| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08205262B2 |
Hardware support for computer speciation
A system for disrupting malware includes a transform function and its inverse transform function which, when applied serially to an original bit pattern will return the original bit pattern, but when applied in solo will result in a bit pattern which is different than the original bit pattern, a preprocessor configured to apply the transform function in order to transform each benign program received from the computer-readable medium from an architecturally standardized form into a locally-specific form prior to storage of the program code in the program memory; a postprocessor configured to apply the inverse transform function in order to inversely transform all programs prior to their execution, such that previously transformed benign programs are converted back to the architecturally standardized form and malicious programs are rendered dysfunctional for their intended purpose. A method includes operations for serially transforming and inversely transforming authorized programs, but only inversely transforming unauthorized programs. |
| US08205261B1 |
Incremental virus scan
Incremental scanning is disclosed. A system is monitored to detect object events, and a scan list may be updated with information regarding objects to be scanned, based on some of the object events. Objects are scanned based on the information in the scan list. |
| US08205260B2 |
Detection of window replacement by a malicious software program
Various embodiments of a system and method for providing protection against malicious software programs are disclosed. The system and method may be operable to detect that a first window of a legitimate software program has been replaced by a second window of a malicious software program, e.g., where the second window includes features to mimic the first window in an effort to fool the user into inputting sensitive information into the second window. The method may operate to alert the user when the window replacement is detected. |
| US08205259B2 |
Adaptive behavioral intrusion detection systems and methods
Systems and methods for analyzing historical network traffic and determining which traffic does not belong in a network are disclosed. Intrusion detection is performed over a period of time, looking for behavioral patterns within networks or information systems and generating alerts when these patterns change. The intrusion detection system intelligently forms correlations between disparate sources to find traffic anomalies. Over time, behaviors are predictive, and the intrusion detection system attempts to predict outcomes, becoming proactive instead of just reactive. Intrusions occur throughout whole information systems, including both network infrastructure and application servers. By treating the information system as a whole and performing intrusion detection across it, the chances of detection are increased significantly. |
| US08205257B1 |
Systems and methods for preventing threats originating from a non-process based component hosted by a trusted process
A computer-implemented method for preventing threats originating from a non-process based component hosted by a trusted process is described. The loading activity of the trusted process is monitored. A trust level associated with the trusted process is altered when an unverified component is loaded into the trusted process. Events performed by the trusted process are monitored. An unverified component that originated the event is identified. The trusted process is terminated based on a security risk associated with the unverified component that originated the event. |
| US08205256B2 |
Apparatus for detecting intrusion code and method using the same
An apparatus and method of detecting an intrusion code is provided. The apparatus for detecting an intrusion code includes: a set value input unit in which a set value differentiated for each group is input; an immune database generation unit which generates an immune database, based on the set value; and an intrusion code determination unit which determines whether data corresponds to an intrusion code, based on the generated immune database. |
| US08205252B2 |
Network accountability among autonomous systems
Accountability among Autonomous Systems (ASs) in a network ensures reliable identification of various customers within the ASs and provides defensibility against malicious customers within the ASs. In one implementation, reliable identification is achieved by implementing ingress filtering on data packets originating within individual ASs and defensibility is provided by filtering data packets on request. To facilitate on-request filtering, individual ASs are equipped with a Filter Request Server (FRS) to filter data packets from certain customers identified in a filter request. Thus, when a requesting customer makes a filter request against an offending customer, the FRS within the AS to which the offending customer belongs conducts on-request filtering and installs an on-request filter on a first-hop network infrastructure device for the offending customer. Consequently, the first-hop network infrastructure device filters any data packet sent from the offending customer to the requesting customer. |
| US08205249B2 |
Method for carrying out a secure electronic transaction using a portable data support
A method for effecting a secure electronic transaction on a terminal using a portable data carrier is proposed. According to the method a user (30) first authenticates himself vis-à-vis the portable data carrier (20). The portable data carrier (20) at the same time produces quality information about how authentication was done. The authentication is confirmed to the terminal (14). Then the portable data carrier (20) performs a security-establishing operation within the transaction, for example the creation of a digital signature. It attaches the quality information to the result of the security-establishing operation. |
| US08205245B2 |
System and method for creating a secure trusted social network
A system for a plurality of users to share resources with access, control and configuration based on pre-defined relationships of trust between the users of the system. A computer-based authority provides the services of authentication, identification and verification of each user within network. Processes are described that leads to the formation of an electronic community, which facilitates electronic communication and transactions in a defined manner. |
| US08205244B2 |
Systems and methods for generating, managing, and displaying alarms for wireless network monitoring
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for generating, managing, and displaying alarms associated with monitoring a wireless network. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides one alarm per security event, and the ability to see an event in context over time and aggregate information. This results in a significant reduction in alarm volume for wireless monitoring which increases manageability and reduces storage requirements. Further, this provides better security by avoiding the “needle in the haystack” problem where you see few actionable alarms rather than being flooded by multiple copies of the same event over time. Finally, the present disclosure provides improved system scalability with large deployments by managing alarms through lesser alarm volume, and through visual representation. |
| US08205241B2 |
Detection of hardware-based virtual machine environment
A method and a processing device are provided for detecting a hardware-based virtual machine environment. An execution time of a privileged instruction may be measured and an execution time of a nonprivileged instruction may be measured. The execution time of the privileged instruction may be compared with the execution time of the nonprivileged instruction. When the execution time of the privileged instruction exceeds the execution time of the nonprivileged instruction by at least a threshold or a threshold factor, then a hardware-based virtual machine environment is detected. In some embodiments, a well-known technique for detecting a software-based virtual machine environment may be used in conjunction with a technique for detecting a hardware-based virtual machine environment. A licensing policy of a software product may be accessed and the software product may be prevented from executing when a detected machine environment is in violation of the licensing policy. |
| US08205239B1 |
Methods and systems for adaptively setting network security policies
Determining a security policy to apply to access requests to network sites that have not been classified for security risks is accomplished according to user behavior. Past behavior of users and requests to access network sites that are known security risks is recorded. When a user requests access to a site that is not classified for security purposes, a security policy is selected based on one or more users' past behavior. When a user has a history of not accessing sites that pose security risks, a more permissive security policy is set, and when a user has a history of requesting access to sites that do pose security risks a more restrictive security policy is set. Access requests are tracked, and security policy may be set at a name server that is remote from a user or user's computing system. |
| US08205237B2 |
Identifying works, using a sub-linear time search, such as an approximate nearest neighbor search, for initiating a work-based action, such as an action on the internet
A media work may be associated with an action by (a) extracting features from the media work, (b) determining an identification of the media work, based on the features extracted, using a sub-linear time search, such as an approximate nearest neighbor search for example, and (c) determining an action based on the identification of the media work determined. The media work may be an audio work. The features extracted from the work may include (A) a frequency decomposition of a signal of the audio work, (B) information samples of the audio work, (C) average intensities of sampled windows of the audio work, and/or (D) information from frequencies of the audio work. |
| US08205236B2 |
Contents distribution system, contents distribution method thereof and contents distribution program thereof
The contents distribution system for distributing contents to a terminal of each user through a communication network, including a distribution server which connects to each terminal through the communication network to distribute contents, in which the distribution server sequentially divides data of contents to be distributed into frames to generate frames coded by a predetermined plurality of different coding systems, selects, based on a request from the terminal of the user, a frame appropriate for the request from among the generated frames and transmits the selected frame to the terminal in question. |
| US08205235B2 |
Systems and methods for representing a tuner device in a media server content directory service
Systems and methods for representing a tuner device in a content directory service that is implemented in a media server are disclosed. An exemplary method involves representing a tuner as a tuner container. A broadcast channel which is accessible to the tuner is represented as a broadcast item within the tuner container. The exemplary method also involves exposing the broadcast item within the tuner container as an object for browsing by a control point. Information about the broadcast item may be sent to the control point in response to a browse request. A connection may be established with a media renderer for transmission of content from the broadcast channel to the media renderer. |
| US08205234B1 |
Information processing device and method for controlling programmed video recording of television broadcast program and recorded medium on which program is recorded
A recording reservation data comprised of text data indicating the information that the text data is the recording reservation data, the information specifying the date and time of starting the recording, the information specifying a channel for recording, the information specifying the date and time of start of the recording and the information specifying the time of end of the recording is transmitted. |
| US08205233B2 |
Scheduler apparatus employing a gopher recording agent for use in a television receiver
In a television system in which at least program title information for programs which are to be transmitted in the future is transmitted in advance to form a channel guide listing, apparatus is provided for searching the listing for specific user-entered information, and upon successful conclusion to the search, the apparatus schedules the tuning of the desired program, or in the alternative, notifies the viewer of the availability of the program. In those instances where descriptive text accompanies the program listing, apparatus of the invention performs a search of the text for a particular text string which may relate to the title, the star, the director, or the context of the program, among other search criteria. |
| US08205231B2 |
Apparatus and method managing personal schedule and providing overlapping broadcasting programs
An apparatus for effectively managing a personal schedule and broadcasting programs includes a schedule management unit for managing a personal schedule, a broadcasting program management unit for managing basic information of broadcasting programs, an interface unit which receives an input signal, and a control unit which finds a first broadcasting program which overlaps with the personal schedule, searches for basic information for the first broadcasting program, and provides a first list including a title of the first broadcasting program, the basic information, and a display component for performing a control operation in response to an input signal. |
| US08205226B2 |
System and method of dynamically allocating advertisement according to audience rating
A method and system are provided for allocating a dynamic advertisement according to audience ratings. The method includes selecting an advertisement broadcast to be transmitted based on broadcast viewing information of users and a transmission condition, and providing the selected advertisement broadcast. |
| US08205225B2 |
Television transmitter, television transmitting method, television receiver and television receiving method
A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer. The TV receiver comprises a display unit for receiving and displaying text data signals extracted from a multiplexed TV broadcast signal interleaving the text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals a designation unit for designating any one of the text data signals displayed by the display unit a detection unit for detecting the hyper text data signal corresponding to the text data signal designated by the designation unit and a processing unit for processing the TV broadcast program corresponding to the hyper text data signal detected by the detection unit. |
| US08205217B2 |
Methods and systems for configuring a specific-use computing system limited to executing predetermined and pre-approved application programs
Systems and methods for configuring a specific-use computing system are disclosed. A computing system may comprise a first set of predetermined application programs and a processor limited to executing the first set of predetermined application programs and pre-approved application programs received from a pre-approved computing device. The computing system may also include a communication interface configured to enable communication between the first computing system and the pre-approved computing device. Exemplary methods and computer-readable media are also enclosed. |
| US08205215B2 |
Automated event correlation
Events captured at an application are compared to event correlation instances, wherein an event correlation instance represents a relationship between events of components of the application. The event of a plurality of events that is a potential root cause event of the plurality of events is determined. The potential root cause event and component associated with the potential root cause event are outputted. |
| US08205213B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically brokering object messages among object models
The present invention dynamically brokers object messages between object models. An mediating component provides a bridge between object models such that messages can be transmitted in either direction between object models. The mediating component can be resident on a client machine, a server machine, or both. The mediating component can be used as a bridge between two instances of the same object model running on different machines. Thus, network communication is made possible for objects of an object model that otherwise lacks a networking capability. The mediating component maps a client object to a server object through proxy objects and stub objects. The proxy object always responds affirmatively when queried by a client object whether a server object can execute a particular method. A client object's message is forwarded to a server object. The mediating component performs any necessary translation of arguments or format of the message. In addition, the mediating component translates a server object's response. |
| US08205210B2 |
Associating processes with processing elements and adjusting association
A method, apparatus and system for adaptably distributing video server processes among processing elements within a video server such that video server operation may be adapted in a manner facilitating rigorous timing constraints. |
| US08205208B2 |
Scheduling grid jobs using dynamic grid scheduling policy
The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for scheduling grid jobs. In one embodiment, a process identifies information describing available resources on a set of nodes on a heterogeneous grid computing system to form resource availability information. The process identifies a set of static scheduling policies for a set of static schedulers that manage the set of nodes. The process also identifies a static scheduling status for a portion of the set of static schedulers. The process creates a dynamic grid scheduling policy using the resource availability information, the set of static scheduling policies, and the static scheduling status. The process also schedules a set of grid jobs for execution by the available resources using the dynamic grid scheduling policy. |
| US08205205B2 |
Multi-objective allocation of computational jobs in client-server or hosting environments
A method of processing a computational job with a plurality of processors is disclosed. A request to process a job is received, where the job has a priority level associated with the job. A first group of the processors is designated as being available to process the job, where the number of processors in the first group is based on the priority level associated with the job. A second group of the processors is designated as being available to process the job, where for each processor in the second group a current utilization rate of the processor is less than a second predetermined utilization rate. Then, the job is processed with one or more of the processors selected from the first group of processors and the second group of processors. |
| US08205201B2 |
Process for maintaining execution synchronization between several asynchronous processors working in parallel and in a redundant manner
A process for maintaining synchronization of processors that are executing a same plurality of applications in parallel includes interrupting a current task between processing two successive instructions of an application being processed when an interrupt request occurs to process another application. An intermediate state reached by the current task is saved when the interrupt request occurs, and a counter for each of the processors indicating a number of instructions processed by each of the processors is maintained. A processor is caused to issue a synchronization confirmation in response to a comparison result that the numbers of instructions processed are identical. The processor is caused to enter a wait state when its number of processed-instructions is the largest among the processors or to execute a procedure for processing the instructions until its processed-instruction counter reaches the largest number. |
| US08205197B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for granting hypervisor privileges
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for granting hypervisor privileges. An installation module installs a monitor hypervisor wherein only the monitor hypervisor is granted the hypervisor privileges by the computer. An authentication module authenticates a second hypervisor. An eviction module evicts the monitor hypervisor if the second hypervisor is authenticated. The installation module further installs the second hypervisor after the monitor hypervisor is evicted so that only the second hypervisor is granted hypervisor privileges by the computer. |
| US08205196B2 |
Systems and methods for using operating system (OS) virtualisation for minimizing power consumption in mobile phones
