| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08171022B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for facilitating user interaction with customer relationship management, auction, and search engine software using conjoint analysis
Methods, systems, and computer program products for combining conjoint analysis with customer relationship management software, search engine software, and auction software are disclosed. According to one method, conjoint analysis is used to facilitate user interaction with a search engine. According to the method, search keywords are received as a user and treated as attributes by a conjoint analysis application. The conjoint analysis application presents the user with paired trade-off questions regarding the search keywords. Conjoint analysis is performed based on user responses to the questions. Based on the user's responses to the questions, relative importance weightings are computed for keywords. The keywords and the relative importance weightings are input to a search engine. The search is performed using the keywords. Results to be output to the user are selected based on occurrences of the keywords in the search results and the relative importance weightings. |
| US08171019B2 |
Method and system for processing query messages over a network
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for processing query messages over a network. Specifically, a plurality of queries may be extracted from a plurality of query messages received from a plurality of users over a network. A number of queries, included in the plurality of queries, may be determined, and a current sequence number may be associated with the plurality of queries. A request message may be created including the plurality of queries, a first sequence number equal to the current sequence number and a first message count equal to the number of queries. The request message may be sent to a search engine and a response message may be received from the search engine. The response message may include a plurality of replies, a second sequence number, a second message count, a third sequence number and a third message count. A plurality of reply messages may be created from the plurality of replies and sent to the plurality of users over the network. |
| US08171016B2 |
System and method for using content features and metadata of digital images to find related audio accompaniment
A system (300), apparatus (200) and method (100) are provided to automatically play/suggest at least one audio accompaniment while a sequence of at least one digital image is being displayed such that the audio accompaniment matches the content of the particular sequence of images and matches any provided and/or generated image metadata. Search terms are derived from the images themselves as well as any metadata provided by the user and these search terms are then used to find audio accompaniment that either (1) contains these search terms or synonyms thereof in the image or associated text (e.g., song text) or (2) represents the sound normally associated with the images, such as rushing water sound for an image of a fast flowing brook. The invention accepts user input, locates appropriate audio accompaniment as search results and presents these results to the user either by playing the audio accompaniment while displaying the images or by suggesting a playlist to the user compiled from these results. |
| US08171010B2 |
Method and system for indexing information and providing results for a search including objects having predetermined attributes
A system and method for providing at least one search result responsive to receiving a search query comprising at least one search query term, includes receiving the search query; locating at least one record containing at least one search query term; displaying a text representation of each of the records containing at least one search query term; and displaying a representation of an object in relation with the text representation for each record that includes an object comprising at least one predetermined attribute. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for indexing records in an index of an information network, includes the acts of: receiving a record; searching the record for an indication that an object comprising at least one specified attribute is to be displayed with the record; finding the indication; creating a representation of the object; storing the representation in association with the record to which it corresponds; and making an entry for the record in the index, said entry indicating the object to be displayed with the record. |
| US08171009B2 |
Method and system for performing a search on a network
A computer-implemented method and system for performing a trusted search is described. A credibility score is assigned to a Web site based on whether the Web site meets at least a portion of trust criteria. The Web site is stored in an index of trusted Web sites if the credibility score assigned to the Web site is within a predefined range of credibility scores. The Web site is displayed on a machine if the Web site is determined to contain information that is relevant to a search query. |
| US08171008B2 |
Data retrieval
To facilitate obtaining up-to-date data over a slow connection, reference search results are stored on a requesting side and on a responding side, and only changes to reference searches are transmitted. To achieve this, the requesting side indicates in a data request an applicable reference search or reference searches to be used, and the responding side retrieves up-to-date data, compares it with search results of corresponding applicable reference search(es) and sends only changes to the requesting side. |
| US08171000B2 |
Mounted filesystem integrity checking and salvage
A method and system for conducting an integrity check of system and user metadata when the metadata is mounted. A filesystem reviewer is embedded within software of a server node. A mutual exclusion lock is obtained on the selected metadata. An automated verification of the locked metadata is conducted while the filesystem is mounted. In addition, an automated salvage of the locked metadata may be conducted while the filesystem is mounted. The verification and/or salvage of the locked metadata can be applied to system, user, and/or a portion of the user metadata. |
| US08170997B2 |
Unbundled storage transaction services
Systems (and corresponding methods) that unbundle the kernel or storage engine of a database system are provided. The unbundling separates transactional aspects from storage aspects. The two components of the storage engine resulting from the unbundling are a transaction component (TC) and a data component (DC). Data storage access methods are implemented in the DC without the added complexity of dealing with transactions, which are handled separately in the TC. The interface supported by the DC is a logical interface, e.g., record oriented, in which the way that records are mapped to disk pages (or flash memory blocks, etc.) need not be exposed. The TC then deals with logical locking and logging, meaning that it need know nothing about the way pages are used in the DC. |
| US08170996B2 |
Storage subsystem
The data up to a point of time whereat failure has occurred will be restored at high speed at a remote site without imposing any burden on a host. The first storage system on the master side processes an I/O request from the host, and as a result of I/O processing to the second storage system on the remote side, transmits the update data. The second storage system retains data received from the first storage system as update log data. The host transmits a command for settling a state of an application to the first storage system as data, and the first storage system transmits the data to the second storage system. The host and the second storage system both retain an identifier corresponding to the command, and relate the identifier to the log data. Thereby, the host designates the identifier at any given time, whereby the second storage system restores the data at any given time. |
| US08170989B2 |
Method and system for document management and exchange
The present invention embodiments pertain to managing and exchanging documents. A descriptor is added to an original document, wherein the descriptor includes at least one document identifier representing a logical subject of the document. Modifications to a document being sent or received are identified based on comparing the descriptor of the sent or received document and the descriptor of the original document. The modifications are introduced into the original document to become a single master document of consolidated information relating to the same logical subject. |
| US08170986B2 |
Information processing device
An information processing device may be connected with an external memory and may be provided with a contents data storage device, an obtaining device, and an outputting device. The storage device may store an internet address and contents data downloaded therefrom. The obtaining device may obtain an internet address stored in the external memory. The outputting device may output, when the internet address obtained is identical to the internet address stored in the storage device, the contents data combined with the internet address to the external memory. Furthermore, the information processing device may be provided with an obtaining device, an internet communication device, and an outputting device. The obtaining device may obtain an internet address stored in the external memory. The communication device may download contents data from the obtained internet address. The outputting device may output the contents data downloaded by the internet communication device to the external memory. |
| US08170983B2 |
Managing data across a semantic data view and a presentation data view
Managing data across a semantic data view and a presentation data view may be provided. A semantic model may be represented in a semantic data view and a presentation model may be represented in a presentation data view. The presentation model may correspond to a graphical representation of the semantic model. In addition, a command may be received directed toward the semantic data view or the presentation data view. The semantic model and the presentation model may be operated upon according to the received command. Furthermore, the semantic model represented in the semantic data view and the presentation model represented in the presentation data view may be updated in response to operating on the semantic model and the presentation model according to the received command. The semantic model and the presentation model may be simultaneously maintained in a volatile memory in a computer. |
| US08170978B1 |
Systems and methods for rating online relationships
A computer-implemented method may include identifying a first communication between a child and a contact and categorizing content of the first communication to create a first categorization. The method may also include identifying a second communication between the child and the contact and categorizing content of the second communication to create a second categorization. The method may further include rating, based at least in part on the first and second categorizations, an online relationship of the child and the contact and providing the rating of the online relationship to a guardian of the contact. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08170976B2 |
Assessing student performance and providing instructional mentoring
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are present for performing a simulation. The simulation is executed. Simulation data is collected while executing the simulation to form collected simulation data. A number of events is generated by applying a first number of rules to the collected simulation data to form a number of generated events. A number of commands is generated as a reaction to the number of generated events by applying a second number of rules to the number of generated events to form a number of simulation commands. The number of simulation commands is sent to the simulation. |
| US08170975B1 |
Encoded software management rules having free logical variables for input pattern matching and output binding substitutions to supply information to remedies for problems detected using the rules
A rule stored in a tangible computer-readable memory is adapted to be programmatically applied by a computer to automatically detect occurrences of a particular problem in a deployment of a software application. The rule comprises a plurality of atomic gates and a plurality of operator gates. The atomic gates have predicates for detecting occurrences of a plurality of conditions in the software application deployment. The operator gates are configured to detect predefined logical combinations of outputs of the atomic gates to generate a rule output that indicates whether the problem is currently detected in the deployment. The rule contains a plurality of free logical variables which can be assigned values. The free logical variables are configured for use in input pattern matching and output binding substitutions to supply information to a remedy for the problem. Each substitution comprises an assignment of a value to a variable. |
| US08170974B2 |
Forecasting association rules across user engagement levels
A method of determining one or more association rules includes: specifying site-sequence values for users, wherein each user is identified with one of a plurality of engagement levels, and the site-sequence values indicate a sequence from a first site to a second site for at least one user identified with a corresponding engagement level; determining cumulative site-sequence values from the site-sequence values for combinations of pairs of sites and distinct engagement levels; determining likelihood values from the cumulative site-sequence values, wherein the likelihood values characterize probabilities for sequences between sites at distinct engagement levels; determining one or more association rules for pairs of sites from one or more corresponding likelihood values at one or more engagement levels, wherein each association rule indicates a sequential association between a corresponding pair of sites; determining one or more confidence values for the one or more association rules by calculating one or more variations of the likelihood values across the engagement levels; and saving one or more values for the one or more associations rules (e.g., likelihood values or confidence values). |
| US08170968B2 |
Recursive structure for diagnostic model
A recursive mapping structure for diagnostic models is provided. A parent diagnostic model includes a first input module, a first output module, a first monitor module coupled to the first input and first output modules, and a first propagation module coupled between the first input and first output modules. A child diagnostic model includes a second input module, a second output module, a second monitor module coupled to the second input and second output modules, and a second propagation module coupled between the second input and second output modules, wherein the second monitor module is coupled to the first monitor module. |
| US08170967B2 |
Knowledge base comprising executable stories
Systems and methods are provided for assisted decision-making. A knowledge base comprises a plurality of executable stories. A given story comprises a belief network containing at least one associated hypothesis and evidence associated with the at least one hypothesis. The system further comprises at least one decision algorithm having respective associated input formats. A translation interface is operative to convert a given story from the knowledge base into a decision network having a format associated with the at least one decision algorithm. |
| US08170962B2 |
Method and apparatus for an algorithm development environment for solving a class of real-life combinatorial optimization problems
The invention pertains to an algorithm development environment for solving a class of combinatorial optimization problems. Many practical real-life applications can be formulated as combinatorial optimization problems. Over the years, there have been algorithms proposed to solve these problems. The effort in customizing algorithms to fulfill a particular domain-specific application is still significant. Furthermore, conventional approaches towards codes generation and modification are tedious and thus inefficient. To address the need for rapid generation of algorithms that are efficient in solving a given class of real-life problems, embodiments provide a hierarchical tree structure for managing a procedure modules library. Based on the preferred management and object-oriented design concept, users configure and generate a genetic algorithm (GA) via an intuitive graphical user interface. The goal-seeking customization of the generated GA can be easily carried out for solving various optimization problems. This way, the efficiency of algorithm development is enhanced significantly. |
| US08170960B1 |
User behavior-based remotely-triggered automated actions
An action is triggered by receiving information related to a predicted destination of a user, accessing a library that maps user actions to destinations, determining that at least one of the destinations in the library corresponds with the predicted destination of the user and at least one of the destinations in the library, identifying a user action, within the library, that is associated with the destination determined to correspond with the predicted destination of the user, and triggering the user action. |
| US08170958B1 |
Internet reputation manager
A method and apparatus for providing an on-line reputation manager whereby review and/or ratings data associated with a given business and/or product is obtained from two or more Internet based business ratings/review system sources. The review and/or ratings data is aggregated, and/or processed, according to one or more aggregation/processing parameters. The aggregated, and/or processed, review and/or ratings data is then provided to an owner, manager, and/or agent of the given business. The review and/or ratings data is then monitored and updated periodically and/or on the occurrence of specified trigger events. |
| US08170957B2 |
System and method for managing digital interactions
A system for managing digital interactions comprising an identity module for creating an identity, wherein the identity includes a unique identifier associated with a first party and a plurality of proposed terms for a relationship with a second party; and a relationship module, in communication with the identity module, for receiving and evaluating the plurality of proposed terms, including accepting or rejecting the plurality of proposed terms and, if accepted, for allowing the first party to communicate with the second party in accordance with the plurality of proposed terms. |
| US08170956B1 |
Systems and methods for electronically managing content
Systems and methods are provided for electronically managing content. In one embodiment, information identifying content items found on a page is received from a client system through code embedded on the page. Systems and methods for associating advertisement data with content items are also disclosed. |
| US08170955B2 |
System and method for enforcing usage rights associated with digital content
A method, system and software for permitting use of digital works having rights associated therewith in a system having repositories configured to enable use of the digital work in accordance with the rights, including associating a transfer right with a digital work, the transfer right specifying that the digital work is transferred from a first repository to a second repository; transferring the digital work from the first repository to the second repository in accordance with the transfer right; and in response to the transferring, step updating transfer right information in respect of the digital work. |
| US08170953B1 |
Systems and method for screening payment transactions
Methods and systems for anti money laundering screening are provided. The method includes determining a risk score and a first validation code associated with the risk score, based on information related to a funds transfer transaction and independently calculating a second validation code and comparing with the first validation code. The method further includes including the risk score and the validation score in a payment authorization message. The receiving financial entity accepts or denies the incoming funds transfer based on the risk score included in the payment authorization message. |
| US08170948B2 |
Client account and information management system and method
An information repository and management system for data regarding a client base which integrates a plurality of information types including database records, word processor files, e-mail, other hyperlinked documents, web pages and web sites. Implemented as a database application on a web-enabled database server, sales and marketing team members may access the system through an intranet or remotely through an Internet. Portions of the database may be extracted and placed on a portable computing device for traveling purposes. The extracted database can be later synchronized with the central database upon return of a sales and marketing team member from a meeting or business trip. Links and expandable subforms are provided to web sites for stock quoting and client home pages, allowing sales team members to quickly gather information regarding a company's latest news announcements, stock performance, and financial status. Client relationship documents, such as meeting summaries, previous meeting briefing packages, and action item tracking sheets are organized and accessible through the system. |
| US08170930B2 |
System and method for automated notification
Systems and methods are provided which make use of outbound calling systems to automate notification campaigns. Automated campaigns using outbound calling systems can provide a number of significant advantages over the traditional notification campaign, potentially resulting in faster, more efficient, more accurate, and more cost-effective notification campaigns. |
| US08170927B2 |
Adaptive critical low level management
An adaptive critical low level management system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a configuration module configured to receive a service level setting and a storage module configured to receive usage information for at least one inventory of at least one type of medical item. The system also includes a processor configured to adaptively determine a critical low level based on the usage information and the service level setting, and an analysis module configured to determine when the critical low level has been reached by the at least one inventory of the at least one type of medical item, and to produce an output indication that the critical low level has been reached. |
| US08170923B1 |
Services for offsetting the environmental impact of electronic transactions
The environmental impact of various transactions can be reduced or offset by determining the impact of various shipping and packaging options, and providing these options to customers. Customers then have the ability to select options that reduce the environmental impact of each transaction. A customer also can purchase environmental offsets to offset the determined impact. Customers can be provided with environmental impact information determined or tracked for each item viewed by the customer, such that each customer can be informed of the additional impact of each individual when making a selection. The selections and/or actions of a customer can be tracked such that environmentally friendly options and suggestions can be provided for subsequent transactions. |
| US08170920B1 |
Method of providing audio format professional information update service, via an electronic network
Disclosed is a method of providing continuing education for keeping professionals aware and informed of developments in easily accessed categorized topical areas of interest utilizing an electronic network (eg. the Internet), primarily as an audio format distribution means. The method can include a client providing attestation of access and listened-to-grasping of the information over the internet, the client making permanent library copies, and the client accessing information utilizing time and/or topic tags. |
| US08170916B1 |
Related-item tag suggestions
Tag suggestions enable a hosting entity such as a website to determine one or more tags to suggest to a user for association with a particular item within an electronic catalog. After this determination, the hosting entity may suggest the determined tags to the user. To determine these tags, the hosting entity may employ techniques to determine items related to the particular item. The hosting entity then suggests some or all of the tags associated with the related items. Additionally or alternatively, the hosting entity may determine certain metadata associated with the particular item. The entity then may suggest this metadata, or some related phrase or tag, to the user for association with the particular item. However the tag suggestions are determined, the hosting entity may rank the tag suggestions to determine which tags to present to the user or to determine an order in which to present the tags. |
| US08170915B2 |
Online store product availability
A technique for effecting electronic commerce using a data network is described. The data network includes a plurality of subsystems which, together, form an integrated system for receiving customer orders for selected items via a data network, fulfilling the customer orders, and delivering the ordered products to the customers. Moreover, according to a specific embodiment, the integrated nature of the system architecture of the present invention allows the on-line merchant to provide a guarantee to the customer that the ordered items will be available to be delivered to the customer at the specified delivery date, time, and location. |
| US08170914B2 |
Inventory control system for digital signage network having a plurality of screen zones associated with a plurality of displays
An inventory control system for a digital signage network is provided that uses a denormalized relational database to maintain a record of each of a plurality of screen zones for displays of the network. An inventory column in the database may be used to track scheduling assignments for each day of a calendar year. A screen zone may be given a collective duration limit that prevents assignment of media content items to that screen zone if the assignment would cause the limit to be exceeded for any of the days in the scheduling request. A screen zone may also be designated as overbookable to allow a scheduling assignment even if the limit is exceeded, or may be designated as partially bookable to allow the assignment of media content items for only those days specified in the request for which the limit would not be exceeded. |
| US08170913B1 |
Optimizing placement and delivery of advertisements
The efficient allocation of advertisements, also known as creatives, on one or more web sites is provided for while ensuring that guarantees to advertisers are honored. In one embodiment, a linear program solver allocates creatives to advertising slots according to an optimizing function designed to maximize revenue for the site. The linear program solver takes as input a set of creatives, creative performance data, constraints, and slot identifiers. The output of the linear program solver is an optimized schedule not violative of any of the input constraints. |
| US08170909B2 |
System and method for monitoring retail store performance
A system for monitoring the performance of at least one task associated with operation of a retail store. The system includes at least one monitoring device positioned and adapted to provide images of at least one location within the retail store, with each image showing at least one factor related to performance of the at least one task. A controller is adapted to obtain and store images from the at least one monitoring device. An interface is adapted to enable a user to selectively view stored images and to manually analyze the at least one factor shown in the viewed images to evaluate the performance of the at least one task. |
| US08170907B2 |
System for optimizing trade promotion and distribution spending in fragmented markets
A system for optimizing incentive-based spending parameters associated with goods provided by a manufacturer in fragmented markets includes a data collection component configured to aggregate data, and an analysis module, which applies regression analysis based on key segmentation variables. A segmentation module separates the aggregated data into final segments based on identified key segmentation variables. The analysis module applies regression analysis to each final segment to identify incentive-based spending parameters and generates response curves. A report generator provides a graphical output of the respective response curves. |
| US08170906B2 |
Method and apparatus for information surveying
A method and apparatus are presented with which to conduct information surveys. Contemporary methods of accessing and exploiting information resources, including search techniques and category browsing, have become less effective and efficient at these tasks due to the growing infoglut and the widening knowledge gap between the content, structure, and navigational paths of information resources on the one hand, and what users know and desire of these on the other. The information survey method and apparatus disclosed herein enables a user to survey information in order to rapidly discover the area of the information resource that is most useful to them, the survey niche, and evaluate the knowledge and information found there. |
| US08170904B1 |
Apparatus, method and system for comparative collaborative creative works evaluation
An apparatus, method, and system for a comparative, collaborative, creative works evaluator (3CWE). One of the benefits of 3CWE is that it provides a mechanism to rate and subsequently rank creative works and their authors. The benefits of ranking creative works and their authors are many, one of which is to provide audiences with guidance as to the quality and/or popularity of a given author or work. As such, the system provides and may act as a more accurate promotional vehicle in identifying and uncovering talent. This 3CWE system allows individuals without the standard resources to be recognized by an internationally-targeted market. By evaluating creative artists and works by interested participants, the artists and works' exposure is expanded. In one, non-limiting example, present, inventive aspect of the disclosure provides a system that pits creative works, and as a consequence, their authors, against one another for evaluation by an audience. |
| US08170903B2 |
System and method for weighting configuration item relationships supporting business critical impact analysis
A system and method for generating a business critical impact analysis report includes steps of: inserting a rank value field in each configuration item relationship type definition; inserting a rank value field in each single relationship between configuration items; determining default rank values for the rank value fields; assigning the default rank values to the single relationships and the relationship type definitions; receiving a user request to generate the business critical impact analysis report at a selected rank level of configuration items; and presenting the business critical impact analysis report to the user, displaying the configuration items and their relationships corresponding to the selected level. |
| US08170902B2 |
Methods and systems for compliance monitoring case management
A system for managing information of a case relating to possible lack of compliance of enterprise transactions with one or more predetermined compliance policies of an enterprise. An exceptions database stores information corresponding to exceptions indicative of a violation of an enterprise compliance policy. An input receives exceptions from a rules engine that determines a violation of an enterprise compliance policy based on information stored in one or more enterprise systems; the exceptions are stored in the exceptions database. A user interface is provided for assigning a case number to at least one exception, assigning an owner to the exceptions, collecting additional information relating to a case, and other functions. The system further provides a display of information relating to the exception, the entities involved in the exception, and the case to a user. |
| US08170894B2 |
Method of identifying innovations possessing business disrupting properties
The instant invention involves a method for determining the expected presence of disruptive business process innovations by performing various nonlinear dynamic processes and analysis with both expected data values and referenced data values. After processing the necessary data, the method allows for the prediction of said disruptive business processes innovations (i.e. innovations that have a game changing effect on the market or markets to which the innovation belongs). After determining the presence or non-presence of any disruptive business process innovations, the method comprises steps for providing advice to users of said method. Further, the instant invention encompasses variants of its method that are facilitated by the use of at least one computing machine. |
| US08170890B1 |
Method of inferring a health condition based on a prescription filled for a patient and blocking a subsequent sale of a drug contraindicated for the health condition
A system and method for inferring a possible pregnancy based on a first filled prescription and blocking the sale of a second prescription for a drug contraindicated for pregnancy is disclosed. First prescription information may be received and a possible pregnancy of the patient may be inferred. An association of the inferred possible pregnancy and the patient may be retained for a given length of time. When second prescription information is received, a check for the association may be made. If an association exists, the filling and the sale of the second prescription may be blocked. The block of the sale of the second prescription may be overridden. |
| US08170888B2 |
Method and system for assessing, quantifying, coding and communicating a patient's health and perioperative risk
A multi-dimensional system for assessing, coding, quantifying, displaying, integrating and communicating information relating to patient health and perioperative risk includes a mechanism for inputting patient information and providing an output relating to the patient health and perioperative risk. The output includes a score for the physical condition of the patient, a score for the degree of expected surgical risk and invasiveness, a score for other vital assessments of perioperative complexity, and alphanumeric codes for other factors that may require special preoperative preparation and planning. |
| US08170887B2 |
System and method for providing continuous, expert network care services from a remote location(s) to geographically dispersed healthcare locations
A system and method for providing continuous expert network critical care services from a remote location. A plurality of healthcare locations with associated patient monitoring instrumentation is connected over a network to a command center which is manned by intensivists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The intensivists are prompted to provide critical care by a standardized series of guideline algorithms for treating a variety of critical care conditions. Intensivists monitor the progress of individual patients at remote intensive care units. A smart alarm system provides alarms to the intensivists to alert the intensivists to potential patient problems so that intervention can occur in a timely fashion. A data storage/data warehouse function analyzes individual patient information from a plurality of command centers and provides updated algorithms and critical care support to the command centers. |
| US08170886B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus to generate an energy consumption index
Systems, methods, and apparatus to generate an energy consumption index are disclosed. In one described example, a method to generate an energy consumption index is disclosed, the method including measuring resources consumed at a home associated with a first person and calculating a home energy value indicative of the resources consumed at the home and measuring resources consumed by the person while located outside the home and calculating an out of home energy value indicative of the resources consumed by the person while located outside the home. The example method further includes identifying goods purchased by the person and calculating a purchase energy value indicative of the resources associated with the purchased goods, and generating an energy consumption index associated with the person based on the home energy value, the out of home energy value, and the purchase energy value. |
| US08170884B2 |
Use of voice-to-remaining audio (VRA) in consumer applications
Systems provide an audio/visual output to each of a plurality of listeners in a manner that permits individualized audio adjustment, wherein audio comprises a first signal that is substantially voice and a second signal that is substantially other than voice. The systems may include a video device, a storage medium, and a transmitter that transmits the first and second signals to a plurality of personal listening devices. Each of the plurality of personal listening devices may include first and second receivers, first and second adjustment devices, an audio signal combining device, and one or more transducers, wherein the systems permit each of the plurality of listeners to adjust the first and second signals independently of other ones of the plurality of listeners in an audience. |
| US08170881B2 |
Distributed voice browser
The present invention can include a method of call processing using a distributed voice browser including allocating a plurality of service processors configured to interpret parsed voice markup language data and allocating a plurality of voice markup language parsers configured to retrieve and parse voice markup language data representing a telephony service. The plurality of service processors and the plurality of markup language parsers can be registered with one or more session managers. Accordingly, components of received telephony service requests can be distributed to the voice markup language parsers and the parsed voice markup language data can be distributed to the service processors. |
| US08170880B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring speech data labelers
Systems and methods herein use an annotation guide to label utterances and speech data with a call type. A system practicing the method embodiment monitors labelers of speech data by presenting via a processor a test utterance to a labeler, receiving input from the labeler that selects a particular call type from a list of call types and determining via the processor if the labeler labeled the test utterance correctly. Based on the determining step, the system revises the annotation guide, retrains the labeler, and/or alters the test utterance. |
| US08170879B2 |
Periodic signal enhancement system
A signal enhancement system improves the understandability of speech or other audio signals. The system reinforces selected parts of the signal, may attenuate selected parts of the signal, and may increase SNR. The system includes delay logic, a partitioned adaptive filter, and signal reinforcement logic. The partitioned adaptive filter may track and enhance the fundamental frequency and harmonics in the input signal. The partitioned filter output signals may approximately reproduce the input signal, delayed by an integer multiple of the period of the fundamental frequency of the input signal. The reinforcement logic combines the input signal and the filtered signals to produce an enhanced output signal. |
| US08170878B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically converting voice
The invention proposes a method and apparatus for significantly improving the quality of voice morphing and guaranteeing the similarity of converted voice. The invention sets several standard speakers in a TTS database, and selects the voices of different standard speakers for speech synthesis according to different roles, wherein the voice of the selected standard speaker is similar to the original role to a certain extent. Then the invention further performs voice morphing on the standard voice similar to the original voice to a certain extent, in order to accurately mimic the voice of the original speaker, so as to make the converted voice closer to the original voice features while guaranteeing the similarity. |
| US08170874B2 |
Apparatus and method for recognizing speech based on feature parameters of modified speech and playing back the modified speech
A speech recognition apparatus which improves the sound quality of speech output as a speech recognition result is provided. The speech recognition apparatus includes a recognition unit, which recognizes speech based on a recognition dictionary, and a registration unit, which registers a dictionary entry of a new recognition word in the recognition dictionary. The recognition unit includes a generation unit, which generates a dictionary entry including speech of the new recognition word item and feature parameters of the speech, and a modification unit, which makes a modification for improving the sound quality of the speech included in the dictionary entry generated by the generation unit. The recognition unit includes a speech output unit, which outputs speech which is included in a dictionary entry corresponding to the recognition result of input speech, and is modified by the modification unit. |
| US08170872B2 |
Incorporating user emotion in a chat transcript
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to chat transcript generation for instant messaging and provide a method, system and computer program product for emotional state transcription for chat sessions. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for emotional state transcription for chat sessions can be provided. The method can include initializing a chat session in an instant messenger, engaging in an audio conversation through the instant messenger, collecting emotion meta-data for the audio conversation and mapping the emotion meta-data to emoticons, and combining a speech recognized form of the audio conversation with the emoticons and text from the chat session into a chat transcript. The method further can include computing a milleau for the chat session from the emotion meta-data and incorporating the milleau for the chat session in the transcript. |
| US08170870B2 |
Apparatus for and program of processing audio signal
In an audio signal processing apparatus, a generation section generates an audio signal representing a voice. A distribution section distributes the audio signal generated by the generation section to a first channel and a second channel, respectively. A delay section delays the audio signal of the first channel relative to the audio signal of the second channel for creating a phase difference between the audio signal of the first channel and the audio signal of the second channel such that the created phase difference has a duration corresponding to either an added value of a first duration which is approximately one half of a period of the audio signal generated by the generation section and a second duration which is set shorter than the first duration, or a difference value of the first duration and the second duration. An addition section adds the audio signal of the first channel and the audio signal of the second channel with one another, between which the phase difference is created by the delay section, and outputs the added audio signal which represents natural voice with various characteristics. |
| US08170868B2 |
Extracting lexical features for classifying native and non-native language usage style
A corpus is provided of language usage by non-native users of the language. Characteristics of the corpus are measured and used to create a language usage classifier for indicating non-native usage of the language. Once the language usage classifier is created, a natural language input may be entered, and the characteristics thereof measured. These characteristics are then compared with the indicators of non-native usage, thereby detecting non-native usage. The evaluation of non-native usage may be used as a versatile foundation to enhance a wide variety of tools and applications dealing with user interaction in languages other than their native language. |
| US08170866B2 |
System and method for increasing accuracy of searches based on communication network
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer-readable media for using a local communication network to generate a speech model. The method includes retrieving for an individual a list of numbers in a calling history, identifying a local neighborhood associated with each number in the calling history, truncating the local neighborhood associated with each number based on the at least one parameter, retrieving a local communication network associated with each number in the calling history and each phone number in the local neighborhood, and creating a language model for the individual based on the retrieved local communication network. The generated language model may be used for improved automatic speech recognition for audible searches as well as other modules in a spoken dialog system. |
| US08170861B2 |
Method for distributed hybrid emulation of manufacturing systems
Manufacturing facility process optimization includes monitoring communication signals within a facility device network, analyzing work station specific patterns in the communication signals, developing operational dependencies for work stations based upon the work station specific patterns, and predictively evaluating impacts to the work stations of the proposed configuration of the manufacturing facility process based upon the operational dependencies. |
| US08170859B1 |
Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for simulating arbitrary unmodified code
Arbitrary, unmodified code and/or software may be executed directly on a host processor operating in a virtualized mode using hardware virtualization support and performance counters. The arbitrary software may be run on the host processor until the host processor exits from the virtualized mode. An end execution time may be calculated in response to the host processor exiting from the virtualized mode. An event may then be handled based on an execution time at which the host processor exited from the virtualized mode and a time at which a scheduled event was to occur. |
| US08170856B2 |
Systems and methods for real-time advanced visualization for predicting the health, reliability and performance of an electrical power system
A system for real-time three-dimensional (3D) visualization of an electrical system is disclosed. The system includes a data acquisition component, a power analytics server and a client terminal. The data acquisition component acquires real-time data output from the electrical system. The power analytics server is comprised of a virtual system modeling engine, an analytics engine, a machine learning engine and a 3D visualization engine. The virtual system modeling engine generates predicted data output for the electrical system. The analytics engine monitors real-time data output and predicted data output of the electrical system. The machine learning engine stores and processes patterns observed from the real-time data output and the predicted data output to forecast an aspect of the electrical system. The 3D visualization engine renders the virtual system model and the forecasted aspect into a 3D visual model. |
| US08170855B2 |
System for simulating PET gantry
A system for simulating a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) gantry has a computer system having a bus system for receiving expansion cards, a mass data storage support system, the mass storage system being operable to store coincidence-event and tag packet data, and a data transfer simulation card for said bus system, wherein the data transfer simulation card is operable to simulate transfer timing of the stored coincidence-event and tag packet data. |
| US08170850B1 |
Graphical functions
A method, system and computer program product to define and utilize functions graphically is provided which may be used in the simulation of finite state machines. The functions may combine mathematical, logical, non-linear and comparative operations. The graphical elements of the function may be hidden for ease of display of various portions of a model. |
| US08170849B2 |
Spray nozzle configuration and modeling system
A spray injection analysis and nozzle configuration system is described having a user input unit that collects spray system input parameters and relays the collected parameters to a fluid performance matching unit and/or problem geometry unit for subsequent processing. The user inputs basic system parameters, including the desired spray fluid characteristics, to obtain suggested system configuration, including spray nozzle types and quantities. Accuracy of suggested spray nozzle type and configuration is increased via approximating the viscosity and/or surface tension parameters of the desired spray fluid with that of collected performance data. When a user already knows the desired spray nozzle type and associated system parameters, the user input unit routes this information to the problem geometry unit for creation of a problem geometry file, including calculation of the drop size distribution and spray velocity, and performance modeling via the fluid modeling unit. |
| US08170847B2 |
System and method for evaluating simulation model penetration
