a number of a home telephone, is registered in phone book data of the cellular phone by using the same registration name as that of the first phone number; further, the second phone number is transmitted from the cellular phone to the handsfree apparatus. |
| US08108008B2 |
Electronic apparatus and controlling component and controlling method for the electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a display screen, a physical button, a touch pad separated from the display screen, and a processor. The touch pad is segmented into a first touch area, a second touch area and a third touch area. The processor judges an action of the physical button to select one of functions of the electronic apparatus and controls the display screen to show a selected function, the processor judges a track from the first touch area and through the second touch area and to the third touch area to operate the selected function and controls the display screen to show an operating result. Therefore, the operation method of the physical button and the touch pad is the same as a larger touch screen. |
| US08108007B1 |
Displaying directory information on a handset without simultaneous data and voice
Directory information is displayed on a mobile handset of a user when a dialed telephone number is a directory-capable number. A directory processor receives the dialed telephone number and checks whether the dialed telephone number appears in a database of directory-capable telephone numbers. A gateway pushes a data message including a data address of a directory server to the mobile handset. The directory server stores directory information for a plurality of call destinations with respective destination identifiers and respective access rules. A client application in the mobile handset responds to the data message. The directory server identifies relevant directory information based on the dialed telephone number and transmits it to the client application via the data call. The client application displays the relevant directory information and the user selects a call destination. |
| US08108005B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying an image of a device based on radio waves
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program in which information can be reliably exchanged when performing wireless communication by allowing a user to know a communication distance at which devices can be connected. A communication unit 28 performs Bluetooth communication with a communication unit, which serves as a Bluetooth module, provided for a cellular telephone. A CPU 21 displays an image corresponding to the cellular telephone based on the input level of Bluetooth radio waves transmitted from the cellular telephone. For example, when the input level of the radio waves transmitted from the cellular telephone is equal to the maximum input, the CPU 21 sets the level of transparency to be 0, and displays the image corresponding to the cellular telephone on an LCD 32 so that a background image is not transmitted at all. When the input level of the radio waves is almost equal to the reception sensitivity, the CPU 21 displays the image corresponding to the cellular telephone on the LCD 32 by setting the level of transparency to be 90% so as to transmit the background image. The present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus, for example, a personal computer, a PDA, or a cellular telephone. |
| US08108004B2 |
Co-channel wireless communication methods and systems using relayed wireless communications
Wireless communications are transmitted from at least two radioterminals to a base station co-channel over a return link using a return link alphabet. Wireless communications are also transmitted from the base station to the at least two radioterminals over a forward link using a forward link alphabet that has more symbols than the return link alphabet. The co-channel signals are deciphered at the receiver, while the radioterminals can use a smaller return link alphabet, which can reduce the power dissipation at the radioterminals. |
| US08108001B2 |
Systems and methods for a simplified mobile phone
Systems and methods for communicating through a mobile phone are disclosed with a buttonless mobile phone including a power supply with means for capable of enabling or disabling the a power supply; and memory to store a phone number directed to a remote station; a remote station to receive a call from a user causing the mobile phone to call the remote station, the remote station comprising allowing a human operator and access to a database describing at least one contact unique to the user; and wherein the human operator uses the database of contact information to facilitate a communication from the user to the contact in the database. |
| US08107998B2 |
System information updates in LTE
A method and apparatus for receiving system information updates includes a wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) receiving a system frame number. The WTRU also receives system information messages in a modification period. The modification period has a boundary determined by the system frame number. The WTRU receives system information change notification after a first modification change boundary and determines that the system information is valid until a second modification change boundary. |
| US08107997B2 |
System and method of telephonic dialing simulation
A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system is disclosed which exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides unique additional services to a select group of customers equipped with special handsets, without impacting the general customers. The special handsets automatically switch between and operate in either analog or digital mode with the standard radiotelephone network and in an enhanced cordless mode when within range of independent pico cells, that are interconnected with the public switched telephone network. |
| US08107996B2 |
Handheld mobile communication device
A display is mounted in a display housing for displaying information to a user. An input is mounted in an input housing for inputting data. The input housing is permanently attached to the display housing and movable relative to the display housing between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the input and the display face in the same direction to allow simultaneous input of the data and viewing of the information. In the closed position, the input is behind the display and facing away from the display and operable for inputting the data. |
| US08107991B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting enhanced dedicated channel transport format combination in CELL—FACH state and idle mode
A method and apparatus for selecting an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) transport format combination (E-TFC) in Cell_FACH state and idle mode are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) transmits a random access channel (RACH) preamble and receives an index to an E-DCH resource in response to the RACH preamble. The WTRU may estimate a power headroom based on the maximum WTRU transmit power, power offset value, and the last successfully transmitted RACH preamble transmit power. The WTRU restricts an E-TFC based on the estimated power headroom, and selects an E-TFC based on a set of supported E-TFCs. The WTRU then generates, and transmits, a protocol data unit (PDU) based on the selected E-TFC. |
| US08107990B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmission power balance adjustment in a mobile cellular system
A transmission power control system can establish synchronization by matching adjustment start timings while repeating adjustment periods even when start timings of transmission power balance adjustment are different due to fluctuation of transmission delay of control message from the control station to base station, and can increase circuit capacity by establishing balance of transmission powers between the base stations. In the transmission power control system the base station comprises control means for controlling initiation of a balance adjustment period for performing the balance adjustment from a frame number determined on the basis of frame number of the balance adjustment period. |
| US08107985B2 |
Data-capable network prioritization with reduced delays in data service
In one illustrative method, a method in a mobile station for use in reducing delays for data communications is described. The mobile station causes a request for packet data service to be sent to a wireless communication network. If the request for the packet data service is denied in response to the request, then the mobile station is set in a deregistered state. In addition, the mobile station initializes a timer with an initial value that is less than a periodic location update timer value which is broadcasted by the wireless communication network, and runs the timer. In response to an expiration of the timer, the mobile station causes another request for the packet data service to be sent to the wireless communication network. |
| US08107984B2 |
System and method for synchronizing wireless communication devices
According to the present invention, Bluetooth master device offset information is determined and distributed among the master devices within a Bluetooth network. The system either provides an offset to each master device or determines master device offsets and distributes this information to master devices within the system to allow or efficient hand-offs of a slave between master devices. |
| US08107981B2 |
Wireless network interference management using geographic data
An interference management system of a wireless network provider using geographic data and network information to recommend and/or facilitate transfer of services to an alternative connection. |
| US08107979B2 |
Mobile terminal for performing instant messaging service
A method of executing an instant messaging service using a wireless terminal in a wireless communication system includes associating at least one user as a messenger group, activating messenger communication with a server, transmitting a messenger group status activation message to the server, receiving status data associated with the messenger group, and displaying information representing an updated status of the at least one user of the messenger group based on the status data. |
| US08107977B2 |
Cross-platform messaging
Systems and methods are provided for displaying a short message service (SMS) message on user media equipment, in which the user media equipment includes a set-top box and a display. In some embodiments, the set-top box receives an SMS message, wherein the SMS message includes information identifying a triggering event for displaying the SMS message. The SMS message is stored until the occurrence and detection of the identified triggering event. In response to detecting the occurrence of the identified triggering event, the SMS message is displayed on at least a portion of the display of the user media equipment. |
| US08107971B1 |
Location-based bookmarks
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for using a location aware device to determine a current location, recording a location bookmark for the current location using the location aware device, storing the location bookmark, detecting at some later time that a location of the location aware device is within a specified proximity to the bookmark location and that a user-defined condition is satisfied by the bookmark content, and automatically notifying a user of the location aware device of the location bookmark. A location bookmark includes a bookmark location and bookmark content, the bookmark location being the current location and the bookmark content including data associated with the current location. |
| US08107970B2 |
System and method for converged network services
Systems and methods for providing services for stations supported by a residential gateway are provided. The residential gateway can support one or more fixed-line station and/one or more mobile stations. The mobile stations can be supported by a wireless macro network and/or the residential gateway. Services such as simultaneous ringing, distinctive ringing, call transfer, extension functionality, and the like can be provided for the mobile station and the fixed-line station. |
| US08107968B2 |
Radio transmission scheduling according to multiradio control in a radio modem
A system for managing the simultaneous operation of a plurality of radio modems in a single wireless communication device (WCD). The multiradio control may be integrated into the WCD as a subsystem responsible for scheduling wireless communications by temporarily enabling or disabling the plurality of radio modems within the device. The multiradio control system may comprise a multiradio controller (MRC) and a plurality dedicated radio interfaces. The radio interfaces are dedicated to quickly conveying delay sensitive information to and from the radio modems. The modems may further include control features that take information from the MRC as an input in determining the priority of messages to be sent out to a receiving device. Uplink and/or downlink operations might, for instance, be performed. Instruction that operation can commence prior to an assigned time period might, for example, be provided. Channel contention might, for instance, be initiated in response to the instruction. |
| US08107967B2 |
Relay station in mobile communication system and relay transmission channel setting method
Provided is a relay station capable of reducing control information required for allocating a relay transmission channel in a mobile communication system. The relay station (100) includes: a demodulation unit (103) and a decoding unit (104) for demodulating and decoding a signal from a mobile station and channel allocation information from a base station; an extraction unit (105) for extracting a signal from the mobile station from signals inputted from the decoding unit (104) so as to output it to a coding unit (107) and extracting channel allocation information from the base station so as to output it to a channel setting unit (106); the channel setting unit (106) for setting a channel transmission channel according to a channel allocation rule shared by the relay station (100) and the base station; the coding unit (107) and a modulation unit (108) for encoding and modulating the signal from the mobile station; and a channel allocation unit (109) for allocating the modulated signal to one of the relay transmission channels. |
| US08107962B2 |
Mobile telecommunications system
A method of processing a handover request from a base station controller (BSC) of a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication)-type network. The method comprises the steps of passing a handover request with GSM-type parameters from a base station controller (BSC) through a Master Switching Center (MSC) of the GSM-type network to a UMTS core network (CN) and to a Radio Network Controller (RNC) of the UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) network, translating the GSM-type parameters to UTRAN parameters in the Radio Network Controller (RNC), and allocating UTRAN resources in response to the translated parameters. |
| US08107960B2 |
Prioritized query
According to some of the preferred embodiments, a solution framework is employed that includes defining of a mechanism to run multiple queries in a single message exchange, along with a priority on a per-query basis. In some embodiments, a system for facilitating handover of a mobile device across heterogeneous access networks by ensuring response to queries transmitted by the mobile device includes: a) a mobile device having a plurality of wireless network interfaces for communicating over a plurality of heterogeneous access networks, having a media independent handover (MIH) entity to facilitate handovers between the heterogeneous networks, and configured to transmit queries related to handover operation between the heterogeneous access networks to MIH entities within said heterogeneous access networks; and b) said media independent handover entity of said mobile device being configured to transmit multiple queries in a single message exchange to an MIH entity in an access network with prioritization among said multiple queries. |
| US08107959B2 |
Mobile communication system and handover control method
When a base station receives a report of signal power of a common pilot channel of each cell received at a mobile station, the base station converts the received signal power in the report on the basis of the transmission power of the common pilot channel of each of the cells. A base station controller determines the cell to which the mobile station is to be connected on the basis of the received signal power of the common pilot channel in each cell. |
| US08107957B1 |
Seamless enterprise and consumer mobility with multiple numbers
Tools and techniques for seamless enterprise and consumer mobility with multiple numbers are described. The techniques provide simultaneous ringing on a mobile communication device and manage network connections between the mobile communication device and at least two networks. The simultaneous rings are to at least one of a primary number associated with a mobile communication device and one or more identified numbers associated with the primary number. The simultaneous rings are based on a presence and/or physical location of the mobile communication device. The multiple numbers may have associated distinctive ring functions or tones. When the mobile communication device is proximate to the first network, a first detection signal is generated. A first presence signal indicates whether the condition of the connection permits an ongoing communication on the first network. The communication is handed over to a second network when the connection does not permit continuing on the first network. |
| US08107953B2 |
System and method for activating services on a wireless device
A system and method for activating services on a wireless device are provided that improve a user's experience and ease of activation/provisioning of services for the wireless device by providing a new provisioning channel for service activations. A user is simply required to input a short activation code(s) into the wireless device which is combined into an activation message along with other device-related information that is automatically retrieved from the wireless device. The generated activation message is then transmitted over the messaging provisioning channel accessible by inactive and/or unprovisioned wireless devices for delivery to a remote site for use in activating services on the wireless device. The services to be activated may include at least one of the following: out of the box activation, device upgrades, device reactivations, wireless number changes, wireless number porting, and the addition or purchasing of services including airtime, enrollments or content. |
| US08107952B2 |
Mobile device with an obfuscated mobile device user identity
A mobile device identifier (such as an MSISDN) that typically accompanies a mobile device request is replaced with an “enriched” identifier that exposes the mobile device user's home operator but obfuscates the mobile device's (and, thus, the device user's) identity. In one embodiment, the identifier comprises a first part, and a second part. The first part comprises a data string that identifies (either directly or through a database lookup) the mobile device user's home operator. The second part, however, is an opaque data string, such as a one-time-use unique identifier (UID) or a value that is otherwise derived as a function of the MSISDN (or the like). The opaque data string encodes the mobile device's identity in a manner that preferably can be recovered only by the user's home operator (or an entity authorized thereby). When the mobile device user roams into a foreign network, that network receives the enriched identifier in lieu of an MSISDN. The foreign network uses the first part to identify the mobile device user's home network, e.g., to determine whether to permit the requested access (or to provide some other value-added service). The foreign network, however, cannot decode the second part; thus, the mobile device's identity (as well as the identity of the mobile device user) remains obscured. This ensures that the user's privacy is maintained, while preventing third parties from building a profile of the device based on the requests that include the MSISDN or similar identifier. |
| US08107950B2 |
Inter-RAT/ frequency automatic neighbor relation list management