A mobile phone that uses OS virtualization for minimizing power consumption in mobile phones is provided. A mobile phone according to the invention may include a plurality of application stacks and a plurality of processor cores. Each of the application stacks preferably corresponds to one of the plurality of processor cores. The mobile phone also includes a hypervisor. In a first state, the hypervisor allocates tasks from each of the application stacks to the processor core that corresponds to the respective application stack. In a second state, the hypervisor allocates selected tasks from the plurality of application stacks to a single processor core. The second state may be an idle state and the tasks that are allocated to the single processor core may be periodic tasks. |
| US08205195B2 |
Method and system for automatically classifying and installing patches on systems
A tool for classifying and installing patches on terminals. Specifically, when a patch is designed, it may be automatically installed on a terminal if it does not have a direct impact on the terminal and is not in an area which relevant to the terminal user. |
| US08205192B2 |
Compiler device, program, and recording medium
Compiler device for optimizing program which manipulates a character string includes append instruction detection unit, store code generation unit, and append code generation unit. The append instruction detection unit detects an append instruction which appends a character string to a string variable for storing a character string, in the program. The store code generation unit generates, a substitute for each of a plurality of the append instructions detected by the append instruction detection unit, a store code for storing data of an appendant character string to be appended to the string variable by the append instruction into a buffer. The append instructions append the character strings to the same string variable. The append code generation unit generates append code for appending a plurality of the appendant character strings to the string variable, at a position executed before an instruction to refer to the string variable in the program. |
| US08205190B2 |
Data processing system and method
A method of patching at least one function of an executing program, comprising determining when the at least one function is not being executed; and replacing original code in the at least one function with patched code. |
| US08205188B2 |
Automatically generating a second graphical program based on a first graphical program
System and method for programmatically generating a second graphical program associated with a second programming development environment based on a first graphical program associated with a first programming development environment. The second graphical program may be generated programmatically, without relying on user input, or may prompt for user input to determine various options to use in generating the second graphical program. The second graphical program may implement the functionality of, or a portion of the functionality of, the first graphical program. The method preferably generates the second graphical program such that the second programming development environment is operable to treat the second graphical program identically to a graphical program interactively developed by a user using the second programming development environment. Thus, once the second graphical program has been generated, the user may use the second programming development environment to edit the second graphical program, execute the second graphical program, etc. |
| US08205182B1 |
Automatic synthesis of clock distribution networks
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for designing an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes automatically partitioning clock sinks of an integrated circuit design into a plurality of partitions; automatically synthesizing a clock tree from a master clock generator into the plurality of partitions to minimize local clock skew within each of the plurality of partitions; and automatically synthesizing clock de-skew circuitry into each of the plurality of partitions to control clock skew between neighboring partitions. |
| US08205181B1 |
Victim net crosstalk reduction
A circuit analysis tool is provided, enabled with software instructions, for minimizing circuit crosstalk. The instructions provide a first circuit connected to an output mode, having a last gate with a plurality of inputs and an output. The instructions calculate a first circuit victim net delay range (timing window) having a minimum delay (Vmin) and a maximum delay (Vmax). A second circuit is provided having an output connected to the output node to supply an aggressor net delay range (A1) having a minimum delay (A1min) and a maximum delay (A1max). The aggressor net delay range at least partially overlaps the victim net delay range. Without increasing the value of Vmax (critical path timing), the first circuit victim net delay range is shrunk, thereby minimizing crosstalk between the first and second circuits without an increase in first circuit maximum signal delay. |
| US08205180B1 |
Method of and system for generating a logic configuration for an integrated circuit
A method of placing a circuit design in logic blocks of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a circuit design to be implemented in the logic blocks of the integrated circuit; determining clock skew for a clock tree providing clock signals to a plurality of memory elements of the integrated circuit; evaluating timing requirements associated with the circuit design; and transforming the circuit design to a placement configuration, wherein the placement configuration places the circuit design in the logic blocks of the integrated circuit according to the timing requirements of the circuit design and the clock skew for the clock tree. |
| US08205179B2 |
Fast evaluation of average critical area for IC layouts
Method and apparatus for approximating the average critical area of a layout or layout region, involving summing, over all the object segments of interest, respective critical area contribution values that are dependent upon particular layout parameters of the objects, each of the contribution values being representative of a plurality of defect sizes, and being defined such that for each defect size in the plurality of defect sizes, and for a particular defect type, the contribution values collectively count all critical areas arising due to the object segments of interest only once. |
| US08205178B2 |
Common clock path pessimism analysis for circuit designs using clock tree networks
Method, computer program and system to perform timing analysis of designs containing clock networks by eliminating Common Clock Path Pessimism. The method includes transforming a clock network into a clock tree that includes nodes with different clock signal arrival times and leaf nodes representing source and destination registers. The tree is populated with information regarding the source and destination registers and the associated timing for the clock arrival signal. The method then enumerates Common Clock Path Pessimism (CCPP) groups, where any source register and any destination register in a CCPP group have the same nearest common ancestor node in the clock tree. The creation of CCPP groups enables analysis time reduction because only one timing calculation is required for the CCPP group instead of having to perform the analysis for each possible pair of registers. The method eliminates CCPP for each CCPP group and then displays the results. |
| US08205177B2 |
Non-linear receiver model for gate-level delay calculation
A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes receiver model data that provides two or more capacitance values for a given receiver modeling situation (signal type and operating conditions). The receiver model can then use different capacitance values to generate different portions of the model receiver signal, thereby enabling more accurate matching of actual receiver signal timing characteristics. For example, a two-capacitance receiver model can be generated by using the first capacitance value to match the delay characteristics of an actual receiver, and by using the second capacitance (in light of the use of the first capacitance) to match the slew characteristics of that actual receiver. Because typical EDA timing analyses focus mainly on delay and slew (and not the detailed profile of circuit signals), a two-capacitance receiver model can provide a high degree of accuracy without significantly increasing cell library size and computational complexity. |
| US08205176B2 |
Method and system for automated schematic diagram conversion to support semiconductor body bias designs
A computer implemented method and system for converting schematic diagrams. The method includes accessing a first set of schematic diagrams, wherein the schematic diagrams represent an integrated circuit design to be realized in physical form. A plurality of a first type of circuit elements in the first set are converted into a second type of circuit elements. The conversion is implemented in accordance with a set of conversion rules. A second set of schematic diagrams representing the integrated circuit design and including the second type of circuit elements are then output. |
| US08205172B2 |
Graphical web browser history toolbar
The present subject matter describes a graphical web browser toolbar the stores visual representations of user-selected web pages. A saved page is included in the toolbar as a tile that shows a thumbnail image of at least a portion of the page. A user may customize the thumbnail image by zooming onto an area of the page. The user selects a tile from the toolbar to show an enlarged version of the thumbnail image with data from the web page, such as a link to the web page. A comments section allows a user to enter comments related to the web page into the tile. Tiles may be arranged according to groups as configured by the user. The toolbar may be stored and transmitted to a remote location. Using the described techniques, a web shopper can save images in a graphical toolbar and send items saved therein to an acquaintance. |
| US08205162B2 |
Execution contexts for a graphical program
System and method for creating a graphical program (GP) having portions that execute on different targets. A GP including a plurality of interconnected nodes visually indicating functionality of the program is created in response to user input, including a first graphical code portion with a first execution context specifying execution of the first graphical code portion on a first target. A second execution context indicating a second target for execution of a second graphical code portion of the GP is established in response to user input, e.g., by displaying a context structure indicating the second execution context and associating the second graphical code portion with the context structure in response to user input. During execution of the GP, the first graphical code portion executes on the first target using the first execution context, and the second graphical code portion executes on the second target using the second execution context. |
| US08205161B2 |
Graphical programming system with event-handling nodes
A system and method for enabling a graphical program to receive and respond to programmatic events, such as user interface events. The graphical program may include a graphical user interface having various user interface elements and a block diagram having a plurality of nodes indicating functionality of the graphical program. The graphical program may be configured to receive and respond to one or more user interface events. For each event, a portion of graphical source code (such as a plurality of interconnected nodes) may be included in the block diagram, wherein the portion of graphical source code is operable to receive and respond to the respective user interface event. The portion of graphical source code may be executable to perform a desired process or action in response to the respective event. In one embodiment, a sub-program node may be associated with each event. In another embodiment, an event structure node may be included in the block diagram, wherein the event structure node includes one or more sub-diagrams, each sub-diagram including graphical source code for responding to one or more events. |
| US08205156B2 |
Determining a high contrast display setting on a client device to process a web document
Described herein are processes and devices that determine a high contrast setting on a client. One of the devices described is a high contrast mode detector. The high contrast mode detector creates an object in a web document and assigns a pre-determined value to a displayable property of the object. The predetermined value is different than a high contrast value that the client would use to display the web document object if a high contrast setting is enabled. The high contrast mode detector associates the object with the web document. The client generates a computed value used to display the object. If high contrast mode is enabled, the client applies the high contrast value as the computed value, otherwise the client applies the pre-determined value. The high contrast mode detector compares the pre-determined value to the computed value and detects the high contrast setting based on the comparison result. |
| US08205151B2 |
Syndication of documents in increments
Some embodiments of a publishing tool to provide syndication in increments have been presented. In one embodiment, a set of documents in different formats and/or different natural languages has been generated from a master document. In response to a change in the master document, a corresponding part in each of the plurality of documents is synchronously generated without regenerating an entirety of each of the plurality of documents. Then each of the set of documents is updated using the corresponding part generated. |
| US08205148B1 |
Methods and apparatus for temporal alignment of media
A method for synchronizing media clips uses audio data of the media clips. The method estimates a global offset between two media clips. The global offset may be determined in a wide variety of ways. The method selects a first test region of the audio track of the first media clip and uses the global offset to identify a corresponding second test region in the audio track of the second media clip. The first and second test regions are compared, for example by cross-correlation, to determine a local offset. In some embodiments a plurality of local offsets are determined for different parts of the media clips. A computer system may perform the method to automatically synchronize media clips. |
| US08205144B1 |
Error event processing methods and systems
Circuitry and methods can be provided to correct errors in decision bits. A plurality of error event syndromes can be computed for a first plurality of error events. For each of a plurality of error event syndromes, two best error events can be selected. A cross-syndrome second best error event can be selected from among the first plurality of error events. A global second best error event can be selected from among the cross-syndrome second best error event and the second best per-syndrome error events. A second plurality of error events can be selected from among the global second best error event and the best per-syndrome error events. The second plurality of error events can be used for data post-processing. |
| US08205143B2 |
Multi-layer cyclic redundancy check code in wireless communication system
A communication device is disclosed. The device is configured to generate a first block of first cyclic redundancy check (CRC) parity bits on a transport block wherein the first block of CRC parity bits is based on a first generator polynomial, to attach the first block of CRC parity bits to the transport block and to segment the transport block into multiple code blocks. The processor is also configured to generate a second block of CRC parity bits on each code block wherein each of the second blocks of CRC parity bits is based on a second generator polynomial that is different than the first generator polynomial. The first and second generator polynomials have a common degree. A second block of CRC parity bits is attached to each code block, and the code blocks are concatenated after channel encoding. |
| US08205141B2 |
Virtual lane forward error correction in multilane distribution
A system and method are provided for generating virtual lane (VL) forward error correction (FEC) overhead (OH) in a communication multi-lane distribution (MLD) protocol transmitter, and for recovering data words from virtual lanes with FEC OH in an MLD protocol receiver. The transmission method accepts an Optical Transport Network (OTN) frame with n consecutively ordered payload chunks of data words, at a first data rate. Each payload chunk is assigned to a virtual lane data word (VLDW) in an MLD frame of n consecutively ordered VLDWs. The assignment order of payload chunks to VLDWs is rotated at the start of each MLD frame. VLDWs are joined into VLDW groups, where each VLDW group includes at least one VLDW. FEC blocks are calculated for VLDWs, creating ordered VL codewords (VLCWs). Then, the VLCWs are multiplexed to maintain a consistent assignment of VLCW order to physical transmission lanes and transmitted. |
| US08205138B2 |
Memory controller for reducing time to initialize main memory
In a method of initializing a computer memory that receives data from a plurality of redrive buffers, a predetermined data pattern of a selected set of data patterns is stored in selected redrive buffers of the plurality of redrive buffers. Each of the selected set of data patterns includes a first initialization data pattern and an error correcting code pattern that is a product of a logical function that operates on the first initialization data pattern and an address in the computer memory. The selected set of data patterns includes each possible value of error correcting code pattern. A redrive buffer of the plurality of redrive buffers that has stored therein an error correcting code pattern that corresponds to the selected address is selected when sending a first initialization data pattern to a selected address. The selected redrive buffer is instructed to write to the selected address the first initialization data pattern and the error correcting code pattern that corresponds to the selected address. |
| US08205136B2 |
Fault tolerant encoding of directory states for stuck bits
A method of handling a stuck bit in a directory of a cache memory, by defining multiple binary encodings to indicate a defective cache state, detecting an error in a tag stored in a member of the directory (wherein the tag at least includes an address field, a state field and an error-correction field), determining that the error is associated with a stuck bit of the directory member, and writing new state information to the directory member which is selected from one of the binary encodings based on a field location of the stuck bit within the directory member. The multiple binary encodings may include a first binary encoding when the stuck bit is in the address field, a second binary encoding when the stuck bit is in the state field, and a third binary encoding when the stuck bit is in the error-correction field. The new state information may also further be selected based on the value of the stuck bit, e.g., a state bit corresponding to the stuck bit is assigned a bit value from the new state information which matches the value of the stuck bit. |
| US08205125B2 |
Enhanced control in scan tests of integrated circuits with partitioned scan chains
A test controller implemented in an integrated circuit (IC) with partitioned scan chains provides enhanced control in performing scan tests. According to an aspect, a test controller can selectively control scan-in, scan-out and capture phases of scan tests for different scan chains of the IC to be independent. The number of pins required to interface the test controller with an external tester is less than the number of partitions that the test controller can support. According to another aspect, an IC includes a register corresponding to each partition to support transition fault (or LOS) testing. According to another aspect, an IC with partitioned scan chains includes serial to parallel and parallel to serial converters, thereby minimizing the external pins required to support scan tests. |
| US08205124B2 |
Microcontroller for logic built-in self test (LBIST)
Built-in self-test (BIST) microcontroller integrated circuit adapted for logic verification. Microcontroller includes a plurality of hardware description language files representing a hierarchical description of the microcontroller, the plurality of hardware description language files including a library of circuit design elements, a plurality of library design circuit elements adapted to store a uniquely defined set of input and output signals to enable a logic BIST, and a plurality of latches adapted to store a plurality of values corresponding to a behavioral profile of a test clock. |
| US08205118B2 |
Software component self-scrubbing
Software components “self-scrub” to improve software reliability, serviceability and availability (RAS). Each component designates a routine to perform a component level consistency check on major data structures and to verify the state of component. This is performed as an on-going task during the life of the component. The component registers an entry point with the system to receive notification of scrubbing parameter changes. The entry point is also called with the request to perform component-scrubbing operations. The entry point functions are responsible for executing within limitations on central processing unit (CPU) usage and memory footprint when performing scrubbing operations. |
