| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08166568B2 |
Contact probe pin for semiconductor test apparatus
It is an object to provide a contact probe pin for a semiconductor test apparatus, including an amorphous carbon type conductive film formed on the probe pin base material surface. The conductive film is excellent in tin adhesion resistance of preventing tin which is the main component of solder from adhering to the contact part of the probe pin during contact between the probe pin and solder. The contact probe pin for a semiconductor test apparatus, includes an amorphous carbon type conductive film formed on the conductive base material surface. The amorphous carbon type conductive film has an outer surface with a surface roughness (Ra) of 6.0 nm or less, a root square slope (RΔq) of 0.28 or less, and a mean value (R) of curvature radii of concave part tips of the surface form of 180 nm or more, in a 4-μm2 scan range by an atomic force microscope. |
| US08166566B2 |
Controlling the downloading and recording of digital data
A method and apparatus for enabling a licensed end user to record digital data as described is particularly useful to the music industry as it enables them to make audio data available over the internet but to retain control of the uses to which that audio data can be put. Thus, upon completing a financial transaction to pay for the required audio tracks, the end user is enabled to download and decrypt encrypted music tracks and to play them on the end user's personal computer. The end user can also be allowed to burn a CD including the downloaded music tracks. However, the end user is only enabled to decrypt and record the music tracks onto the CD if the music tracks are recorded together with copy protection. |
| US08166565B1 |
Encryption and access method and system for peer-to-peer distributed file storage
A system for secure distributed data storage that uses a network, where the system includes a file stored on a plurality of storage elements that are accessible over the network. An access control list associated with the file includes a list of users with read access to the file and a list of users with write access to the file. Data representing contents of the file, metadata associated with the file, data related to functioning of distributed data storage and the access control list is available to users of the network. |
| US08166564B2 |
Content distribution system, content distribution method, and client terminal
The user of any one portable terminal sends a content information request including a user ID to a distribution server. In response, the distribution server distributes a stream data of content that can be used on the user's terminal. If the user of a first portable terminal intends to let a second portable terminal try out a certain content, the user sends to the distribution server the trial permission information including the user's own user ID, a content ID of the content of interest, and a digital signature. The distribution server authenticates the received information before distributing a streaming data of a trial-oriented content with the content ID and user ID attached to it as search keys. This allows the content that can be used on a given user terminal to be tried out on another user terminal without the latter user having recourse to the steps of searching for the content in question. |
| US08166560B2 |
Remote administration of computer access settings
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling computer access. Briefly described in architecture, some embodiments of such a system provide a control unit for controlling user access to a computer in accordance with a user profile. An administrator of the computer is enabled to remotely access and modify the user profile. The user profile is stored at least in a remote database that is accessible via a server. Other systems and methods are also provided. |
| US08166555B2 |
Content reproducing device and content preproducing method
When a secure counter malfunction detection unit 212 deters a malfunction in a secure counter 211, a content playability judgment unit 206 performs a content playability judgment based on information managed by a malfunctioning-state playback processing management unit 214. The malfunctioning-state playback processing management unit 214 stores a malfunctioning-state playback condition composed of information such as a playback count and a playback time. The content playability judgment unit 206 judges that content is playable when the malfunctioning-state playback condition is met, and a content playback unit 210 splays the content. |
| US08166553B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting unauthorized-access, and computer product
An unauthorized-access detecting apparatus that detects unauthorized access to a server that provides a service via a network includes a storing unit that stores a series of process request, which is made by an unauthorized user via an unauthorized client, as an unauthorized-access event string; and a judging unit that compares a new process request with the unauthorized-access event string stored in the storing unit, and judges whether the process request is the unauthorized access based on a result of comparison. |
| US08166552B2 |
Adaptive configuration management system
An automated configuration management system (ACMS) oversees resources of a virtualized ecosystem by establishing a baseline configuration (including, e.g., security controls) for the resources; and, repeatedly, monitoring and collecting data from the resources, analyzing the data collected, making recommendations concerning configuration changes for the resources of the virtualized ecosystem based on the analysis, and either adopting and implementing the recommendations or not, wherein new states of the virtualized ecosystem and reactions to recommended changes are observed and applied in the form of new recommendations, and/or as adjustments to the baseline. The recommendations may be implemented automatically or only upon review by an administrator before being implemented or not. The various data may be analyzed according to benchmarks established for security and compliance criteria of the resources of the virtualized ecosystem, for example static/pre-defined or dynamically derived benchmarks/best practices. |
| US08166549B2 |
Hash-based systems and methods for detecting and preventing transmission of polymorphic network worms and viruses
A system (200) detects transmission of potentially malicious packets. The system (200) receives, or otherwise observes, packets and generates hash values based on variable-sized blocks of the packets. The system (200) then compares the generated hash values to hash values associated with prior packets. The system (200) determines that one of the received packets is a potentially malicious packet when one or more of the generated hash values associated with the received packet match one or more of the hash values associated with the prior packets. |
| US08166545B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting executable code
There are provided an apparatus and method for detecting an executable code, capable of verifying reliability of an extracted signature by determining whether there is present an executable code in network data by using instruction pattern information related calling mechanism of function for distinguishing the executable code from a non-executable code, the method including: forming instructions by reverse assembling network data suspicious as an attack; comparing the respective formed instructions with instruction patterns according to calling mechanism of function; and determining whether there is present an executable code in the network data according to a result of the comparing. |
| US08166544B2 |
Network-based infection detection using host slowdown
Host malware (or change) may be detected by (1) receiving baseline set of response time information for each of one or more transactions involving (A) the host and (B) at least one peer of the host, (2) determining or receiving a later set of response time information for each of the one or more transactions involving the host and the at least one peer of the host, and (3) determining whether or not host slowdown has occurred using the baseline set of response time information and the later set of response time information. The execution of a host malware (or change) protection policy may be controlled using at least the determination of whether or not host slowdown has occurred. |
| US08166541B2 |
Information processing apparatus and data management system
It is an object to provide an information processing apparatus and a data management system which can access data and maintain security even in an environment where the apparatus cannot be connected to a security managing server. To accomplish the object, a secure application discriminates whether or not authentication can be obtained from the managing server. If it is decided that the authentication cannot be obtained from the managing server, a process of secure data is executed in accordance with use restriction information of the data. If it is decided that the authentication can be obtained from the managing server, a process of the data is executed in accordance with access right information from the managing server. |
| US08166539B2 |
Authentication of baseboard management controller users in a blade server system
User authorization and access information may be stored in a remote assistant card or chassis management module (CMM). The CMM may be in communication with each baseboard management controller (BMC) in a blade server system. Each BMC may authenticate its authorized users from the CMM using a simple user authorization retrieval command, e.g., IPMI Get Auth Code command. When an administrator wants to add or delete a user, the CMM may be updated instead of having to update each blade BMC. Each user may have a privilege list for any or all of the blades in the blade server system. This privilege list may define which user(s) apply to which blades, input-output (I/O) modules, and/or blade server system chassis. |
| US08166537B1 |
Service-based network access
In a telephony communication system, an operator network provides access to data networks through gateways. The gateways provide access in response to network access requests from equipment such as mobile devices. The mobile devices and gateways providing access to the networks support service-based network access requests. These service-based network access requests permit networks to manage user access based on particular services requested. |
| US08166536B1 |
Transformation of network filter expressions to a content addressable memory format
A network device, such as a firewall, may be configured to filter network traffic. The filter may include regular expressions that are converted by the firewall into a format that can be stored in a ternary content addressable memory. In one exemplary implementation, the filter definition may include one or more input regular expressions that include variables that are compared to a result based on an equality/inequality relationship, where multiple variables are combined using logical operations selected from a set of logical operations including (but not limited to) logical AND and logical OR operations. The firewall may convert the input regular expressions into a format in which the equality/inequality relationships are converted to a pure equality relationship and the multiple variables are combined using only logical OR operations. The firewall may program the ternary content-addressable memory to implement the filter based on the converted one or more input regular expressions. |
| US08166535B2 |
Universal media firewall
A universal media firewall allows a parent to control filtering of multiple media providers via a single firewall policy. The firewall(s) may be a stand-alone device or may be preformed with software on a home computer or at a remote site. Parental controls are accessible by the media provider so that media is filtered according to the parental settings prior to entering the home media network. |
| US08166534B2 |
Incorporating network connection security levels into firewall rules
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to establishing and/or implementing firewall rules that may employ parameters based on connection security levels for a connection between devices. A firewall may thus provide greater granularity of security and integrate more closely with other security methods to provide better overall security with fewer conflicts. |
| US08166533B2 |
Method for providing media communication across firewalls
The present invention supports a method for transmitting information packets across network firewalls. A trusted entity is provisioned with an address designation for a pinhole through the firewall during setup of a communication session between two communication devices. This pinhole address is used throughout the communication session between the two communication devices to transmit information packets onto and out of the communication network.Information packets addressed to the communication device inside the firewall are received by the trusted entity, which replaces address header information in the information packet with the address for the pinhole. The information packet is routed to the pinhole where it passes onto the network for routing to the communication device inside the firewall. Information packets transmitted from the network are also routed to the trusted entity for routing toward the communication device outside the firewall. |
| US08166532B2 |
Decentralized access control framework
A functional architecture is provided for decentralizing the authorization function of an access control system that incorporates user carried access devices, such as smart cards, and door controllers that interact so as to make access decisions. Access to individual rooms is guarded by parameters partially carried by the user carried access devices and partially included in the door controllers. |
| US08166530B2 |
Method and system for supporting portable authenticators on electronic devices
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating access to an electronic device. Password information is stored on the electronic device, and on a portable authenticator. When a user attempts to access the electronic device, the user is prompted to enter a password at the electronic device. The portable authenticator determines the validity of the entered password. The electronic device receives the results of the validity determination from the portable authenticator, and provides access to the electronic device based on the received validity determination. |
| US08166529B2 |
Method and device for authenticating a user in a variety of contexts
The invention relates to a method and device for authenticating a user of an electronic device in usage contexts being able to use in said electronic device by using a usage context identifier, wherein in the method, a usage context being used in the device is selected by the user. The method comprising maintaining a centralized register of the usage contexts available for the user in the device and the user profiles associated to said usage contexts, the device identifying an usage context selected by the user, selecting at least one user profile in response to the identified service, and authenticating the user in the selected usage context on the basis of the selected user profile. |
| US08166518B2 |
System and method providing session aware remote access
A computer implemented method provides remote access to a plurality of sessions at a computer. The method includes initiating a master process in a context independent from the sessions, establishing a first slave process in a context of a first session, and maintaining communication between the master process and the first slave process. The master process provides access to the computer's display while the display is under control of the first session, detects a second session, having a respective second slave process, communicates with the second slave process, and provides access to the computer's display while the display is under control of the second user session. |
| US08166514B2 |
Hardware module for adding functionality to television using mechanical and wireless links
A set-box (SBB) is advanced into a receptacle on the rear of a TV to add functionality to the TV. Digital video information is conveyed from the SBB to the TV using respective HDMI connectors on the SBB and TV that mechanically engage each other, whereas bi-directional control information is passed wirelessly between the SBB and TV. |
| US08166507B2 |
Dynamically generating video streams for user interfaces based on device capabilities
The present invention provides for transferring user interface information from a host computing device to an electronic device that typically has limited resources. A request to display a user interface on an electronic device is received. Further, information about the electronic device is received for determining the capabilities of the electronic device. Based on the determination, a video codec is utilized for dynamically generating a video data stream that includes user interface information corresponding to at least a portion of the user interface. The video data stream is then transmitted to the electronic device for rendering the user interface on a display of the electronic device. |
| US08166497B2 |
Methods and apparatus to collect media monitoring information
Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to collect metering information associated with media presented media presentation devices are disclosed. A disclosed example system for collecting metering information includes a media meter to generate media monitoring information in response to media presented by a media presentation device. The example system also includes a peripheral memory device removably couplable by an audience member to the media meter to receive the media monitoring information. |
| US08166493B2 |
Media processing device including host computer capable of measuring the height of blank media
The media storage status of a target medium stacker is reported to the user through a host computer. In response to a height measurement command for measuring the height of blank media stacked in a blank media stacker and processed media stacked in a processed media stacker, a height measurement step measures the height of blank media and processed media based on operation of the media transportation arm, and a measurement transmission step sends the measurement acquired in the height measurement step to the host computer in response to a measurement transmission request from the host computer. |
| US08166490B2 |
System and method for consolidated information handling system component drivers
An information handling system which includes plural processing components operable to process information wherein at least one processing component has plural region-specific modes of operation, a driver package associated with the at least one processing component wherein the driver package has plural region-specific drivers, and an encrypted key stored on a processing component wherein the encrypted key designates one of the plural region-specific drivers to manage the processing component. |
| US08166489B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing program having multi-processing mode
An image processing apparatus that executes, on the basis of a command transmitted from a driver apparatus, predetermined processing corresponding to the command includes a setting-information acquiring unit that acquires setting information indicating setting contents of processing instructed by the driver apparatus, a setting-information displaying unit that displays the setting information acquired by the setting-information acquiring unit, an operation accepting unit that accepts operation for the setting-information displayed by the setting-information displaying unit, and a setting executing unit that executes processing with the setting contents that reflect the operation accepted by the operation accepting unit. |
| US08166488B2 |
Methods of directly accessing a mass storage data device
Methods of directly accessing a mass storage data device without communicating through an operating system layer are useful in recovering information previously stored in the mass storage device. |
| US08166486B2 |
Adjusting workload to accommodate speculative thread start-up cost
Methods and apparatus provide for a workload adjuster to estimate the startup cost of one or more non-main threads of loop execution and to estimate the amount of workload to be migrated between different threads. Upon deciding to parallelize the execution of a loop, the workload adjuster creates a scheduling policy with a workload for a main thread and workloads for respective non-main threads. The scheduling policy distributes iterations of a parallelized loop to the workload of the main thread and iterations of the parallelized loop to the workloads of the non-main threads. The workload adjuster evaluates a start-up cost of the workload of a non-main thread and, based on the start-up cost, migrates a portion of the workload for that non-main thread to the main thread's workload. |
| US08166475B1 |
Storage area network access for virtual machines
Detailed herein are approaches to allowing individual virtual machines executing on a single physical host to have their own substantially unique identifier for access to a storage area network (SAN). In one approach, a substantially unique identifier (SUI) is associated with a virtual machine, and the physical node is instructed to use that SUI when logging into the SAN and when performing input or output operations on behalf of the virtual machine. |
| US08166472B2 |
Installation utility system and method
An installation manifest defines associations of one or more application installation files with operating system installation files. An installation manager determines an installation type for a software installation on a device and provides installation options related to the determined installation type. |
| US08166465B2 |
Method and system for composing stream processing applications according to a semantic description of a processing goal
A method for assembling a stream processing application in which data source descriptions, component descriptions and a stream processing request are input and used to assemble a stream processing graph. Each of the data source descriptions includes a graph pattern that semantically describes an output of a data source, each of the component descriptions includes a graph pattern that semantically describes an input of a component and a graph pattern that semantically describes an output of the component, the stream processing request includes a goal that is represented by a graph pattern that semantically describes a desired stream processing outcome and the stream processing graph includes at least one data source or at least one component that satisfies the desired processing outcome. |
| US08166463B2 |
Method of code coverage utilizing efficient dynamic mutation of logic (EDML)
A method and computer program product for code coverage utilizing efficient dynamic mutation of logic (EDML) are provided. A source code is read, and instrumentation points are located. Self Modifying Code (SMC) is inserted at the instrumentation points producing instrumented code. Additional functions are inserted in the source code to enable read and/or reset of code coverage statistics. The instrumented code is compiled, and executables are run for a period of time during which zero or more instrumentation points are executed. In response to executing instrumentation points, instructions are executed to record execution of the instrumented code. Instructions of the instrumented code overwrite themselves at certain points so that a next execution of the instrumentation points skips over the instrumented code at the certain points. Code coverage statistics are gathered and recorded. The code coverage statistics are reset to begin another period of time for gathering code coverage statistics. |
| US08166461B2 |
Adaptive profiling by progressive refinement
A system/method for profiling a sequence of values from a range to determine a frequency of occurrence of a subrange includes, for a current block, determining whether cells of the current block include a count cell or a pointer cell. If the cell includes a pointer cell, follow an address that the pointer makes reference to and designate a new block as the current block and repeat the determining step for the new block. If the cell includes a count cell, increment the count cell and compare the incremented count cell to a threshold. If the count exceeds the threshold, convert the count cell to a pointer cell, which points to a newly allocated block. The newly allocated block is made the current block, and the steps are repeated until count cells do not exceed the threshold or a limit resolution is achieved. |
| US08166458B2 |
Method and system for automated distributed software testing
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for automated distributed testing of software. A testing service may utilize a distributed architecture that provides a standardized framework for writing tests, scheduling the tests, and gathering and reporting results of the tests. Multiple distributed labs are integrated into the testing service and their environments can be centrally managed by the testing service. The testing service permits the scheduling and performance of tests across multiple machines within a test lab, or tests that span across multiple test labs. Any of the machines in the test labs may be selected based on variety of criteria. The testing service may then automatically locate the appropriate machines that match or satisfy the criteria and schedule the tests when the machines are available. The testing service may also automatically create and set up a desired test environment according to the desired specifications for the test. |
| US08166456B2 |
Programming language type system with automatic conversions
A programming language type system includes, in a memory, a set of numeric type including integer types, fixed-point types and floating-point types, a set of type propagation rules to automatically determine result types of any combination of integer types, fixed-point types and floating-point types, constant annotations to explicitly specify a result type of a literal constant, context-sensitive constants whose type is determined from a context of a constant according to the set of type propagation rules, an assignment operator to explicitly specify a type of a value or computation, and operator annotations to explicitly specify a result type of a computation. |
| US08166455B2 |
Desktop application factory and application templates
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for producing computer desktop applications, such as widgets, are described. A desktop application factory includes an interface and a desktop application generator. The interface enables an application developer to select a desktop application template, and to provide configuration information for the selected desktop application template. The desktop application generator is configured to generate a desktop application by configuring the selected desktop application template according to the provided configuration information. |
| US08166454B2 |
Object oriented based methodology for modeling business functionality for enabling implementation in a web based environment
A computer method and apparatus defining Business Classes for modeling business activities comprising the steps of representing business activities as the interaction between one or more Business Classes, and entering into a computer and storing in an electronic format the Business Classes and the relationships existing between the Business Classes. |
| US08166448B2 |
Rapid development of distributed web service
Development tools and a methodology for efficient development of distributed web services. A tool tracks changes in packages used to create images deployed for testing. Rather than build a complete image for each change, a current image may be created by substituting changed packages in a previously created image. Another tool allocates components of an image to a number of servers specified by a user of the tool. Such a tool simplifies integration testing of the web service by allowing a developer to initially test a web service on a single server or a small number of servers and then easily scale-up the test environment. The servers may be physical servers or may be virtual servers. Interface rules for packages that constitute the software for the web service are defined to reduce the likelihood of integration problems as the environment is scaled up. |
| US08166447B1 |
Power delivery network calculator tool for printed circuit board capacitors
A method of calculating a system power distribution network impedance is presented. The impedance calculation calculates the impedance as separate elements of the printed circuit board (PCB). An approximation of the power and ground via inductance of the printed circuit board is made based on the configuration of the printed circuit board. The decoupling capacitors of the PCB are modeled as a parallel combination of inductors, capacitors, and resistors, and the parallel combination is used to calculate the impedance. In addition to the impedance associated with the decoupling capacitors, the method calculates an inductance associated with a mounting orientation of the decoupling capacitors. The power and ground planes of the printed circuit board have an associated capacitance and inductance, which is calculated. The resultant simulated impedance profile illustrating the board configuration impedance over a frequency range is displayed. |
| US08166445B1 |
Estimating Icc current temperature scaling factor of an integrated circuit
An embodiment of the present invention reduces resources needed to estimate the Icc Current Temperature Scaling Factor (ITSF) of a device, and provides a method and apparatus to estimate ITSF from the device speed and performance characteristics which can be measured at room temperature. In one embodiment, a method for estimating the ITSF of an integrated circuit includes: determining a level of propagation delay of a portion of the integrated circuit; and determining an estimated Icc current temperature scaling factor from a correlation between the level of the propagation delay and a modeled Icc current temperature scaling factor. |
| US08166442B2 |
Local preferred direction architecture
Some embodiments of the invention provide a Local Preferred Direction (LPD) wiring model for use with one or more EDA tools (such as placing, routing, etc). An LPD wiring model allows at least one wiring layer to have a set of regions that each have a different preferred direction than the particular wiring layer. In addition, each region has a local preferred direction that differs from the local preferred direction of at least one other region in the set. Furthermore, at least two regions have two different polygonal shapes and no region in the set encompasses another region in the set. Some embodiments also provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that facilitates a visual presentation of an LPD design layout and provides tools to create and manipulate LPD regions in a design layout. |
| US08166439B2 |
Techniques for selecting spares to implement a design change in an integrated circuit
A technique for implementing an engineering change order includes determining spares that are available to implement a modification to a circuit design. One of the available spares is then selected to implement the modification to the circuit design based on performance criteria associated with each of the available spares. |
| US08166429B1 |
Multi-layer distributed network
Apparatuses and processes for distributing signals in an integrated circuit are disclosed. An embodiment to use a custom layer together with a base layer on an integrated circuit for testing the integrated circuit includes having a structured network on the base layer. The custom layer connects the network to logic elements on the integrated circuit. The network may be evenly distributed across the base layer of the integrated circuit. Even distribution of the network may reduce skew of the test signals. Buffers are also placed along the structured network. The buffers may be placed to ensure a deterministic test signals distribution. Unused buffers in the base layer may be tied off to reduce current leakage. |
| US08166423B2 |
Photomask design verification
Solutions for verifying photomask designs are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of verifying a photomask design includes: simulating an initial semiconductor manufacturing process using a plurality of mask shapes and variation models for the initial semiconductor manufacturing process, to generate a plurality of contours for the initial semiconductor manufacturing process; simulating a subsequent semiconductor manufacturing process using the contours for the initial semiconductor manufacturing process and variation models for the subsequent semiconductor manufacturing process, to generate a plurality of contours for the subsequent semiconductor manufacturing process; repeatedly simulating at least one further subsequent semiconductor manufacturing process using a plurality of contours for the subsequent semiconductor manufacturing process and variation models for the further subsequent semiconductor manufacturing process; and generating and storing a verification result for the photomask design on a computer readable storage medium. |
| US08166414B2 |
Tab order mapping of user interfaces
An approach is provided to display a common display page on a variety of display devices using the item's tab order property to determine the display order. Controls that are displayed on a display device typically have a tab order. When a window that has controls is displayed, the cursor is typically placed at the control with the lowest (i.e., first) tab order. When the user presses the tab key, the cursor moves to the control corresponding to the next lowest tab order. This allows the designer to design a single window (or panel) that is displayed differently on constrained devices. However, even though the window is displayed differently, using tab order mapping maintains a consistent visible proximity between controls despite the type of display device being used by the user. |
| US08166411B2 |
Data transferring system and method, and electronic device having the same
A data transferring system includes a reading unit, a display unit, a selecting unit, an orientation sensing unit, an analyzing unit and a transferring unit. The reading unit is configured for reading contents. The display unit is configured for displaying the read contents to allow selection of contents. The selecting unit is configured for selecting contents in response to user inputs. The orientation sensing unit is configured for sensing the orientation of the electronic device. The analyzing unit is configured for determining whether the electronic device is higher than the storage device based upon the sensed orientation. The transferring unit is configured for transferring selected contents from the electronic device to the storage device if the electronic device is higher than the storage device and transferring selected contents from the storage device to the electronic device if the electronic device is lower than the storage device. |
| US08166410B2 |
Methods and systems of online mapping and planning driving tours
This invention is directed to methods and systems of online mapping and planning driving tours. The invention may include a user interface capable of displaying a map with one or more destinations and/or displaying a travel route to visit each destination. The travel route may vary based on customizable options. The invention may also provide a tour summary that may show the driving directions for the travel route. |
| US08166409B2 |
Image processing method and image processor for trimming an object image
In a client, a photo frame for which guidelines have been set at predetermined positions based on an operator's setting operation is provided as a trimming frame TF with guidelines. While the trimming frame TF with guidelines is displayed on a processing object image in an overlapping manner, the trimming frame TF with guidelines is shifted and displayed on the processing object image based on the operator's shifting operation as well as the trimming frame TF with guidelines is enlarged or contracted and displayed so as to become a similar form based on the operator's enlarging or contracting operation. The operator can thus shift and enlarge or contract the trimming frame TF with guidelines so that the guidelines set by him/herself and a target contained in the processing object image have a desirable positional relationship. |
| US08166401B2 |
Providing a presentation in a remote location
A method for providing computer readable instructions for a presentation in a remote location is disclosed. In the method non-editable computer readable instructions for a presentation at a remote location are received from a central data storage via a data network. A user at the remote location then provides at least one set of computer readable instructions that are associated with the presentation. A modified presentation is presented at the remote location based on the non-editable set of computer readable instructions and the associated computer readable instructions. The associated computer readable instructions can then be sent to the central data storage for use in at least one subsequent execution of the presentation. |
| US08166399B1 |
In-page full screen internet video method
A method is provided for playing a video clip on a computer monitor in a full screen mode. Activation of a link to the video clip on a web page results in the video clip being played automatically in full screen mode on the computer monitor. Upon the video clip ending, the full screen mode ends and returns the display to the previous view of the web page. The full screen mode plays the video clip with integrated with a transparent video control panel that has controls to enable user control of the playing of the video clip. |
| US08166395B2 |
Information processing method and apparatus
An information processing apparatus having the action modes, including an operating mode for performing an operation on the apparatus and an explaining mode for presenting an explanation corresponding to the operation on the apparatus presents the explanation for an operation input made in the explaining mode and stores the operation input. And it makes a movement from the explaining mode to the operating mode as well as executes the action according to the operation input stored in storage unit in accordance with a preset first operation input. |
| US08166394B1 |
Systems and methods for implementing and using event tracking and analytics in electronic content
A tool or other feature is provided during electronic content creation that allows the designer or other content creator to configure analytics for electronic content being created. For example, an analytics tool icon may be selected from a palette of other common tools used during content creation. In response, the user's mouse takes on a specific look to indicate to the content creator that he or she can now begin implementing analytics. The content creator can then click various objects within their content, select corresponding events to track, and otherwise specify the details of the analytics that he or she wishes to add to the content. As a specific example, after selecting a component on a content development canvas, a component-specific dialog box is displayed showing a menu that allows the creator to instrument various events associated with the component with analytics. |
| US08166391B2 |
Template generating apparatus, image layout apparatus, modified template generating apparatus, and programs therefor
A template that can deal with images of various scenes is generated. Image area setting means sets image areas wherein images are inserted in a layout area of a predetermined size, and template file saving means saves information on the image areas laid out in the layout area in a template file. Attribute information adding means adds attribute information representing attributes of images to be laid out in the image areas, to information on the image areas in the template file. |
| US08166388B2 |
Overlaying electronic ink
Overlaying electronic ink over a document. A typical scenario may be where one it would be useful to mark up a document with electronic ink, such as by making handwritten comments, drawings, and the like over the underlying document. In some embodiments, a developer may easily define an inking surface, such as a transparent or opaque window, over a document. The inking surface may act as an input interface such that a user may write onto the inking surface such that is appears that the document itself is being marked up. |
| US08166384B1 |
Environment-based bookmark media
A server within an online environment is configured to store a set of bookmark media objects that provide a multimedia preview of the destinations within the environment. The bookmark media objects can be graphic thumbnails of corresponding web pages, audio streams, video streams or any combination thereof or other suitable media that provides a representation of the destination. A client device is communicatively coupled to the server and is configured to store references to the network destinations and references to the corresponding bookmark media objects. A web browser executing in an operating environment provided by the client device is configured to retrieve and present the bookmark media objects to a user for selection. Based on the selection, the web browser accesses the corresponding network destination. Each bookmark media object is updated as a function of a current state of the corresponding network destination, user information or general conditions of the computing environment. |
| US08166383B1 |
System and method for sharing content based on positional tagging
Systems and methods for sharing digital content based on positional tagging on a digital platform. For example, in one embodiment, the systems and methods generally include: (a) providing a first user with an interface to tag content on a first digital platform; (b) creating a positional identifier that identifies the location of the tagged content on the first digital platform; and (c) posting, on a second digital platform, a link to the first digital platform. When a second user on the second digital platform activates the link on the second digital platform, the second user is directed to the first digital platform. The systems and methods thereafter include: (d) identifying when a second user has accessed the first digital platform via the link on the second digital platform; and (e) highlighting the tagged content on the first digital platform. |
| US08166382B2 |
Data processing apparatus, method of registering electronic document, and computer program
An apparatus includes a temporarily registered document creating unit configured to create a temporarily registered document in which a document to be registered is temporarily registered; a condition setting unit configured to set a condition used for updating the temporarily registered document to a finally registered document; a condition determining unit configured to determine whether the finally registered document meets the condition set for the temporarily registered document in response to a request for updating the temporarily registered document to the finally registered document; and an updating unit configured to update the temporarily registered document to the finally registered document in accordance with the request if the condition determining unit determines that the finally registered document meets the condition. |
| US08166379B1 |
Calculating soft information from a multi-level modulation signal
Apparatus and methods are provided for calculating soft information in a multi-level modulation scheme using one or more nearest neighbors. The nearest neighbors correspond to signal points in a signal constellation set nearest to the value of a received signal. The nearest neighbors of a received signal can be found by using a second symbol-to-signal point mapping for the signal constellation set that is different from the mapping actually used by the signal modulator. The second symbol mapping can be used to simplify the discover of nearest neighbors. Once the nearest neighbors are found in the second symbol mapping, the nearest symbols can be translated back into the actual symbol mapping using, for example, table lookup. The nearest neighbors in the actual symbol mapping can then be used to compute soft information in the form of, for example, log-likelihood ratios (LLRs). |
| US08166378B2 |
Encoding circuit and encoding method correcting EDC generated from main data according to header
An encoding circuit is disclosed, which has a memory unit, an EDC generating circuit, a scrambler, a header generator, an EDC correcting circuit, and an encoder. The EDC generating circuit generates a first EDC according to at least one main data. The scrambler generates a scrambled main data according to the main data. The header generator generates a header according to header information. The EDC correcting circuit, corrects the first EDC according to the header to generate a second EDC. The encoder encodes an optical data according to the second EDC and the scrambled main data. |
| US08166376B2 |
Techniques for correcting errors and erasures using a single-shot generalized minimum distance key equation solver
A system corrects errors in a codeword. The system includes a channel that sorts reliability numbers of symbols in the codeword to create an ordered list of candidate erasure locations. The system also includes a generalized minimum distance decoder that iteratively processes the ordered list of candidate erasure locations and at least two syndromes of the codeword using a single-shot key equation solver to generate an error locator polynomial and an error evaluator polynomial. The generalized minimum distance decoder processes the least reliable candidate erasure locations first within the ordered list of candidate erasure locations. |
| US08166375B2 |
Radio communications device and reception method
A radio communications device includes a first error detection part configured to perform error detection on a header included in a packet; a determination part configured to determine whether there is consistency with respect to the length of the packet based on the header in response to the first error detection part detecting no error in the header; a decryption part configured to decrypt the packet in response to the determination part determining that there is consistency with respect to the length of the packet; and a second error detection part configured to perform error detection on the packet in response to the determination part determining that there is consistency with respect to the length of the packet, wherein the decryption part is configured to start to decrypt the packet before completion of the error detection by the second error detection part. |
| US08166371B2 |
Semiconductor memory system and signal processing system
A semiconductor memory device provided with a data input portion for receiving 1 page's worth of data, dividing it to a plurality of code words, generating and adding check code (parity data) for each code word, successively forming main code words and transferring the same to a bank (A) or a bank (B), and a data output portion for receiving 1 page's worth of data including main code words transferred from the data latch circuit, correcting the error data when there is within a predetermined number of error data for each main code word, adding the error information for read each read code word except check code (parity data), and transferring the same to a host side, and a signal processing system using the same. |
| US08166370B1 |
Efficient RAID ECC controller for RAID systems
A Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) controller comprises a RAID error correction code (ECC) encoder module that receives data for storage and that generates code words for data drives and one or more parity drives, which have physical locations. The code words are generated based on the data and a cyclic code generator polynomial. Logical locations correspond to index positions in the cyclic code generator polynomial. A mapping module maps the physical locations of the data and parity drives to the logical locations. The mapping module adds a new data drive to an unused one of the logical locations. A difference generating module generates a difference code word based on the new data drive. The RAID ECC encoder module encodes the difference code word and adds the encoded difference code word to an original code word generated before the new data drive is added. |
| US08166366B1 |
Partial configuration of programmable circuitry with validation
Partial configuration of programmable circuitry with validation for an integrated circuit is described. An integrated circuit with programmable circuitry is obtained. The programmable circuitry is configured with a first bitstream in a non-dynamic mode of operation, after which the integrated circuit includes a configuration controller coupled to a buffer, an internal configuration access port, and an error checker. A portion of a second bitstream is loaded into the buffer for a dynamic partial configuration mode of operation. The portion of the second bitstream loaded into the buffer is validated with the error checker as being acceptable, after which the portion of the second bitstream is instantiated in the programmable circuitry via the internal configuration access port. |