In one of its aspects the technology concerns a method of operating a telecommunications system comprising a serving radio base station and a candidate radio base station. The serving radio base station comprises a radio base station to which a wireless mobile station provides measurement reports. The serving radio base station and the candidate radio base station are different with respect to at least one of frequency and radio access technology. The method comprises the serving radio base station allowing the mobile station to obtain information broadcasted by the candidate radio base station. The information is either information for locating Cell Global Identity (CGI) of the candidate radio base station or the Cell Global Identity (CGI) itself of the radio base station. The mobile station obtains the information from the candidate radio base station during at least one reading gap. The reading gap is a time period in which the mobile station does not receive information from the serving radio base station. |
| US08107944B2 |
System and method for automatic data security, back-up and control for mobile devices
Systems and methods for providing security and control of mobile communications device activity including at least one mobile communication device with software operable thereon for receiving rules provided by an authorized user of the device(s) and in accordance with those rules administering actions to provide for controlling and security data stored or generated on the device(s), including logging data and activities related to the mobile communications device, blocking and filtering calls, messages, websites, emails, and combinations thereof, via wireless communication with a remote server computer having a corresponding software module operable thereon for managing and implementing the rules. |
| US08107942B2 |
Uninterrupted usage and access of physically unreachable managed handheld device
Techniques for uninterrupted usage and access to physically unreachable handheld devices are provided. A physically unreachable handheld device includes an automated agent that is configured to authenticate a message received without manual intervention and to forward information from the handheld device to another remote and different handheld device. |
| US08107933B2 |
Method for identifying a telecommunications subscriber
The present invention relates to a method for identifying a telecommunications subscriber. According to the method, a call from a second telecommunications device (MFG2) of a second telecommunications subscriber is first signaled to a first telecommunications device (MFG1) of a first telecommunications subscriber. Device information (GI1), which indicates the type of subscriber data that the first telecommunications device is configured to process, is then sent from a first to a second telecommunications device. Subscriber data (TD2) is subsequently transmitted from the second to the first telecommunication device, in accordance with the information from the first device. It is also conceivable that device information (GI2) can be transmitted from the second to the first telecommunications device, in accordance with which subscriber data (TD1) can finally be transmitted from the first to the second telecommunications device. The use of device information that is exchanged between two telecommunications devices and indicates which subscriber data should be transmitted to the respective other telecommunication device thus permits a reduction in the data flow between two telecommunications devices with respect to subscriber data, as only the desired subscriber data is transmitted. |
| US08107932B1 |
Enabling mid-call services to be added to a communication session by a wireless device
Mid-call services may be added to a communication session such as a telephone call (call session) by a wireless device on a mobile telephone network by causing the wireless device associated with the communication session to invoke a second call session directed to a vertical service code. The second call session is established on the wireless communication network and terminated on the PSTN to an application server associated with the vertical service code. The application server on the PSTN instantiates the service and matches the service associated with the vertical service code on the second call session with the first call session. The application server then applies the mid-call service associated with the vertical service code to the first call session to thus enable mid-call services to be applied to the first call session by the wireless device. |
| US08107929B2 |
System and method for responding to information requests from users of personal communication devices
There are provided methods and systems for responding to information requests from users of personal communication devices, such as mobile telephones and more particularly cellular telephones. In one embodiment, information requests issued from a plurality of user's cellular telephones are received and processed at a central host site. Processing comprises parsing the user requests to determine the content and category type of the request and retrieving relevant content configured as a sequence of images (frames), referred to as a “video strip”. When a user plays back a video strip on his or her personal communication device, the sequence of images appear on the user's display as a sequence of still images, played back at a slow rate, unlike conventional movie playback frame rates. When viewing a video strip, a viewer may stop, start, and pause the video strip. Pausing playback of a video strip enables the user to easily peruse the contents of each video strip frame. |
| US08107924B2 |
Secure provisioning methods and apparatus for mobile communication devices operating in wireless local area networks (WLANS)
A wireless local area network (WLAN) includes a plurality of wireless access points (APs) which provide communications for a plurality of mobile communication devices. One of the APs is designated as a provisioning AP and is set to have a substantially smaller RF coverage area than RF coverage areas of the other APs. A mobile device is positioned within the provisioning RF coverage region and associates with the provisioning AP with use of a provisioning service set identifier, for establishing layer-2 communications with the WLAN, and for accessing and operating in a provisioning virtual local area network (VLAN) of the WLAN. While the mobile device is associated with the provisioning AP and operating in the provisioning VLAN, the mobile device receives via the provisioning AP an IP address which is assigned to the mobile device, for establishing layer-3 communications with the WLAN. After the layer-3 communications are established, the mobile device participates in an authentication procedure via the provisioning AP with a provisioning server of the provisioning VLAN. After positive authentication of the mobile device using the authentication procedure, the mobile device participates in a provisioning procedure with the provisioning server via the provisioning AP, for receiving provisioning information from the WLAN for programming in the mobile device. |
| US08107919B2 |
RF receiver
A radio frequency (RF) receiver includes an oscillator for outputting an oscillation signal from an output port thereof, a limiter for dividing the oscillation signal output from the oscillator into a branch signal at a predetermined dividing ratio outputting the branch signal, an amplifier for amplifying the branch signal output from the limiter, a frequency multiplier for outputting a local oscillation signal having a frequency obtained by multiplying a frequency of the amplified signal by a predetermined multiplicand, a mixer for mixing the local oscillation signal and a signal supplied from an antenna, a band-pass filter for receiving a signal output from the mixer and outputting an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, a detector for producing a detected signal by detecting the IF signal, and a controller connected directly with the output port of the oscillator for performing an operation according to the detected signal based on the oscillation signal as a clock signal. This RF receiver can be inexpensive. |
| US08107917B2 |
High linearity tunable bandpass filter
A tunable bandpass filter (10) is provided. An RF signal is provided at an input of the tunable bandpass filter, and a level shifted control signal (V1, V2) inputted to the tunable bandpass filter (10) switches a first arrangement and a second arrangement of one or more tuning portions (15, 17-1, 17-2, 17-3) in or out of the tunable bandpass filter using a GaAs FET switch. The first arrangement is coupled to the second arrangement using an inductor (13). An RF signal having a desired predetermined frequency at an output of the tunable bandpass filter (10) is produced by the switching. The tuning portions include the GaAs FET switch (15), a first capacitor (17-1) connected at a first signal terminal of the GaAs FET switch and a second capacitor (17-2) connected between a second signal terminal of the GaAs FET switch and ground. Each of the tuning portions can be arranged in parallel with one another. |
| US08107916B2 |
Multi-tuner variable low IF receiver for multi-channel applications
Systems and methods for demodulating a plurality of contiguous channels contained within a bandlimited portion of a radio-frequency (RF) input signal are provided. In an embodiment, the bandlimited portion of the RF input signal is down-converted to baseband. After down-conversion, the bandlimited portion overlaps at baseband with a mirror image of the bandlimited portion. The plurality of contiguous channels within the down-converted signal similarly overlap at baseband and subsequently occupy a bandwidth substantially equal to half that required before down-converting. Image rejection is performed in the digital domain to recover each of the plurality of overlapping channels. |
| US08107915B2 |
Receiver system and method for receiving signals
A receiver system and method for receiving signals are provided, wherein the system includes a plurality of antenna elements configured to receive a transmitted signal. A receiver device is in communication with the plurality of antenna elements, wherein the receiver device is configured to emit an output based upon the received signal, and communicate a control signal that corresponds to a determined signal quality of the received signal. A switch device is adapted to switch among the plurality of antenna elements to electrically connect a selected antenna element of the plurality of antenna elements to the receiver device. A controller is in communication with the receiver device, such that the controller receives the control signal, wherein the controller commands the switch device to directly switch to any of the antenna elements to electrically connect one of the plurality of antenna elements to the receiver device based upon the control signal. |
| US08107911B2 |
Signal processing device and signal processing method
A signal processing device and signal processing method is provided that includes a detection unit for detecting a signal strength of a signal, whereby the detection unit is configured to output a detection value that represents the signal strength of the signal; a settable digital filter connected upstream of the detection unit, whereby filter coefficients for setting a transfer characteristic of the filter are assigned to an amplification or attenuation of the signal by the filter; a digital multiplication unit, which is connected upstream of the detection unit for amplification or attenuation of the signal, whereby the multiplication unit is configured to compensate partially for the amplification or attenuation of the filter, whereby the compensation is encumbered with a residual error; and a correction unit to apply to the detection value a correction value at least partially compensating for the residual error. |
| US08107909B2 |
Reception device, radio communication terminal, radio base station, and reception method
A reception device 10 includes a channel estimator 130 configured to calculate channel estimation information for each of first to fourth known signals, the channel estimation information indicating estimation of a characteristic of a channel of the radio signal and an SNR estimator 150 configured to interpolate channel estimation information on an intersection by using the channel estimation information on each of the first known signal and the fourth known signal, the intersection being where a line joining the first known signal and the fourth known signal intersects with a line joining the second known signal and the third known signal, and to interpolate channel estimation information on the intersection by using the channel estimation information on each of the second known signal and the third known signal, and to calculate noise power of the radio signal on the basis of a difference between the interpolated two channel estimation information. |
| US08107908B2 |
Selective fast image rejection
Selective fast image rejection. Selective down conversion processing is performed on a received signal based on the signal strength of that received signal. As few as two possible down conversion frequencies can be employed so that the received signal is down converted either to a first down converted signal having a first intermediate frequency or to a second down converted signal having a second intermediate frequency. If desired, the received signal can either be down converted using low side injection or high side injection down conversion processing. Alternatively, a larger number of possible down conversion frequencies so that the received signal is down converted to one of the possible down conversion frequencies based on the signal strength of the received signal. |
| US08107907B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus including: judging means for judging whether a receiving device for receiving a signal amplified by an amplifying circuit which amplifies a supplied signal has a good reception state or not; and control means for changing a power supply voltage of said amplifying circuit to change a gain of the amplifying circuit if said judging means judges that said receiving device does not have a good reception state. |
| US08107906B2 |
Transceiver with receive and transmit path performance diversity
Methods and apparatus for implementing a wireless communication transceiver having receive path performance diversity. The transceiver implements a plurality of signal paths that can be configured as space diversity receive paths. Each of the plurality of signal paths includes a distinct RF filter. Each RF filter can be configured to provide a distinct frequency response, and in particular, a distinct jammer rejection profile. One of the RF filters can be configured to provide substantially no in-band jammer rejection. Each additional distinct RF filter can be configured to reject at least one distinct in-band jammer frequency or band of frequencies. A diversity receiver coherently combines the path performance diverse signals from each filter output. A transmitter can time division duplex transmit communications over at least a subset of the signal paths and their associated RF filters. |
| US08107903B2 |
Radio frequency amplification circuit utilizing variable voltage generator
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for a radio frequency amplification circuit utilizing a variable voltage generator are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08107901B2 |
Feedback loop with adjustable bandwidth
A feedback loop with an adjustable closed loop frequency response. The feedback loop contains adjustable pole (212, 213) and adjustable zero elements (220,221) for changing the pole and/or zero locations in the feedback loop's loop frequency response thereby changing the closed loop frequency response of the feedback loop. In one embodiment, the feedback loop is a Cartesian feedback loop suitable for use in a radio transmitter. |
| US08107890B2 |
Multiple frequency band multiple standard device with reduced blocker
A device includes a transcevier and a processing module. The transceiver is operable to receive a wireless communication request from a requesting wireless communication device and to convert the wireless communication request into a baseband or near baseband request signal. The processing module is operable to determine multiple frequency band multiple standard (MFBMS) capabilities of the requesting and the target wireless communication devices based on the baseband or near baseband request signal. When the devices have at least two frequency band standards in common, the processing module allocates a communication resource of one of the two frequency band standards for a first communication path from the requesting wireless communication device to the target wireless communication device and allocates a communication resource of another one of the two frequency band standards for a second communication path from the target wireless communication device to the requesting wireless communication device. |
| US08107888B2 |
Communication operating mode selection based on multi-path signal power measurement
A method for communication operating mode selection is presented. In the method, each of a plurality of communication signals is transmitted by way of a separate one of a first plurality of antennas according to a first operating mode. The transmitted communication signals are received by way of a second plurality of antennas. A multi-path power metric of the received communication signals is generated. Based on the multi-path power metric, each of the plurality of communication signals is transmitted by way of the first plurality of antennas according to a second operating mode instead of the first operating mode. |
| US08107887B2 |
Narrowband system and method for defining narrowband wideband channels in unused wideband channels
A narrowband communication system (100) includes a base station (102) and a plurality of subscriber units (104). The base station assigns one or more wideband channels to be measured to each subscriber unit (606). The subscriber units tune to their assigned wideband channels and perform narrowband measurements, then report the results to the base station (612). The base station then analyzes the measurement results (614) and selects available wideband channels to be divided into narrowband channels for use by the narrowband system. |
| US08107883B2 |
Apparatus and method for interference avoidance in mixed device-to-device and cellular environment
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed that comprises collecting a set of neighbor cellular user equipment (UE) interferences from at least one neighbor cellular UE at a device-to-device (D2D) UE at least in part based on a decoded first uplink radio resource management (RRM) message and computing a first set of average neighbor UE interferences based on the set of collected neighbor cellular UE interferences. The method also comprises predicting at least one interference scenario at least in part based on the first set of average neighbor cellular UE interferences and a decoded second uplink RRM message. The method also comprises selecting a resource for data transmission to a pairing D2D UE at least in part based on the first set of average neighbor cellular UE interferences, and transmitting data over the selected resource to the pairing D2D UE. |
| US08107878B2 |
Methods and apparatus for user-selectable programmable housing skin sensors for user mode optimization and control
An embodiment relates generally to a method of operating a device. The method includes providing for a plurality of sensors, where each sensor is configured to sense and transmit data values associated with an interaction with the device by a user. A subset of the sensors of the plurality of sensors is associated with a respective facing on a housing of the device. The method also includes operating the plurality of sensors to detect the interaction with the device by the user and receiving sensor data associated with the interaction from the plurality of sensors. The method further includes determining a user mode of the device based on the sensor data associated with the interaction. |
| US08107876B2 |
Method and system for selectively broadcasting media
A method and apparatus for broadcasting media events, the method including the steps of providing a sequence of media events in a first server, the sequence of media events including at least one media event of a first type and a plurality of media events of a second type; playing the sequence from the first server to a content distribution network (CDN) server prior to a predetermined broadcast time; and storing at the CDN server at least a part of the sequence received from the first server. The method may further include the steps of inserting, at the first server, markers indicating where targeted media events are to be played in the sequence of media events and inserting, at the CDN server, targeted media events supplied by a third server in response to a request to provide media events targeted to information associated with at least one user. |
| US08107875B2 |
Placement of gateways near service beams