| US08205114B2 |
Method and system for partitioning data files for efficient processing
An approach is provided for fast processing of data files. A plurality of records are received from a source system. The records are validated against a predetermined data source. An error notification is generated based on the validation. The validated records are partitioned based on a unique parameter. The partitioned records are transformed according to a format specified by a target system. The transformed records are selectively corrected. |
| US08205113B2 |
Fault tolerant batch processing
Among other aspects disclosed are a method and system for processing a batch of input data in a fault tolerant manner. The method includes reading a batch of input data including a plurality of records from one or more data sources and passing the batch through a dataflow graph. The dataflow graph includes two or more nodes representing components connected by links representing flows of data between the components. At least one but fewer than all of the components includes a checkpoint process for an action performed for each of multiple units of work associated with one or more of the records. The checkpoint process includes opening a checkpoint buffer stored in non-volatile memory at the start of processing for the batch. For each unit of work from the batch, if a result from performing the action for the unit of work was previously saved in the checkpoint buffer, the saved result is used to complete processing of the unit of work without performing the action again. If a result from performing the action for the unit of work is not saved in the checkpoint buffer. The action is performed to complete processing of the unit of work and the result from performing the action is saved in the checkpoint buffer. |
| US08205111B2 |
Communicating via an in-die interconnect
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for writing data from a writer coupled to a reader via an in-die interconnect into a queue entry according to a first clock of the writer, generating a mapping of which second clocks of the reader that the reader is allowed to read from the queue, based at least in part on the first and second clocks, and reading the data from the entry at an allowed second clock. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08205110B2 |
Synchronous operation of a system with asynchronous clock domains
A system may be employed for allowing the synchronous operation of an asynchronous system. The system may be a system that may include multiple clusters. The clusters may include asynchronous clock domains and may also receive a global clock signal through a global clock grid that may overlay the system. Furthermore, a method may be employed for synchronizing asynchronous clock domains within a cluster. The method of synchronizing may include providing a global clock that corresponds to a global clock grid to each cluster. Additionally, the method of synchronizing may include accounting for the mismatch between the asynchronous clock domains by employing logic in a block. |
| US08205105B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device comprising: a wiring substrate having a first power-supply wiring to which a first power-supply potential is applied and a second power-supply wiring to which a second power-supply potential lower than the first power-supply potential is applied; a microcomputer having first and second power-supply terminals in which the first power-supply terminal is connected to the first power-supply wiring and the second power-supply terminal is connected to the second power-supply wiring; and a connector connected to the first and second power-supply wirings, wherein an inductor element for correcting an impedance error of the first and second wirings is connected in series to either one of the first and second power-supply wirings. According to such configuration, unnecessary electromagnetic radiation posed by a common current can be suppressed. |
| US08205102B2 |
Intelligent power management of an intermediate network device switching circuitry and PoE delivery
Embodiments of the invention include a management agent which has access to power output control circuitry of a digital electronic communication switch, a power meter, a load sharing means, and the ability to manage the power of switching circuits in the switch. The power meter enables the management agent to identify the power consumed by the switching circuits that are enabled and operational. This information, coupled with (1) knowledge of the power allocated to each port via PoE, and (2) policy information (which specifies power allocation preferences) is used in a two-pass power management method. |
| US08205101B2 |
On-machine power supply with integral coupling features
A power supply for providing power to devices in a network is described as incorporating an integral coupling feature that terminates the provision of power from an upstream power supply while maintaining connectivity of communications signals and ground from an upstream portion to a downstream portion of the network relative to the power supply. The power supply includes a logic feature that monitors a power status of an upstream power supply and/or its own power status. When the logic feature detects a power cycle, it initiates a coordinated power cycle of the associated power supply and/or other networked power supplies. |
| US08205099B2 |
Power over Ethernet connector with integrated power source equipment (PSE) controller
In a Power over Ethernet (POE) system, a power source equipment (PSE) device configured to deliver power to one or more powered devices (PDs) over a plurality of Ethernet transmission lines. The PSE interface includes a multi-port transmission line connector capable connecting to multiple Ethernet transmission lines, and a power source equipment (PSE) controller module integrated with the multi-port transmission line connector. The PSE controller module is capable of semi-automatic mode and legacy detection of one or more of the PDs that are coupled to the Ethernet transmission lines. The PSE controller module includes a plurality of PSE controllers corresponding to the Ethernet transmission lines, including a master PSE controller and plurality of slave PSE controllers coupled to the master PSE controller. The master PSE controller controls the slave PSE controllers, so as to provide power management to said corresponding PD devices, without an external microcontroller. In another embodiment, the PSE controller(s) inside the connector are configured for fully automatic mode, and include the feature of independent power management. |
| US08205096B2 |
Software license embedded in shell code
Software application protection methods and systems for protecting and verifying licensing of an original application. The system reads the original application executable, and generates a shelled application comprising the original application and a shell containing the license information. The shelled application implements license APIs, and establishes secure communications within the shelled application between the original application and the shell. Licensing for the original application can be verified by the shelled application alone. |
| US08205094B2 |
Tamper evident removable media storing executable code
A mobile wireless device operable to install code on a removable medium, in which the device is programmed to calculate and store a digest of this code into a persistent non-removable store inside the device. When the removable medium is plugged back, and when the code is invoked, the device recalculates a digest from the code it wants to load from the removable medium and compares it with the one stored inside the persistent non-removable store. If they do not match, the code has been tampered with and therefore cannot be trusted by the device. The digest is accessible only by components in the Trusted Computing Base so is itself secure. The digest may be a hash or other unique and representative value. |
| US08205093B2 |
Restricting access to information
Technologies are presented herein for restricting access to information. According to various embodiments described herein, an authorization device is provided that includes functionality for detecting other proximately located authorization devices. When an authorization device detects another proximately located authorization device, authorization data stored in the detected device is retrieved. The retrieved authorization data is compared to stored authorization data and a determination is made as to whether a person associated with the detected device is authorized to receive information. The authorization device provides an indication as to whether the person is authorized to receive information. The authorization device may also provide an indication of the particular information that the person is authorized to receive. The authorization device may also be utilized to ensure that only authorized individuals participate in a meeting and that each participant is authorized to receive the information that is the subject of the meeting. |
| US08205087B2 |
Tool for digitally signing multiple documents
A software tool for digitally signing multiple documents is disclosed. When a user wishes to sign multiple documents containing embedded executable code for purposes of authenticating the code, the user launches this software tool. The user specifies the documents which he or she wishes signed. Thereupon, the tool automatically signs each of the documents and displays the results. |
| US08205086B2 |
Watermark information embedding device and method, watermark information detecting device and method, watermarked document
The present invention is relate to watermark information embedding apparatus and method for the same, watermark information detecting apparatus and method for the same, and method of containing watermark document. A document image generator (101) generates a document image according to document data (105). A watermark image generator (102) generates a watermark image. The watermark information (106) is denoted with dot pattern, and the dot pattern within the outline of the watermark information are of special value. A synthesizer (103) overlaps document image generated from the document image generator (101) and the watermark image generated from the watermark image generator (102) so as to generate a containing watermark document image. |
| US08205085B2 |
Key update system, key management device, communication terminal, and key information construction method for multihop network
The invention provides a key update system for a multihop network system including an authentication management device that manages keys using a hierarchical structure. That device constructs key information having a hierarchical structure in accordance with the structure of the multihop network. In addition, that device determines respective encryption keys for encrypting the keys based on the key information, and the communication terminals obtain the respective keys. In this system, that device includes a key tree management portion that constructs and manages the key information; an encryption portion that encrypts the keys using the keys included in the key information; and a transmission portion that transmits the encrypted keys. Each communication terminal includes a receiving portion that receives the encrypted keys; a key management portion that manages the keys that need to be held and stored by the given communication terminal; and a decryption portion that decrypts the encrypted keys. |
| US08205079B2 |
Encryption/decryption system and method thereof
An encryption/decryption system includes a displaying unit, an operating unit, a pressure sensing unit and an indicating unit. The displaying unit is configured for displaying files. The operating unit is configured for selecting a desired file to be encrypted or decrypted. The pressure sensing unit is integrated with the operation of sensing a pressure applied on the operating unit and producing a signal corresponding to the sensed pressure. The indicating unit is integrated on the operating unit. The indicating unit is configured for receiving the signal outputted from the pressure sensing unit, emitting a sensible signal according to the signal associated with a sensed pressure, and recording a signal associated to the pressure and the duration of the pressure as a mixed password for use in the operation of encryption or decryption of the selected file. |
| US08205077B2 |
Management apparatus
A management apparatus comprising memory to store owner information, dependence relationship information, and authorized user information are associated with file information identifying the secret file, an authorized user determination unit to determine whether a source user of the browse request is registered as the authorized user of the browse request file, a dependent file specifying unit to specify a dependent file having a dependence relationship with the browse request file by referring to the dependence relationship information when the source user is authorized; and a browse permission response transmitting unit to transmit the browse permission response to the source user based on whether or not the source user is registered as the authorized user of the dependent file by referring to the authorized user information. |
| US08205076B1 |
Imparting real-time priority-based network communications in an encrypted communication session
This specification describes technologies relating to imparting real-time priority-based network communications in an encrypted session. In general, aspects of the subject matter described can be embodied in methods that include establishing, based on cryptographic information in a reserved, random-data portion of a handshake communication, a session, receiving parameter values relating to a sub media stream, included in a header of a network communication, storing the parameter values, obtaining state information and a data payload included in a second network communication, identifying, from the state information, a purpose of the second network communication, and whether a header of the second network communication includes one or more new values corresponding to one or more of the parameters, updating one or more of the stored values based on the one or more new values, and processing the data payload based on the identified purpose and the stored parameter values. |
| US08205072B1 |
Method and apparatus for electronically configuring a secured user desktop
A method of providing endpoint security for a session on an untrusted computer accessing data on a networked server is disclosed. A virtual secure desktop is created on the untrusted computer that protects the user's applications running in the virtual secure desktop from malicious code and encrypts all data. Data to be written to the hard drive is stored in a secure vault. The secure vault is completely encrypted and erased at the end of the virtual secure desktop session. The virtual secure desktop may be created by creating a separate user session on the untrusted computer and linking the separate user session to the secure vault. Alternatively, the virtual secure desktop may be created by intercepting calls the Native API and redirecting requests from the virtual secure desktop session to the secure vault. |
| US08205071B2 |
Method for moving rights objects into other device in digital rights management
A method, device and system for moving a rights object. The method includes receiving a first move request message including a reqID element indicating a first device ID and a nonce element indicating a random value generated by the first device; receiving a second move request message including a reqID element indicating a first device ID and a nonce element indicating a random value generated by the first device; comparing the reqID element and nonce element of the first move request message with the reqID element and nonce element of the second move request message; and determining whether or not a rights object is moved from the first device to a second device based upon the comparison. |
| US08205059B2 |
Buffer management method and optical disc drive
An optical disc drive is provided, mainly comprising a buffer, a processor and a driving module for accessing an optical disc. The optical disc drive receives a plurality of write commands. Each write command comprises a data block and a destination address. The buffer buffers data blocks to be recorded to the optical disc with corresponding write commands in either a random mode or a sequential mode. The processor schedules a recording operation based on the write commands, and selectively switches the buffer to the random mode or to the sequential mode based on arrangements of data blocks buffered in the buffer. The driving module is controlled by the processor to perform the recording operation, whereby the data blocks are recorded to the optical disc when a start recording condition is met. Specifically, the start recording condition varies with the random or sequential modes. |
| US08205056B2 |
Memory controller for controlling write signaling
A memory controller has an interface to convey, over a first set of interconnect resources: a first command that specifies activation of a row of memory cells, a second command that specifies a write operation directed to the row of memory cells, a bit that specifies whether precharging will occur in connection with the write operation, a code that specifies whether data mask information will be issued in connection with the write operation, and if the code specifies that data mask information will be issued, data mask information that specifies whether to selectively write portions of write data associated with the write operation. The memory controller interface further conveys, over a second set of interconnect resources, separate from the first set of interconnect resource, the write data. |
| US08205055B2 |
System and method for decoding commands based on command signals and operating state
A system and method for decoding command signals that includes a command decoder configured to generate internal control signals to perform an operation based on the command signals and an operating state. The same combination of command signals can request different commands depending on the operating state. A command is selected from a first set of operations according to the command signals when the memory system is in a first operating state and a command is selected from a second set of operations according to the command signals when the memory system is in a second operating state. |
| US08205054B2 |
Hierarchical storage system
Pools of a plurality of types of storage devices are configured and are included in different layers. Based on at least one storage device of the same type, the pools of types corresponding to the type are configured. The controller in the storage system carries out storage location change processing in which the storage location of targeted data that has been stored into the targeted first real page allocated to a virtual page in a virtual volume is changed to the second real page that has not been allocated in a pool of the second type different from a pool of the first type including the targeted first real page in the case in which the controller conforms to the prescribed storage location change conditions. A size of a real page is different depending on a type of a pool. |
| US08205051B2 |
Data processing system
A data processing system has a plurality of storage systems. In this system, data replication is performed at high speed and efficiency while maintaining data integrity. In addition, when failure has occurred in a configuration element, the time necessary to resume the data replication is reduced. In accordance with an instruction from first host computer, updating of replication-target data and creation of a journal are performed in a storage system A, and updating of replication data and creation of a journal are performed in a storage system B. A storage system C retrieves a journal from the storage system B in asynchronization with the updating, and performs updating of replication data. When failure has occurred in the storage system B, a journal-retrieving end is altered to the storage system, and the replication data is updated in accordance with the retrieved journal. |
| US08205044B2 |
Method and system for dynamic distributed data caching
A method and system for dynamic distributed data caching is presented. The system includes one or more peer members and a master member. The master member and the one or more peer members form cache community for data storage. The master member is operable to select one of the one or more peer members to become a new master member. The master member is operable to update a peer list for the cache community by removing itself from the peer list. The master member is operable to send a nominate master message and an updated peer list to a peer member selected by the master member to become the new master member. |
| US08205043B2 |
Single nodename cluster system for fibre channel
A system and method provides a single system image for a clustered storage network including techniques for processing data access commands between storage appliances over the cluster interconnect. The system is configured such that the cluster is assigned a single world wide nodename. Requests coming to the cluster from client initiators are directed to one or the storage appliances in the cluster, i.e. the “receiving” storage appliance. Commands received by the receiving storage appliance are examined to determine LUN value(s) in the request. If the LUN value is associated with a local storage device, the request is processed by the receiving storage appliance. If the LUN value is not associated with the receiving storage appliance, the request is conveyed over the cluster interconnect to the partner storage appliance to be processed and the appropriate data written or retrieved. |