| US08166355B2 |
System and method for mitigating memory requirements
A receiver is provided, which is adapted to receive MPE-FEC frames and to correct erroneous sections within a received MPE-FEC frame by detecting unreliable sections and storing in an erasure list (“ESL”) table compressed data that includes the base address of each detected erroneous section, together with the respective section's size. The size of the ESL table may be fixed, or it may correlate, or dynamically change according to the actual number of detected erroneous sections. The data stored in the erasure list may then be forwarded to a decoder to correct erroneous sections. The erroneous sections may be detected by using CRC, and the decoder may be a Reed-Solomon decoder. If the application data table of the MPE-FEC is error-free (or full or errors), in which case the erasure structure list is empty (or full of errors), in which case the erasure structure list is empty (or full), this means that no FEC reception and error corrections are required, because there are no sections to correct in the first case and the decoder is incapable of correcting too many sections in the second case. Therefore, the receiving circuitry, or at least the decoder, may be disabled to save battery power. |
| US08166354B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for estimating a bit error rate of data communicated in a communication system
Apparatus, and an associated method, for estimating a bit error rate of data communicated to a receiving station of a digital communications system, such as a GSM/EDGE cellular communication system. Soft decision values, indicative of confidence levels that decided values have been correctly decided are compared with threshold values by a comparator. A count is accumulated by a counter to whose counted value is representative of decided data values having associated therewith low levels of confidence that the decided values are correct. The count value is used in the formulation of the BER estimation. |
| US08166349B2 |
Communicating with USB devices after a computer system crash
One embodiment is a method of transferring data from a computer system to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device after a computer system crash where interrupts are masked, the method comprising: (a) detecting the computer system crash; (b) transferring at least a portion of the data to a USB driver for the USB device; (c) the USB driver transferring the portion of the data to a USB controller driver for a USB controller for the USB device; (d) the USB controller driver causing the USB controller to transfer the portion of the data to the USB device; (e) polling the USB controller to determine whether the data transfer was completed; and (f) if the data transfer was completed, providing a notification to the computer system. Another embodiment is a method of transferring data from a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device to a computer system after a computer system crash where interrupts are masked, the method comprising: (a) detecting the computer system crash; (b) identifying a USB device used to communicate data to the computer system; (c) polling a USB controller for the identified USB device to determine whether new input has been received; (d) if so, obtaining the new input; and (e) transferring the new output to the computer system for further processing. |
| US08166348B1 |
Method of debugging a software system
A method, system, and a computer program product for debugging a software system. An aspect of the present invention provides a user with the combination of an error determined in the software system and a set of recommendations for fixing the error, thereby enabling the user to debug the software system more efficiently. In one embodiment, the error is determined by inspecting the execution states of the software system at different time instances prior to receiving a debug indication from the user. The set of recommendations for fixing the error is identified by searching a knowledge base that stores the recommendations (e.g., possible solutions, suggestions, and workarounds) for each of the errors. |
| US08166344B2 |
Method for controlling an operating mechanism and a manipulation unit
A method for controlling an operating mechanism using a manipulation unit, in which the operating mechanism includes at least one microcontroller, at least one memory with a plurality of memory cells and at least one first value in a first memory cell and at least one debug interface, and the debug interface exhibits a monitoring functionality for monitoring a program code executed by the operating mechanism and using the debug interface a first pre-set timepoint is detected when processing the program code and, using the information transmitted by the debug interface for the first timepoint to the manipulation unit, a trigger timepoint results for a processing routine through the manipulation unit (IN) and a second value is written using the debug interface by the manipulation unit using the processing routine for a second timepoint in the first memory cell before the first memory cell is read by the operating mechanism for a third timepoint. |
| US08166343B2 |
Processing system hardware diagnostics
A method for diagnosing hardware failures in a data processing system includes a configuring a portion of a programmable logic device to create a state machine. The state machine tests a communication bus and a plurality of component devices connected by the communication bus and identifies the test failures. The state machine communicates the test information to external test equipment. The communication bus is used in the operation of the data processing system and the testing includes tests at full clock speed of the data processing system. |
| US08166341B2 |
Systems and methods for testing results of configuration management activity
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for testing results of configuration management activity. In embodiments, a configuration management server can control and maintain the configuration state of one or more targets, hosts, servers, clients, or other machines in a managed. In aspects, a testing tool hosted on the configuration management server can verify the correct implementation of configuration instructions. In embodiments, the testing tool can access or receive an anticipated or target configuration state for one or more target(s) or other machines, indicating the status of services, memory, security, storage, and/or other configuration parameters after a selected configuration command is to be transmitted and run on the recipient machine. After the configuration change or update is performed, the test tool can receive results indicating the actual configuration state achieved after running the configuration management command(s), and compare those to the anticipated configuration state. Any discrepancies can be flagged, and corrective commands can be issued. |
| US08166338B2 |
Reliable exception handling in a computer system
A method provides exception handling for a computer system. As an error in the computer system's hardware is detected, an exception vector pertaining to the hardware error is determined, and execution flow is transferred to a dispatcher that corresponds/pertains to the exception vector. A specific instance of a plurality of instances of a main exception handler is selected, and the specific instance of the main exception handler is executed. The actual exception handler thus contains two distinct parts, a dispatcher, which is unique and preferably resides in a safe memory region, and a main exception handler, multiple copies of which reside in an unsafe memory region. |
| US08166336B2 |
Method and system for campaign management
Campaign-production management is performed for a plurality of campaigns on at least a primary server or a secondary server. The plurality of campaigns is processed on the primary server. The contents of the plurality of campaigns are synchronized between the primary server and the secondary server. On failure of the primary server, processing of the plurality of campaigns is transferred to the secondary server. Further, the failback of the processing of the campaigns is performed on the primary server. |
| US08166333B2 |
Network signal processing apparatus
A network signal processing circuit includes a first signal processing module, a first sampling rate converter, a second signal processing module, a second sampling rate converter and a timing controller. The first signal processing module is utilized for processing a network signal to output a first processed signal. The first sampling rate converter is utilized for performing signal frequency conversion on the first processed signal according to a first clock timing adjusting signal and outputting a first converted signal. The second signal processing module is utilized for processing the first converted signal to output a second processed signal. The second sampling rate converter is utilized for performing signal frequency conversion on the second processed signal according to a second clock timing adjusting signal and outputting a second converted signal. The timing controller is utilized for generating the first and second clock timing adjusting signals. |
| US08166332B2 |
Treatment system for enhancing safety of computer peripheral for use with medical devices by isolating host AC power
A method and system for enhancing computer peripheral safety is provided. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the exemplary method and system are configured to monitor and/or isolate alternating current (A.C.) supplies with and/or from any peripheral subsystems or devices. An exemplary method and system comprises an A.C. supply, a host computer system, and a peripheral subsystem or device connected to the host computer system, such as an ultrasound imaging and/or therapy peripheral, and an isolation subsystem configured for monitoring and/or isolating the A.C. supply from the peripheral subsystem or device. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an isolation subsystem comprises application software and associated modules and functions that when executed continuously monitors and/or polls the host computer's hardware and/or operating system for the presence of an isolated source, such as a battery, or an unisolated power source, such as through a battery charger and/or other connection path to the A.C. main supply. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, an isolation subsystem can comprises a wireless or other safe/isolated electrical link for connecting a patient contact device, and/or a verification link or other verification mechanisms configured between an isolation transformer and host computer to monitor or observe usage to power the host computer and peripheral subsystem. |
| US08166330B2 |
Controlling auxiliary power to logic devices
Various example implementations are disclosed. According to one example implementation, a system may include multiple logic devices, a power input, and a logic controller. The logic devices may each be configured to assert a request for auxiliary power to a logic controller. The power input may be configured to provide the auxiliary power to one or more of the logic devices. The logic controller may be configured to poll the logic devices by polling less than all of the logic devices at a time to determine whether the logic devices assert the request for the auxiliary power. |
| US08166329B2 |
Circuit for facilitating computer system waking up from sleep state
A circuit for a computer system, includes a pulse width module (PWM) module and a control circuit. The PWM module is capable of converting a first voltage to a second voltage. The first voltage is capable of decreasing slower than the second voltage to have the PWM module entering in an unwanted state when the computer system is changed from a first state to a second state. The PWM module includes a disabling pin capable of locking the PWM module when a voltage of the disabling pin is low. The control circuit includes a control pin connected to the disabling pin, a ground pin connected to ground, and a monitoring pin capable of monitoring the computer system being changed from a first state to a second state to control the control pin and the ground pin to pull the disabling pin low to lock the PWM module to prevent the PWM module from entering in the unwanted state. |
| US08166325B2 |
Non main CPU/OS based operational environment
A computing system is described that includes a main system bus that remains active while said computing system operates within a non main CPU/OS based operational state. The computing system also includes a controller that operates functional tasks while the computing system is within the non main CPU/OS based operational state. The computing system also includes an I/O unit coupled to the main system bus that remains active while the computing system operates within the non main CPU/OS based operational state. |
| US08166316B2 |
Single interface access to multiple bandwidth and power memory zones
In an embodiment, a system comprises a first memory module interface unit (MMIU) configured to couple to a first one or more memory modules, and a second MMIU configured to couple to a second one or more memory modules. The first MMIU is configured to operate the first one or more memory modules at a first frequency and the second MMIU is configured to concurrently operate the second one or more memory modules at a second operating frequency different from the first operating frequency. |
| US08166314B1 |
Selective I/O to logical unit when encrypted, but key is not available or when encryption status is unknown
A method is provided for controlling I/O request access to an encrypted storage device when the encryption key for the encrypted storage device is not available. The method comprises the unordered steps of: providing an I/O filter driver in operable communication with an encrypted storage device, such that all I/O requests to the encrypted storage device are processed first through the I/O filter driver; receiving at the I/O filter driver an I/O request to the encrypted storage device; determining, for each I/O request, the type of the I/O request and, if the I/O request comprises a read, SCSI read, write, or SCSI write, determining a location on the storage device to which the I/O request is directed; determining, in a processor, whether a time period for obtaining the encryption key is still running; and, based on at least one of the I/O request type, whether the time period for obtaining the encryption key is still running, and, if applicable, the location on the device to which the I/O is requested, determining, in a processor, whether the I/O request to the encrypted storage device will be allowed. |
| US08166312B2 |
Method of individually fitting a hearing device or hearing aid
The present invention provides a method of providing parameters for the fitting process of individually shaped or customized hearing devices by collecting and storing fitting parameters during a fitting process by a local fitting computer; generating an individual encryption key related to the hearing device; sending the stored fitting parameters encrypted with the encryption key to a remote database; storing the encryption key in the memory of the hearing device; reading out the encryption key from the hearing device; reading out data from the remote database using the encryption. Thus, the privacy of the individual fitting data of a hearing device is secured. |
| US08166311B1 |
Methods and systems for promoting authentication of technical service communications in a telecommunications system
In one embodiment of the present methods and systems, a computer-assisted method is provided for authenticating at least one service related communication with a technician in a telecommunications system. The method includes the steps of receiving at least one of a password and a user identification from an access device employed by the technician; combining a token with at least one of the password and the user identification data to form a combined authentication password; permitting access to the telecommunications system by the technician subject to an authentication of at least the combined authentication password. In another aspect, one embodiment of the present methods may include a service related communication that includes at least one wireless communication. Computer-readable media embodiments and system embodiments associated with the present methods are also provided. |
| US08166310B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing temporary access to a network device
A method and apparatus for providing access to resources of a network device is provided. A user instructs a network device to generate a user password that is concealed from the user of the network device. The network device generates the user password based on, at least in part, public input provided by the user, and an algorithm which is concealed from the user, but known to a support service provider. The user communicates the public input to the support service provider. The support service provider uses the public input to generate a provider password based on, at least in part, the algorithm. The support service provider may access the network device via a network by providing the provider password to the network device. If the provider password matches the user password generated, then the support service provider is granted access to resources of the network device. |
| US08166306B2 |
Semantic digital signatures
A method is provided for adding intended meaning to digital signatures. A message, being base content, is received to be signed. Assertions, ontologies, and description of a reasoner are adjoined to the message. Ontologies are a formal specification of vocabulary and rules used to state the assertions. The reasoner validates the assertions against the corresponding ontologies. A compound message is formed including the message, the assertions, the ontologies, and the reasoner. The compound message is signed using a cryptographic digital signature, where the assertions indicate an intended meaning of the digital signature. During verification of semantic signatures, a digital signature is received for a compound message, where the compound message includes assertions, ontologies, and reasoner. The digital signature is verified, and the compound message structure is checked for semantic signature conformance. In response to proper verification, the reasoner is utilized to verify a conformance of the assertions to the ontologies. |
| US08166296B2 |
User authentication system
Techniques are provided for users to authenticate themselves to components in a system. The users may securely and efficiently enter credentials into the components. These credentials may be provided to a server in the system with strong authentication that the credentials originate from secure components. The server may then automatically build a network by securely distributing keys to each secure component to which a user presented credentials. |
| US08166293B2 |
Client server distributed system, client apparatus, server apparatus, and message encryption method used therefor
When encryption information including an encryption rule, an encryption range, and an encryption key is input to a server apparatus from a local maintenance console in advance, the server apparatus stores the encryption information in an encryption information setting unit, creates an SIP request message including the encryption information, and transmits the SIP request message to a client apparatus. The client apparatus receives the SIP request message including the encryption information. If confirming normality of the encryption information, the client apparatus sets the encryption information therein. After completion of a setting of the encryption information, the client apparatus transmits a notification of the completion of the setting of the encryption information to the server apparatus. Upon receiving the notification of the completion of the setting of the encryption information, the server apparatus acknowledges the completion of the setting of the encryption information, sets the encryption information therein, transmits the notification of the completion of the setting of the encryption information to the local maintenance console, and causes the local maintenance console to display the completion of the setting of the encryption information. |
| US08166292B2 |
Configurable encryption/decryption for multiple services support
A system to transmit a set of programs from a transmitter to a receiver is used to accommodate different levels of security used for each program. When a high level of security is necessary for transmitting or receiving a program the transmitter and/or receiver is operable to accommodate that level of security. Thus, both transmitters and receivers are operable to be reconfigured to encrypt or decrypt, respectively, at different levels. Accordingly, differing amounts of programs can be transmitted or received based on the resource requirements needed at any level of security. Consequently, a high level of encryption/decryption requires more resources and allows the processing of fewer services, while a lower level of encryption/decryption allows more services to be transmitted/received. |
| US08166291B2 |
System for managing program applications storable in a mobile terminal
Management server 16 may obtain application programs from content server 20 in response to requests of mobile terminal 11. Management server 16 may transmit the obtained application programs to mobile terminal 11 with information concerning reliabilities of the application programs. After mobile terminal 11 receives the application programs from management server 16, mobile terminal 11 manages operations of the application programs. Operations of the application programs are coordinated with operations of other programs using the information concerning the reliabilities corresponding to the application programs. Management of the coordinated operations of the application programs avoids problems concerning information security, where valuable information may be distributed unexpectedly because of operations of low reliable application programs. As a result, convenience of users of mobile terminals 11 can be improved without deteriorating the information security of mobile terminals 11. |
| US08166290B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
An information processing apparatus including a hardware device, at least one application program configured to execute an operation utilizing the hardware device, an operating system, a first device driver and a second device driver to manage the hardware device, a first storage unit configured to store the first device driver and the second device driver, and a second storage unit configured to include a storage area for operating the first device driver and the second device driver using the operating system. The operating system controls the first storage unit and the second storage unit to load the second driver on the storage area in response to booting of the information processing apparatus. The operating system also controls the first storage unit and the second storage unit to load the first device driver on the storage area when a predetermined condition is satisfied after booting the information processing apparatus. |
| US08166289B2 |
Trusted boot
In one embodiment, a method for trusted booting of a cryptographic processor system is disclosed. Default image(s) is loaded into a field-programmable logic chip or circuit (FPLC). The default image(s) cannot perform cryptographic processing, but can perform a first algorithm that is unclassified. A processor, internal or external to the FPLC, can be used with the default image. A multi-layer or multi-part key has portions stored in two different places. A protected image is decrypted with the multi-layer key using the first algorithm and loaded into the FPLC. Cryptographic processing is performed using a second algorithm classified by the government. |
| US08166286B2 |
Data pipeline with large tuning range of clock signals
The invention relates to a data pipeline comprising a first stage with a data input for receiving a digital data input signal, a clock input and a data output, and a first bi-stable element being adapted to be switched in response to an edge of a first clock signal, and a dynamic latch stage comprising an input transfer element, and a second bi-stable element coupled between the input transfer element and a dynamic latch data output, wherein the input transfer element is adapted to be switched by a second clock signal and a delayed second clock signal, which is delayed with respect to the second clock signal by a first period of time being shorter than half a period of the second clock signal, such that the input transfer element allows signal transfer only during the first period of time. |
| US08166284B2 |
Information processing device
An information processing device having a function for efficiently debugging a parallel processing program by controlling snoop operation is provided. The information processing device is so configured that the following is implemented: the setting for receiving a snoop request from a central processing unit can be set at a snoop controller that controls snoop operation; and as the result of reception of a snoop request, a debug controller can stop multiple central processing units. |
| US08166281B2 |
Implementing instruction set architectures with non-contiguous register file specifiers
There are provided methods and computer program products for implementing instruction set architectures with non-contiguous register file specifiers. A method for processing instruction code includes processing a fixed-width instruction of a fixed-width instruction set using a non-contiguous register specifier of a non-contiguous register specification. The fixed-width instruction includes the non-contiguous register specifier. |
| US08166279B2 |
Method for predictive decoding of a load tagged pointer instruction
Predictive decoding is achieved by fetching an instruction, accessing a predictor containing predictor information including prior instruction execution characteristics, obtaining predictor information for the fetched instruction from the predictor; and generating a selected one of a plurality of decode operation streams corresponding to the fetched instruction. The decode operation stream is selected based on the predictor information. |
| US08166277B2 |
Data prefetching using indirect addressing
A technique for performing indirect data prefetching includes determining a first memory address of a pointer associated with a data prefetch instruction. Content of a memory at the first memory address is then fetched. A second memory address is determined from the content of the memory at the first memory address. Finally, a data block (e.g., a cache line) including data at the second memory address is fetched (e.g., from the memory or another memory). |
| US08166273B2 |
Degeneration method and information processing apparatus
By including detecting an abnormality in a first system common unit; reading a priority indication, from the storage portion, indicating whether or not the first system common unit is to be degenerated when an abnormality occurs in the first system common unit for each of the partitioned portions; carrying out, when an abnormality is detected in a partitioned portion to which the priority indication is set, suspend processing on the information processing apparatus by the system control portion on the partitioned portion; and carrying out degeneration processing for suspending operation of the first system common unit and switching to the second system common unit, quick recovery is achieved when a significant partition is down due to a fault experienced in a common unit. |
| US08166272B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocation of buffer
Provided are a method and apparatus for allocating a storage space that is to be used by a plurality of modules sequentially processing data. The method includes acquiring first capacity information regarding the capacity of a storage space needed for data processing of a first module and second capacity information regarding the capacity of a storage space needed for data processing of a second module that processes data consecutively to the first module, and allocating a first storage space to be used by both the first module and the second module based on at least one of the first capacity information and the second capacity information. |
| US08166270B2 |
Storage control apparatus, data management system and data management method for determining storage heirarchy based on a user policy
A storage control apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of connecting units connected to one or more host computers and one or more hard disk drives as storage media for storing data, one or more non-volatile storage media which are of a different type from the hard disk drives and which store data WRITE requested from the host computer, a plurality of processing units for processing WRITE and READ requests from the host computer by using the hard disk drives or the non-volatile storage media and, a plurality of memory units for storing control information to be by the processing units. |
| US08166268B2 |
Memory command delay balancing in a daisy-chained memory topology
A methodology for a daisy-chained memory topology wherein, in addition to the prediction of the timing of receipt of a response from a memory module (DIMM), the memory controller can effectively predict when a command sent by it will be executed by the addressee DIMM. By programming DIMM-specific command delay in the DIMM's command delay unit, the command delay balancing methodology according to the present disclosure “normalizes” or “synchronizes” the execution of the command signal across all DIMMs in the memory channel. With such ability to predict command execution timing, the memory controller can efficiently control power profile of all the DRAM devices (or memory modules) on a daisy-chained memory channel. A separate DIMM-specific response delay unit in the DIMM may also be programmed to provide DIMM-specific delay compensation in the response path, further allowing the memory controller to accurately ascertain the timing of receipt of a response thereat, and, hence, to better manage further processing of the response. |
| US08166267B2 |
Managing a LBA interface in a direct data file memory system
Data files are assigned addresses within one or more logical blocks of a continuous logical address space interface (LBA interface) of a usual type of flash memory system with physical memory cell blocks. This assignment may be done by the host device which typically, but not necessarily, generates the data files. The number of logical blocks containing data of any one file is controlled in a manner that reduces the amount of fragmentation of file data within the physical memory blocks, thereby to maintain good memory performance. The host may configure the logical blocks of the address space in response to learning the physical characteristics of a memory to which it is connected. |
| US08166261B1 |
Systems and methods for seeding a fingerprint cache for data deduplication
A computer-implemented method for seeding a fingerprint cache for data deduplication associated with a single-instance-storage computing subsystem may comprise: 1) maintaining server-side fingerprint usage data for a plurality of fingerprints associated with data stored in the single-instance-storage computing subsystem and 2) building, based at least in part on the fingerprint usage data, a server-side fingerprint cache for use in client-side data deduplication, the server-side fingerprint cache comprising at least a subset of the plurality of fingerprints. The method may further comprise: 1) receiving a request for the server-side fingerprint cache from a client-side data deduplication computing subsystem and 2) transmitting data representative of the server-side fingerprint cache to the client-side data deduplication computing subsystem for use in client-side data deduplication associated with the single-instance-storage computing subsystem. Other exemplary fingerprint cache seeding and data deduplication methods, as well as corresponding exemplary systems and computer-readable media, are also disclosed. |
| US08166253B2 |
Memory management system in a computer system with shared memory mappings
A memory management sub-system includes code executable by a processor fir performing selecting a plurality of contexts, and selecting a sample of the separately allocable portions of an address space for each of the contexts. For each of the selected allocable portions, a corresponding portion of the host memory to which the selected allocable portion is mapped is determined, and a count corresponding to a number of separately allocable portions of any context that are commonly mapped to the corresponding portion of the host memory. For each context, a metric is computed that is a function of the counts for that context. Host memory is allocated among the contexts at least in part based on their respective metrics. |
| US08166252B2 |
Processor and prefetch support program
A processor loads a program from a main memory, detects a register updating instruction, and registers the address of the register updating instruction in a register-producer table storing unit. Moreover, the processor loads the program to detect a memory access instruction, compares a register number utilized by the detected memory access instruction with a register-producer table to specify an address generation instruction, and rewrites an instruction corresponding to the address generation instruction. |
| US08166250B2 |
Information processing unit, program, and instruction sequence generation method
An information processing unit includes at least one cache memory provided between an instruction execution section and a storage section and a control section controlling content of address information based on a result of comparison processing between an address requested by a hardware prefetch request issuing section for memory access and address information held in an address information holding section, wherein when the control section causes the address information holding section to hold address information or address information in the address information holding section is updated, overwrite processing on the address information is inhibited for a predetermined time. |
| US08166249B2 |
Performing a least recently used (LRU) algorithm for a co-processor
A method to perform a least recently used (LRU) algorithm for a co-processor is described, which co-processor in order to directly use instructions of a core processor and to directly access a main storage by virtual addresses of said core processor comprises a TLB for virtual to absolute address translations plus a dedicated memory storage also including said TLB, wherein said TLB consists of at least two zones which can be assigned in a flexible manner more than one at a time. Said method to perform a LRU algorithm is characterized in that one or more zones are replaced dependent on an actual compression service call (CMPSC) instruction. |
| US08166239B2 |
Translation lookaside buffer and related method and program product utilized for virtual addresses
A program product, a translation lookaside buffer and a related method for operating the TLB is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a) when adding an entry for a virtual address to said TLB testing whether the attribute data of said virtual address is already stored in said CAM and if the attribute data is not stored already in said CAM, generating tag data for said virtual address such that said tag data is different from the tag data generated for the other virtual addresses currently stored in said RAM and associated to the new entry in said CAM for the attribute data, adding the generated tag data to said RAM and to the associated entry in said CAM, and setting a validity flag in said CAM for said associated entry; else if the attribute data is stored already in said CAM, adding the stored attribute data to the entry in said RAM for said virtual address; and when performing a TLB lookup operation: reading the validity flag and the tag data from the entry in said CAM, which is associated to the entry in said RAM for said virtual address, and simultaneously reading the absolute address and the tag data from the entry in said RAM for said virtual address, and generating a TLB hit only if the tag data read from said CAM is valid and matches the tag data read from said RAM. |
| US08166238B2 |
Method, device, and system for preventing refresh starvation in shared memory bank
A multi-port memory device includes a refresh register and a refresh controller for preventing refresh starvation in a shared memory unit of the memory device. The memory device further includes a plurality of ports sharing access to the shared memory unit. The refresh register stores information regarding at least one refresh command. The refresh controller determines whether to activate an internal refresh operation at a transition in port authority according to such information stored in the refresh register. |
| US08166237B1 |
Configurable allocation of thread queue resources in an FPGA
A programmable logic device includes a hard-logic portion that selectively aggregates bandwidth of data ports and maps logically and physically the transactions from these ports. The memory interface structure is a part of a hard-logic portion that includes random access memories (RAMs), multiplexers, and pointers that allow static or dynamic bandwidth configuration as function of instruments examining the system traffic using queues. The interface allows many initiators having many logical threads to share and use many physical threads in different queue modules. |
| US08166234B2 |
Method of fabricating systems including heat-sensitive memory devices
A system code is stored in a first nonvolatile memory. The first nonvolatile memory and a second nonvolatile memory are heated during assembly of an electronic device including the first nonvolatile memory and a second nonvolatile memory. The heating is to a temperature sufficient to change a state of at least some memory cells in the second nonvolatile memory device. After the heating, the system code stored in the first nonvolatile memory is copied into the second nonvolatile memory. The first nonvolatile memory may he less vulnerable to temperature-related data alteration than the second nonvolatile memory. For example, the first nonvolatile memory may include a NAND flash memory and the second nonvolatile memory may include a variable resistance memory. |
| US08166233B2 |
Garbage collection for solid state disks
Described embodiments provide a method of recovering storage space on a solid state disk (SSD). An index and valid page count are determined for each block of a segment of an SSD. If the valid page count of at least one block in the segment is zero, a quick clean is performed. A quick clean deallocates blocks having zero valid pages and places them in a queue for erasure. Otherwise, a deep clean is performed. A deep clean determines a compaction ratio, N-M, wherein N is a number of partially valid blocks and M is a number of free blocks required to compact the valid data from the N partially valid blocks into M entirely valid blocks. At least one data structure of the SSD is modified to refer to the M entirely valid blocks, and the N partially valid blocks are placed in the queue for erasure. |
| US08166226B2 |
Apparatus and related method for maintaining read caching data of south bridge with north bridge
A computer system has a central processing unit, a north bridge electrically connected to the central processing unit, memory electrically connected to the north bridge, a south bridge electrically connected to the north bridge, and a peripheral device electrically connected to the south bridge. The south bridge includes a register for storings a plurality of pre-fetched read data to provide the pre-fetched read data to the peripheral device. The north bridge has an address queue module for storing an address of the pre-fetched read data, and a snooping module for checking whether a data value corresponding to the address is updated by the CPU. The north bridge assists the south bridge in obtaining and maintaining the pre-fetched read data for high efficiency and accuracy of read caching of the south bridge. |
| US08166223B2 |
Apparatuses to provide a message signaled interrupt to generate a PCI express interrupt
Machine-readable media, methods, and apparatus are described to issue message signaled interrupts. In some disclosed embodiments, a device generates message signaled interrupts in a manner that enables a device driver written with level-sensitive semantics to properly service the device despite the edge-triggered characteristics message signaled interrupts. |
| US08166221B2 |
Low-power USB superspeed device with 8-bit payload and 9-bit frame NRZI encoding for replacing 8/10-bit encoding
A Low-power flash-memory device uses a modified Universal-Serial-Bus (USB) 3.0 Protocol to reduce power consumption. The bit clock is slowed to reduce power and the need for pre-emphasis when USB cable lengths are short in applications. Data efficiency is improved by eliminating the 8/10-bit encoder and instead encoding sync and framing bytes as 9-bit symbols. Data bytes are expanded by bit stuffing only when a series of six ones occurs in the data. Header and payload data is transmitted as nearly 8-bits per data byte while framing is 9-bits per symbol, much less than the standard 10 bits per byte. Low-power link layers, physical layers, and scaled-down protocol layers are used. A card reader converter hub allows USB hosts to access low-power USB devices. Only one flash device is accessed, reducing power compared with standard USB broadcasting to multiple devices. |
| US08166219B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding/decoding bus signal
Provided is a bus signal encoding/decoding method and apparatus. The bus signal encoding method includes receiving a bus signal, XOR-operating all but the first byte sequence of the bus signal in a bitwise manner, inverting the even-numbered byte sequences of the XOR-operated bus signal in a bitwise manner, and serializing the inverted bus signal. |
| US08166217B2 |
System and method for reading and writing data using storage controllers
A controller for interfacing a host and storage device is provided. The controller includes a channel that can receive data from the storage device in a first format and store the data in an intermediate buffer memory in a second format. The channel includes conversion logic that converts data from the first format to the second format and from the second format to the first format depending upon whether data is being read or written from the buffer memory. The conversion logic uses a shuttle register and shuttle counter for aligning data that is being transferred between the storage device and the buffer memory by appropriately concatenating data to meet the first and second format requirements. The first format is based on 10-bit symbols and the second format is based on 8-bits. |
| US08166213B2 |
Controller with indirect accessible memory
A controller has an interface, a buffer memory, a first set of registers for accessing the buffer memory, a second set of registers independent from the first set of registers for accessing the buffer memory, and a control unit for decoding and executing buffer memory access commands received by the interface to access the buffer memory through either the first or second set of registers. |
| US08166212B2 |
Predictive DMA data transfer
A compression and storage device comprises: a compressor configured to compress data; a central processing unit (CPU) configured to control storage of the compressed data and to perform at least one additional task; an electronic memory organized as storage blocks each having a storage block size; a direct memory access (DMA) engine configured to operate autonomously from the CPU to transfer a current transfer block of compressed data into one or more storage blocks of the electronic memory; and a transfer block size estimator configured to select a transfer block size for the current transfer block based on previous DMA transfers of compressed data, the selected transfer block size being generally different from the storage block size. |
| US08166210B2 |
Electronic device and control method therefor
According to this invention, when initialization of a storage medium such as a flash memory is erase of the data area, the processing can be stopped. When the processing is stopped, at least initialization of the management area has been completed, and processing using the storage medium can be executed. If erase processing is not stopped but proceeds to the end, no erase processing need be performed in writing new data, and high-speed write is promised. For this purpose, when complete formatting is designated, the management area of the file system is first initialized. Then, erase processing for the data area of the file system is executed by a predetermined block size. If it is determined that stop is designated during the data area erase processing, the processing ends, but the management area has already been initialized. |
| US08166208B2 |
Method and system for XML data transfer transactional coalescing
A system, method, and computer readable medium. A method includes setting a maximum translation delay. The method includes, while a current delay is less than the maximum transfer delay, repeatedly performing the steps of searching for an additional transfer having a same source and target as a current transfer, and when an additional transfer is found, adding the additional transfer to a transfer list that identifies transfers to be made together. The method includes performing a transfer of the transfers identified by the transfer list when the current delay has met or exceeded the maximum transfer delay. |
| US08166207B2 |
Querying a device for information
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving in a processor complex a first write request from a peripheral device, obtaining information of the processor complex responsive to the first write request, and transmitting a second write request from the processor complex to the peripheral device including the information. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08166203B1 |
Server selection based upon time and query dependent hashing
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for selecting a server from a plurality of servers to process a query. A query is converted into a query number. A hashing operation is performed on a combination of the query number and a second number that is associated with a present time interval. The hashing operation generates a hash value associated with the query and the present time interval. A length of the present time interval is increased as a quantity of servers in a plurality of servers increases. A server in the plurality of servers is selected to process the query, based on the hash value. The query is sent to the selected server. |
| US08166202B2 |
Computer supporting remote scan
A computer acquires first connection information related to a path connecting a host computer and a local storage, and acquires second connection information related to a path connecting storage systems. The computer creates route management information based on the connection information. The route management information is information related to a plurality of routes. A single route is configured from two or more nodes connected in series and an inter-node path. The start node of the two or more nodes is a host computer, and the other node of the two or more nodes is a storage system. Based on the route management information, the computer selects, as the host computer for executing a remote scan, the host computer that is the start node of the optimum route from among the plurality of routes having the scan-targeted remote storage as the end node. |
| US08166201B2 |
Configuring intercommunications between computing nodes
Techniques are described for configuring intercommunications between multiple computing nodes, such as multiple virtual machine nodes hosted on one or more physical computing machines or systems. In some situations, virtual networks may be established and maintained for groups of computing nodes, such as those operated by or on behalf of various users. Such virtual networks may be established in some situations by automatically configuring various communication manager modules to associate communications from a computing node belonging to a virtual network with one or more networking identifiers associated with the virtual network, such that other communication manager modules may appropriately forward or otherwise process such communications. |
| US08166199B2 |
Communication apparatus, network system, communication method and program
A communication apparatus which eliminate the necessity of providing a particular server in a predetermined network and which makes it possible to participate into the network with the use of a predetermined address. A first communication apparatus participating in a predetermined network holds a predetermined address to be used by a second communication apparatus not participating in the predetermined network in order to communicate with a third communication apparatus participating in the predetermined network when participating into the predetermined network, as the address of the first communication apparatus. The second communication apparatus communicates with the first communication apparatus with the use of the predetermined address when the second communication apparatus participates into the predetermined network. The first communication apparatus requests the third communication apparatus to hold the predetermined address as the address of the third communication apparatus in the case where the communication apparatus separates from the predetermined network. |