A system and method for viewing models and model variables within a sophisticated modeling environment is disclosed. The system provides varying levels of insight into a modeling infrastructure to help the user understand model and model variable dependencies, usage, distribution, and/or the like. (original) The method includes storing model and model variable data within a relational database system, receiving a request from a user interfacing with the system via a web interface, extracting search criteria and presentation preferences from the request, formulating and executing one or more queries on the database to retrieve the required data, formatting the data in accordance with the request, and retuning the data to the requesting user in the form of a web page. |
| US08170844B2 |
Estimation of probability of lambda failure through employment of lookup table
A method for estimating a probability of failure of a least-squares ambiguity decorrelation adjustment (LAMBDA) method is provided. The LAMBDA method is used for estimation of double difference carrier phase integer ambiguity. A plurality of condition sets are selected. Each condition set comprises a probability of failure (Pboot-fail) for a boot-strap method of estimation of the double difference carrier phase integer ambiguity, a number of space vehicles (Nsv), and a ratio test tolerance for the LAMBDA method. A plurality of Monte Carlo simulations are run on the plurality of condition sets to obtain a plurality of result sets. Each result set comprises a probability of lambda fail (Pλ-fail) and a probability of lambda reject (Pλ-reject) for one condition set of the plurality of condition sets. A lookup table is created with the plurality of result sets. A value of Pλ-fail for given values of Pλ-reject, Pboot-fail, and Nsv is estimated through employment of the lookup table. |
| US08170841B2 |
Predictive model validation
Models are generated using a variety of tools and features of a model generation platform. For example, in connection with a project in which a user generates a predictive model based on historical data about a system being modeled, the user is provided through a graphical user interface a structured sequence of model generation activities to be followed, the sequence including dimension reduction, model generation, model process validation, and model re-generation.In connection with a project in which a user generates a predictive model based on historical data about a system being modeled, the user is enabled to validate the model development process with cross-validation between at least two subsets of the historical data; the validated model development process is enabled to be reapplied. |
| US08170840B2 |
Pitch determination systems and methods for aerial roof estimation
User interface systems and methods for roof estimation are described. Example embodiments include a roof estimation system that provides a user interface configured to facilitate roof model generation based on one or more aerial images of a building roof. In one embodiment, roof model generation includes image registration, image lean correction, roof section pitch determination, wire frame model construction, and/or roof model review. The described user interface provides user interface controls that may be manipulated by an operator to perform at least some of the functions of roof model generation. In one embodiment, the user interface provides user interface controls that facilitate the determination of pitch of one or more sections of a building roof. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08170839B2 |
Method of designing a tire tread
A tire design method is provided for a tire having a tire tread with a plurality of circumferential ribs separated by circumferential continuous grooves where at least two circumferential ribs are unlocked by at least one circumferential groove. The method may include modeling a lug in each of the at least two circumferential ribs to determine a circumferential shear stiffness and a circumferential shear stiffness per unit length for each rib. The tire design method may further include determining an ideal rib stiffness, an optimal rib stiffness, and a corresponding ideal number of lugs and an optimal number of lugs for each of the at least two circumferential ribs. In one embodiment, the tire design method includes modifying the tire design so the number of lugs in each rib is equal to the optimal number of lugs determined in the tire design method. |
| US08170833B2 |
Transforming metrology data from a semiconductor treatment system using multivariate analysis
Metrology data from a semiconductor treatment system is transformed using multivariate analysis. In particular, a set of metrology data measured or simulated for one or more substrates treated using the treatment system is obtained. One or more essential variables for the obtained set of metrology data is determined using multivariate analysis. A first metrology data measured or simulated for one or more substrates treated using the treatment system is obtained. The first obtained metrology data is not one of the metrology data in the set of metrology data earlier obtained. The first metrology data is transformed into a second metrology data using the one or more of the determined essential variables. |
| US08170831B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring dimension of circular object
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for measuring a dimension of a circular object. First to third sensors arranged in a straight line are disposed above a track to respectively measure time instants when the circular object moves past the first to third sensors. The dimension of the circular object is calculated according to distances between the first and second sensors and between the second and third sensors. |
| US08170829B1 |
Tester bundle
An apparatus for testing multiple Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) ports comprising: a first testing module; a second testing module; and a communications link coupled with the first and the second testing modules; wherein each of the testing modules includes: a SFP+ interface connectable to a port under test (PUT), a signal processing circuit including: a signal compensator configured to perform signal compensation on a signal received from the other testing module, and a signal modifier configured to: modify the compensated signal according to a set of predetermined modification parameters, and transmit the modified signal to the PUT. |
| US08170828B2 |
Test method using memory programmed with tests and protocol to communicate between device under test and tester
In an embodiment, a test method is implemented to test an integrated circuit that includes at least one processor. The method may include programming a memory to which the integrated circuit is coupled during testing with one or more test programs. The integrated circuit may be booted, and the processor may execute the test programs from the memory. In one embodiment, the memory may also store a control program that may manage the execution of the tests. In an embodiment, the control program may also implement a protocol to communicate with the ATE to perform the testing. The protocol may be implemented over a set of general purpose input/output (I/O) pins, for example. Using the protocol and test vectors on the ATE, the tests may be selected and executed, and test results may be reported. |
| US08170826B2 |
Calibration method for a position determination of a rear axle steering actuator
The present invention relates to a method for the calibration of a position determination system of a rear axle steering actuator for a motor vehicle. The rear axle steering actuator has an actuator element which can be driven by a rotary movement of a rotor to a translation movement and whose geometrical center position is determined by a reference measurement. The position determination system includes a linear sensor and a rotary sensor. During calibration, a piece of calibration information is generated which includes a piece of zero point information of the linear sensor and a piece of sector information. The measurement range of the rotary sensor is divided into at least two sectors. The sector information identifies that angle at which the angular position of the rotor lies when the actuator element is arranged in its geometrical center position. The calibration information is stored in the linear sensor. |
| US08170824B2 |
System and method for determining distance with precision in the presence of multipath interference
Various aspects of the present invention are shown and described, each of which has stand alone utility in a navigated medical environment. A receiver position calibration system and method facilitates calibration of a reference frame prior to each navigated procedure. A concept and application of confidence weights is introduced. Confidence weights can be applied to distance calculations to mitigate the effects of interference and increase the tolerance of the navigated medical system. Multi-path interference is minimized through the transmission of a signal having a pattern of unique frequencies and filtering of the distance calculations for each frequency to identify the ‘best’ distance in the presence of multi-path interference. A position determination method and system that transmits a signal having multiple frequency components permits positions to be identified with high resolution over a large area. |
| US08170812B2 |
Method and system for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter
Methods and systems for detecting deposit buildup within an ultrasonic flow meter are disclosed. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are ultrasonic flow meters comprising a spool piece configured to couple within a flow of fluid, a first transducer pair mechanically mounted to the spool piece and configured to fluidly couple to the flow of fluids (wherein the first transducer pair comprises an upstream transducer and a downstream transducer in operational relationship to the upstream transducer and defines a first chord there between), and electronics electrically coupled to the first transducer pair. The electronics is configured to detect deposit buildup over an inner surface of the ultrasonic flow meter. |
| US08170807B2 |
Managing body composition
Among other things, at least two different independent providers of body composition management services are enabled to have online access through respective graphical user interfaces to body composition information and plans that are associated with respective clients of the providers and that are stored on the server. The graphical user interfaces are different for different independent providers. At least some of the information and plans associated with the clients of the different independent providers are stored in a common format in a common database maintained by the server. |
| US08170800B2 |
Method and system for monitoring a drilling operation
The present invention provides a computer-implemented software tool that is adapted to listen continuously to data streams from a drilling operation and to process the data to generate a situation description for a current drilling situation in a form useful for automated continuous matching with a set of past cases stored in a knowledge database. The invention implements a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach to match the current drilling situation as defined by the situation description with one or more stored past cases having a degree of similarity above a predetermined threshold level. Matching cases are displayed to the drilling engineer as symbols on a case “radar”, allowing the drilling engineer to retrieve and view the details of a past case and take appropriate action based on drilling advice provided within the past case. |
| US08170798B2 |
Navigation system and operation guidance display method for use in this navigation system
A navigation system according to the present invention includes a control device 1 equipped with an automatic operation management means 10 for, when acquiring an operation guidance display request which is generated by a user's manipulation of an input device 2, making a direct transition to a final operation screen which is required to judge the user's intention among operation screens which are developed to implement navigation, and for combining the above-mentioned final operation screen which is reduced and a corresponding operation guidance to display them on a display device 5. |
| US08170797B2 |
Method and apparatus for estimating behaviors of vehicle using GPS signals
A method and an apparatus for estimating behaviors of a vehicle are provided. At least two GPS antennas are located along a longitudinal axis of a vehicle so that speed vectors at the positions where the GPS antennas are located can be determined based on GPS signals received by the GPS antennas. The speed vectors are known to be estimated with high accuracy based on the GPS signals. The positions of the GPS antennas on the local coordinate system are estimated based on such highly accurate speed vectors, so that the estimated positions may also have high accuracy. Based on a line connecting these highly accurate positions of the GPS antennas, an inclination of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is estimated. Use of the high-accuracy speed vectors enables high-accuracy estimation on the positions of the GPS antennas and the vehicle direction on the local coordinate system. |
| US08170796B2 |
Ins based GPS carrier phase cycle slip detection and repairing
An apparatus comprising a position system configured to determine a global positioning (GPS) change vector, and an inertial navigation system (INS) change vector. The position system is configured to determine a relative position between a first platform and a second platform based on the GPS change vector and the INS change vector, and the position system is configured to correct a GPS position calculation error based on the GPS change vector and the INS change vector. |
| US08170795B2 |
Navigation system with animated intersection view
A vehicle navigation system helps guide a driver to a destination by enhancing visualization of upcoming intersections. The navigation system stores animation data that depicts the intersection as it will appear to the driver. The animation data may be a sequence of images (e.g., digital camera images) taken at intervals before and after the intersection. The navigation system may show the images in synchronism with the progress of the vehicle to provide an animated display of the intersection for the driver. The animated display aids the driver with following a recommended navigation route to the destination. |
| US08170793B2 |
System and method for determining routing point placement for aiding in encoding and decoding a path
A method of encoding a shortened path definition of a path in a mapping system is described. In one embodiment, a shortened path definition includes only those routing points that are needed to eliminate valid alternate routes. |
| US08170791B1 |
Automated travel planning system
A list of places of interest geographically located near a travel route may be generated by accessing a routing database storing shape points capable of defining a travel route, determining a travel route from the shape points stored in the routing database, accessing a place of interest database including geographic centers, selecting from the places of interest database at least one geographic center that is geographically proximate to the travel route, and generating a list of places of interest associated with at least one of the selected geographic centers. |
| US08170789B2 |
Method for providing search area coverage information
A method for displaying search area coverage is provided. A searched area (414) is recorded by a moving entity (202, 302), the search area (420) having a width defined by the position of the search entity (202, 302) as it progresses through a search area (420). The search area (420) and the searched area (414) are then displayed on a display (116), thereby illustrating the search area remaining to be searched. Optionally, the width of the searched area (414) may be adjusted in accordance the altitude, speed, or visibility of the search entity (202, 302), and a pattern may be suggested for the search entity (202, 302) to ensure coverage of the search area (420). |
| US08170788B2 |
Method and apparatus for using an automated lane keeping system to maintain lateral vehicle spacing
A method and apparatus for piloting a vehicle is herein disclosed. The method entails first using a lane keeping system to detect objects in lanes adjacent to the lane currently occupied by the vehicle and then adjusting the position of the vehicle within the occupied lane-relative to a detected object. |
| US08170787B2 |
Vehicle collision avoidance system
A collision avoidance system for a machine is disclosed. The collision avoidance system has a first obstacle detection system. The first obstacle detection system is configured to detect a first obstacle and generate a corresponding first signal. Additionally, the collision avoidance system has an operator interface. The operator interface has a display configured to communicate visual information to an operator. In addition, the collision avoidance system has an interface module configured to detect a status of the machine and generate a corresponding second signal. The collision avoidance system also has a controller. The controller is in communication with the first obstacle detection system, the operator interface, and the interface module. The controller is configured to control the display to indicate a dangerous obstacle detection to the operator, based on the first and second signals. Additionally, the controller is configured to control the display to provide a dangerous obstacle warning to the operator, based on the first and second signals. |
| US08170781B2 |
Inverted wheel type moving body and method of controlling the same
An inverted wheel type moving body according to the present invention includes a right chassis 17 and a left chassis 19 rotationally supporting wheels, motors 34 and 36 rotationally driving a right driving wheel 18 and a left driving wheel 20, a body 12 rotatably supported on the right chassis 17 and the left chassis 19 through a right arm 14 and a left arm 16, lower joint motors 65 and 95 disposed in the right arm 14 and the left arm 16 and varying vehicle height, a travel control module 81 controlling the motors 34 and 36 so as to follow calculated accelerations, and a posture control module 82 controlling the lower joint motors 65 and 95 to lower the vehicle height and change a position of a center of mass of the body 12 with respect to an axle in a front-back direction in accordance with the accelerations when the accelerations exceeds a certain range. |
| US08170779B2 |
Abnormality diagnosis device for exhaust heat recovery equipment
An abnormality diagnosis device is for an exhaust heat recovery equipment including an exhaust heat absorption part absorbing exhaust heat from an engine, a heat release part releasing at least part of the heat absorbed by the absorption part to engine coolant, a circulation loop passing through the absorption part and the release part, the medium circulating around the loop, and an opening and closing valve disposed in the loop between the absorption part and the release part. The equipment closes the valve to stop circulation of the medium when coolant temperature is a preset temperature or above. The device includes an abnormality determination device for determining whether the valve is in an abnormal opening state based on a heat amount transmitted from exhaust heat to coolant through the equipment, when coolant temperature is the preset temperature or above and thereby the valve is closed if the valve is normal. |
| US08170777B2 |
Indicating system and method for determining an engine parameter
To reduce the complexity of an indicating system 6 on an internal combustion engine for determining a parameter, the invention provides that on the basis of the measured variable a computing unit 8 for the indicating system 6 computes crank angle information, and on the basis of the crank angle information thus computed and the measured variable determines an engine parameter. |
| US08170775B2 |
Fuel injection device for internal combustion engine
The device including: a fuel correction value calculating unit for calculating a correction value for a fuel injection quantity so that an actual air-fuel ratio becomes equal to a target air-fuel ratio; a fuel switching detecting unit for detecting that fuel switching has occurred; a fuel property estimating unit for setting a period, in which there is a possibility that a fuel property changes, as a property change period when the fuel switching is detected to calculate a fuel property correction value corresponding to another correction value for the fuel injection quantity based on the correction value within the property change period; and a property change judging unit for judging whether or not a change in the correction value is due to the change in the fuel property in a case where the correction value becomes out of a predetermined range even though the property change period is not set. |
| US08170770B2 |
Adaptive cruise control braking with deceleration monitoring
In one embodiment, a vehicle speed control device includes an electronic control unit (ECU). A forward vehicle sensor, electrically communicating with the ECU, generates a forward vehicle signal as a function of whether a forward vehicle is detected. The forward vehicle signal indicates a speed and a distance to the forward vehicle. A speed sensor, electrically communicating with the ECU, senses a driven vehicle speed. Control logic, electrically communicating with the ECU and the forward vehicle sensor, controls the driven vehicle speed as a function of a driven vehicle acceleration and the forward vehicle signal. The control logic sets a fault status as a function of the driven vehicle acceleration and the forward vehicle signal. |
| US08170769B2 |
Vehicle speed control system
A vehicle speed control system includes a road shape recognition unit which recognizes a road shape, a target speed setting unit which sets a target speed according to the road shape, a speed control unit which controls the host vehicle's speed according to the target speed, a parameter detecting unit which detects at least one of parameters representing the driver's steering rotation, a yaw rate of the host vehicle, and a lateral acceleration of the host vehicle, and a first acceleration determining unit which, after the speed control unit has decelerated, determines whether or not to accelerate the host vehicle according to reference parameters based on a road shape and the host vehicle's speed and parameters detected by the parameter detecting unit, wherein if the first acceleration determining unit has determined to accelerate, the target speed setting unit sets a target speed of the host vehicle according to a predetermined acceleration. |
| US08170765B2 |
Method for regulating the pressure in an electronically controlled brake system, and electronic brake system
An electronic brake system and a method for regulating the brake pressure in an electronically-controlled brake system of a motorcycle are provided. The method includes the step of actively building a brake pressure in a wheel brake circuit to prevent a motorcycle from moving. The method further includes the step of maintaining the brake pressure in the wheel brake circuit once (i) the motorcycle comes to a standstill or is at a standstill or is approximately at a standstill, and (ii) an activation condition is fulfilled. |
| US08170761B2 |
Method for real-time learning of actuator transfer characteristics
In a pressure control system having a solenoid-operated fluid valve that has an output hydraulic pressure which varies in accordance with a solenoid input signal, a dynamic learning block is configured to adjust the initial, default values for control points stored in a pressure-current (P-I) data table based on observed (measured) operating points that reflect the solenoid's actual transfer characteristic. A feed forward control block is configured to generate the solenoid input signal having a level based on the adjusted control points in the data table, which improves the accuracy of the solenoid input signal. An adjustment method uses a plurality of circular buffers each configured to store observed operating points falling within a respective range, and provides a mechanism to allow adjustment of the control points based on only partial data. |
| US08170760B2 |
Vehicle driving apparatus
A vehicle driving apparatus that can execute cranking of an internal combustion engine by transmitting a mechanical power from a rotor of a motor to an engine output shaft without executing an engaging/disengaging operation of a clutch. A driving apparatus of a hybrid vehicle includes a first speed change mechanism capable of receiving mechanical power from an engine output shaft by a first input shaft and transmitting the mechanical power to drive wheels, a second speed change mechanism capable of receiving the mechanical power from the engine output shaft and a rotor by a second input shaft engaged with the rotor and transmitting the mechanical power to the drive wheels, a first clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the first input shaft, and a second clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the second input shaft. |
| US08170759B2 |
Chassis system engine torque requests
An engine control system of a vehicle comprises a torque module and a chassis request evaluation module. The torque module controls a torque output of an engine based on a driver torque request and selectively increases the torque output based on a chassis torque request. The chassis request evaluation module selectively prevents the increase of the torque output based on at least one of a vehicle speed, a transmission state, and an accelerator pedal position. |
| US08170758B2 |
System and method for changing values stored in memory that relate to the operation of an automatic transmission
An automatic transmission may be coupled to an internal combustion engine. A shift selector may be coupled to the transmission and may have a plurality of user selectable inputs for controlling operation of the transmission that are electrically connected to a control circuit. The control circuit may include a memory having a value stored therein that relates to operation of the transmission. The memory may further include instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to change the value stored in the memory to a different value upon detection of user selection of a predefined sequence of two or more of the plurality of user selectable inputs. |
| US08170756B2 |
Excavating system utilizing machine-to-machine communication
A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation is disclosed. The method includes establishing a machine-to-machine communication system for a fleet of machines, including at least two machines. The method also includes removing material during the excavating operation with at least a first machine of the fleet of machines. The method additionally includes operating a second machine of the fleet of machines in a mode involving contact between at least the first machine and the second machine. The method further includes employing the machine-to-machine communication system to effect controlled contact between at least the first machine and the second machine. |
| US08170755B2 |
Methods and systems for improved detection of minispare tires
A method of detecting a minispare tire in a vehicle having a vehicle control system. The method includes detecting a rotational velocity of each of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle; determining whether a minispare tire is mounted on the vehicle based on the rotational velocities detected at each of the plurality of wheels; adjusting the vehicle control system if a minispare tire is mounted on the vehicle; sensing a hydraulic pressure of a braking system of the vehicle; and suspending determination of whether a minispare tire is mounted on the vehicle if the hydraulic pressure exceeds a predetermined critical pressure level. |
| US08170751B2 |
Detection of driver intervention during a torque overlay operation in an electric power steering system
A method for controlling an assisted steering maneuver in an electric power steering (EPS) system includes modeling steering dynamics during a torque overlay operation to generate a dynamic steering model (DSM), measuring vehicle operating values, and detecting a driver intervention in the torque overlay operation based on the DSM and the vehicle operating values. The torque overlay operation is overridden when driver intervention is detected, allowing the driver to regain control of the steering maneuver. A vehicle includes a steering wheel, a steering assist mechanism, and an EPS system having an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to determine a present intent of a driver of the vehicle to interrupt application of the TOC based on a vehicle operating value transmitted by the driver to the steering wheel. The ECU is operable for interrupting the torque overlay operation when the present intent of the driver is determined. |
| US08170750B2 |
Parametric remedial action strategy for an active front steer system
A vehicle parametric active front steering (AFS) system remedial action is described herein. AFS system modules inter-communicate via messages containing parameters. The AFS system detects a message error, determines an invalid parameter, and takes appropriate remedial action. An error is detected if an error condition is satisfied or if occurrence of incorrect messages reaches or exceeds a certain predetermined frequency. The AFS system takes the remedial action by setting default values of valid parameters corresponding to the invalid parameter. |
| US08170748B1 |
Vehicle information display system
An information display system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed at the interior cabin of a vehicle and a video display screen disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly. The video display screen is operable to display video images captured by a backup camera of the equipped vehicle for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. A transmitter is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly, and a graphical user interface generates instructions for operation of the transmitter. The video display screen is operable to selectively display video images captured by the backup camera and instructions from the graphical user interface. When the equipped vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver, the information display system displays the video images captured by the backup camera. The graphical user interface interactively operates with the user input for display of instructions for operation of the transmitter. |
| US08170746B2 |
Method for determining unstable driving states
A method for identifying unstable driving states is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) detecting whether the magnitude of a difference between a first value of a driving state variable that is detected by means of a first sensor, and a second value of the driving states variable that is calculated from measured values of at least one further sensor, increases over time, (b) filtering the difference by means of a delay element after it has been established that the difference has increased, (c) comparing the filters difference and the unfiltered difference, and (d) establishing the presence of an unstable driving states when the comparison shows that a deviation between the filtered difference and the unfiltered difference exceeds a predefined threshold value. The method enables an unstable driving state to be identified even when a driving states variable has an offset error which is of the desired size. |
| US08170743B2 |
Integrated diagnosis and prognosis system as part of the corporate value chain
An integrated diagnosis and prognosis system that collects vehicle information over the life of a vehicle and its development. The system provides the collected vehicle information to supplier management, product development management, service/dealership management, customer relations departments and production facilities, which use the information to take certain action for existing vehicles, fleets of vehicles or future vehicles to improve vehicle reliability and quality. |
| US08170741B2 |
Vehicle and controller for vehicle and method for detecting vehicle abnormality thereof
Early detection of an abnormality in a vehicle speed detection system. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) has an input shaft connected to an engine and an output shaft connected to a rear wheel. A change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts is electronically controlled. The vehicle speed detection system outputs a vehicle speed signal. An electronic control unit (ECU) detects an abnormality in the vehicle speed detection system based on at least one of a rotational speed of the engine, a rotational speed of the input shaft, and a rotational speed of the output shaft, as well as based on the vehicle speed signal outputted from the vehicle speed detection system. |
| US08170739B2 |
Path generation algorithm for automated lane centering and lane changing control system
A system for providing path generation for automated lane centering and/or lane changing purposes. The system includes a desired path generation processor that receives signals detecting the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, a request for a lane change, vehicle state information and a steering angle of the vehicle. The system also includes a path prediction processor that predicts the vehicle path based on vehicle state information including vehicle longitudinal speed, vehicle lateral speed, vehicle yaw-rate and vehicle steering angle. The desired path information and the predicted path information are compared to generate an error signal that is sent to a lane change controller that provides a steering angle signal to turn the vehicle and reduce the error signal. The desired path generation processor can use a fifth order polynomial equation to determine the desired path of the vehicle based on the input signals. |
| US08170734B2 |
Marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus and marine vessel including the same
A marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion system and a steering mechanism. The marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus includes an operational unit, operated by an operator, arranged to control movement and turning of a marine vessel, a target value computing unit having a plurality of computing modes and arranged to compute target values including a target propulsive force for the propulsion system and a target steering angle for the steering mechanism in accordance with an operational input from the operational unit, and a switching unit arranged to switch the computing modes of the target value computing unit. |
| US08170730B2 |
Control system for automatic flight in windshear conditions
A flight control system is configured for controlling the flight of an aircraft through windshear conditions. The system has means for measuring values of selected flight performance states of the aircraft and a control system for operating flight control devices on the aircraft. A windshear detection system located on the aircraft uses at least some of the measured values of the selected flight performance states to calculate a gust average during flight for comparison to pre-determined values in a table for determining whether windshear conditions exist. The control system then operates at least some of the flight control devices in response to an output of the windshear detection system. |
| US08170723B2 |
Determination and use of power system sensitivities
The present disclosure relates to power system sensitivities as computed from power flow parameters and control parameters of a Power Flow Control Device (PFC). To this end, control parameter variations are applied to or generated by a PFC, and comprise variations in a control input u, a control effort e (injected series voltage, inserted series reactance), or a control effect q (power flow, active power transfer, phase-shift, current). A power flow response measuring unit measures a variation of a power flow response such as current, active or apparent power, in a way sufficiently synchronized with the control parameter variation to allow establishing an unambiguous causal relationship or correspondence in the form of a power system sensitivity. The latter may be on-line adapted to continuously reflect an updated aspect of the power system behavior, and thus enable an improved, fast and reliable power flow control in power systems comprising a meshed power network with two parallel flow paths or corridors connecting two areas or sub-systems. |
| US08170720B2 |
HVAC controller with guided schedule programming
Controllers and methods are disclosed for aiding a user in programming a schedule of a programmable controller. In an illustrative embodiment, a guided programming routine can be activated by a user, which then guides a user through two or more screens that are designed to collect sufficient information from the user to generate and/or update at least some of the schedule parameters of the controller. |
| US08170717B2 |
Microsurgical robot system
A surgical robot that includes at least one robotic arm having multiple joints and at least six degrees of freedom, the robotic arm also including: a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible structural material; multiple MR-compatible joint motors; and multiple MR-compatible joint encoders. |
| US08170713B2 |
Method of selecting a product from a refrigerated glass front vending machine
An improved method and apparatus for selection of vendible products provides designated product reference areas at a refrigerated double glass front vending machine for making viewable product selections thereon by applying a light tap at its outer glass pane and sensing the tap location by three or more spaced apart resilient members each having its first portion attached at the inner glass pane. The resilient member's second portion suspends an inertia mass that reciprocates at a predetermined rate due to the inertia mass weight and the resiliency of the suspending member. A sensor senses the reciprocating movement in response to the light tap. The location of the tap is determined by measuring the arrival time of each predetermined signal produced by the first resonating alternation of its attached resiliently suspended inertia mass during the first rearward movement of the inner glass pane. |
| US08170709B2 |
Method for introducing a weft thread in a weaving machine
Method for introducing a weft thread in a weaving machine which comprises a device (10) for introducing a weft thread (3, 64), which method comprises adjusting a control parameter and adapting the number of insertions for determining the mean deviation of an insertion parameter. Weaving machine which comprises a device (10) for employing an abovementioned method. |
| US08170707B2 |
Failure detecting method, failure detecting apparatus, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A method for inputting a foreign substance inspection map created by foreign substance inspection for a wafer surface after each processing process in a wafer processing process, inputting a die sort map created by a die sort test after the wafer processing process, setting region segments in the wafer, setting a region number for each segment, calculating foreign substance density of the region segments, based on the foreign substance inspection map, and plotting the foreign substance density, using the region numbers, to calculate a foreign substance inspection map waveform characteristic amount, calculating failure density in the region segments, based on the die sort map, and plotting the failure density, using the region numbers, to calculate a die sort map waveform characteristic amount, calculating similarity between the foreign substance inspection map waveform characteristic amount and the die sort map waveform characteristic amount, and identifying a processing process cause of failure occurrence. |
| US08170703B2 |
Method for controlling a plurality of production processes
A method for controlling a plurality of production processes performed on a plurality of production machines is described, wherein order data regarding the production processes to be performed are inputted in a control unit which generates control instructions for the production machines, wherein state data indicating the state of the individual production machines are taken into consideration when generating the control instructions. |
| US08170700B2 |
Portable sound reproducing system and method
A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, a non-removable data storage, a display, an audio output, at least one processor, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a play control input, and a random input. The non-removable data storage stores compressed digitized audio data. The at least one processor is responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the non-removable data storage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide information to the display. |
| US08170699B2 |
Metering system and method of operation
A metering system for measuring the electrical power used to charge a vehicle is provided. The metering system includes an electrical meter operably coupled to a conductor connected to the vehicle and an electrical outlet. A controller receives signals from the meter to record the measured electrical consumption. The controller includes a plurality of communications devices for communicating with different communications carriers. In one embodiment, the controller selects one of the communications devices based on availability and a desired criterion. The selected communications device then transmits the measured electrical power consumption to a utility provider. In one embodiment, the metering system is mobile. |
| US08170695B2 |
Appliance incorporating load selectivity without employment of smart meters
Methods and a system are disclosed for one or more appliances including a controller for managing power consumption within a household. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy utility, including at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period. A generated serial number is obtained from an original serial number of the appliance or controller, which is configured for a signal to communicate to the appliance within a population and command the appliance to operate in an energy savings mode and a normal mode at various time periods. The generated serial number (GSN) is used to segregate a total population into segments to provide granularity in assigning DR activations and deactivations based upon the GSN. |
| US08170694B2 |
Network unit and programmable controller using the same
A network unit in a programmable controller of a building block mutually connects an information system network and a control system network. The network unit includes transfer analyzing units that judge to which of interface units received data received from the information system network and the control system network should be allocated. Moreover, received data that needs to be transferred is converted into predetermined data by conversion processing units included in the networks and output to the information system network or the control system network without being transmitted to a system bus. |
| US08170692B2 |
Implant tool for active fixation lead
An implant tool for use with an endocardial or other implantable lead having an extendable/retractable active fixation tip includes a housing, a shaft rotatably supported by the housing, and a shaft rotation mechanism for rotating the shaft through a predetermined angular travel. The shaft includes a lead attachment portion for selectively coupling a lead to the shaft such that the lead is rotatable with the shaft. The implant tool may include a control tab slidably supported by the housing, wherein longitudinal movement of the control tab actuates the shaft rotation mechanism. The shaft rotation mechanism may include a gear train, an electric motor, a double acting spring mechanism, or a retractable tape wound around the shaft. The gear train includes an input member coupled to the control tab and an output gear coupled to the shaft. The input member meshes with an input gear supported by the housing. |
| US08170689B2 |
Implantable cardiac defibrillation system with defibrillation electrode entrapment prevention and method
An implantable cardiac defibrillation device diminishes fibrosis of a defibrillation electrode. The device includes an implantable lead having a defibrillation electrode adapted for implant in one of the superior vena cava and right ventricle of a heart, a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to the defibrillation electrode that provides defibrillation energy to the defibrillation electrode, and a power supply that maintains a negative voltage on the defibrillation electrode in the absence of defibrillating energy being provided to the defibrillation electrode. |
| US08170685B2 |
Radiant therapeutic heating apparatus
A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus may include a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface including an infrared radiator adapted to radiate heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation-permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the heating apparatus. The flexible heat generating layer may include a fiberglass material impregnated with a resistive material, which material may provide a surface temperature, when current is conducted therethrough, of no greater than about 54 degrees Celsius. Current limiting thermostats may be provided to prevent energy and temperature spikes. A stiffening element may help protect the components, and may orient portions of a user's body (such as, e.g., but not limited to, the wrist for repetitive strain injuries) in a therapeutic position. The heating apparatus may be used on animals such as, e.g., but not limited to, mammals, including pets, humans, horses and/or other living beings and/or creatures. The apparatus may be oriented as a blanket, and may incorporate, e.g., a rheostat, high-low, analog, digital, or other power control switch. It may be used for warming kennels, for treating hypothermia, for relieving neck, shoulder and/or back pain. It may be used for pre- post- and during, operative care. It may be combined with other therapy such as, e.g., massage and/or vibration. |
| US08170683B2 |
Dermatome stimulation devices and methods
A nerve stimulation device includes a first waveform generator adapted to generate a first waveform having a first frequency capable of stimulating nerves within a dermatome, a second waveform generator adapted to generate a first carrier waveform having a second frequency capable of passing through tissue of a mammal, and a third waveform generator adapted to generate a second carrier waveform having a third frequency different than the second frequency and being capable of passing through the tissue of the mammal. The device includes a modulator electrically coupled to the first, second and third waveform generators and adapted to modulate the first waveform, the first carrier waveform, and the second carrier waveform to generate a modulated signal package capable of stimulating the nerves at different depths within the dermatome. The device also has an electrode electrically coupled to the modulator for applying the modulated waveform to the dermatomic region. |
| US08170682B2 |
Method and apparatus to provide safety checks for neural stimulation
The present application deals generally with the stimulation of neural tissue by electronic means and specifically with controlling the level of electrical stimulation in order to prevent damage to the neural tissue. Methods presented in the disclosure include detecting current leakage via electrode impedance measurement, electrode capacitance measurement, and testing the electrode response to test current pulse. Apparatus presented in the disclosure include circuitry and systems capable of performing the methods disclosed. |
| US08170680B2 |
Implantable multi-length RF antenna
A system and method for wirelessly transferring information electromagnetically at a specified first operating frequency range in a first medium and at a specified second operating frequency range in a second medium using an implantable multi-length antenna. The implantable multi-length antenna can be configured to appear electrically as a first electrical length in the first medium and as a different second electrical length in the second medium. In other examples, the first operating frequency range can be specified using the first electrical length and the second operating frequency range can be specified using the second electrical length. |
| US08170679B2 |
Spectral contrast enhancement in a cochlear implant speech processor
Psychophysical tests are administered to cochlear implant (CI) users to determine a spectral modulation transfer function (SMTF), smallest detectable spectral contrast as a function of spectral modulation frequency, for each individual CI user. The determined SMTF for individual CI user is compared against a SMTF of a normal hearing person to determine the specific enhancements needed. A profile of spectral enhancement achievable with variation of filter parameters, sigma and maximum that best fits the needed enhancements for the individual CI user is selected. Based on the corresponding sigma and maximum selected, a sound processing strategy is adjusted to provide customized spectral contrast enhancement for the individual CI user. The sound processing strategy implemented includes an outer hair cell model. |
| US08170674B2 |
Method of using spinal cord stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders or conditions
The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation to treat gastrointestinal and/or eating disorders. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead that is in communication with predetermined thoracic vertebral segments to cause spinal nervous tissue stimulation, thus treating a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders. |