| US08205042B2 |
Communication control apparatus and method
A communication control apparatus in a RAID device including redundant communication paths to storage devices includes a blocking unit. The blocking unit blocks configuration change notifications outputted from the storage devices to a control apparatus, which controls access to the storage devices, when a power of a communication relay device arranged on the redundant paths connecting the storage devices and the control apparatus is turned off. |
| US08205041B2 |
Virtual tape apparatus, control method of virtual tape apparatus, and control section of electronic device
A virtual tape apparatus is interposed between a host and a tape device so as to store data transmitted from the host to a logical tape volume. The virtual tape apparatus includes: a data communication unit that receives data transmitted from the host; a RAID device having a logical tape volume for storing the data; a management table that manages attribute information of data stored in the physical tape volume; a position determination section that determines the write starting position of the data stored in the logical tape volume on the physical tape volume based on the management table; and a drive control unit that writes data in the logical tape volume to the physical tape volume based on a result of the determination. |
| US08205040B1 |
Storing content in a ternary content addressable memory
A device may select a longest run of contiguous unwritten pages from multiple runs of contiguous unwritten pages provided in a ternary content addressable memory, and may write a rule on a page that is located at a middle portion of the longest run to create two runs of contiguous unwritten pages. The device may also receive a packet, and may apply the rule to the packet. |
| US08205037B2 |
Data storage device capable of recognizing and controlling multiple types of memory chips operating at different voltages
A data storage device may include a first memory board including multiple memory chips and a controller board that is arranged and configured to operably connect to the first memory board. The controller board may include an interface to a host and a controller that includes a power module and that is arranged and configured to control command processing for multiple memory chips having different voltages, automatically recognize a voltage of the memory chips on the first memory board, configure the power module to operate at the recognized voltage of the memory chips, receive commands from the host using the interface and execute the commands using the memory chips. |
| US08205036B2 |
Non-volatile memory and controlling method thereof
A non-volatile memory of present invention includes a number of memory blocks and a static wear leveling device. The static wear leveling device includes a memory unit for storing the erase counts of the memory blocks and a controlling unit for getting the erase counts from the memory unit, and calculating the standard deviation based on the EC, and deciding the way of the static wear leveling cycle according to the standard deviation. The controlling unit deciding the way of the static wear leveling cycle include the steps of setting at least one predetermined threshold point and judging whether the standard deviation of the erase counts is smaller than the predetermined threshold point. If the standard deviation of the erase counts is smaller than the predetermined threshold point, the static wear leveling cycle starts for a first amount of cycles and moves the static data stored a first number of memory blocks. If the standard deviation of the erase counts is bigger than the predetermined threshold point, starts for a second amount of cycles and moves the static data stored a second number of memory blocks. |
| US08205032B2 |
Virtual machine control structure identification decoder
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for decoding a virtual machine control structure identification are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a virtual machine control structure to decode a virtual machine control structure identification data. The virtual machine control structure identification data is decoded into an address of a virtual machine control structure field and an offset. The offset is to help identify a micro-operation associated with a virtual machine architecture instruction to be executed. |
| US08205028B1 |
Adaptive bus profiler
An adaptive bus profiler is described. In embodiment(s), data traffic that is communicated on an adaptive bus can be monitored, and projected data traffic that is scheduled for communication via the adaptive bus can be determined. An adaptive bus profile can be determined based on the data traffic and the projected data traffic. A reconfiguration of a bus width of the adaptive bus can be initiated based on the adaptive bus profile. |
| US08205019B2 |
DMA transfers of sets of data and an exclusive or (XOR) of the sets of data
Methods and apparatus for performing Direct Memory Access (DMA) transfers of sets of data and results of performing logical operations on the sets of data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include receiving a data structure that specifies DMA transfers of sets of data and a DMA transfer of a logical operation, such as an exclusive OR, on the sets of data. In response to receiving the data structure, the DMA transfers of the sets of data, and the DMA transfer of the logical operation performed on the sets of data may be performed. |
| US08205018B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a limited functionality embedded universal serial bus (USB) host controller on a fully functional downstream USB port
A method and apparatus for allowing a limited functionality Universal Serial Bus (USB) host controller to manage specific USB peripheral devices on a downstream facing USB port is provided. The port is also capable of dynamically interfacing to any USB compliant peripheral device, even one not supported directly by the limited capabilities of the host controller. |
| US08205013B2 |
Method and system for aggregating the control of middleware control points
A method of aggregating control in a first network and a second network, the first network having first devices and the second network having second devices. A communication channel is established between the first and second networks; from the first network the second devices in the second network are discovered through the communication channel; and from the first network one of the second devices in the second network is controlled through the communication channel. The first and second network can be connected but isolated. Further, the first and second networks can implement different network protocols, or the same network protocol. |
| US08205011B2 |
Communication system, transmitting device, receiving device, and communication method
A communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device compresses input data according to quality of service assigned to the data, and transmits the compressed data. The receiving device receives the data transmitted from the transmitting device, decompresses the data according to the quality of service assigned to the data, and outputs the decompressed data. |
| US08205006B2 |
Systems and methods for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling
Embodiments of the invention broadly provide systems, methods and devices for discontinuous multi-media content transfer and handling. Various embodiments of the invention also provide for multi-media content management such that various policies (for example, DRM policies of multi-media content providers) are efficiently adhered to. |
| US08205005B2 |
Programmable logic control device with integrated database driver
The invention relates, in particular, to an automation system (10; 110), in which a programmable logic control device (20; 120) can be connected via a network (100; 200) to a database system (60; 160). So that the programmable logic control device (20; 120) can exchange data directly with the database system (60; 160), the programmable logic control device (20; 120) has a first driver module (42; 132) associated with a physical interface (50; 150) for controlling data transmission via the network (10; 110) and also a second driver module (41; 132) for controlling the data exchange with the database device (60; 160). |
| US08205003B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling the admission of media content into a network
Methods and systems for controlling the admission of media content into a network are disclosed. A method includes accessing a request for authorization to transfer media content where the request for authorization includes details of a request for media content made to a server of a plurality of servers. In addition, the method includes determining whether at least one of the plurality of servers will be authorized to accommodate the request for media content. A message is generated that is accessible by the server. An admission of media content by the server is coordinated with admissions of media content by the plurality of servers. |
| US08205002B2 |
Communications system providing extensible protocol translation features and related methods
A communications system may include a plurality of data storage devices each using at least one of a plurality of different operating protocols, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices for accessing the plurality of data storage devices. Each mobile wireless communications device may also use at least one of the plurality of different operating protocols. The system may further include a protocol interface device. In particular, the protocol interface device may include a protocol engine module for communicating with the plurality of data storage devices using respective operating protocols, and a front-end proxy module coupled to the protocol engine. The front-end proxy module may include a respective proxy module for communicating with the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices using each different operating protocol, and at least one common core service module connected to the proxy modules. |
| US08205001B1 |
Digital rights management integrated service solution
The present disclosure provides a system for accessing content secured according to differing digital rights management protocols. The system comprises a device that presents the content and a client component loaded on the device that uses and requests content according to a first digital rights management protocol. The system includes a first content server that receives a request for and provides content according to the first digital rights management protocol and a second content server that receives a request for and provides content according to a second digital rights management protocol. A mediation component maps requests and responses between the client component and the second content server, mediating between the first and second digital rights management protocols. The disclosure contemplates mediating between open digital rights language (ODRL) and extensible right markup language (XRML) digital rights management protocols as well as other digital rights management protocols. |
| US08204997B2 |
Method and system of remote diagnostic, control and information collection using a dynamic linked library of multiple formats and multiple protocols with restriction on protocol
A method, system and computer program product for (1) collecting information from a remote application unit and/or (2) diagnosing or controlling the remote application unit. By utilizing a shareable computer code device (e.g., a dynamic linked library), a new application can utilize tested, proven code without having to reproduce existing functionality. Moreover, by supporting multiple data formats and/or multiple communication protocols, a computer code device increases the likelihood that a supported format and/or protocol will be either receivable or understandable by a receiver. |
| US08204990B1 |
Power cycler with internet connectivity monitor
A power cycler apparatus monitors a computer network for internet connectivity and cycles the power to connected networking devices when a loss of internet connectivity is detected. The power cycler may comprise remote power switches for resetting power to networking devices in remote locations. The power cycler may comprise a manual reset button for manually triggering a power reset cycle, which may be connected via a wired or wireless connection. The power cycler may restore power to the power outputs in a staggered fashion to allow each connected network device time to initialize before the next network device is powered on. The power cycler may feature a battery backup or uninterruptible power supply. |
| US08204988B2 |
Content-based and time-evolving social network analysis
System and method for modeling a content-based network. The method includes finding single mode clusters from among network (sender and recipient) and content dimensions represented as a tensor data structure. The method allows for derivation of useful cross-mode clusters (interpretable patterns) that reveal key relationships among user communities and keyword concepts for presentation to users in a meaningful and intuitive way. Additionally, the derivation of useful cross-mode clusters is facilitated by constructing a reduced low-dimensional representation of the content-based network. Moreover, the invention may be enhanced for modeling and analyzing the time evolution of social communication networks and the content related to such networks. To this end, a set of non-overlapping or possibly overlapping time-based windows is constructed and the analysis performed at each successive time interval. |
| US08204986B2 |
Multi-hierarchy latency measurement in data centers
A method for monitoring performance of a data center that includes: (a) a performance monitor analyzing packets that flow between a client and a web or application server; (b) assigning packets to contexts where a context is a request-reply entity; (c) determining one or more of application, network, and back-end latency measures wherein: (i) the application latency measure is a time it takes for an application to respond to a request, (ii) the network latency measure is a time that it takes for packets to go through a network between the client and the web or application server, and (iii) the back-end latency is a time required for a back-end system to execute a request and respond to the application server. |
| US08204984B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting encrypted bot command and control communication channels
Methods and systems for detecting encrypted bot command and control communication channels are provided. In the exemplary method, the presence of a communication channel between a first network device and a second network device is monitored. Active and inactive periods of the network device are detected and a reverse channel is determined based on the detection. The first network device may then be flagged as potentially infected or suspected based on the reverse channel determination. |
| US08204982B2 |
System and method of middlebox detection and characterization
A computer-implemented system and method to detect and characterize middleboxes is disclosed. Embodiments of the system and method include a middlebox detection engine to provide a plurality of middlebox detection modules, and to use at least one middlebox detection module of the plurality of middlebox detection modules to determine if a middlebox exists on a path between a first communicating entity of a network and a second communicating entity of the network. |
| US08204977B1 |
Content access analytics
Systems and methods for media access analytics are disclosed herein. When media content such as a video is accessed, typically by a referring link, the referrer can be identified. The referrer can be classified as an internal referrer, an external referrer, a viral referrer, or into another of a set of predefined classes. Statistics associated with access to the media content can be generated according to an associated class of referrer and presented to a user associated with the media content (e.g., a user who uploaded the video) or another authorized party. |
| US08204976B2 |
Method and system for handling computer network attacks
A method and apparatus for serving content requests using global and local load balancing techniques is provided. Web site content is cached using two or more point of presences (POPs), wherein each POP has at least one DNS server. Each DNS server is associated with the same anycast IP address. A domain name resolution request is transmitted to the POP in closest network proximity for resolution based on the anycast IP address. Once the domain name resolution request is received at a particular POP, local load balancing techniques are performed to dynamically select the appropriate Web server at the POP for use in resolving the domain name resolution request. Approaches are described for handling bursts of traffic at a particular POP, security, and recovering from the failure of various components of the system. |
| US08204973B2 |
Architecture for configuration and management of cross-domain network services
Apparatus and method are provided for enabling establishment of cross-domain services, including exchange of reachability information between domains, routing of services across domains, and differential labeling. The network element control and management planes are supplemented by additional components that enable the control and management planes of each domain to inter-communicate in a peer-to-peer manner. Adjacencies are established between domains, and service reachability information is exchanged between domains. Network Service Applications within the management planes can then establish services across the domains by inter-communicating. |
| US08204964B2 |
Efficient size optimization of visual information or auditory information
A file, including visual information or auditory information may be uploaded to a processing device. Respective portions of content of the file may be identified for compressing and saving at respective bit rates. A number of component files may be created, compressed and saved, at the respective bit rates, based on the identified respective portions of content of the file. A network page, including a reference to the uploaded file, may be created. The reference to the uploaded file, in the network page, may be replaced with references to the compressed, saved component files and the network page may be saved. A processing device of a user may request the network page and the compressed, saved component files. A reasonable facsimile of the file may be reproduced based on an aggregate of the compressed, saved component files. |
| US08204957B2 |
Method for facilitating user of a communication device to control multiple concurrent communication sessions
A method of operating a communication device to facilitate a user to control multiple concurrent communication sessions. In operation, the communication device receives a plurality of incoming communications from a plurality of recipients, in which each recipient corresponds to at least one of the multiple concurrent communication sessions. The communication device further detects a user response from a user interface of the communication device in response to receiving the incoming communications. Next, the communication device correlates the user response with at least one of the received incoming communications or previously received communications corresponding to the recipients. Further, the communication device selects at least one of the plurality of recipients based on the correlation and sends the user response to the selected at least one of the plurality of recipients. |
| US08204950B2 |
Webpage search
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed to provide a search of contents of a webpage, where the search feature is provided as part of the webpage. In one embodiment, a method of providing such an in-page search of contents of a webpage can comprise reading a user's search criteria through an element of the webpage. The contents of the webpage can be searched to identify text matching the search criteria. Formatting instructions can be inserted into the webpage to change the appearance of the identified text relative to other text on the webpage. The webpage can be redisplayed with the inserted formatting instructions. |
| US08204947B2 |
Method, system and server for popping E-mail
A method for popping an E-mail is disclosed, the method includes: obtaining a mail popping parameter of a first mailbox; determining whether the mail popping parameter meets a mail popping rule of the first mailbox; triggering to pop an E-mail of the first mailbox according to information of the first mailbox when the mail popping parameter meets the mail popping rule of the first mailbox; popping the E-mail of the first mailbox into a mail server corresponding to a second mailbox according to the information of the first mailbox. A system and server for popping an E-mail is also disclosed. By embodiments of the present invention, the E-mail of the first mailbox can be popped into the second mailbox automatically without the participation of a user, so that the user can receive the E-mail of the first mailbox through the second mailbox without waiting after logging on the second mailbox. |