A method and system are presented for operating a multibeam satellite system involving positioning a plurality of service beams associated with a plurality of service beam coverage areas and positioning a feeder beam associated with a feeder beam coverage area. The feeder beam coverage area is at a proximity to at least one service beam coverage area. The feeder beam coverage area includes at least one gateway. Each of the plurality of service beam coverage areas uses a color. The at least near service beam coverage area uses at least one color from the plurality of colors. The feeder beam uses at least one color, excluding the at least one color used by the at least one near service beam coverage area. |
| US08107873B2 |
Image forming apparatus conveying sheets based on previously conveyed sheets
One embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which registration rollers are arranged immediately before an electrostatic latent bearing member and, after a carried paper is caused to temporarily stop by the registration rollers, carrying of the paper recommences with a timing enabling a leading edge of image information visualized on the electrostatic latent bearing member and a leading edge of the paper that has been stopped by the registration rollers to correspond, wherein, at a time of successive printing of multiple sheets, a carrying recommencement timing of an immediately subsequent paper is determined using information of a carrying recommencement timing of an immediately preceding carried paper. |
| US08107871B2 |
Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of treating marking material on media
Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of treating marking material on media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses includes a first member including a first outer surface; and a roll including a second outer surface forming a nip with the first outer surface. The second outer surface includes an inner portion having first and second axially-spaced edges, a roughened first high-friction surface axially outward from the first edge and a roughened second high-friction surface axially outward from the second edge. The first and second high-friction surfaces extend circumferentially around the roll and have a higher roughness than the inner portion. The inner portion and the first and second high-friction surfaces contact the first outer surface at the nip, and the first and second high-friction surfaces lie outside of a media path through the nip. |
| US08107868B2 |
Image fixing device containing a heat generating unit arranged at an end portion of a heater and an apparatus having the same
An aspect of the invention provides a fixing device that comprises: an endless fixing belt; a first rotating body arranged at an inner side of the fixing belt; and a heater arranged to face an inner surface of the fixing belt and configured to heat the fixing belt and to suspend the fixing belt in a tensioned state together with the first rotating body, the heater comprising: a heat generating unit arranged at an end portion of the heater on a downstream side in a direction of travel of the fixing belt and configured to heat the fixing belt; and a support including metal and configured to support the heat generating unit. |
| US08107864B2 |
Separating member, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a fixing roller and a pressing roller that are in pressure contact with each other. A separating plate is placed opposite to the fixing roller with a certain gap in between them. Positioning portions are installed on the separating plate to be in contact with width-direction ends of the fixing roller for determining the gap. The positioning portions are arranged such that edges of contact portions of the positioning portions on the width-direction center side in contact with the fixing unit are positioned outside an image area and inside a paper-passing area for a recording medium of a maximum passing-capable size. |
| US08107862B2 |
Image forming device having developer vibration element
An image forming apparatus includes a developer containing casing, a developer transport body, transport electrodes, and a developer vibrating section. The developer containing casing is a box-like member in which a developer is contained. The developer transport body has a developer transport surface, and is disposed within the developer containing casing. The plurality of transport electrodes are provided along the developer transport surface. These transport electrodes are configured such that they can transport the developer in a predetermined developer transport direction on the developer transport surface upon application of traveling-wave voltages. The developer vibrating section is configured to be able to vibrate the developer which is to be transported on the developer transport surface. |
| US08107861B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method capable of automatically collecting developer from development device
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a development device, a developer collection device, a detector, and a controller. The image carrier carries a latent image. The development device develops the latent image into a toner image, and includes a developer carrier opposing the image carrier and carrying a developer. The developer collection device collects the developer from the development device when the development device is driven. The detector detects a state in which the developer carrier does not carry the developer. The controller starts driving the image carrier, starts driving the development device to cause the developer collection device to start collecting the developer, and stops driving the image carrier when the detector detects the state in which the developer carrier does not carry the developer, to collect the developer from the development device. |
| US08107858B2 |
Discharger and process cartridge
A discharger is provided, which can eliminate charge from a surface of a photoconductor. The discharger includes: a light source; a light guide member; a cover which covers the light guide member to expose at least an opposed surface of the light guide member to the photoconductor; and an adhesive tape which uses nonwoven fabric as a substrate, which is disposed between the light guide member and the cover so that the opposed surface of the light guide member is disposed between the tape and the photoconductor, and which bonds the light guide member and the cover to each other. |
| US08107855B2 |
Image forming device having detachable developing device unit
An image forming device includes a main casing, a photosensitive drum unit and a developing device unit. The photosensitive drum unit includes a plurality of photosensitive drums juxtaposed in a first direction orthogonal to an axis of each photosensitive drum. The developing device unit includes a plurality of developing devices disposed in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of photosensitive drums and a supporting member. Each developing device includes a developing roller having a shaft extending in a second direction parallel to the axis of each photosensitive drum. The supporting member supports the developing devices to be movable between a first position for supplying toner to corresponding photosensitive drums and a second position retracted from the first position. The developing device unit is detachable from the main casing by moving the developing devices to the second position and drawing the supporting member. |
| US08107854B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus in which an exposing unit is mounted on a cover unit for improved space utilization. The image forming apparatus includes a body, a plurality of developing units arranged in the body along vertical direction of the body, a cover unit that opens or closes a side of the body an exposing unit provided at the cover unit so as to move in association with the closing or opening movement of the cover unit. The image forming apparatus may also include an engagement member to limit the movement of the exposing unit and a shutter unit to selectively open an optical path of the exposing unit upon closure of the cover unit. |
| US08107851B2 |
Image forming apparatus provided with image reading unit
An image forming apparatus has a wide first main body, a narrow second main body below the first main body, and a cover on at least on one side of the second main body. The cover includes first and second walls. The first wall connects a side edge of the first main body and a lower side edge of the second main body. The second wall is a substantially inverted triangle that extends obliquely from the front edge of the first wall. |
| US08107849B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A compact image forming apparatus is provided in which stains on the back of a transfer material can be prevented. In particular, in a marginless print mode in which a toner image can be formed to the edge of a transfer material, a large amount of toner adheres to a transfer-material bearing member. The image forming apparatus includes a collecting member that can temporarily collect the toner adhering to the transfer-material bearing member. The toner that is temporarily collected by the collecting member is transferred to an intermediate transfer member and is cleaned by a cleaning unit. |
| US08107846B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus having a normal mode and a standby mode includes an image forming unit to form an image, a switching unit which selectively allows power to be supplied to the image forming unit, a controller to control the switching unit based on a phase signal of the power, a power cut-off unit which cuts off the power to the image forming unit in the standby mode, and a phase detector which is connected to both ends of the power cut-off unit, detects a phase of the power via different phase detection routes according to whether being in the normal mode or in the standby mode, and outputs the phase signal of the power so that a power consumption of the image forming apparatus does not exceed a predetermined value in the standby mode. |
| US08107844B2 |
Methods and systems for image forming apparatus control and setting
The subject innovation relates to an image forming apparatus that includes a control panel capable of displaying a menu screen, and enabling users to set a plurality of image forming conditions. Furthermore, an image forming unit can execute image forming processing according to the conditions set via the control panel. A first control unit can be configured to control a reader and writer to write setting information into a storage medium, and to read the setting information stored in the storage medium. In, addition, a second control unit can be configured to control content of the menu screen in accordance with the setting information read from the storage medium when the control panel is operated to set an image forming condition, and to display setting items for condition setting on the menu screen in a predetermined order. |
| US08107843B2 |
Digital fuser using micro hotplate technology
In accordance with the invention, there are printing apparatuses and methods of marking and forming an image. The printing apparatus can include one or more digital heating elements disposed in a fuser subsystem, the digital heating element can include an array of hotplates, wherein each hotplate of the array of hotplates can be thermally isolated and can be individually addressable, wherein each hotplate can be configured to attain a temperature up to approximately 200° C. from approximately 20° C. in a time frame of milliseconds. |
| US08107841B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus capable of suppressing occurrences of image defects and maintaining the image density constant while improving the development ability. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is carried, a developing sleeve on which developer is carried, an AC high-voltage drive circuit, an AC transformer, a DC high-voltage circuit, a p-p voltage detection circuit, and a CPU. The p-p voltage detection circuit converts a peak-to-peak voltage across a capacitor into a DC voltage which is taken out as a capacity detection signal. Based on the capacity detection signal output from the p-p voltage detection circuit, the CPU changes an image formation condition, e.g., a set value of a developing bias voltage. |
| US08107835B2 |
Abnormality detecting method and image processing method for image processor
An abnormality detecting method and an image processing method for an image processor is provided. The image processor can easily detect an abnormal rotation of a photosensitive drum without having a special detecting means but using an existing sensor, and keeps image data until a normal toner image is transferred and fine printing is carried out. The image processor forms a toner image corresponding to image data on a plurality of photosensitive drums, and detects the position of the toner image at a given part on a transfer object, to which given part the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred, to detect a rotation failure of the photosensitive drum. When a rotation failure is detected, the image processor keeps input image data without deleting even after the end of image formation. |
| US08107826B2 |
Methods and apparatus for optical transmission of digital signals
A method of communicating digital information over a dispersive optical channel includes encoding the digital information into a plurality of data blocks, each of which includes a number of bits of the information. A time-varying electrical signal is generated which corresponds with each of said data blocks. The time-varying electrical signal is applied to an optical transmitter (122) to generate an optical signal which includes an asymmetrically amplitude limited transmitted signal modulated onto an optical carrier. The optical signal is then transmitted over the dispersive optical channel (106). At a receiving apparatus (104) the optical signal is detected to produce an electrical signal which corresponds with the asymmetrically amplitude limited transmitted signal. A frequency domain equalization of the electrical signal mitigates the effect of dispersion of the optical channel (106) on the transmitted optical signal, and the equalized signal is decoded to recover the encoded data blocks and the corresponding transmitted digital information. The method enables bipolar signals to be transmitted over a dispersive unipolar optical channel, and reduces or eliminates the need to apply a high optical bias level at the transmitter, thereby improving optical power efficiency and enabling output power levels to be maintained below applicable safe levels, while simultaneously enabling the effects of channel dispersion to be substantially mitigated. |
| US08107823B2 |
Optical transmission module
In an optical transmission module having a communication module which is freely movable in a case, when a tensile force is generated on an optical cable after connection of an optical transmission module, optical coupling surface and an optical axis center follow each other and thus stable optical transmission can be constantly performed. |
| US08107821B2 |
Systems and methods for Ethernet extension and demarcation
The present invention provides Ethernet extension and demarcation functionality through a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) pluggable transceiver in a customer or remote device. The pluggable transceiver is configured to frame an Ethernet client signal and to provide OAM&P functionality, such as with G.709 framing. The pluggable transceiver operates within existing multi-source agreement (MSA) specifications. Accordingly, the pluggable transceiver can operate in any customer device compliant to the MSA specifications. Additionally, the framing and OAM&P functionality are transparent to the customer device, but instead utilized by a service provider for demarcation functionality, eliminating the requirements for external demarcation equipment and for external transponders. |
| US08107820B2 |
Systems and methods for the integration of framing, OAM&P, and forward error correction in SFP optical transceiver devices
The present invention provides systems and methods for integrated framing functionality; optical layer operations, administration, maintenance, and provisioning (OAM&P); forward error correction (FEC); data encapsulation; and performance enhancement support in SFP optical transceiver modules. An SFP pluggable transceiver is configured to frame a client signal and to provide OAM&P functionality, such as with G.709 framing. The SFP pluggable transceiver operates within existing multi-source agreement (MSA) specifications for SFP. Accordingly, the pluggable transceiver can operate in any customer device compliant to the MSA specifications. |
| US08107815B2 |
System and method for communicating wireless data utilizing a passive optical network
In one embodiment, a method for providing wireless communications utilizing a passive optical network (PON) is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a PON, downstream packets from a base station destined for a mobile station, and transmitting the downstream packets to wireless transceivers associated with PON. The method also includes receiving, at the first wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to a first optical network terminal (ONT), the downstream packets from the first ONT and transmitting a first wireless signal comprising the downstream packets to a first cell. The method also includes receiving, at a second wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to a second ONT, the downstream packets from the second ONT and transmitting a second wireless signal comprising the downstream packets to a second cell. |
| US08107811B1 |
Image capture device
An image capture device includes a front shell, a circuit board, an image sensor, an elastic sheet, and threaded fasteners. The front shell includes a rear surface. The front shell defines three first threaded holes in the rear surface. The circuit board is positioned on the rear surface and defines at least three second threaded holes. The second threaded holes are aligned with the first threaded holes. The image sensor is positioned on the circuit board. The elastic sheet is positioned on the rear surface and covers the circuit board. The elastic sheet includes a number of elastic arms. The elastic arms protrude towards the circuit board and resisting against the circuit board. The threaded fasteners correspondingly pass through and engage with the first threaded holes and the second threaded holes to secure the circuit board to the rear surface. The threaded fasteners are capable of adjusting the circuit board. |
| US08107807B2 |
Lighting device, image pickup apparatus and portable terminal unit
A lighting device including a substrate, and at least three light emitting elements mounted on the substrate, each having an upper light emitting surface in rectangular shape and side light emitting surfaces in rectangular shape. The light emitting elements are positioned to surround a light-gathering region where the light emitting elements are not located, and one of the side light emitting surfaces of each light emitting element is directed to face approximately a central portion of the light-gathering region. |
| US08107805B2 |
Photographing control device and method, as well as program
An image is obtained using a photographing unit including an optical system provided with an aperture and focus adjusting mechanism. Two or more types of subjects are detected from the image. When the two or more types of subjects are detected from the image, one priority subject is determined among the two or more types of subjects. The aperture and the optical system are adjusted so that the priority subject is focused and the subject other than the priority subject is within a depth of field of the photographing unit. |
| US08107804B2 |
Energy accummulator system
An energy accumulator system for accumulating heat from a heat source for subsequent supply to a heat demand, comprises an energy accumulator having a storage material in a heat-exchange relation with the heat source so as to store heat produced by the heat source. A controller is connected to the energy accumulator to obtain temperature data with respect to the storage material, and to the heat source so as to selectively actuate the heat source. An energy level calculator is associated with the controller to determine a storage capacity in the energy accumulator as a function of temperature data of the storage material. An operation identifier determines when to store energy in the energy accumulator as a function of the storage capacity and of condition data pertaining to the heat source. The controller actuates the energy accumulator and the heat source to store heat in the energy accumulator. |
| US08107795B2 |
Multimedia visual progress indication system