| US08170672B2 |
Elongated implant having an external energy coupling
Electrotherapeutic implant for stimulation of body tissue, comprising at least two electrode poles (14) which are connected to electric feeder lines, a demodulation unit (22), at least one electric feeder line (20), which is designed as an antenna and contacts the demodulation unit (22), wherein the implant (10) is fabricated from one piece, can be affixed (16) at the treatment site and is equipped with a biocompatible insulation, whereby the components of the implant (10) are designed so that a therapeutic energy which can be injected from the outside over the antenna (20) during the treatment is delivered to the therapeutic target region without intermediate storage. |
| US08170670B2 |
System and method for recovering from transient faults in an implantable medical device
A system and method is disclosed for system fault recovery by an implantable medical device which employs a global fault response. The system enables the device to consistently recover from transient faults while maintaining a history of the reason for the device fault. Upon detection of a fault, the primary controller of the device signals a reset controller which then issues a reset command. All sub-systems of the primary device controller are then reset together rather than resetting individual sub-systems independently to ensure deterministic behavior. |
| US08170667B2 |
Implantable cardiac monitor upgradeable to pacemaker or cardiac resynchronization device
An implantable cardiac monitor upgradeable to an implantable pacemaker or an implantable cardiac resynchronization device allows the use of a single implantable medical device for monitoring cardiac conditions and later, if needed, for cardiac pacing. The implantable medical device includes a circuit that can be configured, by programming through an external programmer, to either the implantable cardiac monitor or the implantable pacemaker. The implantable medical device is first configured to and used as the implantable cardiac monitor for acquisition of physiological data indicative of a need for a pacing therapy. If the pacing therapy is to follow, the implantable medical device is reconfigured from the implantable cardiac monitor to the implantable pacemaker, thus eliminating the need of using two implantable medical devices. |
| US08170665B2 |
Quantum dot labeled stem cells for use in providing pacemaker function
The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to the labeling of target cells with nanometer scale fluorescent semiconductors referred to as quantum dots (QDs). Specifically, a delivery system is disclosed based on the use of negatively charged QDs for delivery of a tracking fluorescent signal into the cytosol of target cells via a passive endocytosis-mediated delivery process. In a specific embodiment of the invention the target cell is a stem cell, preferably a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Such labeled MSCs provide a means for tracking the distribution and fate of MSCs that have been genetically engineered to express, for example, a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (“HCN”) channel and administered to a subject to create a biological pacemaker. The invention is based on the discovery that MSCs can be tracked in vitro for up to at least 6 weeks. Additionally, QDs delivered in vivo can be tracked for up to at least 8 weeks, thereby permitting for the first time, the complete 3-D reconstruction of the locations of all MSCs following administration into a host. |
| US08170656B2 |
Wearable electromyography-based controllers for human-computer interface
A “Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller” includes a plurality of Electromyography (EMG) sensors and provides a wired or wireless human-computer interface (HCl) for interacting with computing systems and attached devices via electrical signals generated by specific movement of the user's muscles. Following initial automated self-calibration and positional localization processes, measurement and interpretation of muscle generated electrical signals is accomplished by sampling signals from the EMG sensors of the Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller. In operation, the Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller is donned by the user and placed into a coarsely approximate position on the surface of the user's skin. Automated cues or instructions are then provided to the user for fine-tuning placement of the Wearable Electromyography-Based Controller. Examples of Wearable Electromyography-Based Controllers include articles of manufacture, such as an armband, wristwatch, or article of clothing having a plurality of integrated EMG-based sensor nodes and associated electronics. |
| US08170655B2 |
Module and device for discerning therapeutic signals from noise in physiological data
A data acquisition module for use in monitoring a plurality of physiological signals is disclosed herein. The data acquisition module may include a first signal processing path for biopotential data, a second signal processing path for therapeutic event data, and a processing unit that receives and processes the data from the first and second signal processing paths. The data acquisition module may further compare identified likely therapeutic events in each of a plurality of psychological signals. |
| US08170652B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
A method and apparatus for predicting acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy is disclosed. The method can comprise measuring a first interval during an intrinsic systolic cycle and measuring a second interval during a stimulated systolic cycle. The acute response can be predicted by comparing the percent change in duration between the first interval and the second interval against a pre-determined threshold value. The first and second time intervals can be measured using, for example, a surface ECG or, alternatively, an intracardiac electrogram. In one embodiment, the first interval can be the duration of an intrinsic QRS complex measured during a non-stimulated systolic cycle. Similarly, the second interval can be the duration of a stimulated QRS complex measured during a stimulated systolic cycle. |
| US08170646B2 |
Dynamic radiographic image obtaining method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for obtaining a dynamic radiographic image with enhanced resolution, in which an electrocardiogram of a subject is obtained, and five time phases are allocated to each cardiac beat period (1 second). The initial X-ray irradiation is performed at 1st time phase of 1st beat to obtain a radiographic image. Thereafter, X-ray irradiations are performed sequentially at 2nd time phase of 2nd beat, at 3rd time phase of 3rd beat, at 4th time phase of 4th beat, and at 5th time phase of 5th beat to obtain respective radiographic images. The five radiographic images obtained are combined at the time interval of 0.2 seconds to be displayed as a motion image. The time interval between the irradiations of the X-ray is 1.2 seconds, so that image signals corresponding to 1st to 5th time phases may be obtained with high resolution. |
| US08170645B2 |
Fiducial marker and protective cap
This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker kit. In one example, the kit includes a fiducial marker assembly that includes a bone screw base for receiving an imageable marker or locatable divot. A valved protective sleeve prevents debris from accumulating in a receptacle portion of the base, which may otherwise degrade the accuracy of patient registration in an image-guided surgical procedure. In one example, the valve automatically opens or closes upon insertion or removal of a screwdriver or other tool, or a shaft portion of the imageable marker or locatable divot. Various bone screw base and receptacle combinations are also discussed. |
| US08170644B2 |
Method for fast multi-slice mapping of myelin water fraction
Mapping of myelin water content in white matter may provide important information for early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and the detection of white matter abnormality in other diseases. It is disclosed here that free induction decay (FID) of each voxel at multiple slice locations is acquired in the brain using an echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) pulse sequence. The multi-slice EPSI acquisition is designed to have a short first echo time (˜2 ms) and echo-spacing (˜1 ms) in order to acquire multiple sampling points during the fast decay of the myelin water signal. Multi-compartment analysis is then applied to the FID in each pixel using a 3-pool model of white matter to obtain quantitative maps of the myelin water fraction. Using this technique, the MR data for whole brain mapping of the myelin water can be acquired in less than 10 minutes, making this technique feasible for routine clinical applications. |
| US08170643B2 |
System and method for irradiating a target with electromagnetic radiation to produce a heated region
A system and corresponding method for irradiating a target with electromagnetic radiation to produce a heated region. The system comprises a coupling device operable to couple electromagnetic radiation from a magnetic resonance imaging system. A plurality of energy radiator applicators are connected to the coupling device to receive electromagnetic radiation energy from the coupling device. Each of the radiator applicators is operable to emit a radio frequency heating signal using the electromagnetic radiation energy from the coupling device. A bolus filled with a dielectric fluid is positioned within the inner area of the MRI system. The bolus is operable to receive the radio frequency heating signals from the plurality of energy radiator applicators and direct the radio frequency heating signals into a section of the body to produce a heated region within the body. |
| US08170642B2 |
Method and system for lymph node detection using multiple MR sequences
A method and system for detecting lymph nodes in multiple complementary magnetic resonance (MR) sequences is disclosed. Anatomical landmarks, such as blood vessels, are extracted in a first MR sequence, such as an MR angiography (MRA) image. A search area is defined in at least one second MR sequence, such as a T1 weighted VIBE image, based on the anatomical landmarks extracted the first MR sequence. Lymph nodes are then detected in the search area of the second MR sequence. The lymph nodes can be detected by segmenting the search area into homogenous regions and determining whether each region is a lymph node using feature analysis. |
| US08170636B2 |
Optical sensor confidence algorithm
An implantable medical device system including an optical sensor monitors for the presence of overgrowth on the sensor by sensing light scattered by a measurement volume, the sensed light corresponding to a first wavelength, and deriving an overgrowth metric in response to the sensed light. The overgrowth metric is correlated to the presence of overgrowth on the sensor and is compared to a predetermined threshold. The presence of overgrowth on or near the sensor is detected in response to the overgrowth metric crossing the threshold. |
| US08170634B2 |
Polypod antenna
Embodiments of the present invention include antennas for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. The antennas are configured to transmit a first electromagnetic signal at full power via a first set of radiating elements and to transmit the first electromagnetic signal at an attenuated power via a second set of radiating elements to decrease side lobes associated with the transmission of the first electromagnetic signal. The antennas are configured to receive a second electromagnetic signal having an associated first power level via the second set of radiating elements and to form an aggregated electromagnetic signal having a second power level that is a multiple of the first power level. The antennas are configured to attenuate the aggregated signal to form an attenuated electromagnetic signal having a third power level to facilitate uniform reception of the second electromagnetic signal and tapered transmission. |
| US08170632B2 |
Electronic device and operation method thereof
An electronic device and an operation method thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a fixing element, a first main body and a second main body. The fixing element has a first arc-shaped groove, which passes through the fixing element. The second main body has a second arc-shaped groove and a first straight groove, wherein the second arc-shaped groove and the first straight groove are interconnected. The first main body has a first protrusion which passes through the first arc-shaped groove and lodges in the first straight groove. While the first protrusion is slid for a first predetermined distance from one end of the first straight groove, the first arc-shaped groove and the second arc-shaped groove are overlapped, so that the first protrusion is slid along the first arc-shaped groove which overlaps the second arc-shaped groove for driving the first main body. |
| US08170631B2 |
Folding electronic device with continuous display
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that includes two panels pivotally connected together. The panels can pivot from an open arrangement where the two panels lay side by side to a closed arrangement where the two panels lay one on top of another. The apparatus also includes a flexible display connected to the two panels and having a portion that is mechanically free from the two panels. The apparatus further includes a cavity to receive at least a portion of the free portion of the display when the panels are pivoted into the closed arrangement. |
| US08170628B2 |
Telephone communication device
A telephone communication device having a sound generating portion, a sound receiving portion, a detecting portion for detecting a state of approach or contact of a region of a housing between sound output and input apertures of the sound generating and receiving portion, to or with the face of the user, a reference-state memory for storing a reference approach-contact state of the region detected in a standard position of the housing relative of the user's face, a state-change obtaining portion for obtaining a change of the state of approach or contact, with respect to the reference approach-contact state, an adjustment-amount determining portion for determining amounts of adjustment of the sound output level and sound input level according to the obtained change, and a control portion for adjusting the sound output level and sound input level according to the determined amounts of adjustment. |
| US08170627B2 |
Wireless communications system having reduced noise mode operation capability
A wireless communication system having a terminal unit operates in a reduced noise state during receipt of a wireless transmission from a control unit. The terminal unit includes terminal circuitry, a radio and noise management circuitry. The noise management circuitry partially or fully disables operation of the terminal circuitry during a receipt by the radio. Noise management circuitry may disable a terminal processor, disable interrupts, buffer interrupts and otherwise modify operation of the terminal circuitry to reduce generated radio noise that would otherwise interfere with receipt of data by the radio. The wireless communication system includes noise management circuitry located in a control unit that operates in conjunction with noise management circuitry in a first terminal unit and a second terminal unit to schedule transmissions from the control unit. These scheduled transmissions allow the terminal units to perform required processing functions outside of the reduced noise period. |
| US08170626B2 |
Portable electronic device and display control method employed in the same
Provided is a portable electronic device which can equalize deterioration of a display device and reduce a deterioration speed, even during a time when a user is performing input operation. When the user is continuously using (operating) keys other than call start and call end keys (14a, 14b), it can be estimated that the user is playing a game or editing on the portable telephone. Therefore, deterioration of a display device configuring a display section (30) is equalized and the deterioration speed is reduced by reducing luminance gradation of display of an area not related to the game and editing on the display section (30). |
| US08170624B1 |
Enhanced host sleep for WLAN devices
In a method and apparatus for controlling operation of a wireless device, a host assembly of the wireless device enters into a handshaking procedure with firmware of the wireless device to initiate entry into or exit from a host sleep mode. Before such entry or exit, the handshaking procedure may require the host assembly to send an initiation handshake signal to the firmware, and require the firmware to send a confirmation handshake signal back to the host assembly. Entry or exit may be delayed until after the confirmation signal is received. The confirmation signal may vary depending on the handshaking configuration and activation data, and the confirmation signal may vary depending on whether the wireless device is in a power save mode or not. |
| US08170623B2 |
Charging arrangement for electronic accessories
An arrangement for charging an electronic accessory (such as a wireless headset) using a docking station that obtains power from at least one of a power port and a data port of an attached electronic device (such as the pairing cellular phone). The docking station provides mechanical support and a convenient storage arrangement for the electronic accessory, as well as power conditioning. In another embodiment, the charging and storage functions for the electronic accessory are provided by a cigarette lighter plug employed to charge the electronic device. |
| US08170617B2 |
Extensions to adaptive beam-steering method
A radio frequency (RF) transmitter is coupled to and controlled by a processor to transmit data. A physical layer circuit is coupled to the RF transmitter to encode and decode between a digital signal and a modulated analog signal. The physical layer circuit comprises a high rate physical layer circuit (HRP) and a low rate physical layer circuit (LRP). In a first embodiment, the LRP circuit generates a LRP packet comprising an LRP transmit power control feedback. In a second embodiment, the LRP and HRP circuit generate a packet comprising a beam-forming phase and magnitude feedback information. In a third embodiment, the LRP and HRP circuit supports up to 64 independent transmit antenna elements. |
| US08170616B2 |
Operation method and apparatus of mobile communication terminal supporting dual mode
An operation method and apparatus of a mobile communication terminal supporting a dual mode are provided. The method includes determining if two Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards are inserted, searching for and registering with a cell of a first network supported by a first SIM card, and searching for and registering with a cell of a second network supported by a second SIM card during a non-paging duration of the first network. |
| US08170612B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication device communicates with another communication device via an information managing device. The communication device includes a transmitter unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The transmitter unit transmits presence information to the other communication device via the information managing device. The storage unit stores a program. If the communication device executes the program, the control unit judges whether the presence information currently registered needs to be changed based on executing the program. If the control unit judges that the presence information currently registered needs to be changed, the control unit changes the presence information based on executing the program. The control unit controls the transmitter unit to transmit the changed presence information as updated presence information to the other communication device via the information managing device. |
| US08170607B2 |
Communication system and method in a hybrid wired/wireless local area network
A method for communication is disclosed and includes performing by one or more processors in a first access point, receiving a first messaging protocol message from a first switch. The first messaging protocol message is also communicated from the first switch to at least a second switch. A second messaging protocol message may be communicated to the second switch and/or a second access point based on the receiving of the first messaging protocol message. Operation of the first switch, the second switch, the first access point, the second access point, and/or at least one of a plurality of access devices may be controlled utilizing the first messaging protocol message and/or at least the second messaging protocol message. The first messaging protocol message may be generated by the first switch. The first messaging protocol message and the second messaging protocol message may be an access point status message. |
| US08170606B2 |
Dynamic thermal control for wireless transceivers
Methods and apparatus for dynamic thermal management and control within, e.g., small form-factor wireless devices such as laptop computers or cellular “smartphones”. In one embodiment, a thermal management system monitors the temperature (or other relevant criteria) for one or more components, and implements different operating states within the wireless transceiver (e.g., Wi-Fi™ or WiMAX transceiver) so as to both reduce thermal output and minimize disruption to the wireless link and/or user experience. In another embodiment, a wireless client may communicate with other clients, and/or access points, so as to cooperatively provide more options for thermal management. In addition, methods and apparatus employing “high performance” (e.g., high power output or high data rate) radios within aggressively small industrial designs are also disclosed. |
| US08170605B2 |
Dual mode mobile terminal and data call processing method thereof
An improved dual mode mobile terminal and data call processing method of the dual mode mobile terminal is provided for enabling a modem chip that is not associated or embedded with an application to process a data call. A data call processing method for a dual mode mobile terminal includes a first control unit associated with an application and a first data protocol stack, a second control unit associated with a second data protocol stack, and an input unit for receiving an input for selecting one of the first and second control units to process a data call, wherein when the second control unit is selected through the input unit, the second control unit opens a socket to couple the second data protocol stack to the application and processes the data call using the application and the second data protocol stack that are coupled with each other via the socket. |
| US08170604B2 |
Method and system for managing communications for a multi-mode communications device
The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for managing communications for a multi-mode communications device (130). The method can include the steps of establishing (210) communications with at least a first wireless network (110) and advising (216) the first wireless network of the multi-mode nature of the multi-mode communications device. As such, the first wireless network can be made aware that the multi-mode communications device is capable of communicating with a second wireless network (120). |
| US08170600B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating downlink power in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus of allocating downlink power in a radio access station system are disclosed. The method of allocating transmission power to a plurality of terminals in a radio access station system according to the present invention includes (A-1) calculating an allocation power for the respective terminals based on downlink quality information of the respective terminals; (A-2) calculating a minimum requirement power for the respective terminals based on the downlink quality information; and (A-3) allocating the transmission power by distributing part of excess power of a first terminal group having the allocation power higher than the minimum requirement power to the second terminal group having the allocation power lower than the minimum requirement power, and the part of excess power is a sum of insufficient power of the second terminal group. As a result, the loss of the quantity of service transmission of the radio access station is reduced and service areas can be expanded. |
| US08170597B2 |
Method and apparatus for jointly controlling transmit power in cognitive radio communication system
Provided is an apparatus and method for controlling power in a cognitive radio wireless communication system, the method comprising: performing channel scheduling and the first power control for at least one terminal; checking whether the at least one terminal exist within constraint area, and determining whether the at least one terminal within constraint area cause interference to incumbent system; and performing the secondary power control so that an allocating power may be less than the maximum tolerable interference. |
| US08170596B2 |
Secondary data transmission in a group communication transmission data stream
A system, method, and wireless communication device that allow the transmission of secondary data in a group-communication data stream between wireless communication devices across a wireless communication network. The wireless communication device selectively transmits at least group-directed voice communication data to other members of a communication group, such as a push-to-talk (PTT) group, in a communication channel having a limited bandwidth thereof, and can selectively transmit secondary data in the same communication channel. A group-communication server preferably receives the voice communication data and secondary data and selectively transmits at least the voice communication data to other member wireless communication devices of the communication group. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device reduces the data size of the voice communication data to a second data size that is less than the bandwidth of the communication channel such that secondary data can be transmitted within the communication channel. |
| US08170595B2 |
Hands-free mode for a half-duplex communications system
A half-duplex communication system is embodied in a push-to-talk cellular system such as a GPRS system. The system includes two or more terminals (1 A, 1 B, 1 C) one or more of which can operate in a hands-free mode. When in hands-free mode, a terminal (1 A) is offered the right-to-speak by a controller (11 A, 13 A, 15 A, 17 A) within the system without the need for a talk request from a user. This allows a hands-free user to participate safely in a communications session. |
| US08170593B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system for channel selection and allocation in mobile communications
A mobile communication system (100) includes a plurality of mobile stations (104, 105), a serving base station (101) and, associated with the base station, a channel selector (220, 309) for selecting and allocating downlink wireless traffic communication channels, the selector being operable: (i) to obtain an estimate of a ready time when a downlink wireless traffic signal including traffic data received from a source remote to the base station to be sent to at least one of the served mobile stations will be ready for sending; and (ii) to select and allocate for sending the downlink traffic signal a downlink traffic channel which is the first downlink traffic channel available following the ready time. |
| US08170591B2 |
Proximity-based mobile message delivery
Proximity-based mobile message delivery is described. In an embodiment, a first user stores a message intended for a second user on a first mobile terminal, while the first mobile terminal is located remote from a second mobile terminal of the second user. Subsequent to this, the first mobile terminal detects that it is now in proximity with the second mobile terminal, and this triggers the first mobile terminal to transmit the message to the second mobile terminal. In embodiments, authentication of the second mobile terminal can be performed before transmitting the message. In another embodiment, a mobile terminal comprises a short-range wireless transceiver that can detect that a further mobile terminal is in proximity, and trigger the transmission of a pre-stored message to the further mobile terminal. |
| US08170589B2 |
Mobile station and application server for providing a service to the mobile station and operation methods for the same
A mobile station, application server and wireless communication system are disclosed to provide for improved service related information distribution. The application server provides a service to a group of mobile stations, wherein the mobile stations comprise applications associated with the service. A communicating unit of the application server communicates with an application active on a mobile station and a determining unit determines another mobile station with an inactive application and the address of the other mobile station is provided to the mobile station. The mobile station comprises a communication section to receive the address of the other mobile station and comprises an SMS mailer causing an SMS message to be addressed to the other mobile station to start on the other mobile station the inactive application. |
| US08170587B2 |
Method for operating a cellular telecommunication network, and method for operating a personal cellular telecommunication device
For use in a cellular telecommunications network including a plurality of individually addressable Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) providing bidirectional signal coverage over a predefined geographical area, capable of transmitting Point-To-MultiPoint (PTMP) messages over a Point-To-MultiPoint Service (PTMPS) functionality, and capable of transmitting Point-To-Point (PTP) messages, streaming of a substantially continuous stream of mostly different content, at least some interactive display messages on at least one personal cellular telecommunications device prior to their automatic discarding irrespective of their having been displayed or not. |
| US08170586B2 |
Moving body communication system, moving body terminal, information providing apparatus, and information transmission method
A moving body terminal is basically provided with a position information acquiring section, a receiving section and a control section. The position information acquiring section is configured to acquire position information indicating a current position of the moving body terminal. The receiving section is configured to receive from an information providing apparatus simple map information which includes information transmission determining information indicating an information transmission unnecessary region of the simple map information where the position information of the moving body terminal is not required to be transmitted from the moving body terminal to the information providing apparatus. The control section is configured to prohibit a transmission of the position information to the information providing apparatus when the position information acquired by the position information acquiring section is inside the information transmission unnecessary region contained in the simple map information that was received. |
| US08170584B2 |
Providing an actionable event in an intercepted text message for a mobile device based on customized user information
A network device, method, and apparatus are directed towards intercepting a message, such as an SMS, EMS, MMS message, email message, or the like, from a source device directed towards a mobile device. The intercepted message's contents are analyzed. In addition, a mobile user profile is determined from characteristics of the mobile device and tracked usage of a mobile user of the mobile device. An actionable event may then be inserted into the intercepted message based, in part, on the analysis and the mobile user profile. The modified message is then provided to the mobile device, where the mobile user may select the actionable event to receive non-requested content. |
| US08170579B2 |
System and method for generating a location estimate using non-uniform grid points
The location of a wireless mobile device may be estimated using, at least in part, one or more pre-existing Network Measurement Reports (“NMRs”) which include calibration data for a number of locations within a geographic region. The calibration data for these locations is gathered and analyzed so that particular grid points within the geographic region can be determined and associated with a particular set or sets of calibration data from, for example, one or more NMRs. Received signal level measurements reported by a mobile device for which a location estimate is to be determined may be compared with the data associated with the various grid points to estimate the location of the mobile device. |
| US08170575B2 |
Method and a device in a wireless communication system
In a wireless communication system, a base station adaptively schedule CQI reports form mobile stations. By adaptively prioritizing the CQI report from the mobile station against the uplink traffic and control data, the CQI reporting rate avoids unnecessary overhead in the uplink while maintaining good performance. The CQI reports are requested in response to a calculated weighting factor which is based on channel coherence time that can be estimated by the base station. The adaptivity in the CQI reporting allows achieving an optimal tradeoff between uplink traffic data and downlink control feedback signaling. |
| US08170572B2 |
Methods and apparatus for supporting quality of service in communication systems
An access node, e.g., base station, determines a configuration of an end node, e.g., wireless terminal, intended to support a specific traffic flow and sends a configuration command to the wireless terminal. A base station may determine one or more parameters associated with classification, queue management, scheduling, and/or automatic repeat request, and then send a configuration command to the wireless terminal instructing it to implement a configuration operation. In some embodiments, a wireless terminal sets the value of an internal parameter to a value directly provided by the base station in a configuration command. In some embodiments, a wireless terminal determines and sets the value of an internal parameter as a function of information included in the configuration command from the base station. |
| US08170570B2 |
Fast retry of transmitting random access preamble using bitmap information
A fast retry of transmitting a random access preamble by determining an existence of a random access response during a random access procedure in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) evolved from Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution System (LTE). |
| US08170561B2 |
Method and system for performing a handoff in a wireless communication system
A system for maintaining wireless communication with a plurality of base stations in a communication network is disclosed. A portable terminal having a communication unit is configured to measure signal strength of a transmission signal for neighboring base stations in a frequency band being used by the communication unit, and create a first handoff candidate list in which one or more handoff candidates in a same frequency band are recorded. A handoff using the first handoff candidate list is performed by the portable terminal. Thereafter, the portable terminal measures signal strength of one or more base stations included in a second handoff candidate list. The result of the signal strength measurements are reported to the currently communicating base station, and a handoff is performed based on a response to the report at the portable terminal. |
| US08170560B2 |
Method and system for managing context of mobile station
A method for managing the context of the mobile station (MS) is applied in an MS handover process of a wireless access network. The function entity identification information of acting on the MS is carried in the context of the MS, and the MS addresses based on the function entity identification information and handovers to the target base station. By adding the identifications of various logic entities acting on the MS to the context information of the MS, the correct addressing of these logic entities is ensured during the handover. The different local policies of the source and destination ends are considered during conveying the context of the MS, in which the destination end may update certain context of the MS according to its own local policy during conveying; and the hierarchy of the context conveying of the MS during the handover is also considered. |
| US08170558B2 |
Method and system for performing a handoff in a wireless communication system, such as a hard handoff
A method for minimizing search time and disruption of current service on an originating frequency during a frequency search excursion to a target frequency as part of an inter-frequency hard handoff between cells on different RF CDMA channels. Disruption of service on the current frequency during the frequency search excursion to the target frequency is minimized by increasing the amount of power allocated to other symbols of two consecutive frames impacted by the search excursion as a function of the search excursion time. The mobile station tunes to a target frequency and collects chip samples, which are stored in a memory buffer. The mobile station returns to the originating frequency to process the collected samples. |
| US08170553B2 |
Cash card system interface module
A wireless device, for each of a plurality of wireless networks, establishes communications with each wireless network and transmits SIM card information to the wireless network. The plurality of wireless networks transmit SIM card authentication information requests to a cash card SIM server computer and, if a service agreement exists with an operator of the cash card SIM server, receives SIM card authentication challenge information. At least two of the wireless networks then authenticate the wireless device and prepare and transmit wireless service terms to the wireless device. The wireless device selects a servicing wireless network from the at least two wireless networks based upon the corresponding received wireless service terms and receives wireless service from the selected wireless network. The wireless network and cash card SIM server coordinate billing for such service and deduct appropriate amount(s) from the account of the SIM card. |
| US08170551B2 |
Plus code dialing in a mobile device
A mobile device include processes that allow the mobile device to make international calls using network-based plus code dialing even when the current network does not inherently support network-based plus code dialing. The mobile device obtains, via a set-up process, state information describing whether the network supports network-based plus code dialing. The mobile device transmits, in response to a request from a user and when the state information indicates the network supports network-based plus code dialing, a message to the network to initiate the international call based on a network-based plus code dialing scheme. The mobile device transmits, in response to the request from the user and when the state information indicates the network does not support network-based plus code dialing, a message to the network to initiate the international call using a handset-based plus code dialing scheme. |
| US08170550B2 |
Wireless mobile call location and delivery for non-geographic numbers using a wireline SSP+SCP/wireless HLR interface
A system and method is provided for establishing a call to a wireless directory number which is either a non-geographic directory number or a non-dialable directory number. A call is initiated from a wireline telephone to a geographic-based local access directory number. A signaling node associated with the dialed local access DN sends a location request that includes the local access DN to an HLR. The HLR obtains the wireless DN from an internal database in which the wireless DN is associated with the local access DN. The HLR utilizes the wireless DN to receive a temporary local directory number (TLDN) from visitor location register, associates the TLDN with the local access DN and forwards the TLDN to the signaling node, which relays the TLDN to the originating switching node. The call connection is then established directly from the originating switching node to a visited cellular switch using the TLDN. |
| US08170548B2 |
User equipment terminal and radio communication system
A user equipment terminal for selecting a standby cell based on a specified priority of cell selection includes a determining unit configured to receive a signal transmitted from a base station apparatus and determine whether priority information of cell selection is included in the signal; and a cell selecting unit configured to perform, based on the determination result by the determining unit, cell selection with a same priority for each cell, when the priority information is not included. |
| US08170543B1 |
Code domain power display
A method for displaying multiple orthogonal code layers on a display device wherein a first axis is indicative of the identity of the code channel of a signal and a second axis is indicative of a measured value of the code channel signal. The method includes displaying a bar for each of a plurality of base code channel signals, the bar having a position on the first axis corresponding to the base code index of the base code channel signal and a height with respect to the second axis corresponding to a measured value of the base code channel signal; and displaying a tie line for each group of base code channels in an active channel, the tie line being located intermediately to the ends of the bars. |
| US08170537B1 |
Playing local device information over a telephone connection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for playing local device information over a telephone connection. In one aspect, a method includes establishing, by a first electronic client communication device, an audio connection between the first electronic client communication device and a remote second electronic client communication device, determining that a user has selected a control of the first electronic client communication device, selecting, with a computer system and in response to determining that the user selected the control, text data that is associated with the user or the first client communication device, translating, with the computer system, the text data into a speech signal, and playing the speech signal to the remote second client device over the audio connection by electronically inserting the speech signal into the audio connection. |
| US08170535B1 |
System and method for providing content to portable devices
The present disclosure introduces a system and method for distributing content. Content is stored on a server located on a vehicle prior to departure by the vehicle for a destination. A portable device is provided by a passenger on the vehicle. A communication link is established between the server and the portable device, and the content is transmitted to the portable device. |
| US08170531B2 |
Method for producing authentication information
A method in a mobile station for a communication system includes determining if a security module installed in a mobile station is able to produce authentication information for use in a predetermined authentication procedure with a communication system. If not, the method includes generating key material using the security module, and generating the authentication information based on at least the key material for use in the predetermined authentication procedure with the communication system. |
| US08170529B1 |
Supporting multiple authentication technologies of devices connecting to a wireless network
A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for determining connection needs of a mobile device connecting to a wireless network. In one aspect, the computer-readable media provide a method that includes receiving a request from a mobile device to access a wireless network, and performing an authentication phase related to the mobile device attempting to access the wireless network. Furthermore, the method includes evaluating signaling behavior of the mobile device during the authentication phase to determine which access technology from a plurality of types of access technologies to use to connect the mobile device to the wireless network. Moreover, the method includes connecting the mobile device to the wireless network using the determined access technology. |
| US08170519B2 |
System and method for radio signal reconstruction using signal processor
A waveform reconstruction circuit receives an rf signal from an antenna, digitizes it, and then generates an undistorted reconstructed waveform. The reconstructed waveform can then be conventionally mixed and demodulated to extract useful signal information with enhanced receiver fidelity and sensitivity. |
| US08170514B2 |
Method for implementing continuous radio frequency (RF) alignment in advanced electronic warfare (EW) signal stimulation systems
A method for using a “B” channel of a dual channel measurement receiver as a transfer standard for power measurement, which may include, in an exemplary embodiment, correlating a measurement made with an “A” channel of the dual channel measurement receiver to a measurement made with an RF Power Meter on one RF signal source, so that readings from the “A” channel are aligned to the RF Power Meter; aligning the “B” Channel to the “A” Channel, once the “A” channel has been aligned to read the same as the RF Power Meter; and using the “B” Channel as a transfer standard to measure all remaining RF signal sources in the system. |
| US08170513B2 |
Data detection and demodulation for wireless communication systems
Techniques for detecting and demodulating data transmissions in wireless communication systems. In one aspect, a decision-directed detector detects for data transmissions in a received signal by utilizing received data symbols as well as received pilot symbols. The decision-directed detector may be designed to perform differential detection in the frequency domain or coherent detection in the time domain, and may be used with multi-carrier modulation (e.g., OFDM). In another aspect, an adaptive threshold is used to perform detection of received data transmissions. A threshold may be determined for each data transmission hypothesized to have been received. The threshold may be computed, for example, based on the signal plus noise energy of the hypothesized data transmission. |
| US08170510B2 |
Minimizing mutual coupling
Disclosed herein are techniques, systems, and methods relating to minimizing mutual coupling between a first antenna and a second antenna. |
| US08170508B2 |
Pre-distortion for a radio frequency power amplifier
Coefficients of a pre-distorter are determined for correction of distortion of a signal amplified by a radio frequency amplifier by sampling the signal at the input to the pre-distorter to generate a plurality of input samples and sampling the signal at the output of the amplifier to generate a plurality of output samples, each of the plurality of output samples corresponding to one of the plurality of input samples, calculating a figure of merit for one or more of said plurality of input samples on the basis of the one or more of said plurality of input samples, selectively updating a previously selected set of input samples with said one or more of said plurality of input samples on the basis of the calculated figure of merit, whereby to generate an updated selected set and determining the coefficients of the pre-distorter on the basis of the input samples in the updated selected set and the corresponding output samples. |
| US08170507B2 |
Predistortion methods and apparatus for transmitter linearization in a communication transceiver
Predistortion methods and apparatus for transmitter linearization in a communication transceiver are disclosed. An example apparatus to linearize a digitally controlled pre-power amplifier included in a transmitter of a communication transceiver disclosed herein comprises a predistorter to predistort an input signal to be processed by the digitally controlled pre-power amplifier, a coupling path within the communication transceiver to couple an output of the digitally controlled pre-power amplifier to an input of a receiver included in the communication transceiver without enabling an output power amplifier stage of a multi-stage power amplifier coupled to an output of the digitally controlled pre-power amplifier, wherein no additional hardware components are required to implement the coupling path within the communication transceiver, and a predistortion evaluator comprising a predistortion calibrator and a predistortion compensator to process data demodulated by the receiver to generate and update predistortion values for use by the predistorter. |
| US08170503B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting data and apparatus and method for receiving data
Provided are an apparatus and method for transmitting data and an apparatus and method for receiving data, in which beam forming is performed in consideration of the communication capabilities of antennas of stations that perform directional communication in a high-frequency band. The apparatus for transmitting data includes a communication-capability-determination module which determines the communication capability of a receiver (RX) antenna module of a receiving station based on communication-capability data transmitted by the receiving station; an antenna-control module which controls a transmitter (TX) antenna module according to a beam-forming mode determined based on the communication capability of the RX antenna module and the communication capability of the TX antenna module; and a communication module which transmits data through the TX antenna module, wherein the beam-forming mode determines whether to transmit a TX antenna weight vector (AWV) pattern, whether to receive a feedback response pattern and whether to transmit an RX AWV pattern. |