| US08204946B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing instant messaging information
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing IM information. The method includes: obtaining hyperlink information contained in IM information; obtaining original content information of a webpage corresponding to the hyperlink information; generating content abstract information of the webpage according to the original content information of the webpage; and displaying the content abstract information of the webpage. An embodiment of the present invention further provides an apparatus for processing IM information. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a user receives the IM information containing the hyperlink information, the user can obtain webpage contents corresponding to the hyperlink information contained in the IM information. |
| US08204943B2 |
Large distribution message handling
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for large distribution message handling. Data characterizing an intended distribution load of a message being greater than a threshold indicator may be received, a determination may be made to set a flag in response to the data; and an action may be performed in response to the flag being set. Determining a distribution load may involve determining a number of intended recipients of a distribution list, a size of a message across a number of intended recipients, and the like. Actions to be performed may include suppressing auto-replies, notifying a client, and denying distribution of a message. |
| US08204940B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and mobile communication system
When sending electronic mail, a user of a mobile phone can add predetermined conditions (or data) to the electronic mail. When the mobile phone receives electronic mail with the conditions added thereto, the received electronic mail can be displayed and deleted according to the aforementioned conditions. The receiver of the electronic mail cannot freely dispose of the received electronic mail. The added conditions are, for example, display date and time, display period, number of displays, retention period. |
| US08204939B2 |
Method and apparatus initiating instant messaging with a party during a telephone call where instant messaging address and telephone number are associated in a database
A mobile telephone terminal provides a user with a selectable option to transfer a telephone call to an instant messaging session and to transfer an instant messaging session to a telephone call. A presence attribute indicator for a first party is displayed, in a mobile telephone application, with an entry associated with the telephone number of the first party. A user, while displaying an entry for a party in a mobile telephone application, has a selectable option for initiating instant messaging with the party. The mobile telephone provides a customised menu of selectable options for initiating communication. The menu is dependent upon received presence attribute information. A calendar application can store the content of an instant messaging dialogue in an appointment record. When an application accesses a stored telephone number of a party the stored instant messaging address of that party is automatically accessed or accessible and when the application accesses a stored instant messaging address of a party, the stored telephone number of that party is automatically accessed or accessible. |
| US08204933B2 |
Systems and methods for content type classification
A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a first packet, determining a state of classification for the first packet or for a session with which the first packet is associated, receiving a second packet, and determining a content type for the second packet based at least in part on the determined state. A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a packet associated with a session, determining whether a content type has been determined for the session or for an other packet associated with the session, and classifying the packet to be the content type based at least in part on a result from the act of determining. A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a first packet from a first port, the first port adapted for receiving at least two types of content, and determining a content type for the first packet or for a session with which the first packet is associated. A method for determining a type of content includes receiving a packet associated with a session, and determining a state of classification for the packet or the session. |
| US08204930B1 |
Method and system for controlling and accessing content servers
A method and system for controlling provisioning and access to cache servers with an application programming interface (API). The API includes components for performing various actions including: (i) prepopulating content on at least one cache server from a content server; (ii) expiring content on at least one cache server; (iii) pinning content in a memory of at least one cache server; (iv) assigning resources on at least one cache server in accordance with a quota; (v) retrieving content from at least one cache server; and (vi) flushing deleted content from at least one selected cache. The API may include a security layer. The security layer determines whether a requestor has permission to cause the requested action to be performed. |
| US08204926B2 |
Reliable and efficient computation of modal interval arithmetic operations
A computer executable method of performing a modal interval operation, and system for performing same is provided. The method includes providing representations of first and second modal interval operands. Each modal interval operand of the operands is delimited by first and second marks of a digital scale, each mark of the marks comprises a bit-pattern. Each bit-pattern of the bit-patterns of the marks of each of the modal interval operands are examined, and conditions of a set of status flags corresponding to each bit-pattern of the bit-patterns of the marks are set. A bit-mask is computed wherein the mask is based upon the set condition of the status flag sets and a presence/absence of an exceptional arithmetic condition, and a presence/absence of an indefinite operand are each represented by a bit of said bits of said bit mask. |
| US08204923B1 |
Systems and methods for scaling parameters
The disclosed technology provides a system and a method for scaling parameters in a real-time computation system. A real-time computation system can receive a plurality of input data. The real-time computation system can determine a scaling factor based on an input data, and the scaling factor can be used in connection with a subsequent input data. When a new input data arrives, the real-time computation system can, in parallel, determine a new scaling factor based on the new input data and compute output values based on the existing scaling factor and the new input data. In one aspect of the invention, the real-time computation system can be a statistical signal processing system, which can compute output values, at least in part, using look-up tables. |
| US08204921B2 |
Efficient storage and search of word lists and other text
A computer readable storage medium tangibly embodying machine-readable digital data arranged to facilitate expedited searching. The data includes a plurality of words residing in a table having rows and columns, each word residing in a different row and each letter of the word occupying a different column in that row. Each continuous run of same letters in a column forms an interval. The words are positioned relative to each other to maximize lengths of the intervals, and/or optimize efficiency of compression of the columns by run length encoding. |
| US08204920B2 |
Method and system for accessing software-based systems
A method for generating a system and, the system itself, which allows the selective access to and retrieval of data from a number of data resources. The system comprises a host system via which a user can make a request for data, and with reference to the request, the host system selects, using a series of activators held therein, those data resources, referred to as target systems, which are required to be accessed. The interface between the host and target systems and the generation and display of the retrieved data is controlled so as to provide the data to the user in the contextual format. |
| US08204914B2 |
Method and system to process multi-dimensional data
An example method to process multi-dimensional data is provided. Example operations include detecting a request to generate a multi-dimensional data structure and determining that the multi-dimensional data structure is to include a multi-dimensional key figure. A first dimension of the key figure may be based primarily on a first characteristic and a second dimension of the key figure may be based primarily on a second characteristic. The method may further include augmenting a set of members associated with the second characteristic with a NULL member and generating a value for each dimension of the key figure. A value of the key figure may be determined by a pair made up from a member of the first characteristic and a member of the second characteristic. The key figure, the first characteristic, and the second characteristic may be then arranged into the requested multi-dimensional data structure. |
| US08204913B2 |
Mapping of data from XML to SQL
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for converting an XML encoded dataset into a minimal set of SQL tables and provided. In the method, a hierarchical structure in the XML encoded dataset is identified. A node element set for the XML encoded dataset is determined, wherein each node element in the node element set is a discrete level of the hierarchical structure of the dataset. One or more nodes of the XML encoded dataset are determined, each node being an instance of a node element. A unique node identifier is allocated to each node. Then, an SQL node table containing one or more records is generated, each record corresponding to a respective one of the allocated node identifiers. An SQL ancestry table is optionally generated to define the inter-relationships among nodes of the identified hierarchical structure of the XML encoded dataset. |
| US08204912B2 |
Insertion rate aware b-tree
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with insertion rate responsive b-trees are described. One system embodiment includes a capacity logic to detect a divide condition for a leaf node and an insert logic to determine an insertion level for the leaf node. The system embodiment may include an allocation logic to selectively allocate a set of leaf nodes. Characteristics of the set (e.g., number of members) may depend on the divide condition and the insertion level. The system embodiment may include a partition logic to move a partition key from the leaf node to a parent and to associate the partition key with the set of leaf nodes. A fuzzy index logic may provide key-based addressing to the set of leaf nodes. |
| US08204907B1 |
Systems and methods for collecting file access history information
A method for managing file access history information is described. An application opening a file is identified. Access rights used to open the file are determined. A time parameter associated with the opening of the file is recorded. An access frequency parameter for the file over a predetermined period of time is calculated. File access history information associated with the file is stored. |
| US08204902B1 |
Dynamic ranking of experts in a knowledge management system
A method for ranking experts in a knowledge management system. A plurality of data elements are stored in a database, the data elements having substantive technical data and bibliographic information encoded therein. A result set is produced from the database in response to a user query, the result set including data elements having technical data encoded therein that corresponds to the query. An expert list is produced based on the bibliographic information for the data elements contained in the result set. Each expert in the expert list is ranked based on criteria associated with the result set to produce a ranked expert list. |
| US08204897B1 |
Interactive search querying
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a computer-implemented method including receiving from a user a portion of a query. The method further includes providing the portion of the query to multiple data provider modules nearly simultaneously. The method further includes receiving, from ones of the data provider modules, a set of search suggestion items resulting from searching the data sources, each of the search suggestion items including a rank and a relevance value. The method further includes determining a score for each of the search suggestion items by combining the rank and the relevance value for each of the search suggestion items. The method further includes sorting the search suggestion items using the scores. The method further includes presenting the sorted search suggestion items to the user. |
| US08204896B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
In an image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a scanning unit reads out image information regarding original document; an analyzing unit extracts layout information regarding character regions and character addition information added to characters within the character regions from the image information; an OCR processing unit converts the character regions included in the layout information extracted by the analyzing unit into character information; an extracting unit extracts one or more keywords comprised of a plurality of characters from the character information; a searching unit obtains meta-information by use of the extracted keywords; and an electronic document generating unit generates an electronic document according to description of a predetermined format by adding the meta-information to the character information. According to the present invention, it is possible to properly add secondly available information to electronized information. |
| US08204893B2 |
Apparatus for processing time-base data and method thereof
A data processing apparatus and a method for displaying time-based data are provided. The data processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing data processed by the data processing apparatus and identification information for sorting the data, a display unit having a first display section for displaying one or more data sort functions and a second display section for displaying data according to a data sort function selected from the first display section, and a control unit for sorting the data stored in the storage unit and controlling the display unit to display the data in a life data mode. |
| US08204889B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium for seeking representative images in image set
System, method, and computer-readable medium for seeking representative images in an image set. Text features of each of the plural images are extracted. Diversity data of the image set is obtained based on the text features. A representative score of each of the plural images is calculated based on the diversity data. One or more of the images in the image set is selected as a representative image based on the representative score of the corresponding images. |
| US08204884B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for capturing and analyzing interaction based content
An apparatus and methods for capturing and analyzing customer interactions the apparatus comprising interaction information units, interaction meta-data information units associated with each of the interaction information units, a rule based analysis engine component for receiving the interaction information, an adaptive database, an interaction capture and storage component for capturing interaction information, a multi segment interaction capture device, an initial set up and calibration device and a pre processing and content extraction device. |
| US08204878B2 |
System and method for finding unexpected, but relevant content in an information retrieval system
An improved method for information retrieval in web query and recommendation systems, where items that are likely unfamiliar to the users of the system, but potentially relevant, are recommended. In a recommendation system having ratings by a plurality of users for a plurality of items, items are assigned to one or more data regions based on item attributes or user activity. Source regions are identified for each of the data regions. For a given user, data regions with which both the user and the user's social network are unfamiliar are identified. Within a given data region, the relevance of items to the user within such regions is evaluated using ratings provided by other users who have entered ratings similar to the user in source regions for the data region. Items receiving the highest relevance score are recommended to the user. |
| US08204874B2 |
Abbreviation handling in web search
A method for handling abbreviations in web queries includes building a dictionary of possible word expansions for potential abbreviations related to query terms received and anticipated to be received by a search engine; accepting a query including an abbreviation from a searching user, where a probability of finding a most probably-correct expansion in the dictionary is a first probability, and a probability that the expansion is the abbreviation itself is a second probability; determining a ratio between the first and second probabilities; expanding the abbreviation in accordance with the most probably-correct expansion when the ratio is above a first threshold value; and highlighting the abbreviation with a suggested expansion of the most probably-correct expansion for the user so that the user may accept the suggested expansion when the ratio is between a second, lower threshold value and the first threshold value. |
| US08204870B2 |
Unwired enterprise platform
Systems, methods and computer program products for inherently integrating mobility with an enterprise are described herein. Enterprise data is accessed from one or more data sources, wherein such data sources may comprise structured and unstructured data sources. The data is transferred from the enterprise to a plurality of mobile devices over a plurality of diverse networks. In an embodiment, such transfer takes into consideration characteristics of the diverse networks. The enterprise receives data generated by mobile devices while performing enterprise-related operations at the wireless edge. The enterprise responds to environmental changes using the received data. |
| US08204869B2 |
Method and apparatus to define and justify policy requirements using a legal reference library
A computer-implemented system and method for defining and justifying policy requirements includes: a hierarchical regional mapping (HRM) module provides a common language and a hierarchical model for geography and for jurisdictions; a legal references library (LRL) module contains applicable legal references; a legal references policy mapping (LRPM) module maps legal references to policies; and a requirements cross-checking (RCC) module cross-checks information in the legal references policy mapping module. |
| US08204866B2 |
Leveraging constraints for deduplication
A deduplication algorithm that provides improved accuracy in data deduplication by using aggregate and/or groupwise constraints. Deduplication is accomplished using only as many of these constraints that are satisfied rather than be imposed inflexibly as hard constraints. Additionally, textual similarity between tuples is leveraged to restrict the search space. The algorithm begins with a coarse initial partition of data records and continues by raising the similarity threshold until the threshold splits a given partition. This sequence of splits defines a rich space of alternatives. Over this space, an algorithm finds a partition of the input that maximizes constraint satisfaction. In the context of groupwise aggregation constraints for deduplication all SQL (structured query language) aggregates are allowed, including summation. |
| US08204862B1 |
Systems and methods for restoring deduplicated data
A method for restoring deduplicated data may include receiving a request to restore a set of deduplicated data segments to a client system, where each data segment in the set of deduplicated data segments is referred to by one or more deduplication references. The method may also include procuring reference data that indicates, for each data segment in the set of deduplicated data segments, the number of deduplication references that point to the data segment. The method may further include using the reference data to select one or more data segments from the set of deduplicated data segments for client-side caching, caching the one or more data segments in a cache on the client system, and restoring the one or more data segments from the cache on the client system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08204861B2 |
Event driven audit logging