A multimedia visual progress indication system that provides a cache bar that is overlaid onto the program material or displayed on a dedicated display. A cache bar indicates the length of a recording session or the length of stored program material and expands to the right when material is being recorded. Index and/or bookmark indicators are displayed next to the cache bar. A position indicator moves within the cache bar and tells the user visually where his current position is within the program material. Numeric time or counter mark of the current position is displayed in the vicinity of the cache bar. The trick play bar and its associated components are displayed for a predetermined time period. |
| US08107790B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and data processing method
A digital broadcasting system and a method of processing data are disclosed, which are robust to error when mobile service data are transmitted. To this end, additional encoding is performed for the mobile service data, whereby it is possible to strongly cope with fast channel change while giving robustness to the mobile service data. |
| US08107789B2 |
Playback apparatus that reads data replacing data recorded on recording medium from another recording medium and plays back read data, playback method, and non-transitory recording medium
The present invention is the playback apparatus 400 for (i) mounting thereon the BD-ROM 200 in which a plurality of data groups and an application program that refers to each of the data groups are stored and (ii) playing back each of the data groups by executing the application program. The playback apparatus 400 comprises: the playback processing unit 412 operable to control the execution of the application program; the network IF unit 419 operable to obtain, from an external server including therein one or more alternative data groups, an alternative data group to replace part of the data groups; and the HDD unit 418 that stores therein correspondence information showing a correspondence between a storage location where on an internal recording medium the alternative data group is stored and a storage location where on the external recording medium the part of the data groups to be replaced. Here, at a time when the application program in execution reads a data group being referred to, the playback processing unit 412 (i) judges based on the correspondence information whether an alternative data group for replacing the data group being referred to exists on the internal recording medium, and (ii) specifies, as a data retrieve destination, a storage location of the alternative data group indicated by the correspondence information when the judgment is affirmative. |
| US08107787B2 |
Recording and reproducing device and recording and reproducing method
A recording and reproducing device including sound collecting means for collecting external sound, and outputting sound information corresponding to a result of sound collection, photographing means for photographing an outside, and outputting image information corresponding to a result of photographing, recording means for converting the sound information to files in message units and recording the files on a predetermined recording medium, and recording the image information on the recording medium in association with a corresponding file of sound information in response to a predetermined first external operation, display means for displaying images based on image information associated with respective files of sound information, and reproducing means for reproducing a file of sound information associated with an image selected by a predetermined second external operation among the images displayed by the display means. The recording means sets, for each file of sound information, one of images based on image information associated with the file as a representative image of the file. |
| US08107786B2 |
Systems and methods to modify playout or playback
Systems and methods to modify playout or playback include a first and second approach to respond to a trick mode request (e.g., fast forward, rewind). First, a trick mode request may be responded to by associating primary content to secondary content and playing out the secondary content on a receiving device, the secondary content not being derived from the primary content. Second, a trick mode request may be responded to by associating primary content to secondary content and playing out the secondary content on a receiving device, the secondary content being derived from the primary content but played at a normal speed for the secondary content. |
| US08107785B2 |
Drop access location method and system for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit applications
A drop access location system and method, where the system includes a duct containing one or more communications lines, where the duct is mountable to a generally flat surface. The system also includes a drop access box including a base and a removable cover having a low impact profile and or decorative appearance. A mounting section of the base is configured to fit over an outer shape of the duct and overhang therefrom. Slack storage is provided and includes one or more guides to route an accessed communications line to a coupling and to store excess amounts of the accessed communications line. The coupling device mounting area is configured to receive a coupling, adapter, or splice that connects the accessed communications line to a drop cable. The drop access location system and method can be utilized for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit (MDU), multi-tenant unit (MTU) and other building applications. A system for installing the drop access location system is also provided. |
| US08107783B2 |
Stretcher fiber and module
A stretcher fiber includes a core region, inner trench region, ring region, outer trench region, and outer cladding region. The core region has a radius r1, a refractive index n1, and a positive effective refractive index Δn1 with respect to an outer cladding region having an outer radius r0 and a refractive index n0, where Δn0 is equal to n1−n0. The inner trench region surrounds the core region and has an outer radius r2, a refractive index n2 less than n0, and a negative effective refractive index Δn2 equal to n2−n0. The ring region surrounds the trench region and has an outer radius r3, a refractive index n3 greater than n0, and a positive effective refractive index Δn3 equal to n3−n0. The outer trench region surrounds the ring region and has an outer radius r4, a refractive index n4 less than n0, and a negative effective refractive index Δn4 equal to n4−n0. The outer cladding region surrounds the outer trench region. The values of r0, r1, r2, r3, r4, Δn1, Δn2, Δn3, and Δn4 cause the fiber to have a negative dispersion and to have a relative dispersion slope greater than 0.005 nm− at a specific wavelength within a selected operating wavelength band. Additionally, the stretcher may be used in combination with a second fiber to match the dispersion and RDS of a selected grating compressor. |
| US08107782B2 |
Microstructuring optical wave guide devices with femtosecond optical pulses
The present invention is directed to the creation of optical waveguiding devices from standard optical fibers by the creation of zones of permanently altered refractive index characteristics therein. A high intensity femtosecond laser beam is focused at a predetermined target region in the fiber so as to soften the glass material at the target region. After aligning the focal region with the target region in the fiber there will be relative movement between the focal region and the fiber, which has the effect of sweeping the focal region across the fiber in a predetermined path, so as to create a secondary waveguide path. A portion of the light traveling along the core is removed from the core along the secondary waveguide path such that the device can be utilized as an attenuator, an optical tap, or a polarimeter. |
| US08107781B2 |
Fiber optic cable
A fiber optic cable assembly includes an optical fiber, a strength layer surrounding the optical fiber and an outer jacket surrounding the strength layer. The outer jacket includes a base material having a Shore D Hardness of at least 85 and liquid crystal polymer embedded in the base material. The liquid crystal polymer constitutes less than 2% of the outer jacket by weight. |
| US08107776B2 |
Optical interconnect device and method for manufacturing the same
An optical interconnect device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, an optical waveguide, an electrical wiring and a switching device. The first substrate has an electrical wiring circuit, an electrical-optical converter for converting an electrical signal to an optical signal, and a light emitting device for emitting a light. The second substrate has an electrical wiring circuit, an optical-electrical converter for converting the optical signal to the electrical signal, and a light receiving device for receiving the light from the light emitted device. The optical waveguide optically connects the light emitting and light receiving devices. The electrical wiring electrically connects the electrical wiring circuits of the first and second substrates. The switching device determines a fast signal of data to be transmitted via the optical substrate and a slow signal of data to be transmitted via the electrical wiring. |
| US08107773B2 |
Video signal processing apparatus and video signal processing method
A video-signal processor includes: a first correlation detector obtaining a correlation value of every symmetric pair of pixels positioned in point-symmetry around an interpolation pixel on an interpolation line interpolated between two real lines; a second correlation detector obtaining a correlation value of every pair of pixels for the symmetric pair of pixels and parallel pair(s) of pixels positioned in a direction parallel to a direction of the symmetric pair of pixels; a correlation-direction deciding unit deciding one of a correlation direction based on the correlation value from the first correlation detector and that based on the correlation value from the second correlation detector as a correlation direction which is a direction of the pair of pixels used for generating the interpolation pixel; and an interpolation pixel generator generating a pixel signal of the interpolation pixel using a pair of pixels based on decision result of the correlation-direction deciding unit. |
| US08107772B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image reading apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus including a tone converting section to convert a tone level of a target pixel in multi-level image data based on a threshold value of the tone level so that the number of tone levels is reduced; a resolution converting section to output a pixel block according to the tone level, to generate image data with higher resolution; and an error diffusing section to diffuse an error; and wherein when the converted tone level is a predetermined value or lower, the resolution converting section refers to an output sequence category of a black pixel in a pixel block of a surrounding pixel, selects an output sequence pattern belonging to an output sequence category which allows a black pixel in a pixel block of the target pixel and the surrounding pixel to be concentrated, and outputs a pixel block corresponding to the selected pattern. |
| US08107771B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Disclosed herein is an image-processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a taken-image acquisition section configured to acquire a taken image; and a to-be-processed area setting section configured to carry out an analysis on a taken image acquired by the taken-image acquisition section and configured to use the pixel area of a photographed-subject image of a specific type in the taken image as a to-be-processed area of an image conversion process in accordance with the size of the photographed-subject image if a result of the analysis indicates that the photographed-subject image exists in the taken image. The apparatus further includes an image conversion section configured to carry out the image conversion process on the photographed-subject image with the pixel area thereof used as the to-be-processed area in order to generate a post-conversion image obtained as a result of the image conversion process. |
| US08107770B2 |
Microscope system and method
A microscope system and method is described for determining a position of an area of an object within the complete object, wherein the image of the area of the object is contained within a field of view of a microscope. Image data representing a low magnification image of the complete object is available for use in the method, and may be acquired using a low magnification image data source such as a scanner. The method comprises acquiring high magnification image data representing an image of the field of view of the microscope, typically from a digital camera attached to the microscope; processing the high magnification image data to reduce the resolution thereof; comparing the processed high magnification image data with portions of the low magnification image data, and, determining said position based on the results of said comparison. In a preferred embodiment, the method is implemented in the form of a computer program running on a workstation, which displays, on a display screen the field of view image, and the image of the complete object, in which the position of the area of the object in field of view is highlighted. |
| US08107767B2 |
Data transform apparatus and control method thereof
A data transform apparatus transforms four integer data D0-D3 into one DC coefficient Y0 and three AC coefficients Y1-Y3 as lossless-Hadamard transform coefficients. A first calculation unit group adds date D0 to respective data D1 to D3. A first shifter shifts data D0 1 bit to the left. A second calculation unit group subtracts three data calculated by the first calculation unit group from output of the shifter. A second shifter halves a calculation result of the second calculation unit group by shifting the subtraction result 1 bit to the right, and executes round processing for truncating a fractional part of the halved data. A sign inverter inverts the sign of output from the second shifter, and outputs it as DC coefficient. A third calculation unit group subtracts output from the sign inverter from output of the first calculation unit group, and outputs these data as AC coefficients. |
| US08107764B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
In order to accurately remove an unnecessary periodic noise component from an image, a reconstruction unit generates a reconstructed image without a periodic noise component by fitting to a face region detected in an image by a face detection unit a mathematical model generated according a method of AAM using a plurality of sample images representing human faces without a periodic noise component. The periodic noise component is extracted by a difference between the face region and the reconstructed image, and a frequency of the noise component is determined. The noise component of the determined frequency is then removed from the image. |
| US08107761B2 |
Method for determining boundary strength
A method for determining the boundary strengths of edges in a block-based digitally encoded image is disclosed. The method includes setting the boundary strength of two adjacent blocks in an Inter macroblock to a first strength value if any one of the two adjacent blocks contains non-zero prediction residual in the encoding data and setting the boundary strength thereof to a second strength value if the two adjacent blocks are located in the same motion compensation block. An edge with boundary strength equal to the second strength value will be skipped in a deblocking process. |
| US08107754B2 |
Systems and methods for randomly accessing compressed images
An embodiment of a method for encoding a source image comprising multiple data units, performed by an image encoding unit, comprises the following steps. A quantized DC coefficient and multiple AC coefficients of a data unit are generated. A value at the (0,0) element of the first data unit is determined according to the quantized DC coefficient. A variable length coding (VLC) stream of the data unit is generated by encoding the determined value and the AC coefficients. An encoded bitstream comprising a restart mark followed by the VLC stream of the data unit is generated. An offset pointing to the beginning of the restart mark of the encoded bitstream is stored in a random access table. A compression image comprising the encoded bitstream and the random access table is generated. |
| US08107753B2 |
Prediction-based image processing
A pixel block (300) is compressed by sub-sampling at least a portion of the pixels (310) into subblocks (320, 330). Predictions are determined for the property values of these subblocks (320, 330) by calculating a variance measure based on property values of neighboring pixels (310)/subblocks (320, 330) in two prediction directions in the block (300) relative to a current subblock (320, 330). If the variance is below a threshold, the prediction is calculated based on neighboring property values in both directions. If the measure exceeds the threshold, the neighboring property values in only one of the two predictions directions are used for calculating the prediction. A guiding bit (450) descriptive of the selected direction is also provided. A prediction error is calculated based on the property value and the calculated prediction. The compressed block (400) comprises an encoded representation (460) of the prediction error and any guiding bit (470). |
| US08107751B2 |
DPCM with adaptive range and PCM escape mode
The embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices, and systems adapted to perform adaptive quantization processes. The adaptive quantization processes of the present invention are adapted to provide one or more adaptive quantization modes based on one or more previous pixels and their associated coding modes. The output of an adaptive quantization process may include coded data and a coding mode, indicating whether the coded data is pulse code modulation (PCM) data or differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) data. |
| US08107750B2 |
Method of generating motion vectors of images of a video sequence
A digital image processing system and method for removing motion effects from images of a video sequence, and generating corresponding motion compensated images. |
| US08107749B2 |
Apparatus, method, and medium for encoding/decoding of color image and video using inter-color-component prediction according to coding modes
A color image and video encoding and/or decoding apparatus, method, and medium using inter-color-component prediction in accordance with an encoding mode are provided. The encoding apparatus for encoding an original image including at least two color image components, includes: a residue generation unit, if the encoding mode is inter mode, generating a temporal residue by obtaining the difference of a current image and a prediction image obtained by estimating a motion in units of blocks between the current image and a previous image of each color component; a residue color prediction unit encoding the temporal residue of the residue generation unit, by performing residue inter-color-component prediction; an intra color prediction unit, if the encoding mode is intra mode, encoding the original image by performing inter-color-component prediction of the original image; and an entropy encoding unit generating a bitstream by entropy encoding the result value of the residue color prediction unit or the intra color prediction unit. According to the apparatus, method, and medium, a color image or video data can be directly compressed effectively without a conventional color transform process. Furthermore, by using the correlation of image components, redundant information between color components varying with respect to the encoding mode is removed so that the encoding efficiency can be enhanced. |
| US08107747B2 |
Codevector trainers and real-time compressor for multi-dimensional data
The present invention relates to a real-time wideband compressor for multi-dimensional data. The compressor comprises a plurality of compression engines for simultaneously compressing a plurality of data subsets of a set of input data vectors and providing compressed data thereof using one of SAMVQ or HSOCVQ data compression. Each compression engine comprises an along spectral vectors codevector trainer as well as an across spectral bands codevector trainer. The compression engines are programmable to perform either along spectral vectors codevector training or across spectral bands codevector training in combination with one of the SAMVQ or HSOCVQ techniques without changing hardware. The compressor further comprises a network switch for partitioning the set of input data vectors into the plurality of data subsets, for providing each of the plurality of data subsets to one of the plurality of compression engines, and for transmitting the compressed data. The real-time wideband compressor is highly advantageous in, for example, space applications by programmable enabling performance of different techniques of codevector training as well as different techniques of VQ. Furthermore, after the compression process is started the compression process is performed autonomously without external communication. |