| US08170496B2 |
Transceiver with space hopping phased array antenna and methods for use therewith
A wireless transceiver includes at least one phased array antenna, that transmits an outbound RF signal containing outbound data to at least one remote transceiver and that receives an inbound RF signal containing inbound data from the at least one remote RF transceiver, wherein the at least one phased array antenna is configurable based on a control signal. An antenna configuration controller generates the control signal to configure the phased array antenna to hop among a plurality of radiation patterns based on a hopping sequence. At least one RF transceiver section generates the outbound RF signal based on the outbound data and that generates the inbound data based on the inbound RF signal. |
| US08170495B2 |
Collaborative pairing transceiver with space hopping phased array antenna and methods for use therewith
A wireless transceiver includes at least one phased array antenna, that transmits an outbound RF signal containing outbound data to a remote transceiver and that receives an inbound RF signal containing inbound data from the at least one remote RF transceiver, wherein the at least one phased array antenna is configurable based on a control signal. An antenna configuration controller generates the control signal to configure the phased array antenna to hop among a plurality of selected radiation patterns that are collaboratively selected by the wireless transceiver and the remote transceiver via a pairing procedure. At least one RF transceiver section generates the outbound RF signal based on the outbound data and that generates the inbound data based on the inbound RF signal. |
| US08170494B2 |
Synthesizer and modulator for a wireless transceiver
A transceiver including a transmit modulator and a receiver. The modulator may accept a channel selection input, a first modulation input, a second modulation input, and an amplitude input. During transmit time slots, the modulator may generate a modulated output having a carrier frequency selected by the channel selection input. The carrier frequency may be frequency modulated by the first modulation inputs, phase modulated by the second modulation input, and amplitude modulated by the amplitude input. During receive time slots, the modulator may generate a carrier frequency selected by the channel selection input and offset by the first modulation input. The modulator may alternate between providing modulated transmit signals during transmit time slots and providing a local oscillator for the receiver during receive time slots. |
| US08170493B2 |
Transmission device, and wireless communication apparatus using the same
A transmission device includes a transmitter for transmitting various signals to a reception device, a receiver for receiving a response signal emitted from the reception device in response to the transmission of the various signals from the transmitter to the reception device, a transmission/reception controller for performing control of the receiver and the transmitter, and a reception specifier for specifying the reception timing of the intermittent reception of the reception device when a response signal from the reception device has been received. The transmission/reception controller decides the timing at which the transmission of the various signals will begin, and how long the transmission will last, on the basis of the reception timing specified by the reception specifier. |
| US08170490B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing multiple data signal transceivers substantially simultaneously with common transceiver tester
A method and apparatus for testing multiple data signal transceivers substantially simultaneously with a common transceiver tester by analyzing previously captured data signal transmissions from some of the data signal transceivers while continuing to capture further data signal transmissions from additional ones of the data signal transceivers. |
| US08170488B2 |
Mitigation of internetwork interference
When a device in one wireless network receives interfering transmissions from an overlapping neighboring network, the neighboring network may be notified of the interference so that non-interfering schedules can be worked out. In one embodiment, the device receiving the interference may broadcast its own communications schedule. Device(s) in the interfering network may pick up that schedule, and pass it on to their controller, which can rearrange its own network schedule to be non-interfering. In another embodiment, the device receiving the interference may notify its own network controller with the pertinent information, and that controller may contact the controller of the interfering network to coordinate non-interfering schedules. |
| US08170487B2 |
Baseband transmitter self-jamming and intermodulation cancellation device
Some embodiments provide a method, system, and apparatus for interference cancellation at the baseband of a receiver. A wireless communication device, having a transmitter and receiver, is provided with an adaptive circuit that cancels interference caused by transmit signals (or other signals) leaked or bled onto the receiver at baseband to facilitate detection of a received signal of interest. Some implementations provide for a circuit that approximately reconstructs the second and third order components caused by the nonlinear response of the down-conversion chain of a receiver. This reconstructed signal is then subtracted from the composite received signal to obtain a received signal of interest. |
| US08170482B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving a transmission at a receiver
An embodiment of the invention may include a method of receiving a transmission at a receiver. The method may include setting a receive window duration for receiving the transmission based on an elapsed time since last receiving a good transmission. The receive window duration may be a nonlinear function of the elapsed time. The method may further include opening a receive window to listen for the transmission for an amount of time equal to the set receive window duration. |
| US08170479B2 |
Apparatus and systems for electrically isolating multiple devices
Various embodiments of apparatus and systems are provided for electrically isolating two devices while transferring power and RF signals therebetween. An electrical isolation apparatus includes an isolation transformer communicatively coupled to a first device. The isolation transformer operates to electronically isolate the first device from the second device and transfer power from the first device to the second device. A decoupling device of the apparatus transfers radio frequency (RF) signals between the first device and the second device. |
| US08170473B2 |
System and method for identifying the path or devices on the path of a communication signal
A system and method of applying a known modification in the form of a distortion to a signal to enable a determination if a signal received by a first node is received directly from a second node or indirectly through a repeater. The repeater receives a primary signal and creates a secondary signal as a function of the primary signal and a known distortion, wherein the known distortion identifies the repeater. The primary signal is transmitted and injected with the secondary signal as the first signal to the primary receiver. |
| US08170472B2 |
Arrangement and a method in a telephony system
A mobile telephone is easy to carry around but has a small keypad and a small display. A normal deskphone has a big keypad and display and has a convenient handset, but is stationary. A stationary communications terminal is described which is connected to a mobile telephony network via a mobile telephone. The mobile and the stationary terminal have each a BLUETOOTH radio transceiver and are interconnected via a BLUETOOTH link. The stationary communications terminal lacks identity in the mobile network. A subscriber, owning the mobile, can call on the stationary communications terminal and can move to another network having another stationary terminal, on which he can make a call. Another subscriber with a mobile can call on the communications stationary terminal. To prevent misuse the subscribers take an authentication code for his respective mobile on the stationary terminal, and the authentication can be made valid for a predetermined period by taking a service code. |
| US08170470B2 |
On-channel repeater and on-channel repeating method
Provided are an on-channel repeater for repeating an output signal the same as an input signal on channel by removing feedback signals caused by low isolation of a transmission/reception antenna by converting a transmitted Radio Frequency (RF) signal into a signal of a predetermined band and subtracting a replica of the feedback signal from the converted signal, and by compensating for channel distortion of a reception signal by estimating an inverse of reception channel from a signal acquired by removing the feedback signal, and an on-channel repeating method. |
| US08170468B2 |
Method and system for presenting media content in a mobile vehicle communication system
A method of presenting channels to the user of a multi-channel wireless media service is provided. A user input is received in a mobile unit, wherein the user input has an associated category. At least one channel of the multi-channel wireless media service responsive to the user input is determined based upon a relationship of the channel to the associated category. Access to the channel is provided to the user. Alternative methods as well as systems and programs for accomplishing the method are provided. |
| US08170466B2 |
System and method for automated assessment of constrained constructed responses
A system and method for automated assessment of constrained constructed responses provides for automatic, e.g., programmatic, assessing of a test subject response to a constrained constructed response item or question. In one embodiment, paper test materials with test subject markings thereon are converted to electronic form. Test subject markings are further isolated, for example, by registration, sizing and removal of markings other than a graphic response. The subject markings are further compared with a baseline response, correctness deviation criteria and incorrectness deviation criteria (e.g., correctness, incorrectness, substantial correctness, substantial incorrectness, and so on) from which one or more of a score, further learning or other assessment results may be determined. Cluster analysis or other post-evaluation or post-assessment processing may also be conducted, or re-evaluation or re-assessment may also be conducted. |
| US08170462B2 |
Adjustable paper cassette
An adjustable paper cassette is provided that may be expanded and contracted by sliding movable frames relative to a base frame and then coupling fixing protrusions to desired fixing holes. Therefore, paper sheets having various sizes may be loaded in the paper cassette, and the size of an image forming apparatus with the paper cassette and the packing size of the image forming apparatus may be reduced without limitation on the size of the paper cassette. |
| US08170460B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and printing medium
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, an adhesion processing device, an adhesion device, and a fixing device. The image forming device forms an image on a light-transmitting medium with image formation toner. The adhesion processing device sets whether or not to make the light-transmitting medium contact a light-reflecting medium for each of multiple areas of the image. The adhesion device adheres adhesive toner to an area of the light-transmitting medium. The fixing device aligns the light-reflecting medium with the light-transmitting medium such that the light-reflecting medium contacts a surface of the light-transmitting medium to which the adhesive toner adheres and fixes the light-reflecting medium to the light-transmitting medium. |
| US08170457B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A disclosed cleaning device for removing adhering matter from a surface of a member subject to cleaning includes a belt-shaped film member arranged in a stretched configuration capable of being wound or endlessly move in a direction opposite to a surface movement direction of the member subject to cleaning while being in contact with the surface of the member subject to cleaning, and a cleaning blade configured to abut on the surface of the member subject to cleaning via the belt-shaped film member at a position where the belt-shaped film member is brought into contact with the member subject to cleaning. |
| US08170456B2 |
Method and system for improving image on paper registration in an image printing system
The present disclosure provides a method for improving image on paper registration in an image printing system. The method includes advancing a target media along a media path; placing a plurality of registration marks adjacent to a toner image on an image bearing surface moving in a process direction, wherein the toner image is configured to be transferred to the target media; detecting positions of the registration marks using one or more sensors adjacent the image bearing surface; determining a correction function using the positions of the registration marks to compensate for an error in a registration of the toner image and the target media; adjusting the advancement of the target media based on the correction function; and transferring the toner image to the target media. |
| US08170452B2 |
Developer supplying unit
A developer supplying unit of the present invention includes a first driving mechanism which transmits rotational driving to a drive shaft by rotating a first rotational shaft in a normal direction and a second driving mechanism which reciprocates a bottle holding member as a support member to support a toner replenishment unit between a first position within an apparatus main body and a second position being different from the first position by rotating the first rotational shaft in a reverse direction. |
| US08170451B2 |
Developing apparatus including guide for preventing packing and leaking of developer and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A housing of a developing apparatus is provided with a conveying member in a developer supplying and recovering portion, and with first and second agitating members rotating from the below to the above in portions opposed to each other in a developer agitating portion. A guide is provided in an inner bottom surface of the housing between the first and second agitating members. A discharge portion provided with a developer discharge port is provided on a downstream side of the developer agitating portion in a developer conveying direction of the first agitating member. A suitable amount of developer can be circulated while conveying a part of an excess amount of developer in a circulating conveying path to the discharge portion and discharging from the developer discharge port. Packing and leaking of the developer within the developing apparatus and breakage of the developing apparatus can be prevented and also a good image can be obtained even if high printing images are continuously provided. |
| US08170449B2 |
Image forming apparatus and process cartridge
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member which has an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer overlying the electroconductive substrate and a cross-linked resin surface layer overlying the photosensitive layer and bears a latent electrostatic image on the surface thereof, an application device to apply a solid lubricant to the image bearing member; a charging device to charge the surface of the image bearing member, an irradiation device to irradiate the surface of the image bearing member with light to form the latent electrostatic image thereon, a development device to develop the latent electrostatic with toner to obtain a developed image, a transfer device to transfer the developed image to a recording medium, and; a cleaning device to clean the surface of the image bearing member, wherein the cross-linked resin surface layer includes a cross-linked body of trimethylol propane triacrylate and particulates including silicon and an average diameter of agglomeration areas of the particulates containing silicon on the surface of the cross-linked resin surface layer is from 0.5 to 2.2 μm. |
| US08170446B2 |
Image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus includes: image-holding members each holding an image and being rotatable around a rotation shaft; a frame member that partially defines a space for accommodating the image-holding members; a cover that opens and closes the space, an inner side of the cover having rotation shaft insertion holes; a supporting shaft that supports the cover so the cover is pivotable with respect to the frame member; and a positioning mechanism that positions the cover when the cover closes the space. The positioning mechanism includes at least two projections that project from either the frame member or the cover and are spaced apart in a direction of an axis of the supporting shaft such that lengths of perpendicular line segments from the two projections to the axis of the supporting shaft are different from each other. Projection insertion holes receive the corresponding projections when the cover is closed. |
| US08170444B2 |
Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus including a positioning portion, a rotatable urging member taking an urging position for urging the cartridge to the positioning portion, and retracted and stand-by positions. The cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process device actable on the drum, a positionable portion, a displacing portion moving the urging member from the stand-by to the retracted position by contacting a portion-to-be-displaced disposed at a position remoter from the rotation axis of the urging portion than the urging portion when the cartridge advances along an axial direction of the drum in the main assembly, the displacing portion moving the urging member to the retracted position by contacting the urging member when the cartridge advances in the main assembly, and an urgable portion urgable by the urging portion when the cartridge is set in the main assembly. |
| US08170442B2 |
Developing cartridge and image forming apparatus
A developing cartridge includes a first frame including a first wall at one end thereof, a second frame including a pair of second walls facing with each other and a third wall that connects the pair of second walls, an opening that is formed by the first wall, the pair of second walls and the third wall, and a support that is interposed between the third wall and the first wall so as to support the first wall by the third wall. |
| US08170441B2 |
Cleaning blade for electrostatographic apparatus
A cleaning blade member including a polymer substrate and a fluorinated polyurethane ceramer coating surface layer. The polymer substrate may comprise polyurethane. The fluorinated polyurethane ceramer coating may comprise a fluorinated polyurethane silicate hybrid organic-inorganic network formed as a reaction product of a fluorinated polyurethane having terminal reactive alkoxysilane groups with a tetraalkoxysilane compound. The fluorinated polyurethane ceramer coating may be coated on the polymer substrate of the cleaning blade without any primer layer therebetween. Also described is an electrostatographic apparatus comprising a toner-contacting member and such a fluorinated ceramer coated cleaning blade for the toner-contacting member. The toner-contacting member may comprise an endless transport web. The fluorinated ceramer enhances the ability of particles to be released from the surface therefore reducing contamination generated due to particles attached to the surface. Coating of a cleaning blade made of polyurethane with such fluorinated ceramer resulted in improved cleaning performance. |
| US08170439B2 |
Voltage supplying unit of developing device and image forming apparatus having the same, and a method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing devices, a voltage generating part to generate a developing voltage, first switching parts to supply the voltage generated in the voltage generating part to a predetermined developing device out of the plurality of developing devices, a second switching part to selectively supply the developing voltage generated in the voltage generating part to the first switching parts, and a controller to control the first switching parts and the second switching part. |
| US08170437B2 |
Operation display device and image forming apparatus equipped therewith
When displaying in the energy saving mode, an operation screen having operation buttons related to functions that can be used in the energy saving mode, control is carried out so that the operation buttons related to the functions that can be used in the energy saving mode are displayed in a form that is different from that of the operation buttons related to the functions that can be used only during the normal mode. For example, the operation buttons that can only be used in the normal mode are not displayed in the operation screen of the energy saving mode, or else, the operation buttons that can only be used in the normal mode and the operation buttons that can be used in the energy saving mode are displayed in different colors. |
| US08170436B2 |
Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of controlling a temperature of a surface in apparatuses useful for printing
Apparatuses useful for printing and methods of controlling a temperature of a surface in an apparatus useful for printing are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatuses includes a first roll including a first outer surface and at least one first heating element for heating the first outer surface; a second roll including a second outer surface; a nip between the first outer surface and the second outer surface; a first temperature sensor for sensing a pre-nip temperature at a pre-nip location; and a first voltage modulator connected to each first heating element and the first temperature sensor. The first voltage modulator receives a temperature signal from the first temperature sensor indicative of the pre-nip temperature and modulates an AC voltage supplied to each first heating element to maintain each first heating element continuously ON at a power level ranging from partial power to full power to control the pre-nip temperature. |
| US08170425B2 |
Optical signal receiving circuit
To solve problematic trade-off between a bandwidth and a in-band deviation in an optical signal receiving circuit of a gigabit order that is required to have a wide dynamic range, the optical signal receiving circuit has a current-voltage conversion circuit that receives as an input a current signal outputted from a photoelectric conversion circuit for receiving and converting an optical signal into a current signal and converts it into a voltage signal, and realizes the wide dynamic range by providing the current-voltage conversion circuit with an AGC function and a phase compensation function by MOS transistors and a capacitance. Further, by providing the current-voltage conversion circuit with a second phase compensation function by a MOS transistor and a capacitance, it is made possible for the optical signal receiving circuit to reduce the in-band deviation at the time of minimum gain while securing the bandwidth at the time of maximum gain. |
| US08170421B2 |
Method and apparatus for clock recovery
A clock recovery method and apparatus is provided. The high-order demultiplexing-demapping unit (102) demultiplexes and demaps the high-order OTN frame (101) into N low-order ODTUjk frames (103), and transmits the N low-order ODTUjk frames (103) to the low-order demapping unit (104); the low-order demapping unit (104) respectively demaps the N ODTUjk frames (103) into N ODUj frames (105), and writes the ODUj frames from memory unit 1 (106) to memory unit n (108) into memory unit n+1 (109) to memory unit 2n (111) by using the clock signal whose gaps are uniformly distributed; and the ODUj frame clock generating unit (113) adjusts the read out clock in memory unit n+1 (109) to memory unit 2n (111), i.e. ODUj frame clock (114), according to the data volume stored in memory unit n+1 (109) to memory unit 2n (111). The embodiments of the invention effectively filter a great deal of jitter generated during the mapping and demapping process, and can recovery high quality clock signal from the high-order OTN frame (101), so as to meet the requirement of the OTN service on jitter. |
| US08170419B2 |
Image processing system and control method thereof
Provided are an image processing system and method thereof which communicates with an external image source device, the image processing system including: a display device which receives a modulated remote control signal modulated by a modulation method and demodulates the modulated remote control signal to generate a demodulated remote control signal and transmits the demodulated remote control signal; and a relay device which receives the demodulated remote control signal and modulates the demodulated remote control signal according to the modulation method to output an output remote control signal to the external image source device. |
| US08170414B2 |
Burst mode digital diagnostic and control for passive optical network receiving
Methods and systems for an optical line termination including instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, the instructions including a digital diagnostic table, and a plurality of entries within the diagnostic table, wherein a first entry is associated with a first optical network unit, the first entry including at least one setting for performing burst mode digital diagnostic processes using a first burst mode transmission received from the first optical network unit. |
| US08170412B2 |
Platform for stereoscopic image acquisition
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for acquiring stereoscopic images. A first camera may be mounted to a first convergence plate, the first convergence plate coupled to a first plate via a first XY slide and a first pivot displaced from the first XY slide. A distance between the first plate and a second plate may be adjusted to set an interocular distance between the first camera and a second camera. The first convergence plate may be rotated about the first pivot to set, at least in part, an angle of convergence between the first camera and the second camera. |
| US08170409B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling flash emission
In a method and apparatus for controlling flash emission, the brightness during pre-emission may be accurately measured even when operating an image sensor using a rolling shutter. When pre-emission of flash light is performed, partial exposure during the pre-emission when operating an image sensor using a rolling shutter may be prevented by synchronizing an exposure time of the image sensor to a pre-emission time. |
| US08170406B2 |
Automotive water heater
An automotive water heater having application to a windshield of an automobile, which is able to produce hot water that can be sprinkled on the windshield to melt accumulated snow and frost, in which a water heater is mainly structured from a laminated assembled heating unit side joined to a heat conducting surface of an exchange bed. Heat quantity produced by the heating unit forms a heat balance function, which transfers the heat to the exchange bed, and water flow paths are defined interior of the exchange bed. The face joining of the laminated heating units is used to facilitate maintenance of component members and allow changing of the number of heating units assembled to the exchange bed, thereby providing choice to accommodate different power requirements. |
| US08170399B2 |
Recording device and method
To enable a recording device recording a video/audio signal and information necessary for utilizing the video/audio signal to copy the video/audio signal with the converted bit rate, encoding format, etc., to another recording device when utilizing the video/audio signal by the another recording device, and to move only the information necessary for utilizing the video/audio signal between the recording device and the another recording device. A recording device comprises: an input portion that inputs a video/audio signal; a recording portion that records the video/audio signal and information necessary for utilizing the video/audio signal; and a converting portion that converts the recorded video/audio signal. The recording device, leaving the original video/audio signal, copies the video/audio signal whose bit rate, encoding format, etc., have been converted at the converting portion to another recording device and moves the information necessary for utilizing the video/audio signal to the another recording device. After the video/audio signal is utilized by the another recording device, only the information necessary for utilizing the video/audio signal is moved again from the another recording device to the recording device. |
| US08170389B1 |
Optical waveguide, and thermally-assisted magnetic recording head including the same
An optical waveguide includes a core and a clad. The core includes first to third propagation parts, and a coupling part that couples the first to third propagation parts together. The first propagation part has a first incidence end face on which part of incident light is incident, and a first emission part that emits first propagation light. The second propagation part has a second incidence end face on which another part of the incident light is incident, and a second emission part that emits second propagation light. In the coupling part, a first light wave resulting from the first propagation light and a second light wave resulting from the second propagation light occur, and the first and second light waves interfere with each other to generate third propagation light to be emitted from a third emission part. The third propagation part propagates the third propagation light. |
| US08170386B2 |
Optical pulse generating apparatus
Optical pulse compressor having a chirp unit including a normal dispersion fiber that provides a positive chirp to an input pulse and having a dispersion compensator including an anomalous fiber is provided. The nonlinear coefficient and the absolute value of the second-order group-velocity dispersion of the anomalous fiber that forms the dispersion compensator is set such that a soliton order becomes one or more, and the fiber length of the anomalous dispersion fiber is made to be equal to or smaller than a length required for optical soliton formation. |
| US08170385B2 |
Light coupler and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a light coupler and a manufacturing method thereof. The light coupler of the invention includes a plurality of light input terminals, a plurality of light output terminals, a plurality of half mirrors, and an optical wave guide connecting the plurality of the light input terminals, the plurality of the light output terminals and the plurality of the half mirrors. The optical wave guide has kinked line shape and each of the plurality of half mirrors is placed at a respective corner of the kinked line shape. Especially, the kinked line shape includes a polygon network. |
| US08170382B2 |
Fiber-optic temperature sensor assembly
A fiber-optic temperature sensor assembly comprises a cap with an inner cavity. A sensor member is received in the inner cavity of the cap. The sensor member has light-transmitting properties adapted to change with temperature variations. An optical fiber has a first end received in the inner cavity of the cap, and a second end of the optical fiber being adapted to be connected to a processing unit for transmitting light signals between the sensor member and the processing unit. A pressing device is received in the cap and pressing against the sensor member such that the sensor member is in operational contact with the first end of the optical fiber for transmission of light therebetween during operation of the fiber-optic temperature sensor assembly. |
| US08170381B2 |
Optical modulator
In an optical modulator comprising substrate 1 having electro-optical effect, two optical waveguides 3a, 3b formed in the substrate, buffer layer 2 formed on the substrate, traveling-wave electrode 4 having center conductor 4a and ground conductors 4b, 4c above the buffer layer, and ridge sections formed with recessed sections 9a to 9c by carving at least a part of the substrate where an electrical field strength of high-frequency electrical signal propagating the traveling-wave electrode is strong, in which the ridge sections include center conductor ridge section 8a having the center conductor formed above and ground conductor ridge section 8b having the ground conductor formed above, and the center conductor ridge section has one of the two optical waveguides formed therein, the recessed sections are practically symmetrical to the center line between the two optical waveguides and the traveling-wave electrode is practically symmetrical to the center line of the center conductor. |
| US08170376B2 |
Super-resolution device and method
A super-resolution device and method for setting at least one of a plurality of pixels included in image data as target pixels, the image data including pixels arranged in a screen and pixel values representing brightness, an area including the target pixel and peripheral pixels as a target area, and an area for searching pixel value change patterns in the target pixel area; calculating a difference between a first change pattern and second change pattern; comparing a difference between the first and second change patterns; calculating a pixel value of a super-resolution image having a number of pixels larger than a number of pixels included in the image data on the basis of a decimal-accuracy-vector, an extrapolated vector, and pixel values obtained from the image data. |
| US08170375B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image processing apparatus includes an input unit receiving an encoded image data stream; a decoding processor decoding the stream to obtain image data; a first storage storing the image data; a second storage storing the image data and having a storage area storing at least one picture whose size is the largest of image data to be decoded; a controller analyzing the stream and storing the image data in the first and second storages according to an analysis result; and an output unit reading and outputting the stored pictures in a display order. The controller sets storage areas in the first storage according to image size information, stores the image data in the storage areas, determines whether the image size changes according to the analysis result, and, when the image size changes, stores image data of a picture displayed immediately before the image size changes in the second storage. |
| US08170364B2 |
Image processing method, image processing device, and image processing program
An image processing method includes the steps of: obtaining image data formed by signals of a plurality of pixels expressing a color image; discriminating a photographic scene of an image from the image data; determining a gradation correction method based on a result of discriminating a photographic scene; determining a first gradation correction amount based on a result of discriminating a photographic scene; detecting a face area in an image of the image data and calculating a face detection reliability; determining a second gradation correction amount based on an average luminance of the face area; determining a third gradation correction amount by weighted averaging the first gradation correction amount and the second gradation correction amount based on the face detection reliability; and applying a gradation correction process to the image data by using the third gradation correction amount and the gradation method. |
| US08170363B2 |
Image processing apparatus for performing deblocking filtering process
According to the present invention, there is provided a image processing apparatus comprising: at least one memory which stores data of each of at least a first image and a second image having no dependence upon each other's data; a memory access unit which reads out the data from and writes the data in said memory; and a filtering processing unit which receives the data read out by said memory access unit, performs a deblocking filtering process on the received data, and supplies the processed data to said memory access unit, wherein said filtering processing unit alternately performs a deblocking filtering process on at least one block boundary of the first image, and a deblocking filtering process on at least one block boundary of the second image. |
| US08170357B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating coded block pattern for alpha channel image and alpha channel image encoding/decoding apparatus and method using the same
An apparatus and a method generate a coded block pattern (CBP) of an alpha channel image. An apparatus and a method encode or decode the alpha channel image using the method. The alpha channel image encoding apparatus includes a CBP generator generating a CBP of a first block corresponding to an encoding unit in the alpha channel image by allocating CBPs to a plurality of second blocks that includes the first block; and a bitstream generator generating a bitstream by encoding the CBP or the CBP and pixel values of the second blocks based on the CBP of each of second blocks. |
| US08170353B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus and control method thereof and a storage medium that stores its control program capable of generating a code image with the optimum device in accordance with the amount and/or contents of the information to be encoded, and/or considering the load of the equipment. The information processing apparatus is electrically connected to an image processing apparatus, and includes: a deciding section for deciding on whether to generate a code image by encoding information or to issue a command for causing to generate the code image by encoding the information; and a processing section for generating, when the deciding section decides to generate, the code image by encoding the information and transmitting it to the image processing apparatus, and for transmitting, when the deciding section decides to issue, the command to the image processing apparatus. |
| US08170352B2 |
String searching facility
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for scanning a data set for the presence of a target string. The data set may be received at a computing facility and cause a scanning program to execute. A first character pair in the data set may be identified where each character making up the first character pair is identified in a vector map. It may then be confirmed that the first character pair matches a positive indicated bitmask in a bitmap matrix, and verify that the position of the first character pair matches a position of a matching character pair in the target string. An action may be caused to be taken as a result of the verification. |
| US08170349B2 |
Graphical rating conversion
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the processing of graphical rating images. |
| US08170347B2 |
ROI-based assessment of abnormality using transformation invariant features
A method and apparatus of comparing the results of medical imaging by, for example, PET scanning dispenses with the need for intensity normalization. The relationships between features extracted from relevant regions of interest in the image are studied. In one example, mean intensities in the principle brain lobes are compared to each other and a short image ID is constructed and used to derive population statistics and diagnosis. The population statistics are compared with ‘reference’ statistics in order to assess abnormality. Comparison by a number of methods is possible, and the invention further provides concerns a novel voting mechanism which derives abnormality scores for each region. |
| US08170344B2 |
Image storage device, image storage system, method of storing image data, and computer program product for image data storing
An image storage device includes a storing unit, a background recognizing unit, an attribute-information generating unit, and an image-data processing unit. The storing unit stores therein image data and first attribute information for each pixel. The background recognizing unit recognizes a background of the image. The attribute-information generating unit generates second attribute information for each pixel based on the background of the image recognized by the background recognizing unit. The image-data processing unit processes the image data based on the second attribute information generated by the attribute-information generating unit. |
| US08170339B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
For each image sensing device, an index in a sensed image is recognized, and layout information of the recognized index in a coordinate system based on an image sensing device that has acquired the sensed image is calculated. Index information including identification information unique to the index and the layout information of the index is managed. If recognition of a first index in a first sensed image acquired by a first image sensing device has failed, or the first index has erroneously been recognized, the index information of the first index is varied on the basis of the layout information of the first index calculated by the above process for a second sensed image acquired by a second image sensing device other than the first image sensing device. |
| US08170338B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for correcting electronic information obtained from handwritten information
A disclosed information processing apparatus includes an image data obtaining unit configured to obtain image data generated by scanning a confirmation/correction form on a recording medium; a workflow definition obtaining unit configured to obtain a workflow definition of a workflow that includes a workflow step corresponding to the recording medium; a form definition obtaining unit configured to obtain a form definition of the confirmation/correction form corresponding to the workflow step based on the workflow definition; a field image extracting unit configured to extract a field image of a field of the confirmation/correction form from the image data based on the form definition; and a handwriting image extracting unit configured to remove a previous handwriting image and extract a current handwriting image from the field image if the field image contains both the previous handwriting image and the current handwriting image. |
| US08170333B2 |
Image processing systems employing image compression
A system for processing an image includes a an image data input port, a compressed image data output port or a compressed image data storage node, a non-transitory memory component storing a set of executable instructions, and a scalable tile processing device. The executable instructions cause the system to receive image data, partition the image data into tiles, transmit a tile to the scalable tile processing device, receive an encoded bit stream corresponding to the transmitted tile from the tile processing device, and output compressed image data including the encoded bit stream. The scalable tile processing device receives the tile including tile image data, wavelet transforms, quantizes, segments, and encodes the tile image data to generate a plurality of encoded code blocks, and transmits an encoded bit stream including the plurality of encoded code blocks to the system. |
| US08170332B2 |
Automatic red-eye object classification in digital images using a boosting-based framework
Automatic red-eye object classification in digital images using a boosting-based framework. In a first example embodiment, a method for classifying a candidate red-eye object in a digital photographic image includes several acts. First, a candidate red-eye object in a digital photographic image is selected. Next, a search scale set and a search region for the candidate red-eye object where an eye object may reside is determined. Then, the number of subwindows that satisfy an AdaBoost classifier is determined. This number is denoted as a vote. Next, the maximum size of the subwindows that satisfy the AdaBoost classifier is determined. Then, a normalized threshold is calculated by multiplying a predetermined constant threshold by the calculated maximum size. Next, the vote is compared with the normalized threshold. Finally, the candidate red-eye object is transformed into a true red-eye object if the vote is greater than the normalized threshold. |
| US08170331B2 |
Apparatus and method for pattern interpolation
Apparatus and method for pattern interpolation are disclosed. Horizontally interpolated green, red and blue pixel values, and vertically interpolated green, red and blue pixel values are generated according to the pixels received from a pattern color filter. Subsequently, a direction is selected for the green value interpolation according to the horizontally and vertically interpolated pixel values. |
| US08170330B2 |
Machine learning for tissue labeling segmentation
A method for directed machine learning includes receiving features including intensity data and location data of an image, condensing the intensity data and the location data into a feature vector, processing the feature vector by a plurality of classifiers, each classifier trained for a respective trained class among a plurality of classes, outputting, from each classifier, a probability of the feature vector belong to the respective trained class, and assigning the feature vector a label according to the probabilities of the classifiers, wherein the assignment produces a segmentation of the image. |
| US08170329B2 |
Position measuring system, position measuring method and computer readable medium
A position measuring system includes: an image capturing unit that captures reference points provided on an object, the reference points composed of at least four first reference points provided respectively at vertices of a polygon or at vertices and a barycenter of a polygon and at least one second reference point provided so as to have a specific positional relationship with respect to the first reference points; an identification unit that identifies images of the first reference points and the second reference point captured by the image capturing unit, on the basis of positional relationships between the images of the first reference points and the second reference point; and a calculation unit that calculates a three-dimensional position and three-axial angles of the object on the basis of positional relationships of the images of the first reference points identified by the identification unit. |
| US08170328B2 |
Image display method, apparatus, and program
Extracting a luminal or line-like three-dimensional structure from a three-dimensional image of a target object, then generating a projection image by projecting a portion of the entirety of the three-dimensional structure on a cross-sectional image of the target object intersecting the three-dimensional structure, the portion being a portion located within a range of a predetermined thickness from a cross-section represented by the cross-sectional image or a portion located within a range of a predetermined distance from a position where the three-dimensional structure is intersecting the cross-sectional image, and displaying the generated projection image. |
| US08170319B2 |
Motion detection by direct imaging during radiotherapy
An apparatus, method, system, and means to detect motion of a subject by direct imaging on a treatment plane during a radiotherapy treatment, the method includes delivering a radiotherapy treatment beam to a volume of interest of the subject during a treatment time, acquiring image data during the treatment time associated with the delivery of the radiotherapy treatment beam by a direct imaging of a projection of the treatment volume of interest, providing a real-time display of the acquired image data, determining the occurrence of a motion in the volume of interest during the treatment time, determining the motion exceeds a pre-determined threshold, and outputting an indication the determined motion exceeds the pre-determined threshold during the treatment time. |
| US08170315B2 |
Localized and highly constrained image reconstruction method
An image reconstruction method includes reconstructing a composite image of a subject using a conventional reconstruction method. The composite image employs the best information available regarding the subject of the scan and this information is used to constrain the reconstruction of a highly undersampled image frames or improve the SNR of image frames. A blurred and normalized weighting image is produced from image frame data, and this normalized weighting image is multiplied by the composite image. |
| US08170310B2 |
Automatic outcome analysis using radiological images
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for analyzing a treatment of a patent including: an interactive image editor for allowing a user to interact with a first set image data corresponding to a pre-treatment radiological study of a patient, the first set of image data including an untreated clinical area of interest, such that the user is capable of interacting with the first set of image data to form a target outcome image for the clinical area of interest; a criterion determination module for allowing the user to determine a target outcome criterion; processing module for performing a comparison by comparing the first set of image data with a second set of image data corresponding to a post-treatment radiological study of the patient, the second set of image data including a treated clinical area of interest; and a criterion evaluation module for automatically evaluating the comparison to determine a post-treatment effect. In an embodiment, the criterion evaluation module is further for evaluating automatically a treatment effectiveness evaluation based on an extent to which the post-treatment effect satisfies the target outcome criterion. |