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for implementing event driven audit logging. The method includes establishing, at an audit logging system, audit logging framework configured to provide application independent connectivity and further configured to provide event driven audit logging. The method further includes receiving, at the audit logging system, a selection of an application to provide event driven auditing, enabling event driven auditing for the selected application, and receiving a selection of event types to enable for auditing by the audit logging framework. Furthermore, the method includes based on the selected event types, tracking the application actions associated with the selected events, creating an event log for the application, and providing access to the event log. |
| US08204859B2 |
Systems and methods for managing replicated database data
Systems and methods for replicating database data and generating read-only copies of the replicated data in a clean shutdown state. For example, systems can include a tracking module (e.g., a filter driver) that monitors transactions from a database application to a source storage device to generate log entries having at least one marker indicating a known good state of the application. The systems further include a computer coupled to a target storage device comprising a database and log files. The computer processes the transactions, based on the log entries, to replicate data to the target storage device; performs a first snapshot on data stored in the database and log files; replays into the database data stored in the log files; performs another snapshot on the database; and reverts the database back to a state in which the database existed at the time of the first snapshot. |
| US08204858B2 |
Snapshot reset method and apparatus
A method, device, and system for resetting snapshots are provided. The reset of a snapshot incorporates the traditional snapshot delete and snapshot create operations into a single operation. Additionally, a snapshot created under the reset operation may receive an array partition from a snapshot being deleted under the same snapshot reset operation thereby retaining its identifying characteristics. |
| US08204852B2 |
Database and index organization for enhanced document retrieval
A customized, specialty-oriented database and index, of a subject matter area and methods for constructing and using such a database are provided. Selection and indexing of articles is done by experts in the topic with which the database is concerned. As a result, articles are indexed in a manner that allows facile, rapid retrieval of highly relevant articles with few or no false positives with much reduced database maintenance cost through frugal limitation of number of documents in the database, number of terms in a Master Index, and number of codes assigned to each document. A thesaurus allows indexing and search in accordance with terminology familiar to different anticipated groups of users (e.g. doctors, patients, nurses, technicians, and the like). Key articles collections and rapid access to documents therein are also provided. |
| US08204851B2 |
Method and system for providing a graphical workflow monitor
A browser based workflow monitor uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to display workflow status information and to create log information. The monitor presents the log information to a user in a format that is easily understood. Workflow information is accessed from a user workstation via a data network and displayed within a browser application. |
| US08204850B1 |
Contextual report definition creator
A system for defining a report comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to retrieve a set of fields associated with a received indication of a familiar data instance; retrieve a set of report data sources, wherein the set of report data sources is associated with one or more fields selected from a set of fields associated with the familiar data instance; and define a report using a selected report data source from the set of report data sources. The memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to provide the processor with instructions. |
| US08204848B2 |
Detecting and applying database schema changes to reports
A system and method to detect database schema changes are described. In various embodiments, a method of the embodiments detects database schema changes via triggers. In various embodiments, the changes are detected by comparing database schemas and determining modifications to database tables and database columns thereof. In various embodiments, the detected changes are applied to a report by generating a parse tree relevant for the modifications to database tables and columns; and traversing the tree to produce a statement to change the report to be relevant for the modifications to database tables and columns. |
| US08204843B2 |
Temporal events analysis employing tree induction
An events analysis method comprises: optimizing respective to a set of training data a set of branching transition likelihood parameters associating parent events of type k with child events of type k′ in branching processes; inferring a most probable branching process for a set of input data comprising events based on the optimized set of branching transition likelihood parameters; and identifying rare or unusual events of the set of input data based on the inferred most probable branching process. An events analysis apparatus includes a probabilistic branching process learning engine configured to optimize the set of branching transition likelihood parameters, and a probabilistic branching process inference engine configured to infer the most probable branching process. |
| US08204838B2 |
Scalable clustering
A scalable clustering system is described. In an embodiment the clustering system is operable for extremely large scale applications where millions of items having tens of millions of features are clustered. In an embodiment the clustering system uses a probabilistic cluster model which models uncertainty in the data set where the data set may be for example, advertisements which are subscribed to keywords, text documents containing text keywords, images having associated features or other items. In an embodiment the clustering system is used to generate additional features for associating with a given item. For example, additional keywords are suggested which an advertiser may like to subscribe to. The additional features that are generated have associated probability values which may be used to rank those features in some embodiments. User feedback about the generated features is received and used to revise the feature generation process in some examples. |
| US08204836B2 |
Dynamic discrete decision simulation system
A system that enables dynamic discrete decision simulation is provided. Simulation has many advantages in modeling complex systems to facilitate decision making. The innovation discloses a system that integrates an agent-based discrete event simulator, a geographic information system, a rule base, and interactive databases in addition to interfaces and other supporting components. The modules can seamlessly communicate with each other by exchanging a progression of data, and by making a series of deductive decisions through embedded algorithms. The integrated system can be applied to disaster management planning and training. |
| US08204835B1 |
System and method for printing an application of dynamically valued indicia
A system and method for applying postage indicia to mail pieces using a controller for monitoring the mail pieces as they are processed by the system. The controller has information about each of the mail pieces. A postage evidencing system prints postage indicia on labels to create postage indicia to be applied to the mail pieces, wherein each of the postage indicia is associated with a particular mail piece and corresponds to a postage amount that is calculated using the information for the particular mail piece. An applicator applies the postage indicia to mail pieces. |
| US08204831B2 |
Post-anonymous fuzzy comparisons without the use of pre-anonymization variants
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for processing data. The method, apparatus and article of manufacture preferably comprise the steps of: (a) receiving a record having a plurality of identifiers into a computer system, the record corresponding to an entity; (b) encrypting one or more of the identifiers in the record to form an encrypted record; (c) applying one or more encrypted variants to the encrypted record based on the encrypted identifiers and pre-computed encrypted synonyms; and (d) comparing the encrypted record to previously stored data using the encrypted identifiers and the encrypted variants in order to the match or associate the encrypted record with the previously stored data. |
| US08204830B2 |
Global method and system for providing enhanced transactional functionality through a customer terminal
A global customer activated terminal (CAT) primarily serves traveling customers who require access to their accounts when they are away from their home financial institution and beyond their local regional financial area. The system provides applications that permit users to access their accounts and utilize account profiles and transaction journals within a generic global system approach, and each transaction set provides access to the user's full account profile. The traveling customer is also provided with access to all their accounts linked (as they would locally) to a specific card. The hardware employed in the system supports encryption key downloading, unscrambling and PIN encryption, so that security is instituted at the hardware level. To provide the maximum flexibility at each regional level for product and services offered, regional front end processors and Hosts are the arbitrators of each transaction acceptance and fulfillment, rather than the CAT. |
| US08204828B1 |
System and method for electronic distribution of benefits
Electronic implementation of a benefits program for distribution of mass transit system vouchers utilizes a smart card. The system and method eliminates the need for manual delivery and provides a paperless, automated system of distributing the benefits. The system further reduces the administrative costs associated with periodic manual distribution. The system may be implemented in an Intranet or Internet environment. |
| US08204823B1 |
Implied market trading system
A computer based trading system implies spread markets from multiple real or implied spread markets. In particular, one aspect of the invention permits implication of a spread market from a combination of inter-commodity and inter-calendar spread orders. Furthermore, another aspect of the invention allows use of nontradeable implied or bridge markets to combine with other implied or real markets to create further tradeable implied markets. The method described herein thereby permits the creation of all implied markets that are inherent in the combination of futures, calendar spread and inter-commodity spread real orders. |
| US08204821B2 |
Simulation auction for public offering
The invention provides a method and system to estimate demand, pricing, allocation and aftermarket demand for public offerings via a simulation auction using collaborative forecasting. The simulation auction incorporates features to enhance participant knowledge about a particular company and its proposed auction. The simulation auction may be used to collect information regarding likely or equilibrium pricing of actual offerings, as well as to generate demand curve provides for different types of participants (e.g. retail and institutional investors). |
| US08204819B2 |
Bidder-side auction dynamic pricing agent, system, method and computer program product
A system, method, and computer program product for automating a bidder-centric bidder online auction interaction. The method can include receiving a bidder and an online auction service at a bidding automation service; receiving an auction in a bid portfolio; receiving a bid parameter; setting a bid time before time before time auction close (TAC) and receiving a minimum absolute time logged for prior auctions; and activating a bid proxy to transmit bid information to online auction. Auction monitoring of temporal progression of product auctions, and notification of changes in status that could prevent an initial bid from being placed by a bid proxy, can be provided. Bid proxies can be activated as an auction nears completion to begin placing bids until the auction is won or lost, or if out-bid, can execute a higher bid. |
| US08204816B2 |
Method and system for creating and trading derivative investment instruments based on an index of investment management companies
A method and system for creating a stock index for a group of investment management companies is disclosed. The method may include obtaining first trade information for each security representative of the group of investment management companies during a first time period, aggregating the first trade information for a predetermined time period, storing the aggregated first trade information, calculating from the aggregated first trade information an index for the group of investment management companies, determining a standardized measure of the index based on the aggregated first trade information obtained in the first time period, and periodically recalculating the index based on second trade information for each security representative of the group of investment management companies during a second time period. |
| US08204813B2 |
System, method and framework for generating scenarios
System, method and framework for generating scenarios used in risk management applications. The present invention is based on a generic framework that provides levels of abstraction, segregates risk factors and models, and structures a scenario generation process. In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a framework for scenario generation for use in a risk management application, where the framework defines a plurality of components associated with a scenario set, where each component is represented by at least one of a set of data structures, and where the set of data structures comprises: at least one first data structure defining a group of risk factors with similar statistical properties; at least one second data structure defining the future distribution or evolutionary process of a risk factor in the group of risk factors; a third data structure defining a calibrated model for generating scenarios, where relationships between risk factors of the group of risk factors are defined therein, and where the calibrated model associates each second data structure with a first data structure; and a fourth data structure specifying how the first, second, and third data structures are to apply to a user-specified risk management problem. |
| US08204809B1 |
Finance function high performance capability assessment
A finance function high performance capability assessment model helps a business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, businesses can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of a finance functions improvement program. In addition, the finance function high performance capability assessment model helps the business to identify specific areas in which cost reductions and improvements to key areas that impact finance functions may be made and understand how to make the improvements. |
| US08204808B2 |
Computer graphics processing methods and systems for presentation of graphics objects or text in a wagering environment with market chaining
Computer graphics processing systems and methods are provided for the presentation of graphic objects or text in a wagering environment. In at least one embodiment, the systems and methods present graphic objects on a graphic user interface screen that includes at least one of a plurality of betting lines, including a reference betting line, such as a market betting line having a value that corresponds to a value of a reference variable associated with an object, a high line having a value corresponding to an amount above the reference variable value, a low line having a value corresponding to an amount below the reference variable value, etc. The market, high, and low lines may be arranged spatially on the interface screen based at least on the values of each of the lines. The interface screen includes a least one computer generated graphic object associated with each of the betting lines that is selectable for submitting at least one of an up bet request and a down bet request. The at least one graphic object may be rotating or moving based on the tradeable state associated with the graphic object. |
| US08204804B2 |
System for associating financial transaction data with user's project data
This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data. |
| US08204802B2 |
Fuel accounting system and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for fuel accounting that enables an organization to verify that fueling being paid for has in fact been dispensed into their aircraft. In particular, various embodiments provide systems and methods to verify whether a particular fueling event occurred. In addition, various embodiments provide systems and methods to facilitate the front-end data capture of a fueling event by the organization operating the aircraft via a data pathway not under control of a fueling agent. Furthermore, various embodiments provide for systems and methods to allow an organization operating aircraft to verify fuel uplifted and fuel inventory over a selected period of time. |
| US08204796B2 |
Managing transactions of broker affiliates
A distributed network transaction system and method includes a central exchange computer connected via the Internet (world wide web) to multiple remote computers associated with, for example, individual brokers. A central database is provided with the exchange computer and each remote computer can have a respective database for information that the individual brokers was to maintain separate from the system. E-commerce transactions are conducted by the system, which performs a number of transaction-related functions, such as pushing tickets up to the system for sale, purchasing tickets online, shipping, web site-related and bookkeeping. The system and methodology accommodate price event functions where non real-time tickets can be sold and the orders filled with tickets acquired on the system. |
| US08204792B2 |
Wireless communication device and method for use therewith
An image of at least one object (14) is captured. An object class selection is received from a menu (70) of a plurality of object classes. At least one task menu specific to the object class selection is provided. A task selection is received from the at least one task menu. A task associated with the at least one object (14) is facilitated based on the image and the task selection. |
| US08204791B2 |
File fragment pricing in a segmented file sharing network
A mechanism is provided for file fragment pricing in a segmented file sharing system. The mechanism allows peers to set a price for distributing a file through the file sharing system. A peer then becomes a file distributor on behalf of an original file provider. The original file provider may compensate the file distributor based on a compensation agreement. The peer's client may be configured to download file fragments from file distributors, or the original file provider, based on preferences, such as price, peer rating, upload speed, or similarity. As a result, a peer may download a file for a price that is less than the original price from the original file provider. Thus, the mechanism provides an incentive for peers to participate in file sharing, which results in larger swarms. |
| US08204789B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving a transport stream containing a plurality of content data
To compensate a failure in downloading of music piece data. For example, when a viewer instructs purchase of a music pieceC to an IRD at a timing t0 during the sixth transmission of music piece data, the music piece data to be transmitted for the seventh time immediately after the instruction is usually downloaded. When the downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the seventh time fails for some reason, downloading is re-executed on music piece data to be transmitted for the eighth time. The music piece data for the final transmission time in each of musical pieces is used for re-execution. Timing at which downloading of the music piece data transmitted for the time immediately preceding the final time can be instructed is set as purchase limit time by using elapsed time since program start time. |
| US08204788B1 |
Online car buying
Systems and methods are disclosed for purchasing an item that typically requires financing, such as an automobile, online. The methods and systems integrate various online purchasing aspects to provide consumers with a single, one-stop solution for completing an online purchase. In one implementation, the methods and systems provide an online buying application that allows a consumer to apply for a loan online and to have a lender fulfill the loan substantially in real time online. The online buying application then allows the user to research and select a product online, and to find and contact a participating dealer of the product online. The participating dealer may then interact with the lender directly online to complete the purchase of the product. The online buying application may also automatically process any documents connected to the purchase as well as apply any business rules to the purchase. |