| US08166196B2 |
Introducing cascaded intelligent services in a SAN environment
Techniques are disclosed for redirecting fiber channel data transmitted between nodes in a fiber channel fabric. The redirection allows traffic sent from a host to a target in a storage area network (SAN) to flow through a cascade of applications provided by certain nodes of the fabric (or in some cases, by external appliances). That is, techniques are disclosed for application chaining in the SAN. Doing so allows the SAN to be used as a true network platform for providing a variety of intelligent services within the network (e.g., data migration, encryption, etc). |
| US08166192B2 |
Method of processing non-real time service and broadcast receiver
A method of receiving and processing a broadcast signal including a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service in a broadcast receiver, the method comprises receiving and processing a signaling information table including access information of the NRT service, receiving data of the NRT service based on the signaling information table in non-real time and storing the received data of the NRT service in a storage medium, extracting service information including service type of the NRT service and detail information of the NRT service from the signaling information table, and controlling processes of the NRT service based on the extracted service information. |
| US08166187B2 |
Distributed IP gateway based on sharing a MAC address and IP address concurrently between a first network switching device and a second network switching device
In one embodiment, a method comprises assigning, by a distributed gateway protocol circuit in a first network switching device, a shared Media Access Control (MAC) address to a shared Internet Protocol (IP) address, the shared MAC address and the shared IP address enabling connected network devices to reach a distributed IP gateway in a network; and sending, by a layer 2 forwarding circuit in the first network switching device, an instruction via a peer data link to a peer layer 2 forwarding circuit in a second network switching device in response to the distributed gateway protocol circuit claiming active control of the distributed IP gateway, the instruction enabling the second network switching device to operate as part of the distributed IP gateway based on concurrent use of the shared MAC address and the shared IP address by the first network switching device and the second network switching device. |
| US08166186B2 |
Content distribution method, program, and information processing apparatus
A content distribution method includes sending, by a client apparatus, distribution requests to server apparatuses via a network, the distribution requests requesting distribution of content data in a distributed manner on a packet basis; distributing, by the server apparatuses, the content data to the client apparatus in response to the distribution requests; and playing back, by the client apparatus, the content data by assembling packets distributed from the server apparatuses. The distribution requesting step includes assigning areas of each block of the content data to the server apparatuses, and sending distribution requests for the respective areas to the server apparatuses. The distributing step includes dividing the content data into blocks when distribution of the content data is requested, and distributing the areas of each block in response to the distribution requests. The playback step includes the step of reconstructing the blocks on the basis of the areas distributed from the server apparatuses. |
| US08166185B2 |
System and method for enterprise software distribution
A method for distributing software is provided. The method includes distributing a message from an application server to one or more application layer routers, such as servers that are being used to route enterprise software distribution messages, using a modified publish and subscribe architecture that includes the route to all recipients in the message address and that uses existing network communications. The message can thus be distributed to one or more subscribers on a first channel. The message is then distributed to one or more subscribers using the modified publish and subscribe architecture on one or more second channels selected from a second channel layer if necessary. This process is repeated until the message reaches all subscribers listed as recipients in the message. |
| US08166184B2 |
Integrating enterprise identity authorization in conferences
Disclosed herein are embodiments for validating a user joining a conferencing session. According to various embodiments, a first identifier is received. A user is identified from a plurality of users based at least in part on the first identifier. A second identifier is received that corresponds to the first identifier and the user and the user is validated based on both the first identifier and the second identifier. The user may then join the conferencing session, with the user's identity being revealed to others attending the conferencing session. |
| US08166174B2 |
Methods and systems for providing proprietary access to a server
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing proprietary access to a server. The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving a first service request from a client. The first service request may include a client identifier. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include creating a session identifier when it is determined that the client identifier is valid and transmitting the session identifier to the client. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods may include receiving a second service request from the client. The second service request may include the session identifier and client data that may have at least one of a proprietary format and a proprietary scheme. In addition, the disclosed systems and methods may include servicing the second service request when it is determined that the session identifier received in the second service request is valid. |
| US08166173B2 |
Inviting assistant entity into a network communication session
A method is provided for inviting an assistant entity, such as a customer service representative acting through a endpoint system, into an existing network communication session established by a service system. The service system controls the joining of endpoint entities to the session and enables endpoint entities joined to the session to communicate with each other. The method involves a first party associated with an endpoint system already joined to the session, indicating to the service system that the presence of an assistant entity is required. The service system selects an appropriate assistant entity taking account of the current context of the communication session, and joins the selected assistant entity to the session. |
| US08166163B2 |
Server checking using health probe chaining
A load balancer sends a probe packet to a first server in a list of servers. Each server in the list sends the probe successively down the list of servers and acknowledges the probe if the server is healthy. The final server in the list sends a signal to the load balancer to indicate that the chain of server probing has completed successfully. In this manner, the load balancer (or other device performing the checking) only needs to send a single probe rather than probe each server in the list separately. Embodiments include serial and recursive acknowledgments from the servers, sending a beacon message upon failure, and other features. |
| US08166161B1 |
System and method for ensuring privacy while tagging information in a network environment
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving data propagating in a network environment and verifying whether the data is associated with a first end user represented in a registered user list. The method also includes verifying a ratification of a policy associated with data monitoring related to the first end user. Selected words can be identified within the data based on a whitelist, where the whitelist includes a plurality of designated words to be tagged. A resultant composite of the selected words that are tagged is generated. In more specific embodiments, the method can include verifying whether the data is associated with a business email domain. In still other embodiments, the method can include verifying whether the data is associated with a business uniform resource locator (URL) domain. |
| US08166159B2 |
Creating dynamic signatures for virtual locations
In one embodiment, a method for forming location signatures for a device, the method comprising: retrieving information regarding one or more digital devices detected around the device during a first set time period; and creating a first signature for a location based on information regarding the one or more digital devices detected during the first set time period. |
| US08166158B2 |
Validating service components through data mining
A method and apparatus for validating service components via data mining. In one embodiment, the method includes making service components to be available for use in a production environment of a service subscriber, receiving data produced by instances of the service components in the production environment, and storing the received data in at least one database. The method may further include identifying a service component that is being evaluated, retrieving, from the database, data produced by instances of the service component being evaluated, and providing the retrieved data to a recipient, where the retrieved data indicates effectiveness of the service component being evaluated. |
| US08166155B1 |
System and method for website experimentation
A data processing system comprises web page generation logic and website experimentation logic. The web page generation logic is configured to generate web pages to be provided to visitors of a website. The website experimentation logic is coupled to the web page generation logic. The website experimentation logic is configured to detect a change in the manner in which the web page generation logic generates one or note of the web pages and to assess how the change impacts visitor interactions with the website. |
| US08166151B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a spanning tree
It is realized that the use of a spanning tree protocol in particular portions of a network may not necessarily be desired due to performance and stability reasons. A method and system is provided for executing a revised spanning tree algorithm that performs more optimally in particular network topologies. In one aspect, a spanning tree protocol is executed over a first and second network connected by a third network, wherein the spanning tree network is disabled in the third network. The third network may be, for example, a core network through which first and second Layer 2 networks are bridged. The first and second networks may be coupled by another network or network connection, and it may be preferable to allow the operation of the spanning tree network between the first and second coupled networks for the purpose of fail over to redundant paths. In network forwarding devices positioned at edges of the core network, the operation of the STP over interfaces where network tunnels of each network forwarding device attached to the core network may be inhibitied (e.g., turned off). A phantom root bridge may be created that does not correspond to an actual network forwarding node, and this phantom root bridge may have a bridge identifier which is used by network forwarding nodes as the root bridge. In this manner, STP protocols may work as intended in peripheral networks, while STP does not need to be executed in the core. |
| US08166150B2 |
Systems and methods enabling interoperability between network-centric operation (NCO) environments
A system is disclosed for enabling interoperability of different Network-Centric Operation (NCO) environments. A first computer executable module may enable plug-able import proxies and export proxies for respectively importing data from and exporting data to different NCO environments. A second computer executable module may enable plug-able software operable for configuring imported data. An infrastructure may be incorporated that integrates the first and second computer executable modules. |
| US08166148B2 |
Method for distributing content data packages originated by users of a super peer-to-peer network
A method for distributing content data packages 7 originated by users of a super peer-to-peer network is proposed, wherein the content data packages 7 are to be cached in caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4 of said network. The network comprises a plurality of caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4 and user nodes 5 of said users and a plurality of data lines that extend between adjacent of said nodes and the users are being grouped in user groups and listed in a user group list. Content data traffic is to be delivered on traffic connections between user nodes 5 of the network. The method comprises the steps of: a) receiving a request for uploading an upload content data package 7 from a requesting user of the users by an agent network node of said network, b) looking up all user group members of the users being member of a current user group UG1 of said requesting user in said user group list and determining the user nodes of said user group members, c) determining in which of the caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4 of the network said upload content data package 7 is to be cached by applying a decision matrix, wherein said decision matrix defines a relationship defining at which caching node content data packages 7 have to be cached for which user node, d) caching said upload content data package 7 in the determined caching nodes CN1,CN2,CN3,CN4. |
| US08166146B2 |
Providing improved message handling performance in computer systems utilizing shared network devices
In a massively parallel computer system embodiment, when receiving a message at a compute node from an input/output node, the compute node performs the steps of: obtaining a lock on a collective network device; checking a shared storage location for a message pending for a thread; if such a message is pending, receiving the message's remaining packets directly to a user's buffer, unlocking, and returning; if no such message is pending, receiving one packet from the network device; if the packet indicates that the message is for the thread, receiving the message's remaining packets directly to the user's buffer, unlocking, and returning; and if the packet indicates that the message is for another thread, updating the shared storage location with a thread id of the other thread, unlocking, waiting for a time out, locking, and repeating from the checking step. Accordingly, data copying is eliminated with an attendant performance benefit. |
| US08166141B1 |
Method and apparatus for emulating web browser proxies
A user device disposed on a local area network (LAN) requests a proxy auto-configuration file from a first proxy server. Where the first proxy server is not present on the LAN, a second proxy server on the LAN intercepts the request and responds to it by causing a replacement proxy auto-configuration file to be sent to the user device. The user device utilizes the replacement proxy auto-configuration file to configure itself to utilize the second proxy server on the LAN. |
| US08166140B1 |
Automatic application of implementation-specific configuration policies
Techniques are described for application of implementation-specific configuration policies within a network device. For example, a device, such as a router, may comprise memory to store operational configuration data and candidate configuration data. The device further includes a control unit to apply changes to the candidate configuration data based on input from a client, and apply an implementation-specific configuration policy to a copy of the changed candidate configuration data. Based on a result of applying the implementation-specific configuration policy, the device selectively commits the changes made to the candidate configuration to the operational configuration. In the event an error occurs while applying the implementation-specific configuration policy, the device does not commit the changes to the operational configuration. In this manner, the device does not allow changes that violate the implementation-specific configuration policy to be committed to the operational configuration, thereby detecting misconfiguration that may otherwise be syntactically and semantically correct. |
| US08166139B2 |
Method and system for generating and sending a hot link associated with a user interface to a device
The invention sends a hot link to a device. The device may be on a wireless network, a wired network, or directly coupled to the device sending the hot link. The hot link contains an associated action that is performed by the device receiving the hot link. The associated action may be performed when a user interface is activated or automatically when the hot link is received by the device. The action (1105) can be a broadcast action (1110), Internet action (1120), call action (1150), download action (1130), or upload action (1140). The broadcast action instructs the device to tune to a particular broadcast in response to the selection of the user interface. The Internet action instructs the device to access an Internet site in response to the selection of the user interface. The call action instructs the device to call a telephone number in response to the selection of user interface. |
| US08166138B2 |
Network evaluation grid techniques
Network evaluation grid techniques are presented. Local specifications for traffic patterns are evaluated for local traffic on local grids of a grid computing environment and reported out. The local traffic reported out is then evaluated in response to global traffic pattern specifications and a global traffic policy in order to identify one or more remedial actions to take or to recommend in response to that evaluation. |
| US08166137B2 |
Control of network plug-and-play compliant device
When the network protocol controller 302 of the network device 200 receives a message sent from a client, it interprets the message header in accordance with network plug-and-play protocol without interpreting the content of the message body; and sends the message body to the device controller 402 in accordance with another communication protocol. The device controller 402 interprets the content of the message body and causes the service devices 404, 406 to execute service. |
| US08166133B1 |
Systems and methods for providing a broadcast entertainment service and an on-demand entertainment service
The present invention provides systems and methods for, in some cases, supplementing a broadcast media service with an on-demand and personalized media service. |
| US08166129B2 |
Method and system for providing media content to a user
For providing to a user on a communication terminal (1) media content (31) from a content server (3), a Session Initiation Protocol message, addressed to a resource identifier identifying the media content (31), is transmitted from the communications terminal (1) to a Call Session Control Function unit (S-CSCF), in response to the user activating a hyperlink associated with the media content (31). If there are filter criteria (iFC) associated with the user and associating the first message with an application server (SIP-AS), the resource identifier is transmitted from the Call Session Control Function unit (S-CSCF) to the application server (SIP-AS). The application server (SIP-AS) transmits to the communication terminal (1) accessing means for the user to retrieve the media content (31) from the content server (3). Generating und submitting in the communication terminal (1) the Session Initiation Protocol message make it possible to route the request for the media content (31) through an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), thereby making use of filtering features of the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) for user authentication and access control such that there is no need for separate proprietary access control mechanisms for the content server (3). |
| US08166127B2 |
Apparatus and methods for efficient insertion and removal of MPA markers and RDMA CRC digest
The invention relates to insertion and removal of MPA markers and RDMA CRCs in RDMA data streams, after determining the locations for these fields. An embodiment of the invention comprises a host interface, a transmit interface connected to the host interface, and a processor interface connected to both transmit and host interfaces. The host interface operates under the direction of commands received from the processor interface when processing inbound RDMA data. The host interface calculates the location of marker locations and removes the markers. The transmit interface operates under the direction of commands received from the processor interface when processing outbound RDMA data. The transmit interface calculates the positions in the outbound data where markers are to be inserted. The transmit interface then places the markers accordingly. |
| US08166122B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a figure of merit for use in transmission of messages in a multi-level secure environment
A method and apparatus that generate a figure of merit for use in transmission of messages in a multi-level secure environment. The method may include receiving a message having a data provenance wrapper, examining each data provenance record of the message and any attachments for discrepancies, identifying any discrepancies in the examination of each data provenance record of the message and any attachments, generating a figure of merit based on objective and subjective information, substituting the figure of merit for the data provenance information, and transmitting the figure of merit with the message across the security domain. |
| US08166121B2 |
Situation based presence notification leveraging
Presence messages are managed for one or more members of a pre-defined group of e-mail users. An unavailability time period, during which a pre-defined group of e-mail users will be unavailable in the future, is established. A notice, which notifies the pre-defined group of e-mail users that an unavailability control instruction will be sent in the future to participating members of the group of e-mail users, is transmitted to the group of e-mail users. An acceptance signal, identifying the participating members, is received, indicating which members of the group of e-mail users agree to permit the unavailability control instruction to be received and implemented on their participating computers in the future. The unavailability control instruction is then transmitted to the participating computers at an initiation of the unavailability time period, in order to auto-generate an appropriate presence message for the participating members. |
| US08166119B2 |
Messaging device for delivering messages to recipients based on availability and preferences of recipients
A messaging device facilitates delivery of messages to recipients based on availability and preferences associated with recipients. In some embodiments, messages are composed by a user via a touchscreen display. Icons representing potential message recipients are displayed, and the user may deliver a message to a recipient by associating the message with the icon that represents the desired recipient. The facility uses availability information—which reflects recipients' availability and willingness to communicate—and system- and recipient-defined preferences to determine the best method(s) of delivery for a message and other features of message delivery. Recipients' availability and preferences may be displayed to users on an interface. Users may make decisions regarding delivery method, timing, and other details of message delivery based on the displayed availability and preference information. |
| US08166116B2 |
Automatic distribution of corrective configuration information
Methods and apparatus for allowing a central network manager to distribute corrective configuration information to customers using e-mail are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes determining if an issue is reported by a first customer system that supports a first device. The issue is associated with the first device. The method also includes obtaining updating information if the issue is reported by the first customer system, and providing the updating information to the first customer system. The first customer system is arranged to distribute the updating information to the first device and to cause the updating information to be implemented on the first device. |
| US08166113B2 |
Access limited EMM distribution lists
An electronic mail message (EMM) addressed to a distribution list of an enterprise is received at a server of the enterprise from a sending address outside of the enterprise. If the distribution list has no external addresses, then the EMM is blocked from being delivered to the distribution list. In an embodiment, if the distribution list has an external address and the sending address is identified in a safe sender list corresponding to the distribution list, then the EMM is delivered to the distribution list. In an embodiment, if the distribution list has an external address, the sending address is not in a safe sender list corresponding to the distribution list, and the content of the message is approved, then the EMM is delivered to the distribution list. |
| US08166108B1 |
Systems and methods to uniquely identify assets in a federation
Some embodiments provide different frameworks that implement conflict avoidance systems and methods for ensuring uniqueness in identifying assets for different customers that are deployed to server capacity of one or more distributed platforms participating in a federation. Specifically, different frameworks are provided whereby the distributed platforms authorize use of a domain before configuring the domain to identify assets of a customer. A method performed in one such framework includes receiving a domain that is specified for identifying assets of a first customer belonging to a first distributed platform of the federation. The method determines whether the domain conflicts with a domain that is configured by a second distributed platform of the federation. The method then communicates with the first distributed platform (i) to configure the received domain when there is no conflict and (ii) to prevent the first distributed platform from configuring the received domain when there is a conflict. |
| US08166103B2 |
Apparatus for interpreting image position
An apparatus for interpreting an image position is used for respectively reflecting an image of a target to a lens of at least one camera by means of first and second reflection mirrors to be respectively taken a photo as first and second images by the lenses. A microprocessor processes the first and the second images to obtain a relative coordinate value of a target in an operation plane range. A horizontal optical axis of at least one camera is parallel to the operation plane. Whereby, a position of an input zone touched by a user is interpreted more quickly so as to elevate the inputting efficiency of a data input device, and whether the user touches the input zone is interpreted more accurately so as to elevate the inputting accuracy of the data input device. |
| US08166100B2 |
Cross site, cross domain session sharing without database replication
A method of providing access to data via a public communications network includes the receiving a first data session request having a storage group mark, the storage group mark defining a server storage group, a load balancer route the request to a first server that processes request and any related session information, storing any altered first session data in a data storage. The load balancer receives a second request, wherein the second request also has the same storage group mark. The load balance selects a second server to respond to the second request. As before, the second server processes the second request and the altered first session data loaded from the data storage. After processing, the second server stores any altered second session data in the stored data on the first server as well as the second server and returns the altered second session data. |
| US08166097B2 |
Using distributed queues in an overlay network
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using distributed queues in an overlay network. Embodiments of the invention can be used to replicate queue state (e.g., inserted and/or deleted messages) within an overlay network and can be used to continue a process at a different node within the overlay network based on replicated queue state. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can be used to increase the availability of queue state, compensate for node failures within an overlay network, and promote replication of consistent queue state between nodes within an overlay network. |
| US08166094B2 |
Coordinated quiesce of a distributed file system
A process for quiescing a master and a plurality of subordinate computer systems in a cluster. An original or a pending state may be entered that is a quiesce or an online state. The master instructs the subordinates the quiesce or online state be made the pending state. The subordinates prepare to change accordingly, determine whether successful, and vote to commit or abort. Based on whether all voted to commit, the master instructs the subordinates to either commit or abort. If to commit and the pending state is the quiesce state, an operation is performed in the subordinates. If to commit and the pending state is the online state, the subordinates prepare to resume the original state. The subordinates change from the original to the pending state. Otherwise, if to abort, the subordinates prepare to remain in the original state and reset the pending to the original state. |
| US08166093B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing multimedia programs for play on incompatible devices
An apparatus and method is provided to generate digital audio signals, such as stereo signals, from a multimedia program. The program can be distributed directly through an electronic network, or indirectly by recording the program on a medium such as a DVD or CD. The multimedia program is normally compressed using a standard DVD, MPEG or similar compression protocol. In accordance with the invention, the program is decoded to generate a multimedia output signal and an audio output signal. The multimedia signals can be played immediately or at will on a suitable multimedia device. The audio output signal is compressed, using for instance MP3 or ATRAC3, and then transmitted to an external device for storage as a digital file. The digital file can then be replayed at will. |
| US08166089B2 |
Sampled data averaging circuit
A sampled data averaging circuit which comprises sampling means for sampling input data at predetermined timing by a number of sampling times set, division means for dividing the sampled data by the number of sampling times for each time the input data is sampled, and accumulation means for sequentially accumulating the division result, and an average value is obtained from the accumulation result of the accumulation means. |
| US08166087B2 |
Microprocessor performing IIR filter operation with registers
A filter operation circuit of a microprocessor executes an IIR filter operation by using data provided from registers R0 to R2 and outputs one sample of data Y[n] subjected to filter operation and transfer data P[n] to be used in the next IIR filter operation. Register R0 provides filter coefficients to the filter operation circuit. Register R1 provides past transfer data P[n−1] and P[n−2] to the filter operation circuit and is overwritten and updated with new transfer data P[n] output from the filter operation circuit. Register R2 holds multiple samples of data X[n] to X[n+3] to be subjected to filter operation and provides X[n] to the filter operation circuit. An area of register R2 in which X[n] has been held is overwritten and updated with Y[n]. |
| US08166080B2 |
Optimized computer diagramming method
A computer method and system of diagramming provide a diagram of a subject model. In response to a primary edit to the subject model, the invention method and system generate a non-persistent view for secondary edits. The diagram is formed of notational elements corresponding to model elements of the subject model. The invention method and system provide a notation meta-model for persisting the notational elements with references to corresponding model elements. The notation meta-model allows notational elements to be recreated and changed dynamically in a manner free of replacing original notational elements. |
| US08166078B2 |
Design process recording
Description of works such as “requirement”, “definition”, and “confirmation” in the narrow sense in a design process is made possible. A design work recording unit (22a) records in a data storage device (6) an inputted “design work name” as one of “external requirement name”, “concept definition name”, “internal requirement name”, “detailed definition name”, and so on. An inter-work relation recording unit (22b) records in the data storage device (6) a relation between two “design work names” selected from “external requirement name”, “concept definition name”, “internal requirement name”, “detailed definition name”, and so on recorded in the data storage device (6). Here, the inter-work relation recording unit (22b) records a relation between “external requirement name” and “concept definition name”, a relation between “concept definition name” and “internal requirement name”, a relation between “internal requirement name” and “detailed definition name”, and so on. |
| US08166074B2 |
Index data structure for a peer-to-peer network
An index data structure comprises a plurality of index keys for uniquely identifying potential data object context nodes. Each index key is, in turn, associated with one or more potential context nodes. Moreover, the index key has a label that provides semantic content to a user. The index data structure further comprises one or more routing tables associated with each index key that generally include a plurality of path references. |
| US08166073B2 |
Information processing device, storage device and computer-readable medium for accepting description information of multi-media content including keywords and reference information indicative of duplicative occurrence of each keyword and retrieving location information in the content using the respective keywords and associated reference information
There are provided a storage device and a computer readable medium capable of efficiently storing keywords contained in description information and efficiently retrieving the keyword. A list producing portion extracts the keywords from the description information and produces a keyword list correlating the keywords with the scene information containing the keywords. A description information converter converts the keywords contained in the keyword list received from the list producing portion among the keywords contained in the externally received description information into reference information for specifying the keywords in the keyword list received from the list producing portion. A storage stores the converted description information provided from the description information converter and the keyword list provided by the list producing portion. |
| US08166071B1 |
System and method for efficiently securing enterprise data resources
Some embodiments provide a system and method that secures access to data objects of an enterprise that includes multiple data objects and multiple user applications that access data attributes of the data objects. In some embodiments, secure access is provided via a secure resource that secures access to data attributes of at least two objects by defining access control permissions for the secure resource and applying the defined access control permissions to the data attributes of the secure resource. |
| US08166068B2 |
Location based authorization of financial card transactions systems and methods
Systems, methods, and software for identifying location based rules related to a network connected device are described. A network connected device may transmit a set of data identifying the location of the device and an identifier unique to the device to a server. The server may also receive an action request, wherein the action request is associated with the identifier. The server may select a rule in a database to address the action request, the rule applicable to the identifier and location of the device. Various embodiments related to financial card transactions, access to financial information, emergency services contact, and electronic message filtering are also addressed. |
| US08166058B2 |
Identifying interest twins in an online community
Techniques are described for identifying one or more “interest twins” of a user. An interest twin of a user in another user that has demonstrated interests in items that are the same as or similar to the items in which the user has demonstrated an interest. Various techniques are described for reducing the overhead in interest twin determination operations. Once the interest twins for a user have been identified, the knowledge of the interest twins may be used in a variety of ways to enhance to experience of the user. For example, a mechanism may be provided which allows the user to see a list of items in which the user's interest twins have indicated an interest. |
| US08166057B2 |
Data providing apparatus, data providing method and program
A data providing apparatus for providing search result information corresponding to-be-searched data including a search query includes a storing part storing the to-be-searched data which has been non-reversibly encoded according to a predetermined method, and the search result information to be provided as a search result with respect to the to-be-searched data, in association with each other. A converting part of the apparatus non-reversibly encodes the search query according to the same method as the predetermined method. An obtaining part of the apparatus obtains the search result information which is associated with the non-reversibly encoded to-be-searched data, with the use of the non-reversibly encoded search query. A providing part of the apparatus provides the thus-obtained search result information. |
| US08166056B2 |
System and method for searching annotated document collections
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture therefor, are disclosed sharing and searching annotated document collections. In one embodiment, the method may be performed by: transforming a plurality of document identifiers and their associated set of tags into a set of URL/TAG pairs; constructing a bigraph using the set of URL/TAG pairs; using the bigraph to compute tag profiles and document profiles using spreading activation for document identifiers and tags in the set of URL/TAG pairs; for a selected tag or document, identifying a tag profile or a document profile associated with the selected tag or document, respectively; arranging by relevance those tags or documents in the identified tag profile or document profile associated with the selected tag or document, respectively. |
| US08166050B2 |
Temporally-aware evaluative score
A method includes processing a performance query to a dimensional data model by processing dimension coordinates that exist within the dimensional data model, wherein the dimension coordinates have a first particular grain (“finer grain”) that is finer than a second particular grain (“coarser grain”), the method to determine an evaluative score for a particular finer grain value based on performance facts for dimension coordinates associated with the particular finer grain value. Performance parameters are determined relative to a particular coarser grain value, against which to measure the performance facts associated with the finer grain value, including processing the temporal relationships of finer grain values to coarser grain values for the dimension coordinates. The evaluative score is determined for the particular finer grain value based on performance facts of dimension coordinates having the particular finer grain value, in view of the determined performance parameters. |
| US08166049B2 |
Techniques for computing similarity measurements between segments representative of documents
Keyword frequency data for a plurality of document-derived segments is represented in a matrix form in which each segment is represented as a vector of dimensionality equal to the number of keywords. The matrix may be subdivided into a plurality of sub-matrices, each preferably corresponding to a non-overlapping portion of the plurality of keywords. When determining a similarity measurement between any pair of segments, at least a portion of the keyword frequency data for each sub-matrix's non-overlapping keywords are used to determine a sub-matrix dot product for the pair of segments. The resulting plurality of sub-matrix dot products are then summed together in order to provide the similarity measurement. Keywords that are synonyms of each other may be accommodated through the modification of keyword frequency data. Where the keyword frequency data in the matrix representation is relative sparse, compressed views of the matrix representation may be provided. |
| US08166048B2 |
Method and apparatus for data integration and management
A system for maintaining master reference data for entities is disclosed. The system includes multiple reference data sets at multiple different data storages. A reference data set for a particular entity uniquely identifies the particular entity. The system also includes a first master reference data set at a first data storage that is at least as reliable as a second reference data set at a second data storage. In some embodiments, the first data storage can be updated through real-time process or an offline process (e.g., a batch process). The first master reference data set includes at least one data record, and content metadata regarding the data record. In some embodiments, content metadata comprises lineage data that includes each preceding value that was contained in the data record. In some of these embodiments, lineage includes other factors that affected the present and previous values contained in the data record. |
| US08166047B1 |
Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing data
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise automatically storing and computing a sketch of a dataset that supports an automatically determined estimator of properties of a dataset. The dataset can be related to any population. For example, the dataset can comprise data flows through a network node (e.g., a router), sales data, and/or marketing data, etc. The estimator can be based upon a sketch of the dataset. |
| US08166045B1 |
Phrase extraction using subphrase scoring
An information retrieval system uses phrases to index, retrieve, organize and describe documents. Phrases are extracted from the document collection. Documents are the indexed according to their included phrases, using phrase posting lists. The phrase posting lists are stored in an cluster of index servers. The phrase posting lists can be tiered into groups, and sharded into partitions. Phrases in a query are identified based on possible phrasifications. A query schedule based on the phrases is created from the phrases, and then optimized to reduce query processing and communication costs. The execution of the query schedule is managed to further reduce or eliminate query processing operations at various ones of the index servers. |
| US08166041B2 |
Search index format optimizations
A search index structure which extends a typical composite index by incorporating an index which is optimized for fast retrieval from storage and which eliminates data which is specific to phrase searching. Other data is represented in a manner which allows it to be calculated rather than stored. Associating variable length entries with logical categories allows their length to be inferred from the category rather than stored. Using delta values between document IDs rather than the ID itself generates a compact, dense symbol set which is efficiently compressed by Huffman encoding or a similar compression method. Using an upper threshold to remove large, and thus rare, delta values from the symbol set prior to encoding further improves the encoding performance. |
| US08166035B2 |
Grid-based data clustering method
A grid-based data clustering method comprises: a parameter setting step, a partition step, a searching step, a seed-classifying step, an extension step, and a termination step. Through the above-mentioned steps, data in a data set are disposed in a plurality of grids, and the grids are classified into dense grids and uncrowded grids for a cluster to extend from one of the dense grid to gradually combine data in other dense grids nearby. Consequently, convenience in parameter setting, efficiency and accuracy in data clustering, and performance in noise filtering are achieved. |
| US08166034B2 |
Saving device for image sharing, image sharing system, and image sharing method
The saving device for image sharing includes an image acquiring unit configured to acquire the images offered by a sharer of the images, a sharee information storing unit configured to store sharee information with respect to at least one sharee, a subject assessing unit configured to assess whether or not a person subject is included in the acquired images, an image associating unit configured to associate the images assessed as not including a person subject with the images assessed as including a person subject, based on the sharee information, and a shared image determining unit configured to determine the images to be shared with the sharee or sharees from among the associated images and the images assessed as including a person subject, based on the sharee information. The image sharing system and an image sharing method use such a device. |
| US08166033B2 |
System and method for matching and assembling records
A system and method for matching and assembling records is provided. One embodiment of the invention assembles records by applying a method for grouping records based on matching fields, assembling a new record as a composite of the matched records, and then repeating the grouping, matching and assembling steps in a cascade where the matching grouping and assembling steps are modified as a function of the cascade step and the assembled records created in earlier steps. |
| US08166031B2 |
System and method for providing context based services
In one aspect of the disclosure, a method of delivering content to a portable electronic device is provided that comprises receiving a request for content; determining a subscription level for a subscriber of the portable electronic device; determining, based on the subscription level, whether to deliver supplementary content with the content; and, if delivery of the supplementary content is to be effected then determining a method of delivery of the content; determining a method of delivery of the supplementary content; determining the supplementary content; and delivering the content and the supplementary content. |
| US08166027B2 |
System, method and program to test a web site
Computer system, method and program product for testing a web site are disclosed. Numbers of hyperlinks required to navigate from one web page of the web site to other, respective web pages on the web site are determined. A score for ease of navigation though the web site based at least in part on the numbers is generated, such that lower numbers correlate to easier navigation through the web site. Another computer system, method and program product for testing a web site are disclosed. First keyword searches are conducted in the web site, using a search engine in the web site, based on sets of search terms ANDed together. Second keyword searches are conducted in the web site, using the search engine at the web site, based on respective subsets of the sets of search terms. Each subset is either a single term within the respective set or two or more terms within the respective set ANDed together. A score for effectiveness of the search engine is determined based at least in part on the frequency at which search results of the first keyword searches are contained in search results for the respective second keyword searches. |
| US08166015B2 |
Web advertising management method
The invention relates to a method, system and computer program for management of paid advertisements displayed in response to a search query entered into a search engine. A vendor's inventory is discovered by reading from an inventory database. Search terms are determined for item categories in the inventory database, reading from fields of the inventory database. A user can specify additional or replacement search terms to be associated with a particular item. Advertisement sets are then created for items which are currently available or “in stock,” each set containing an advertisement corresponding to an item, the associated search terms, and a landing page identifier. The landing page displays search results from the vendor's inventory database, relating to the corresponding item category for that advertisement. |
| US08166013B2 |
Method and system for crawling, mapping and extracting information associated with a business using heuristic and semantic analysis