| US08170305B2 |
Quantitative tract-of-interest metrics for white matter integrity based on diffusion tensor MRI data
The exemplary embodiments of this invention relate at least in part to a method, apparatus and system to characterize white matter, such as for detecting a presence of a white matter impairment. An exemplary method to characterize white matter includes identifying at least one tract of interest (TOI) in the brain of a subject of interest, the tract of interest having a set of streamtubes representing white matter fibers; determining a set of quantitative tractography metrics associated with the tract of interest, the set of quantitative tractography metrics having a plurality of members; and comparing at least one member of the determined set of quantitative tractography metrics to a corresponding member of a reference set of quantitative tractography metrics, or comparison of one TOI in a single subject or group of subjects and other TOI in the same subject(s). |
| US08170303B2 |
Automatic cardiac view classification of echocardiography
A method for view classification includes providing a frame of an object of interest, detecting a region of interest within the object of interest for each of a plurality of detectors (e.g., binary classifiers), wherein each binary classifier corresponds to a different view, performing a global view classification using a multiview classifier for each view, outputting a classification for each view, fusing outputs of the multiview classifiers, and determining and outputting a classification of the frame based on a fused output of the multiview classifiers. |
| US08170301B2 |
Apparatus for inputting biometrical feature
A biometrical feature inputting apparatus includes a 1-dimensional or quasi 1-dimensional image sensor. When a finger and the image sensor are relatively slid, a finger sliding guide keeps a finger and an effective pixel unit of the image sensor to a constant distance without any contact between them. An image processing section sequentially generates partial images by imaging emission light that is scattered inside the finger and then emitted from a skin surface of the finger by the image sensor during the relative motion of the finger and the image sensor and link the partial images to an image. |
| US08170299B2 |
Image output method, image output device, and image output program
Provided is an image output method of outputting predetermined image data from plural pieces of image data, the method including: acquiring a group including plural pieces of image data which are similar to each other; detecting a face turning angle with respect to a face image plane included in an image indicated by each image data belonging to the same group and a face rotation angle indicating a rotation angle in the face image plane; and outputting image data, in which the face turning angle and the face rotation angle are smaller than those of other image data, among the image data belonging to the same group. |
| US08170298B2 |
Method for detecting facial expression and repairing smile face of portrait photo
A method for detecting a facial expression and repairing a smile face of a portrait photo includes the steps of: detecting a location and a range of a mouth region in an inputted portrait photo; capturing a patch in the mouth region and a predetermined peripheral range thereof; executing a comparison process to a smile state or a stiff state of the mouth region in the patch by a mouth state classifier; executing a calculation process to a repaired region of the mouth region when the mouth region is determined to be in the stiff state, in order to calculate a location of a plurality of feature points in the repaired region of the mouth region; and executing an image warping process to the location of the feature points and adjacent pixels thereof, for generating a portrait photo showing a smile state. |
| US08170290B2 |
Method for checking an imprint and imprint checking device
A method for checking an imprint reads an imprint, forms a data code from the imprint, and compares the data code with a predetermined number of check data codes of a stored data set. During a search for the data code in the data set, the method decides whether the data code is to be classified as acceptable or unacceptably faulty. |
| US08170287B2 |
Real-time self collision and obstacle avoidance
A system, method, and computer program product for avoiding collision of a body segment with unconnected structures in an articulated system are described. A virtual surface is constructed surrounding an actual surface of the body segment. Distances between the body segment and unconnected structures are monitored. Responding to an unconnected structure penetrating the virtual surface, a redirected joint motion that prevents the unconnected structure from penetrating deeper into the virtual surface is determined. The body segment is redirected based on the redirected joint motion to avoid colliding with the unconnected structure. |
| US08170282B1 |
Technique for ship/wake detection
An automated ship detection technique includes accessing data associated with an image of a portion of Earth. The data includes reflectance values. A first portion of pixels within the image are masked with a cloud and land mask based on spectral flatness of the reflectance values associated with the pixels. A given pixel selected from the first portion of pixels is unmasked when a threshold number of localized pixels surrounding the given pixel are not masked by the cloud and land mask. A spatial variability image is generated based on spatial derivatives of the reflectance values of the pixels which remain unmasked by the cloud and land mask. The spatial variability image is thresholded to identify one or more regions within the image as possible ship detection regions. |
| US08170281B2 |
Detecting and tracking objects in images
According to one disclosed method, coordinates in a multi-dimensional space are determined for an image point characterizing a particular object. An equation describing a model in the space is provided. The model is characteristic of a set of training images of one or more other objects. The coordinates are applied to the equation to determine a distance between the image point and the model. Based on the determined distance, a determination is made as to whether the particular object matches the one or more other objects. A set of training images may be received. A multi-dimensional space (e.g., eigenspace) may be determined based on the set of training images. A set of training points may be generated by projecting the set of training images into the multi-dimensional space. An equation describing a model in the multi-dimensional space that is characteristic of the set of training points may be determined. |
| US08170280B2 |
Integrated systems and methods for video-based object modeling, recognition, and tracking
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for modeling, recognizing, and tracking object images in video files. In one embodiment, a video file, which includes a plurality of frames, is received. An image of an object is extracted from a particular frame in the video file, and a subsequent image is also extracted from a subsequent frame. A similarity value is then calculated between the extracted images from the particular frame and subsequent frame. If the calculated similarity value exceeds a predetermined similarity threshold, the extracted object images are assigned to an object group. The object group is used to generate an object model associated with images in the group, wherein the model is comprised of image features extracted from optimal object images in the object group. Optimal images from the group are also used for comparison to other object models for purposes of identifying images. |
| US08170272B1 |
Method for classifying vessels using features extracted from overhead imagery
Methods for processing overhead imagery of a vessel include the step of determining an initial classification and classification probability based on the vessel length and length-to-width ratio. Next, mutually exclusive deck features can be extracted from the image. For several embodiments, the extracted deck features that can be spherical tanks, hatches and containers that are stored on deck. The initial classification probability is then weighted using the results of the deck feature extraction step to yield a posterior classification probability for the ship image. If the posterior classification probability is above a predetermined value, the image is assigned a posterior classification. If the posterior probability is below the predetermined value, the vessel image is classified as unknown, and the gross tonnage of the vessel is calculated using the length and width of the vessel. |
| US08170267B2 |
Speaker
A speaker is disclosed. A speaker includes a fixing part (500) fastened to a base frame; a motion part moved (400) with respect to the fixing part by an electromagnetic force; a vibration plate (200) that vibrates in communication with the motion part; and a guide member (800) provided between the motion part (400) and the vibration plate (200). Therefore, according to the present invention, a speaker capable of reproducing a high quality sound and high power with a slim design may be embodied. |
| US08170265B2 |
Front facing electronic slave speaker
An example vehicle instrument panel includes a speaker for producing alert and warning sounds. A membrane prevents water from intruding into the speaker assembly and instrument panel. The membrane is spaced apart from the speaker and over an open end of the speaker housing. Sound energy from the speaker travels through an open space against the membrane. The membrane possesses acoustic properties to receive and pass on the sound energy. |
| US08170264B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device suitable for disposing on a resonating surface is provided. The electronic device has a housing and a resonating speaker. The housing is disposed on the resonating surface. The resonating speaker is assembled onto a bottom of the housing and the resonating speaker contacts the resonating surface. |
| US08170260B2 |
System for determining the position of sound sources
A system determines the position of a sound source with a microphone in a fixed coordinate system. The microphone measures audio signals that are analyzed and processed to determine the position of the sound source in the fixed coordinate system. The system may adjust the direction of the microphone in the fixed coordinate system based on the processed audio signals and the position of the sound source. The microphone direction may be identified through an optical source that may be adjusted based on the processed audio signals and the position of the sound source. |
| US08170259B2 |
Electronic device disposing structure
An electronic device disposing structure includes a stand having a position limiting area, a sound receiving channel on the stand and including a sound inlet hole at a distal surface of the stand, a sound outlet hole at a bottom surface of the position limiting area, and a passage portion for interconnecting the sound inlet and outlet holes, and a sound emitting channel on the stand and including a sound outlet hole at the distal surface of the stand, a sound inlet hole at the bottom surface of the position limiting area, and a passage portion for interconnecting the sound outlet and inlet holes. The electronic device disposing structure combines a portable electronic device into the position limiting area, such that a microphone and a speaker respond to sound receiving and emitting channels respectively to achieve a hand-free effect and a sound amplification without requiring a circuit design. |
| US08170257B2 |
Apparatus for reducing background and wind noise to a microphone
An apparatus for reducing background and wind noise to a microphone contained in a microphone casing comprises a clamshell enclosure. The clamshell enclosure has a top piece and a bottom piece held together by a hinge or a plastic membrane, wherein the clamshell enclosure is designed to encapsulate the microphone casing containing the microphone. The clamshell enclosure contains foam materials inside the clamshell enclosure, or the clamshell enclosure itself is made out of foam materials such as polyurethane, wherein the foam materials contribute to reduction of background and wind noises to the microphone. The clamshell enclosure may optionally incorporate one or more channels as electrical cord pathways between the microphone casing encapsulated in the clamshell enclosure and another object (e.g. electronic device, earphones, and etc.). |
| US08170253B1 |
Listening device cap
An assistive listening device cap attaches to a headpiece of a cochlear implant behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, an other BTE unit, an earhook, or an external component unit to supplement or replace components thereof. The cap may receive signals from sources outside the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit. The cap communicates with the BTE unit(s), earhook, and/or external component unit using direct, wired, or wireless technology. |
| US08170251B2 |
Battery compartment comprising several gripping arms and hearing equipped device therewith
A battery compartment for a hearing apparatus and in particular for a hearing device is to be designed to be more compact. To this end, provision is made for a battery compartment with at least two gripping arms, which has an arm section on its one end and a gripping section on its other free end in each instance and for a sliding element which engages with the arm section of the gripping arms. In a first sliding position of the sliding element, the gripping arms assume an open position in order to insert a battery between the gripping sections and a closed position in a second sliding position in order to fix the battery, in which closed position the gripping sections are moved toward one another. |
| US08170246B2 |
Apparatus and method for reproducing surround wave field using wave field synthesis
Provided are an apparatus and a method for reproducing a surround wave field using wave field synthesis. The apparatus includes an audio signal analyzer for analyzing a received multi-channel audio signal to check the number of audio signal channels, and extracting a sound source signal for each checked channel from the multi-channel audio signal; a wave field synthesis renderer for localizing the extracted sound source signal for each channel at a virtual sound image outside a narrow space using wave field synthesis so that the extracted sound source signal is suitable for the number of the checked audio signal channels; and an audio reproducer for reproducing the localized virtual sound source signal. |
| US08170245B2 |
Virtual multichannel speaker system
A virtual multichannel sound system is presented to improve audio reproduction by statically or dynamically conforming signal processing to specific speaker characteristics and/or arrangements. According to one such aspect, one or more dynamic signal processing algorithms driving two or more speakers are altered in response to the relative physical characteristics or arrangements of these speakers, where parameter information for these algorithms is either factory set, user input, or automatically supplied to the processor. Examples of such relative speaker differences include speaker spacing or alignment, speaker or enclosure compliance, and enclosure configuration. Another aspect is to alter the processing algorithms in response to common speaker characteristics for certain conditions of input signals. An example of this aspect is to alter the signal processing to improve bass response as a function of bass content in the signals being presented to the speakers and speaker size as well as relative speaker position. |
| US08170243B2 |
Audio output apparatus and vibrator
An audio output apparatus is provided. The audio output apparatus includes: a vibration member, a vibrator, a vibrator positioning unit, and a vibrator-depth positioning unit. The vibration member vibrates to output a sound. The vibrator is in contact with the vibration member and detachably attached thereto to allow the vibration member to vibrate in response to an input audio signal. The vibrator positioning unit controls a contact position between the vibrator and the vibration member. The vibrator-depth positioning unit adjusts a position of the vibrator in the direction of being pressed against the vibration member and brought into contact with the vibration member. |
| US08170240B2 |
Audio device
An audio device has controls for setting parameters. In the audio device, a selection mode setting part sets a selection mode in which a parameter to be stored is selected. A position acquisition part acquires positions of the controls and locks setting states of the parameters that are set by the controls, when the selection mode is set by the selection mode setting part. A parameter selection part detects one or more control operated by a user among the controls and selects each parameter corresponding to each operated control among the controls as a parameter to be stored, after the setting states of the parameters are locked by the position acquisition part. A reset part returns positions of the controls to the positions acquired by the position acquisition part and memorizes a selection status of each parameter which indicates whether each parameter is selected or not, when the selection mode is completed. |
| US08170237B2 |
Programmable microphone
A semiconductor die with an integrated electronic circuit, configured so as to be mounted in a housing with a capacitive transducer e.g. a microphone. A first circuit is configured to receive an input signal from the transducer at an input node and to provide an output signal at a pad of the semiconductor die. The integrated electronic circuit comprises an active switch device with a control input, coupled to a pad of the semiconductor die, to operatively engage or disengage a second circuit interconnected with the first circuit so as to operate the integrated electronic circuit in a mode selected by the control input. That is, a programmable or controllable transducer. The second circuit is interconnected with the first circuit so as to be separate from the input node. Thereby less noise is induced, a more precise control of the circuit is obtainable and more advanced control options are possible. |
| US08170233B2 |
Loudspeaker array system
The invention is a multi-channel loudspeaker system that provides a compact loudspeaker configuration and filter design methodology that operates in the digital signal processing domain. Further, the loudspeaker system can be designed to include drivers of various physical dimensions and can achieve prescribed constant directivity over a large area in both the vertical and horizontal planes. |
| US08170232B2 |
Vehicle-mounted device
The present invention is equipped with a USB interface 7 for being connected to a portable music player that is an external device, a browser button 27, a rotary encoder button 26, a back button 28, CPU 31 for acquiring a content list CL from the portable music player, RAM 33 for storing the content list CL acquired by the CPU 31, and a LED processing section 42 for changing how the rotary encoder button 26 illuminates to encourage the next operation at a time when the browse button 27 is operated. Accordingly, when searching pieces of music content stored in the portable music player that is an external device, one can unknowingly understand how to operate, thereby providing good operability even for searching pieces of music content of the external portable music player. |
| US08170228B2 |
Methods and devices for hearing damage notification and intervention II
Methods of monitoring sound pressure level are provided. A method of monitoring sound pressure level includes: measuring a first sound pressure level in the ear canal; measuring a second sound pressure level out of the ear canal; calculating a first sound pressure level dose using the first sound pressure level, where if the first sound pressure level is below a permissible sound level a recovery function is used to calculate the first sound pressure level dose; and calculating a second sound pressure level dose using the second sound pressure level. |
| US08170226B2 |
Acoustic echo cancellation and adaptive filters
In one embodiment, a two-way telecommunication device may perform acoustic echo cancellation on incoming signals. An audio decoding module may produce an audio render signal. An audio capture interface may receive an audio capture signal. A short length adaptive filter may determine a time delay between the audio render signal and the audio capture signal by adaptively predicting a sub-band of the audio capture signal using a corresponding sub-band of the audio render signal. |
| US08170219B2 |
Size adjustable device and method
One or more embodiments may provide for a size adjustable earphone that may include a foldable sleeve attached to an earphone housing. A first end of the foldable sleeve may embrace the earphone housing, where an opposite second end of the foldable sleeve may be adapted to be folded. The foldable sleeve may be adapted to be kept in a first unfolded position, providing the earphone housing including the foldable sleeve with a first diametrical size, and in a second folded position, providing the earphone housing including the foldable sleeve with a second diametrical size. The second diametrical size may be larger than the first diametrical size. |
| US08170218B2 |
Multi-channel audio treatment system and method
A multi-channel audio treatment method ensuring compatibility of a multi-channel signal and a stereo signal which includes: producing a left-hand downmix channel dwnMxL(t) and a right-hand downmix channel dwnMxR(t); producing a left-hand difference channel deltaL(t), said left-hand difference channel being the difference between the left-hand channel of the stereo signal eStL(t) and the left-hand downmix channel dwnMxL(t); producing a right-hand difference channel deltaR(t), said right-hand difference channel being the difference between the right-hand channel of the stereo signal eStR(t) and the right-hand downmix channel dwnMxR(t); and adding the right hand difference channel deltaR(t) and the left hand difference channel deltaL(t) into the multi-channel signal. |
| US08170216B2 |
Techniques for validating and sharing secrets
Techniques for validating and sharing secrets are presented. A secret is divided into a plurality of parts. Each part is represented by a unique value. Each value is distributed to a unique user that shares in the secret. The secret is recreated when each user presents each user's unique value. Each unique value is then used to recreate its corresponding part of the key and when all parts are present and validated, the secret is reproduced. |
| US08170215B2 |
Key management method for home network and home network device and system using the same
A method of managing a home network key in a home network environment, which has a key management server for managing the home network key and a plurality of home network devices, includes: allowing a home network device to generate device unique information and to transmit the device unique information to the key management server; allowing the key management server to generate a parameter for generating the home network key by using the device unique information and to transmit the parameter to the home network device; and allowing the home network device to generate the home network key by using the parameter. The generated home network key being independent of the device unique information. |
| US08170212B2 |
Device, system, and method of establishing secure wireless communication
Device, system, and method of establishing secure wireless communication. A system includes at least one wireless communication device having a sensor to measure one or more parameters of a physical event shared between that device and another wireless communication device, and a processor to translate the one or more measured parameters into a secret data sequence known only to the devices sharing the event. A first of the wireless communication devices sharing the event is to combine a communication key with the secret data sequence, thereby to generate an encoded message for distribution over a wireless link accessible by the devices, and a second of the wireless communication devices sharing the event is to decode said encoded message using the secret data sequence, thereby to obtain the communication key. The wireless communication devices may then connect using the secret communication key as a basis for secure communication. |
| US08170209B2 |
Extensible disc player
The present invention provides an extensible disc player that is upgradeable to play new content types. The player's capability can be extended by downloading an appropriate decoder from a web server via the Internet. In this way, the player can play back contents that it does not originally support. If the content type is unknown, the player will check whether the disc contains a URL for linking to a web site containing an appropriate decoder. If the disc contains the URL, the player will access the web site to download the appropriate decoder. In a similar manner, the capability of a recorder can also be expanded by downloading appropriate encoders from the Internet. |
| US08170204B2 |
Method and system for extending advanced encryption standard (AES) operations for enhanced security
In a wireless communication system, a method and system for extending Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) operations for enhanced security are provided. In an AES encryption operation, an initial state may be modified by XORing with an initial modifier before a first processing round and a final state may be modified by XORing with a final modifier after a final processing round. The output of a MixColumns function performed during AES decryption operation rounds may be modified by XORing with a corresponding round modifier. In an AES decryption operation, an initial state may be modified by XORing with a decoded final modifier before a first processing round and a final state may be modified by XORing with a decoded initial modifier after a final processing round. The input of an InvMixColumns function performed during AES decryption operation rounds may be modified by XORing with a corresponding decoded round modifier. |
| US08170203B2 |
Message authentication code with elliptic polynomial hopping
The message authentication code with elliptic polynomial hopping provides methods for the generation of message authentication codes (MACs) utilizing elliptic curves, which are based on the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem. The elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem is well known to be a computationally “difficult” or “hard” problem, thus providing enhanced security for the MACs. Different elliptic polynomials are used for different blocks of the same plaintext, each elliptic polynomial for each message block being selected at random using an initial secret key and a random number generator. |
| US08170202B2 |
Method, terminal device and communication system for programming a button of a communication terminal device
There is described a method, a terminal device, and a communication system for programming a button of a communication terminal device whereby a user input on the communication terminal device activates an application on a data processing device associated with the communication terminal device. The activated application triggers the display of button programming information for selection for a respective button programming. The selection of one of the displayed button programming information messages on the data processing device triggers the assignment of the associated button programming to the button on the communication terminal device. |
| US08170201B2 |
Power feeding system for telephone terminal in LAN
Terminals are connected via cables in a star-shaped fashion with respect to a HUB in a LAN. Each of the cables includes therein signal lines and power feed lines. The HUB includes therein a power feed section. The power feed section and the power feed lines of each cable are connected to measure a value of current which flows in the power feed lines. If it is judged based on the measured current value that the terminal connected to the corresponding cable is a telephone terminal, the power feeding to the corresponding power feed lines is continued. On the other hand, if the terminal is judged to be a terminal other than the telephone terminal, the power feeding is stopped. |
| US08170200B1 |
Method and apparatus for percussive noise reduction in a conference
A conferencing unit reduces or eliminates percussive noise in audio that it outputs to a far-end. The unit filters near-end audio into a plurality of bands and calculates instantaneous energies for each band. The energies in first and second ranges of the bands are summed, and a difference between the two sums is compared to a threshold value to determine whether speech is present in the near-end audio received. The first range is preferably a mid-band range of frequencies of 300 to 600-Hz, while the second range is preferably an outer-band range of 100-Hz to 300-Hz and 600-Hz to 14-kHz. Based on the determination, the conferencing unit adjusts an output level of the near-end audio to reduce or eliminate any percussive noise in output audio while there is not a substantial amount of speech in the near-end audio. |
| US08170197B2 |
System and method for providing automated call center post-call processing
A system and method for providing a message-based communications infrastructure for automated call center post-call processing is described. Verbal speech utterances in a stream of recorded user messages are identified. The recorded user messages are parsed from a call with a user into a call center. The stream of recorded user messages are stored into a database maintained by the call center. The call is processed through an agent. One or more of the user messages is presented to the agent. Commands on the user messages are executed responsive to the agent. |
| US08170190B2 |
Method and system for managing telephone number allocation
A system and method in accordance with exemplary embodiments may include receiving, from a customer, limitation data associated with managing telephone number allocation, determining a limitation threshold based on at least the limitation data, allocating one or more telephone numbers to a customer based on at least the limitation threshold, and providing the one or more telephone numbers to a customer. |
| US08170188B2 |
Method and arrangement for providing a communication in a communication system
First information and second information is stored in the communication system for a callback after a first communication terminal attempts a call to a second communication terminal in which the connection is not established. The first information allows the second communication terminal to display the attempted call so that a callback to the first communication terminal can be executed on the part of the second communication terminal. The second information includes a charge type for the callback correlating at least to the attempted call. |
| US08170187B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number during a disaster and disaster recovery
A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with one of plural devices associated with a single telephone number during a disaster or disaster recovery period. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes two wireless connection units, each connected between a respective private branch exchange (PBX) network and a public switched telephone network. Each wireless connection unit preferably serves as a gateway between its respective PBX network and one or more remote communication devices. The wireless connection units replicate each others databases. In the event of a disaster that destroys or renders one of the wireless connect/PBX networks inoperable, telephone calls destined for the inoperable network are seamlessly routed to the operable wireless connect/PBX network. Since the operable wireless connection unit contains information for both networks, inbound, outbound and extension to extension calls for each network can be handled despite the disaster. |
| US08170185B2 |
Authentication system and method
A method of authorising a user of a first packet-based communication network to access a second packet-based communication network. The method comprises: receiving an authorization request from a user terminal of the user at a first network element of the first packet-based communication network, the authorization request comprising a first user identity; responsive to the authorization request, transmitting a request to create a second user identity from the first network element to a second network element of the second packet-based communication network; the second network element creating the second user identity for use in the second packet-based communication network, the second user identity being derivable from the first user identity according to a predetermined rule; and storing the second user identity in the second packet-based communication network for use with subsequent communication events over the second packet-based communication network. |
| US08170178B2 |
Radiation image capturing system, radiation image capturing method and program
The radiation image capturing system includes a plurality of image capturing apparatus of different specifications for capturing a radiation image of a subject, plural processors for controlling respective image capturing apparatus, a processor selector for selecting one processor from processors based on supplied capture information, an image capturing condition setting unit for setting the image capturing conditions to be appropriate for an image capturing apparatus selected from among the plurality of image capturing apparatus, and an image capturing condition changer for, when the image capturing apparatus is changed, changing the image capturing conditions to be appropriate for the changed image capturing apparatus. The processor controls the changed image capturing apparatus according to the changed image capturing conditions. |
| US08170174B1 |
Simplified jet pump riser brace clamp
An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of an apparatus or system that may reduce the level of vibration experienced by an inlet riser or other similar object within a reactor pressure vessel. An embodiment of the present invention may eliminate the need for welding the riser brace to the inlet riser. An embodiment of the present invention provides at least one riser brace clamp that generally clamps the riser brace to the inlet riser. After installation, the riser brace clamp may lower the amplitude of, and/or change the frequency of, the vibration experienced by the inlet riser. |
| US08170172B2 |
Target bodies and uses thereof in the production of radioisotope materials
A system and method are provided for reclaiming an enriched radioisotope starting material (14) from a target body (12). The system and method enable reclaiming the starting material in a relatively short time (e.g., several hours) after the target body's bombardment with energetic particles, greatly simplifying the target body's chemical processing, as well as reducing the cost of such processing (e.g., reducing the need for costly long-term storage). Specifically, a chemical protective layer (16) is disposed between a radioisotope starting material (14) and a base material (18) of the target body (12). After the target body is irradiated with a suitable source (e.g., particle accelerator), then the irradiated radioisotope starting material and be removed without removing the base material due to the protection provided by the chemical protective layer. The system and method also enable the operator to obtain three different radioisotopes in a single bombardment of the target body, further reducing cost of radioisotope production. |
| US08170168B2 |
Clock data recovery circuit
A simple circuit that supports high and low data rates is provided. The circuit includes: a detection circuit 11 for detecting whether D1≠D2 or D1≠D3, assuming that logical values of an input data signal DATAIN sampled at timings t1, t2, and t3 (t2 |
| US08170162B2 |
Inter-carrier interference removal device and reception device using the same
An inter-carrier interface removal device can improve estimation accuracy of inter-carrier interference caused by Doppler shift in a received multi-carrier signal moving at a high speed, and a reception characteristic of the multi-carrier signal after removing the inter-carrier interference. The inter-carrier interference removal device includes a channel estimation unit estimating a channel frequency characteristic according to a carrier signal, an equalization unit equalizing the carrier signal with the channel frequency characteristic and outputs tentative carrier data, a reliability value calculation unit calculating a reliability value according to the channel frequency characteristic, a weighting unit weighting the tentative carrier data with the reliability value, an ICI component estimation unit estimating an ICI component according to the weighted tentative carrier data and the estimated channel frequency characteristic, and an ICI removal calculation unit removing the ICI component from the carrier signal. |
| US08170160B1 |
Multi-symbol phase offset estimation
Receivers typically detect the presence of a pilot tone, transmitted as part of an RF signal, and use the pilot tone as a reference to detect symbols in the received RF signal. However, improper synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver units can result in timing offset and carrier frequency offset in the digitized received RF signal, impair the orthogonality between OFDM sub-carriers, and cause inter-carrier interference. Phase offsets caused by carrier frequency offset and timing offset can also degrade receiver performance. Functionality can be incorporated to estimate the phase offset over multiple symbols. Estimating the phase offset over multiple symbols in the received RF signal can lower the error rate. Correcting the phase offset in the received RF signal can ensure accurate sampling of the received signal, accurate channel estimates, and accurate decoding of the digitized received signal. This can minimize receiver performance degradation. |
| US08170155B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel quality measurements
A method and apparatus are provided for measuring channel quality over which has been transmitted a sequence of symbols produced by encoding and constellation mapping a source data element sequence. The method includes receiving a sequence of received symbols over the channel whose quality is to be measured. The sequence of received symbols is de-mapped based on a first channel quality indicator previously transmitted to a transmitter of the sequence of symbols. The method also includes decoding the de-mapped symbols to produce a decoded output sequence. In some embodiments, the decoding may be based on the first channel quality indicator. The method also includes re-encoding the decoded output sequence to produce a re-encoded output sequence. The method also includes correlating the de-mapped symbols with the re-encoded output sequence to produce a second channel quality indicator. The second channel quality indicator is transmitted to the transmitter to adaptively select a type of mapping based on the second channel quality indicator. In some embodiments, the transmitter may adaptively select a type of encoding based on the second channel quality indicator. |
| US08170154B2 |
Chip blanking and processing in SCDMA to mitigate impulse and burst noise and/or distortion
A system for mitigating impairment in a communication system includes a delay block, a signal level block, a moving average window block, an impulse noise detection block, and a combiner. The delay block receives and delays each chip of a plurality of chips in a spreading interval. The signal level block determines a signal level of each chip of the plurality of chips in the spreading interval. The moving average window block determines a composite signal level for a chip window corresponding to the chip. The impulse noise detection block receives the signal level, receives the composite signal level, and produces an erasure indication for each chip of the plurality of chips of the corresponding chip window. The combiner erases chips of the plurality of chips of the spreading interval based upon the erasure indication. |
| US08170152B2 |
Method and apparatus for multiple signal identification and finding the basis functions of the received signal
A method is disclosed to detect a broad class of signals in Gaussian noise using higher order statistics. The method detects a number of different signal types. The signals may be in the base-band or the pass-band, single-carrier or multi-carrier, frequency hopping or non-hopping, broad-pulse or narrow-pulse etc. In a typical setting this method provides an error rate of 3% at a signal to noise ratio of 0 dB. This method gives the time frequency detection ratio which may be used to determine if the detected signal falls in Class Single-Carrier of Class Multi-Carrier. Additionally, this method may be used for a number of different applications such as multiple signal identification, finding the basis functions of the received signal. |
| US08170151B2 |
FSK receiver
A receiver includes a band-pass filter that limits a passband of an IF (Intermediate Frequency) signal, an FSK detector that detects the IF signal passing through the band-pass filter to generate a detection signal, and a control block that controls a modulation sensitivity of the FSK detector and a pass bandwidth of the band-pass filter, in which the control block controls the modulation sensitivity of the FSK detector according to the pass bandwidth of the band-pass filter. |
| US08170148B2 |
Demodulation circuit, digital microwave system and demodulation method
A demodulation circuit, a digital microwave system including the demodulation circuit, and a signal demodulation method are provided. The demodulation circuit includes a first circuit, a second circuit, a third circuit, and a fourth circuit connected in turn. The fourth circuit includes a pulse counting unit and a data decision unit connected in turn. The signal demodulation method includes: performing bandpass filtering on input signals; increasing gains of the bandpass filtered signals; extracting pulse signals are extracted from the gain-increased signals; counting the extracted pulse signals; filtering the pulse signals having counting values falling outside of a predetermined range, and outputting the filtered pulse signals. |
| US08170145B2 |
Receiver
A receiver employing an OFDM system which uses a frequency band that is constituted by a plurality of subchannels, and receiving a signal added a phase rotation which is made to respectively differ for each transmission antennas of transmitter and transmitted from the transmission antennas, having a virtual subchannel quality estimating portion which estimates the quality of a propagation path in the case of same phase rotation is added to signal transmitted from transmitter, each group configured with a plurality of consecutive subcarriers. |
| US08170144B2 |
Distributed translator with received signal synchronization and method thereof
A distributed translator and an operation method of the distributed translator are proposed. The distributed translator includes: a demodulator demodulating a received signal to extract a transport stream and synchronization information from the received signal; a modulator generating an output frame based on the synchronization information to modulate the output frame; and a transmitter transmitting the modulated output frame according to a transmission timing. |
| US08170143B2 |
Method and transmitting device for encoding data in a differential space-time block code
A method and a corresponding transmitting device to encode data with a differential space-time block code. A code matrix is calculated recursively from a momentary data matrix with a previous code matrix as a DSTBC block with symbols that are to be transmitted, the data matrix is formed from at least two data symbols that are to be transmitted, and the amplitude is modulated. Amplitude modulation data is encoded into an amplitude difference of at least two data symbols within each individual DSTBC block. |
| US08170142B2 |
Programmable hybrid transmit baseband module
A programmable hybrid transmit baseband module includes a wireless protocol conversion module, a set of modules, and a mode select module. The wireless protocol conversion module is operable to convert outbound data into a complex signal having an in-phase (I) signal component and a quadrature (Q) signal component. The set of modules is operable to generate an offset adjusted normalized I signal component, an offset adjusted normalized Q signal component, and corrected amplitude modulation data, wherein each of the normalized I and Q signal components includes phase modulation data. The mode selection module is operable to output the I and Q signal components when the programmable hybrid transmit baseband module is in a first mode; and output the offset adjusted normalized I and Q signal components and the corrected amplitude modulation data when the programmable hybrid transmit baseband module is in a second mode. |
| US08170140B2 |
Modified active-set approach for Peak-to-Average power ratio reduction via reservation tone
An active-set PAR reduction method has low computation cost and delay. Peak canceling, by adding up the original signal and the peak canceling signal, is done only after the final peak canceling signal that can reduce all peaks of the resultant signal below the desired peak level is generated with an iterative method or a maximum iteration is reached. The PAR reduction method cancels the high computation cost for accumulating the peak-canceling effort into each sample every iteration. In the i-th iteration, the method attempts to resolve an intermediate peak canceling signal that can reduce the i peaks of the resultant signal to the desired peak level. The method only calculates the samples of the intermediate peak canceling signal and performs balance testing in some locations where the peak level of the original signal is larger than a selected threshold. |
| US08170138B2 |
Signal generator and method
There is an apparatus and technique for generating a sequence of modulated waveforms of finite duration in which the difference in start time of each waveform is shorter than the waveform's overall duration and each waveform in the sequence has independent data modulation imparted upon it. The apparatus consists of a bank of memory cells arranged in an N×M configuration with associated control circuitry, along with an arrangement scheme for the data in the N×M memory cells such that the waveforms will be correctly reproduced when the memory cells are addressed by the control circuitry in the prescribed order. |
| US08170132B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting signals in a multiple antennas system
A method and apparatus for transmitting signals in a Multiple Antennas System (MAS) are disclosed. The method includes performing Alamouti coding on each group of common channel symbols to form two branches; selecting different weight vectors for different branches to perform beamforming, obtaining transmitting signals of each branch on each antenna, where beam modes corresponding to different weight vectors are uncorrelated and the peak-to-average power ratio of angle dimension of the two beam modes are lower than a preset threshold; and superimposing the transmitting signals of these two branches on each antenna, and transmitting the superimposed signals. In the present invention, the Alamouti coding is introduced, and a spatial diversity gain is generated by using the independence of two virtual channels. Thus, the performance of the MAS in full coverage is enhanced. |
| US08170131B2 |
Method and arrangement for reducing feedback data in a MIMO communication system
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for reducing feedback data in a communication system, said communication system comprising a number of transmitter antennas, nτ, and a number of receiver antennas, nR, for parallel spatially independent transmission and reception of signals, wherein a channel response is represented by a matrix (G) containing nR×nτ complex variables. The method comprises the steps of: decomposing an expression of said channel response matrix (G) into products of a unitary transform (V), nR×nT diagonal matrix (Λ) and a conjugate transpose of a unitary matrix (W). Choosing said unitary matrix (W) such that its diagonal elements are real, substituting said channel response matrix (G) with a representative subset of elements in said decomposed expression of said channel response matrix (G), said representative subset comprising diagonal of a first matrix (Λ) and lower triangle of a second matrix (W) excluding the diagonal. |
| US08170129B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception devices capable of improving a receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
Disclosed is a digital broadcasting transmission/reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a randomizer for inputting dual TS stream consists of robust and normal packets having stuff bytes inserted in predetermined positions and randomizing the dual TS stream; a stuff byte exchanger for replacing the stuff byte of a randomized data stream from the randomizer to a predetermined known data; and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08170127B2 |
Receiver and method of receiving