| US08204787B2 |
Electronic registration system for product transactions
An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information. |
| US08204785B2 |
Information processing system, portable information terminal and its control method, information providing device and its control method, and program
A portable information terminal includes: a position detecting section that detects a position of the portable information terminal; a selecting section that selects a guidance target object for which voice guidance is to be provided, and detects a guidance target direction that is a direction in which the guidance target object exists with respect to a reference direction, on the basis of a direction in which the guidance target object exists with respect to the position of the portable information terminal; a voice synthesis section that generates a synthetic voice so that a guidance voice for the guidance target object selected by the selecting section is heard from the guidance target direction; and a voice output section that outputs the synthetic voice generated by the voice synthesis section. |
| US08204775B2 |
Systems, methods and computer program products for modeling a monetary measure for a good based upon technology maturity levels
A systems, methods and computer program products are provided for modeling a monetary measure of a good, such as a cost or revenue associated with the good. A method begins by selecting at least one qualitative measure of maturity for at least one technology associated with the good, where each qualitative measure of maturity is associated with a distribution such that each technology is correspondingly associated with a distribution. Next, a monetary point is associated with each technology, and thereafter a monetary distribution is determined for each technology based upon a respective monetary point and a respective distribution. A plurality of monetary values are selected by randomly selecting the plurality of monetary values for each technology based upon a respective monetary distribution. Finally, the monetary measure for the good are modeled based upon the selected monetary values for each technology. |
| US08204772B2 |
Customer service experience comparative landscape tool
A capability assessment system provides a tailored evaluation with clear distinction between progressive companies and companies that offer more basic services. The system scores and rates the company across multiple categories according to a which capabilities are applicable to the company, and which of the applicable capabilities the company actually utilized. The system applies a unique rating and point mapping approach to the capabilities utilized by the company. The point mapping approach is configured to facilitate clear delineation between average and above average companies, as well as an identification of which capabilities, if utilized, can put a company ahead of its competition. This information assists a company in efficiently prioritizing and identifying which improvements to its rendered services will have the greater overall impact, benefiting both the customer and the company itself, and allowing the company to effectively recognize, meet, and exceeding customer expectations. |
| US08204770B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for resource allocation
Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced. |
| US08204767B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing retirement income benefits
A computerized method of administering a benefit plan providing systematic withdrawal payments during a liquidity period and annuity payments when the systematic withdrawal payments cease. The method includes steps of storing data relating to the plan, and performing a sequence of steps during the liquidity period to determine an account value, and initial and current benefit payments. The method further includes the steps of determining the account value to be annuitized at the end of the liquidity period, and determining and paying initial and current annuity payments during the annuity period. The method may be used when the benefit plan is a straight life annuity benefit plan, or a life annuity benefit plan having either a death benefit, a surrender benefit, or both. |
| US08204761B2 |
System and software of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long-term care facilities and related methods
A system, software and related methods of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server. |
| US08204758B2 |
Method and system for providing advisory information to a field service provider
A network advisory system that provides advisory information to a field service provider is disclosed. The network advisory system receives collected data from one or more destination facilities and analyzes the information to generate advisory information. The advisory information is used by the field service provider to provide a service at the destination facility. The field service provider may receive the advisory information while in transit to the destination facility or while located at a destination facility. The field service provider receives the advisory information through a network connection. The network connection may be either a wireless connection or a land-based connection. |
| US08204757B2 |
Dynamic food orders during travel
Creating a dynamic food order for a traveler is provided. A food order is received from the traveler. A determination is made as to whether a real-time itinerary for the traveler has changed. In response to a change in the real-time itinerary, the food order is adjusted based on the real-time itinerary and preferences stored in the traveler's profile to form an adjusted food order. |
| US08204756B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for encoding and decoding object-based audio signals
An audio decoding method and apparatus and an audio encoding method and apparatus which can efficiently process object-based audio signals are provided. The audio decoding method includes receiving a downmix signal, which is obtained by downmixing a plurality of object signals, and object side information, extracting metadata from the object-side information and displaying an information regarding the object signals based on the metadata. |
| US08204755B2 |
Advanced encoding of music files
Example embodiments allow for the creation, distribution, and use of flexible media formats. Example embodiments may allow individual content files to be rendered in multiple formats and versions. In addition, example embodiments may provide for granular rights management, which may allow users to access content files on a feature-by-feature basis. |
| US08204754B2 |
System and method for an improved voice detector
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a voice detector receiving an input signal that is divided into sub-signals that represent a frequency sub-band. The voice detector calculates, for each sub-band, a signal-to-noise (SNR) value based on a corresponding sub-signal for each sub-band and a background signal for each sub-band. The voice detector also calculates a power SNR value for each sub-band, where at least one of the power SNR values is calculated based on a non-linear function. The voice detector forms a single value based on the calculated power SNR values and compares the single value and a given threshold value to make a voice activity decision presented on an output port. |
| US08204751B1 |
Relevance recognition for a human machine dialog system contextual question answering based on a normalization of the length of the user input
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer-readable media for controlling a computing device to provide contextual responses to user inputs. The method comprises receiving a user input, generating a set of features characterizing an association between the user input and a conversation context based on at least a semantic and syntactic analysis of user inputs and system responses, determining with a data-driven machine learning approach whether the user input begins a new topic or is associated with a previous conversation context and if the received question is associated with the existing topic, then generating a response to the user input using information associated with the user input and any previous user input associated with the existing topic. |
| US08204747B2 |
Emotion recognition apparatus
An emotion recognition apparatus performs accurate and stable speech-based emotion recognition, irrespective of individual, regional, and language differences of prosodic information. The emotion recognition apparatus includes: a speech recognition unit which recognizes types of phonemes included in the input speech; a characteristic tone detection unit which detects a characteristic tone that relates to a specific emotion, in the input speech; a characteristic tone occurrence indicator computation unit which computes a characteristic tone occurrence indicator for each of the phonemes, based on the types of the phonemes recognized by the speech recognition unit, the characteristic tone occurrence indicator relating to an occurrence frequency of the characteristic tone; and an emotion judgment unit which judges an emotion of the speaker in a phoneme at which the characteristic tone occurs in the input speech, based on the characteristic tone occurrence indicator computed by the characteristic tone occurrence indicator computing unit. |
| US08204746B2 |
System and method for providing an automated call center inline architecture
A system and method for providing an automated call center inline architecture is provided. A plurality of grammar references and prompts are maintained on a script engine. A call is received through a telephony interface. Audio data is collected using the prompts from the script engine, which are transmitted to the telephony interface via a message server. Distributed speech recognition is performed on a speech server. The grammar references are received from the script engine via the message server. Speech results are determined by applying the grammar references to the audio data. A new grammar is formed from the speech results. Speech recognition results are identified by applying the new grammar to the audio data. The speech recognition results are received as a display on an agent console. |
| US08204744B2 |
Optimization of MP3 audio encoding by scale factors and global quantization step size
An iterative rate-distortion optimization algorithm for MPEG I/II Layer-3 (MP3) encoding based on the method of Lagrangian multipliers. Generally, an iterative method is performed such that a global quantization step size is determined while scale factors are fixed, and thereafter the scale factors are determined while the global quantization step size is fixed. This is repeated until a calculated rate-distortion cost is within a predetermined threshold. The methods are demonstrated to be computationally efficient and the resulting bit stream is fully standard compatible. |
| US08204740B2 |
Variable frame offset coding
An encoding/decoding method, an coder/decoder (codec) and a radio communication device utilize a variable offset coding technique. In accordance with the technique, the start of processing of a first frame is time offset in relation to the end of the processing of the frame that precedes the first frame, the time offset bringing about a time gap between the end of the preceding frame and the start of processing the first frame. A substitution signal is inserted in the time gap. |
| US08204736B2 |
Access to multilingual textual resources
A mechanism is provided for determining a second document of a set of documents in a second language having the same textual content as a first document in a first language. A first histogram that is indicative of the textual content of the first document is generated. A second histogram is generated for each document of the set of documents. Each second histogram is indicative of the textual content of a document of the set of documents. Each second histogram is compared with the first histogram to determine at least one histogram from the plurality of second histograms which matches the first histogram. The second document is then identified as the document having the at least one histogram. |
| US08204735B2 |
Machine translating apparatus, method, and computer program product
A machine translating apparatus includes an input unit that inputs a source language sentence, a syntax analyzing unit that performs a syntactic analysis on the source language sentence and generates syntax information, an extracting unit that extracts from the syntax information the first partial information that includes the first partial structure including all the nodes under the most significant nodes that are the nodes of the syntax information and the corresponding morphemes, and also extracts the second partial information including the second subtree representing a difference between two items of the first partial information and the corresponding morphemes, a translating unit that translates the morphemes of all the items of the partial information with multiple translation systems, and a most-plausible structure selecting unit that selects a combination for which the average of the translation scores takes the maximum value. |
| US08204733B2 |
Power testing apparatus for universal serial bus interface
A power testing apparatus for a USB interface includes first and second USB interfaces, and a simulation apparatus. The simulation apparatus includes a first voltage regulator, first and second resistors, and a load resistor. The first USB interface is configured to connect to a circuit board. The second USB interface is configured to connect to a USB device. The first voltage regulator includes input, output, and adjusting terminals. The first resistor is connected between the output terminal and the adjusting terminal. The second resistor is connected between the adjusting terminal and ground. The load resistor is connected to the output terminal and ground. Signal pins of the first USB interface are connected to signal pins of the second USB interface. A voltage pin of the first USB interface is connected to a voltage pin of the second USB interface and the input terminal. |
| US08204732B1 |
Modeling communication interfaces for multiprocessor systems
In an embodiment, a graphical model may include a functional portion and a architectural portion. The architectural portion may describe a multiprocessor system. Inter-process communication blocks may be defined that describe the connectivity of functional blocks in the deployed version of the model. The IPC blocks may describe the connectivity of the blocks independent of the communication channel(s) that connect the processor nodes in the multiprocessor system. |
| US08204730B2 |
Generating variation-aware library data with efficient device mismatch characterization
In a method of generating variation-aware library data for statistical static timing analysis (SSTA), a “synthetic” Gaussian variable can be used to represent all instances of one or more mismatch variations in all devices (e.g. transistors), thereby capturing the effect on at least one timing property (e.g. delay or slew). By modeling device mismatch with synthetic random variables, the variation behavior (in terms of the distribution of delay, slew, constraint, etc.) can be interpreted as the outcomes of process variations instead of modeling the variation sources (e.g. transistor shape variations, variations in dopant atom density, and irregularity of edges). |
| US08204729B2 |
Device for predicting and managing blood glucose by analyzing the effect of, and controlling, pharmacodynamic insulin equivalents
Embodiments of the invention are devices for assisting users in the management of blood glucose concentration levels in patients. Devices of the invention provide users with detailed information related to the pharmacodynamic behavior of insulin in a patient. By displaying and accepting information concerning time-dependent rates and amounts of pharmacodynamic insulin unit equivalents, the devices of the invention empower the user to make effective decisions regarding insulin dosing. |
| US08204720B2 |
Graph-based modeling apparatus and techniques
Graph-based modeling apparatus and techniques are disclosed. Based on a model including model nodes that represent components of a modeled system, operational dependencies between model nodes, and model edges that interconnect the nodes and represent relationships between the components in the modeled system, subset computations are performed to compute subsets of the model nodes that can impact operational dependencies between other model nodes. When the model changes, a determination is made as to whether an incremental subset computation should be performed for one or more particular operational dependencies between model nodes in the changed model, and if so, an incremental subset computation is performed. Otherwise, a full subset computation or no subset computation might be performed. In this manner, model changes are considered on a case-by-case basis to determine an extent, if any, to which subsets should be re-computed. |
| US08204717B2 |
Cloud computing as a basis for equipment health monitoring service
A system includes a computing cloud having at least one data storage unit and at least one processing unit. The computing cloud is configured to provide at least one service. The system also includes a plurality of clients each configured to communicate with the computing cloud and at least one industrial automation unit and to transmit information associated with the at least one industrial automation unit to the computing cloud. The at least one processing unit in the computing cloud is configured to determine a status of the at least one industrial automation unit using the information provided the clients. |
| US08204714B2 |
Method and computer program product for finding statistical bounds, corresponding parameter corners, and a probability density function of a performance target for a circuit
Disclosed are embodiments of a method and an associated computer program product for finding the statistical bounds, the corresponding parameter corners and the probability density function of one or more performance targets for a circuit without requiring Monte Carlo simulation runs. To accomplish this, a joint probability density function for independent parameters that affect the performance target can be constructed. Then, based on the joint probability density function, the statistical bounds of the performance target can be found by constructing an equal-probability-density surface of the joint probability density function and solving a constrained optimization problem on that equal-probability-density surface. Once the statistical bounds are determined, the corresponding parameter corners for the performance target can also be determined. After obtaining multiple statistical bounds corresponding to different accumulated probability density, the probability density function of the performance target can also be obtained. |
| US08204713B2 |
Normalized decimal equivalent systems and methods
A results reporting system can generate test results at one or more laboratory sites. Each of the generated test results can be in a conventional unit of measurement. The results reporting system can then convert each of the testing results to a normalized decimal equivalent unit system of measurement. The normalized decimal equivalent unit of measurement can be a unit of measurement that is normalized to an associated reference range of the test result. Once converted to normalized decimal equivalent unit, the test results can be stored in a mass storage device for later reporting. A triggering event (e.g., a request from a reviewing entity) can then trigger the reporting system to generate a results report using the stored test results. The results report can convey the test results to a reviewing entity using the normalized decimal equivalent unit of measurement in graphs, tables or other methods of conveying data. In some embodiments, result reports can be displayed on a computer display and can include selectable icons that, when selected, display additional information related to the displayed results. |
| US08204711B2 |
System and apparatus for managing test procedures within a hardware-in-the-loop simulation system
Methods and apparatus are provided for managing test procedures for a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation environment. The apparatus comprises an input interface for receiving input from a user, a first processor coupled to the input interface and in operable communication with the HIL simulation environment. The first processor is configured to generate a test sequence comprising a plurality of test procedure references based on input from the user, wherein each test procedure reference corresponds to a test procedure that comprises instructions for issuing commands to, and receiving data from, the HIL simulation environment, and sequentially execute each referenced test procedure within the generated test sequence in cooperation with the HIL simulation environment, in response to a command from the user. |
| US08204699B2 |
Analyzing apparatus, analyzing method, and computer-readable recording medium storing an analyzing program