A method and system for crawling multiple websites containing one or more web pages having information relevant to a particular domain of interest, such as details about local restaurants, extracting content from such websites, such as hours, location and phone number as well as reviews, review dates and other business specific information, and associating the extracted content with a specific business entity. |
| US08166008B2 |
Processing of a generalized directed object graph for storage in a relational database
Creating transaction instructions is disclosed. A description of a set of objects is received. For each of at least a subset of objects in the set of objects, a description of one or more associated relationships is received. The description of the set of objects and the descriptions of the one or more associated relationships for each object in the at least a subset of the set of objects are processed to create an ordered list of transaction instructions for storing the set of objects and the one or more associated relationships for each object in the at least a subset of the set of objects. |
| US08166003B2 |
Permission-based document server
Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, identifies and provides an audience-appropriate version of a document, upon request. In one approach to this technology, a request for the document is received at a document-specific access point associated with that document. This document request is associated with specific file access authorizations. These specific file access authorizations are used to identify one of the available versions of the document. The version of the document so identified is then retrieved. |
| US08165998B2 |
Fast comparison using multi-level version format
A system and method to implement a technique to compare a collection of files. A reference index is extracted from a reference version file. The reference index specifies contents of a reference directory at a binary level. A target index is extracted from a target version file. The target index specifies contents of a target directory at the binary level. The target index is compared against the reference index to determine whether the contents of the target directory match the contents of the reference directory. |
| US08165997B1 |
Method and system for classifying postings in a forum
A method for classifying a previously unclassified posting that includes extracting a plurality of terms from the previously unclassified posting on an application forum, calculating a term answer probability and a term comment probability for each term of the plurality of terms. The term answer probability defines a probability that the term is in an answer posting assigned to an answer class, and the term comment probability defines a probability that the term is in a comment posting assigned to a comment class. The method further includes performing a Bayesian analysis using the term answer probability and the term comment probability for each term of the plurality of terms to select a posting class for the previously unclassified posting. The posting class is either the answer class or the comment class. The posting class is assigned to the previously unclassified posting. |
| US08165996B2 |
Policy-based management of a redundant array of independent nodes
An archive cluster application runs in a distributed manner across a redundant array of independent nodes. Each node preferably runs a complete archive cluster application instance. A given nodes provides a data repository, which stores up to a large amount (e.g., a terabyte) of data, while also acting as a portal that enables access to archive files. Each symmetric node has a set of software processes, e.g., a request manager, a storage manager, a metadata manager, and a policy manager. The request manager manages requests to the node for data (i.e., file data), the storage manager manages data read/write functions from a disk associated with the node, and the metadata manager facilitates metadata transactions and recovery across the distributed database. The policy manager implements one or more policies, which are operations that determine the behavior of an “archive object” within the cluster. The archive cluster application provides object-based storage. Preferably, the application permanently associates metadata and policies with the raw archived data, which together comprise an archive object. Object policies govern the object's behavior in the archive. As a result, the archive manages itself independently of client applications, acting automatically to ensure that all object policies are valid. |
| US08165994B2 |
Integrated governance and version audit logging
A server auditing process that stores only a single up-to-date data record along with the differences relative to previous changes in the record that allow the user to move “backward in time” to recreate previous values. The auditing feature introduces a baseline database table and a difference database table for each existing database table. The baseline table stores the most recent auditing data and the differences table complements the baseline table by storing pairs in the form of attribute name and previous value. By applying difference rows to baseline data, the user is able to recreate the data as it existed at any given timestamp and at a minimal storage cost. The architecture minimizes the impact of auditing on system performance by employing an asynchronous priority queue so that task processing is deferred until the system has adequate resources and other work is not affected. |
| US08165993B2 |
Business intelligence system with interface that provides for immediate user action
A business intelligence system includes a business activity monitor with a data cache to receive and store enterprise data integrated from a plurality of enterprise applications, the data cache being updated in real-time as the enterprise data changes. A computer coupled with the data cache runs a program that produces a graphical user interface on a display. The graphical user interface provides a user with a real-time report of the enterprise data and a page that allows the user to specify at least one action affecting operation of the enterprise. The page also including a button selection of which causes the computer to send a first message designating one or more selected actions to the BAM. In response, the BAM sends a second message to one or more of the enterprise applications to execute the one or more selected actions in real-time. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08165991B2 |
Management of recorded data for online simulations
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to online simulations. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for managing recorded data for an online simulation can be provided. The method can include determining that a first experience of a user of the online simulation shall be recorded. The method can further include generating a recording of the first experience and associating metadata with the recording. The method can further include reading metadata of a second experience of the user of the online simulation and determining that the metadata of the second experience matches the metadata of the first experience. The method can further include notifying the user that the recording is associated with the second experience. |
| US08165987B2 |
System and method of machine-aided information extraction rule development
An automatic rule generation system generates rules for fact extraction. A rule generation module receives a sample and generates a rule from the sample. A rule relaxation module generates a relaxed rule from the rule. A rule testing module generates a reverse index from a corpus, applies the relaxed rule to the reverse index, and generates text segments. An information extraction module generates modified text segments from the relaxed rule and the text segments. A candidate suggestion module performs a candidate generation process: if the candidate generation process generates no candidates, the candidate suggestion module signals the rule relaxation module to generate a further relaxed rule to use as the relaxed rule. A user evaluates a candidate and provides the candidate as an additional sample for the automatic rule generation system to generate another rule to use as the rule. As a result of performing these actions iteratively, the rule is eventually generated and relaxed to result in an appropriate rule to use for fact extraction. |
| US08165982B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting how rule components can be modified using tag definitions and verbs
Various embodiments herein include one or more of systems, methods, data structures, and software operable to limit how rules, or components thereof, may be modified. Some embodiments include receiving a rule definition in a system, the rule definition including one or more rule components, each component including a reference to one or more values from which an inference is made when the rule is applied. Such embodiments further include associating one or more rule components with one or more tag definitions that limit how the one or more associated rule components are modifiable by one or more rule administrators. The rule definition and the associations of tag definitions to the rule components may then be stored in a data store. |
| US08165981B2 |
Dynamic constraint satisfaction problem solver that recreates structure across sessions
A dynamic constraint solver for solving a constraint satisfaction problem model receives a request for a current solving session to recreate a first solving session for the model. The solver then collects a deferred port list comprising one or more ports in the model that need a sub-problem and creates one or more runtime constraints for the model. For each of the created runtime constraints, the solver propagates the constraint and determines if the propagation generates a conflict. If the propagation generates a conflict, the solver dismisses the constraint and reverts the model to a state before the constraint was propagated. |
| US08165979B2 |
System and method for resource adaptive classification of data streams
A system and method for resource adaptive classification of data streams. Embodiments of systems and methods provide classifying data received in a computer, including discretizing the received data, constructing an intermediate data structure from said received data as training instances, performing subspace sampling on said received data as test instances and adaptively classifying said received data based on statistics of said subspace sampling. |
| US08165977B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for otoacoustic protection of autonomic systems
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments an autonomic unit transmits an otoacoustic signal to counteract a potentially harmful incoming signal. |
| US08165976B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for otoacoustic protection of autonomic systems
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments an autonomic unit transmits an otoacoustic signal to counteract a potentially harmful incoming signal. |
| US08165973B2 |
Method of identifying robust clustering
A method of finding robust clusters comprises the use of principal component analysis and consensus ensemble clustering. In another aspect, the method may comprise normalizing a data set; identifying attributes of the data set that contribute to most of variation in the normalized data set; selecting data having the attributes that contribute to most of variation in the normalized data set; identifying a plurality of clusters from the selected data using consensus ensemble clustering; and identifying robust clusters from the plurality of clusters. The method can be used in healthcare and life science. |
| US08165972B1 |
Determining a feature related to an indication of a concept using a classifier
A related feature determination system determines a feature related to an indication of a concept. A set of positive cases and a set of negative case are selected using the indication of a concept. A classifier is induced for the concept using the set of positive cases in a manner blinded to the indication of a concept. The set of negative cases is applied to the classifier. A feature related to the indication of a concept is determined using results of applying the classifier to the set of negative cases. |
| US08165968B2 |
Method and system for evaluating costs of various design and maintenance approaches
The method and system quantify the impact of various design and operational solutions for equipment modules of a structure and the overall structure based upon economic factors. In particular, the method and system provide cost evaluation of various maintenance approaches for at least one equipment module that is part of an overall structure. In addition, a baseline and alternate equipment module may be specified for each equipment module. The costs associated with each of the maintenance approaches for each baseline and alternate equipment module then may be compared and the costs associated with the overall structure having a chosen maintenance approach for each baseline and alternate equipment module may be evaluated. The sensitivity of the costs associated with the overall structure to changes in one or more of the parameter values also may be calculated. |
| US08165966B2 |
Systems and methods to collect and augment decedent data
Systems, methods, and software to collect, validate, and disseminate or otherwise use of data of decedents. Some embodiments include receiving and obtaining decedent data from various sources to augment decedent data and making the augmented decedent data available to others. |
| US08165962B1 |
System and method for financial instrument pre-qualification and offering
The invention is related to a system and method for offering a financial instrument to a pre-qualified consumer. Potential consumers are pre-qualified for a variety of financial instruments, which pre-qualifications are stored in one or more databases and are linked to the consumer by a unique identifier and information that may later be verified. When a consumer contacts an entity operating, or otherwise in contact with, the system and method of the invention, the system determines whether that particular consumer has been pre-qualified for one or more financial instruments. The system may also determine whether one or more of the financial instruments which the consumer is pre-qualified for is appropriate for offering to the consumer according to pre-determined conditions linked to the financial instrument. Further checks may be performed at the time of the consumer contact for any indicators that the consumer should not be offered one or more of the financial instruments. The consumer may then be offered one or more of the financial instruments for which he or she has been pre-qualified. Typically, the consumer contacts the system for a purpose unrelated to requesting any financial instruments, and the invention permits the marketing of financial offerings to pre-qualified consumers. |
| US08165959B2 |
Method and apparatus for pricing calculation
A method and apparatus for providing a competitive bid from a provider comprising receiving billing data from a user, the billing data including provider information, location, and total bill amount. The method further comprising calculating a complex usage pattern based on the billing data and statistical data for the location. The method additionally comprising calculating a competitive bid for the user, based on the complex usage pattern and a pricing structure of the provider. |
| US08165957B2 |
System and method for a trading interface incorporating a chart
A graphical interface and method are provided for displaying market information corresponding to a tradeable object. One graphical interface includes a chart region for displaying historical market data in relation to a first value axis, and a market grid region in alignment with the chart region. The market grid region comprises a plurality of areas for receiving commands from a user input device to send trade orders, and the areas are displayed in relation to a second value axis. A plurality of values displayed along the second value axis is a subset of values displayed in relation to the first value axis, and can be modified to a new plurality of values that corresponds to a new subset of values on the first value axis. |
| US08165956B2 |
Bill availability notification and billing information request
Systems and methods for presenting billing information are provided. A notice may be transmitted via a network by a bill presentment service provider system comprising one or more computers. The notice may be transmitted in accordance with an e-mail protocol, and the notice may indicate availability of billing information via a bill present service provider system. Subsequent to transmitting the notice, a request for the billing information may be received by the bill presentment service provider system via the second protocol. The request may be received responsive to a selection of the hyper-link. Responsive to receiving the request, at least a portion of the billing information may be transmitted by the bill presentment service provider system via the network. |
| US08165955B2 |
Method and system for computer-implemented trading of secondary market debt securities
A computer-implemented method and system for trading of debt securities (bonds), where multiple dealers participate and compete on a single platform (100). Dealers and investors have respective interfaces (250, 230) for communicating. In one aspect, dealers announce new debt security issues (400), the investors communicate an indication of interest (IOI) (500) in purchasing the new debt security issues, and the issues are allocated to the investors. In another aspect, issues from multiple dealers are made available to investors on a secondary trading market in a searchable format (1000). In response to price inquires sent by investors (1200), the dealers provide offers (1300) which are briefly held and released to the investor concurrently to allow the investor to consider all offers together. In another aspect, the dealers post bid and offer terms for actively traded issues (1700) that are updated in real-time to avoid the need for the inquiry procedure. |
| US08165953B2 |
System and method for creating and trading a derivative investment instrument over a range of index values
An investment instrument based on a range of index values is disclosed that allows investors to take risk positions relative to the size, or length, of the range. The investment instrument has a monetary value that increases as the index value increases within a low range interval of the range, decreases as the index value increases within a high range interval of the range, and is fixed or capped if the index value falls within a middle range interval of the range. Typically, one settlement amount will be zero and the other will be an amount greater than the investment instrument price. |
| US08165952B2 |
Electronic trading system
An electronic trading system facilitates electronic trades of fungible trading elements. Fungible trading elements are electronically displayed and the system facilitates the trading operations. A risk factor for a particular transaction may be determined and based on this risk factor, the electronic trading system may elect straight through processing (STP) operations to conclude a trade. Otherwise the risk factor may indicate avoiding the STP and allowing other settlement means. The electronic trading system also include the dematerialization of the trading elements, therefore verifying ownership prior to exchange and as such as more robust and secure trading platform. |
| US08165950B2 |
Method and a system for trading stripped bonds
In an automated trading system for matching bids and offers entered into the system by a number of traders connected to the system, a server hosts a matching processor and an associated memory forming an orderbook of the system where both fixed-income instruments paying a coupon, referred to as bonds, and fixed-income instruments not paying a coupon (zero-coupon), referred to as stripped bonds, are traded. The system derives prices for bonds using information from stripped bonds. |
| US08165948B2 |
System for selecting and purchasing assets and maintaining an investment portfolio
The invention is in the field of computer implemented systems and methods for generating a profile of an investor's risk tolerance, providing automated investment allocation advice based on the risk tolerance of the investor, generating at least one list of investments for the portfolio of the investor, allowing for review of the at least one list of investments and information relating to historic and/or hypothetical performance and a description of asset selection methodology, performing automated electronic execution of transactions pertaining the investments, maintenance and monitoring of investment portfolios, and rebalancing of investment portfolios. |
| US08165946B2 |
Customized financial transaction pricing
Enabling innovative merchant transaction pricing capability, while improving pricing process efficiency, is disclosed. When a merchant submits financial transaction account records to a payment processor for payment, the payment processor utilizes granular transaction data to calculate complex merchant transaction pricing rules. The system accesses individual transaction data, aggregate transaction data, transaction history, customer data, merchant data and product data to enable flexible, innovative and dynamic pricing capabilities that increase revenue and increase customer satisfaction. |
| US08165945B2 |
Transaction velocity counting for fraud detection
Methods and systems for detecting fraud based on velocity counts are disclosed. |
| US08165941B2 |
Method and system for integrating savings and credits with different interest rates
A method and system for operating a new financial instrument and payment card integrates savings and credit transactions belonging to the same payment plan into a single account. Transactions can be carried out at different periods in time, for any amount, agreed on with different fixed or adjustable interest rates, without losing the payment conditions of each savings and credit. A financial account card as a financial instrument can be used to carry out long, medium and short-term savings and credit financial transactions. The card can also be used as a payment card to buy and sell anything of value. The card is operated through financial institutions and service centers by a computer system, which manages transactions between cardholders themselves and with financial institutions, maintains account balances, determines installments for debt and savings balances, manages available credit limits and guarantees, and manages other financial and payment services. |
| US08165938B2 |
Prepaid card fraud and risk management
A method of monitoring fraud associated with prepaid devices includes configuring fraud platform parameters which comprise one or more limits defined by one or more values, each limit associated with a particular platform parameter, one or more thresholds defined by one or more values, each threshold associated with a particular platform parameter, and one or more rules that define restrictions for certain prepaid device activities. The method further includes applying the fraud platform parameters to prepaid device production data and determining whether to issue the prepaid device depending on whether any parameters were triggered by the production data. |
| US08165936B2 |
Payroll system and method
A paycheck-centric payroll system and method for generating, accumulating and reporting on payroll information including payroll deductions and payroll tax deposits. |
| US08165935B2 |
Construction payment management system and method with budget reconciliation features
A computer-implemented method of reconciling a primary budget for a construction project. One embodiment of the invention includes generating a primary budget for the construction project and assigning a first primary budget line item from the primary budget to a participant. A secondary budget is then generated for the primary budget line item. Before administering a draw that includes a payment to the participant, the computer-implemented method ensures that the total sum of the budget amounts in the secondary budget is consistent with the budget amount for the primary budget line item. In some embodiments, the secondary budget is consistent when the total sum of the budget amounts is less than the primary budget line item. In some embodiments, the secondary budget is consistent when the total sum of the budget amounts is equal to the primary budget line item. |
| US08165932B2 |
Enhancement of network accounting records
A system and method are provided for processing network accounting information. A first network accounting record is received from a first source. Thereafter, the first network accounting record is correlated with accounting information available from a second source. The accounting information with which the first network accounting record is correlated is then used to enhance the first network accounting record. |
| US08165930B2 |
Crate tool
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for processing aircraft software parts. A crate containing an aircraft software part is received from a source. Signatures are validated for the crate and the aircraft software part. If the signatures are valid, the crate is unpacked. The contents of the incoming crate are displayed. The aircraft software part is unpacked. Responsive to a request to upload the stored part to a library in the aircraft software part management apparatus, a determination is made as to whether the stored part meets a policy. If the stored part meets the policy, the part is signed. The signed part is placed in a crate and is signed to form a signed crate wherein signatures for the signed aircraft software part and the signed crate are different from the set of signatures in the incoming crate. The signed crate is sent to the library. |
| US08165928B2 |
Managing events within supply chain networks
A supply chain network system comprises a site data appliance (SDA) and a Universal Data Appliance Protocol (UDAP) adapter coupled with one or more data source equipments (DSE). The SDA collects specification information comprising event information from the one or more DSE. A server is coupled with the SDA in the supply chain network. In response to the server requesting the specification information, the SDA sends to the server the specification information in a Description Document. A data center (DC) is coupled with the server in the supply chain network. The DC receives the Description Document and maps the event information in the specification information with event handlers. A mapping of the event information with the event handlers is sent from the DC to the server. When an event is generated by the one or more DSE, the map is used to select an appropriate event handler to execute. |
| US08165926B2 |
Method, medium, and system for detecting errors in item requests
Under the present invention, user-initiated and system-initiated item request are received by a “purchasing/requisition application” or the like. Upon receipt, a set of tables are populated using data within the requests. Thereafter the item requests are processed with the system-initiated item requests typically being processed in batch. Should an error arise in processing one of the system-initiated item requests (e.g., due to lack of supplier/approver, or a data level error within the request), the failed system-initiated request is placed into a failed request queue. Upon demand, an administrator can be presented with a view of the failed request queue so that he/she can see all requests that have failed. The system could also allow the administrator to view and edit the data corresponding to any of the user-initiated or system-initiated requests. Any views that are presented to the administrator are presented within a single browser window for GWA compliance. |
| US08165922B2 |
Physical on demand testing with version support
A method for testing versions for remote manufacturing of software media from a network is described. An interface to a user is provided for creation of a physical on demand product. A product version is created for the physical on demand product that includes an electronic copy of a product and information about the product. Approval of the created product version is requested from quality assurance. A test order capability is provided to the user after approval from quality assurance such that the user may have a physical on demand product order fulfilled prior to release of the product version for general sale in a commerce engine. The delivery of the test order is processed based upon who is requesting the test order. A software system that performs the testing method described above for the creation of compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs) containing full product files (executables, binaries, music, video, etc.) also is described. |
| US08165920B2 |
System for concurrent optimization of business economics and customer value
A computer-implemented system and method to provide options on products to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented system is operated that delivers to a customer an option to utilize up to n of m selected products, where m and n are whole numbers and n is less than or equal to m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen products, whereby after each of the n chosen products is defined, the customer can utilize said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store. |
| US08165919B2 |
Web based product ordering method with shopping carts actions queued
Call center order system and process allows a customer service representative to make remote calls to a server to perform shopping cart actions, all on one web page. Historically, representatives would need to enter client information and product information on several different web pages to satisfy a purchase. Eventually, the representative would have “loaded” several different pages to enter product and customer information. This method resulted in a high amount of errors and increased the risk of fraud. The system utilizes AJAX and dynamic HTML technology. The representative is able to add, update, or remove products in the cart without waiting for the page to “refresh” after every action. Cart actions are flagged with a “ticking” indicator bar. Orders may be placed in a “queue” instead of loading a different page. A mild fraud mode to allow multiple orders is also described. A storefront is used in this process. |
| US08165915B1 |
Advertisement customization
Methods, systems and computer program products for customizing one or more advertisements are described. Specifically, advertisements may be customized using information from content of a web page prior to viewing by a user. For example, the rendering of the text of an advertisement may be in a same size, color, and font type as the text on the web page into which the advertisement is integrated. In addition, the advertisement may be displayed using a same color scheme as that used by the web page such that the advertisement may be enhanced in terms of notice and interaction by the user. |
| US08165913B2 |
System, method, program for assigning virtual attribute to product, and system, method, and program for tracing cause of phenomenon occurring in product
A system for tracing a cause of a phenomenon occurring in products produced in a production process chain is provided. The system is provided with a storage unit for storing a virtual attribute in association with corresponding second products, a receiving unit for receiving information for specifying third products in which a phenomenon occurs, a correlation calculation unit for calculating a correlation coefficient between the third products specified by the information for specifying the third products and the group of the second products having a common virtual attribute, for every kind of second products used in the third products, and a cause identification unit for identifying the second products belonging to the kind of the second products for which a maximum correlation coefficient is calculated as the cause of the phenomenon. |
| US08165912B2 |
Methods and systems for portfolio investment thesis based on application life cycles
The disclosure provides a product/service portfolio investment calculation methodology based on an application life cycle. The present invention defines an application life cycle with a plurality of phases, and provides a mechanism to define a location within the application life cycle improving product and service investment decisions. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention maps the application life cycle with respect to telecommunications and datacommunications products and services. |
| US08165911B1 |
Market maturity optimization of web-based service
Historical web-based service performance metric values and the historical web-based standards are analyzed to determine maturity classifications for a plurality of regions over a time period. The historical web-based standards applied to each of the regions at different times within the time period are compared, and current web-based standards for one or more regions are adjusted based on the comparison to improve web-based service performance in the one or more regions. |
| US08165908B2 |
Tool tip with additional information and task-sensitive direct access help for a user
An interactive software application provides workflow assistance related to the proper performance of work steps in the workflow. The workflow assistance may include step by step instructions detailing the proper operation of the user interface to complete the current work step. Additionally, the workflow assistance may include a virtual simulation demonstrating the proper operation of the user interface to complete the work step. Alternate workflow assistance may be provided for alternate manners of completing the work step. The software application also may initiate the performance of a work step via a primary operation on an icon associated with the work step. Workflow assistance associated with the work step may be presented via a secondary operation performed on the icon. Workflow assistance also may be directly accessible from the user interface or from a help menu superimposed upon other images displayed on the user interface. |
| US08165905B2 |
Data processing unit, data processing method, and program product for determining a transshipment method
A data processing unit, a data processing method, and a program product for determining a transhipment method are provided. The data processing unit may include a solution search processor for performing solution search processing of a plurality of physical objects. In the data processing unit, a data representation of a loading state of an object may have a corresponding variable which takes as a value an identification number of a heap at a predetermined physical location. The data representation of the loading state may include a coordinate value indicating a loading order of the object in the heap. The data processing unit may also include an initial condition inputter. The solution search processor may perform the solution search processing by constructing a search tree. |
| US08165903B1 |
System, method and computer program product for facilitating informed decisions relating to family risk
A system, method, and computer program product embodied on a computer readable medium are provided. In use, an application is executed which is capable of performing decision logic. Further, information is retrieved from a database in accordance with the decision logic. Information is also received from a user in accordance with the decision logic utilizing a user interface. Still yet, the information is processed utilizing the decision logic. The executing, retrieving, receiving, and processing are carried out by a platform capable of accomplishing the executing, retrieving, receiving, and processing for different purposes by executing different applications each capable of performing different decision logic and using different databases. In one embodiment, the different applications are capable of being executed simultaneously. In another embodiment, the different applications (e.g. insurance, investments, etc.) are each related to asset risk management. |
| US08165901B2 |
Method and system for developing or tracking a program for medical treatment
This invention relates generally to a system and method for providing to patients a medical treatment program, such as a program for physical therapy, and for tracking whether the patient has performed the program correctly. In one aspect, the system and method determines whether the patient has performed the program correctly by comparing feedback from the patient for various parameters associated with an exercise to anticipated values for those parameters. In another aspect, the invention assists medical treatment providers in selecting exercises and tutorials to include in the medical treatment program. |
| US08165900B2 |
Patient check-in/scheduling kiosk
A method and system for facilitating activity scheduling for a patient including the steps of providing an interface device for checking a patient in at the facility, receiving identifying information for the patient, identifying currently scheduled appointments for the patient where the currently scheduled appointments are associated with currently scheduled appointment activities, identifying at least one additional unscheduled activity for the patient in addition to the currently scheduled appointment activities, identifying at least one suggested appointment schedule including at least one open time slot during which the patient may complete the additional unscheduled activity and the currently scheduled appointment activities and presenting the at least one suggested appointment schedule to the patient. |
| US08165897B2 |
Medical decision system including interactive protocols and associated methods
An interactive protocol system for a medical decision system includes a plurality of medical related information databases containing medical related information and rules, a patient information database including patient information, a medical practices database including information relating to medical practices, a questions database including questions to be presented to a user relating to medical care, and an answers database including answers related to the respective questions in said questions database. The medical practices database may include a plurality of protocols. Each of the plurality of protocols may include a different plurality of narrowing questions to be presented to the user. The questions may relate to at least one of the plurality of protocols and may be presented to the user based on the answers to the questions provided by the user. The narrowing questions in at least one of the plurality of protocols may be answered by the user to provide the user an indication relating to medical practices. |
| US08165896B2 |
Compliance data for health-related procedures
Exemplary embodiments provide a verification technique that facilitates administration of a health-related procedure to an intended recipient patient or group of patients. An interface template or signal protocol may be configured to establish suitable matching between the patient and various types of objects used to administer the health-related procedure. In some embodiments real-time monitoring data regarding administration of a health-related procedure to a recipient patient is posted to a patient data record that has restricted read/write access. In some instances the monitoring data is processed to determine compliance or non-compliance based on comparison of the health-related procedure with a predetermined benchmark standard. |
| US08165892B2 |
Monitoring drug packaging in clinical trial process
A method for automatically tracking compliance in a clinical trials process involving one or more operations comprising selecting a container; associating an identifier with the container, the identifier having a unique signature data item thereon; reading the unique signature data item to a relational database; performing a first operation relating to the container; checking the performance of the first operation against a compliance standard; following the successful completion of the first operation, writing an associated compliance data item to the relational database; optionally performing one or more further operations relating to the container; and following the successful completion of each optional further operation or a package thereof, writing an associated compliance data item to the database. |
| US08165891B2 |
Green rating system and associated marketing methods
A method and system for assigning a rating to an entity based on a plurality of metrics, for example, assigning a rating to an entity which reflects that entity's level of environmental performance, and then assigning an indicia to the entity which reflects the rating relative to other like entities. The system includes ways to generate revenue based on the entity's use of the indicia, such as integrating the display of the indicia with search engines such that the indicia is displayed when the entity's link appears on a search results list and charging a per impression and/or a per click through microfee. The invention also comprises a filtered search facility which only features rated member entities on its search results list. A website is also provided which contains landing pages for each rated entity which may be accessed by clicking on the displayed indicia in the search results list. |
| US08165884B2 |
Layered prompting: self-calibrating instructional prompting for verbal interfaces
A plurality of prompting layers configured to provide varying levels of detailed assistance in prompting a user are maintained. A prompt from a current prompting layer is presented to a user. Input is received from the user. A level of detail in prompting the user is adaptively changed based on user behavior. Upon the user making a hesitant verbal gesture that reaches a threshold duration, a transition is made from the current prompting layer to a more detailed prompting layer. Upon the user interrupting the prompt with a valid input, a transition is made from the current prompting layer to a less detailed prompting layer. |
| US08165879B2 |
Voice output device and voice output program
A voice output device, includes: a compound word voice data storage unit that stores voice data in association with each of compound words which is formed of a plurality of words; a text display unit that displays text containing a plurality of words; a word designation unit that designates any of the words in the text displayed by the text display unit as a designated word based on a user's operation; a compound word detection unit that detects a compound word in which voice data is stored in the compound word voice data storage unit, from among the plurality of words in the text containing the designated word; and a voice output unit that outputs voice data corresponding to the compound word detected by the compound word detection unit as a voice. |
| US08165877B2 |
Confidence measure generation for speech related searching
A voice search system has a speech recognizer, a search component, and a dialog manager. A confidence measure generator receives speech recognition features from the speech recognizer, search features from the search component, and dialog features from the dialog manager, and calculates an overall confidence measure for voice search results based upon the features received. The invention can be extended to include the generation of additional features, based on those received from the individual components of the voice search system. |
| US08165873B2 |
Speech analysis apparatus, speech analysis method and computer program
A speech analysis apparatus analyzing prosodic characteristics of speech information and outputting a prosodic discrimination result includes an input unit inputting speech information, an acoustic analysis unit calculating relative pitch variation and a discrimination unit performing speech discrimination processing, in which the acoustic analysis unit calculates a current template relative pitch difference, determining whether a difference absolute value between the current template relative pitch difference and a previous template relative pitch difference is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold or not, when the value is not less than the threshold, calculating an adjacent relative pitch difference, and when the adjacent relative pitch difference is equal to or less than a previously set margin value, executing correction processing of adding or subtracting an octave of the current template relative pitch difference to calculate the relative pitch variation by applying the relative pitch difference as the relative pitch difference of the current analysis frame. |
| US08165872B2 |
Method and system for improving speech quality
A method and system for improving speech quality may include estimating at least one component of a distorted portion of a speech signal from at least one component of an undistorted portion of the speech signal and reinforcing the component of the distorted portion based on the estimating. The components may include the pitch, spectral envelope and spectral energy of the speech signal. The undistorted portion of the speech signal may be delayed and the components of the distorted portion may be interpolated from the components of a delayed undistorted portion and a current undistorted portion of the speech signal. The components of the distorted portion of the speech signal may be extrapolated from a current undistorted portion of the speech signal. Components of the distorted portion of the speech signal may be estimated from frequency bands other than the frequency band affected by the distortion. |
| US08165869B2 |
Learning word segmentation from non-white space languages corpora
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for learning word segmentation from non-white space language corpora. In one illustrative embodiment, the computer implemented method receives text input characters and calculates a ratio-measure for each pair of characters in the input characters. The computer implemented method further determines whether the ratio-measure of each pair of characters is equal to a predetermined threshold value. Responsive to determining the ratio-measure is less than the predetermined threshold value, and a local-minimum value, the computer method further identifies the pair as a weak pair and breaks the weak pair of characters. |
| US08165868B2 |
Speech translating system
Disclosed is a speech translating system for translating speech from a first language to a language selected from a set of second languages. The system includes an input unit, a processor, and an output unit. The input unit is capable of receiving the speech in the first language. The processor is operatively coupled to the input unit and is capable of converting the speech in the first language to the speech in the selected language. The output unit is operatively coupled to the processor. The output unit is capable of outputting the speech in the selected language. |
| US08165866B2 |
Emulation system
An emulation system includes a controller, an emulation calculator, an emulation storage unit, and an interface unit. The emulation calculator includes a device under test (DUT) and emulates the DUT. The emulation storage unit stores emulation data of the DUT emulated by the emulation calculator under the control of the controller. The interface unit distributes and transfers the emulation data to a plurality of computers under the control of the controller. |
| US08165860B2 |
Thermodynamic process control based on pseudo-density root for equation of state
A system for thermodynamic modeling is provided. The system comprises a computer having a processor, a thermodynamic process simulation application, and a thermodynamic equation of state application. When executed by the processor, the thermodynamic equation of state application determines a density root based on a first and second point of departure from an equation of state and based on a first and a second extrapolation equation. The first departure point satisfies the equation ∂ P ∂ ρ = β P ρ + Ω . The second departure point satisfies the equation α ( ∂ P ∂ ρ - R ) + ( 1 - α ) ( ∂ P ∂ ρ ) | dp 1 = 0. The density root is determined as a pseudo-density in a phase two when the specified pressure is greater than the second departure point pressure and in a phase one when the specified pressure is less than the first departure point pressure. When executed by the processor, the thermodynamic process simulation application invokes the thermodynamic equation of state application to determine a result based on the density root. |
| US08165859B2 |
Method of designing an airfoil assembly
A method of analyzing a finite element model of an airfoil assembly. The airfoil assembly comprises a main airfoil element and a plurality of control surfaces. The method comprises: generating a loads interface model of the airfoil assembly comprising: data which defines the spatial positions of a set of nodes, and data which associates each node with either the main element or one of the control surfaces. Load data is generated which defines loads acting on the nodes of the loads interface model, and mapped onto a finite element model to produce a loaded finite element model. A stress analysis is then performed on the loaded finite element model, and the finite element model can be refined as a result of the stress analysis. |
| US08165850B2 |
Determining the direction of a signal source