| US08107745B2 |
Image processing device
An image processing device and method decodes encoded image data, and converts a resolution of the decoded image data. The encoded image data is formed by encoding image data partitioned into blocks, each block including a plurality of pixels aligned in a matrix shape having horizontal rows and vertical columns. The image processing device includes a decoding section that decodes and outputs the decoded image data on a block-by-block basis, a block buffer section that temporarily stores, on a basis of the blocks, the decoded image data output, a horizontal resolution conversion section that converts the resolution of the decoded image data in the horizontal direction, a line buffer section that temporarily stores, on a basis of the vertical columns, the horizontal-resolution-converted image data, and a vertical resolution conversion section that converts the resolution of the horizontal-resolution-converted image data in the vertical direction. |
| US08107744B2 |
Picture buffering for prediction references and display
The invention relates to an encoder for forming an encoded picture stream. The pictures are defined as reference pictures or non-reference pictures, and information relating to decoding order and output order of a picture is defined for pictures of the picture stream. The encoder is arranged to form to the bitstream an indication of such a number of pictures arranged to be buffered in decoding order that is sufficient to recover the output order of pictures. The invention also relates to a signal, hypothetical encoder, decoder, hypothetical decoder, electronic device, system, software program and a storage medium. |
| US08107740B2 |
Apparatus and method for efficient indexing and querying of images in security systems and other systems
A method includes receiving one or more query images and identifying multiple features associated with an object or an activity using the one or more query images. The method also includes accessing a sparse representation index using the identified features. The sparse representation index includes a multi-dimensional polytope having multiple vertices, and the features identify a point in the polytope. The method further includes identifying multiple vertices in the sparse representation index that are associated with the identified point and providing one or more images associated with the identified vertices. In addition, the method includes identifying one or more clusters of features associated with the identified vertices and providing one or more additional images associated with the one or more identified clusters. The one or more clusters may be identified using a clustering index identifying the clusters and features of training images associated with the clusters. |
| US08107734B2 |
Image processing apparatus, and method for performing document matching using extracted feature points of connected image components
Pixels of a binary image obtained by binarizing an image are scanned in a predetermined direction, labels are assigned to the pixels according to binarization information about the respective pixels, information about the assigned labels is stored sequentially for each of a plurality of lines along the predetermined direction, information about coordinate values in the binary image of pixels assigned the same label is stored, a determination is made as to whether or not, in a current line among the plurality of lines, there is a pixel assigned the same label as a label assigned to a pixel contained in a line which was scanned immediately before the current line, when a determination is made that there is no pixel assigned the same label, a feature point in a connected component formed by connecting together pixels specified by the coordinate values is calculated based on the stored information about the coordinate values, a feature vector representing a feature of the image is calculated based on the calculated feature point, and a similarity to reference image is determined based on the calculated feature vector. |
| US08107730B2 |
Imaging system sag correction method and apparatus
An apparatus for use with a single modality imaging system configured to generate uncorrected imaging data of a patient, the single modality imaging system includes two gamma cameras and a patient stretcher disposed between the two gamma cameras, the apparatus for compensating for downward stretcher deflection at the extended end of the patient stretcher that occurs during stretcher extension. The apparatus includes a single sag sensor for sensing the downward deflection of the patient stretcher, a subtracting device configured to generate a sag correction factors based on a baseline stretcher height and an input received from the sag sensor, and a compensator configured to modify at least a portion of the uncorrected imaging data to compensate for sag using the using the sag correction factor to generate a unified image. |
| US08107726B2 |
System and method for class-specific object segmentation of image data
Systems and methods for processing an image to determine whether segments of the image belong to an object class are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving digitized data representing an image, the image data comprising a plurality of pixels, segmenting the pixel data into segments at a plurality of scale levels, determining feature vectors of the segments at the plurality of scale levels, the feature vectors comprising one or more measures of visual perception of the segments, determining one or more similarities, each similarity determined by comparing two or more feature vectors, determining, for each of a first subset of the segments, a first measure of probability that the segments is a member of an object class, determining probability factors based on the determined first measures of probability and similarity factors based on the determined similarities, and performing factor graph analysis to determine a second measure of probability for each of a second subset of the segments based on the probability factors and similarity factors. |
| US08107725B2 |
Image processor and image processing method
An image processor according to the present invention is configured to generate a plurality of multiresolution images of different resolutions from an input image (S16), to set a correlation evaluation function for each multiresolution image, calculate a correlation value between the correlation evaluation function and each pixel in the multiresolution image, and extract a position of a local region on the basis of the correlation value (S18), and to set a size of the local region according to the resolution of the multiresolution image (S22), and to detect an object in the local region. This enables extraction of the local region at an appropriate position and in an appropriate range for a characteristic portion of the input image. For this reason, a target range is appropriately limited and detection of the object is quickly carried out without deterioration of accuracy. |
| US08107724B2 |
Method and system for predictive scaling of colour mapped images
A method for scaling an original color mapped image are disclosed. The method performs steps of: transforming the original color map into the scaled color map based on the original color map and the original image independently of the scaled image; scaling the original image into the scaled image; for each pixel of the scaled image: determining a set of contributing pixels in the original image, which define a color of the pixel; determining the color of the pixel based on colors of the contributing pixels and geometric proximity of the pixel to the contributing pixels; establishing correspondence between the color of the pixel and a color in the scaled color map; and determining a corresponding color map index thereof; and setting the determined color map index in the scaled pixel map. A corresponding system for scaling digital images is also provided. |
| US08107723B2 |
Measurement of three-dimensional motion characteristics
A system for measurement of three-dimensional motion of an object is provided. The system includes a light projection means adapted for projecting, for distinct time intervals, light of at least two different colors with a cross-sectional pattern of fringe lines onto a surface of the object and also includes image acquisition means for capturing an image of the object during an exposure time, wherein the distinct time intervals are within the duration of the exposure time. The system further includes image processing means adapted for processing the image to obtain a different depth map for each color based on a projected pattern of fringe lines on the object as viewed from the position of the image acquisition means, to determine corresponding points on the depth maps of each color, and to determine a three-dimensional motion characteristic of the object based on the positions of corresponding points on the depth maps. |
| US08107722B2 |
System and method for automatic stereo measurement of a point of interest in a scene
A system for performing a three dimensional stereo measurement that uses a sensor for obtaining a sensor image of a scene, and a database for providing first and second reference images of the scene that are a stereo pair of images. At least one processing system is responsive to an output of the sensor and in communication with the database. The processing system registers the sensor image with the first reference image, and also selects a point of interest from one of the sensor image and the first reference image. The processing system performs a stereo point measurement from the selected point of interest and the first reference image to determine a point in the second reference image that represents a stereo mate of the selected point in the first reference image. |
| US08107721B2 |
Method and system for determining poses of semi-specular objects
A camera acquires a set of coded images and a set of flash images of a semi-specular object. The coded images are acquired while scanning the object with a laser beam pattern, and the flash images are acquired while illuminating the object with a set of light sources at different locations near the camera, there being one flash image for each light source. 3D coordinates of points on the surface of the object are determined from the set of coded images, and 2D silhouettes of the object are determined from shadows cast in the set of flash images. Surface normals are obtained for the 3D points from photometric stereo on the set of flash images. The 3D coordinates, 2D silhouettes and surface normals are compared with a known 3D model of the object to determine the pose of the object. |
| US08107720B2 |
Detection system for detecting appearances of many electronic elements and methods of using the same
A detection system for detecting appearances of many electronic elements includes a rotary module, a feeding module and a detection module. The rotary module has a base structure and a hollow transparent rotary structure disposed on the base structure. The feeding module is disposed beside one side of the hollow transparent rotary structure in order to sequentially guide the electronic elements to the top surface of the hollow transparent rotary structure. The detection module has a plurality of detection units sequentially disposed around the hollow transparent rotary structure. Each detection unit is composed of an image-sensing element for sensing the electronic elements, an image-capturing element for capturing surface images of the electronic elements and a classifying element for classifying the electronic elements. |
| US08107719B2 |
Machine vision system for three-dimensional metrology and inspection in the semiconductor industry
The system 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a structural subsystem 20 to provide both a stable platform and vibration isolation, a camera subsystem 30 to capture the image of a moving object when the object moves into a viewing area, a lighting subsystem 50 to illuminate a moving object, and a controller to selectively activate the lighting subsystem 50 to allow observation of the reflectance of complex objects under different conditions. The system 10 has been specifically designed for illuminating and capturing the image of a moving object, such as the connecting terminals (e.g., leads, ball grids, and pads) of packaged electronic components in a manufacturing facility. The system 10 may, however, be used to illuminate and capture the image of any suitable moving or non-moving object. |
| US08107718B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for use in locating a structure in an integrated circuit
A method, system, and apparatus use in locating a structure in an integrated circuit are provided. Electrical activities are induced in the IC for producing respective unique electromagnetic radiation patterns that collectively contain information on the location of the structure. The electromagnetic radiation patterns are detected, and an area of interest for locating the structure is determined from correlations in the electromagnetic radiation patterns. Once the area of interest is identified a user can more easily locate the structure on the integrated circuit by focusing on the area of interest. |
| US08107717B2 |
Defect inspection method and apparatus
Arrangements for inspecting a specimen on which plural patterns are formed; capturing a first image of a first area; capturing a second image of a second area in which patterns which are essentially the same with the patterns formed in the first area; creating data relating to corresponding pixels of the first and second images, for each pixel; determining a threshold for each pixel for detecting defects directly in accordance with the first and second images; and detecting defects on the specimen by processing the first and second images by using the threshold for each pixel and information of a scattered diagram of brightness of the first and second images, wherein the threshold is determined by using information of brightness of a local region of at least one of the first and second images, with the local region including an aimed pixel and peripheral pixels of the aimed pixel. |
| US08107714B2 |
Methods for detecting and tagging scene changes
Methods for determining a difference between a reference scene and a test scene are provided. An automated process calculates a power of the reference scene and a power of the test scene. The difference between the power of the reference scene and the test scene determines whether there is a variance between the reference scene and the test scene. Variance can be reported to allow further evaluation of the test scene. For example, if the difference exceeds a threshold, the automated process may provide the test scene to a human inspector for further evaluation. Alternatively, the test scene may be provided to a computer for further evaluation. |
| US08107712B2 |
Method and testing device for testing valuable documents
A method as well as a respective checking apparatus for checking a document of value (1), with which the document of value (1) at least in a partial area is illuminated with an intensity (IB) and at different measuring places (2) the intensity (IT) of the light transmitted through the partial area of the document of value (1) and the intensity (IR) of the light reflected by the partial area of the document of value (1) is captured. For eliminating the impact of thickness fluctuations within the document of value and an at the same time simple checking it is provided that the intensities (IT, IR) of the transmitted and reflected light are captured separately, that for each of the different measuring places (2) the sum (IT+IR) of the intensities (IT, IR) of the transmitted and reflected light is calculated, and that the sum (IT+IR) is compared to a predetermined standard value (IS). |
| US08107711B2 |
User interface method and system for management and control of automated image processing in high content screening or high throughput screening
A user interface method and system for controlling automated image processing operations of HCS and/or HTS systems includes a graphical interface to enable user designation of an image naming convention, image sources and destinations, image processing channels, processing parameter values, and processing spatial designations. |
| US08107706B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and electronic apparatus
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and an electronic apparatus that are capable of detecting a movement of a hand of the user with ease.A light-emitting apparatus 23 irradiates the user with light having a first wavelength and light having a second wavelength. A binarization section 42 acquires a first image and a second image, the first image being obtained by receiving reflected light of the light having the first wavelength with which the user is irradiated, the second image being obtained by receiving reflected light of the light having the second wavelength with which the user is irradiated. A binarization section 42 or shape extraction section 46 extracts an object area in which an object is displayed, from a skin display area in a display image including the skin display area in which a skin of the user is displayed, based on the first and second images. The shape extraction section 46 detects a change in relative distance from the irradiation means to the object in accordance with a change in luminance values of pixels constituting the object area. The present invention is applicable to a computer that extracts a shape of a portion of a body of the user from, for example, a captured image obtained by capturing an image of the user. |
| US08107705B2 |
Systems and methods for minimizing aberrating effects in imaging systems
A biometric optical recognition system includes optics, including a wavefront coding mask, for imaging a wavefront of object to be recognized to an intermediate image, and a detector for detecting the intermediate image. A modulation transfer function detected by the detector contains no zeros such that subsequent task based image processing recognizes the object. A biometric recognition system includes optics for imaging a wavefront of an object to be recognized to a first intermediate image, and a detector for detecting the first intermediate image. The optics include a phase changing element configured for modifying the wavefront such that a modulation transfer function characterizing detection of the first intermediate image contains no zeros such that subsequent task based image processing recognizes the object. In an optical imaging system that includes a solid state detector, a phase-modifying element reduces reflected power from electromagnetic energy incident upon the detector without introducing aberrations. |
| US08107702B2 |
Process and system for automatically recognising preneoplastic abnormalities in anatomical structures, and corresponding computer program
A process for the automatic recognition of abnormalities in anatomical structures is described together with a processing system and a computer program for implementing the aforesaid process, comprising the operations of: acquiring (10) a plurality of two-dimensional images of at least one portion of a patient's body capable of forming a three-dimensional representation of at least one anatomical structure under observation, segmenting (20) a region of interest in the said three-dimensional representation which potentially contains anomalies, selecting (30, 40) volume image elements (voxels) from the segmented region which are likely to form a part of abnormalities in the anatomical structure represented, on the basis of predetermined morphological parameters, agglomerating (60) the said voxels into analysis units on the basis of the distribution of the spatial density of the voxels selected, and classifying (70) the said analysis units as elements suspected of being parts of abnormalities or as elements which are not part of abnormalities. |
| US08107700B2 |
System and method for efficient workflow in reading medical image data
A system provides methods to significantly improve the efficiency of reading medical image data. The workflow panel provides a grouping of tasks for reviewing and comparing medical images. Tablets are created for each task, consolidating the tools and associated hanging protocols to efficiently perform the actions for that task. The 3D navigation point keeps the current spatial focus point within the field of view as the user transitions between series, orientations, hanging protocols, and zoom levels. The spatial zoom method provides consistent zooming of series with varying fields of view and spatial resolution. Having the ability to overlay the parametric map on any series, regardless of its orientation or field of view, allows the user to correlate the parametric map with features on the non-temporal series. Integrating all of these methods with the workflow panel allows users to quickly step through the tasks in a workflow with minimal user actions. |