A receiver detects and recovers data from Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) symbols, which are transmitted as first and second versions to form a multiple input multiple output (MISO) system and carry pairs of data symbols encoded to form Alamouti cells. A channel estimator and corrector is arranged to form an estimate of the data symbols by generating an estimate of first and second channels. A receiver includes a channel estimator and corrector comprising a pilot data extractor for extracting the pilot data from the OFDM symbols, a frequency dimension interpolator for interpolating between the pilot data received from each of the OFDM symbols in the frequency domain to form sum pilot data and difference pilot data, a sum and difference decoder for combining the sum and difference pilot data to form for each data symbol of the Alamouti pairs an estimate of a sample of the first channel and an estimate of the sample of the second channel, and an Alamouti decoder. The Alamouti decoder receives the data bearing sub-carriers from the OFDM symbols and estimates the data symbols. |
| US08170125B2 |
Subdimensional single-carrier modulation
A method for modulating a sequence of data symbols such that the transmit signal exhibits spectral redundancy. Null symbols are inserted in the sequence of data symbols such that a specified pattern of K data symbols and N−K null symbols is formed in every period of N symbols in the modulated sequence, N and K being positive integers and K being smaller than N. |
| US08170122B2 |
Method and apparatus for inserting digital media advertisements into statistical multiplexed streams
A method and system for the insertion of local signals, including digital media advertisements, into statistically multiplexed streams is presented. The rate control and timing information is computed and is used to specify the insertion time and rate parameters for digital advertisements. In one embodiment, a maximum bit rate over the advertisement duration is specified. The maximum bit rate may be constant or may vary in time, such that high bit rate portions of the advertisement are supported. High bit rate portions of the advertisements in different program streams may be staggered, such that the total bandwidth required does not exceed a maximum, but allowing for high bit rate portions of advertisements. Custom bit rate profiles for advertisements may also be defined, with the profiles being defined at a high granularity or a low granularity. |
| US08170115B2 |
Media processing method and media processing program
A media processing method for performing media processing by causing a processor to execute plural program modules, including: a first step of controlling input/output of media data, determining at least one call time, and calling a second program module in a second layer at each determined call time, by executing a first program module in a first layer, the first layer being higher than the second layer; a second step of calling at least one third program module in a third layer, the third layer being lower than the second layer, by executing the second program module in the second layer; and a third step of causing the processor to perform data conversion on the media data, the data conversion being an element of the media processing, by executing the third program module in the third layer. |
| US08170109B2 |
System for analysis of motion
A computer system for real-time determination of a motion vector comprising an image processor to apply an image processing filter to a normalized frame element of a first image frame, yielding a filtered frame element having associated filtered pixel values, a pixel selector to select a first reference pixel from the filtered frame element having the highest value of the filtered pixel values, an optic flow module to determine a first optic flow applied at a location of the first reference pixel, a pattern matching module to perform pattern matching between the normalized pixel values of the normalized frame element and normalized frame elements of a second image frame, yielding a plurality of pattern matching scores, and a motion vector determiner to determine a motion vector based on a lowest one of the pattern matching scores. Related apparatus and methods are also described. |
| US08170098B2 |
Opto-electronic video compression system
An opto-electonic video compression system is disclosed including a lens element for transmitting light of an image and having one or more lenses, each lens having a predetermined focal length. A sensor array includes a first sensor for receiving focused light from the lens element and a second for receiving defocused light from the lens element, wherein the first sensor includes X.times.Y pixels and samples the focused light at each of the X.times.Y pixels, and the second sensor includes X/2.times.Y/2 pixels and samples the defocused light at each of the X/2.times.Y/2 pixels. An electronic differencing element in communication with the first and second sensor is also included for differencing the coefficients of co-located pixels. |
| US08170089B2 |
Apparatus for equalizing channel in frequency domain and method therefor
Provided is an apparatus for channel equalization in frequency domain, including: a channel estimation unit for estimating a channel on received signal from outside, a channel matched filter for changing channel characteristic of the channel estimated by the channel estimation unit and the received signal to channel characteristic to meet condition required for noncausal filtering, a noncausal filter for changing the channel characteristic changed by the channel matched filter from nonminimum phase channel to minimum phase channel, a reverse channel calculation unit for calculating a reverse of the channel changed by the noncausal filter in frequency domain, and a frequency domain equalization unit for performing channel equalization with respect to the channel changed by the noncausal filter in the frequency domain by using the reverse obtained by the reverse channel calculation unit as coefficients of the frequency domain equalization apparatus. |
| US08170088B2 |
Methods for determining a reference signal at any location along a transmission media
Methods (200, 300) for determining a reference signal (Vref). The methods involve (202, 204, 302, 304) sensing at a first location along the transmission media (108, 502) a first signal (Vf) propagated thereover in a forward direction and a second signal (Vr) propagated thereover in a reverse direction opposed from the forward direction. The second signal being a reflected version of the first signal. A sum signal (S) is determined (206, 306) by adding the first and second signals together. A difference signal (D) is determined (208, 308) by subtracting the second signal from the first signal. Thereafter, a first exponentiation signal (ES) is determined (210, 310) using S. A second exponentiation signal (ED) is determined (212, 312) using D. The first exponentiation signal is subtracted (214, 314) from the second exponentiation signal to obtain a reference signal (Vref). Vref can be determined at any location along the transmission media. Vref can be used to control the phases and/or amplitudes of communication signals. |
| US08170086B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing signal correlation
A method of computing a correlation between a pseudorandom reference code and a satellite signal is provided. The method comprises receiving a satellite signal having a repeating code modulated thereon, wherein the satellite signal comprises a pseudorange; correlating the satellite signal with less than an entire length of the pseudorandom reference code with a portion of the satellite signal to produce a correlation over a period less than a period of the repeating code; and processing the correlation to form values representative of magnitude or power of the correlation to produce an energy signal. |
| US08170085B2 |
Multipath error estimation in satellite navigation receivers
The invention presented in this disclosure gives methods to estimate and compensate for the multi-path in a typical navigational or spread spectrum receiver. The multi-path delay is estimated based on the outputs of different correlators of the receiver. Unlike three correlators normally used, the present disclosure uses five correlators, namely, Early2 (E2), Early1 (E1), Prompt (P), Late1 (L1) and Late2 (L2). The possible multi-path scenarios are classified into six different cases depending upon the reflected signal delay and the errors are computed. Further, the algorithm in the present disclosure can be extended to any correlators spacing. |
| US08170083B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing the processing rate of a chip-level equalization receiver
A method and apparatus for reducing the processing rate when performing chip-level equalization (CLE) in a code division multiple access (CDMA) receiver which includes an equalizer filter. Signals received by at least one antenna of the receiver are sampled at M times the chip rate. Each sample stream is split into M sample data streams at the chip rate. Multipath combining is preferably performed on each split sample data stream. The sample data streams are then combined into one combined sample data stream at the chip rate. The equalizer filter performs equalization on the combined sample stream at the chip rate. Filter coefficients are adjusted by adding a correction term to the filter coefficients utilized by the equalizer filter for a previous iteration. |
| US08170079B2 |
Code division multiple access signaling for modulated reflector technology
A method and apparatus for utilizing code division multiple access in modulated reflectance transmissions comprises the steps of generating a phase-modulated reflectance data bit stream; modifying the modulated reflectance data bit stream; providing the modified modulated reflectance data bit stream to a switch that connects an antenna to an infinite impedance in the event a “+1” is to be sent, or connects the antenna to ground in the event a “0” or a “−1” is to be sent. |
| US08170074B2 |
Tracking injection seeding power based on back facet monitoring (BFM) of an injection seeded laser
A method of estimating an injection power of seed light injected into an injection-seeded transmitter. A back face monitoring (BFM) response of the injection-seeded transmitter is determined, and data representative of the BFM response stored in a memory. During run-time, a controller of the injection-seeded transmitter, detects a temperature of the injection-seeded transmitter and an instantaneous BFM current. BFM response data is obtained from the memory based on the detected temperature, and the seed light injection power estimated based on the obtained data and the detected instantaneous BFM current. |
| US08170072B2 |
Laser annealing method and apparatus
In the case of a lens array type homogenizer optical system, the incident angle and intensity of a laser beam 1 entering a large-sized lens (long-axis condenser lens 22) of a long-axis condensing optical system, which is provided on the rear side, are changed for every shot by performing laser irradiation while long-axis lens arrays 20a and 20b are reciprocated in a direction corresponding to a long axial direction of a linear beam (X-direction). Therefore, vertical stripes are significantly reduced. Further, the incident angle and intensity of a laser beam 1 entering a large-sized lens (projection lens 30) of a short-axis condensing optical system, which is provided on the rear side, are changed for every shot by performing laser irradiation while short-axis lens arrays 26a and 26b are reciprocated in a direction corresponding to a short axial direction of a linear beam (Y-direction). Therefore, horizontal stripes are significantly reduced. |
| US08170071B2 |
Laser apparatus
Provided is a laser apparatus including: a DFB fiber laser 40 including, as an amplitude medium, a rare earth doped silica optical fiber codoped with a high concentration of aluminum; an optical feedback path 50 formed by a ring-shaped optical fiber; and an optical coupler 70 a) feeding back a part of an output of the DFB fiber laser 40 to the DFB fiber laser 40 via the optical feedback path 50, and b) outputting, to outside, another part of the output of the DFB fiber laser 40, where the optical fiber forming the optical feedback path 50 is longer than a length at which a relaxation oscillation noise in the output to the outside becomes −110 dB/Hz. |
| US08170068B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for data transmission and processing in a wireless communication environment
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which indications of signal quality associated with each of the plurality of user stations are received. Multiple user stations (e.g., a first user station and a second user station) are selected to receive data from a base station based on the indications of signal quality associated with the plurality of the user stations. A first packet is constructed which contains signaling data for the first user station and application data for the second user station. A second packet which contains application data for the first user station is super-imposed upon the first packet. The first and second packets are transmitted simultaneously from the base station to the first and second user stations. |
| US08170066B2 |
Communication system and method for synchronization of the same
With a method for synchronization in a communication system that includes a central participant and at least one further participant, at least one of the further participants being synchronized with the central participant, and, to this end, a telegram with synchronization information being transmitted by the central participant to the at least one further participant, particularly efficient synchronization of the at least one participant with the central participant results due to the fact that the telegram is a data telegram. |
| US08170063B2 |
Method for reducing interference
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for reducing interference. The invention allows a mobile station to determine if certain transmissions of the mobile station cause interference to reception by a second receiver in the mobile station, and indicate to the network that a change in a transmission parameter of the mobile station is desired. The network can then change a transmission parameter to reduce interference observed by the second receiver. |
| US08170060B2 |
Method of discarding data block in wireless communication system
A method of discarding data blocks in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes configuring a radio bearer for providing a service, configuring a discard condition for a data block of the service related to the radio bearer, wherein the discard condition is configured according to a type of the data block, and discarding the data block when the data block is not successfully transmitted until the discard condition for the data block is satisfied. |
| US08170056B2 |
Wireless bandwidth aggregation
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for dynamic bandwidth expansion for wireless clients of a wireless wide-area network (WWAN), wherein each client has an allocated bandwidth for communicating over the WWAN and the clients are within wireless signal reception of each other. The WWAN clients may voluntarily or in a predetermined manner join a pool of bandwidth-sharing clients. A wireless aggregation server and a wireless pool boss work in cooperation to utilize unused transmit and receive bandwidth from each of the pool members. |
| US08170055B2 |
Method of converting between radius message and diameter messages
In one embodiment of a method of translating a RADIUS message to a Diameter message, an access request message in RADIUS is translated to a credit control request message in Diameter. In one embodiment of a method of translating a Diameter message to a RADIUS message, a credit control answer message is translated to an access accept message. |
| US08170053B2 |
Network interface and detection module to enable network communication within information handling systems
A network interface and detection module to enable network communication within information handling systems is disclosed. According to an aspect, a network interface module is disclosed. The network interface module can include a housing including a first cavity configured to receive a first network plug having a first dimension. The housing also includes a second cavity within the first cavity, and configured to receive a second network plug having a second dimension that is less than the first dimension. The network interface module can also include a network detection circuit coupled to a first terminal within the housing. The network detection circuit can enable a first network type from a plurality of network types in response to an operating state of the first network terminal. |
| US08170051B2 |
In-home coexistence network
Systems and methods for dynamic allocation of network bandwidth. In some examples, a guaranteed interval period, including a guaranteed interval start time and guaranteed interval end time, can be identified based upon policy. Network stations can then identify first interval start times and first interval end times different than the guaranteed start times and guaranteed end time provided by policy. An access network can thereby provide a first interval start time and a first interval end time to stations within the access network. An in-home network can determine an in-home interval period based upon the first interval start time and first interval end time. |
| US08170050B2 |
Self-assignment of detectors and workers among access devices in a wireless network environment
A self-assignment method for assigning detector and working devices among a plurality of access devices in a wireless network begins by performing wireless data collection with the access devices during an automated calibration period. During this time, each access device receives beacons from one or more other transmitting access devices. The method records radio frequency (RF) data associated with beacons received during the wireless data collection, and thereafter automatically designates at least one of the access devices as a detector device, based upon the recorded RF data. |
| US08170043B2 |
System and method of communication protocols in communication systems
Systems and methods for communication protocols in communication systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, systems and methods for communication protocols in communications systems include implementing efficient techniques for supporting single and multiple protocols. In some embodiments, systems and methods for communication protocols in communications systems include providing a multimode communication device that includes a first network layer configured to route data between nodes on a network according to a first network layer protocol; a first logical link control layer in communication with the first network layer and transmitting data to and from the first network layer and providing data flow control; a second network layer configured to route data between nodes on the network according to a second network layer protocol; a second logical link control layer in communication with the first network layer and transmitting data to and from the first network layer and providing data flow control; a media access control layer providing channel access control and transmitting data to and from the first logical link control layer and the second logical link control layer; a physical layer configured to transform data received from the media access control layer into signals for transmission and transmit the signals, to receive signals from the network, convert the received signals into data and provide the data to the media access control layer. |
| US08170037B2 |
Devices and methods for a virtual internet protocol television (VIPTV)
A communication system according to various exemplary embodiments can include a broadcast station. At least one encoder can be coupled to the broadcast station, wherein the at least one encoder is configured to encode in real-time signals generated from the broadcast station and to convert the signals into Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) data packets. At least one server can be coupled to the at least one encoder for transmitting the TCP/IP data packets over a virtual connection between the at least one server to a content distribution network. |
| US08170028B1 |
Systems and methods for re-ordering data in distributed data forwarding
A network device includes an input interface, at least one processing path and an output interface. The input interface receives data units on a plurality of streams and assigns a first sequence number to each of the received data units. The at least one processing path performs a route look-up for each of the data units, where the route look-up determines a routing destination for a respective data unit. The output interface assigns a second sequence number to each of the processed data units based on a number of memory references associated with the route look-up for each of the data units and re-orders the processed data units based on the second sequence number assigned to each of the processed data units. |
| US08170026B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtual circuit routes
A method and apparatus for virtual circuit routes is described. A method in a network element comprises associating a virtual circuit to a layer 3 next hop, the virtual circuit being associated with a layer 2 protocol specific logical circuit, receiving a packet on the logical circuit, processing the packet with configuration information indicated by the virtual circuit, and forwarding the packet to the layer 3 next hop associated with the virtual circuit without processing the packet's layer 3 header. |
| US08170024B2 |
Implementing pointer and stake model for frame alteration code in a network processor
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing a pointer and stake model for frame alteration code in a network processor. A current pointer and a stake are provided for a packet selected for transmit. The current pointer is maintained for tracking a current position for frame alteration operations in the packet. The stake is maintained for tracking a start of a current header for frame alteration operations in the packet. The current pointer is used by frame alteration code instructions to specify a sequence of operations relative to the current pointer. The specified frame alteration sequence is compact in terms of code size to operate on data within a small window of bytes. Advance pointer instructions allow the current and stake pointers to be advanced an arbitrary number of bytes into the packet. |
| US08170021B2 |
Selectively enabled quality of service policy
A computer system that implements a quality of service policy. Information defining the quality of service policy is stored in a central location, such as a server within an enterprise. Policy management software on clients in the network download quality of service policy information from the central location to the clients. Within a client, a portion of the policy information is selected based on its applicability to a particular connection. The selected information is cached with an association to the connection so that, as datagrams are generated for transmission over the network, relevant policy information is quickly accessed for use in controlling transmission characteristics of datagrams sent using that connection. The policy information is applied on a datagram-by-datagram basis, allowing policy information to be selectively applied based on network type. Policy information may be selectively applied to those datagrams transmitted over a managed network. This approach allows a client configured to apply a quality of service policy within an enterprise network to operate without applying the policy when removed from the enterprise network. |
| US08170019B2 |
CPU transmission of unmodified packets
A network device for processing packet. The network device includes an ingress module for performing switching functionality on an incoming packet, wherein the network device determines a destination port to which the incoming packet is to be transmitted. The network device also includes a CPU processing module for transmitting information between the network device and an external CPU. The external CPU transmits a formatted packet to the network device through the CPU processing module. The formatted packet includes module header and a data field. The ingress module uses information in a start field of the module header to determine that the incoming packet is a formatted packet and generates instructions for notifying other modules of the network device that the formatted packet is not to be modified by the network device and determines that the formatted packet is to be transmitted to a destination field in the formatted packet. |
| US08170016B2 |
Packet flow offload to remote destination with routing bypass
A network utilizes centralized control for the transport of a packet flow to a destination via an intermediary network. The network identifies the intermediary network best suited for offloading the packet flow and then develops a routing policy based on Multiprotocol Label Switching or other circuit-switching type techniques. This ensures that the packets of the packet flow are automatically forwarded to a peering router connected to the identified intermediary network, and ensures that the peering router automatically outputs the packets of the packet flow to the identified intermediary network in a manner that bypasses autonomous routing decisions by the routers of the network. |
| US08170015B2 |
Integrated gateway apparatus and communications method
An integrated gateway apparatus includes a policy storage for storing therein a first information on message filtering and switching policies for messages received from heterogeneous devices in lower networks via network interfaces; a device management unit for extracting a second information on the messages, the devices and the network interfaces; a layer-basis filter unit for performing, based on the first and the second information, the message filtering and switching on the messages on a layer basis; and an integrated switch management unit for providing the first information to the layer-basis filter unit and controlling the layer-basis filtering unit. The layer-basis filter unit includes a switch filter unit, a route filter unit and a gateway filter unit for performing the message filtering and switching in a MAC layer, in a network layer and a transport layer and in an application layer, respectively. |
| US08170009B2 |
Method and apparatus for receiving broadcasting data
A method and apparatus for receiving digital broadcasting data. The method for receiving digital broadcasting data includes: extracting location information of second service data which already received first service data refers to, from the first service data; by analyzing the location information, determining whether the second service data is in-band service data transmitted through an in-band channel, or out-of-band service data transmitted through an out-of-band channel; and if the second service data is transmitted through an out-of-band channel, determining the location information as the program number of the second service data. |
| US08170007B2 |
Packet telephony appliance
A packet telephony appliance includes a Euphony network processor that integrates networking and DSP functions to provide a low cost and efficient solution in building a networked appliance. In particular, a Euphony ATM Telephone (EAT) is built around the Euphony network processor. The EAT uses a real-time operating system to provide predictable processing and networking support. The EAT implements IObufs, which provides a unified buffering scheme that allows zero-copy data movement. Furthermore, the EAT uses an Event Exchange (EVX), which provides a flexible mechanism for event distribution, allowing software modules to be composed together in an extensible manner. EVX and IObufs are used together to provide highly efficient intra-appliance communication. The EAT provides a platform that can evolve gracefully to support new protocols, advanced telephony services and enhanced user interfaces. |
| US08170005B2 |
Methods and systems for assigning call session control server
The present invention provides a call session control server assignment method and system for equalizing loads of a plurality of call session control servers (S-CSCF servers). For this end, the HSS server 40 is provided with an S-CSCF selection table 41A that stores priority information indicating the order of priority at the time of assigning user equipment in response to the current operation condition of the plurality of S-CSCF servers 20, 21, 22 and the like in correspondence with the respective S-CSCF servers. When an interrogating call session control server (I-CSCF server) 30 sends an interrogation to the HSS server 40 for determining a particular S-CSCF server for registering the user equipment and administering a call session control for the user equipment at the registration time of the user equipment, a reference is made to the S-CSCF selection table 41A for selecting a particular S-CSCF server to be assigned in response to the current operation condition of the respective S-CSCF servers 20, 21, 22 and the like and also the information in the S-CSCF selection table 41A is sent back to the I-CSCF server 30. |
| US08170002B2 |
Systems and methods for indicating buffered data at an access point with efficient beacon handling
Stations in standby mode periodically wake up to check for buffered data at the access points. Traditionally, the information is available by checking the periodic beacon frame for a traffic indication map (TIM). Unfortunately, the length of beacons has steadily increased with the progression of the various wireless standards requiring stations to wake up for longer periods to merely check for buffered data. Several approaches are disclosed which address this shortcoming, including the broadcast of TIM frames, the partial reception of beacon frames and the use of an embedded TIM frame within a beacon frame. |
| US08169993B2 |
Method and apparatus to estimate wireless base station signal quality over the air
The quality of the signal from a base station is measured and adjusted for distortion due to multipath and due to signals from neighboring co-channel base stations. The signal quality is measured conventionally by determining Rho or EVM and then Rho or EVM are adjusted. To adjust the signal the process includes the steps of: (a) sampling a received CDMA base station signal in a particular frequency channel, calculating the total received power to provide a reference value for subsequent normalization; (b) demodulating the received signal and constructing an ideal reference signal; (c) correlating between the ideal reference signal and received signal to determine a Rho value, or calculating the ratio of the difference between ideal and received signal to the ideal signal to obtain EVM; (d) performing a self cross correlation to separate signals from the sampled received signal on different delay paths, and determining a multipath power value x as a total power of signals on non-dominant ones of the delay paths; (e) performing a code correlation pilot scan of the sampled signal to determine strengths of signals from neighboring co-channel base stations; (f) summing the power levels of the neighboring co-channel base station signals to provide a total pilot pollution power y; and (g) calculating an adjusted Rho or EVM by removing x and y from the total received power. |
| US08169989B2 |
Access point multi-level transmission power control based on the exchange of characteristics
A first plurality of characteristics are received from a first client device relating to transmissions received by the first client device from both an access point and a second client device. A second plurality of characteristics are received from the second client device relating to transmissions received by the second client device from both the access point and the first client device. The first plurality of characteristics and the second plurality of characteristics are both assessed. Based on the assessment, a least one of a plurality of customized power levels is selected for transmissions by the access point to the first client device and the second client device. |
| US08169981B2 |
Method and mobile station for controlling communication via a radio link
A method (400) and a mobile station (160) for controlling communication via a radio link based on a multi-slot based power class designation are described herein. The mobile station (160) may provide a multi-slot based power class designation to the communication network (110) to establish a radio link for communication service. The designation may be associated with a power level of the mobile station (160) and a number of slots corresponding to the power level. Based on the designation, the mobile station (160) may communicate with the communication network (110) via the radio link. |
| US08169980B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for interworking
Apparatuses and methodologies are described that coordinate multiple wireless communication protocols within a mobile device. A single mobile device can contain multiple communication components (e.g., a Bluetooth component, an IEEE 802.11b/g component). To prevent interference and possible loss of data, one communication component may be prevented from transmitting or receiving data packets while the other communication component is either transmitting or receiving. The components may be coordinated by a central controller located in the mobile device. Alternatively, the communication components may exchange messages to determine transmission or reception priority. In addition, one communication component may monitor the status of the other communication component to determine unused communication slots. |
| US08169979B2 |
TDMA/CDMA user equipment
A wireless hybrid time division multiple access/code division multiple access (TDMA/CDMA) user equipment (UE) includes a signaling receiver and a data detection device in communication with the signaling receiver. The signaling receiver is configured to receive and recover signaled information of code and timeslot assignments of the UE to support an RF communication. The data detection device is configured to recover from the signaling information an identifier of a plurality of assigned timeslots and an indication of a first and last code of a set of consecutive codes. The last code is identified by an identifier associated with the last code, and the same set of consecutive codes are assigned to each of the plurality of assigned timeslots. |
| US08169978B2 |
Techniques for frequency-domain joint detection in wireless communication systems
A technique of operating a wireless communication device includes receiving, at a first wireless communication device, respective signals transmitted from multiple second wireless communication devices. Respective channel matrix blocks for each block of the received respective signals are then generated. Finally, respective channel equalizer matrix blocks for each of the respective channel matrix blocks are generated. At least one of the respective channel equalizer matrix blocks is generated without performing a matrix inversion operation on an associated one of the respective channel matrix blocks. |
| US08169976B2 |
Transmission rate control method, mobile station, radio base station, and radio network controller
A transmission rate control method includes: measuring, at a radio base station, a reception power of a DPCH transmitted from the mobile station; extracting, at the radio base station, a transmission data block size of the uplink user data from an E-DPCCH; acquiring, at the radio base station, a transmission power ratio of an E-DPDCH to the DPCCH which corresponds to the extracted transmission data block size; calculating, at the radio base station, a reception power of the E-DPDCH based on the measured reception power and the acquired transmission power ratio; calculating, at the radio base station, a relative transmission rate of the uplink user data based on the calculated reception power; notifying, at the radio base station, the relative transmission rate to the mobile station via a E-RGCH; and controlling, at the mobile station, the transmission rate based on the notified relative transmission rate. |
| US08169970B2 |
Handover method and mobile communication system
In a mobile communication system utilizing Mobile IP, information on the access network is exchanged between access routers. And when a mobile terminal performs a handover, the previously exchanged information on the neighbor access routers and the access network information are provided to the mobile terminal. By so doing, the mobile terminal can determine a destination access router in advance, enabling to realize an efficient handover processing. |
| US08169968B1 |
Reducing communication silence when performing inter-technology handoff
To perform an inter-technology handoff, an indicator in a service request message is received by a mobile switching center (MSC). The indicator is to indicate to the MSC that an inter-technology handoff from a packet-data wireless access network to a circuit wireless access network has been requested. The behavior of the MSC is modified in response to the indicator to reduce the communication silence during the inter-technology handoff. |
| US08169966B2 |
Method and a network node for managing handovers in a packet data communication environment
The invention deals with managing handovers between access networks in a packet data communication environment. According to the invention, the possibility to control access network resources will improve by having a mobility manager node (160) managing such handovers. The mobility manager node will decide to handover a mobile node (105) from a first access network (110) to a second access network (120) based on received information relevant to the handover process. After the decision, the mobility manager node will instruct a home agent (141) or similar node to register a new care-of address or other locator of the mobile node's point of attachment, which is valid in the second access network and which can be used for contacting the mobile node in the second access network. The mobility manager node will thereafter instruct the mobile node to de-attach from the first network and attach to the second network. The invention will be especially advantageous for mobile operators managing a communication environment with heterogeneous networks, such as WLAN and WCDMA networks. |
| US08169961B2 |
Method for dynamically allocating resources in a network of station clusters
A distributed method for dynamically assigning time-frequency resources in a network comprising several stations is disclosed. The stations are organized in groups (or interfaces) of several stations with each group comprising an allocation table Tsi. Each group exchanges this allocation table by means of a signaling protocol with groups that are defined as being in conflict with it by a constraints graph. The method uses an arbitration function to settle the conflicts and the assignments of allocations between the groups in conflict according to the constraints graph. In performing the method, each interface Ji transmits the allocation table TJi associated with it to the interfaces K indicated as being in conflict in the constraints graph. An interface Ji looks, for each allocation AJi that it has entered in its table TJi, whether the allocation AJi is used in the table received from an interface K that is in conflict. The interface Ji uses the arbitration function to modify the allocation AJi in the table TJi. |
| US08169959B2 |
System aided PAPR reduction scheme based on TR algorithm
A peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction method, known as system-aided PAPR reduction (SAPR), is disclosed. Based on a TR algorithm, the SAPR method avoids the drawbacks of conventional tone reservation implementations, and reduces PAPR significantly, in some embodiments. The SAPR method may be applied to next generation OFDMA-based wireless broadband technologies, to increase system throughput and cell coverage. |
| US08169954B2 |
Transmission rate control method, mobile station, radio base station, and radio network controller
A transmission rate control method for controlling, at a mobile station, a transmission rate of uplink user data, in a radio communication system capable of controlling a transmission rate of uplink user data based on an absolute transmission rate transmitted via an E-AGCH and a relative transmission rate transmitted via a E-RGCH, includes: notifying, from a radio network controller to the mobile station, information for identifying the E-AGCH to be transmitted from a serving cell, and not notifying, from the radio network controller to the mobile station, information for identifying the E-RGCH, when the mobile station establishes an E-DPDCH; and controlling, at the mobile station, the transmission rate of uplink user data, based on the absolute transmission rate which is received from the serving cell via the E-AGCH, without considering the relative transmission rate. |
| US08169953B2 |
Method and apparatus for wireless multi-carrier communications
A Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network supports multi-carrier operation on the downlink and/or uplink for a mobile station. The mobile station receives an assignment of multiple carriers for a first link in the GSM network, receives an assignment of at least one carrier for a second link in the GSM network, and exchanges data with the GSM network via the multiple carriers for the first link and the at least one carrier for the second link. The first link may be the downlink and the second link may be the uplink, or vice versa. The mobile station may receive data on multiple carriers at the same time for multi-carrier operation on the downlink. The mobile station may transmit data on multiple carriers at the same time for multi-carrier operation on the uplink. |
| US08169951B1 |
Method and system for establishing wireless IP connectivity
A method and system for establishing wireless IP connectivity, in which a wireless communication device (WCD) obtains a routable IP address during its registration with a radio access network, rather than first registering with the RAN and then subsequently requesting and acquiring packet-data connectivity. Preferably, when the WCD sends a radio access registration request that triggers a registration notification to a home location register (HLR), the HLR or an associated entity will assign an IP address for use by the WCD and will deliver the assigned IP address in a registration notification response message to the RAN. The RAN will then deliver the assigned IP address to the WCD over the air in a radio access registration response message. The WCD may then use the assigned IP address to engage in packet data communications, such as to set up a VoIP session with another IP node, for instance. |
| US08169950B2 |
Selection of orthogonal covering sequences and phase ramped sequences
A transmission of information from a secondary to a primary node occurs in a plurality of N logical time durations. The transmission from the secondary to primary node in a wireless network is obtained using a first and a second sequence. Embodiments of the present invention mitigate interference by restricting the choice of the first sequence. Thus, in an embodiment of the invention, the first sequence is selected from a set of M sequences wherein M is strictly less than N. In order to accommodate high-velocity users, the restricted set contains a pair of sequences whose element-wise product is mirror symmetric. In other embodiments of the invention, the choices of the first sequence and second sequence in a time-frequency resource is arranged such that interference is mitigated. A transmission component for K-th logical time duration is obtained from the entire second sequence and K-th element of the first sequence. |
| US08169948B2 |
Code synchronization circuit, delay time measurement device, control method, control program, and computer-readable storage medium
A code synchronization circuit for a delay time measurement device used in a low C/N environment is provided. The code synchronization circuit is capable of high precision timing phase measurement and stable operation against variations in the reception level. For these purposes, the code synchronization circuit includes: a numeric control frequency variable oscillation section (5) for generating a clock signal with a variable frequency; a 2-divider (23) for dividing the clock signal by 2 to generate a component code signal (X); a T/2 delay device (4) for outputting a delayed component code signal (x) lagging in phase behind the component code signal (X) by half a bit; and a second correlator (3B) for outputting a second correlation value indicating similarity between the delayed component code signal (x) and the carrier signal, where the numeric control frequency variable oscillation section (5) controls the frequency of the clock signal according to the second correlation value so that the carrier signal and the clock signal are in sync. |
| US08169944B2 |
Random access for wireless multiple-access communication systems
Techniques for facilitating random access in wireless multiple-access communication systems. A random access channel (RACH) is defined to comprise a “fast” RACH (F-RACH) and a “slow” RACH (S-RACH). The F-RACH and S-RACH can efficiently support user terminals in different operating states and employ different designs. The F-RACH can be used to quickly access the system, and the S-RACH is more robust and can support user terminals in various operating states and conditions. The F-RACH may be used by user terminals that have registered with the system and can compensate for their round trip delays (RTDs) by properly advancing their transmit timing. The S-RACH may be used by user terminals that may or may not have registered with the system, and may or may not be able to compensate for their RTDs. The user terminals may use the F-RACH or S-RACH, or both, to gain access to the system. |
| US08169938B2 |
Communication system for wireless audio devices
The present subject matter provides a system for wireless communications between one or more wireless audio devices and other electronics for providing a rich set of streaming audio, control, programming and enhanced hearing functions. |
| US08169936B2 |
Decoupled cascaded mixers architechture and related methods
Methods for inter-mixer communication enable a “self-formed” cascaded mixer node tree topology. One method enables inter-mixer node signaling and includes first selecting a plurality of media flow payloads at a first cascaded mixer node. A set of conference payloads are generated and each include the media flow payloads from the plurality of media flow payloads that are part of the same conference call, an identifier for the conference call, and a node identifier for each media flow in the conference call. For each media flow in the conference call, each conference payload further identifies whether the first cascaded mixer node is a root node or a leaf node. The set of conference payloads are bundled into a single packet and sent to a second cascaded mixer node. Another method enables the “self-forming” of the mixer node tree topology. Yet another method enables active talker identification within the “self-formed” tree topology. |
| US08169935B2 |
Multi-radio connection management and bundling using web browsers
A method to enable browsers to manage connections across access networks is disclosed. The method manages network connections using a simple standard browser with the least amount of user interaction for all connections. The method uses standardized WiMAX activation and provisioning schemes for the management of connection profiles across the different access technologies. |
| US08169930B2 |
Communications method for a packet-switched network and network employing the method
A communications method for a packet-switched network includes: a) receiving at a routing module operating in a low layer of a layered model defining communications on the network, a packet including an identifier associated to a protocol to be employed at a high layer of the model which is higher than the low layer; b) inspecting the received packet at an inspection module so as to identify the protocol associated to the identifier; c) selecting at a selection module a first device, operating in the high layer associated with the identified protocol; d) sending the packet toward the first device; e) processing the packet by applying at the first device a procedure of the high layer to produce a processed packet; f) sending the processed packet from the first device to the routing module; and g) transmitting the processed packet from the routing module toward the network. |
| US08169928B2 |
Base station, mobile station, and channel quality information reporting method
A channel quality information reporting method includes a setting step, wherein the number N of blocks for which the mobile station reports channel quality information among the M blocks is set in accordance with an amount of traffic; a reporting step, wherein the base station reports the number N of blocks to the mobile station; a receiving step, wherein the mobile station receives the number N of blocks from the base station; a selecting step, wherein the mobile station selects N pieces of channel quality information from M pieces of channel quality information corresponding to the M blocks; an averaging step, wherein the mobile station averages pieces of channel quality information excluding the selected N pieces of the channel quality information; and a reporting step, wherein the mobile station reports the N pieces of channel quality information and the averaged channel quality information to the base station. |
| US08169925B2 |
Mapping of preamble sequence sets with frame control header (FCH) location for multi-hop wireless broadband access communications