A system for measuring signals received by an apparatus. An antenna system in the apparatus may include two or more antennas. A receiver in the apparatus may be configured to measure signal response induced in the antenna system in accordance with a pattern. After the signal response for the antenna system is measured at least once, the pattern may be altered and the signal response for the antenna system may be measured again in accordance with the altered pattern. The signal response in the antenna system measured for the pattern may then be averaged with the signal response in the antenna system measured for the altered pattern, and the average may be utilized as input to, for example, a directional determination process. |
| US08165848B2 |
Method of inspecting equipment
A method of inspecting equipment to ensure quality control that employs a computer program to assist in the inspection. The program contains an inspection protocol adapted to specific equipment. The inspector follows the protocol to inspect component parts of the equipment. The inspection protocol can only be closed, indicating completion of the inspection, when the protocol has been followed. The program is capable of generating a variety of inspection reports. |
| US08165842B2 |
Measuring device for vehicle data, in particular for the speed of a vehicle running on wheels
A measuring device for measuring the speed of a vehicle running on wheels has a first sensor and a second sensor. The two sensors are arranged on the same wheel of a vehicle and rotate with this wheel. Both sensors are arranged in such a way that they measure forces which are each perpendicular to the axis of the wheel and at an angle to one another, and act on the same point. An evaluation device is provided to which the measured values of the two sensors are fed, with the evaluation device obtaining the acceleration of the vehicle in the direction of travel therefrom, and calculating the current vehicle speed from it. |
| US08165840B2 |
Posture sensor automatic calibration
A system and method automatically calibrate a posture sensor, such as by detecting a walking state or a posture change. For example, a three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect a patient's activity or posture. This information can be used to automatically calibrate subsequent posture or acceleration data. |
| US08165837B1 |
Multi-scale classification of defects
A computerized method for categorizing defects on a substrate. A list of defects on the substrate is received as input to a processor, where each defect is represented by a defect location and an associated micro-defect code. The input is analyzed with the processor to detect spatial clusters of defects on the substrate. The spatial clusters are analyzed with the processor to determine which of the spatial clusters represent known macro-defects and which of the spatial clusters represent unknown macro-defects. The micro-defect code associated with each defect that is included in one of the spatial clusters that is determined to be a known macro-defect is changed with the processor with a macro-defect code that is associated solely with the known macro-defect. The processor analyzes the defects that are included in one of the spatial clusters that is determined to be an unknown macro-defect to determine a predominantly occurring micro-defect code. The processor changes the micro-defect code associated with each defect that is included in the one spatial cluster that is determined to be an unknown macro-defect with the predominantly-occurring micro-defect code. The processor sends the changed list of defects on the substrate as output. |
| US08165836B2 |
Measurement apparatus and computer readable medium storing program for measuring error of a quadrature demodulator or quadrature modulator
A measurement apparatus that measures, as an error under measurement, at least one of a gain error and a phase error of a quadrature demodulator or a quadrature modulator as a measurement target. The measurement apparatus includes an output control section that causes the measurement target to output a signal, a detecting section that detects a measured signal representing a real component and an imaginary component of the signal output from the measurement target, and a calculating section that calculates, as the gain error or the phase error, a solution for a variable that maximizes a correlation value between the measured signal detected by the detecting section and an ideal signal that includes the error under measurement as the variable and that represents the measured signal that should be output by the measurement target. |
| US08165835B1 |
Complex wavelet filter based power measurement and calibration system
A power measurement and calibration system provides power and line frequency measurements by using a bandpass filter having complex voltage and current outputs from which real and imaginary power components can be determined. Calibration of the filter may be omitted if a complex wavelet filter is used to implement the bandpass filter and a determination of line frequency can also be provided for downstream use. A processor receiving data from the output of the filter can compute real and imaginary power, power factor and the line frequency. The filter may be implemented by a processor executing program instructions, or a digital circuit implementing the filter and optionally a CORDIC rotator for computing the current-to-voltage phase relationship can provide input to the processor for power measurement and calibration of the sample rate to line frequency relationship and for other uses. |
| US08165833B2 |
Wireless sensor network systems, method for placing a plurality of sensor nodes in wireless sensor network system, and methods for computing sensing energy consumption per area of a plurality of sensor nodes
A wireless sensor network system, a method for placing a plurality of sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network, and a method for computing sensing energy consumption per area of a plurality of sensor node are disclosed. The wireless sensor network system includes a plurality of sensor nodes which are deployed at the same distance in a two-dimensional plane and have sensing areas of the same size, and an extra sensor node which has a sensing area of a smaller size than the size of the sensor nodes to sense a gap area which is not covered by the sensing areas of the sensor nodes. |
| US08165831B2 |
Water level measuring apparatus and measuring method
A water level measuring apparatus and a water level measuring method, in which a water level L0 of a liquid is read from a water level indicator secured to a liquid tank, and a filter value FLT is calculated by applying a filter with a time constant greater than one second to the water level L0, and the filter value FLT is output as a final water level L. Accordingly, even if the surface sloshes and the water level L0 fluctuates up and down, the water level L0 is smoothed by the filter. Hence there is little influence of the liquid sloshing, and the water level measurement accuracy can be improved. |
| US08165830B2 |
Meter electronics and methods for determining a phase difference between a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal of a flow meter
Meter electronics (20) for processing sensor signals in a flow meter is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal and a processing system (203) in communication with the interface (201) and configured to receive the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, generate a ninety degree phase shift from the first sensor signal, and compute a frequency from the first sensor signal and the ninety degree phase shift. The processing system (203) is further configured to generate sine and cosine signals using the frequency, and quadrature demodulate the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal using the sine and cosine signals in order to determine the phase difference. |
| US08165829B2 |
Method of diagnosing system, method of operating aggregating system for system diagnosis, and aggregating system for system diagnosis
The invention provides a method of diagnosing a system, a method of operating an aggregating system for system diagnosis and an aggregating system for system diagnosis, which are effective for achieving comprehensive and effective system cost reduction. For a target system 1, at least two or more kinds of diagnoses selected from a trap operation diagnosis, a fluid leakage diagnosis, a system improvement diagnosis and maintenance improvement diagnosis are effected in a batch and in reporting the results of these diagnoses in a batch, there are reported an economic advantage MQt″ obtained by reduction in a trap-passed seam loss Qt″, an economic advantage MQs, MQp, MQn obtained by reduction in fluid leakage loss Qs, Qp, Qn, an economic advantage Ma obtained by system improvement and an economic advantage Mb obtained by method improvement in a maintenance method. |
| US08165826B2 |
Data driven method and system for predicting operational states of mechanical systems
There is provided an automated data driven method for predicting one or more operational states, such as wear or degradation, of a mechanical system over time. The method has the steps of collecting data on the mechanical system from a data recording device, preprocessing the collected data, selecting a training data set that represents a base condition for statistical comparison, fitting a statistical model to the training data set to relate a predicted response to nuisance variables at the base condition, and using an output model to predict what an observed response would have been at the base condition and calculating the difference between the observed response and the predicted response to predict the one or more operational states of the mechanical system. |
| US08165825B2 |
Method for electromagnetically measuring physical parameters of a pipe
The invention discloses a method for electromagnetically measuring physical parameters of a pipe that includes measuring a pipe inner diameter ID and a pipe ratio of magnetic permeability to electrical conductivity μ2/σ2 by means of a measuring arrangement 1 comprising a transmitter coil 2 and a receiver coil 3, both coils being coaxial to and longitudinally spaced from each other, the measuring arrangement being adapted to be positioned into the pipe CS and displaced through the pipe. |
| US08165822B2 |
Reverse progeny mapping
Provided is a method for mapping traits in organisms, in particular in plants. The method comprises a) providing a population of SDR-0 organisms, in particular plants, that each arise from one member of a population of unreduced cells resulting from second division restitution, in particular a population of unreduced spores; b) producing SDR-1 progeny populations of each of these SDR-0 organisms; c) phenotyping the SDR-1 progeny populations to identify segregating traits within each SDR-1 progeny population; d) if segregating progeny are present in a SDR-1 progeny population, genotyping the corresponding SDR-0 organism and comparing the genotype thereof with the genotype of the other SDR-0 organisms to identify heterozygous chromosomal regions associated with the occurrence of the segregating trait identified in the SDR-1 progeny population. |
| US08165821B2 |
System and methods for indel identification using short read sequencing
Systems, methods, and analytical approaches for short read sequence assembly and for the detection of insertions and deletions (indels) in a reference genome. A method suitable for software implementation is presented in which indels may be readily identified in a computationally efficient manner. |
| US08165817B2 |
Method for integrating reservoir charge modeling and downhole fluid analysis
A method for estimating properties of fluids in rock formations at selected locations within a geologic basin includes generating an initial model of the basin. The model includes as output spatial distribution of a rock formation mineral composition, rock formation porosity and composition of fluids in the rock formation porosity. An initial estimate of fluid composition is generated for a rock formation, and a sample of fluid is extracted from pore spaces of the rock formation. Composition of the fluid sample is analyzed from within, and the initial model of the basin is adjusted to substantially match the analyzed fluid composition. The adjusted model is used to generate an initial estimate of fluid composition. |
| US08165816B2 |
Fluid injection management method for hydrocarbon recovery
A method for controlling fluid injection parameters to improve well interactions and control hydrofracture geometries is provided. The method incorporates a systematic, transient analysis process for determining the formation effective displacement, stress and excess pore pressure field quantities at any depth within a stratified subterranean formation resulting from the subsurface injection of pressurized fluids. |
| US08165809B1 |
System and method for optimized flight planning
A computer-implemented system and method for the processing and optimization of flight plans is disclosed. Information regarding a plurality of previous flight plans is received over a digital network and is stored in at least a database. The database preferably includes aviation fuel price information, aircraft performance information, and aviation weather information as well. Upon receiving a request, a server generates at least an optimized portion of a flight plan. In one form, historical flight plan data of others is automatically used to aid in the determination of the optimized route offered to the user for review, with the resulting final flight plan being electronically filed with the FAA upon approval. In a further form, the user may arrange fuel transactions at intermediate destinations with the service provider receiving a fee in exchange for facilitating the transaction. |
| US08165808B2 |
Techniques for representing location information
Methods and apparatus are described for representing points of interest relative to a user-defined geographic area in a map interface. Representation of the geographic area and a plurality of point-of-interest (POI) locations corresponding to the points of interest is facilitated in the map interface using a color scheme in which variations in color represent variations in density of the POI locations within the geographic area. |
| US08165807B2 |
Multipath mitigation using sensors
Systems, methods and devices for multipath mitigation are presented. Specifically, embodiments of the invention can advantageously use sensor inputs to mitigate the effect of multipath signals received at a receiver. The use of physical sensors in navigation systems is deemed particularly advantageous. |
| US08165805B2 |
System and method for marking a region of a road map displayed by a vehicle navigation system
In the case of a system for marking a region within an image of a road map detail displayed on a vehicle video screen, a regional location can first be selected by a control element. The region, which represents one of several administrative levels, can be constantly fixed via an enter function of the control element. The administrative level and thereby the size of the region can be changed by a rotational movement of the control element, which can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. |
| US08165804B2 |
Navigation apparatus, method, and program for same
A normal route guidance of a navigation apparatus based on guidance information retrieved from a hard disk drive is switched to a turn list display based on the guidance information from an external memory when a vehicle enters a high-altitude area. The navigation apparatus calculates a navigation route to a destination, and determines if the navigation route passes a high-altitude area. If the route passes the high-altitude area, the guidance information of a high-altitude area section of the navigation route is written in the eternal memory. Thus, while the vehicle is traveling, the navigation apparatus having the hard disk drive continues its navigation operation by displaying the turn list even when an operation of the hard disk drive is stopped due to a function restriction in the high-altitude area. |
| US08165802B2 |
Method and apparatus of vehicle navigation system for detecting and avoiding city with crowded streets
A system for comparing various routes, identifying delays among the routes, and selecting a more desirable route, even if the desirable route is not the shortest distance, is described. In one embodiment, the more desirable route is the faster route. In one embodiment, the more desirable route is a route with fewer in-route delays. In one embodiment, the system loads a map from a memory and retrieves road level information based on position information of roads and delays. The roads in the map are described at various levels of detail, wherein lower levels contain more detail and relatively higher levels that contain less detail. One embodiment includes detecting a route having links with a substantially larger number of delays and adding an additional penalty cost for the links at higher levels based on penalties computed from the links at lower level road levels. If a current road level is not the highest, one embodiment include adding the additional penalty cost into a “penalty list” of a higher level link having the links of a current road level in order to detect the higher links with a large number of delays while calculating route at a higher level. When calculating a route (or portion of a route) at a higher road level, an additional penalty cost is added to the higher level links if based on the penalty list. |
| US08165801B1 |
Navigation service over wireless voice networks
A wireless communication device transmits first text messaging to a navigation computer system. The first text messaging indicates an identity, initial location, and destination location for the wireless communication device. The navigation computer system processes the first text messaging to determine navigation instructions from the initial location to the destination location and to initiate a voice call to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device processes a caller number for the voice call to answer the call in speaker-phone mode and to transfer second text messaging to the navigation computer system. The second text messaging indicates current locations of the wireless communication device. The navigation computer system processes the second text messaging to transfer the navigation instructions over the voice call based on the current locations of the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device receives the navigation instructions over the voice call and audibly presents the navigation instructions. |
| US08165800B2 |
Apparatus for and method of providing data to an external application
A method of providing data to an external application is provided. The location and time of an object are periodically recorded to form a record of sightings. The record of sightings is then analysed in accordance with at least one criterion specified by the external application to which the data is to be provided. Lists of sightings from the record meeting the at least one criterion are supplied for use by the external application. |
| US08165798B2 |
System for evaluating POI and method thereof
The present invention relates to a system for evaluating a point of interest (POI) and a method thereof. The system includes a vehicle information center that stores position information of a POI, and a POI evaluation unit for determining whether a user uses the POI or not by using the POI position information, and sends an evaluation result to the vehicle information center after receiving an evaluation of the POI from the user. |
| US08165791B2 |
Vehicular fuel consumption notification apparatus and in-vehicle system
An actual fuel consumption rate and a tentative fuel consumption rate are repeatedly acquired from an air-conditioning apparatus. The tentative fuel consumption rate is a fuel consumption amount per unit time to generate a power consumed under a post-offset preset temperature being different from a present temperature by an offset temperature. Based on the acquired actual fuel consumption rate and the acquired tentative fuel consumption rate, an actual fuel consumption accumulation amount and a tentative fuel consumption accumulation amount are calculated in the same record period and are recorded as a data set in a travel history database. Then, several data sets recorded over the several record periods are read out from the travel history database. The total of the actual fuel consumption accumulation amounts and the total of the tentative fuel consumption accumulation amounts over the read several data sets are notified. |
| US08165790B2 |
Dynamic weather selection
The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a weather band selection process and a processor unit. The processor unit is configured to run the weather band selection process. The weather band selection process identifies a flight trajectory associated with an aircraft, identifies weather information for the flight trajectory, and identifies a weather band selection for the aircraft using the flight trajectory, aircraft information and the weather information. |
| US08165787B2 |
Method for adjusting engine air-fuel ratio
A method for adjusting an air-fuel ratio of an engine is disclosed. In one example, the engine air-fuel ratio is adjusted in response to a duty cycle and frequency of a post catalyst oxygen sensor. The method may improve catalyst efficiency. |
| US08165784B2 |
Apparatus and method for learning reference position of variable valve unit
In a variable valve unit provided with a variable valve mechanism that varies opening characteristics of an engine valve by rotary motion of a control shaft, an actuator that generates a rotary motion of the control shaft, a stopper restricting the rotary motion of the control shaft, and an angle sensor capable of outputting signals corresponding to angle positions of the control shaft, when the signal of the angle sensor at an angle position where the rotation of the control shaft is restricted by the stopper are learned, the actuator is controlled such that the control shaft is pressed against the stopper, after which drive torque of the actuator is reduced and with the drive torque reduced, signals of the then-angle sensor are stored. |
| US08165780B2 |
Boosted engine control responsive to driver selected performance
Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine in a vehicle in response to a driver performance/economy mode. One example method comprises delivering a first fuel to a cylinder of the engine from a first injector, delivering a second, different, fuel to the cylinder of the engine from a second injector, varying a relative amount of said first and second fuel as an operating condition varies; and adjusting delivery of at least said second fuel based on a driver-selected performance mode. |
| US08165779B2 |
Cascade control of HCCI phasing
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine that can be operated in a homogeneous charge combustion mode as well as a method and a computer readable storage device for controlling such an engine. The engine comprises at least one fuel injector, a fuel injection controller that controls a fuel amount injected into a first cylinder, and a piston in the first cylinder whose compression causes an air and fuel mixture to be ignited. The engine further comprises at least one intake valve, at least one exhaust valve, a valve operation controller, and at least one sensor for measuring an engine operation parameter in the first cylinder. The engine is particularly characterized in that the valve operation controller is adapted to determine the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves of the first cylinder on the basis of a first fuel injection or injections. |
| US08165777B2 |
Method to compensate for transmission spin loss for a hybrid powertrain system
A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission. The hybrid transmission is operative to transmit torque between the input member and a torque generating machine and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes monitoring an operator torque request, determining an output torque command and an output speed of the output member, iteratively selecting candidate input speeds to the input member, determining mechanical power loss in the hybrid transmission for each of the candidate input speeds and the output speed, and selecting a preferred input speed comprising the candidate input speed that achieves a minimum mechanical power loss in the hybrid transmission at the output speed. |
| US08165776B2 |
Drive assist system
A drive assist system includes an assist starting part starting assist, a detection part detecting relative distances and speeds between a vehicles, a calculation part calculating collision risks when changing a lane by the basis of the relative distances and speeds, a first judgment part judging whether the lane can be changed by the relative distances, speeds and the collision risks, a decision part deciding a target space for lane change by the relative distances and speeds when the lane cannot be changed, a second judgment part judging whether a lane changeable space is in the target space, a setting part setting a target speed for the vehicle go to a lane change waiting position when no space and to setting a target speed the vehicle enters a lane changeable position when there is the space, and a control part controlling a speed of the vehicle reaches the target speed. |
| US08165775B2 |
System and method for controlling running of a vehicle
A vehicle driving control system and method which enables the vehicle can travel through each curve at the optimum speed on an ordinary road and also on a highway. The controller and method uses a car navigation system to detect road classification about the road ahead of where the vehicle is running under guidance. When the road is an ordinary road, the following with respect to the preceding vehicle is given priority; when the road is a highway, the target vehicle speed obtained from the navigation information of car navigation system and the vehicle speed in the following mode are compared with each other, and the lower vehicle speed is selected (select-low) under control. As a result, it is possible to travel through the curves at a reliable speed not only on ordinary roads, but also on highways. |
| US08165774B2 |
Cruise control interaction with deceleration fuel cutoff
A vehicle control system includes a sensor that generates a vehicle speed signal. A cruise control system generates a cruise control signal to maintain a vehicle at a target speed. A control module compares the vehicle speed signal to the target speed signal. The control module calculates different cruise control gains to delay changes in throttle position of the cruise control system when the vehicle speed signal is greater than the target speed. |
| US08165773B1 |
Destination arrival estimates auto-notification based on cellular systems
The present, in one embodiment, is directed to a method for determining vehicular speeds over various travel routes that includes the steps: (a) for a plurality of mobile communication devices, determining a respective first geographic location at a first time and a second geographic location at a second later time; (b) determining a respective velocity for each cellular communication device over the distance between the first and second geographic locations; and (c) based on the respective velocities, providing to a driver at least one of (I) a velocity over a selected travel route, (ii) a traffic volume over the selected travel route, and (iii) an estimated time of travel over the selected travel route. |
| US08165771B2 |
Vehicle
The center of gravity of a vehicle is estimated to obtain, a limit lateral acceleration alim (=aMin, aMax), and the vehicle turns in a target running state (V*, γ*) requested by an occupant provided the lateral acceleration a* does not exceed the limit lateral acceleration alim. On the other hand, if the requested running state (V*, γ*) exceeds the limit lateral acceleration aaim, an ideal target running state (V*, γ*) is limited to an actual target running state (V*˜, γ*˜) so that the lateral acceleration a* equals to the limit lateral acceleration aaim. Because turning speed and turning curvature are not limited more than necessary, it is possible to achieve maximum use of turning performance of the vehicle up to the limit thereof. |
| US08165770B2 |
Trailer oscillation detection and compensation method for a vehicle and trailer combination
A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response. |
| US08165768B2 |
Method for determining trailer braking output
A method for providing a trailer equipped with trailer brakes with an electronically controlled trailer braking output to help slow a vehicle/trailer combination as quickly as possible, but in a stable and balanced manner. In situations where a low friction environment is detected, such as a wet or icy road, the present method can brake the trailer in a more aggressive manner than a gain setting would normally allow. This gain-independent segment of the trailer braking output can result in a shorter stopping distance for the vehicle/trailer combination, without causing excessive trailer wheel lockup. |
| US08165766B2 |
Method for controlling a drivetrain of a vehicle, with a drive motor and a gearbox
A method for controlling a vehicles drivetrain including an engine and automatic transmission, such that transmission ratios are shifted within a range of transmission ratios in a continuous and/or stepped manner as function of preset target speeds that are adjustable via a vehicle speed control and actual vehicle inclinations in relation to the vehicles longitudinal axis. When the actual speed of the vehicle differs from a preset threshold speed, a request to change an actual ratio of the transmission is generated, if it has been determined that the output torque is smaller than a threshold value or an output torque required to adjust the preset threshold speed of the vehicle. The ratio of the transmission is shifted so the torque applied to the output is modified toward the output torque required to adjust the threshold speed. |
| US08165764B2 |
Method for controlling an automatic multi-step shift transmission
A method of controlling an automatic transmission arranged in a vehicle between a drive motor and an axle drive of a drive axle or a transfer box such that the current road inclination is determined and, after driving onto a downhill stretch of road, to increase a braking action of the drive motor and/or a permanent brake, a shift to a lower gear is carried out and after a transition to a traction operation or after driving onto level ground, a shift to a higher gear is carried out. To improve transmission shifting behavior, when transitioning between a downhill stretch and level ground, it is provided that a function for detecting a downhill run-out is started and if a downhill run-out is detected, and a shift to a higher gear is carried out while still in a thrust operation before driving onto the level ground and/or before the transition to traction operation. |
| US08165761B2 |
Apparatus to control airbag for side collision
An apparatus to control an airbag for a side collision includes a vehicle inclination detecting unit which detects an inclination of a vehicle relative to a horizontal direction, and a threshold value changing unit which changes a threshold value to operate the airbag for the side collision corresponding to the inclination of the vehicle relative to the horizontal direction detected by the vehicle inclination detecting unit. |
| US08165760B2 |
Method and system for electronically operating a vehicle occupant seat safety restraint system
An electrically activated, electronically controlled web grabber in conjunction with a pre-impact braking system that holds the vehicle safety belt from the moment of activation, restricting forward movement of the occupant and can be activated prior to the impact to ensure occupant containment and deactivated upon command in order to release after an accident is avoided, or once the impact has started to allow other safety devices to take over control of the belts, for example, by load limiters. |
| US08165756B2 |
Steering control device for vehicle
A vehicle steering control device includes a yawing value obtaining unit which obtains a yawing value corresponding to a vehicle yawing motion, a stabilizing force calculating unit which calculates a stabilizing force for assisting an operation of a steering operation member, operated by a driver for steering a steered wheel of the vehicle, in a direction opposite a direction of the vehicle yawing motion, based on the yawing value, and a force applying unit which applies the stabilizing force to the steering operation member in the direction opposite the yawing motion direction, wherein the stabilizing force calculating unit includes a counter-steer value calculating unit which calculates a counter-steer value indicating a degree of steering the steered wheel in the direction opposite the yawing motion direction, and wherein the stabilizing force is adjusted based on the counter-steer value. |
| US08165754B2 |
Steering control system
A steering control system is connectable to a motor configured to control a steering and a LAN (Local Area Network) and is allowed to receive a control signal for controlling said motor from the LAN is received. The steering control system includes: a motor configured to control a steering; a main calculation unit connectable to the LAN; a motor drive circuit connected to the main calculation unit and configured to drive the motor; a sub calculation unit connectable to the LAN; and a motor drive limiting unit connected to the sub calculation unit and configured to limit a drive of the motor. |
| US08165753B2 |
Vehicle operation assisting system
When a collision avoidance operation determiner determines a collision avoidance operation by a driver, a target assist electrical current calculator calculates a target assist electrical current based on a deviation between a standard yaw rate corrected in accordance with avoidance momentum calculated by an avoidance momentum calculator and an actual yaw rate; and the target assist electrical current is supplied to a steering actuator to assist the collision avoidance operation by the driver. At this time, when an under-steer determiner determines an under-steer state, an assist electrical current is decreased by a reaction force electrical current calculated in a reaction force electrical current calculator. Therefore, a steering angle is prevented from becoming too large due to excessive assist, thereby facilitating a return operation after avoiding an obstacle. |
| US08165750B2 |
Vehicle motion control device and method
The objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle motion control device capable of controlling the driving force distribution to the wheels with superior stability and response while effectively utilizing the tire grip. Specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle motion control device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a driving device for driving the wheels based on a driving force/load distribution ratio, having: a force detection unit for detecting forces that act on the wheels; a target distribution ratio calculating unit for obtaining nonlinear terms by use of a group of parameters including the forces detected by the force detection unit, and obtaining a target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio so as to minimize the nonlinear terms, the nonlinear terms being included in elements of a system matrix of equations of state that describe a state of motion of the vehicle; and a driving device control unit for controlling the driving device based on the target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio. |
| US08165749B2 |
Control system for adjustable damping force damper
A control system for an adjustable damping force damper of a suspension apparatus of a vehicle, includes a lateral acceleration detecting unit detecting a lateral acceleration of the vehicle at a gravity point thereof, a yaw rate detecting unit detecting a yaw rate of the vehicle and a control unit controlling a damping force of the damper. The control unit calculates a first target damping force based on an output of the lateral acceleration detecting unit, calculates a second target damping force based on a lateral acceleration at an axel position which is estimated by an output of the yaw rate detecting unit, compares an absolute value of the first target damping force with that of the second target damping force and sets a target controlling value of the damping force in accordance with the first or second target damping force which has a larger absolute value. |
| US08165746B2 |
Industrial truck control system
The present invention relates to an industrial truck control system (10) for influencing the driving operation of an industrial truck (A, B) according to irregularities along the route to be traveled by the industrial truck (A, B), the system comprising a sensor device (14) for recording irregularities along the route in assignment to the position of irregularities concerned, a memory device (16) for storing the data recorded by the sensor device, and means (16) for influencing the driving operation of the industrial truck (A, B) in dependence on the respective position of the industrial truck (A, B) and according to the data of the sensor device (14) stored in the memory device (16). |
| US08165734B2 |
Method and device for guiding an aircraft
Disclosed is a method and device of guiding an aircraft along a flight trajectory to comply with a time constraint for arriving at a required arrival time at a waypoint of the flight trajectory. Speed setpoints are determined according to a speed profile that complies with the required arrival time at the waypoint, based on estimated values of parameters relating to the flight of the aircraft, and by taking account of an upper limit for a maximum speed at which the aircraft flies along the flight trajectory. The determined speed setpoints are applied to the aircraft during guidance of the aircraft along the flight trajectory. |
| US08165733B2 |
Stall, buffeting, low speed and high attitude protection system
A flight control system moves elevators according to a pilot command summed with an automatic command. The flight control system monitors a set of flight parameters to determine if the flight vehicle is operating inside a permitted envelope. The flight controls system incorporates automatic protections thru the automatic elevator command if the flight vehicle is close to its envelope limits. The exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation herein provides automatic protections in order to protect the flight vehicle from low speeds, high attitude, stalls and buffetings. |
| US08165731B2 |
System for aerial delivery of fire retardant
A system for launching, controlling and delivering in a preselected target pattern a plurality of low-cost, guided fire-retardant-containing vehicles, i.e., “smart water bombs” equipped with control surfaces sufficient to provide limited lift and maneuverability to respond to guidance command to place it at a selected GPS coordinate within a large footprint in time and space and to discharge its payload of fire retardant at a preselectable altitude in a very precise manner and dispersion pattern. A controller determines bombing patterns and timing for all bombs and trajectories for each guided bomb. Dynamic differential equations are used to determine location and time of release of the guided bombs to achieve the target while avoiding collisions among guided bombs and aircraft. |
| US08165729B2 |
Method and device for estimating the forces exerted on a control surface of an aircraft
Disclosed is a method and device for estimating forces exerted on at least one aircraft control surface. The method includes steps of, and the device includes components that carry out steps that include: generating current aircraft flight data; determining, from the generated aircraft flight data, a value Bl based on current deflection data and geometrical characteristics of a lever arm actuator of the at least one aircraft control surface; calculating, from the determined value Bl, at least one hinge moment; summing each calculated hinge moment; and dividing the sum by the value Bl to obtain an estimate of the forces exerted on the least one aircraft control surface. |
| US08165728B2 |
Method and system for providing a GPS-based position
A cooperative engagement group-position determining system employs a group of at least three cooperative units, for example a group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV's), with each unit including a GPS system for determining a GPS-based position, an inter-distance measurement module for measuring a distance of the unit relative to at least one other unit, and a computer having a computer-readable storage medium encoded with a program algorithm for correcting the GPS-based position based on at least one relative distance between two units, providing an improved GPS-based position for the unit and for the group. The system can also include a ground controller, for example, for providing flight control for UAV's. |
| US08165727B2 |
Information processing apparatus and cooling control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a main body, a heating device provided in the main body, a cooling fan provided in the main body, which cools the heating device, a temperature sensor provided in the main body, which senses a temperature of the heating device, and a fan control unit provided in the main body, which rotates the cooling fan at a first rotation speed or higher during power-on of the main body and switches a rotation speed of the cooling fan to a second rotation speed which is higher than the first rotation speed when the temperature of the heating device sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a given threshold value. |
| US08165726B2 |
Water heater energy savings algorithm for reducing cold water complaints
An energy savings water heater is described. The water heater is controlled by an energy savings algorithm that uses one or more of a variable setpoint differential, a variable setback threshold, additional setback thresholds, and an adjustable minimal setpoint to improve the operation of an energy efficient water heater. Additionally or alternatively, a different setback control algorithm may be used that obtains additional data to adjust the setpoint. As a result, the operating cost of the water heater is reduced, while minimizing user complaints of cold water. |
| US08165723B2 |
Real-time system for verification and monitoring of protective device settings within an electrical power distribution network and automatic correction of deviances found
A system for real-time verification of protective device system configuration settings on a monitored system, is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a virtual system model database, a protective device system verification engine. The data acquisition component is communicatively connected to a sensor configured to real-time protective device configuration data output from a protective device that is part of the monitored system. The virtual system model database is configured to update a virtual mode of the system based on the status of the protective devices and to store a virtual system model of the monitored system, including preset protective device configuration settings for the protective device. The protective device system verification engine configured to monitor the real-time protective device configuration data and the preset protective device configuration settings and generate a warning when there is a difference between the real-time protective device configuration data and the preset protective device configuration settings. |
| US08165720B2 |
Automatic environmental adjustment system
A system automatically adjusts environmental condition by detecting an environment value and controlling a window blinds and an environmental regulator according to a comparison between the environment value and a predetermined environment value. |
| US08165719B2 |
System and method for an electrical insulating shutter system
A system, and a method for manufacturing that system, for electrically and automatically opening, closing and otherwise controlling window shutters on a building, for the purposes of limiting radiant, conductive, and convective thermal losses from the inside of the building to the outside during the heating season, and limiting radiant, conductive, and convective thermal gains from the outside of the building to the inside during the cooling season. The system further comprises an interface to accommodate connection to other sensors not used to control the thermal environment of the building, such as motion detectors, burglar alarms, CO sensors and the like. |
| US08165699B2 |
Programmable controller system
A programmable controller system includes a programmable controller apparatus, a remote input and output apparatus connected to the programmable controller apparatus via a field bus and a monitoring apparatus configured to be located on a communication path between the programmable controller apparatus and the remote input and output apparatus and to monitor a communication data therebetween. The monitoring apparatus includes a rewritable tag for prescribing a condition for issuing a transmission request command with respect to an external equipment deterioration diagnosis and a command issuing part issues a transmission request command required for the external equipment deterioration diagnosis with reference to the tag. A preferable data logging operation is carried out properly without any PLC operation. |
| US08165698B2 |
Face mask
A face mask for cleansing of facial skin. The face mask 100 comprises two or more electrodes 22, 23 to which an electric cleansing signal generated by a cleansing signal generator of the face mask is conveyable, the electrodes provided in the face mask 100 being arranged as electrode pairs 24 which comprise a positive electrode 22 and a negative electrode 23 such that all electrode pairs 24 reside in the face mask 100 substantially in the facial area. The face mask is characterized in that the outer edge of the face mask 100 has an edge portion 101 provided with gripping means 120 for fitting the face mask onto the skin of a user of the face mask. |
| US08165694B2 |
Thermal management of implantable medical devices
Systems and techniques for thermal management of implantable medical devices. In one aspect an implantable device includes an active component configured to perform medical activities, a charging component configured to convert energy from outside a body in which the implantable device is implanted into potential energy, and a thermal barrier between the charging component and the active portion. The thermal barrier thermally isolates the charging component from the active portion so that thermal resistance between the charging component and the active component is above the thermal resistance between the charging component and the body. |
| US08165689B1 |
Methods and systems of compensating for a disabled electrode
An exemplary method of compensating for a disabled electrode within an array of electrodes includes selecting at least two non-adjacent electrodes surrounding the disabled electrode and simultaneously applying stimulation current to the at least two non-adjacent electrodes. The stimulation current is configured to generate a pitch associated with the disabled electrode. Corresponding systems for compensating for a disabled electrode are also described. |
| US08165688B2 |
Frequency analyzer for MEMS based cochlear implant with self power supply
Disclosed is a frequency analyzer for a MEMS based cochlear implant with self power supply. The frequency analyzer for a MEMS based cochlear implant includes: an upper structure including a first substrate, and a nano wire contact portion formed under the first substrate and coated with a high conductivity metal; and a lower structure including a second substrate having a space filled with a fluid and an upper portion of which is opened, a membrane formed on the fluid filled in the space of the second substrate, a first electrode formed on the membrane, and a nano wire formed on the first electrode and having the piezoelectric characteristics related to an arbitrary direction in which the nano wire is grown. |
| US08165683B2 |
Method and apparatus for detection of nervous system disorders
Systems and methods for detecting and/or treating nervous system disorders, such as seizures. Certain embodiments of the invention relate generally to implantable medical devices (IMDs) adapted to detect and treat nervous system disorders in patients with an IMD. Certain embodiments of the invention include detection of seizures based upon comparisons of long-term and short-term representations of physiological signals. Other embodiments include prediction of seizure activity based upon analysis of physiological signal levels. An embodiment of the invention monitors the quality of physiological signals, and may be able to compensate for signals of low signal quality. A further embodiment of the invention includes detection of seizure activity following the delivery of therapy. |
| US08165681B2 |
Method for blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials while other tissue is being therapeutically activated
A desired effect is produced by therapeutically activating tissue at a first site within a patient's body and a corresponding undesired side effect is reduced by blocking activation of tissue or conduction of action potentials at a second site within the patient's body by applying high frequency stimulation and/or direct current pulses at or near the second site. Time-varying DC pulses may be used before or after a high frequency blocking signal. The high frequency stimulation may begin before and continue during the therapeutic activation. The high frequency stimulation may begin with a relatively low amplitude, and the amplitude may be gradually increased. The desired effect may be promotion of micturition or defecation and the undesired side effect may be sphincter contraction. |