| US08107698B2 |
Image processing apparatus and computer program product
An image processing apparatus includes an organ determination unit that determines a type of observation target which appears in a target image among a sequence of observation images, an imaging distance estimation unit that estimates an imaging distance at a time of image pickup of the observation image, an abnormal region detection unit that detects an abnormal region, which is a specific region, from the target image using an abnormality detection parameter, and an image processing control unit that sets as the abnormality detection parameter, a parameter value corresponding to a result of determination by the organ determination unit, and causes the abnormal region detection unit to detect an abnormal region using the abnormality detection parameter. |
| US08107695B2 |
Methods and systems for assessing patient movement in diagnostic imaging
Methods and systems for automatically detecting gross patient motion using a diagnostic medical imaging system are provided. The method provides for acquiring a plurality of frames of image data, positioning a first time window and a second time window over overlapping frames of image data, calculating a statistical correlation value based on the first time window and the second time window, and comparing a first derivative of the statistical correlation value to a threshold value to determine patient motion. |
| US08107694B2 |
Method of tracking speckle displacement between two images
In a first preferred embodiment, the invention includes a method of tracking displacements between ultrasound images by calculating a coarse displacement estimate, and calculating a fine displacement estimate using images and coarse displacement estimate. In a second preferred embodiment, the invention includes a method of calculating a coarse displacement estimate from images by reducing the resolution of the images, correlating the reduced resolution images, and calculating the location of the peak of the correlation function. In a third preferred embodiment, the invention includes a method of calculating a finer displacement estimate from images by using a coarse displacement estimate with correlation processing of the images and calculating the location of the peak value of the correlation function. |
| US08107693B2 |
Artificial intelligence system for genetic analysis
The present invention provides a complete artificial intelligence system for the acquisition and analysis of nucleic acid array hybridization information. The system includes a central data processing facility and one or more user facilities, linked by encrypted connections. Each user facility may include an optical scanning system to collect hybridization signals from a nucleic acid array, an image processing system to convert the optical data into a set of hybridization parameters, a connection to a data network, and a user interface to display, manipulate, search, and analyze hybridization information. This system reads data from a nucleic acid microarray, analyzes test results, evaluates patient risk for various ailments, and recommends methods of treatment. The automated artificial intelligence system is a real time, dynamic decision making tool that can be used in conjunction with a clinical analysis system, and with the information obtained in a research and development environment. |
| US08107691B2 |
Image mapping to provide visual geographic path
Provided is a computer system and method for mapping a visual path. The method includes receiving one or more images included in a predefined area; receiving one or more parameters associated with the image; and integrating the images and parameters into a map of the predefined area to enable mapping the visual path through the predefined area in response to one or more input path parameters. |
| US08107690B2 |
Similarity analyzing device, image display device, image display program storage medium, and image display method
A similarity analyzing device includes: an image acquisition section which acquires picked-up images with which image pick-up dates and/or times are associated; and an image registration section which registers a face image showing a picked-up face and with which an image pick-up date and/or time is associated. The device further includes: a degree of similarity calculation section which detects a face in each of picked-up images acquired by the image acquisition section and calculates the degree of similarity between the detected face and the face in the face image registered in the image registration section; and a degree of similarity reduction section in which the larger the difference between the image pick-up date and/or time associated with the picked-up image and that associated with the face image is, the more the degree of similarity of the face calculated by the degree of similarity calculation section is reduced. |
| US08107689B2 |
Apparatus, method and computer program for processing information
An information processing apparatus for generating a database indicating mapping between characters and the characters' face images, includes a list generating unit for generating a list of characters, appearing in a video content, based on metadata of the video content, a detecting unit for detecting a character's face image from the video content, a model generating unit for generating a feature quantity model indicating a feature of the detected character's face image and a mapping unit for mapping the feature quantity model generated based on the video content to a character contained in the character list. |
| US08107688B2 |
Gaze detection apparatus and the method of the same
An image input unit, a feature point detection unit configured to extract at least four image feature points including a feature point of a pupil and which do not exist on an identical plane from an input image, a three-dimensional face model storage unit configured to store shape information of a three-dimensional face model and at least coordinates of reference feature points on the three-dimensional face model corresponding to the feature points extracted by the feature point detection unit, a converting unit configured to convert a coordinate of the feature point of the pupil onto surface of the three-dimensional face model on the basis of the correspondence between the extracted feature points and the reference feature points, and a gaze estimating unit configured to estimate the gaze direction from the converted coordinate of the pupil are provided. |
| US08107687B2 |
System and method for tracking motion of an object image
A system, method and computer readable medium are disclosed for tracking motion of an object image, comprising receiving an input image; correlating the input image with a reference image by computing differences between the input image and the reference image; generating a motion vector for a subimage of the input image using a subimage metric surface; and outputting a tracking assessment of object image motion based on the motion vector. |
| US08107685B2 |
Displacement sensor having a display data output
A method of displaying sensed displacement is such as to collect single dimension light distribution data using a single dimensional imaging device; transmit the light distribution data to a processor; and display the light distribution data as a line bright wave form on a display using software implemented by the processor. |
| US08107681B2 |
Setup for constructing a weed map
The present invention relates to a setup (100) for constructing a weed map. The setup (100) comprises an image recording unit (110; 110′) having a video camera (112) and a relief-tracking laser camera (114), an image processing and evaluating unit (120), a data storage unit (130) connected to the latter, as well as a weed database (135). The setup (100) also comprises a light source (160), a position detection unit (150) equipped with a location finding element (152) and a location refining element (154) for determining the spatial coordinates supplied by the former more accurately. The image recording unit (110; 110′), the position detection unit (150) and the light source (160) are all in data communication connection with the image processing and evaluating unit (120). Furthermore, the image processing and evaluating unit (120) is provided with one or more controlling outputs (122, 124), wherein one of the outputs (124) is capable of establishing a data communication connection with the control unit (190) of a separate weeding apparatus. |
| US08107679B2 |
Horse position information analyzing and displaying method
The purpose of the present invention is, in a horse race or a motorboat race, to display the progress of the race (trail) of each horse, by obtaining analysis data of a plural number of patrol images provided around the race course, by acquiring position information of each horse at the moment and by tracking the specific horse through judging similarity between consecutive pictures of said patrol image. The position information analyzing and displaying method for each horse or boat or the like of the present invention, for continuously captured race images, identifies each horse or boat or the like by similarity analysis and tracks continuously the trail of each horse or boat or the like in said racing images, and also analyzes said position information of each horse or boat or the like by using the positional relationship with the fixed position information in said images, in order to display the trail of each horse or boat or the like. A template of which size matches the image size of each horse or boat is used for said identification, and each horse or boat or the like is identified within said template. Here, said template is hexagonal and the size of said template is variable according to the size of each horse or boat on the picture. |
| US08107678B2 |
Detection of abandoned and removed objects in a video stream
A method for processing a time-ordered sequence of video frames. The method is implemented by execution of program code on a processor of a computer system. Each frame includes a two-dimensional array of pixels and a frame-dependent color intensity at each pixel. A current frame and at least one frame occurring prior to the current frame in the sequence are analyzed via a background subtraction on the at least one frame to determine a background image and a static region mask associated with a static region. The background subtraction determines an existence of a static object relating to the static region. A status of the static object is determined, the status being either that the static object is an abandoned object or that the static object is a removed object. The determined status is stored in a data storage medium of the computer system. |
| US08107672B2 |
Makeup simulation system, makeup simulator, makeup simulation method, and makeup simulation program
According to the present invention, a makeup simulation system applying makeup to a video having an image of the face of a user captured thereon is characterized by image capturing means for capturing the image of the face of the user and outputting the video, control means for receiving the video output from the image capturing means, performing image processing on the video, and outputting the video; and display means for displaying the video output from the control means, wherein the control means includes face recognition means for recognizing the face of the user from the video based on predetermined tracking points; and makeup processing means for applying a predetermined makeup on the face of the user included in the video based on the tracking points and outputting the video to the display means. |
| US08107670B2 |
Scanning images for pornography
A computer system scans image files for pornographic image content by pre-filtering image files to detect the presence in copyright data fields of stored items of copyright information deemed to indicate that the image file is one of acceptable or unacceptable. On detecting such items of copyright information, a signal is output indicating that the image file does or does not contain pornographic image content without the need to analyse the image content of the image file. |
| US08107660B2 |
Hearing aid
A hearing aid includes: a sound collection unit configured to collect a surrounding sound; a sound output unit configured to output a sound; and a main body having a shape that can be attached to an ear. The main body includes: a hearing aid processing unit configured to perform hearing aid processing for the surrounding sound collected by the sound collection unit; an attaching determination unit configured to determine whether the main body is attached to the ear based on the surrounding sound; a specific sound generation unit configured to generate a predetermined signal; and a selection unit configured to select one of the sound subjected to the hearing aid processing by the hearing aid processing unit and the sound generated by the specific sound generation unit based on a determination result of the attaching determination unit and to output the selected sound to the sound output unit. |
| US08107659B2 |
Control arrangement for hearing aids or for control units coupled to hearing aids
In a control arrangement for hearing aids or for control units coupled to hearing aids, a strain gauge is mechanically coupled to an elastically deformable or displaceable portion of the hearing aid or of the control unit coupled thereto and undergoes an elastic deformation under the influence of an actuating force input by a user, whereby the strain gauge undergoes a variation of one of its electrical values which variation is detected by a controller which provides a control signal which serves for switching between different operation modes of the hearing aid or of the control unit coupled to the hearing aid. |
| US08107658B2 |
Hearing instrument with parameter resetting and corresponding method
Hearing instruments and in particular hearing aids whose signal processing can be adjusted by the user are to be returned to a defined, individual state in a more convenient manner. For this purpose it is provided that at least one individual, current parameter value for ongoing operation of the hearing instrument is automatically stored in a first memory device. The at least one individual, current parameter value can also be stored manually or automatically in a second memory device. If the user wishes to revert to an earlier setting, he can manually reset the at least one parameter of the hearing instrument to the parameter value stored in the second memory device by actuating a button. |
| US08107656B2 |
Level-dependent noise reduction
A method for noise reduction in a hearing aid device is described, with a signal, which comprises a useful and an interference signal part, being processed in the hearing aid device and with the interference signal part being reduced to the benefit of the useful signal part and with the reduction of the interference signal part being carried out as a function of the input level of the signal, with the interference signal part being more heavily attenuated with a high input level than with a low input level. |
| US08107653B2 |
Garment with built-in audio source wiring
An audio source device may be used with a garment such as a hooded garment by passing the audio wires into a channel in the hood and having them exit the hood inside hollow lanyards with earbuds at the ends. A means to fix the wires and the lanyards to each other inside the hood is shown; and a means is shown to prevent lateral movement inside the hood. |
| US08107652B2 |
Controlled leakage omnidirectional electret condenser microphone element
An omnidirectional electret condenser microphone element with improved low frequency background ambient acoustical noise rejection is provided. The omnidirectional electret condenser microphone element includes a plurality of passageways in acoustic series that couple at least one acoustic aperture of the microphone element to an acoustic cavity formed within the microphone element. At least one of said plurality of passageways is of a predefined size that is determined to provide the desired response roll-off within a predefined frequency range. In at least one preferred configuration, the roll-off resulting from the plurality of passageways is greater than 2.0 dB between 300 and 100 Hz. In at least one alternate preferred configuration, the roll-off resulting from the plurality of passageways is greater than 3.0 dB between 300 and 100 Hz. |
| US08107651B2 |
Speaker structure
A speaker structure including a single electret vibrating film structure, a single metal electrode with a plurality of holes and a frame supporting member is provided. In an example, the electret vibrating film structure is formed by an electret film layer, an ultra-thin metal thin film electrode and an isolation layer stacked together, in which the ultra-thin metal thin film electrode is located between the electret film layer and the isolation layer. In another example, the electret vibrating film structure is formed by the electret film layer and a conductive electrode layer having oxide conductive materials. The frame supporting member is located between the electret vibrating film structure and the metal electrode for forming a space for the vibration of the electret vibrating film structure, so as to generate sounds. |
| US08107647B2 |
Ring transducers for sonic, ultrasonic hearing
A ring transducer comprising an outer metal ring and an inner ceramic ring provides a device for the conduction of ultrasonic signals directly in the ear canal, thereby providing an efficient means for the conduction of such signals. In an alternate embodiment, stacks of piezoelectric film, optionally shaped into a ring, may be used for placement in the ear or outside the ear, such as on the ends of eyeglasses. |
| US08107643B2 |
Apparatus and method of automatically compensating an audio volume in response to channel change
An apparatus and method of automatically compensating audio volume in response to a channel change. The method includes generating a gain value to adjust a level of an input audio signal by comparing an average level of the input audio signal with a predetermined input/output level curve, adjusting an audio volume of the input audio signal by applying the generated gain value to the level of the input audio signal, and adjusting a dynamic range of the audio signal having the adjusted audio volume. |
| US08107641B2 |
Communication system and control method therefor, program, and storage medium
A communication system has a communication controller for multiplexing and transmitting a power supply voltage and an audio signal to be played back by a plurality of channels, and a plurality of communication adapters which start in response to reception of the multiplexed/transmitted power supply voltage, and play back the audio signal using a playback device. The communication controller includes an audio data modulation circuit configured to modulate audio data by shifting, based on a first modulation ratio, a modulation carrier clock for modulating the audio data and a data transmission rate for transmitting the audio data in order to set a command transmission frequency bandwidth, and a command data modulation circuit configured to modulate command data by shifting, based on a second modulation ratio, a modulation carrier clock for modulating the command data and a data transmission rate for transmitting the command data in the command transmission frequency bandwidth. |
| US08107638B2 |
Semi-insert hearing protector having a helmholtz-type resonator
A semi-insert hearing protector includes a thin-walled enclosure sized substantially to that of the outer ear of a wearer, the enclosure being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material and secured to the head of said wearer by means of an adjustable headband. A short tube extends from the enclosure for communication with the ear canal, the short tube being made from a rigid or semi-rigid material and including a flexible cuff disposed over the tube made from a resilient material. The enclosure contains sound absorbing material configured to vary the frequency characteristic of sound attenuation by the semi-insert. |
| US08107618B2 |
Method and system for providing DC power on local telephone lines
A system for providing DC power on local telephone lines, such as telephone lines in a building or office, for powering devices and circuitry associated with communications over those telephone lines, as well as other functions. Desired voltage and power levels are supplied over local telephone lines by separating the DC power component from the central office or private branch exchange with a DC blocking filter while passing all AC telephony signals. A distinct DC power is then imposed over the telephone line for powering both the telephony service as well as other loads. Conventional telephone off-hook detection is simulated for compatibility with the central office or private branch exchange. The functions required may be integrated, partially or fully within a telephone outlet. |