FCH locations are mapped to preamble sequence sets to allow more than three stations to transmit their FCHs with minimized or reduced interference. A lower interference environment may be provided to transmit the FCH within each DL relay phase when the number of stations within the phase is less than the number (L) of distinct FCH locations. With more than L stations in a DL relay phase, a reduced interference environment for FCH transmission may be achieved by assigning the same FCH location to RSs that are far away from each other. |
| US08169924B2 |
Optimal bridging over MPLS/IP through alignment of multicast and unicast paths
A provider edge (PE) node of a network operates to send a trace path message over the network to a receiver PE node, the trace path message recording a list of intermediate nodes of a unicast path from the PE node to the receiver PE node; and receive a join message initiated from the receiver PE node, the join message using the list to propagate to the source PE node through the intermediate nodes such that a branch of a multicast tree is aligned with the unicast path. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US08169919B2 |
Terminal device and relay node selection method of terminal device
A terminal device and a relay node selection method of the terminal device are described. The terminal device may sequentially compare a threshold value and an output signal to noise ratio (SNR) of a plurality of relay nodes based on a set test order, and select a relay node having an output SNR greater than the threshold value as a relay node to perform a cooperative communication. |
| US08169914B2 |
Method and node for transmitting data over a communication network using negative acknowledgment
A method of transmitting data over a communication network using negative acknowledgment is presented. In the method, a stream of data packets is transmitted from a first node of the network to a second node of the network. All but at least two of the stream of data packets is successfully received at the second node, wherein the data packets that are not successfully received are not located sequentially within the stream of data packets. A status packet is transmitted from the second node to the first node, wherein the status packet includes an indication of each of the data packets that were not successfully received. In response to receiving the status packet at the first node, the data packets that were not successfully received at the second node are retransmitted from the first node to the second node in response to receiving the status packet. |
| US08169913B2 |
Communication-processing method on network-connected equipment and receiving apparatus
A communication-processing method performs communication processing on any network-connected equipment. The method includes the steps of sending an identification signal through a network to every apparatus that is connected in an identical network circuit to identify a local apparatus, and determining whether a reply signal including identification information in reply to the sent identification signal is received or not. The method also includes the steps of deciding that the local apparatus is connected to the identical network circuit if receiving the reply signal including the identification information to secure a communication-processing condition for the identified local apparatus, communicating with the identified local apparatus, and sending the communication-processing condition to the identified local apparatus. |
| US08169903B2 |
Managing traffic within and between virtual private networks when using a session border controller
Methods and devices for managing traffic are described. Traffic from a source in a virtual private network (VPN) is received. The traffic is directed to a virtual interface that is designated to receive traffic from the VPN. The virtual interface is configured to associate the traffic with an identifier that uniquely identifies the VPN to a session border controller (SBC). The SBC can use the identifier to determine whether the source and the destination of the traffic are in the same VPN. |
| US08169902B2 |
Wireless transmitter device and method thereof for keeping the total transmission time limited
A wireless transmitter device has a predetermined upper limit of an accumulated data transmission time per predetermined duration corresponding to a predetermined maximum value. The wireless transmitter device includes a timer which starts keeping time when the wireless transmitter device sends a wireless signal and stops when it reaches a timeout value, a total transmission measurer for measuring the data transmission time of the wireless transmitter device during a period from the timer starting to stopping, and a transmission controller for refraining the data transmission at the earliest until the time being measured by the timer reaches the timeout value if the accumulation time is, or likely to be, equal to or larger than a threshold value. |
| US08169900B2 |
Increasing link capacity via traffic distribution over multiple Wi-Fi access points
A method and system for combining the bandwidth available to a user communications device from multiple access points by switching output requests and corresponding replies to such requests among a plurality of such access points. In the simplest implementation the switching can be on a round-robin basis, but the switching can be enhanced to prioritize and use quality of service requirements associated with each output request, and also to measure congestion at each access point and base switching upon the congestion level. The invention operates by generating subset ISO communication stacks for each available access point, preferably the subset from the IP layer to the data control link, and switching between these stacks. |
| US08169898B2 |
Modular telephone
A self-configuring communication system includes a portable memory device that stores personalization data. The self-configuring communication system includes a local instrument. The local instrument includes an interface for the portable memory device. The local instrument includes a processor to establish a link through the interface to the portable memory device without intervention and, upon establishing the link, to execute a program to configure the local instrument to emulate a telephone described by the personalization data. |
| US08169897B2 |
Achieving high-rate multi-hop data delivery in vehicular networks
A method for high rate data delivery in a multi-hop vehicular network comprises at each source vehicle, initiating a packet having a flow tag, assigning an identifier of the content and the current location to the flow tag, and forwarding the packet; at each destination vehicle, setting a flow request and broadcasting at the current intersection; further on movement, setting the flow request at the new intersection, and at each intersection, selecting a header vehicle at the intersection, computing backlog and congestion indicators and listening for broadcasts with a matrix and the flow requests at the header vehicle, determining if the matrix is present, updating the matrix in accordance with the backlog and congestion indicators if the matrix is present, initializing the matrix and estimating the delay on the outgoing road segments if the matrix is not present, forwarding the packet flow, and broadcasting the matrix from the header vehicle. |
| US08169895B2 |
Network system and node
The invention realizes defect indication on a multipoint logical path and switching of the logical path using a transfer protocol of configuring a logical path in a ring network. A working path and a backup path are set up where each transmits a frame from a transmitting end node to multicast receiving end nodes, forwards the frame to the transmitting end node and terminates it at the transmitting end node after going around the ring. Any node detecting a defect transmits a forward defect indication frame to a multipoint logical path in which the defect occurs. The transmitting end node receiving the forward defect indication frame halts the use of the notified multipoint logical path, and transmits a frame in another path where the forward defect indication frame is not received. When received from both multipoint logical paths, the transmitting end node copies the frame and forwards them to both paths. |
| US08169891B2 |
Apparatus and method for handling lost cells in a communications system
A method of processing cells in a communication system includes obtaining a cell, causing it to be stored, determined if it is associated with a loss event, and if so, causing it to be tagged with a lost cell indicator. An apparatus for processing cells includes a cell processing module and a cell buffer interface that can interface with a cell buffer. The processing module is configured to obtain a cell, cause it to be stored through the buffer interface, determine if it is associated with a loss event, and if so, cause it to be tagged with a lost cell indicator. The lost cell indicator can preferably be a compressed lost cell indicator. The inventive tagging enhances computational efficiency compared to approaches that require moving a stored cell to make room for a complete dummy cell. |
| US08169890B2 |
Systems and method for high data rate ultra wideband communication
A high data rate UWB system implements a frame structure that uses a connected set of m-sequences comprising the lowest possible cross-correlation and perfect, or near perfect autocorrelation. Each m-sequence can be used to identify a different piconet. A very efficient code matched filter can then be used to decode the frames and achieve synchronization with a piconets. |
| US08169887B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for wireless communications using a permutation sequence
A method for data transmissions in a wireless communication system includes: allocating resources for data to be transmitted; providing a seed number from the communication system; setting, based on the seed number, at least one parameter for a pseudo-random mapper having an input variable and an output variable; initializing an array with a number of base elements; increasing a current value of the input variable by a current value of a counter; and calculating a value of the output variable based on the pseudo-random mapper and the increased value of the input variable. The method further includes: swapping a first base element and a second base element in the array, the first base element being identified based on the current value of the counter, and the second base element being identified based on the value of the output variable; performing permutation on the resources by using the array as a permutation sequence; and transmitting the data. |
| US08169883B2 |
Optical disk, method for manufacturing the same, and method for recording and method for reproducing data using optical disk
An optical disk includes a first information recording layer, and second to N-th information recording layers (with N being an integer of two or greater) that are arranged further toward the side from which laser light is irradiated than the first information recording layer and which are arranged in order from the side near the first information recording layer. The first information recording layer includes a read-only control data region, a first recording learning region for learning recording parameters to record data, and a first user data recording region for recording user data. When taking at least one of the second to N-th information recording layers as an i-th information recording layer (with i being an integer satisfying 2≦i≦N), that i-th information recording layer includes an i-th recording learning region for learning recording parameters to record data in the i-th information recording layer, and an i-th user data recording region for recording user data. The first recording learning region and the i-th recording learning region are arranged at different radial positions, and the i-th recording learning region is arranged within a region of radial positions at which the control data region is provided. |
| US08169882B2 |
High density data storage medium, method and device
A composition of matter for the recording medium of nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage devices and a nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage device. The composition includes: one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers comprising (a) a first monomer including an aryl ether ketone and (b) a second monomer including an aryl ether ketone and a first phenylethynyl moiety, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having a phenylethynyl moiety the same as or different from the first phenylethynyl moiety. The one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers are thermally cured and the resulting cross-linked polyaryletherketone resin used as the recording layer in an atomic force data storage device. |
| US08169879B2 |
Optical recording system to record information with light
A multilayer optical recording system to record information with light includes a lens unit, a recording medium, and a microscopic drive unit. The lens unit includes a metamaterial lens or a plasmon lens. The metamaterial lens has a first dielectric member in which first microstructures are implanted in a substantially regular manner. The plasmon lens has an aperture. The aperture is a hole or a slit created in a metal film. The microscopic drive unit is configured to adjust a relative position between the lens unit and the recording medium. In addition, the principal plane is placed to be in contact with the lens unit or to have a gap between the principal plane and the lens unit. Furthermore, the second microstructures are arranged periodically in a direction substantially perpendicular to the principal plane of the recording medium. |
| US08169877B2 |
Optical disc apparatus
An optical disc apparatus for use of an optical disc including a plurality of recording layers sets an amount of correction of spherical aberration for each of the recording layers of the disc during a focus sweep. A photodetector portion produces a signal in response to returned light for each of the recording layers. |
| US08169876B2 |
Optical information recording method, optical information reproducing method, optical information recording apparatus and optical information reproducing apparatus
An optical information recording method of recording information three-dimensionally by irradiating a laser light beam onto a medium having a servo information plane on which address information and/or servo information is recorded, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: dividing a laser light beam from one laser light source into laser light beams, the beam including a first light beam for reading the information, and a second light beam for recording information onto the recording medium; irradiating the first light beam onto the servo information plane to read the information from reflected light of the first light beam to read the information in which optical axes of the first light beam and second light beam are arranged coaxially; and irradiating the second light beam based on the read information to be focused onto a position in a depth direction perpendicular to a horizontal direction of the recording medium. |
| US08169874B2 |
Optical recording medium, information recording method, and information reproducing method
According to one embodiment, an optical recording medium is provided in which interlayer crosstalk is low and in which stable and high-quality recording characteristics can be obtained. To this end, an optical recording medium comprises a first recording part which includes a first recording layer and a first light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side closer to a light receiving surface, and a second recording part which includes a second recording layer and a second light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side farther from the light receiving surface, the first recording part and the second recording part being stacked, wherein the thickness of the second light reflecting layer is larger than the thickness of the first light reflecting layer. |
| US08169873B2 |
Optical recording medium, information recording method, and information reproducing method
According to one embodiment, an optical recording medium is provided in which interlayer crosstalk is low and in which stable and high-quality recording characteristics can be obtained. To this end, an optical recording medium comprises a first recording part which includes a first recording layer and a first light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side closer to a light receiving surface, and a second recording part which includes a second recording layer and a second light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side farther from the light receiving surface, the first recording part and the second recording part being stacked, wherein the thickness of the second light reflecting layer is larger than the thickness of the first light reflecting layer. |
| US08169869B2 |
Recording parameter setting device and method using pulse sequences
A recording parameter setting device setting parameters of pulse sequences forming recording marks on recording media. The device includes a storage section storing first and second look-up tables, and a recording parameter setting section for obtaining from the tables and setting parameters corresponding to recording information. The pulse sequences form at least marks equal to or longer than a first predetermined length but not longer than a maximum mark length, and include top and last sections. Also, the first lookup table stores parameters for top sections that control heat of front edges of marks classified into a same group. The second lookup table stores parameters for last sections for controlling heat of rear edges that are equal to or longer than a second predetermined recording mark length, that is longer than the first predetermined recording mark length, through the maximum recording mark length and classified into a same group. |
| US08169868B2 |
Method for detecting surface defects in patterned media
An optical defect detection method for patterned media includes: irradiating a laser beam onto a patterned medium and obtaining reflected light by reflection very close to a sample; outputting the reflected light as an analog electrical signal from an optical receiver; converting the analog signal to a digital signal; obtaining a surface profile in a track direction by sampling the analog signal; obtaining a servo area profile by setting a slice for detecting servo area; calculating an average value in a track width direction based on plural servo area profiles; generating a master servo area profile based on the average value; obtaining a difference between the master servo area profile and the specific servo area profile; and detecting the presence of a defect including surface roughness, process fluctuation, and adhesion of foreign matters, from a differential waveform. |
| US08169864B2 |
Actuator for pickup, pickup device, recording medium drive device, and method of manufacturing actuator for pickup
Provided is an actuator for a pickup, in which end parts of a plurality of suspensions (550A to 550F) of five or more are positioned on a virtual circle (X) formed on a plane by being projected onto the plane including both a focusing direction and a tracking direction. A rolling center (O) defined as a center of the virtual circle (X) is made to coincide with all three, two, or one of a center (Os) of the gravity of a lens holder (600), a center (Os) of the drive force of the lens holder (600), and a center (Os) of the translational force of the suspensions (550A to 550F). Since the rolling center (O) coincides with all three, two, or one of those centers (Os), a rotational moment is not generated on the lens holder (600) and, therefore, generation of unnecessary resonance can be prevented. |
| US08169863B2 |
Tracking control device, tracking control method, and optical disc device
An object of this invention is to improve stability of tracking control and improve recording and reproduction performance. The tracking control device comprises a main push-pull signal generation section, which generates a main push-pull signal based on a signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of return light of the main beam; a microcomputer, which detects an other-layer stray light signal component included in a signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of return light of the sub-beam; a signal correction section, which corrects the signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the return light of the sub-beam, based on the other-layer stray light signal component; and a sub-push-pull signal generation section, which generates a sub-push-pull signal based on the corrected signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the return light of the sub-beam. |
| US08169861B1 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head comprising plasmon generator
Provided is a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head in which NF-light with sufficiently high light density can be applied to a medium while a write-field generating point and a near-field light (NF-light) generating point are close to each other. The head comprises a plasmon generator provided between a magnetic pole and a waveguide and configured to be coupled with light propagating through the waveguide in a surface plasmon mode to emit NF-light. The plasmon generator comprises: a plasmon propagating part comprising a propagation edge for propagating surface plasmon excited by the light; and a light penetration suppressing part with an extinction coefficient greater than the plasmon propagating part. The light penetration suppressing part is in surface-contact with a surface portion of the plasmon propagating part excluding the propagation edge, and the magnetic pole is in surface-contact with the light penetration suppressing part. This configuration can avoid significant reduction in light use efficiency of an optical system generating NF-light due to partial absorption of electromagnetic field (light) into the magnetic pole. |
| US08169859B1 |
Animal clock assembly
A clock assembly having a primary body in the shape of a type of animal. The primary body has a front face and a back face, and the secondary body has a front portion and a back portion. The primary and secondary bodies each have substantially circular openings with inner surfaces that are configured for selective receipt of a clock. At least a portion of the secondary body is secured to at least a portion of the secondary body, such that when the primary body and the secondary body are secured together, the substantially circular openings of the primary and secondary bodies are flush with one another. The clock assembly has at least one eyepiece. The outer surface of a clock having a clock display and a housing is mounted inside the inner surface of the opening of the primary body and the inner surface of the opening of the secondary body. |
| US08169858B2 |
Timepiece fitted with a lighting device comprising an ultraviolet light-emitting diode
The invention relates to a timepiece (1) fitted with a glass (3) having an inside face and an outside face to the timepiece and a lighting device (4) comprising at least one ultraviolet or infrared light-emitting diode (4a) to illuminate at least one zone (9) integrating fluorescent and/or phosphorescent pigments of an indicator element (7) visible through the glass, characterized in that the light-emitting diode is arranged on the periphery of the glass forming a waveguide capable of diffusing the ultraviolet or infrared light, and that means for diffusing ultraviolet or infrared light (12; 13; 15; 19; 20) from the glass towards the interior of the timepiece are arranged in the path of the ultraviolet or infrared light. |
| US08169855B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor unit and electronic device
An ultrasonic sensor unit includes an ultrasonic transmission sensor array having a plurality of ultrasonic transmission sensors configured and arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic reception sensor array having a plurality of ultrasonic reception sensors configured and arranged to receive the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic reception sensor array re coupled to the ultrasonic transmission sensor array so that the ultrasonic transmission sensors and the ultrasonic reception sensors do not overlap in planar view. One of the ultrasonic transmission sensor array and the ultrasonic reception sensor array include a plurality of through-holes through which one of the ultrasonic transmission sensors and the ultrasonic reception sensors provided in the other of the ultrasonic transmission sensor array and the ultrasonic reception sensor array are exposed. |
| US08169851B2 |
Memory device with pseudo double clock signals and the method using the same
A method for operating a memory device with pseudo double clock signals comprises the steps of: generating an even clock signal and an odd clock signal, wherein the clock rates of both the even clock signal and the odd clock signal are half that of the input clock signal, and the even clock signal is the inverse signal of the odd clock signal; if the logic level of the even clock signal is 1 when receiving a trigger of a control signal, applying the even clock signal to a memory device; and if the logic level of the odd clock signal is 1 when receiving another trigger of the control signal, applying the odd clock signal to the memory device. |
| US08169843B2 |
Wafer test trigger signal generating circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus, and a wafer test circuit using the same
A wafer test trigger signal generating circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes an enable timing control unit configured to generate an enable signal by using a plurality of address signals, and a trigger signal generating unit configured to generate a test trigger signal, which designates a decoding timing of a test mode defined by the plurality of address signals, in response to the enable signal. |
| US08169841B2 |
Strobe apparatus, systems, and methods
A strobe signal is received in a device and execution of an operation in the device is delayed when the strobe signal includes a preamble. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08169838B2 |
Memory device, control method for the same, control program for the same, memory card, circuit board and electronic equipment
A memory device includes a single or a plurality of memory chips. In the memory device (memory module), the single memory chip or each of the plurality of memory chips has a memory part storing control data such as specification data and function data, and control data stored on the memory part is rewritable. Control data stored on the memory part separately disposed on each memory chip enables separate use of the memory chip, which improves compatibility and flexibility of the memory. |
| US08169836B2 |
Buffer control signal generation circuit and semiconductor device
A buffer control signal generation circuit includes a burst start signal generator, a command decoder, a burst controller, and a burst column controller. The burst start signal generator shifts a write pulse into a first period to generate a first burst start signal and shifts the write pulse into a second period to generate a second burst start signal, such that the second period being shorter than the first period. The command decoder generates a burst period pulse and a column active pulse in response to the second burst start signal and a column control signal. The burst controller receives the column active pulse and buffers the burst period pulse to generate a burst end signal. The burst column controller generates the column control signal from the burst end signal and the column active pulse. |
| US08169834B2 |
Sense amplifier used in electrically erasable programmable read-only memory and the implementing method thereof
A sense amplifier and method of implementing includes a reference current generation circuit, which is used for providing a reference current with a settable temperature coefficient for a main circuit of the sense amplifier; the main circuit is used for comparing the reference current with a storage cell current, and distinguishing between 0 and 1 Storage Cell. A method of implementing the sense amplifier that is as below: With an additional current reference circuit, generating and inputting the reference current with a positive/negative/zero temperature coefficient into the main circuit, by mixing a proportional absolute temperature current and a constant current according to different ratios; a storage cell selection tube in a mirror branch of a biased current of the main circuit, so as to constitute a source degeneration circuit, making the biased current change with the power supply voltage and realizing a gain compensation function. |
| US08169830B2 |
Sensing for all bit line architecture in a memory device
Methods for sensing, memory devices, and memory systems are disclosed. One such method for sensing includes charging bit lines of an all bit line architecture to a precharge voltage, selecting a word line, and performing a sense operation on the bit lines. After the sense operation on the memory cells of the first selected word line is complete, the precharge voltage is maintained on the bit lines while a second word line is selected. |
| US08169824B2 |
Semiconductor device including contact plug having an elliptical sectional shape
A semiconductor device includes a first MOS transistor, second MOS transistors, first contact plugs, and a second contact plug. The first MOS transistor with a first conductivity is formed on a semiconductor substrate. The second MOS transistors with a second conductivity are formed on the semiconductor substrate. The first contact plugs has a circular planar shape. The second contact plug has an elliptical planar shape and is formed on a source or a drain in one of the second MOS transistors. The first contact plugs are formed on sources or drains in the remaining second MOS transistors and the first MOS transistor. |
| US08169822B2 |
Data state-dependent channel boosting to reduce channel-to-floating gate coupling in memory
In a programming operation, selected storage elements on a selected word line are programmed while unselected storage elements on the selected word line are inhibited from programming by channel boosting. To provide a sufficient but not excessive level of boosting, the amount of boosting can be set based on a data state of the unselected storage element. A greater amount of boosting can be provided for a lower data state which represents a lower threshold voltage and hence is more vulnerable to program disturb. A common boosting scheme can be used for groups of multiple data states. The amount of boosting can be set by adjusting the timing and magnitude of voltages used for a channel pre-charge operation and for pass voltages which are applied to word lines. In one approach, stepped pass voltages on unselected word lines can be used to adjust boosting for channels with selected data states. |
| US08169821B1 |
Low-crystallization temperature MTJ for spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (SSTTMRAM)
A spin-torque transfer memory random access memory (STTMRAM) element is disclosed and has a fixed layer, a barrier layer formed upon the fixed layer, and a free layer comprised of a low-crystallization temperature alloy of CoFeB—Z where Z is below 25 atomic percent of one or more of titanium, (Ti), yittrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), and vanadium (V), wherein during a write operation, a bidirectional electric current is applied across the STTMRAM element to switch the magnetization of the free layer between parallel and anti-parallel states relative to the magnetization of the fixed layer. |
| US08169820B2 |
Use of symmetric resistive memory material as a diode to drive symmetric or asymmetric resistive memory
A crosspoint array is made up of a plurality of bitlines and wordlines and a plurality of crossbar elements, with each crossbar element being disposed between a bitline and a wordline, and each crossbar element comprising at least a phase change material used as a rectifier in series with a solid electrolyte used as an asymmetric resistive memory element. The crossbar elements are responsive to the following voltages: a first set of voltages to transition the phase change material in the crossbar elements from an OFF state to an ON state; a second set of voltages to read or program the solid electrolyte, and a third set of voltages to transition the phase change material from an ON state to an OFF state. |
| US08169818B2 |
Recording method for magnetic memory device
A recording method for a magnetic memory device that includes applying, when recording one piece of information, one or more main pulses and one or more sub-pulses in the same direction and applying the one or more sub-pulses after the one or more main pulses, the one or more main pulses each being a pulse that has a sufficient pulse height and pulse width to record information, the one or more sub-pulses each being a pulse that satisfies at least one of conditions that a pulse width is shorter than that of the one or more main pulses and that a pulse height is smaller than that of the one or more main pulses. |
| US08169815B2 |
System and method for writing data to magnetoresistive random access memory cells
Magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell with a thermally assisted switching writing procedure and methods for manufacturing and using same. The MRAM cell includes a magnetic tunnel junction that has at least a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and an insulating layer disposed between the first and a second magnetic layers. The MRAM cell further includes a select transistor and a current line electrically connected to the junction. The current line advantageously can support a plurality of MRAM operational functions. The current line can fulfill a first function for passing a first portion of current for heating the junction and a second function for passing a second portion of current in order to switch the magnetization of the first magnetic layer. |
| US08169814B2 |
Schmitt trigger-based finFET SRAM cell
The present invention provides a Schmitt trigger-based FinFET static random access memory (SRAM) cell, which is an 8-FinFET structure. A FinFET has the functions of two independent gates. The new SRAM cell uses only 8 FinFET per cell, compared with the 10-FinFET structure in previous works. As a result, the cell structure of the present invention can save chip area and raise chip density. Furthermore, this new SRAM cell can effectively solve the conventional problem that the 6T SRAM cell is likely to have read errors at a low operating voltage. |
| US08169811B2 |
Non-volatile re-programmable memory device
A memory device including a non-volatile re-programmable memory cell is provided. In connection with various example embodiments, the memory cell is a single resistor located between a first and second node. The resistor stores different resistance states corresponding to different resistance values set by SiCr-facilitated migration. The SiCr-facilitated migration occurs in response to energy presented between the first and second nodes. The application of a signal to a first node of the memory cell resistor forces the migration of elements along the memory cell resistor to set the resistance value of the memory cell resistor. The application of a second signal of approximately equal strength to the second node reverses the change and resistance and returns the memory cell to the previous resistance level. In some implementations the resistor is made of SiCr. |
| US08169810B2 |
Magnetic memory with asymmetric energy barrier
A magnetic tunnel junction cell includes a ferromagnetic reference layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layer separating the ferromagnetic reference layer from the ferromagnetic free layer. The magnetic tunnel junction cell has an asymmetric energy barrier for switching between a high resistance data state and a low resistance data state. |
| US08169809B2 |
Tree-structure memory device
A tree-structure memory device including a plurality of bit lines formed on a substrate and arranged in at least one plane substantially parallel to a substrate surface and extending substantially in a first direction, a plurality of layers having a plurality of memory cells arranged in a first array, a tree structure corresponding to a plurality of layers and a bit line; and a word-line group including at least one word line crossing with the tree structure, a memory cell of the first array being located at the first intersection region in a layer of said layers. |
| US08169808B2 |
NAND flash content addressable memory
NAND architecture non-volatile content addressable (CAM) memory devices and methods are described that allows for high density, low cost CAM devices. In addition, the NAND architecture non-volatile CAM memory operates with reduced power consumption characteristics for low power and portable applications. In one NAND architecture non-volatile CAM memory embodiment a wired NOR match line array is utilized. In another embodiment a NAND match line array is shown. In yet other embodiments, hierarchal addressing, hash addressing, tree search and algorithmic/hardware engine based search is detailed utilizing both conventional NAND architecture non-volatile Flash memory arrays and dedicated NAND architecture CAM arrays utilizing wired NOR and wired NAND match lines. |
| US08169799B2 |
Power factor correction circuit
A power factor correction circuit steps up and power-factor-corrects a rectified voltage, which has been rectified from an AC input voltage of an AC power source Vin, through an ON/OFF operation of a switching element Q1 and supplies a stepped-up output voltage to a DC-DC converter that is driven with a first pulse signal. The power factor correction circuit includes a delay circuit to receive the first pulse signal whose pulse width corresponds to an output voltage of the DC-DC converter, generate, in response to an ON pulse of the first pulse signal, a delay pulse signal whose pulse width corresponds to the rectified voltage, and synthesize the first pulse signal and the delay pulse signal into a second pulse signal. The power factor correction circuit also includes a driver to drive the switching element according to the second pulse signal. |
| US08169798B2 |
Synchronous rectifier circuit and multi-output power supply device using the same
A synchronous rectifier circuit and a multi-output power supply device using the same include a semiconductor switch to control a current flow of the synchronous rectifier circuit, and a switching controller to control the semiconductor switch according to a synchronous rectification control signal and an output control signal generated by feeding back the output voltage of the synchronous rectifier circuit. The synchronous rectifier circuit can control an output voltage, decrease power loss so as to increase the efficiency of the synchronous rectifier circuit, and decrease the cost of the synchronous rectifier circuit. |
| US08169796B2 |
Isolated switching power supply apparatus
In an isolated switching power supply apparatus, by performing on/off control of a first switching device and a second switching device, energy is transmitted from the primary side to the secondary side using a second primary winding and a second secondary winding while the first switching device is on, and energy is transmitted by a first primary winding and a first secondary winding while the second switching device is on. The first secondary winding and the second secondary winding are connected in series with one another, and an inductor is inserted in series to the second secondary winding. An output current is made to flow through the inductor irrespective of whether the first switching device is on or the second switching device is on. |
| US08169791B2 |
Electronic module and method for producing such a module
Electronic module (10), and an electric motor (12) containing one, and also a production method for one, having an electrically conductive first substrate (16) which has a basic body (54) and which has a second electrically conductive substrate (18) mounted on it, and having at least one power component which is arranged on a first substrate (16), and the second substrate (18) is fitted with further components (40) on a side (32) which is remote from the first substrate (16), where the second substrate (18) has a smaller base area (19) than the basic body (54) of the first substrate (16), and the power components (22) are mounted on the first substrate (16) outside the outer perimeter (70) of the second substrate (18)—next to the latter. |
| US08169782B2 |
Electronic circuit device
An electronic circuit device that suppresses deformation of an adhesive layer of a flexible printed circuit board during formation of a resin seal portion, and suppresses deterioration of the circuit board caused by deformation of the adhesive layer. The electronic circuit device includes a substrate mounted with an electronic component; a flexible printed circuit board electrically connectable to the substrate and an external device, and includes a wiring conductor and a pair of insulation films covering upper and lower surfaces of the wiring conductor; and a resin molding portion to seal the substrate and a portion of the circuit board. The wiring conductor of the circuit board is adhered through an adhesive layer to at least one of the pair of insulation films, and a dummy wiring material that does not function as wiring is disposed on an outer side of a border between the circuit board and an outer peripheral portion of the plastic molding portion, and disposed between the pair of insulation films. |
| US08169781B2 |
Power supply and heat dissipation module thereof
A power supply includes a casing, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a heat dissipation module. The PCB is disposed in the casing and has a heat-generating element. The casing has a top cover. The heat dissipation module includes a heatsink and a heat dissipation plate. The heatsink is disposed at the PCB and contacts the heat-generating elements. The heatsink has a surface facing the top cover. The heat dissipation plate is disposed between the heatsink and the top cover and contacts the surface of the heatsink. |
| US08169780B2 |
Power conversion device
In a power conversion device including: a converter which steps up or down a voltage of a direct current power supply; and an inverter which converts the direct current voltage obtained by the converter into an alternating voltage to drive an electric motor, a plurality of magnetic parts are arranged above a switching element assembly unit with a water-cooled type second heat sink interposed between the switching element assembly unit and the plurality of magnetic parts, the switching element assembly unit configured by mounting all the switching element modules on upper and lower surfaces of a water-cooled type first heat sink. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a power conversion device capable of housing many switching element modules in a compact space and cooling them effectively, while preventing the influence of a noise due to the magnetic parts from acting on the switching element modules as much as possible. |
| US08169777B2 |
Modular computer
A modular computer includes a main board unit, a power supply unit, a CPU, a graphic/display unit, a data reading/writing unit and a plurality of fasteners. Each of the units is formed into a rectangular six-face-boxed modular. A connector is provided on one of the faces of the units. The units are stacked in vertical direction or arranged in horizontal direction. The units are fixed together by the fasteners. The connectors provide electrical connection among the units. |
| US08169773B2 |
Electrochemical capacitor
The present invention provides an electrochemical capacitor, which includes: a cell electrode unit which includes cathodes, anodes, and separators interposed between the cathodes and the anodes which are alternately stacked in multiple layers; cathode terminals which are extended to one side of each of the cathodes and are stacked one above another; anode terminals which are extended to one side of each of the anodes and are stacked one above another with a separation space from the cathode terminals; a housing for receiving the cell electrode unit, the cathode terminals, and the anode terminals; and an output terminal unit which is insert-molded to penetrate from the inside to the outside of the housing, electrically connected to at least one of each of the stacked cathode and anode terminals, and immobilizes the cell electrode unit into the housing. |
| US08169771B2 |
High-stability thin-film capacitor and method for making the same
The dielectric of a capacitor is formed by superposition of at least two thin layers made from the same metal oxide, respectively in crystalline and amorphous form and respectively presenting quadratic voltage coefficients of capacitance of opposite signs. The respective thicknesses da and dc of the amorphous and crystalline thin layers comply with the following general formulas: d a = ɛ 0 ɛ a C s 0 ( 1 1 - ( ɛ c ɛ a ) 2 γ a γ c ) and d c = ɛ 0 ɛ c C s 0 ( 1 1 - ( ɛ a ɛ c ) 2 γ c γ a ) in which ∈0 corresponds to the electric constant, ∈c and ∈a correspond to the relative permittivity of the metal oxide respectively in crystalline form and in amorphous form, Cs0 corresponds to the total surface capacitance at zero field, and γc and γa correspond to the quadratic coefficient of capacitance with respect to the electric field of the metal oxide respectively in crystalline form and in amorphous form. |
| US08169764B2 |
Temperature compensation in integrated circuit
In an embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a plurality of temperature sensors and a power manager coupled thereto. The temperature sensors are physically distributed over an area of the integrated circuit that is occupied by logic circuitry implementing the operations for which the integrated circuit is designed. The power manager is configured to transmit a power supply voltage request to an external power supply module, the power supply voltage request indicating a requested magnitude of the power supply voltage for the integrated circuit. The power manager is configured to modify the requested magnitude responsive to indications from each of the plurality of temperatures sensors that represent a temperature of the integrated circuit sensed by each of the plurality of temperature sensors. |
| US08169762B2 |
Relay with current transformer
Current transformer relays having dual functions as current transformers and electromechanical switches are described. The current transformer relay includes a relay coil and a conducting loop concentric with the relay coil. Additional functions are thus provided in addition to the main relay switching function or functions. The concentric nature of the relay coil and the conducting loop create a current transformer between these elements. The additional functions include the ability to measure an alternating current (AC) current conducted by the conducting loop, the ability to detect and interpret an information signal imposed on power lines connected to the conducting loop, the ability to induce or impose an information signal on the conducting loop for transmission to power lies connected to the conducting loop, and the ability to measure a differential current between currents carried by the conducting loop and a second concentric conducting loop. |
| US08169757B2 |
Circuit breaker with bistable display
A circuit breaker is disclosed that has a bi-stable display that maintains an indication of a fault condition after power is interrupted to the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a microcontroller that receives power derived from a line current that passes through the circuit breaker or the line voltage when the circuit breaker is in an on state. The bi-stable display is electrically coupled to and controlled by the microcontroller. A tripping mechanism trips the circuit breaker in response to detection of a fault condition. The tripping mechanism trips the circuit breaker in response to receiving a trip signal from the microcontroller. The microcontroller is programmed to modify the bi-stable display when sending the trip signal to the electronic switching device. The bi-stable display shows an indication of one of the several fault types that would have caused the circuit breaker to trip. The bi-stable display continues to display the fault-type indication after the circuit breaker has tripped and power is interrupted to the microcontroller. |
| US08169751B2 |
Magnetoresistive sensor having a structure for activating and deactivating electrostatic discharge prevention circuitry
A structure for preventing Electrostatic Discharge (LSD) damage to a magnetoresistive sensor during manufacture. The structure includes a switching element that can be switched off during testing of the sensor and then switched back on to provide ESD shunting to the sensor. The switch can be a thermally activated mechanical relay built onto the slider. The switch could also be a programmable resistor that includes to solid electrolyte sandwiched between first and second electrodes. One of the electrodes functions as an anode. When voltage is applied in a first direction an ion bridge forms across through the electrolyte across electrodes making the resistor conductive. When a voltage is applied in a second direction, the ion bridge recedes and the programmable resistor becomes essentially non-conductive. |
| US08169750B1 |
Removable nanopositioning cartridge for magnetic head and disk testers
A removable cartridge for magnetic head and disk testers is disclosed. The removable cartridge includes: a base plate; a first end of an actuator rigidly fixed to the base plate; an HGA mounting block rigidly fixed to a second end of the actuator; a first end of a flexure rigidly coupled to the HGA mounting block; and a second end of the flexure rigidly coupled to the base plate. |