| US08165674B2 |
Methods and apparatus to increase secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones
A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones ANP and BNP such as by stimulation of the heart atria. Heart pacing is done at an atrial contraction rate that is increased and can be higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing may include mechanical distension of the right atrial appendage. An implantable device is used to periodically cyclically stretch the walls of the appendage with an implanted balloon. |
| US08165668B2 |
Method for magnetic modulation of neural conduction
Methods and related systems for modulating neural activity by repetitively blocking conduction in peripheral neural structures with magnetic stimuli are disclosed. Methods and systems for reversing effects of blocking stimuli and/or for producing substantially permanent conduction block are also disclosed. |
| US08165667B2 |
Methods and systems for optimizing exercise compliance diagnostic parameters
A medical device detects certain patient activity based on a programmable activity threshold and determines the duration of detected activity. The activity threshold may be optimized by obtaining first and second duration measurements for at least one of a first activity session and second activity session. The first duration measurement is based on the activity threshold, while the second duration measurement is based on actual start and stop of the activity session. An adjustment of the activity threshold is suggested based on a correspondence between the first duration measurement and the second duration measurement of the first activity session, or a correspondence between the first duration measurement and the second duration measurement of the second activity session. One of the first and second activities is non-significant activity expected to be undetected by the device, while the other of the two activities is low-level activity expected to be detected by the device. |
| US08165666B1 |
System and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information
An example system and method of reconstructing cardiac activation information are disclosed. A first cardiac signal and a second cardiac signal are processed via a computing device to determine whether there is a point of change in a derivative of the first cardiac signal with respect to a derivative of the second cardiac signal above a threshold. An activation onset time is assigned in the first cardiac signal at the point of change to define cardiac activation indicating a beat in the first cardiac signal if it is determined that the point of change is above the threshold. |
| US08165664B1 |
Systems and methods for increased specificity in diagnostics
Specific embodiments provided herein relate to diagnosing, with improved specificity, occurrences of episodes relating to disorders that are known to affect T-wave morphology. One or more propensity metric is obtained, each of which is indicative of a patient's propensity for a specific disorder that is known to affect T-wave morphology. T-wave variability is monitored. Additionally, there is monitoring for a specific change in T-wave morphology that is known to be indicative of episodes relating to a disorder. When the specific change in T-wave morphology is detected, a diagnosis is determined for detecting the specific change in T-wave morphology, taking into account the propensity metric(s) and the T-wave variability. |
| US08165663B2 |
Vasculature and lymphatic system imaging and ablation
In an embodiment, an untethered device includes one or more first energy sources configured to provide energy to elicit one or more image responses associated with one or more blood vessels or lymph vessels. The device includes one or more sensors configured to capture the one or more image responses. Control circuitry is provided and coupled to the sensors for at least partially identifying one or more targets at least partially based on the captured one or more image responses. One or more inserts are provided, which are configured to be disposed in the one or more blood vessels or lymph vessels, and slow or trap the blood vessels or lymph vessels therein. One or more second energy sources are provided for ablating the one or more targets when they are slowed or trapped by the one or more inserts. |
| US08165659B2 |
Modeling method and apparatus for use in surgical navigation
A modeling method for use in surgical navigation is provided. The method acquires a finite number of pre-defined points from a patient's bone and registers the points with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system generates and displays a three-dimensional image of a warped bone model that is manipulatable and accurate in at least the locations of the points taken and can be used to calculate the locations of bone cuts, implant positions and sizes, as well as display all of this information on the three-dimensional warped model. |
| US08165654B2 |
Textile structure for detecting body surface electrical signals of human and signal detector using the same
A textile structure for detecting body surface electrical signals of human is provided. The textile structure includes a non-conductive textile, a conductive textile, and a plurality of test terminals. The non-conductive textile covers the human body. The conductive textile has a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is interdigitated into but not electrically coupled to the third region. The first to third test terminals are respectively coupled to the first to third regions of the conductive textile. The first and second test terminals are used for detecting ECG signals. The first and third test terminals are used for detecting respiratory signals. |
| US08165645B2 |
Mobile communication terminal case and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a mobile communication terminal case including: a case body of a mobile communication terminal having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a via hole formed through the first surface and the second surface; a conductive pattern provided on the first surface of the case body; a carrier film provided on the first surface of the case body to cover the conductive pattern; and conductive epoxy filling the via hole and having one end thereof in contact with the conductive pattern. |
| US08165644B2 |
Server initiated power mode switching in portable communication devices
In a process, a power mode indicator is transmitted from a content server and is received by a Portable Communication Device (PCD). The indicator is indicative of a power mode potentially available to a circuit block in the PCD. The circuit block exhibits different levels of power consumption when operated in different power modes and is operated in the indicated power mode in response to the received power mode indicator. The content server may be a stream server. The circuit block may be operated in the power mode to receive/process a data stream. |
| US08165643B2 |
Charging cradle
A charging cradle has a rectangular cradle body defined an upper surface, a front surface and two opposite lateral surfaces thereon. An end of the upper surface adjacent to the front surface is formed with a subjacent surface lower than the upper surface and connecting with the upper surface by a first inclined surface. The upper surface has a receiving chamber extending along a front and rear direction. A charging base having a rotation portion defined a rectangular base mounted in the receiving chamber and rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the two lateral surfaces. A rear end of the rectangular base is extended downwards to form a receiving portion. Two opposite sides of the rectangular base have portions adjacent to a front end thereof extended laterally to form resisting portions, free ends of which extend downwards to form holding plates located at two opposite sides of the cradle body. |
| US08165640B2 |
Systems and methods for providing remote incoming call notification for cellular phones
The present invention provides a remote notification to a user of a cellular, or mobile, phone as the result of a particular activity or any activity at all (e.g., an incoming call from a particular person, group, or just an incoming call). In one embodiment, a sensing device is provided on the cellular phone that communicates/routes an alert to a remote notification device. In one economical embodiment, the notification device may have a short wire-based communication channel (e.g., roughly 1 foot to 5 feet) and only have a single output device (e.g., a light-emitting device). Thus, a woman may be able to quietly receive notifications of a cell phone event when her cell phone is stored in her purse. |
| US08165633B2 |
Passive interface and software configuration for portable devices
A universal passive interface for connecting external systems to smart devices such as cell phones and PDAs. The passive system includes a cradle for receiving a compatible smart device that connects the functionality of the smart device to a wide variety of external systems (e.g., printers, large display, input devices, etc.). The passive interface includes a USB hub, network port, and other common connector ports for peripherals and other systems. The smart device can connect to the passive system via the cradle slot, a tether, and/or wirelessly. The external systems to which the passive system serves at the interface to the smart device include, but are not limited to, large displays (e.g., television), external monitors, input devices such as mice and keyboards, external storage devices, and networks (wired and/or wireless). A wizard allows the user to configure the external systems to work with the smart device. |
| US08165631B2 |
Sharing a radio frequency interface resource
Applications may seek access to a radio frequency interface resource on a processor-based system that exceeds the available capacity of that resource. When more than one application needs access to an RF interface resource at the same time and the available capacity of the RF interface resource does not permit all these requests to be granted, contention resolution may be provided. In one embodiment, the contention resolution may involve determining the priority of each application seeking RF interface resource access and granting access based on that priority. |
| US08165630B1 |
Communication device
The communication device which includes a voice communicating means, an automobile controlling means, a caller ID means, a call blocking means, an auto time adjusting means, a calculating means, a word processing means, a startup software means, a stereo audio data output means, a digital camera means, a multiple language displaying means, a caller's information displaying means, a communication device remote controlling means, a shortcut icon displaying means, an audio/video data capturing means, and a navigation means. |
| US08165629B2 |
Base station for electronic apparatus
The present invention provides a base station for an electronic apparatus. The base station includes a main body, a groove, a verifier and at least one motor. The main body is an empty body and accommodates the at least one motor. The groove is defined in the middle of the main body. The verifier is on one side of the main body. The groove accommodates two plates and at least one arc spring. Each arc spring is connected to the two plates. At least one screw is fixed on one plate. Each screw is connected to one motor through a corresponding screw hole. The number of motors, screws and holes are the same. The base station clamps the electronic apparatus between the two plates. |
| US08165627B2 |
User hand detection for wireless devices
A method for determining whether a wireless device is being held comprising: activating a vibration motor in the wireless device to vibrate the wireless device for a predetermined period; receiving at least one acceleration measurement from an accelerometer in the wireless device during the predetermined period; and comparing the at least one acceleration measurement to at least one stored acceleration measurement, the at least one stored acceleration measurement corresponding to a held wireless device. |
| US08165625B2 |
Mobile communication device capable of performing group communication between a cellular communication system and a VoIP system
A mobile communication apparatus capable of performing group communication between a cellular communication system and a VoIP system includes a first wireless communication module for processing signals of a cellular network corresponding to the cellular communication system, a second wireless communication module for processing signals of a WLAN corresponding to the VoIP system, and a control module coupled to the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module, for establishing voice communications with the cellular network and the WLAN through the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module, and for exchanging signals of the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module when the mobile communication apparatus operates in a first operation mode. |
| US08165624B2 |
Case for an electronic device with a wireless communication function and method for forming the same
A method for forming a case of an electronic device with a wireless communication function includes: (a) providing a pair of outer prepreg layers, each containing a fiber that permits permeation of an electromagnetic wave; (b) providing a plurality of inner prepreg layers, each of which includes: a first prepreg sheet that contains a first fiber, which permits permeation of an electromagnetic wave; and a second prepreg sheet containing a second fiber that prevents permeation of an electromagnetic wave and that has a strength higher than that of the first fiber; (c) stacking and pressing the inner prepreg layers to obtain an inner laminate; (d) disposing the inner laminate between the outer prepreg layers; and (e) forming the outer prepreg layers and the inner laminate in a mold. A case for an electronic device with a wireless communication function is also disclosed. |
| US08165616B2 |
Communication device, base station, method of communication, and communication system
The MS detects a difference in timing or frequency between a reference signal being any one of the received signals from a plurality of BSs and each of the other received signals, notifies the results of detection to BSs other than the source BS of the reference signal, and the BSs other than the source BS of the reference signal control the timing or frequency of transmission of the signal to be received by other MSs other than the MS on the basis of the results of the detection. |
| US08165612B2 |
Methods and apparatus for accessing computer network accessible service applications via a mobile terminal
Methods and systems for accessing computer network accessible services, such as internet based service applications, via a mobile terminal of a mobile telecommunication system using a mediation layer between a person's mobile terminal and the IT world. The mobile terminal in response to receiving user inputs interacts with this mediation layer via text messages. The mediation layer turns around and executes the appropriate IT services on behalf of the mobile terminal user. |
| US08165610B2 |
Interactive message service system and its method
The present invention relates to a system and method of transmitting text messages to and from mobile phones. In further detail, the invention presents an interactive message service (IMS) system and related methods that are characterized by composing the inquiring party's message in a multiple-choice question format; and by sending back the inquiring party a text message specifying the responding party's choice, which is made by pressing the numeric key corresponding to the choice, if and when the responding party makes a choice. |
| US08165609B2 |
Storage and access of digital content
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method, comprising providing a first communications channel to transmit digital content to a notes-access application for storage against a particular user, the first communications channel being selected from the group consisting of an SMS channel, an MMS channel, a fax channel, an e-mail channel, and an IM channel; responsive to receiving digital content from said user via the first communications channel storing said digital content in the database associated with said notes-access application; and providing a second communications channel to the notes-access application whereby the digital content stored by the notes-access application against said user is provided to said user, the second communications channel being selected from the group consisting of an SMS channel, an MMS channel, a fax channel, an e-mail channel, and an IM channel. |
| US08165603B2 |
Personal location code
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for receiving a request from a requestor to locate a user. The request identifies a personal location code (PLC) for the user. It is determined if the request is allowed based on the PLC. If the request is allowed, the current location of the user is obtained based on the location of one or more devices associated with the user. The current location of the device is then provided to the requestor. |
| US08165602B2 |
System and method for providing location based services in a mobile communication system
In a method for providing Location Based Services (LBS) in a mobile communication system, upon receipt of a location trigger at an LS for requesting location information of an MS from a location client, the LS transmits an authentication request message for requesting an ID of an Anchor Authenticator (AA) for the MS to an Authorization, Authentication and Accounting server (AAA), which transmits an authentication response message to the LS. The LS transmits an LCID request message for requesting an LCID of an LC for the MS to the AA, which AA transmits an initiate MS paging request message to an APC. The APC detects a serving LC of the MS and transmits an LCID to the AA, which transmits an LCID response message to the LS, which transmits an MS location report request message to the serving LC. The LC transmits an MS location report response message to the LS. |
| US08165597B2 |
Method and apparatus to facilitate partitioning use of wireless communication resources amongst base stations
A central controller (300) receives (201), from each of a plurality of base stations certain operating information. This operating information can comprise, for example, a self-identifier, information regarding allowed wireless distance coverage, identifiers for neighboring ones of the plurality of base stations, information regarding wireless distances to neighboring base station, or loading information. This operating information is used (202) to form adjacency information regarding the plurality of base stations. This adjacency information is then used (203) (along, for example, with the aforementioned loading information) to develop a resource allocation plan as pertains to the resources. This plan is then communicated (204) to the plurality of base stations such that the latter can utilize the plan to thereby partition use of the plurality of resources to support communication needs of the base stations while avoiding undue interference with respect to the use of such resources. |
| US08165595B2 |
System and method for multi-stage antenna training of beamforming vectors
A system and method for multi-stage antenna training of beamforming vectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises a method of acquiring a beamforming pattern in a wireless communication system, the method comprising receiving a first plurality of signals having different transceiver sector patterns, measuring first indicators of link quality corresponding to the first plurality of signals, selecting at least one transceiver sector pattern based on the first indicators of link quality, receiving a second plurality of signals having different transceiver beam patterns, each transceiver beam pattern associated with the selected at least one transceiver sector pattern, measuring second indicators of link quality corresponding to the second plurality of signals, and selecting at least one transceiver beam pattern based on the second measures of link quality. |
| US08165594B2 |
Resource allocation, scheduling, and signaling for grouping real time services
The present invention is a method and apparatus for resource allocation signaling for grouping user real time services. Uplink signaling for voice activity reporting of each user's transition between an active state and an inactive voice state is sent from a wireless transmit/receive unit to a Node B. Radio resource allocation to users of a wireless communication system varies based on user measurement reporting, a pre-determined pattern such as frequency hopping, or a pseudorandom function. Grouping methods are adjusted to better utilize the voice activity factor, so that statistical multiplexing can be used to more efficiently utilize physical resources. |
| US08165589B2 |
Wireless terminal, wireless communication system and method for controling wireless terminal to switch between networks in wireless communication system
The invention provides a mobile terminal having a first network module for connecting to a wireless wide area network (WWAN) and a second network module for connecting to a wireless local area network (WLAN). The WWAN and the WLAN connect to a control center. The mobile terminal connects to the WLAN and detects a WWAN signal level of a WWAN signal transmitted by the WWAN and a WLAN signal level of a WLAN signal of a WLAN signal transmitted by the WLAN. The mobile terminal calculates a modified signal level according to a first compensation value and the WLAN signal level and sends the modified signal level and the WWAN signal level to the control center. If the modified signal level is smaller than a first threshold and the WWAN signal level is greater than a second threshold, the control center sends a switch command to the mobile terminal and the mobile terminal switches the connection from the WLAN to the WWAN. |
| US08165588B2 |
Frame structures, method and apparatus for resource allocation in wireless communications system based on full duplex replay
Frame structures, a method and an apparatus for resource allocation in a wireless communication system based on a full duplex relay are provided. The method for a centralized resource allocation in the wireless communication system based on the full duplex relay includes receiving channel information from a plurality of mobile stations (MSs) and relay stations (RSs); scheduling radio resources for a link between a base station (BS) and the MS and a link between the BS and the RS using the channel quality; constituting a first radio resource region for the link between the BS and the RS and a second radio resource region for the link between the BS and the MS; and scheduling radio resource for a link between the RS and the MS by reusing the first radio resource region. The relay link resource is reused in the full-duplex relay structure, and the system capacity can be raised by minimizing the interference in the resource utilization. |
| US08165582B2 |
Reducing occurrence of user equipment registration expiry during calls
Methods, systems, User Equipment (UE), and computer readable medium for reducing the occurrence of UE registration expiry are provided. A method of reducing the occurrence of UE registration expiry during calls includes registering a UE with a network for a registration period, determining a re-registration threshold time period, comparing a duration of a remaining portion of the registration period at a particular time with the re-registration threshold time period, and attempting to re-register the UE with the network for a further registration period if the remaining portion is less than or equal to the re-registration threshold time period, wherein the determining of the re-registration threshold time period includes at least one of setting the threshold time period to a value greater than 600 seconds, determining the threshold time period according to a remaining talk time of the UE at the particular time, determining the threshold time period according to a state of the UE at the particular time, determining the threshold time period according to a duration of at least one previous call made by the UE, determining the threshold time period according to a statistical parameter of a plurality of calls made by the UE, determining the threshold time period according to a statistical parameter of a plurality of calls made by at least one UE, determining the threshold time period according to a predefined maximum call duration, and determining the threshold time period independently of a length of the registration period. |
| US08165580B1 |
Cell selecting apparatus and cell selecting method
A cell selection apparatus is used in the environment in which multiple communication systems coexists and at least one of the communication systems use guard intervals inserted in the transmission signal. The apparatus includes delay profile creation means (722) for creating a delay profile from a received radio signal and detecting amplitudes and timing of multipath arriving waves; comparison means (728) for comparing at least one delay quantity of the multipath arriving waves with a guard interval of a signal used in at least one of said multiple communication systems; and determination means (730) for determining a cell provided by one of the communication systems to which a mobile terminal is to be connected based on the comparison result. |
| US08165578B2 |
Method and system for improving the spectral efficiency of a data communication link
An apparatus for communicating between a mobile device, and a plurality of transceivers. The apparatus includes a first transceiver which transmits to the mobile device on any one of a plurality of channels. The apparatus further includes a second transceiver which transmits to the mobile device on any one of the plurality of channels. |
| US08165577B2 |
Pilot signal transmission management
A base station is configured to reduce interference with other base stations and/or devices in a multi-cell wireless network. The base station includes a wireless interface, detector and controller. To reduce interference, the wireless interface may provide services to a first wireless communication device (WCD) using a pilot signal emitted from the base station at a reduced power level. In the reduced pilot signal mode, when the detector detects a second WCD within the base station's service area, the controller increases the pilot signal's power level above the reduced power level in order to establish communications with the second WCD. Upon successfully connecting to the first and second WCDs, the base station may again reduce the pilot signal's power level to reduce interference with other base stations or wireless devices. |
| US08165576B2 |
Method and system for extending services to cellular devices
A system is provide for extending services to cellular devices. The system includes a wireless gateway having a client side with an intelligent client agent and a server side with an intelligent server agent, a wireless device having a first mode operable in a cellular system and a second mode operable in a wireless local area network and including an intelligent client agent for determining operation mode and for communicating with the intelligent client agent of the wireless gateway and a communications protocol for communication between the wireless gateway intelligent client agent and the wireless device intelligent client agent to effect services. The services include one or more of voice, directory, presence, and media services. The voice service includes at least one of call waiting, call forwarding conferencing, and caller identification. The media service includes at least one of interactive voice response (IVR), text-to-speech, speech recognition, play, record. The directory service includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) directory, a cellular network directory, an Internet directory and a private branch exchange (PBX) directory. The communications protocol includes encapsulation for at least one of directory, mobility and security services and other protocols. The other protocols include at least one of Internet protocol (IP), session initiation protocol (SIP), and lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP). |
| US08165572B1 |
Methods and systems for call processing in a wireline and wireless network
Methods and systems are described for routing call in a wireless network environment. In one embodiment, a phone address is assigned to a subscriber and/or a subscriber's mobile telecommunications device. A call directed to the phone address is routed to a call processing system. An outbound call from the call processing system is placed to a wireless communication service provider so as to cause, at least in part, the wireless communication service provider to route the outbound call to the subscriber's mobile telecommunications device, wherein the call processing system configures call signaling parameters associated with the outbound call so that the outbound call appears to be to a phone number ported to the wireless communication service provider, and wherein the phone number has not been ported to the wireless communication service provider. The outbound call is bridged with the inbound call. |
| US08165566B2 |
Functionality distribution for a mobile endpoint
In an embodiment, a method includes identifying a first component device of a plurality of component devices in a communication network and determining that the first component device is operable to perform a first function of a plurality of functions associated with a mobile endpoint. The method also includes distributing the first function from the mobile endpoint to the first component device in response to determining that the first component device is operable to perform a first function of the plurality of functions associated with the mobile endpoint. |
| US08165564B2 |
Emotional communication between portable equipments
The present invention relates to a possibility of communicating emotional information between a first and a second portable equipment. A first portable equipment for communication in a wireless communication system comprises an input portion adapted to receive information input by a user, an editing portion adapted to edit settings of a second portable equipment in response to a user input and to generate corresponding setting information, and a transmitting portion adapted to transmit setting information generated by the editing portion to the second portable equipment in said wireless communication system. A second portable equipment for communication in a wireless communication system comprises a receiving portion adapted to receive setting information from the first portable equipment in a wireless communication system, and a control portion adapted to change settings of the second portable equipment depending on received setting information and to output an indication signal to a user to the changed settings. |
| US08165557B1 |
Frequency down-conversion system using arrays of coupled non-linear elements
A system includes at least a first array connected to a second array. The first array includes an odd number, greater than one, of unidirectionally-coupled non-linear first array elements. The second array includes an odd number, greater than one, of unidirectionally-coupled non-linear second array elements. The second array elements are unidirectionally-coupled in a direction opposite the coupling direction of the second array elements. The first array is configured to receive an input signal and down-convert the input signal. The second array is configured to receive the down-converted input signal, further down-convert the down-converted input signal, and output a down-converted output signal. The down-converted output signal is down-converted to a multiple of the frequency of the input signal proportional to the number of arrays of the system. The system may operate at frequencies greater than 1 GHz and may be contained in a microchip or on a printed circuit board. |
| US08165556B2 |
High dynamic range time-varying integrated receiver for elimination of off-chip filters
A receiver circuit includes an amplifier, an output impedance, and a mixer. The amplifier is arranged to generate an amplifier output. The mixer has an input and an output respectively coupled to the amplifier and the output impedance. The output impedance sets frequency selectivity provided at the input of the mixer, and the mixer is arranged to down-convert a signal derived from the amplifier output and accordingly generate a down-converted signal at the output of the mixer for further signal processing. |
| US08165552B2 |
Method and system for identifying radio frequency identification (RFID) tag location using a switchable coil
Aspects of a method and system for identifying a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag location using a switchable coil are presented. Aspects of the systems may include one or more processors that enable selection of an inductor coil from a plurality of inductor coils. The selection of the inductor coil may be based on a change in an electromagnetic field, with respect to an initial electromagnetic field, as detected by the selected inductor coil. The processors may enable transmission of a signal, having a transmitter frequency in the UHF frequency band, via the selected inductor coil. |
| US08165547B2 |
Apparatus and method for acquiring synchronization to support multi-frequency in mobile communication terminal
An apparatus and a method for acquiring synchronization to support multi-frequency in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a frequency generator, a control signal generator and at least two modems for operating respective Frequency Allocations (FAs) by sharing the frequency generator and the control signal generator. In an embodiment, the frequency generator respectively receives first reference frequency clock signals from an oscillator of each of the at least two modems and generates a second reference frequency clock signal and the control signal generator outputs a signal for controlling the oscillator of each of the at least two modems according to a frequency offset value estimated in each of the at least two modems. |
| US08165546B2 |
Communicating radio presets between a portable media player and an accessory
Radio station presets lists can be communicated between a portable media device and an accessory. A radio station presets list can include a listing of radio stations associated with a particular location. The portable media device can determine a current location, select a presets list for the current location (or create a new presets list for the location), and communicate the presets list to the accessory. The portable media device can, periodically or upon request from the accessory, update its location and send a new presets list, if available, to the accessory. After the portable media device and the accessory are disconnected, the accessory can resume using its own presets list. |
| US08165545B2 |
Terminal for use in a wireless communication system and a method of operation thereof
A terminal (200) and method for operation thereof for use in a wireless communication system (100), the terminal including a plurality of antennas (215, 235, 255) and a plurality of receiver chains (217, 237, 257) each including an associated one of the antennas, the terminal being operable to receive a signal including a plurality of time divided portions including a first portion (303) and a second portion (304), characterized in that the terminal is operable in a manner such each of the plurality of receiver chains is active when the first portion of the signal is being received and at least one of the receiver chains is inactive when the second portion of the signal is being received. |
| US08165543B2 |
Power amplifier adjustment for transmit beamforming in multi-antenna wireless systems
One or more beamsteering matrices are applied to a plurality of signals to be transmitted via multiple antennas. The plurality of signals are provided to a plurality of power amplifiers coupled to the multiple antennas after applying the one or more beamsteering matrices to the plurality of signals. Signal energies are determined for the plurality of signals provided to the plurality of power amplifiers, and output power levels of the plurality of power amplifiers are adjusted based on the determined signal energies. |
| US08165534B2 |
Unscheduled protocols for switched antenna arrays
In an example embodiment, an apparatus, comprising a first wireless transceiver, a first directional antenna coupled to the first wireless transceiver, a second wireless transceiver, a second directional antenna coupled to the second wireless transceiver, and control logic coupled to the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver. The first wireless transceiver and second wireless transceiver can concurrently receive wireless signals that are spatially separated. The first wireless transceiver asserts a signal while communicating with another wireless device. The control logic is configured to prevent the second wireless transceiver from transmitting while the first wireless transceiver is asserting the signal. |
| US08165533B2 |
Apparatus and method for beamforming based on generalized eigen-analysis in multiple input multiple output wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for beamforming in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) wireless communication system are provided. A Base Station (BS) includes a calculator for generating relational expressions between beamforming vectors of Mobile Stations (MSs) using channel information of each MS, for determining beamforming vector candidates of each MS from the relational expressions using generalized Eigen-analysis, and for selecting beamforming vectors for each MS from the beamforming vector candidates, and a plurality of Transmit (Tx) beamformers for performing Tx beamforming on dedicated pilot symbols to be transmitted to each MS using the beamforming vectors for each MS. |
| US08165526B2 |
Apparatus and method for connecting wireless devices
Provided are a connecting apparatus for a wireless device and a connecting method thereof, more particularly, a connecting apparatus for a wireless device, which exchanges basic information required for establishing a wireless communication channel between wireless devices through a contact surface interface on which the wireless devices physically contact each other, registers the basis information respectively in the wireless devices, and completes setting of a communication protocol while the wireless devices contact each other, and a connecting method thereof. Therefore, since basic information for communications is automatically exchanged between wireless devices and registered respectively in the wireless devices through a contact interface, it is possible to easily and conveniently connect the wireless devices wirelessly. |
| US08165521B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting relay mode of relay station in multihop relay broadband wireless communication system
A method for selecting a relay mode depending on channel status of relay links in a multihop relay broadband wireless communication system and a Relay Station (RS) apparatus for supporting the method. When signals are received from a Base Station (BS) and a Mobile Station (MS), channel status values (e.g., eigenvalue, mutual information, and probability error) of relay links (BS-RS link and RS-MS link) are estimated using the received signals. The estimated channel status values are compared with a preset reference value. According to a result of the comparison, the relay mode for relaying the received signals is selected. Accordingly, the reliability of the relayed signal can be enhanced and the capacity of the signal link can be increased. |
| US08165517B2 |
Methods for identifying inhibitors of vascular injury
The present invention provides, inter alia, inhibitors of cardiovascular diseases and disorders. The present invention also provides therapeutic methods for preventing and/or treating cardiovascular diseases and disorders. Further, the present invention provides methods of identifying inhibitors of cardiovascular diseases and disorders as well as model systems suitable for identifying such inhibitors as well as methods and compositions for detecting and/or diagnosing cardiovascular diseases and disorders. |
| US08165505B2 |
Developer cartridge adapted to restrict leakage of developer
A developer cartridge includes a developer storing portion that stores a developer and has a first opening for taking out the developer, and a shutter member slidably mounted to the developer storing portion so as to open and close the first opening. The shutter member has a resilient-member-fixing portion to which a resilient member is fixed for preventing leakage of the developer through between the shutter member and the developer storing portion. A deflectable part is provided on at least one of the resilient-member-fixing portion and a peripheral portion of the first opening of the developer storing portion. |
| US08165504B2 |
Toner cartridge guide unit having toner cartridge lifting unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A toner cartridge guiding unit includes a guide frame to guide mounting of a toner cartridge, and having a toner feed hole formed opposite to a toner discharge hole of the toner cartridge, a toner sealing member attached to the proximity of the toner feed hole, and a lifting unit to raise the toner cartridge so that the toner cartridge does not interfere with the toner sealing member during mounting. Because the toner sealing member is not damaged by the repeated mounting and demounting of the toner cartridge, toner is supplied efficiently from the toner cartridge, without leaking towards the guide frame. |
| US08165501B2 |
Image forming apparatus having cleaning unit fixed to drawer
There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main body, a drawer, an image forming unit, a belt unit and a cleaning unit. The drawer is movably supported to the main body and configured to be pulled out from an interior of the main body. The image forming unit is supported on the drawer and has photosensitive drums arrayed in line in a direction for forming an image on a recording medium. The belt unit is disposed in opposition to each of the photosensitive drums and extends in the direction. The cleaning unit is fixed to the drawer and is disposed at a side the same as the image forming unit with respect to the belt unit, such that the cleaning unit is pulled out integrally with the image forming unit from the main body. |
| US08165499B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a first coupling and a second coupling
A unit detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly is provided with a coupling for receiving a rotational driving force from the apparatus main assembly. Also the apparatus main assembly is provided with a coupling to be engaged with the coupling of the unit. At least one of these couplings can be pushed in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft and one of the couplings is provided with an inclined surface. During mounting and demounting of the unit, the engagement between the couplings is released by the pushing in of one of the couplings pushed by the inclined surface. |
| US08165493B2 |
Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge that is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a drum unit supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing unit supporting a developing roller. The developing unit is movable relative to the drum unit between a contacting position in which the developing roller is contacted to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a spaced position in which the developing roller is spaced from the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge further includes a positioning portion and a space maintaining member, with the space maintaining member retracting from the positioning portion to move the developing unit from the spaced position to the contacting position. |
| US08165482B2 |
Image forming apparatus with failure detection and control method therefor
An image forming apparatus that enables to continue an operation so that electric power consumption does not exceed a power supply capacity even if an electric current sensor breaks down. A temperature detection unit detects a temperature of a fixing unit that fixes a developed image transferred to sheet material. A failure detection unit detects whether an electric current detection unit that detects an electric current from a commercial power source breaks down. A control unit determines a fixing electric power supplied to the fixing unit based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit; and changes the determined fixing electric power so that the electric power consumption does not exceed a limit value and so as not to exceed a predetermined electric power without using an output of the electric current detection unit when the failure detection unit detects a failure of the electric current detection unit. |
| US08165475B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing clipping in multichannel modulated optical systems
A system for reducing clipping may be used between a multichannel RF source and a laser to reduce or correct clipping that might occur in the laser as a result of negative spikes or peaks in a multichannel RF signal. The system generally includes a clipping correction circuit that receives the multichannel RF signal and responsive to the RF signal, prevents one or more of the negative peaks in the RF signal from causing clipping. The clipping correction circuit may either detect an envelope of the RF signal and/or may detect one or more peaks in the RF signal. One or more negative peaks may be prevented from causing clipping by adjusting a bias current provided by a bias control circuit and/or by modifying the RF signal with one or more clipping correction pulses coinciding with one or more negative peaks. |
| US08165472B2 |
Apparatus for transmitting and receiving a signal in a visible light communication system
Disclosed herein is a visible light communication system, in which the visible light emitted from the light-emitting element is superposed with a signal in order to accomplish communication. The system has a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a modulation circuit whose the demodulating mode can be changed during the communication in accordance with the state of the visible light. The receiver receives the visible light emitted from the transmitter and has a demodulation circuit that demodulates the modulated signal received from the transmitter. |
| US08165470B2 |
Wavelength selecting switch
In a wavelength selecting switch, light output from an input port of an input/output optical system is angularly dispersed according to a wavelength thereof, with a spectral element. Then the lights of respective wavelengths are collected by a light collecting optical system and reflected with a corresponding reflecting mirror of a mirror section. The reflected light corresponding to the angle of the reflecting mirror, is input to an output port at an output destination of the input/output optical system. The respective output ports of the input/output optical system each have a lens coupled to an end face of an optical fiber, and the lens has a structure where a focal length of a first region corresponding to inside a variable range of attenuation is different from a focal length of a second region corresponding to outside the variable range. As a result, a change in intensity of output light (coupling efficiency) at the time of an angle change of the reflecting mirror, and cross talk to an adjacent port can be reduced simultaneously. |
| US08165467B2 |
Optical transmission system and optical node
Where an integrated monitoring and controlling unit is to control an optical add-drop unit so as to cause transmit signals from the optical transceiver of a first optical node to be received by the optical transceivers of plural different optical nodes, this purpose can be achieved by an optical transmission system provided with an alarm inhibiting device that can inhibit the optical transceiver, which is a source of transmission, from issuing any unexpected alarm. |
| US08165465B2 |
Apparatus and method of controlling tap coefficient of transversal filer, optical receiver apparatus, and optical communication system
An apparatus includes an oscillator circuit configured to generate a certain oscillation signal, an adder configured to add the oscillation signal to the tap coefficient of any of one or more taps of the transversal filter, a signal-quality measurer configured to measure a signal quality of a signal output from the transversal filter, and a tap-coefficient adjuster configured to control the value of the tap coefficient so that an optimal amount of shift in the signal quality of the output signal is achieved when the oscillation signal is added to the tap coefficient. |
| US08165463B2 |
Zoom optical system and electronic imaging apparatus using the same