| US08107616B2 |
Acoustic echo canceller
An acoustic echo cancellation device (1) for canceling an echo in a microphone signal (z) in response to a far-end signal (x) comprises: an adaptive filter unit (10) arranged for filtering the far-end signal (x) so as to produce an echo cancellation signal (y), —a combination unit (12) arranged for combining the echo cancellation signal (y) with the microphone signal (z) so as to produce a residual signal (r), and a post-processor unit (13) arranged for substantially removing any remaining echoes from the residual signal. In accordance with the invention, the device further comprises: —a near-end pitch estimation unit (18) arranged for estimating the pitch of any near-end signal (s) contained in the microphone signal (z) and for controlling the post-processor unit (13) in dependence of the estimated pitch such that harmonics of the estimated pitch may be substantially preserved. The control unit may further be arranged for controlling the post-processor unit (13) in dependence of the estimated pitch of the residual signal in addition to the estimated pitch of the residual signal. |
| US08107611B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically displaying customized call center operating statistics based on user profile information
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically displaying customized call center operating statistics based on user profile information. According to one aspect, a method for automatically displaying customized call center operating statistics based on user profile information is provided. The method includes receiving user profile information associated with a user, wherein the user profile information uniquely identifies the user seeking access to customized call center operating statistics. Customized call center operating statistics to be displayed are automatically determined based on the user profile information. The customized call center operating statistics are then displayed to the user. |
| US08107607B2 |
Integrated chat client with receiving party choice
Phone systems for an integrated chat client service are provided. A representative phone system includes a call processing system operable to check a chat server for accessibility of a calling party chat client associated with a calling party and coupled to the internet, the call processing system being further operable to prompt a called party to select to talk or chat. Methods to connect telephone calls and answer telephone calls are also provided. |
| US08107605B2 |
Memory aid for persons having memory loss
A simplified computer device is provided and may be used by persons having memory loss to connect via a network, such as the Internet, to one or more other computer devices. The simplified computer device is operable to obtain image, text and/or audio files from the other computer device for displaying on a display screen or for playing on an audio player, as the case may be, of the simplified computer devices to assist the persons with memory loss in recalling the identity and/or other information about their family members, friends, caregivers, and other acquaintances. Using a limited set of buttons on the simplified computer devices, the persons having memory loss can automatically link to one or more predetermined other computer devices and retrieve the image files and associated text and audio files. A local input module is coupleable to the simplified computer device and is usable for entry of images, text, and/or audio directly into the memory of the associated simplified computer devices for storage therein and/or for transmission to other devices of the network. |
| US08107603B2 |
Contact number encapsulation system
A contact number encapsulation system is disclosed that is operable to consolidate a plurality of contact numbers associated with a given user into a single contact number. The system includes a call processing application that uses information contained in a SIP message header to determine a list of contact numbers to call. The SIP message header contains a call destination indication that is used by the call processing application to retrieve the list of contact numbers. The list of contact numbers is user defined and may be updated or modified by an account holder at any given time. Once the list of contact numbers is obtained, a simultaneous call module is used to simultaneously call each number contained in the list. As such, the account holder only needs to provide the primary contact number to individuals desiring to reach him/her instead of various numbers that are associated with various locations the account holder may be located. |
| US08107599B2 |
Methods and apparatus for the composition and communication of digital composition coded multisensory messages (DCC MSMS)
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for composing and communicating Digital Composition Coded Multisensory Messages (DCC MSMs). The present invention also relates to the design, composition, creation, and communication of the multisensory messages. Multisensory messages, while rich in content and meaning, are to be composable from a great variety of platforms, from cell phones to mainframes. |
| US08107597B2 |
Messaging advise in presence-aware networks
A presence aware communications system, comprising a messaging system configured to perform at least one of the following operations: (a) provide a subscriber's communication device with information regarding an incoming contact during a messaging session between the subscriber's communication device and the messaging system; (b) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message containing information regarding one or more messages when a notification is received that the subscriber's communication device is available; (c) provide the subscriber's communication device with a text message relating to a voice message from a different first party received by the messaging system; (d) in response to the subscriber's communication device requesting a connection with at least one of an inputted telephone number and address, provide the subscriber's communication device with a notification respecting at least one eligible message from a second party associated with the at least one of an inputted telephone number and address; (e) while a contact between the subscriber and a different third party is in progress, provide the subscriber's communication device with information respecting the at least one eligible message from the third party; (f) transform an audio messaging session between the messaging system and the communication device of a contacting party into a graphical user interface-based audio session; and (g) transform the audio messaging session into a session having a video channel or both audio and video channels. |
| US08107594B2 |
Security system with call management functionality
A security system with call management functionality is disclosed and includes a security controller having at least one first interface to at least one user identification device and a second interface to a call management controller. The security controller also includes logic to determine a security status of a user based on identification information received from the at least one user identification device and to communicate the security status of the user to the call management controller, where the call management controller enables, disables, or modifies a communication service based on the security status of the user. |
| US08107591B2 |
X-ray tube with a catching device for backscattered electrons, and operating method therefor
An x-ray tube has a cathode and a anode, and a catching device that captures backscattered electrons from the anode in the operating state of the x-ray tube. The catching device minimizes unwanted energy generation by the backscattered electrons in the catching device and the anode while maintaining a high quality of the focus by the catching device being electrically insulated with respect to the anode and the cathode and being placed at an electrical potential having a value between the value of the electrical potential of the anode and the value of the electrical potential of the cathode, and the amount of the difference between the potential of the catching device and the potential of the anode is in the range from 1% to 40% of the amount of the difference between the potential of the cathode and the potential of the anode. |
| US08107590B2 |
Portable radiographic imaging apparatus and radiographic image management apparatus
There is provided a portable radiographic imaging apparatus including: an image output unit which detects a radiation which penetrates an object to be imaged and is irradiated on a surface to be irradiated of a casing, and outputs data of a radiographic image which represents a distribution of an amount of irradiated radiation; a first storage unit which stores the data of the radiographic image output from the image output unit; a display unit which displays an image; and a display control unit which allows the display unit to display a previously captured radiographic image which is associated with a current imaging, before the object to be imaged is imaged. |
| US08107586B2 |
Shift register and display device including the same
A shift register comprises stages connected to each other, in which each stage generates an output signal in response to any one of clock signals and an output from each of two different stages. Each clock signal has a duty ratio of less than 50% and a different phase from each of the other clock signals. A display device includes pixels, signal lines, and first and second shift registers each having stages connected to each other and generating output signals to signal lines. Each stage includes a set terminal, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, and first and second output terminals. |
| US08107585B2 |
Fuel rod for a nuclear reactor
The nuclear reactor comprises a lower stopper sealingly fixed to a lower end of a tubular casing of the pencil that comprises a part which is internal to the casing successively comprising a first cylindrical section having a diameter which is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tubular casing; a second cylindrical section whose diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular casing and a third cylindrical section whose inner diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular casing and greater than the diameter of the second cylindrical section such that 1-2 tenths of a millimetre radial play is created in the gas passable between the outer surface of the third section and the inner surface of the casing. |
| US08107584B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for damping nuclear reactor components
Example embodiment damping devices may include a housing capturing a piston. The housing may be filled and/or able to be filled with a damping fluid compatible with the nuclear reactor coolant, so that a leak from the housing or coolant passing into the housing does not damage the reactor or example embodiment devices. Example embodiments may further include one or more springs that provide an elastic force opposing movement between the piston and housing. A shaft of the piston and an end of the housing may be connected to two nuclear reactor components with relative motion or vibration to be damped. Example methods may use example embodiment damping devices to reduce and/or prevent relative motion and vibration among components of a nuclear reactor. |
| US08107581B2 |
Method for frequency compensation in timing recovery
A method of digitally controlling a timing recovery loop to control jitter and reduce word-length in a recovered clock is provided. A timing error detector provides an output identifying the error sign. First and second randomizing digital attenuators provide first and second estimates of the phase error in a timing signal. A controller receives the first estimate and provides a signal to an NCO. An output from the NCO provides feedback to the error detector to complete a first order feedback loop, providing a first estimate phase error compensation. An integrator receives the second estimate and provides an output estimate for frequency offset of the timing signal that is received by the controller and the sign and magnitude of the integrated phase error are calibrated to provide a frequency offset. The controller determines a number of additional updates to the NCO required to minimize jitter and reduce word-length. |
| US08107579B2 |
Configurable baseband in a GPS receiver
Clock compensation for GPS receivers. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises a Radio Frequency (RF) portion, and a baseband portion, coupled to the RF portion, wherein the baseband portion comprises a crystal, an oscillator, coupled to the crystal, wherein the oscillator generates a clock signal based on a signal received from the crystal, a counter, coupled to the oscillator via the clock signal, a comparator, coupled to the counter, a controller, at least one logic gate, coupled to the comparator and the controller, and a combiner, coupled to the at least one logic gate, the controller, and the counter and producing an accurate clock signal therefrom. |
| US08107577B2 |
Communication protocol method and apparatus for a single wire device
The present invention is a noise tolerant communication protocol device and method where a clock signal input triggers an internal delay clock in an integrated circuit. Data is presented to an input pin and sampled prior to the next external clock pulse based on the internal delay clock. A data pulse value is distinguished by input signal voltage level and not by pulse length. Sampling of data bits is deferred until a signal level is most likely stable, thereby avoiding sampling during periods around edges of changing data values. Therefore, error detection and correction circuitry is not required. A time reference pulse, produced by a bus master, is measured by the protocol device to determine a data transmission rate by the master. The timing of sampling of input signaling from the master is determined by the protocol device from measurement of the time reference pulse magnitude. |
| US08107576B2 |
Synchronization method and related apparatus of an OFDM digital communication system
A synchronization method and related apparatus of an OFDM digital communication system are disclosed for determining a position of a synchronization byte in a received signal. The method includes extracting a transmission parameter signal (TPS) from the received signal, determining a symbol number and a frame number corresponding to a symbol according to the TPS, and determining the position of the synchronization byte according to the frame number and the symbol number. |
| US08107574B2 |
Filter tuning circuit for wireless communication system
A filter tuning circuit for a wireless communication system is provided. A filter tuning circuit includes a comparator and a counter which control a transconvertance value of a differential transconverter to tune a filter. |
| US08107573B2 |
Method and apparatus for baseline wander compensation in Ethernet application
An embodiment of the proposed invention is primarily applied to compensate the BLW in communication systems using THPs in their transmitters, especially suitable for the 10GBase-T Ethernet application. The present apparatus includes an additional decision device (slicer) used to generate DC offset information (error signal) and an extra modulus unit after our BLW compensator to reconvert compensated symbols to correct 16-PAM signals. In addition, the estimated error signals in our method are generated from the difference between the input of the BLW compensator and the output of the decision device. These error signals are then weighted to alleviate the impact of erroneous DC offset information on the performance of the BLW compensator. Therefore, a more direct and accurate DC offset information can be derived to improve the inaccurate BLW estimation in previous works. |
| US08107565B2 |
Automatic gain control (AGC) for OFDM-based transmission in a wireless communication network
Techniques for performing automatic gain control (AGC) at a receiver are described. The receiver may receive an OFDM-based symbol composed of a cyclic prefix and a useful portion. The receiver may scale the OFDM-based symbol with an initial receiver gain, adjust the initial receiver gain based on the cyclic prefix, apply the adjusted receiver gain prior to the useful portion, and process the useful portion to recover at least one signal sent by at least one transmitter. The receiver may select the initial receiver gain, e.g., based on a predicted received power level for the at least one transmitter, a pattern of different receiver gains, etc. The receiver may apply the initial receiver gain at the start of the OFDM-based symbol. The receiver may measure the power of a set of samples in the cyclic prefix and may adjust the receiver gain based on the measured power and a target power. |
| US08107562B2 |
Combining soft decisions in a weather band radio
According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided to enable weather band radio signals to be received and processed using a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP can include functionality to implement both frequency modulation (FM) demodulation and weather band data demodulation, i.e., specific area encoding (SAME) demodulation. In one such embodiment, soft decision samples of a SAME message can be combined, and based on a combined result, a hard decision unit can generate a bit value of weather band data. |
| US08107558B2 |
Electronic circuitry and method for determination of amplitudes of received signals
A method and a calculating circuit for generating an output signal representing an actual amplitude of a received digitized signal having a magnitude of the actual amplitude equal or greater than a value of a saturation level of a dynamic range of a receiver. For the determination of the actual amplitude, firstly, a predetermined time interval is selected. Then, a total number of samples of the received digitized signal within the predetermined time interval is calculated. Further, a number of samples of the received digitized signal within the predetermined time interval with the amplitude equal to the saturation level is calculated. Thereafter, a ratio between the number of the samples with the amplitude value equal to the saturation level and the total number of the samples is calculated. For calculation of the magnitude of the actual amplitude a predetermined relationship between the magnitude of the amplitude and the ratio is applied and the output signal representing the actual amplitude is provided. |
| US08107553B2 |
Crest factor reduction in multicarrier transmission schemes
A multicarrier transmission system uses a set of carriers spaced apart in frequency with a number of bits being assigned to each carrier. A transmitter has a mapper which maps a data signal to a parallel set of constellation values. A frequency domain-to-time domain transform stage converts the set of modulated carriers to a time-domain signal. A peak detector detects when the time-domain signal exceeds a predetermined criterion. A constellation modifier modifies the constellation value of at least one of the carriers to reduce the crest factor of the transmitted signal. A carrier is selected for modifying on the basis of a number of bits allocated to that carrier. The constellation modifier can select an alternative constellation value by an iterative method or by calculation. The constellation modifier can operate entirely in the time-domain. |
| US08107552B2 |
System and method of wireless communication of uncompressed video having a fast fourier transform-based channel interleaver
A system and a method of using fast Fourier transform (FFT) based tone interleaver for OFDM are disclosed. One embodiment of the system includes an OFDM transmitter, which includes an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) subsystem. The IFFT subsystem includes a bit-reversal (or quarternary-digit reversal depending on implementation) module followed by a butterfly operator. The bit-reversal (or quarternary-digit reversal) module output is connected to the butterfly operator input. The OFDM transmitter further includes a tone interleaver having an input and an output. The symbol interleaver output is connected to the bit reversal (or quarternary-digit reversal) module input. The tone interleaver is configured to rearrange the input symbol sequence such that the symbol sequence input to the tone interleaver input is the same as the symbol sequence input to the butterfly operator input. |
| US08107548B2 |
Digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system having an improved receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a signal processing method thereof that can improve the receiving performance of the system. A digital broadcast transmitter has a randomizer to randomize an input data stream which has null bytes being inserted at a specified position, a multiplexer to output a data stream formed by inserting specified known data into the position of the null bytes of the randomized data stream, an encoder to encode the data stream outputted from the multiplexer, and a modulator/RF-converter to modulate the encoded data, RF-convert the modulated data and transmit the RF-converted data. The receiving performance of the digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system can be improved even in a multi-path channel by detecting the known data from the received signal and using the known data in synchronization and equalization in a digital broadcast receiver. |
| US08107544B2 |
Method and apparatus for feedback in closed loop transmitting
A method an apparatus is described for providing feedback for closed-loop transmitting with multiple transmit and receive antennas. The method includes a first step 900 of providing a codebook containing sets of weightings for each data stream of the multiple transmit antennas with each set identified by an index known to a transmitter and a receiver. The same codebook is utilized for any number of data streams up to the number of transmit antennas. A next step 902 includes measuring a composite channel between the transmitter and receiver. A next step 904 includes determining at least one performance metric for each set of weightings in the codebook. A next step 906 includes selecting preferred weightings for each data stream in response to the performance metrics. A next step 908 includes feeding back an index of the preferred weightings to the transmitter for use in subsequent transmissions. |
| US08107542B1 |
Soft decoding of coded bit-streams
A wireless system may transmit multiple bit streams representing the same information but with the coded bits being transmitted with different repeat transmission factors. The receiver may derive appropriate combining metrics to optimize decoder performance, while eliminating complicated multiplication operations. The receiver may utilize different soft combining metrics for different bit-to-symbols mappings and types of channels, e.g., additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels. |
| US08107540B2 |
Image complexity computation in packet based video broadcast systems
A method to determine real time image complexity in video streaming, IPTV and broadcast applications using a statistical model representing channel bandwidth variation and image complexity that considers scene content changes. Available channel bandwidth is distributed unevenly among multiple video streams in proportion to bandwidth variation and image complexity of the broadcast video stream. The distribution of available channel bandwidth is determined based upon an image complexity factor of each video stream as determined from probability matrices considering bandwidth variations and image complexity. |
| US08107533B2 |
Moving picture coding method, and moving picture decoding method
According to the present invention, a moving picture coding apparatus (70) for performing inter-picture predictive coding for pictures constituting a moving picture is provided with a coding unit (103) for performing predictive error coding for image data; a decoding unit (105) for performing predictive error decoding for an output from the coding unit (103); a reference picture memory (117) for holding output data from the decoding unit (105); and a motion vector detection unit (108) for detecting motion vectors on the basis of the decoded image data stored in the memory. When coding a B picture as a target picture, information indicating whether or not the target picture should be used as a reference picture when coding another picture is added as header information. Therefore, in a decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream Bs outputted from the moving picture coding apparatus (70), management of a memory for holding the reference picture can be facilitated on the basis of the header information. |
| US08107532B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating/evaluating in a picture signal encoding/decoding one or more prediction information items
Advanced Video Coding uses intra prediction for 4*4 pixel blocks whereby reconstructed samples from adjacent pixel blocks are used to predict a current block. Nine different intra prediction modes are available in AVC. In order to save bits for signalling the prediction modes, a flag and a 3-bit parameter are used. If this flag is set the most probable prediction mode, which is calculated from previous predictions, is used by the encoder and the decoder to reconstruct the actual prediction mode. If the flag is cleared, the 3-bit parameter is sent to select the prediction mode independently. According to the invention, the flag is applied more frequently, based on a prediction error threshold, instead of applying the optimum prediction mode for a current pixel block. |
| US08107529B2 |
Coding device, coding method, program of coding method, and recording medium recorded with program of coding method
A coding device makes a GOP setting to input image data, and applies a coding process to the input image data on a macroblock basis successively by intra and inter prediction to output coded data. The device includes an orthogonal transform section; a quantization section; a coding section; and a rate control section. The rate control section includes an activity detection section; and a prediction residual detection section. The rate control section calculates, in pictures configuring a GOP, a target code amount of any picture that has not yet been subjected to the coding process, another target code amount for a macroblock of any of the pictures relating to the coding process from the target code amount of the picture not yet subjected to the coding process, and the quantization scale of the quantization section in which a generated code amount serves as the target code amount. |
| US08107525B1 |
Variable bit rate video CODEC using adaptive tracking for video conferencing
The present invention is directed to a video communication system capable of providing adaptive compression of video image data. In particular, data regarding the range of possible motions and the respective probabilities of such motion within a scene are collected, and a compression algorithm appropriate to motions having high associated probabilities selected. In response to a change in the motions and associated probabilities within a scene, a new compression algorithm can be selected. The bit rate of data transmitted by a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will therefore vary, depending on the content of an imaged scene and based on the compression algorithm applied in order to compress image data while maintaining appropriate detail. |
| US08107522B2 |
Methods and apparatus for determining receiver filter coefficients for a plurality of phases
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining receiver filter coefficients for a plurality of phases. One or more coefficients for a receiver filter are determined by determining a first coefficient for a first phase of a data eye; and determining a second coefficient for a second phase of the data eye. The receiver filter may be, for example, a decision-feedback equalizer. The first and second coefficients may be determined by performing an LMS adaptation of decision-feedback equalization coefficients. In another embodiment, the first and second coefficients may be determined by obtaining eye opening metrics from a data eye monitor corresponding to each of the respective first phase and the second phase; and determining the respective first and second coefficients based on the eye opening metrics. The first and second phases can correspond to odd and even phases. |
| US08107520B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus having equalizer
Receiving a transmission line estimation sequence, a wireless communication apparatus generates a transmission line characteristic estimation value for each of a plurality of sub-carriers and smoothes the transmission line characteristic estimation value of a target sub-carrier to be processed and the transmission line characteristic estimation value of its adjacent sub-carrier. The apparatus includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the adjacent sub-carrier, is a null sub-carrier and a smoothing unit for smoothing the transmission line characteristic estimation value of the target sub-carrier by excluding the transmission line characteristic estimation value of the adjacent sub-carrier determined as a null carrier by the determination unit. |
| US08107519B2 |
Equalizer, equalization method, program and receiving device
An equalizer includes: a replica generation means for generating a replica of a multipath component by applying an adaptive filter to a received signal; a removal means for generating a multipath-component removed signal from which the multipath component has been removed by subtracting the replica from the received signal; a correlation value calculation means for calculating a correlation value between the received signal and the replica; a power value calculation means for calculating a power value of the replica; a determination means for determining whether the replica is the replica of the multipath component based on the correlation value and the power value; and a selection means for outputting the multipath-component removed signal when it is determined that the replica is the replica of the multipath component, and outputting the received signal when it is determined that the replica is not the replica of the multipath component. |
| US08107517B2 |
Average-tap energy based thresholding for channel estimation in multi antenna systems
Techniques to facilitate estimating the frequency response of a wireless channel in an OFDM system are provided. The method and systems allow for combining signal information across multiple communication channels at one or more channel tap delays in order to determine appropriate taps for channel information. |
| US08107513B2 |
Differential detection unit for the zigbee 802.15.4 standard
In one embodiment, a detection unit includes a sequence providing unit to provide a third group of derived sequences. The sequence providing unit has a counting unit and multiplexers connected to the counting unit. Fixed values are applied at the inputs of the multiplexers and the sequence providing unit provides the derived sequences of the third group at the outputs of the multiplexers. The third group for each first pseudo noise (PN) sequence has a derived sequence assigned to the first PN sequence. The detection unit includes a correlation unit, which is connected to the sequence providing unit and formed to calculate correlation results by correlating the differentially demodulated signal with each derived sequence of the third group. The detection unit includes an evaluation unit, which is connected to the correlation unit and is formed to derive the values of the data symbols by evaluating the correlation results. |
| US08107509B2 |
Monolithic folded F-P cavity and semiconductor laser using the same
This invention relates to a monolithic folded F-P cavity used for semiconductor laser, which is composed of a monolithic optical element. The monolithic optical element is made of the material having low propagation loss for a certain spectrum range. Light entering through an input/output coupling surface of the monolithic optical element is reflected several times between the input/output coupling surface and at least two high reflection surfaces within the monolithic optical element, and then at least one part of the light exits through the input/output coupling surface along the path which is collinear with the incident light but in an opposite direction. By means of integrating reflecting and coupling parts of the folded F-P cavity within a single monolithic optical material, this invention greatly improves the reliability of the F-P cavity, and has other advantages, such as insensitive to outside interferences, smaller size, simpler structure and easy usage. A semiconductor laser using the monolithic folded F-P cavity is also provided. |
| US08107508B2 |
External cavity laser light source
Provided is an external cavity laser light source. The light source includes a substrate, an optical waveguide, and a current blocking layer. The optical waveguide includes a passive waveguide layer, a lower clad layer, an active layer, and an upper clad layer that are sequentially stacked on the substrate and is divided into regions including a linear active waveguide region, a bent active waveguide region, a tapered waveguide region, and a window region. The current blocking layer was formed an outside of the active layer to reduce leakage current. The linear and bent active waveguide regions have a buried heterostructure (BH), and the tapered waveguide region and the window region have a buried ridge stripe (BRS) structure. The passive waveguide layer a width substantially equal to a maximal width of the tapered waveguide region at least in the bent active waveguide region, the tapered waveguide region, and the window region. |
| US08107505B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating information signal to be recorded
A compressively-encoding-resultant video signal resulting from compressively encoding a video signal, a first compressively-encoding-resultant audio signal resulting from compressively encoding a first audio signal having a synchronized relation with the video signal, a reference clock information signal relating to synchronization between the compressively-encoding-resultant video signal and the first compressively-encoding-resultant audio signal, and an indication timing information signal designating an indication timing of the video signal are multiplexed to get an AV multiplexing-resultant signal. A second audio signal is compressively encoded to get a second compressively-encoding-resultant audio signal. A sound-production-timing information signal is added to the second compressively-encoding-resultant audio signal to get a substitution playback audio signal. During playback, the substitution playback audio signal can be reproduced instead of the first audio signal while being synchronous with the video signal. The sound-production-timing information signal responds to the reference clock information signal, and relates to synchronization with the video signal. |
| US08107504B2 |
Synchronising serial data signals
A method and apparatus for synchronising a serial data signal to a reference clock signal, the data signal comprising frames of equal length each comprising a known frame alignment word (FAW) and a payload, the frame alignment word being in a consistent position within each frame, the method comprising: storing the signal in a FIFO wander buffer as it is received in order to compensate for any wander that may occur; outputting the data signal stored in the FIFO wander buffer synchronised to the reference clock signal; searching for at least a portion of the frame alignment word in the data signal as it is received; and when it is determined that the frame alignment word has been found, realigning the data signal within the wander buffer. The step of realigning the data may comprise replacing at least a portion of the data signal in the wander buffer with a locally-held copy of at least a portion of the frame alignment word. The method may be used in any synchronous serial data stream, such as SDH or SONET. |
| US08107501B2 |
Synchronizing portions of a database with different databases on different nodes of a network
Techniques are disclosed for synchronizing a database related to a first node in a network with multiple nodes. Each node includes a database different from a database on a different node. An inquiry control message is sent to each node in a candidate set of one or more nodes on the network, which are different from the first node. In response to the inquiry control message, the first node receives a first set of one or more messages from a particular node different from the first node. The first set indicates a portion from the database of the particular node. The portion is relevant for the first node. A particular portion of a first database for the first node is derived from the first set of messages. The particular portion is less than all of the first database. These techniques allow the first node to derive its full database from multiple adjacent nodes. |
| US08107497B2 |
Auto bandwidth negotiation, reroute and advertisement
A bandwidth negotiation system including a first network, a plurality of end user devices in communication with the network, a multiplexing unit communicatively coupled to the network, a second network, and an analyzing unit in communication with a second network. In addition, one of the plurality of end user devices is configured to send a data message to the multiplexing unit via the first network, and the analyzing unit is configured to receive the data message from the multiplexing unit via the second network and to extract a first identifier and a second identifier from the data message. |
| US08107496B2 |
System and method for roaming between wireless networks
Systems and methods for roaming between a mobile node and at least one serving node connected to a network are disclosed. The present application provides a method for roaming between. In the system and method, a first communication is established between the mobile node and one of the serving nodes through a control server, when an Ethernet transceiver is used by the mobile node. Ethernet is used for communications between the mobile node and the control server, and a wireless communication technology for communications between the control server and the serving node. The control server also translates communications between Ethernet and the wireless communication technology. In the system and method, a second communication is established between the mobile node and one of the serving nodes with the wireless communication technology, when a wireless communication technology transceiver is used by the mobile node. |
| US08107495B2 |
Integrating access to audio messages and instant messaging with VOIP
A system, method, and apparatus are directed towards providing integrated access to call information to an end-user using any of a variety of client applications, including an Instant Messaging (IM), a web-browser, and/or a VOIP client. An end-user may employ any of the above client applications to establish a communication session and enable an integrated access display for use in managing such call information as audio messages, call histories, and instant messaging conversations. The integrated access display may be managed through an intelligent integration client that may reside on a client device, such as a personal computer, a mobile device, a VOIP phone, and the like. Through the intelligent integration client, the end-user may search, retrieve, and/or view the call information. For example, using the VOIP phone, the end-user may search for and access a stored audio message, such as a voice mail message, or the like. |
| US08107494B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating virtual clock signals
The invention includes a method and apparatus for generating virtual clock signals for differing hierarchies in a communication system conveying data frames of differing hierarchies. Specifically, a method according to one embodiment of the invention includes receiving data frames of a first hierarchy, receiving at least one input clock signal, and generating a virtual clock signal using the at least one input clock signal and a clock enable signal. The clock enable signal is generated using at least one of a data rate ratio and a clock rate ratio. The virtual clock signal is adapted for converting at least a portion of the data frames of the first hierarchy to data frames of a second hierarchy. The frequency of the virtual clock signal is determined by applying the clock enable signal to a common clock signal. |
| US08107491B2 |
System and method for providing communication between intelligent electronic devices via an open channel
An intelligent electronic device is configured to receive and generate data formatted in accordance with Distributed Network Protocol 3.0 (DNP 3.0) through an Ethernet TCP/IP medium. The intelligent electronic metering device for communicating over a network via an open channel includes an adapter to coupled the electronic metering device to the network and to receive a message in a protocol of the network, wherein the adapter formats the message in a serial protocol; and a processor to receive the message from the adapter, generate a response to the message and transmit the response to the adapter, wherein the adapter formats the response in the protocol of the network and transmits the response over the network via an open channel. |