| US08169749B2 |
Post-assembly head/disk offset adjuster
A post-assembly head/disk offset adjuster is disclosed. One embodiment provides a housing and at least one disk coupled with the housing. In addition, an adjustable pivot plate is coupled with the housing such that access to at least one adjustment point of the adjustable pivot plate is provided regardless of a state of assembly of the hard disk drive. Furthermore, an actuator is coupled with the adjustable pivot plate. In so doing, an adjustment to the at least one adjustment point of the adjustable pivot plate results in an adjustment to the actuator regardless of the state of assembly of the hard disk drive. |
| US08169747B2 |
Cushioning ramp having a stepped structure for a magnetic disc apparatus
For cushioning a shock to prevent problems such as a reading error, a ramp for a magnetic disc apparatus is made of a resin material for forming a ramp main body and a material having higher rigidity than the resin material, disc facing surfaces in the disc insertion portion for inserting a magnetic disc is provided with disc contact portions made of the high rigidity material, a bottom surface portion of a concave portion of the disc insertion portion is constructed by a combination of a bottom surface portion made of the resin material and a bottom surface portion made of the high rigidity material, and a step structure is provided by arranging the bottom surface portion made of the high rigidity material at a position moved rearward in a depth direction of the concave portion in comparison with the bottom surface portion made of the resin material. |
| US08169745B2 |
Head gimbal assembly having balanced weight, and disk drive unit with the same
A HGA includes a load beam having a dimple formed thereon; a flexure including a suspension tongue and a support plate connected with the suspension tongue; and a slider having a leading edge and trailing edge opposite to the leading edge. The slider is mounted on the flexure such that the slider is supported by the dimple at the center of the slider. The leading edge is attached on the suspension tongue and trailing edge is attached on the support plate. A weight-balance structure is formed on the suspension tongue of the flexure to balance the weight of the HGA between a portion from the trailing edge to the slider center and another portion from the leading edge to the slider center. The invention also discloses various methods of manufacturing HGA with the balanced weight. |
| US08169739B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic write head
A perpendicular magnetic write head in which unintended erasure of information at the time of non-writing can be suppressed while keeping the capability of writing is provided. The perpendicular magnetic write head includes a magnetic pole tip portion, a first yoke portion connected to the magnetic pole tip portion, having a width larger than that of the magnetic pole tip portion, and having a recess portion in a center region thereof, and a second yoke portion embedded in the recess portion. The magnetic pole tip portion and the first yoke portion are integrally formed with a vapor deposition method, and the second yoke portion is formed with a plating method. Since the saturation flux density of the magnetic pole tip portion formed with the vapor deposition method becomes higher than that of the yoke portion, a magnetic flux intake capacity of the magnetic pole tip portion is ensured. In a magnetic domain structure of the yoke portion most of which is formed with the plating method, since an easy magnetization axis becomes likely to be directed in a direction perpendicular to an emitting direction of a magnetic flux, residual flux becomes less likely to leak out of the main magnetic pole layer at the time of non-writing. |
| US08169737B2 |
Tape library apparatus
A tape library apparatus includes a recording/reproducing unit for accessing data in the tape cartridges, a first driver for producing a driving force, a conveyer for carrying the recording/reproducing unit in the direction of the alignment of the plurality of the tape cartridges, by the driving force produced by the first driver, an identification information reader mounted near the insertion slot and on a surfaces of the tape cartridges, the image identification information being on a surface of each of the tape cartridges which faces opposite to a surface which faces the conveyer, a second driver for moving the tape cartridge in the magazine at opposed position of the conveyer to the recording/reproducing unit, and a controller for controlling the first and second drivers, to move one of the tape cartridges stored in the magazine to a position of the recording/reproduction unit. |
| US08169735B1 |
Zone servo writing using self servo writing
A system including a read module, a clock generator module, and a write module. The read module generates read signals in response to reading servo spirals from a magnetic medium of a hard disk drive. The clock generator module generates a spiral clock based on the read signals, and generates, based on the spiral clock, (i) a first write clock and (ii) a second write clock. The spiral clock has a first frequency, the first write clock has a second frequency, and the second write clock has a third frequency. The write module is configured to (i) write a first servo wedge on a first zone of the magnetic medium of the hard disk drive based on the first write clock, and (ii) write a second servo wedge on a second zone of the magnetic medium of the hard disk drive based on the second write clock. |
| US08169733B2 |
Magnetic disk device
A magnetic disk device includes a disk that includes a plurality of tracks and magnetically stores therein data; a magnetic head that reads and writes data on the tracks; a data writing unit that classifies sectors along one track into a plurality of sector groups and writes to a physical address of each of the sector groups data of a logical address that is different from a logical address corresponding to the physical address in same track; and a first nonvolatile memory that stores therein a conversion table of the logical address and the physical address. |
| US08169730B2 |
Suppressing adjacent track interference/far track interference (ATI/FTI) in a hard disk drive (HDD) by an external magnetic field
A hard disk drive (HDD) comprising a magnetic disk that includes a data storage surface and an external magnetic field parallel to the data storage surface for suppressing track interference. |
| US08169729B2 |
Magnetic recording/reproducing using a patterned medium
To synchronize a write/read frequency with media with high precision even when a write head is positioned in a different zone in a magnetic recording/reproducing device equipped with patterned media formed with writing hit patterns and having a zoned format function, a write head is positioned on a recording track in the vicinity of a boundary between zones, and the write head is positioned in a different zone from the zone in which the read head is positioned, the preamble pattern in the zone in which the read head is positioned is reproduced, a difference between frequencies of the preamble patterns of the zones is compensated to determine a write frequency used for writing data into a desired track, and then start timing for writing is determined based on a synchronization pattern obtained at the position of the read head. Other systems and methods are presented as well. |
| US08169726B2 |
Disk file preamplifier frequency-response and time delay compensation
An apparatus including one or more reader circuits, one or more writer circuits, and a loopback channel. The one or more reader circuits may be configured to read data from a magnetic medium. The one or more writer circuits may be configured to write data to the magnetic medium. The loopback channel is coupled between the one or more reader circuits and the one or more writer circuits. |
| US08169723B2 |
Vibration actuator, lens barrel and camera
To provide a vibration actuator having good driving performance even when miniaturized, and a lens barrel and camera provided with the same. A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a vibration actuator comprising, an electromechanical conversion element, having a first joining face, and which is subject to excitation, an elastic body having a second joining face which is joined to the first joining face, and a driving face which gives rise to vibration waves as a result of said excitation, and a relative moving member, having a contact face which is in pressure contact with the driving face, which is driven by the vibration waves, and which moves relative to the elastic body, wherein an outer shape of said first joining face has a shape which differs from an outer shape of said contact face. |
| US08169718B2 |
Wide-angle zoom lens
The present invention is directed to wide-angle zoom lenses dedicated to single-lens reflex digital cameras, which attains zoom ratio greater than 2. Such a wide-angle zoom lens has four groups of lens pieces, namely comprising the leading or foremost 1st lens group of negative refractivity closest to an objective field, the succeeding 2nd lens group of positive refractivity, the third lens group of negative refractivity, and the trailing 4th lens group of positive refractivity arranged in this order to move each lens group to vary optical power; and the 1st lens group includes a front subset of the lens pieces of negative refractive power and a rear subset of negative refractive power. The front-end lens piece in the 1st lens group is shaped in negative meniscus lens that has its concave surface faced toward an imaging plane and has the opposite surfaces shaped aspherical. The front and rear subsets of the 1st lens group meet requirements of a focal length as expressed in the following formula: 3.5≦|f1b/f1a|≦6.0 where f1a is a focal length of the front subset of the lens pieces in the 1st lens group and f1b is the focal length of the rear subset in the 1st lens group. |
| US08169717B2 |
Large aperture imaging optical systems
Large aperture optical systems that are extremely well corrected over a large flat field and over a large spectral range are disclosed. Breathing and aberration variation during focusing are optionally controlled by moving at least two groups of lens elements independently. Aberration correction in general is aided by allowing the working distance to become short relative to the format diagonal. Field curvature is largely corrected by a steeply curved concave surface relatively close to the image plane. This allows the main collective elements to be made of low-index anomalous dispersion materials in order to correct secondary spectrum. In wide-angle example embodiments, distortion may be controlled with an aspheric surface near the front of the lens. |
| US08169714B2 |
Two-unit zoom lens system and image pickup apparatus using the same
A two-unit zoom lens system which forms an image on an image pickup surface, includes in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit G1 having a negative refracting power and a second lens unit G2 having a positive refracting power. At the time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, a distance between the first lens unit and the second lens unit is narrowed. The first lens unit includes in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens having a negative refracting power, a second lens having a negative refracting power, and a third lens having a positive refracting power, and the two-unit zoom lens system satisfies predetermined conditional expressions. |
| US08169713B2 |
Zoom lens, camera module and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a zoom lens, including: an object side lens group disposed on the object side and including a first variable lens having a deformation surface, the object side lens group having a focal length varied by deformation of the first variable lens; an image side lens group disposed on the image side with respect to the object side lens group with an aperture stop sandwiched therebetween and including a second variable lens having a deformation surface, the image side lens group having a focal length varied by deformation of the second variable lens; and a lens group disposed between the object side lens group and the image side lens group and including the aperture stop. The deformation of the first and second variable lenses is controlled to carry out power variation and carry out image surface movement compensation and focusing by the power variation. |
| US08169712B2 |
Zoom lens and image capturing apparatus having the same
A zoom lens system and an image capturing apparatus having the same. The zoom lens includes a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group having a positive refractive power; and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first through fourth lens groups are sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side, and the third lens group includes a first positive lens, a doublet lens including a second positive lens and a third negative lens, and a fourth positive lens sequentially arranged from the object side. |
| US08169710B2 |
Zoom lens and image capture apparatus
An image capture apparatus includes: a zoom lens; and an image pickup device converting an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electric signal. The zoom lens includes, in order from the object side, a first lens group with a negative focal length, a second lens group with a positive focal length, a third lens group with a negative focal length, and a fourth lens group with a positive focal length. During zooming from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end, the first lens group moves along a locus having a convex shape toward an image side while decreasing an air space between the first and second lens groups, and the second and third lens groups move toward the object side while increasing an air space therebetween. |
| US08169708B2 |
Projecting optical unit and projecting type image display apparatus therewith
A projection image display device is disclosed in which a trapezoidal distortion and/or aberration are restrained when an image is enlarged and projected obliquely onto a screen. An image generator is connected to an optical system base in such a manner that at least an inclination thereof (on an axis parallel to X axis) with respect to a vertical line and a distance thereof in forward and backward direction (Z axis direction) can be adjusted by an adjusting mechanism. Further, a projecting lens 2 as a first optical system and a free-form curved surface mirror as a second optical system are fixed to the optical system base. The free-form curved surface mirror is rotatable (on an rotary axis parallel to X axis) with respect to the vertical line at a substantial center of the free-form curved surface mirror. |
| US08169702B2 |
Screen unit
A screen unit includes: a screen member; a first support member which supports one end of the screen member; a second support member which supports the other end of the screen member; a stretching and contracting device which expands the screen member; and a tensioning member disposed on the side opposite to the side where the screen member is provided with respect to the stretching and contracting device to apply tension in a direction substantially parallel with the direction from the first support member to the second support member. |
| US08169700B2 |
Reflective screen
A reflective screen comprising: a projection surface on which an image light is projected, a plurality of unit structures provided on the projection surface, one of the plurality of unit structures being formed of a concavely curved surface or a convexly curved surface, a first reflection portion that reflects the image light incident thereon toward a preset field of view, the first reflection portion being provided on the concavely curved surface or on the convexly curved surface and a second reflection portion that reflects at least a part of the image light incident thereon toward a region outside the preset field of view, the second reflection portion being provided on the concavely curved surface or on the convexly curved surface. |
| US08169699B2 |
Polarization preserving projection screen with engineered pigment and method for making same
Polarization preserving projection screens provide optimum polarization preservation for 3D viewing. The projection screens additionally provide improved light control for enhanced brightness, uniformity, and contrast for both 2D and 3D systems. Generally, the disclosed method for providing a projection screen comprises stripping an optically functional material from a carrier substrate, thus creating engineered particles from the optically functional material. The engineered particles may then be deposited on a second substrate to create a substantially homogeneous optical appearance of the projection screen. |
| US08169698B1 |
Dual movable projection screen structure
An integral, dual projection screen structure for displaying an image from a projection source. The projection screen structure comprises a frame; first and second movable projection screens disposed within the frame, each movable screen having an operable roller for rolling and unrolling the screen and being mounted at the top portion of the frame; and a masking system having at least two movable masking panels disposed within the frame over at least two of the top portion, bottom portion and first and second side portions of the front side of the sheet in the second screen. |
| US08169697B2 |
Screen unit
A screen unit includes: a rectangular screen; fixing assist members provided on the screen along two opposed sides of the screen; first supporting units fixed to two sides of the screen different from the two opposed sides along which the fixing assist members are provided; second supporting units fixed to the screen via the fixing assist members; a first tensioning unit which applies tension in the direction of separating the first supporting units away from each other; and a second tensioning unit which applies tension in the direction of separating the second supporting units away from each other. |
| US08169696B2 |
Systems for intraoperative nerve imaging
Disclosed are systems for intraoperative nerve imaging using compact high collection power imaging devices for fluorescence and white light imaging of myelin basic protein (MBP) nerve imaging agents during open and minimally invasive surgery. |
| US08169694B2 |
Catoptric objectives and systems using catoptric objectives
In general, in a first aspect, the invention features a system that includes a microlithography projection optical system. The microlithography projection optical system includes a plurality of elements arranged so that during operation the plurality of elements image radiation at a wavelength λ from an object plane to an image plane. At least one of the elements is a reflective element that has a rotationally-asymmetric surface positioned in a path of the radiation. The rotationally-asymmetric surface deviates from a rotationally-symmetric reference surface by a distance of about λ or more at one or more locations of the rotationally-asymmetric surface. |
| US08169693B1 |
Fiber bundle phase conjugate mirror
An improved method and apparatus for passively conjugating the phases of a distorted wavefronts resulting from optical phase mismatch between elements of a fiber laser array are disclosed. A method for passively conjugating a distorted wavefront comprises the steps of: multiplexing a plurality of probe fibers and a bundle pump fiber in a fiber bundle array; passing the multiplexed output from the fiber bundle array through a collimating lens and into one portion of a non-linear medium; passing the output from a pump collection fiber through a focusing lens and into another portion of the non-linear medium so that the output from the pump collection fiber mixes with the multiplexed output from the fiber bundle; adjusting one or more degrees of freedom of one or more of the fiber bundle array, the collimating lens, the focusing lens, the non-linear medium, or the pump collection fiber to produce a standing wave in the non-linear medium. |
| US08169691B1 |
Multi color display panel
One embodiment of the present invention is a multi color display panel, having a transparent substrate, a color filter layer, a transparent electrode layer, a microcapsule layer, an adhesive layer; and a rear electrode plate, wherein the rear electrode plate is an electrode plate in which a pixel electrode is arranged on a substrate, a film thickness of the color filter layer is 0.5-2.0 μm, a step between pixels or inside a pixel inside a display screen, the step being difference of the film thickness, is equal to or less than 0.3 μm, one of the pixels does not overlap an adjacent pixel, and a top edge of each of the pixels of a trapezoid shape is within 5.0 μm from a border of the pixel. |
| US08169689B2 |
Integrated modulator illumination
A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements. |
| US08169687B2 |
Photonic MEMS and structures
An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process. IMods can be used as test structures for the evaluation of residual stress in deposited materials. |
| US08169685B2 |
Thermally switched absorptive window shutter
The thermally switched absorptive optical shutter may be a self-regulating “switchable absorber” device that may absorb approximately 100% of incoming light above a threshold temperature, and may absorb approximately 50% of incoming light below a threshold temperature. The shutter may be formed by placing a thermotropic depolarizer between two absorptive polarizers. This control over the flow of radiant energy may occur independently of the thermal conductivity or insulation of the shutter device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. This has energy-efficiency implications as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. It also has aesthetic implications since the shutter device has unique optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls. Additionally, the shutter device may have application as a building material. |
| US08169684B2 |
Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element. |
| US08169682B2 |
Light modulator for representing complex-valued data
A light modulator is disclosed for representing complex-valued data, comprising an encoding area that has an arrangement of pixels, the phase of which can be controlled. This largely avoids an interfering optical path difference between adjacent pixels or pixel groups when a complex value is encoded in several adjacent phase pixels of the encoding area, the optical path difference varying according to the angle. One respective specific structured delaying layer, which causes the optical path of an incident linearly polarized beam to change according to the angle, is associated with at least one predefined pixel of a group of adjacent pixels of the encoding area. The thickness of the delaying layer is designed such that the modification of the optical path caused by the delaying layer runs in the opposite direction from the angle-related modification of the optical path difference between individual pixels of the pixel group. |
| US08169677B2 |
Scanner motor
A scanner motor is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the scanner motor includes a shaft, a housing having an insertion-hole formed in a center thereof, in which the shaft is inserted into the insertion-hole, a polygonal mirror, which is mounted on an upper side of the housing and has a through-hole formed in a center thereof in such a way that the shaft penetrates through the polygonal mirror, and a compression spring, which is formed on an upper side of the polygonal mirror and includes a V-shaped curved part bent downwardly in such a way that the V-shaped curved part compresses an upper edge of an inner circumferential surface of the polygonal mirror both horizontally and vertically. |
| US08169674B2 |
Image reading apparatus and method of controlling the same
An image reading apparatus capable of changing a main reading unit at an appropriate time point such that a plurality of reading units can be equally used, and a method of controlling the same. The image reading apparatus includes an automatic document feeder, a first reading unit to read a first side of a document fed by the automatic document feeder and to function as a main reading unit, a second reading unit to read a second side of the document fed by the automatic document feeder; and a control unit to change the main reading unit from the first reading unit to the second reading unit if the number of times La of usage of the first reading unit reaches a reference value. The control unit compares the number of times La of usage of the first reading unit with a predicted lifetime Lt of the first reading unit and changes the main reading unit to the second reading unit if it is determined that the number of times La of usage of the first reading unit reaches a predetermined percentage of the predicted lifetime of the first reading unit. The control unit determines whether the main reading unit is changed or not, based on frequencies of use of the first reading unit and the second reading unit. |
| US08169670B2 |
Image scanning device
In an image scanning device, the receiving unit receives a light reflected on a document putted on the surface of the board. The presuming unit presumes a dimension of a horizontal edge of the document based on the reflected light. The determining unit determines, based on the presumed dimension, whether or not the document has one of the plurality of standard sizes. The assuming unit assumes that the document has a virtual size defined by a virtual horizontal edge and a virtual longitudinal edge if the determining unit determines that the document has neither the plurality of standard sizes. The virtual horizontal dimension of the virtual horizontal edge is equal to or larger than the presumed dimension. The scanning unit scans the document over a range corresponding to the virtual size to generate image data. |
| US08169669B2 |
Scanner device
A scanner device includes a scanner body formed with a document insertion opening and a document ejection opening and is configured so that a document taken in from the document insertion opening is read and then ejected from the document ejection opening. The scanner device further includes an upper surface cover covering the upper surface of the scanner body and a front surface cover covering the front surface of the scanner body. The front cover is connected at a lower end side thereof to the lower front part of the scanner body and connected at an upper end side thereof to pivotably connected to the front end side of the upper surface cover. By opening the front surface cover from the front surface of the scanner body, the upper surface cover and front surface cover form a document ejection tray. |
| US08169666B2 |
Threshold matrix generation method, halftone image generation method, and halftone image generating apparatus
Each of moire elements which are repeat elements of first-order moire appearing by overlaying halftone images of first and second color components is positioned at one of candidate positions arranged at a moire pitch Pm in first and second moire directions orthogonal to each other. In a matrix area of a third color component, dot centers are arranged in a first tilt direction tilted relatively to the first moire direction by an angle of arctan((Pm)/(Pm)) and a second tilt direction orthogonal to the first tilt direction at a pitch of the square root of ((Pm2)+(Pm2)), and a threshold matrix of the color component is generated so that a halftone dot grows from each dot center in accordance with increase of gray level of the color component of the original image. Thus, it is possible to suppress second-order moire appearing in overlaying halftone images of the first to third color components. |
| US08169665B2 |
Tone dependent green-noise error diffusion method and printing device thereof
A tone dependent green-noise error diffusion method includes setting a first threshold and a second threshold, and determining a two-level value of a color level of an input image according to the first threshold and the second threshold; subtracting the two-level value from the color level value to generate an error value; performing an error diffusion on the error value to generate an error diffusion accumulation value; adjusting the color level according to the error diffusion accumulation value; performing a hysteresis filtering on the two-level value to generate an output dependent feedback value; and adjusting the color level according to the output dependent feedback value. |
| US08169662B2 |
System and method for reducing print delays for print jobs
There is disclosed a printing system for processing an electronic document with an original stream having at least two printing related instructions. Responsive to reading the at least two printing related instructions with a controller; the original stream is split into two or more streams. A printer produces (1) one or more sets of prints from one or more of the two or more streams for storage in one or more inserters, and (2) a final set of prints from another one of the two or more streams, the final set of prints corresponding to a hardcopy stream with at least one gap. The one or more sets of prints are automatically stored in the one or more inserters and, pursuant to printing the final set of prints; the one or more inserters are used to insert at least one print from the one or more sets of prints into the at least one gap of the hardcopy stream. |
| US08169658B2 |
Printing apparatus for preventing paper curl
A printing apparatus includes: an image data acquiring unit which acquires image data representing an image of a print target; a print data generating unit which on the basis of the image data generates print data for forming the image by allowing an ink head to perform scanning and record ink in a specific edge of a print medium more times than in a portion other than the specific edge; and a print control unit which performs printing on the image on the basis of the print data by controlling the ink head. |
| US08169657B2 |
Registration method using sensed image marks and digital realignment
A method of registering a print between print stages in a printing system is provided. The method comprises: printing a first part of a digital image on a substrate with a first print engine, wherein the first part of the digital image includes a plurality of reference features; scanning image content on the substrate as it is readied for the second print engine; determining the actual positions of the reference features; using the actual positions of the reference features to determine desired adjustments for the second part of the digital image; applying electronic registration according to the desired adjustments to modify image content of the second print to be aligned with content already on the substrate; and printing a second part of the digital image on the substrate. |
| US08169655B2 |
Technology for combining images in a form
When a plurality of image data are received, a form data from among at least one form data and a format data from among at least one format data are selected based on number of the image data. The image data, selected form data and format data are combined to generate an output image. |
| US08169647B2 |
Authentication technique that can simplify works necessary when the printer position is changed, personnel allocation is changed, or a new printer is installed
An image processing apparatus 30 is used with an IC card 32 capable of outputting first location information specifying a location where a user belongs to, and includes a card reader 50 obtaining the first location information from the IC card 32, a GPS 54 obtaining second location information related to a location where the image processing apparatus 30 is installed, and location information comparing modules 52 and 56 connected to the first and second location information obtaining apparatuses and permitting or restricting use of the image processing apparatus 30 depending on whether the region specified by the first location information overlaps with the location indicated by the second location information. |
| US08169641B2 |
Servers and computer readable media, methods, and systems including or employing servers to perform one-to-one communication between devices on different networks
There is provided a server provided in a network system in which a router intervenes between different networks to allow at least one device on the different networks to perform one-to-one communication. The server comprises a first device information acquisition unit configured to perform one-to-one communication with a device on another network connected to its own network via the router to acquire device information on the device on another network, and to store the acquired device information in a storage unit, and a device information reply unit configured such that in response to receipt of a search packet searching for device information transmitted in a form of one-to-many communication from a device on the server's network, the device information reply unit extracts the device information matching a search criterion contained in the search packet from the storage unit and returns the extracted device information to the device which transmitted the search packet. |
| US08169638B2 |
Image processing system, image processing apparatus, and image processing program product suited for transmitting and receiving data among a plurality of image processing apparatuses
In order to share user identification information among a plurality of MFPs without using a server, each of a plurality of MFPs forming an image processing system stores in a HDD registered user information which at least includes the user identification information for identifying a user, requests another MFP to transmit registered user information stored in the HDD provided in that MFP, receives the registered user information transmitted by that MFP according to the request made by a request portion, and stores in the HDD user data that at least includes the received registered user information. |
| US08169635B2 |
Network printing system capable of printing a web page
When a user desires to periodically subscript a certain Web page (to automatically print the Web page), the user makes access to a sign-up page of the desired Web page by using a PC, via a facsimile machine. When the user clicks an “OK” button on the sign-up page, a setting request is transmitted to a Web server through the facsimile machine. In response to the setting request, the Web server sends back a data packet including an HTML document with a comment tag including periodical subscription setting data, as a response to the user. The transmitted periodical subscription setting data is received by the facsimile machine. When receiving the response, the facsimile machine determines whether a receiver's IP address and port number included in the data packet have been registered in the facsimile machine. When the IP address and port number are included, the facsimile machine extracts the periodical subscription setting data from the data packet and the setting of periodical subscription is performed therein based on the periodical subscription setting data. |
| US08169634B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
In a watermark process section in an image processing apparatus, a visible watermark pattern read-out section reads out a visible watermark pattern that is stored in a memory. An invisible watermark generating section draws an invisible watermark on the read-out visible watermark pattern. Image data, which includes both the visible watermark and drawn invisible watermark, is multiplied by an overlay ratio. An adder section adds the visible/invisible watermark image data, which is multiplied by the overlay ratio, and input image data. Thus, watermark-overlaid image data is generated. |
| US08169633B2 |
Method and apparatus for attempted secure print job release notification
A method and apparatus for notifying a user of an attempted secure print job release from an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving a secure print job and secure print job instructions from a user, wherein the secure print job instructions include at least a pass code and the user's contact information, determining if a pass code has been entered for the user's secure print job, wherein if it is determined that a pass code has been entered for the user's secure print job, determining if the entered pass code is correct, wherein if it is determined that the entered pass code is correct, sending a signal to print the secure print job and notifying the user in accordance with the user's contact information that the secure print job has been printed, otherwise, notifying the user in accordance with the user's contact information that an unauthorized user attempted to print the secure print job. |
| US08169632B2 |
Printing system and printing device
A printing device is provided with a first storage configured to store a time-designated first print job, a judging unit configured to judge whether to change the print time of the first print job to allow interruption of a second print job which is different from the first print job based on a predetermined condition is met and a printing unit configured to execute a printing operation based on judgment of the judging unit. |
| US08169630B2 |
Methods and apparatus for analyzing electronic documents and digital printing systems
Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving a PDL File that describes a print job, processing the PDL commands in the file, identifying print settings and printer factors that may affect the entire print job, and reporting such print settings and printer factors. Methods and apparatus are also provided for receiving a PDL File that describes a print job, processing the PDL commands in the file, identifying any objects in the print job that have associated predetermined attributes, and reporting the print objects that have any such predetermined attributes. |
| US08169629B2 |
Print control with interfaces provided in correspondence with printing methods
Display control is made so as to obtain an optimum setting picture plane in accordance with a change in designation of an outputting method of a distribution printing, a multiple-address printing, an automatic substitute printing, or the like without allowing the user to be conscious thereof. |
| US08169628B2 |
Method and system for streaming images to wireless devices
A method for streaming media. The method can include requesting, at a client, a first portion of raster data from a server. The raster data can be referenced in a scalable vector graphics (SVG) document. The first portion of raster data and a selection can be received by the client. A second portion of the raster data can be requested from the server based on the first portion and the selection. The client can receive the second portion of raster data. |
| US08169623B2 |
Optical apparatus and method for measuring the attitude of an object in outer space
An optical apparatus and method for measuring the attitude of an object in outer space includes an optical system having an aperture to receive optical radiation and a focal plane to image the optical radiation and an aperture-sharing element attached to the optical element and at least partially surrounding an optical path into the aperture. The aperture-sharing element directs optical radiation from a field of view of the aperture-sharing element to a corresponding first portion of the focal plane to provide multi-axis stellar attitude measurements, and the aperture receives optical radiation along the optical path into the aperture and directs the optical radiation to a second portion of the focal plane. |
| US08169621B2 |
3-dimensional imaging by acoustic warping and defocusing
The present invention relates to a system for three-dimensional (3-D) acoustic imaging of a scattering structure using information from a two-dimensional (2-D) image. The system uses a characterized sensor array to emit a signal from the sensor array into an object of interest to generate at least one 2-D representation of the object of interest. The 2-D representation comprises a plurality of x and y coordinate pairs and at least one candidate scattering structure. The candidate scattering structure comprises a shape defined by at least one pair of x and y coordinates. The candidate scattering structure shape is restricted to at least one pair of x and y coordinates. The pair of x and y coordinates of the candidate scattering structure shape are then compared with a first coordinate-dependent response function to assign an x, y, and z position of a scattering structure in 3-D space. |
| US08169616B2 |
Interferometer step scanning systems and methods
In some embodiments, the pathlength difference (retardation) in a step scanning infrared (IR) spectrometer interferometer is maintained under AC servomechanism (servo) control for a first period following a step change, and under DC servo control for a second period following the first period. Data is acquired during and/or after the DC servo control period. Switching off the AC servo control prior to data acquisition allows limiting the dither-frequency noise that could otherwise affect signals of interest, particularly in fast-time-scale applications such as high-speed time-resolved spectroscopy (TSR). A mirror position control circuit controls a mirror position stepping as well as switching a mirror servo control from AC to DC. |
| US08169615B2 |
Sub-micron surface plasmon resonance sensor systems
A sensor for detecting the presence of a target analyte, ligand or molecule in a test fluid, comprising a light transmissive substrate on which an array of surface plasmon resonant (SPR) elements is mounted is described. A multi-channel sensor for detecting the presence of several targets with a single microchip sensor is described. A multi-channel sensor including collections of SPR elements which are commonly functionalized to one of several targets is also described. The detectors sense changes in the resonant response of the SPR elements indicative of binding with the targets. |
| US08169609B2 |
System and method for improving performance of optical systems with tilted windows
An optical system with a tilted window. The novel optical system includes a first optical element for receiving an input signal and generating an output signal; a first window adapted to transmit the output signal, the first window being tilted at an angle relative to an axis normal to an optical axis of the system; and a second window adapted to compensate for the first window. In an illustrative embodiment, the first window is an input window of a camera adapted to detect the output signal and is tilted such that reflections from and within the window do not strike detector elements of the camera. In a preferred embodiment, the second window has similar thickness and optical properties as the first window, and is positioned in the optical path of the input signal, tilted at an angle designed to compensate for the first window. |
| US08169600B2 |
Surface mapping by optical manipulation of particles in relation to a functionalized surface
Methods and apparatus for analyzing surface properties of particles are provided. A method for analyzing the surface properties of the particle includes a associating a first particle with a first capture zone having a specific binding affinity for a first chemical species, applying an optical force to the first particle, sensing a response of the first particle to the optical force, and using the sensed response to determine the presence, absence or quantity of the first chemical species on the first particle surface. This process may be repeated in parallel to test multiple particles. In addition to directly testing the surface properties of the particles, the method can be used in direct, indirect and competitive assays to determine the presence, absence or quantity of free or immobilized analytes. A fluidic cartridge with capture zones having avidities that are tuned for the use of optical forces is provided. A software routine for performing the method is also provided. |
| US08169586B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display panel is disclosed, including: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of first, second and third spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the distribution density of the first spacers being larger than that of the second spacers and the distribution density of the third spacers being larger than that of the first spacers. The liquid crystal display panel can effectively reduce image display defects caused by the gravity mura, the press mura and the push mura. |
| US08169583B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and liquid crystal display having the same
A thin film transistor array panel includes; a substrate including a display area and a peripheral area, a display area signal line disposed in the display area, a display area thin film transistor connected to the display area signal line, a plurality of peripheral area signal lines disposed in the peripheral area, a light-blocking member disposed on the display area signal line, the display area thin film transistor, and the plurality of peripheral area signal lines, a transparent connection electrically connecting the plurality of peripheral area signal lines to each other through a plurality of first contact holes, and a pixel electrode connected to the display area thin film transistor through a second contact hole, wherein an area density of the first contact hole in the peripheral area is less than or equal to about three times an area density of the second contact hole in the display area. |
| US08169580B2 |
Viewing angle-controllable liquid crystal display device and fabrication method thereof
A viewing angle controllable liquid crystal display device including red, green and blue color pixels and a control pixel of an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode and its fabrication method are disclosed. A gate insulating layer and a passivation layer at a pixel area of the ECB control pixel are removed by using a half-tone mask to additionally secure a cell gap to thus maximize efficiency of the ECB control pixel to improve a viewing angle control effect. In addition, a light leakage is prevented by reducing a step in the vicinity of the pixel area of the ECB control pixel. |
| US08169574B2 |
Liquid crystal display with viewing angle compensators
A liquid crystal display includes: a liquid crystal layer squeezed between first and second transparent substrates and vertically aligned at a retardation of 300 nm or larger to 940 nm or smaller; two or three viewing angle compensators disposed on the first transparent substrate on the side opposite to the liquid crystal layer, each of the viewing angle compensators having a retardation of 90 nm or larger to 350 nm or smaller in a thickness direction and a retardation of 5 nm or larger to 30 nm or smaller in an in-plane direction; a first polarizer disposed on the two or three viewing angle compensator; and a second polarizer disposed on the second transparent substrate and crossed-Nichol disposed relative to the first polarizer, wherein an in-plane slow axis of each viewing angle compensator is disposed perpendicular to an absorption axis of the first polarizer. |
| US08169571B2 |
Transflective LCD device and method with a jumping electrode formed of the same material as a reflective electrode
A transflective type LCD including: a substrate in which a pixel region having a reflection region and a transmission region are defined; a gate line and a data line crossing each other on the substrate to define the pixel region; a TFT (thin film transistor) formed at the crossing of the gate line and the data line; a transparent electrode formed in the pixel region and connected to a drain electrode of the TFT; a storage electrode formed on the gate line; a reflective electrode formed in the reflection region; and an insulation layer with a protrusion pattern formed in the reflection region, wherein the insulation layer in the reflection region is in between the transparent electrode and the reflective electrode. |
| US08169567B2 |
Viewing angle controlling liquid crystal panel and display device
A viewing angle controlling liquid crystal panel in which uniformity of a shielding effect in a screen is further improved is provided. Linearly polarized light enters a liquid crystal layer. Further, the liquid crystal layer is provided, on a light exit side of the liquid crystal layer, with a polarizing plate transmitting only a component of light having exited from the liquid crystal layer which component is parallel to a polarization axis of the linearly polarized light having entered the liquid crystal layer. Liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer are tilted in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the polarization axis of the linearly polarized light having entered the liquid crystal layer. In addition, an electrode (26) is provided so that two or more different voltages can be applied to the liquid crystal layer simultaneously. |
| US08169566B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal device having the same
A backlight unit includes a light source, a lower frame including of a lighting unit supporting portion for supporting the light source and a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel supporting portion having a lower thermal conductivity than the lighting unit supporting portion, a reflection plate formed between the light source and the lower frame, and an upper frame coupled to the lower frame. |
| US08169564B2 |
Display module
A display module including a display panel, a frame and a bracket is provided. The frame surrounds the display panel and has a protruding part and a first position limiting structure. The bracket has a body with a second position limiting structure and a first protrusion, wherein the protruding part is aligned with the first protrusion when the first position limiting structure is engaged with the second position limiting structure to fix the bracket on the frame in a non-screw manner. |