An electronic imaging apparatus has a zoom optical system in which the most object-side lens unit A includes one biconcave-shaped negative lens component, each of air-contact-surfaces of which is configured as an aspherical surface, and when the magnification of the zoom optical system is changed in the range from a wide-angle position to a telephoto position, the lens unit A is moved back and forth along the optical axis in such a way that the lens unit A is initially moved toward the image side, and an electronic imaging unit that has an electronic image sensor so that image data picked up by the electronic image sensor are electrically processed and can be output as image data whose format is changed. In this case, in nearly infinite object point focusing, the zoom optical system satisfies the following condition: 0.7 |
| US08165462B2 |
Shake correction module for photographing apparatus and photographing apparatus including the same
A shake correction module for a photographing apparatus, and a photographing apparatus including the same are provided. The module includes a base plate; a slider member disposed on the base plate so as to be able to move on the base plate, and accommodating an imaging element; a drive member generating a driving force so as to move the slider member; and a friction-reducing element disposed between the base plate and the slider member so as to reduce friction between the slider member and the base plate. |
| US08165457B2 |
Recording method, reproducing method, recording apparatus, and reproducing apparatus of digital stream
According to one embodiment, this invention allows to acquire attribute information of a stream object and to generate it as management information upon recording a digital stream when an MPEG-TS that uses H.264 as a moving picture encoding format is to be recorded. Information is acquired from a component descriptor, a PES packet header, or a sequence parameter set in a program map table included in the digital stream signal, and video attribute information of the object and/or attribute information of the data unit is determined. The object is recorded for each data unit, and management information that manages the recorded is recorded. |
| US08165456B2 |
Data control apparatus, data backup apparatus, and recording medium
A data control apparatus includes: a separating unit for separating material data included in original video and audio files into a used portion and an unused portion, based on editing information indicating the used portion of the material data in the video and audio files, and generating first data including only the used portion and second data including only the unused portion; a connection information generation unit for generating connection information associating information about positions of the first data and the second data in the original video and audio files with information about positions of the first data and the second data on an external recording medium; and a formatting unit for arranging the first data, the second data, the connection information, and the editing information in a predetermined order, and outputting, as backup data, the first data, the second data, the connection information, and the editing information. |
| US08165455B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method, and computer program
Division editing of a movie stream file picked up for a recording application is executed while conforming to a predetermined standard format.When a stream file is divided at an arbitrary division point, a preceding chapter is created by giving padding in an end region of a GOP including the division point in accordance with a length alignment restriction. Furthermore, a first extent of a succeeding chapter is created by copying the GOP including the division point and a GOP immediately succeeding it, a region formed of GOPs after the copied portion is used as a second extent of the succeeding chapter, and padding is given to an end region of the second extent in accordance with the length alignment restriction. |
| US08165454B2 |
Recording control apparatus, recording control method and recording apparatus integral with camera
The present invention efficiently executes a transfer process from a flash memory to an optical disc. A recording control apparatus includes a UDF file system section that configures a UDF file system on the flash file system of a flash memory and an application format section that converts video and audio data into a file group conforming to the DVD application format and manages it on the UDF file system. When copying the data recorded in the flash memory to a DVD, a management information switching section of the apparatus converts the logical addresses of the flash memory into the logical addresses of the DVD. A DVD buffer control section converts the data recorded in an array of 64 Kbytes that is the recording unit of the flash memory into an array of 32 Kbytes that is the recording unit of the DVD and transfers them to the DVD drive. |
| US08165450B2 |
Methods and apparatus for filtering content in a video stream using text data
Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping and/or filtering content from a video stream using text data associated with the video stream. The text data is parsed using metadata to identify portions of the video stream to skip during presentation, and/or to identify portions of the video stream to present to a user. The portions of the video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the video stream, and the filtered video stream is presented to a user. |
| US08165443B2 |
Communication socket
A communication socket comprises a housing including a base portion having a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls and a cover portion. The base portion and the cover portion are detachably engaged with each other. The base portion includes a plurality of knock-off holes for inserting an optical fiber at different positions in the sidewall and/or a plurality of fiber entries for inserting a fiber through the bottom wall. The fiber-connector-mounting portion extends from the base. Each of the fiber-connector-mounting portion includes a spacer for maintaining a fiber connector at a distance away from the bottom wall, and a space for inserting the fiber between the fiber connector and the bottom wall. The volume of the communication socket can be minimized, the integration thereof can be improved, the fiber can enter the communication socket in all directions while the fiber's bend radius is satisfied, and the management on the fiber and cable in the communication socket is effective. |
| US08165442B2 |
System for securing fiber optic devices in management trays
An optical fiber management tray system includes a tray or drawer including a base panel having a number of slots formed in the panel, and a number of retention clips for mounting fiber optic devices of different shapes and dimensions on the panel. Two or more of the clips each has a main body with a different retention portion for enveloping part of a corresponding fiber optic device, and a pair of latch fingers that project from the clip body in the direction of the base panel when the device is enveloped in the retention portion clip and placed at a desired location on the panel. The latch fingers have free ends for engaging edges of the slots in the base panel when the corresponding device is enveloped in the retention clip, thus securing the device at the desired location on the panel. |
| US08165436B2 |
Highly efficient optical gratings with reduced thickness requirements and impedance-matching layers
An optical grating comprising a grating layer and two surface layers, the layers being arranged with the grating layer between the surface layers. The grating layer comprises a set of multiple, discrete, elongated first grating regions that comprise a first dielectric material and are arranged with intervening elongated second grating regions. The bulk refractive index of the dielectric material of the first grating regions is larger than the bulk refractive index of the second grating regions. The first surface layer comprises a first impedance matching layer, and the second surface layer comprises either (i) a second impedance matching layer or (ii) a reflective layer. Each said impedance matching layer is arranged to reduce reflection of an optical signal transmitted through the corresponding surface of the grating layer, relative to reflection of the optical signal in the absence of said impedance matching layer. |
| US08165432B2 |
Internal-reflection optical path changing member
An optical path changing member is assembled at ends of optical fibers and placed to face a substrate including an optical input/output terminal having optical axes inclined with respect to optical axes of the ends. The optical path changing member is made of a transparent material and includes a member body having a reflection surface for optically connecting the ends to the optical input/output terminal. The member body has optical fiber insertion holes and an end placement portion to which the insertion holes are open and in which the end faces of the optical fibers are placed. The reflection surface is formed so that light entering from the end faces of the optical fibers into the member body will be internally reflected toward the optical input/output terminal in the member body. The end placement portion is filled with an adhesive by which the ends are fixed to the member body. |
| US08165431B2 |
Integrated transceiver with lightpipe coupler
A transceiver comprising a CMOS chip and a laser coupled to the chip may be operable to communicate an optical source signal from a semiconductor laser into the CMOS chip. The optical source signal may be used to generate first optical signals that are transmitted from the CMOS chip to optical fibers coupled to the CMOS chip. Second optical signals may be received from the optical fibers and converted to electrical signals via photodetectors in the CMOS chip. The optical source signal may be communicated from the semiconductor laser into the CMOS chip via optical fibers in to a top surface and the first optical signals may be communicated out of a top surface of the CMOS chip. The optical source signal may be communicated into the CMOS chip and the first optical signals may be communicated from the CMOS chip via optical couplers, which may comprise grating couplers. |
| US08165428B2 |
Optical imaging based computer pointing
Methods and systems for optical imaging based computer pointing, including optical imaging based pointing motion and button functionality. Optical image motion information is translated to a computer pointing device data format, and one or more patterns, sequences, or combinations of optical image information are translated to one or more corresponding pointing device button select indications in the pointing device data format. |
| US08165425B2 |
Interactive manual deformable registration of images
An image processing method is described that allows a user to deform an overlay image for the purpose of registration with a source image. The user defines a stretch vector for example by ‘clicking and dragging’ a mouse pointer and an algorithm deforms the overlay image according to a linear interpolated roll-off function. |
| US08165418B2 |
Image processor
In an image processor, a reduced image forming unit forms a reduced image by reducing an original image. The reduced image peripheral average value generating unit generates a peripheral average value for each pixel of the reduced image. The reduced image reflectance component calculating unit calculates a reflectance component indicating a ratio of brightness between each pixel and the peripheral pixels thereof for the each pixel in the reduced image. The frequency distribution generating unit generates a frequency distribution of the frequency of each value of reflectance component calculated by the reduced image reflectance component calculating unit. The representative reflectance component determining unit determines a representative reflectance component based on the frequency distribution. The simplified correcting unit performs a simplified correcting operation for correcting the value of the target pixel in the original image by converting the value of the target pixel to an output value based on the representative reflectance component and the value of the target pixel in the original image. |
| US08165417B2 |
Visual processing device, visual processing method, visual processing program, integrated circuit, display device, image-capturing device, and portable information terminal
The invention provides a visual processing device that has a hardware configuration that does not depend on the visual processing to be achieved. A visual processing device 1 is provided with a spatial processing portion 2 and a visual processing portion 3. The spatial processing portion 2 performs predetermined processing with respect to an input signal IS that has been received as input, and outputs the result as an unsharp signal US. The visual processing portion 3 outputs an output signal OS, which is the input signal IS after visual processing, based on a two-dimensional LUT 4 that lists the relationship between the input signal IS that has been received as input and the unsharp signal US, and the output signal OS. |
| US08165416B2 |
Automatic gain and exposure control using region of interest detection
A region of interest may be determined using any or all of sound source location, multi-person detection, and active speaker detection. An weighted mean may be determined using the region of interest and a set of backlight weight regions, or, only the set of backlight weight regions if a region of interest could not be found. The image mean is compared to a target value to determine if the image mean is greater than or less than the target value within a predetermined threshold. If the image mean is greater than the predetermined target value and predetermined threshold value, the gain and exposure are decreased. If the image mean is lesser than the predetermined target value minus the predetermined threshold value, the gain and exposure are decreased. |
| US08165415B2 |
Image processing system having scaling and sharpness device and method thereof
An image processing system having scaling and sharpness device and method thereof are described. The global frequency detecting unit calculates a vertical frequency level of the input pixels along a vertical direction and a horizontal frequency level along a horizontal direction. The gradient-calculating summation unit calculates a set of gradient brightness levels according to a portion of the input pixels along a set of directions respectively. The threshold-adjusting device adjusts a first threshold and a second threshold based on the relationship of the vertical frequency level and the horizontal frequency level. The image blending device determines a cross-angle direction with the first threshold from the threshold-adjusting device and determines a minimum-angle direction with the second threshold from the threshold-adjusting device, wherein the image blending device generates the first pattern associated with the cross-angle direction and the second pattern associated with the minimum-angle direction and blends the first pattern with the second pattern based on the weighting factor value. |
| US08165413B1 |
Optimizing bounds checking in neighborhood processes
A computer-implemented method for optimizing bounds checking in a structured lattice having a regular pattern of neighboring nodes, includes the steps of: visiting a node in the lattice in a determined order, including bounds checking the node and performing a neighborhood process on the node; when said node is an interior node, calculating a distance k to a specified node in the determined order; visiting the next k nodes in the determined order without performing bounds checking and performing a neighborhood process on each of the next k nodes; and at least one of displaying or storing a result of the neighborhood process for the node. |
| US08165412B2 |
Method for decoding binary image at high speed
A method for decoding a binary image at a high speed, wherein blocks having same pixel values are decoded in clock units, such that a decoding speed increases. The method includes: determining whether a predetermined number of sequential pixels corresponds to any one of a white_run, a black_run, and a combined_run; and if the predetermined number of sequential pixels corresponds to any one of the white_run, the black_run, and the combined_run, decoding the sequential pixels in a block per clock unit. |
| US08165410B2 |
Bags of visual context-dependent words for generic visual categorization
Category context models (64) and a universal context model (62) are generated including sums of soft co-occurrences of pairs of visual words in geometric proximity to each other in training images (50) assigned to each category and assigned to all categories, respectively. Context information (76) about an image to be classified (70) are generated including sums of soft co-occurrences of pairs of visual words in geometric proximity to each other in the image to be classified. For each category (82), a comparison is made of (i) closeness of the context information about the image to be classified with the corresponding category context model and (ii) closeness of the context information about the image to be classified with the universal context model. An image category (92) is assigned to the image to be classified being based on the comparisons. |
| US08165409B2 |
Mobile device identification of media objects using audio and image recognition
A method obtains media on a device, provides identification of an object in the media via image/video recognition and audio recognition, and displays on the device identification information based on the identified media object. |
| US08165408B2 |
Image recognition apparatus utilizing plurality of weak classifiers for evaluating successive sub-images extracted from an input image
The position of a face image within an input image is detected based on results from applying a plurality of weak classifiers in sequence to each of sub-images extracted from the input image. A decision whether to interrupt the sequence and reject a currently extracted sub-image is made based on the sum of a total of weighted decision values obtained up to the current point in the sequence and a total of potential weighted decision values obtainable from the remaining weak classifiers if the extracted sub-image were a face image. |
| US08165405B2 |
Leveraging temporal, contextual and ordering constraints for recognizing complex activities in video
A system (and a method) are disclosed for recognizing and representing activities in a video sequence. The system includes an activity dynamic Bayesian network (ADBN), an object/action dictionary, an activity inference engine and a state output unit. The activity dynamic Bayesian network encodes the prior information of a selected activity domain. The prior information of the selected activity domain describes the ordering, temporal constraints and contextual cues among the expected actions. The object/action dictionary detects activities in each frame of the input video stream, represents the activities hierarchically, and generates an estimated observation probability for each detected action. The activity inference engine estimates a likely activity state for each frame based on the evidence provided by the object/action dictionary and the ADBN. The state output unit outputs the likely activity state generated by the activity inference engine. |
| US08165404B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating document data, and computer program product
In an apparatus for creating document data, an acquiring unit acquires a handwritten figure; and a recognizing unit converts the handwritten figure acquired by the acquiring unit into a specific figure and recognizes a layout including the specific figure as a component as a user-specified layout. A storage unit stores therein data to be inserted into a desired one of a plurality of layout models. A selecting unit selects a layout model similar to the user-specified layout model from among the layout models as a similar layout model; and an inserting unit inserts the data stored in the storage unit into the similar layout model selected by the selecting unit. |
| US08165402B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus and storage medium
An image processing apparatus is configured to precisely perform positioning of a plurality of document images containing a common part and to precisely extract an image of the common part from the plurality of document images. |
| US08165401B2 |
Robust interest point detector and descriptor
Methods and apparatus for operating on images are described, in particular methods and apparatus for interest point detection and/or description working under different scales and with different rotations, e.g. for scale-invariant and rotation-invariant interest point detection and/or description. The present invention can provide improved or alternative apparatus and methods for matching interest points either in the same image or in a different image. The present invention can provide alternative or improved software for implementing any of the methods of the invention. The present invention can provide alternative or improved data structures created by multiple filtering operations to generate a plurality of filtered images as well as data structures for storing the filtered images themselves, e.g. as stored in memory or transmitted through a network. The present invention can provide alternative or improved data structures including descriptors of interest points in images, e.g. as stored in memory or transmitted through a network as well as data structures associating such descriptors with an original copy of the image or an image derived therefrom, e.g. a thumbnail image. |
| US08165392B2 |
Image decoder and image decoding method for decoding color image signal, and image decoding method for performing decoding processing
The present invention makes it possible to include, when encoding processing is applied to three color components using a 4:0:0 format, data for one picture in one access unit and makes it possible to set the same time information or the same set encoding modes among the respective color components. In an image encoding system for applying compression processing to an input image signal including a plurality of color components, encoded data obtained by independently subjecting an input image signal of each of the color components to encoding processing and a parameter indicating which color component the encoded data corresponds to are multiplexed with a bit stream. In an image decoding system for inputting a bit stream in which an image signal including a plurality of color components is compressed to perform decoding processing, decoding processing of the encoded data of each of the color components is performed using a parameter indicating which color component the encoded data corresponds to. |
| US08165390B2 |
Image data processing device and image data processing method
N-band image data are output from an N-band image capture device, being capable of N>4 multiband image capturing, to an image data processing device. An image data evaluation information provision unit provides a determination unit with evaluation information on the basis of the input N-band image data. On the basis of the evaluation information, the determination unit determines whether to set the N-band image data or M-band image data having a smaller band number than the N-band image data as image data to be output. On the basis of a determination result of the determination unit, an output image data selection unit selects either the N-band image data or the M-band image data as the image data to be output to an image data recording unit. |
| US08165388B2 |
Neutral pixel detection in an image path
A system and method for pixel and object level neutral detection. An image is scanned into a plurality of pixels. A local pixel of interest is identified along with a neighborhood of pixels around the local pixel. The chroma value of the current pixel as well as the average local chroma of the neighborhood are calculated. An adjusted chroma is determined based on the average local chroma. A luminance value can also be measured for the current pixel and for each of the neighbor pixels and a luminance variation determined. The adjusted chroma can be further modified based on the determined luminance variation. The adjusted chroma is compared against a threshold to determine a neutral pixel detection tag for the current pixel. The pixel tags can be utilized to control an adjustment of pixels in a device independent L*a*b* or a device independent CMYK domain. |
| US08165383B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for edge detection
A method for edge detection, the method includes: obtaining an image of an area of a lithographic mask; wherein the image is generated by an optical system that is partially coherent; calculating a gradient of the image and a second derivative of the image in a direction of the gradient of the image; calculating a function that is proportional to the second derivative of the image in the direction of the gradient of the image and is inversely proportional to a ratio between a square of the gradient of the image and the image; and detecting at least one edge of at least one feature of the area in response to values of the function. |
| US08165381B1 |
Method and system for transaction decision making
According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for transaction decision making. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method and system for processing payment items involve receiving a payment item at a sorter device; extracting electronic data from the payment item from an electronic readable line of the payment item; imaging the payment item to obtain image data of the payment item; comparing the electronic data and the image data to verify payment data associated with the payment item; and determining an optimal settlement path for the payment item, at the sorter device. |
| US08165380B2 |
Method, apparatus and program for processing mammographic image
Provided are a method, an apparatus, and a program for processing a mammographic image, whereby the file size of the mammographic image can be remarkably reduced while retaining the original breast portion sufficient for diagnosis. A controlling unit divides an original mammographic image into a breast portion and a background portion based on a predetermined value (whether each pixel value of the original mammographic image is greater or smaller than a predetermined value). It determines the breast boundary line between the breast portion and the background portion (operation S2). It shifts and expands the breast portion upward, downward and forward to result in a secondary boundary line, wherein the breast portion side of the secondary boundary line has a size larger than that of the breast portion (operation S3). In addition, the controlling unit cutting off the background portion of the mammographic image vertically and/or horizontally at the secondary boundary line so that the original breast portion side remains, thereby obtaining the finally processed mammographic image (operation S4). Thus, the controlling unit generates the final image smaller in file size than the original mammographic image. |
| US08165369B2 |
System and method for robust segmentation of pulmonary nodules of various densities
A method for differentiating pulmonary nodules in digitized medical images includes identifying an object of interest from a digital image of the lungs, computing a first distance map of each point of the object of interest, determining a seed point from the first distance map, starting from the seed point, growing a first region by adding successive adjacent layers of points until a background point is reached, and partitioning the first region into a nodule region and a non-nodule region. |
| US08165367B2 |
Medical image processing apparatus and medical image processing method having three-dimensional model estimating
A medical image processing apparatus of the present invention has a three-dimensional model estimating section for estimating, based on an inputted two-dimensional image of an image of a living tissue within a body cavity, a three-dimensional model of the living tissue, a shape feature value calculating section for calculating shape feature values of respective voxels included in the three-dimensional model of the living tissue, a three-dimensional shape extracting section for extracting a first voxel group whose three-dimensional model has been estimated as a predetermined shape, in the respective voxels included in the three-dimensional model of the living tissue, based on the shape feature values, and a protruding shape detecting section for detecting the first voxel group as a voxel group configuring a protruding shape in the three-dimensional model of the living tissue. |
| US08165365B2 |
Method and system for displaying tomosynthesis images
An embodiment of a method for displaying a volume obtained by tomosynthesis includes displaying a two-dimensional image. It further includes receiving user input that defines on the displayed image at least one volume of interest associated with a two-dimensional region of interest located in a plane of the image. The method further includes displaying in the region of interest, according to a practitioner's wishes: (a) images of slices of the volume of interest; (b) three-dimensional images of the volume of interest; and/or (c) slabs obtained from the volume of interest. |
| US08165364B2 |
Temperature management for ultrasound imaging at high frame rates
To keep the temperature of an ultrasound probe down, the probe is operated at a low frame rate (with correspondingly low heat generation) for the vast majority of time. Probe operation is only switched to the high frame rate temporarily at times when high temporal resolution is needed, preferably under operator control. The probe is only operated at the high frame rate for a short period of time, during which a burst of images with high temporal resolution is obtained. After capturing the short burst of images, the frame rate is cut back, which reduces the generation of heat. |
| US08165363B2 |
System and method for quality assurance in pathology
Systems and methods for improving quality assurance in pathology using automated quality assessment and digital image enhancements on digital slides prior to analysis by the pathologist are provided. A digital pathology system (slide scanning instrument and software) creates, assesses and improves the quality of a digital slide. The improved digital slide image has a higher image quality that results in increased efficiency and accuracy in the analysis and diagnosis of such digital slides when they are reviewed on a monitor by a pathologist. These improved digital slides yield a more objective diagnosis than reading the corresponding glass slide under a microscope. |
| US08165361B2 |
System and method for image based multiple-modality cardiac image alignment
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for temporally aligning a plurality of cardiac image sequences. The method includes performing a locally linear embedding algorithm on a first set of cardiac image sequences and on a second set of cardiac image sequences. A graphical representation is created for the first set of cardiac image sequences and the second set of cardiac image sequences. A determination is made whether the first set of cardiac image sequences and the second set of cardiac image sequences were generated from a similar point of view. If a similar point of view is found, the first graphical representation and the second graphical representation are aligned using a minimization function. If a similar point of view is not found, the graphs are aligned with a template and then aligned with each other using the minimization function. |
| US08165355B2 |
Method and apparatus for fingerprint motion tracking using an in-line array for use in navigation applications
The invention provides an independent relative motion sensor for use in navigation operations using a fingerprint that do not require the power demanded by conventional devices. The independent relative motion sensor includes a linear array of sensing elements that captures a narrow string of data that is indicative of fingerprint features along a relatively narrow sample. This string of data is used to determine the velocity of travel for use in navigation operations. Using multiple sensors, motion and direction data can be computed and used to provide two-dimensional direction for navigating an object, such as a cursor on a monitor. The invention can be incorporated in an electronic device to provide improved navigation operations that demand less power. |
| US08165354B1 |
Face recognition with discriminative face alignment
The present invention relates to systems and methods for face recognition. In an embodiment, a system for face recognition includes a face alignment module, a signature extractor and a recognizer. In another embodiment, a method for face recognition is provided. The method includes extracting signature features of a face in an image based upon face alignment localization. The method also includes generating reconstruction errors based upon the face alignment localizations. Face alignment models may be used. The method further includes identifying a person from the face in the image. According to a further embodiment, direct mixture recognition may be performed. According to another embodiment, iterative mixture recognition may be performed. |
| US08165350B2 |
Assessment of a view through the overlay of maps
A system for evaluating a view, including a first mapper for encoding an image of a view according to a first parameter to create a first map having multiple defined areas, a second mapper for encoding the image according to a second parameter to create a second map having multiple defined areas, an overlap mapper for combining the maps to create an overlap map, a tabulator for measuring areas in the overlap map corresponding to overlapping defined areas, creating a set of measurements of the image, and an analyzer for analyzing the set of measurements of the image and a learning set of measurement groups with associated values to compute an estimated value associated with the image where the estimated value relates to the set of measurements of the image in the same manner that each value in the learning set relates to its associated measurement group. |
| US08165342B2 |
Color image or video processing
The present invention relates generally to color image processing. One claim recites a method of color masking an image or video including: reading color values of an image sample of the image or video and a corresponding change of an attribute of the image sample; and based on the color values of the image sample, and using a programmed electronic processor, mapping the change in the image sample attribute to a change in color components of the image sample that is equivalent to the change in the image sample attribute, yet reduces visibility of the change in the image sample attribute for the specific color values of the image sample. Another claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing digital imagery or video; analyzing at least a portion of the data to determine one or more color characteristics associated with the at least a portion of the data, said act of analyzing yielding a result; based at least in part on the result, generating a key; and using a programmed electronic processor, embedding auxiliary data in the data representing digital imagery or video using the key. Of course other claims and combinations are provided as well. |
| US08165340B2 |
Methods for gas detection using stationary hyperspectral imaging sensors
According to one embodiment, a method comprises producing a first hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data cube of a location at a first time using data from a HSI sensor; producing a second HSI data cube of the same location at a second time using data from the HSI sensor; subtracting on a pixel-by-pixel basis the second HSI data cube from the first HSI data cube to produce a raw difference cube; calibrating the raw difference cube to produce a calibrated raw difference cube; selecting at least one desired spectral band based on a gas of interest; producing a detection image based on the at least one selected spectral band and the calibrated raw difference cube; examining the detection image to determine presence of the gas of interest; and outputting a result of the examination. Other methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting the presence of a gas are also described. |
| US08165336B2 |
Voice coil and speaker
A voice coil includes a cylindrical bobbin formed of a first material; a coil which surrounds on an outer circumferential surface of the bobbin; and a plurality of reinforcement members formed of a material having a propagation speed faster than the first material and provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical bobbin. |
| US08165330B2 |
Method for wireless data transfer between a hearing aid and an external device
Data is wirelessly transferred between a hearing aid and an external device, wherein the hearing aid via an internal receiving device, receives data being sent form the external device via a wireless connection. The hearing aid is in a receiving mode when data from the external device is sent via the wireless connection, wherein the receiving device is then permanently in the on-position for receiving data. Furthermore, the hearing aid switches to a stand-by mode, when no data is sent via the wireless connection from the external device, wherein the receiving device is alternatively turned on and off, in order to detect a beginning data transfer from the external device. |
| US08165328B2 |
Hearing aid
A hearing aid is provided which comprise an audio signal input device (11), a signal processor (12) a signal output device (13) which presents a processed audio signal perceivable as sound to an ear of a user, where the signal processor comprises fast acting level estimators (8) and slow acting level estimators (8). According to the invention the fast acting level estimators has attack time constants around 10 ms, and release time constants in the range from 25 ms to 250 ms, and are implemented in a number of frequency bands not exceeding 8 bands and preferably 4 frequency bands, the slow acting level estimators (7) have attack time constants around 10 ms, and release time constants which are 4 to 5 times the release time constants of the fast acting level estimators (8), and are implemented in a number of frequency bands comprising no less than 10 bands and preferably 16 frequency bands. In an embodiment a communication link between two hearing aids at each their ear of a user allows the level estimators between the two hearing aid to synchronize their output. |
| US08165327B2 |
Method for generating acoustic signals of a hearing aid
Acoustic signal tones of a hearing aid need to be adjusted to the particular situation so as to be easy to hear, i.e. on the one hand they should not be too loud in quiet situations, and on the other hand they should not be too quiet in noisy situations. In order to fulfill these requirements, the acoustic signals of the hearing aid according to the invention are shifted up or down in frequency if the ambient noises are extremely pronounced, particularly in the frequency band range of the acoustic signals. |
| US08165322B2 |
Circuit for processing sound signals
A circuit for processing sound signals includes an input amplifier for amplifying an input signal, wherein the amplified input signal is supplied to an output amplifier unchanged via a primary path configured as a bypass line and processed via one or several secondary paths configured as a circuit for processing the amplified input signal for amplifying and outputting the processed signal, wherein respective signal portions of the amplified input signal, which are supplied to the output amplifier via the primary path and the secondary path(s), can each be adjusted with an adjusting device, and wherein the secondary path includes a corresponding equalizing filter for filtering a corresponding frequency range with a dynamic circuit for optionally dynamically changing frequency, amplitude and phase depending on the signal and concurrent with a static control. |
| US08165321B2 |
Intelligent clip mixing
Various techniques for controlling the playback of secondary audio data on an electronic device are provided. In one embodiment, a secondary audio clip mixing profile is selected based upon the type of audio output device, such as a speaker or a headset, coupled to the electronic device. The selected mixing profile may define respective digital gain values to be applied to a secondary audio stream at each digital audio level of the electronic device, and may be customized based upon one or more characteristics of the audio output device to substantially optimize audibility and user-perceived comfort. In this manner, the overall user listening experience may be improved. |
| US08165320B2 |
Audio/video device having a volume control function for external audio reproduction unit by using volume control buttons of a remote controller and volume control method therefor
An audio/video (A/V) device having a volume control function for external audio reproduction units by using volume control buttons of a remote controller is provided. The A/V device includes speakers, an audio output port for externally outputting an audio signal, an audio signal processing unit for reproducing and amplifying the audio signal and applying the amplified audio signal to the speakers or the audio output port, a memory unit for storing volume control values, and a control unit for applying to the audio signal processing unit any of the volume control values stored in the memory based on whether the external audio reproduction unit is plugged in the audio output port. The control unit controls the audio signal processing unit to adjust the volume control values for the audio output port by the volume control buttons when the external audio reproduction unit is plugged in the audio output port. |
| US08165318B2 |
Process for adjusting the sound volume of a digital sound recording
The present invention relates to a process for adjusting the sound volume of a digital sound recording characterized in that it comprises: a step consisting of determining, in absolute values, for a recording, the maximum amplitude values for sound frequencies audible for the human ear, a step consisting of calculating the possible gain for a specified sound level setting, between the maximum amplitude value determined above and the maximum amplitude value for all frequencies combined, a step consisting of reproducing the recording with a sound card by automatically adjusting the amplification gain level making it possible to obtain a sound level for the recording of a specified value so that it corresponds to the gain calculated for this recording. |
| US08165315B2 |
Multichannel wireless system
An audio system responsive to a source of audio programming. The audio system comprising a master amplifier connected to the source of audio programming, the master amplifier providing channelized amplified audio signals at each one of a plurality of channel output connectors and a signal splitter connected to at least one of the plurality of channel output connectors for splitting the channelized amplified audio signal at a selected one of the plurality of channel output connectors into an audio channel signal and a power signal. The audio system further comprising a channel transmit module responsive to the audio channel signal and the power signal for transmitting the audio channel signal, a channel receiver responsive to an intended audio channel signal, a channel amplifier connected to an associated channel receiver for amplifying the intended audio channel signal and a sound reproducing device connected to the channel amplifier for aurally reproducing the intended audio channel signal. |
| US08165311B2 |
Airflow optimization and noise reduction in computer systems
In one embodiment, a fan is used to generate airflow through a computer chassis to a fan air inlet. An audible frequency component of the airflow is identified and selected. A sound wave is generated having a generated frequency equal to the selected audible frequency component of the airflow. The generated sound wave is introduced into the airflow with the generated frequency out of phase with the audible frequency component of the airflow. The magnitude of the generated frequency may be selected as a function of fan speed and/or air sensed pressure within the airflow. The frequency, phase, and magnitude of the generated sound wave may be selected and enforced by a baseboard management controller. |
| US08165309B2 |
System and method for simulation of non-linear audio equipment
The invention describes an apparatus for software or hardware emulation of electronic audio equipment, which characterizes a non-linear behavior. The invention comprises an analog to digital interface (504) for the input audio signal (502), whose output (506) is communicatively coupled to a dynamic non-linearity (508). The output (514) of this dynamic non-linearity is finally communicatively coupled to an interface (516) producing the output audio signal (518). The dynamic non-linearity consists of a mode switching static non-linear function, where the mode parameter (512) is estimated in a function (510) based on the previous values on the input (506) and output (514) of the dynamic non-linearity. |
| US08165303B1 |
Method and apparatus for public key cryptography
Method and apparatus are described wherein, in one example embodiment, a first entity shares a digital file such as a digital image with a second entity, and the first entity and the second entity each use the digital file as a seed to generate identical public/private key pairs using the same key generation procedure, such that both entities hold identical key pairs. The first and second entities may use the key pairs to encrypt, decrypt or sign and authenticate communications between the entities. |
| US08165302B2 |
Key table and authorization table management
In certain embodiments, a player device that receives and plays content stored on packaged media, the player device has a media reader that receives a packaged media to read digital data stored thereon. The player device has a secure persistent storage device storing a key table containing a plurality of keys indexed by an index. A decrypter decrypts the digital data stored on the packaged media using at least one of the encryption keys referenced by a key index stored on the packaged media. A decoder decodes the decrypted digital data stored on the packaged media and provides the decoded data as an output. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08165301B1 |
Input-output device and storage controller handshake protocol using key exchange for data security
A protocol for providing secured IO device and storage controller handshake protocol; IO device controlled cipher settings, and secured data storage and access in memory. An IO device requesting data transfer with encryption and/or decryption, requests session keys from the processor. The processor generates a fresh public-private key pair for the session. The public key is sent to the requesting IO device; the private key is momentarily saved by the processor for the session. The requesting IO device generates a secret key and its desired cipher setting; furthermore, encrypts the secret key and cipher setting using the public key, and sends secret key and cipher setting to the processor. The processor uses the private key to decrypt the secret key and cipher setting. The cipher setting is used for configuring the data processing core. The secret key is used for encryption and/or decryption of the data being transferred. All keys are not permanently saved. |
| US08165300B2 |
System and method for generalized authentication
A system, method, and program product is provided that uses environments to control access to encryption keys. A request for an encryption key and an environment identifier is received. If the encryption key is not associated with the environment identifier, the request is denied. If they are associated, the system receives user-supplied environment authentication data items from a user. Examples of environment authentication data include passwords, user identifiers, user biometric data (e.g., fingerprint scan, etc.), smart cards, and the like. The system retrieves stored environment authentication data items from a secure (e.g., encrypted) storage location. The retrieved stored environment authentication data items correspond to the environment identifier that was received. The received environment authentication data items are authenticated using the retrieved stored environment authentication data items. If the authentication is successful, the user is allowed use of the requested encryption key, otherwise, the request is denied. |
| US08165299B2 |
Network authentication
An existing communications device, such as a WAP-enabled mobile phone or other device, can be used as an authentication token. This has the advantage that WAP-enabled devices include components which are used in public key/private key cryptographic systems as a part of their standard communication functions. These components therefore advantageously allow the device to be used as an authentication token when communicating with a remote server. |
| US08165294B2 |
Rollback attack prevention system and method
A rollback attack prevention system 10 for a gaming machine 20 includes a configuration log 30 and a revocation list 40. Preferably, the configuration log 30 includes a protected record of software that has been installed on the gaming machine 20. Further, the revocation list 40 includes an inventory of unauthorized software that the prevention system 10 prevents from being installed and/or used on the gaming machine 20. |
| US08165291B2 |
Random seed stability with fuses
A circuit for stabilizing soft bits in a bit stream, the circuit having a first register to receive an initial read of the bit stream, a second register to receive a subsequent read of the bit stream, a comparator to compare the initial read of the bit stream to the subsequent read of the bit stream, a third register to receive a comparison string having bits set in positions where the initial read of the bit stream and the subsequent read of the bit stream do not match, indicating a soft bit in the positions, and an accumulator to receive the comparison string for multiple subsequent reads of the bit stream, and track positions of all soft bits detected during the multiple subsequent reads. |
| US08165290B2 |
Methods and apparatus for bootstrapping mobile-foreign and foreign-home authentication keys in mobile IP
Methods and apparatus for dynamically generating authentication keys are disclosed. Specifically, a Mobile-Foreign authentication key is separately generated by both the Mobile Node and Foreign Agent. Similarly, a Foreign-Home authentication key is separately generated by the Foreign Agent and the Home Agent. In accordance with one embodiment, generation of the Mobile-Foreign authentication key and Foreign-Home authentication key are accomplished via the Diffie-Hellman key generation scheme. |
| US08165289B2 |
Method and apparatus for the generation of code from pattern features
A method is provided for deriving a single code from a biometric sample in a way which enables different samples of a user to provide the same code whilst also distinguishing between samples of different users. Different features are analysed to obtain mean and variance values, and these are used to control how the different feature values are interpreted. In addition, features are combined and a sub-set of bits of the combination is used as the code. This enables bits which are common to all user samples to be dropped as well as bits which may differ between different samples of the same user. |
| US08165286B2 |
Combination white box/black box cryptographic processes and apparatus
Method and apparatus for increasing security of a cryptographic algorithm such as deciphering, enciphering, or a digital signature. A cryptographic algorithm and a key are provided such that a deciphering process, for instance, is partitioned between two portions. The portion of the cryptographic algorithm carried out in the first portion is implemented in a “white box” model such that it is highly secure even against an attack by the user who has full access to internal operations, code execution and memory of the user device, such as a hacker or attacker. The remaining portion of the algorithm is carried out in the second portion. Since this second portion has relaxed security constraints, its code may be implemented using a “black box” approach where its code execution may be more efficient and faster, not requiring the code obfuscation of the white box implementation in the user device. This partitioning may be achieved using a delegation protocol. The chief advantage is that even given a limited code size for the cryptographic process, the security of the system is improved by carrying out the more computationally intensive functions more efficiently in the black box portion and executing the less computationally intensive function in the white box portion. |
| US08165285B2 |
Process for generating an elliptic curve, application in a cryptographic process, and cryptographic process using such a curve
The invention relates, mainly to a cryptographic process using an elliptic curve represented by means of an equation containing first and second parameters (a, b), a bilinear matching, and calculations in a finite group of integers constructed around at least one first reduction rule reducing each integer to its remainder in a whole division by a first prime number (p) that constitutes a third parameter, the elements of the finite group being in bijection with points selected on the elliptic curve, and the number of which is linked to a fourth parameter (q), where this process uses public and private keys, each of which is represented by a given point of the elliptic curve or by a multiplication factor between two points of this curve.According to the invention, the first reduction rule is the only reduction rule implemented, and the elliptic curve is obtained through a step-by-step construction process, directly allocating to the finite group q*q q-order points in the elliptic curve. |
| US08165284B2 |
Slide module and portable terminal having the same
A slide module having a first slide member, a second slide member moveable with respect to the first slide member, and a biasing unit connecting the first slide member to the second slide member, is provided. The biasing unit includes a first linkage having a plurality of links, the first linkage having one end rotatably connected to the first slide member and the other end rotatably connected to the second slide member, a second linkage having a plurality of links, the second linkage having one end of the second linkage rotatably connected to the first slide member and the other end rotatably connected to the second slide member, and a biasing mechanism connected between the first linkage and the second linkage. |
| US08165280B1 |
Method and system for providing busy override service in a SIP-based network
A method and system of an embodiment of the present invention may include sending an override signal to a first user wherein the first user is having a first dialog with a second user; establishing a second dialog with the first user; receiving a signal from the second user; and establishing a third dialog with the second user, in response to the signal, wherein the first dialog is terminated after the third dialog is established. |
| US08165279B2 |
Management server for teleconference system and computer program
Provided is a teleconference system enabling easy participation in a conference from a place geographically apart, securing active proceeding by individual presenting of statement, and enabling drastic decrease of trouble of creating a result by the conference. Statement information inputted by an input means of a terminal device is received and temporarily held and then the received statement information is transmitted to all the terminal devices participating in a teleconference. The statement information displayed on a display means of the terminal device is sorted by an input means of the terminal device and received as statement attribute data. The received statement attribute data and the statement information are stored in an information database. Then, based on the statement attribute data and the statement information, a commitment related to the teleconference is generated. |
| US08165276B2 |
System and method for auditing a communications bill
A computer-assisted system and method for auditing a communications bill wherein billing information is collected, reformatted and stored for use in a set of automated audits. The system and method for auditing a communications bill further collects data from other external systems such as a work order system, a trouble ticket system, an inventory system, an AMA/SMDR data source, an SS7 event record data source, or another source of call records or billing records. The data collected is used in a set of automated audits to determine if the communications bills contain errors. The system and method will further perform historical audits, and generate and manage the billing dispute process. The system and method will further provide audit reports and interface to an accounts payable system. |
| US08165275B1 |
Network access with delayed delivery
This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network. By the above described techniques, users who do not have access to devices such as a personal computer may access the network and take advantage of the rich resources available through the network. |
| US08165267B2 |
Method and device for checking carry-on luggage and other carried objects
A method and device is provided for controlling a hand luggage and other objects carried by flight passengers during check-in, wherein the complexity of an object is determined in a first verifying device by automatic verification. Afterwards, supplementary verification steps are carried out according to the determined complexity. |
| US08165265B2 |
Method of constructing multi-tomographic image and digital 3 D X-ray photographing apparatus
Tomographic images in a plurality of radius places are obtained in one-time X-ray photographing, and a lot of information on the diagnose can be provided by forming a stereoscopic image with these obtained tomographic images, and thickness of radial and fineness of angular direction of tomographic image that can be obtained herein compared with prior art can be set arbitrary and can be adjusted thereby obtaining further imperceptible stereoscopic image. To this end, whole photographed images at respective divided unit angles that can be obtained in the digital dental panoramic radiography apparatus at the tomography in the circular orbit, are stored, after X-ray photographed, these photographed images are arranged substantially on the circular arc at the radius place of the tomographic image of the desired extracting part, tomographic images in radius location can be constructed by adding while shifting every photograph unit angle. |
| US08165262B2 |
Shift register of a display device
A shift register includes a plurality of serially-coupled shift register units each including a first node, a second node, an input circuit, a pull-up circuit and a pull-down circuit. The shift register unit receives an input voltage at an input end, and provides an output voltage at an output end. The input circuit controls the signal transmission path between a first clock signal and the first node according to the input voltage. The pull-up circuit controls the signal transmission path between a second clock signal and the output end according to the voltage level of the first node. The voltage level of the first node or the output end is maintained according to the voltage level of the second node. The voltage level of the second node is maintained according to the first clock signal, the second clock signal and the voltage level of the first node. |
| US08165261B2 |
Chemical enhancement of ultrasonic fuel cleaning
A method for cleaning an irradiated nuclear fuel assembly includes chemically enhancing a technique utilizing an apparatus including a housing adapted to engage a nuclear fuel assembly. A set of ultrasonic transducers is positioned on the housing to supply radially emanating omnidirectional ultrasonic energy to remove deposits from the nuclear fuel assembly. Any corrosion products remaining after ultrasonic fuel cleaning will have exposed surfaces that are susceptible to chemical dissolution. |
| US08165257B2 |
Methods and apparatus for interface buffer management and clock compensation in data transfers
A circuit for data stream buffer management, lane alignment, and clock compensation of data transfers across a clock boundary using a single first in first out (FIFO) buffer in each serial channel is described. The RapidIO® data channel, for example, operates using a clock recovered from the data stream. The RapidIO® data stream has embedded special characters, where a select sequence of embedded characters is a clock compensation pattern. A look ahead circuit is used to detect the clock compensation pattern early and generate a clock compensation indicator signal. The FIFO writes data and the associated clock compensation indicator signal in a clock compensation indicator bit in synchronism with the recovered clock. A read circuit using a second clock of a different frequency than the first clock reads data and clock compensation bits from the FIFO and generates an almost empty signal when appropriate. A multiplexer is used at the FIFO output to pad data to the system interface. A clock compensation control circuit generates a selection signal based on an AND of the almost empty signal and the clock compensation indicator bit associated with a data element read out of the FIFO and using the selection signal to control the multiplexer selection signal. |
| US08165252B2 |
Signal processing device and method, and program
A signal processing device for detecting, from an input signal expressing data series, the data, including: a sampling clock generating unit for generating, from a driving clock with a predetermined cycle, multiple sampling clocks with mutually different phases and the same cycle as the cycle; a sampling data generating unit for sampling the input signal using the multiple sampling clocks, and generating a plurality of sampling data; a phase comparison data generating unit for generating phase comparison data indicating phase shifting as to the input signal of the sampling clock using the sampling data for each sampling clock; and a data generating unit for generating the data for each sampling clock using the sampling data, and selecting the data of the sampling clock having the phase closest to the phase of the input signal as the original data expressed with the input signal, based on the phase comparison data. |
| US08165248B2 |
Wireless distance measurement system and wireless terminal
A wireless distance measurement system and wireless terminal improve the accuracy of distance measurement when the UWB communication scheme is used. In wireless terminal 200, a route of signals varies between a distance measuring operation and a synchronization establishing operation, and, when the distance measuring operation is performed, a detection result is inputted to comparator 208 without passing through integrator 204. By this means, the distance measuring operation of wireless terminal 200 does not involve integration processing, so that delay time due to integration processing is not produced and, consequently, it is possible to improve the accuracy of distance measurement. Further, the distance measuring operation uses the integration result acquired integrator 204 for a comparison reference voltage used in comparator 208. By this means, the integration result removing noise signal components from a detection signal is used for the comparison reference voltage, so that the comparison reference voltage is optimized. Consequently, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of distance measurement. |
| US08165242B2 |
Signal jamming avoidance method for a frequency hopping communication system
To avoid signal jamming, a method is provided for selecting a dwell channel on a receiver in a frequency hopping communication system. The method includes: measuring a noise level on channels over which a data signal is received at the receiver; selecting a dwell channel based on the estimated noise levels, where the dwell channel having the lowest noise level amongst a group of permissible channels over which to acquire a signal from a transmitter; and tuning the receiver to the selected dwell channel during a search state in which the receiver attempts to synchronize with a transmitter. |
| US08165241B2 |
Closed loop feedback in MIMO systems
Feedback bandwidth may be reduced in a closed loop MIMO system by factoring non essential information out of a beamforming matrix. |
| US08165235B2 |
Interfering stream identification in wireless communication systems
An exemplary embodiment in accordance with this invention is a method for determining the number of interfering streams. The method includes calculating statistical information based on one or more received OFDM signals. The number of interfering streams is estimated from the statistical information in this method. The OFDM signal(s) are received via a plurality of antennas. Storing the OFDM signal(s) in a square matrix may be included in the method. A covariance matrix of the square matrix can be determined; and a noise subspace and a signal plus interference subspace can be determined based on a SVD of the covariance matrix. The statistical information may be based on the signal plus interference subspace. Apparatus, computer programs and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08165234B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing OFDM transmission symbols
A method for synchronizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transmission symbols includes: an OFDM transmission module receives a synchronization signal, and adjusts the OFDM symbols sent by all lines to synchronous symbols according to the synchronization signal and send the symbols out. The present invention also provides a system for synchronizing OFDM transmission symbols. In the present invention, the weaknesses of the prior art are overcome; a synchronization signal generator generates a synchronization signal and sends it to the OFDM transmission equipment; and the OFDM transmission equipment adjusts the OFDM symbols sent by all lines to synchronous symbols according to the synchronization signal and send the symbols out, thus accomplishing synchronization between OFDM symbols and optimizing the performance of the dynamic spectrum management (DSM). |
| US08165233B2 |
Multi-element antenna beamforming in a wireless access network
A communication node of a wireless local area network utilizes a multi-element array antenna to estimate an angle-of-arrival for one or more signal sources which may communicate on symbol-modulated orthogonal subcarriers. Channel coefficients may be estimated from the angle-of-arrival for the one or more signal sources to increase channel capacity, improve channel equalization and reduce the effects of multipath fading. Beamforming based on the angle-of-arrival may also be performed for directional reception and/or transmission of communications with the one or more signal sources. |
| US08165231B2 |
Wireless communications apparatus
Precoding a plurality of subcarriers in preparation for MIMO transmission is carried out by deriving preceding matrices from available information. When the number of data streams borne by the subcarriers equates to the number of transmit antennas employed in the MIMO transmission, the method comprises deriving, from respective acquired unitary precoder matrices for two of said subcarriers, interpolated precoder matrices for data streams intermediate the two subcarriers. The acquired and interpolated precoder matrices are then applied, as the case may be, at the respective subcarriers. The step of deriving the interpolated precoder matrices comprises determining an overall rotation matrix representing a transformation between the acquired precoder matrices, determining from the overall rotation matrix a further rotation matrix representing a step transformation for interpolation steps between said two subcarriers, and recursively applying said further rotation matrix to derive said interpolated precoder matrices. In the event that the number of data streams is less than the number of transmit antennas employed in said MIMO transmission, the rectangular precoder matrices should first be converted into square unitary matrices. |
| US08165228B2 |
Non-coherent transmission method for uplink control signals using a constant amplitude zero-autocorrelation sequence
In one embodiment of the instant invention, a non-coherent transmission method for uplink control signals is provided. The transmission methodology uses a constant amplitude zero-autocorrelation (CAZAC) sequence for relatively short control signal lengths. The methodology includes creating a CAZAC sequence, truncating the CAZAC sequence into a plurality of segments; and transmitting each of the segments within a predetermined window of time. |
| US08165226B2 |
Imaging frame freeze detection
Techniques for detecting faults in a digital video stream include frame freeze detection that can alert an operator of frame freeze in a digital video stream. According to various embodiments, a counter or other code generator is used to place a code into each frame of a video stream. The code counts sequentially, or otherwise changes in a predetermined manner, from one frame to the next and is embedded into one or more pixels of each frame. Verification at the destination, or display, of the changing code within the frames of the video stream can confirm that the video stream is not in a frame freeze fault condition prior to display. If a fault condition is detected by the code verification process, an operator can be made aware of the fault. |
| US08165221B2 |
System and method for sampling based elimination of duplicate data
A technique for eliminating duplicate data is provided. Upon receipt of a new data set, one or more anchor points are identified within the data set. A bit-by-bit data comparison is then performed of the region surrounding the anchor point in the received data set with the region surrounding an anchor point stored within a pattern database to identify forward/backward delta values. The duplicate data identified by the anchor point, forward and backward delta values is then replaced in the received data set with a storage indicator. |
| US08165220B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing reduced memory mode for high-definition television
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing an enhanced reduced memory mode (RMM) of decoding HDTV MPEG-2 video stream. In one instance, the RMM mode is adaptively enabled with up/down conversion by using the picture-type information. In another instance, the RMM mode is provided by performing anchor-frame compression/decompression by using adaptive DPCM technique with picture-type information. The quantization (PCM) tables are generated using the Lloyd algorithm. Further, the predictor for each pixel is determined by a use of the Graham rule. |
| US08165215B2 |
System and method for designing of dictionaries for sparse representation
A signal processing system adapted for sparse representation of signals is provided, comprising: (i) one or more training signals; (ii) a dictionary containing signal-atoms; (iii) a representation of each training signal using a linear combination of said dictionary's signal-atoms; (iv) means for updating the representation of the training signal; (v) means for updating the dictionary one group of atoms at a time, wherein each atom update may include all representations referring to said updated atom; and (vi) means for iterating (iv) and (v) until a stopping rule is fulfilled. The system uses the K-SVD algorithm for designing dictionaries for sparse representation of signals. |
| US08165214B2 |
Circuit and method for generating fixed point vector dot product and matrix vector values
An integrated circuit (102) and method computes fixed point vector dot products (424) and/or matrix vector products using a type of distributed architecture that loads bit planes (add 00-add30) and uses the loaded bit planes to generate a plurality of partial products (416-422) directly, such as without a lookup table, and the plurality of partial products are computed in real time and are not read out of addressable memory. In one example, pixel coefficients and corresponding data are loaded such that, for example, a bit plane is loaded to generate partial product results on a per bit plane basis. The plurality of partial products are then summed (414) or accumulated to produce fixed point vector dot product data (424). |
| US08165213B2 |
Frame conversion apparatus and method, and frame type detection apparatus and method
Provided are a frame conversion apparatus and method and a frame type detecting apparatus and method. The frame conversion apparatus may include a detecting unit and an inverse telecine unit. The detecting unit may determine that each data frame is a telecine frame or a progressive frame according to the rate of discrete cosine transform (DCT) operation type performed on macro blocks of the frame or the number of the macro blocks on which each type of DCT operation is performed and output frame type information. The inverse telecine unit may convert the data frames into progressive frames and output the progressive frames in response to the frame type information. |
| US08165209B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a fast motion estimation process
A process performs a search on a base reference frame in a video signal to determine a first motion vector for each of the possible partitions of a current macroblock. The first motion vector for a partition provides the most optimal match for the partition in the base reference frame. An optimal partition for the current macroblock, which gives a minimum motion estimation cost among all the possible partitions in the base reference frame, is determined. The process performs the search on the optimal partition over a non-base reference frame in the video signal to determine a second motion vector that provides the most optimal match for the corresponding partition in the non-base reference frame. A simplified search is performed on each partition other than the optimal partition over the non-base reference frame to determine the second motion vector for the corresponding partition. |
| US08165208B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting sawtooth and field motion
The present invention provides a video detecting device including a first pixel detector, a second pixel detector, and a determining unit. The first pixel detector compares the intensity of a target pixel of a target scan line in a first field with the intensity of first comparing pixels of scan lines corresponding to the target scan line in a second field to generate a first detection value corresponding to the target pixel. The second pixel detector compares the intensity of a reference pixel of a nearby scan line in the second field with the intensity of second comparing pixels of scan lines corresponding to the nearby scan line in the first field to generate a second detection value corresponding to the reference pixel. According to the first and second detection values, the determining unit generates a diagnostic value which helps determine sawtooth occurrences in video frames. |
| US08165207B2 |
Method of effectively predicting multi-layer based video frame, and video coding method and apparatus using the same
A method and apparatus are provided for effectively predicting a video frame that use all of the advantages of an intra mode and an intra BL mode in multi-layer structure based-video coding. The method includes reconstructing the intra block of a lower layer using the previously reconstructed first neighboring blocks of the intra block; subtracting the first neighboring blocks from previously stored the second neighboring blocks of an upper layer corresponding to the first neighboring blocks; creating a differential predicted block based on a predetermined intra prediction mode by performing intra prediction using virtual differential neighboring blocks that are created as a result of the subtraction; adding the differential predicted block and the reconstructed intra block; and subtracting a predicted block, which is created as a result of the addition, from a block of the upper layer corresponding to the intra block. |
| US08165205B2 |
Natural shaped regions for motion compensation
A method of irregular motion compensation includes using contours of objects in a reference image to tile the reference image into a plurality of irregular shapes, and mapping each irregular shape to a location in a target image by assigning a motion vector to each irregular shape. |
| US08165200B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
The invention discloses an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. A server can transmit a first image and a second image. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a receiving/transmitting unit, a processing unit and a display unit. The receiving/transmitting unit can communicate with the server to receive the first image and the second image. The processing unit is coupled to the receiving/transmitting unit and the display unit. The processing unit is for selectively recompressing the first image at a first compression ratio and then controlling the display unit to display the first image. In addition, the processing unit transmits the selected first compression ratio to the server such that the server compresses the second image at the first compression ratio and transmits it to the receiving/transmitting unit. |
| US08165197B2 |
Method and apparatus for video upscaling
Upscaling video data for presentation on a relatively high resolution display device is described. Supplemental video data corresponding to video data is accessed and acquired in response to a request to upscale the video data. The video data and the supplemental video data are combined to produce a combined video data for displaying particular video content on a destination display device at a resolution that is high relative to the local display device. Digital rights management information may be verified prior to producing the combined video data, and additional digital rights information may be applied prior to transmitting the combined video data to the destination display device. A device registration database may also be used to control production and transmission of the upscaled video to other devices. |
| US08165188B2 |
Transceiver with adjustable sampling values and signal transceiving method thereof
A transceiver includes: a first DAC, for receiving a first digital signal to generate an analog signal; an operation circuit, coupled to the first DAC, for receiving the analog signal and a feedback signal to generate an operated analog signal; an ADC, for generating a second digital signal according to the operated analog signal; a digital signal processing circuit, for processing the second digital signal to generate a processed digital signal; a second DAC, for generating the feedback signal according to the processed digital signal; an adjustable delay circuit, for delaying a clock signal according to a control signal to adjust at least one sampling point of at least one of the first DAC, the second DAC and the ADC; and a control circuit, for generating the control signal according to the processed digital signal. |
| US08165184B2 |
Apparatus and method for synthesizing and generating an SSC modulated signal
An Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) synthesizes and generates an SSC modulated signal by generating a modulating waveform with a frequency of an SSC modulation frequency, calculating the number of samples per data bit (SPUI) as a ratio of an upsampling frequency to a data rate of a data stream, calculating an amplification factor as the ratio of SSC deviation frequency to data rate of the data stream, generating the array of SSC Edges containing the edge variation with respect to single sample per bit, multiplying the amplification factor to the modulating waveform, generating an array of SSC Edges Upsampled, containing edge variations with respect to an Upsample factor per bit, and multiplying SSC Edges with SPUI; calculating the resultant bit duration SSC Bit Duration as the sum of SSC Edges Upsampled and SPU, and calculating the successive summation of SSC Bit Duration, to get SSC Bit Position. |
| US08165183B2 |
Joint design
Disclosed herein is an electrode joint having a first carbon body having at least one end portion that includes a male tang with a convex tip and a second carbon body having a female socket with a concave base. |
| US08165179B2 |
Closed loop laser control
The radiance of a laser is a function of drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device adjusts laser drive parameters using a gradient descent operation. The device parameters may be adjusted iteratively and periodically. The period may be shorter or longer than a scan line in a video image. |
| US08165174B2 |
Method and device for demapping a tributary recovering lower order synchronism
In a method of demapping a tributary from a first frame into a second frame, the first frame has a plurality of tributary words and a synchronization word, and first and second counters are provided. The first counter is increased by a first value at each dock cycle of the second frame, and reading operations are performed according to the second counter. Synchronization information, generated according to the synchronization word, is used to change between first and second states. When in the first state, the second counter is synchronized to the first counter at each clock cycle of the second frame; and, when in the second state, the second counter is synchronized to the first counter at a predetermined instant of the second frame, the second counter increasing by a second value at each clock cycle of the second frame wherein the reading operation is performed. |
| US08165172B2 |
Robust wideband symbol and frame synchronizer for power-line communication
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to perform symbol synchronization. A sign element obtains signs of samples in a sample vector. A correlation estimator computes a correlation of the sample vector. A synchronization detector detects symbol synchronization.Another embodiment is a method and apparatus to perform frame synchronization. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing unit computes a current FFT vector and an accumulated previous FFT vector. The current FFT vector and the accumulated previous FFT vector correspond to sample vectors associated with preamble symbols prior to symbol synchronization detection. A real and imaginary processing unit generates real and imaginary summations using the current FFT vector and the accumulated previous FFT vector. A mode processor generates mode flags representing operational modes using the real and imaginary summations. |
| US08165170B2 |
Method for accessing a medium in a synchronous communications network by a transmit node, computer program product, storage means and transmit node
A transmit mode performs indirect synchronization with a master node for accessing a medium, in a synchronous communications network comprising a plurality of slave nodes capable of accessing the medium during access time slots. The indirect synchronization includes receiving at least one frame coming from at least one of the slave nodes of the network. From each frame received, synchronization information pertaining to a level of synchronization of the slave node having sent the frame is obtained, the level of synchronization of the slave node being relative to the master node. A reference node is selected from among the at least one of the slave nodes from which at least one frame has been received, as a function of the pieces of synchronization information, the transmit node being indirectly synchronized with the master node via the reference node. |
| US08165169B2 |
Clock priority chain level systems and methods
Clock Priority Chain Level Systems and Methods are provided. In one embodiment, a method for determining clock priority for a multihost unit distributed antenna system is provided. The method comprises identifying which port of a plurality of ports is receiving a reference clock signal having a highest priority Network Chain Level (NCL) value, wherein the highest priority NCL value indicates a master clock priority level (MCPL) of a host unit providing a Master Clock and a chain level value indicating a chain depth; selecting a system clock reference port from the plurality of ports based on the highest priority NCL value; locking a local clock to a reference clock signal received on the selected system clock reference port; calculating an incremented NCL value based on the highest priority NCL value; and transmitting the incremented NCL value over the plurality of ports. |
| US08165168B2 |
Zone synchronization in wireless communication networks
A communication terminal includes a Radio Frequency (RF) unit and a baseband processor. The RF unit is operative to receive signals from a Base Station (BS) of a wireless communication network using a communication protocol that defines time frames divided in a time domain into zones. Each zone corresponds to a respective communication mode between the BS and the terminal and occupies respective time intervals within the frames.The baseband processor is coupled to receive from the BS via the RF unit synchronization information indicating whether the time intervals allocated to at least a given zone by the BS and by at least one other BS of the wireless communication network are synchronized with one another, and to process the signals received from the BS so as to cancel, responsively to the synchronization information, interference caused to the signals by the at least one other BS. |
| US08165161B2 |
Method and system for formatting encoded video data
Described herein is a method and system for formatting encoded video data. The encoder core makes use of unit structures with types that are undefined. These units are inserted into the encoder core output to carry additional information to a transport module. The transport module interprets the units for packetizing and/or multiplexing purposes. After being interpreted, the units may be taken out from the encoder core output, but there should be no adverse effects even if they are left in since no decoding process is defined for their particular type. |
| US08165159B2 |
Wireless communication system, pilot sequence allocation apparatus, pilot sequence allocating method used for the system and apparatus, and mobile station used in the method
The present invention provides a method for allocating a pilot sequence that can obtain effect of reducing interference by combining received pilot blocks when sequence such as the CAZAC sequence as a pilot sequence is used. In the present invention, the pilot sequences by the number of 2K are divided into K sets of {C—1, C—2}, {C—3, C—4}, . . . , {C_(2K−1), C—2K} and allocated a set of the pilot sequences to each of the cells #1 to #K. For example, pilot sequences: {C—1, C—2} are allocated to pilot blocks (SB #1, #2) of the cell #1, pilot sequences: {C—3, C—4} are allocated to pilot blocks (SB #1, #2) of the cell #2, pilot sequences: {C—5, C—6} are allocated to pilot blocks (SB #1, #2) of the cell #3, and pilot sequences {C—7, C—8} are allocated to two pilot blocks (SB #1, #2) of the cell #4. |
| US08165156B1 |
Ethernet DSL access multiplexer and method providing dynamic service selection and end-user configuration
An Ethernet Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) and method of dynamically creating a service binding in the Ethernet DSLAM based on a service selection made by an end-user. The end-user may use the PPPoE or IEEE802.1X access protocols to provide login credentials indicating the desired service. The login credentials are validated towards a RADIUS server, which configures the Ethernet DSLAM with the attributes of the service binding, including an identified Permanent Virtual Circuit (PVC) to carry the desired service. The Ethernet DSLAM may map service-VLANs to user MAC addresses or to user-VLANs to establish the service binding. The Ethernet DSLAM uses the identified PVC for downstream traffic for the corresponding service binding and thereby “trains” a learning bridge network terminal to use the correct PVC for upstream traffic. |
| US08165153B2 |
Method and apparatus for concurrent operation of wireless communication protocols
A method and apparatus of coordinating operation of two or more subsystems implementing different wireless communication protocols is disclosed. The method comprises coordinating operation of a first subsystem implementing a first wireless communication protocol and at least one other subsystem implementing at least one other wireless communication protocol by merging requests from the first subsystem for pre-scheduled access and real time access into a single request for access for the first subsystem. The method comprises merging requests from the at least one other subsystem for pre-scheduled access and real time access into a single request for access for the at least one other subsystem and arbitrating between the single requests for access for each subsystem to allocate access to the first subsystem and/or the at least one other subsystem. |
| US08165151B2 |
Method, system and terminal for implementing upward frequency hopping transmission
A method for implementing upward frequency hopping transmission is adopted to the communication system with time slotted frame structure, and it comprises: receiving the frequency band and frequency hopping mode allocated by the network side; after implementing the upward transmission on one frequency band allocated in the first predivided time period based on the frequency hopping mode, hopping to the other allocated frequency band to implement upward transmission in the predivided second time period. A system and terminal for implementing upward frequency hopping transmission are also provided. By the invention, the frequency hopping in a transmission time interval of the alternative frame structure in the Long Term Evolution can be realized and the frequency diversity gain can be acquired. |
| US08165150B2 |
Method and system for wireless LAN-based indoor position location
A method and system for position location of clients in wireless local area networks. (WLANs). The position location technique utilizes time-of-flight (TOF) measurements of signals transmitted from a client to a number of wireless access points (APs) or vice versa to determine distances. Round-trip time (RTT) measurement protocols are used to estimate TOF and distances between the client at an unknown position and the WLAN APs. The method and system improves positioning accuracy by identifying and mitigating non-line-of sight (NLOS) errors such as multipaths. Trilateration algorithms are utilized in combination with median filtering of measurements to accurately estimate the position of the client. |
| US08165143B2 |
Routing protocol apparatus, systems, and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to traverse intermediate nodes in a network during message routing operations to determine an original routing path for a source message by using proactive routing between clusters of nodes in the network, and both proactive and reactive routing within the clusters; to select the original routing path according to a greedy energy strategy that operates to define the original routing path as a path having a greater energy value associated with the intermediate nodes than other paths; and upon discovery of selfish nodes, to direct removal of the selfish nodes from route caches associated with traversed nodes, and to determine an alternate routing path for the source message in the network by searching upstream route caches in the traversed nodes in the network to discover the alternate path. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08165139B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for communicating via a mobile wireless communication device
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for communicating via a mobile wireless communication device (MWCD). According to exemplary embodiments, a message is generated for a customer premises equipment located at a customer premises. The message is provided to the customer premises equipment via a mobile wireless communication device located at the customer premises. |
| US08165138B2 |
Converged infiniband over ethernet network
A method of providing a converged InfiniBand over Ethernet (IBOE) network. An IBOE switch receives a data packet. If the data packet is received by the IBOE switch from the InfiniBand network, a translation utility looks up an Ethernet media access control (MAC) address corresponding to an LID of the packet in a translation table. The translation utility generates an Ethernet packet and encapsulates an InfiniBand link layer packet before sending the packet. If the data packet is received by the IBOE switch from the Ethernet network, the translation utility removes the Ethernet header from the packet and looks up a LID corresponding to the MAC address. The translation utility calculates an outbound port number and sends the packet. |
| US08165132B2 |
Scheduling apparatus, mobile station therewith, and method therefor
A method for real-time uplink traffic scheduling in a mobile station (MS) to communicate with a base station (BS) in a wireless mobile system. When the BS provides a bandwidth grant to the MS in reply to the uplink from the MS, the uplink service flow will be assigned to different connections with corresponding priorities according to contents of the service flow. The packets within the service flows will be scheduled according to, at least, the bandwidth grant byte size, priorities of the connections, decoding times for transmitting the packets, and/or real-time factors. Within the limitation of the bandwidth grant provided by the BS, types and an order of the packets for transmitting are scheduled accordingly, and the packets received by the BS can satisfy the requirements of the real-time factors for the BS or the decoders, and greatest amount of effective data can be decoded. |
| US08165131B2 |
Generic information element
A computer data signal embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium is described. In one embodiment, the computer data signal includes a generic element identifier, a plurality of task-specific data, a variable length identifier and a multi-use data type identifier. The generic element identifier is configurable to identify an information element containing the generic element identifier as a generic information element. The variable length identifier is configurable to indicate a number of the plurality of task-specific data. The multi-use data type identifier is configurable to indicate a type of the plurality of task-specific data. |
| US08165126B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for selecting VMG
A method, apparatus and system for selecting a Virtual Media Gateway are provided. The method for selecting a VMG includes: setting the service domain information on a VMG by extending a property parameter, after receiving the event triggering message on the bearer layer, the physical MG matches the source identifier information carried in the event triggering message with the service domain information on each VMG, If determining that the source identifier information is included in the service domain on a VMG, the physical MG may select the corresponding VMG accordingly. |
| US08165120B2 |
Buffering architecture for packet injection and extraction in on-chip networks
This method for transferring data through a network on chip (NoC) between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, comprising: retrieving from the first device request packets comprising request control data for controlling data transfer and actual request data to be transferred; storing said request control and data to be transferred in memory means provided in an network interface (NI); and elaborating data packets to be transferred to the second device through said network, said data packets comprising a header and a payload elaborated from said control data and said actual data, respectively; The control data and the actual data to be transferred are stored in separate first and second memory means. |
| US08165118B2 |
Voice over content centric networks
A system for facilitating voice calls over a content centric network (CCN) receives from a CCN user an expressed interest in receiving voice calls directed to the CCN user, wherein information in the CCN can be addressed, located, and disseminated by its content identifier and wherein data packets in the CCN are self-authenticating. Next, the system receives from a second network a packet for a voice call directed to the CCN user. The system then forwards to the CCN user the packet received from the second network with a CCN identifier corresponding to the interest expressed by the CCN user and forwards a packet from the CCN user for the voice call to the second network. |
| US08165112B2 |
Apparatus and method for a fault-tolerant scalable switch fabric with quality-of-service (QOS) support
Embodiments of the present invention relate to portions of a switch fabric having a single logical stage and at least one physical stage. In addition, the data paths and the control paths of the switch fabric can be decoupled thereby allowing additional processing to be performed than would otherwise be the case with control rates that matched the high data rates. In other words, data cells received on high speed links can be spread over many lower speed links; consequently, the data cells can transit the switch fabric at that high speed while the control information associated with the data can be processed at that lower speed. Because the control information can be processed at a lower speed (associated with the control path), the control information can be processed over a greater period of time. |
| US08165111B2 |
Telecommunication and computing platforms with serial packet switched integrated memory access technology
A computing and communication architecture utilizes a serial protocol based switched fabric among circuit cards housed in packaging arrangement. In one embodiment, each circuit card connected to the serial protocol based switched fabric in the packaging arrangement is provided with a protocol processor that enables all of the circuit cards to efficiently provide packet-based serial self-clocked communications at line speed. As a result, it is not necessary to arrange the circuit cards in a hierarchical manner in order to address the problems of switch blocking and related traffic congestion issues that would otherwise limit the implementation of the serial protocol based backplane arrangement for housing circuit cards. |
| US08165104B2 |
Methods and systems for enhancing local repair in robust header compression
Methods and systems to enhance local repair in robust header compression (ROHC) decompressors (110, 114), which may improve network transmission efficiency and quality. One method uses lower layer information to enhance local repair at the decompressor (110, 114). Another method uses a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) checksum to enhance local repair at the decompressor (110, 114). |