An analyzing method includes acquiring displacements with respect to loads applied of the test piece measured by the three-point bending test; calculating a first approximate expression of a relation of the displacements with respect to the loads applied in a first area where the relation is linear so as to determine an elasticity modulus of the test piece; extracting boundary value of a relation of strains caused by the displacements with respect to the loads so as to determine a yield stress value of the test piece; and calculating a second approximate expression of a relation of stress caused by the loads with respect to the strains caused by the displacements in a second area beyond the yield stress value on the basis of the yield stress value, the elasticity modulus, and the measurements in the second area. |
| US08204694B2 |
System and method for automatically notifying a blood bank database of blood product administration and transfusion
In one embodiment the present invention relates to a method for automatically tracking blood product administration in a computerized healthcare environment. Information regarding a blood product unit received by the blood bank department is documented in a database. An indication that the blood product unit has been administered to the patient by a healthcare provider is received and the database is automatically updated to reflect that the blood product unit has been administered to the patient. The present invention also relates to a method for automatically notifying a blood bank database of administration of a blood product to a patient in a computerized healthcare environment is provided. |
| US08204693B2 |
Method for virtual metering of injection wells and allocation and control of multi-zonal injection wells
A method for virtually metering flow rates in a cluster of injection wells comprises: closing each well in and performing a dynamically disturbed injection test (DDIT) on it, during which the injection rate to the well is varied while the flow rate in the header conduit assembly (HCA) and one or more injection well variables of the test well and the other wells are monitored, and the other wells are controlled so that their tubing head pressures or flow meter readings remain constant; for each tested well deriving a model providing a correlation between variations of the fluid flowrate attributable to the test well and variations of the well variables monitored during each DDIT; injecting fluid into each well while monitoring a flow pattern in the HCA and one or more well variables; calculating an estimated injection rate at each well basis on flow pattern, well variables and the model. |
| US08204690B2 |
Analytical effective tensor for flow-through composites
A machine, method and computer-usable medium for modeling an average flow of a substance through a composite material. Such a modeling includes an analytical calculation of an effective tensor Kå suitable for use with a variety of media. The analytical calculation corresponds to an approximation to the tensor K, and follows by first computing the diagonal values, and then identifying symmetries of the heterogeneity distribution. Additional calculations include determining the center of mass of the heterogeneous cell and its angle according to a defined Cartesian system, and utilizing this angle into a rotation formula to compute the off-diagonal values and determining its sign. |
| US08204679B2 |
Mobile apparatus, control device and control program
A mobile apparatus capable of moving while avoiding contact with an object by allowing the object to recognize the behavioral change of the mobile apparatus is provided. The robot and its behavioral state and the object and its behavioral state are recognized as a first spatial element and its behavioral state and a second spatial element and its behavioral state, respectively, in an element space. Based on the recognition result, if the first spatial element may contact the second spatial element in the element space, a shift path is set which is tilted from the previous target path by an angle responsive to the distance between the first spatial element and the second spatial element. With the end point of the shift path as a start point, a path allowing the first spatial element to avoid contact with an expanded second spatial element is set as a new target path. |
| US08204677B2 |
Tracking method
A method for tracking a moving platform (MP) wherein the MP uses an on-board navigation system (NS). Data provided by the navigation system on board the moving platform (MP) is merged with data obtained using a tracking system that tracks the MP from another location. A typical navigation system on board the moving platforms is an inertial navigation system (INS). State data of one or more MP is sent to a processing facility and state data of one or more electromagnetic tracking (EMT) is collected by one or more processing facility. The collected states data from the sources are processed, using the one or more processing facilities for calculating tracking data are used to direct one or more antennas for MP tracking. The state data from one or more MP's are sent using a communications channel. |
| US08204673B2 |
Method for controlling the air system in an internal combustion engine
A method for closed loop controlling the air system in an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel internal combustion engine with a first actuating element for recirculated exhaust gas in the exhaust gas recirculation tract and a second actuating element for air in the inlet tract, the two actuating elements being adjusted as a function of each other. In order to increase the quality of closed loop control, provision is made for each actuating element to be controlled separately by its own respective controller, each controller being optimally configured for the respective controlled system, and a target value being provided for each controller. |
| US08204666B2 |
Driving support device, driving support method, and driving support program
Factor information is acquired that indicates at least one factor that imposes a psychological effect on a driver of a host vehicle when the host vehicle is traveling on a road with a descending slope ahead of the host vehicle. An overall psychological effect that is imposed on the driver when the host vehicle is traveling on the road with the descending slope is acquired based on the factor information. The vehicle speed is controlled in a vehicle speed control section in accordance with the overall psychological effect. |
| US08204658B2 |
Automatic transmission control apparatus
An automatic transmission control apparatus secures the safe operation of a motor drive through the use of a voltage determination unit that determines which one of a voltage detected by a control apparatus voltage detection unit and a voltage detected by a motor voltage detection unit is to be utilized as a duty reference voltage. The motor control apparatus controls the motor, based on a motor drive duty that a drive duty calculation unit calculates by use of the voltage selected by the voltage determination unit. |
| US08204651B2 |
Power source control device for power steering
According to the present invention, a power supply control device for an electric power steering device used for a power supply system comprises a main battery 40 connected to the electric power steering device via a first power supply line and a sub-battery 50 connected to the electric power steering device via a second power supply line, wherein when detecting the state of the sub-battery, said power supply control device restricts or disconnects power supply from the main battery to the electric power steering device while it permits power supply from the sub-battery to the electric power steering device, characterized in that said power supply control device prevents the detection of the state of the second battery if a vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined reference value. |
| US08204649B2 |
Integrated systems and method for preventing mobile computing device use while driving
A system and method for controlling use of a mobile computing device in a vehicle are disclosed. The method comprises monitoring a vehicle-key system comprising a vehicle and a vehicle key having a particular code to determine when the vehicle has been activated using the vehicle key. An operational state of the vehicle is identified based on information received from an OBD port in the vehicle. The operational state of the vehicle is communicated to the mobile computing device. Use of selected device features on the mobile computing device are controlled based on the particular code of the vehicle key when the operational state of the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is outside of selected parameters. |
| US08204645B2 |
Self-learning autolocation of all tire ID's on a multi-axle vehicle
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle (10). Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path (FIG. 3). Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire (20) associated with a vehicle (10). Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed. |
| US08204641B2 |
Traction motor control apparatus for vehicle
The traction motor control apparatus has a correction means for correcting an error included in a rotation detection signal outputted from a rotation angle sensor and outputting it as corrected rotation data for control of a motor. The correction means includes a rotation time predicting section configured to predict a predicted time necessary for the motor to rotate by a predetermined reference angle on the basis of a time having been elapsed for the motor to rotate by a predetermined angle, the time being calculated from the rotation detection signal outputted from the rotation angle sensor, a predicted rotation data generating section configured to generate a predicted rotation angle of the motor on the basis of the predicted time, and a corrected data updating section configured to update the corrected rotation data presently being outputted from the correction means in accordance with the predicted rotation angle. |
| US08204640B2 |
Vehicle drive power generation control apparatus
Past limit electric power generation costs and past limit electric assist costs are stored as pieces of planning information, based on each of which a fuel consumption amount is estimated assuming that a vehicle travels according to a past traveling pattern. An average estimated fuel consumption amount is computed by averaging the fuel consumption amounts estimated for the pieces of planning information. The piece of planning information including the lowest average estimated fuel consumption amount is selected for the next traveling. An improvement amount during electric power generation and an improvement amount during assistance are computed based on the selected piece of planning information (limit electric power generation cost), the limit electric assist cost, and the present generating and electric assist costs required actually while the vehicle is traveling. An engine and a motor/generator of the vehicle are controlled based on the two improvement amounts. |
| US08204639B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and control method thereof
In a hybrid vehicle 20, an engine 22, motors MG1 and MG2 are controlled so that the engine 22 is operated at a target operation point set at Step 120 based on a torque demand Tr* and the motor MG2 outputs lower power for driving in comparison with a turn-off condition of an ECO switch 88 when the ECO switch 88 is turned on upon driving with power from both the engine 22 and the motor MG2 (Steps S130-S150 and S170-S200). |
| US08204632B2 |
Emergency frequency load shedding scheme
A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data. |
| US08204630B2 |
Modular sprinkler controller
A modular sprinkler controller is disclosed. The modular sprinkler controller includes a base unit and one or more add-on modules. The base unit and each add-on module include valve terminals for communicating with coupled sprinkler valves. The base unit includes one or more communication connection points for communicating with adjacent add-on modules. Each add-on module may include two connection points for communication with an adjacent base unit or add-on module. In one embodiment, the base unit and add-on modules are arranged in a piggyback configuration. An add-on module for use with a base unit is also disclosed. |
| US08204617B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enhanced operation of substrate carrier handlers
Systems, tools, and methods are provided in which a first signal is transmitted from a tool to a Fab indicating that all substrates to be processed have been removed from a specific carrier and that the specific carrier may be temporarily unloaded from a loadport of the tool. A second signal is transmitted from the tool to the Fab indicating that the specific carrier may be returned to the tool. While the carrier is unloaded from the tool, other carriers may be loaded on the vacated loadport. Numerous other features and aspects of the invention are disclosed. |
| US08204616B2 |
Data output apparatus and data output method
A data output apparatus is provided. The data output apparatus includes a playback unit and an audio processing unit. The playback unit carries out playback of data at 2× speed from a tape-shaped recording medium, on which has been recorded video data with a field frequency of 59.94 Hz and audio data with a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, by playing back video data in odd-numbered fields and audio data corresponding thereto and video data in even-numbered fields and audio data corresponding thereto in parallel. The audio processing unit writes the audio data corresponding to the odd-numbered fields and the audio data corresponding to the even-numbered fields played back in parallel in the playback unit into a memory, reads out the audio data from the memory at 96 kHz in order of the corresponding fields, and outputs the audio data to dual-link HD-SDI transmitters. |
| US08204614B2 |
Audio processing apparatus and audio processing method
A user selects a plurality of pieces of music data desired to be reproduced concurrently, at an input unit of an audio processing apparatus, from music data stored in a storage device. A reproducing apparatus reproduces selected music data respectively and generates a plurality of audio signals under the control of a control unit. An audio processing unit performs allocation of frequency band, extraction of a frequency component, time-division, periodic modulation, processing and allocation of a sound image, to respective audio signals under the control of the control unit. Then the audio processing unit attaches segregation information of audio signals and information on the degree of emphasis to respective audio signals. The down mixer mixes a plurality of audio signals and outputs as an audio signal having a predetermined number of channels, then an output unit outputs the signal as sounds. |
| US08204613B2 |
Method and apparatus with multimedia interface for generating audio clock
A method for generating an audio clock includes: receiving a reference clock; receiving a received signal from a multimedia interface of a receiver, wherein the received signal comprises a video signal and an audio signal; utilizing one of the reference clock and a video clock of the video signal to count the other of the reference clock and the video clock and determining a ratio signal; and generating an output clock according to the ratio signal and the reference clock. |
| US08204611B2 |
Method for reducing quiescent power draw and machine using same
A machine includes a master electronic control module and at least one secondary electronic control module. A method of operating the machine includes steps of determining whether preconditions are satisfied for changing the master electronic control module from an operating state to a low power state, and determining whether preconditions are satisfied for changing the secondary electronic control module from an operating state to a power off state by opening a power supply circuit. The method also includes steps of changing the secondary electronic control module from the operating state to the power off state, and changing the master electronic control module from the operating state to the low power state. |
| US08204604B2 |
Implantable electrodes and insertion methods and tools
An insertion kit for implanting an electrode in a patient can include a handle; an insertion member coupled to the handle at a proximal end of the insertion member and configured and arranged to be inserted into a patient; an alignment member coupled to the handle and disposed over the distal end of the insertion member; and an electrode configured and arranged to be inserted into the patient using the insertion member. In some instances, the insertion kit may also include one or more of a marker that cooperates with the alignment member to mark a position of the electrode on the skin of the patient; a pointer that cooperates with the alignment member to find the marked position on the skin of the patient; and a second electrode and a second insertion member configured and arranged for detachably coupling to the handle in place of the insertion member. |
| US08204602B2 |
Recharge system and method for deep or angled devices
Techniques are disclosed for recharging an Implantable Medical Device (IMD). In one embodiment, a first external coil is positioned on one side of a patient's body, such as on a front side of the torso in proximity to the IMD. A second external coil is positioned on an opposite side of the patient's body, such as on the back of the torso. A recharging device generates a current in each of the coils, inductively coupling the first and the second coils to the secondary recharge coil of the IMD. According to another aspect, each of the two external coils may wrap around a portion of the patient's body, such as the torso or head, and are positioned such that the IMD lies between the coils. According to this aspect, current generated in the coils inductively couples to a second recharge coil that is angled within the patient's body. |
| US08204601B2 |
Cranial electrostimulation device for treatment of polysubstance addiction and method of use
The cranial electrostimulation devices described herein are suitable for use in detoxification from and amelioration of the symptoms of acute and chronic withdrawal from simultaneous multiple addictive substances by transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. A plurality of time-division multiplexed analog waveforms is applied to the mastoid process of a person in need thereof, thereby treating symptoms of withdrawal from addictive substances. The invention also provides a protocol for encoding a plurality of different waveforms combined sequentially or simultaneously, as well as an improved cranial electrostimulation apparatus having a stable output waveform signal over the useful service life of the power supply, e.g., the battery. |
| US08204600B2 |
Detecting and treating nervous system disorders
Some embodiments of a mapping device may be capable of passing through cerebral veins and other cerebrovascular spaces to provide electrophysiological mapping of the brain. These embodiments of the device may also be capable of providing, simultaneously or separately, ablation energy or other treatments to targeted brain tissue. In such circumstances, a user may be enabled to analyze an electrophysiological map of a patient's brain and, at the same time or within a short time period before or after the mapping process, may be enabled to apply ablation energy for treatment of a central nervous system disorder. Such treatment may be accomplished without the use of invasive surgery in which the brain is accessed through an opening in the patient's cranium. |
| US08204597B2 |
Evaluating patient incontinence
Systems and methods for determining a number of interruptions in a sleep state of a patient attributable to an urge or need to void during a sleep event include monitoring an activity level of the patient. The urge or need to void may be attributable to fecal or urinary incontinence. The patient activity level may be determined with one or more sensors that detect motion and/or one or more sensors that monitor a physiological parameter of the patient that varies as a function of patient activity. In one embodiment, a clinician selects a therapy parameter set for the patient based on the severity of the patient's incontinence. In another embodiment, the number of interruptions in the sleep state is associated with a therapy parameter set that was implemented during the sleep state in order to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy parameter set. |
| US08204591B2 |
Techniques for prevention of atrial fibrillation
A method is provided, including identifying that a subject is at risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF). Responsively to the identifying, a risk of an occurrence of an episode of the AF is reduced by applying an electrical current to a site of the subject selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve, a sinoatrial (SA) node fat pad, a pulmonary vein, a carotid artery, a carotid sinus, a coronary sinus, a vena cava vein, a jugular vein, an azygos vein, an innominate vein, and a subclavian vein, and configuring the current to stimulate autonomic nervous tissue in the site. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08204587B2 |
Apparatus for iontophoresis
The present invention relates to an iontophoresis apparatus, and more particularly, to an iontophoresis apparatus detachable from a mask or patch, wherein after skin condition is previously diagnosed before an iontophoresis is performed, the amount of current is adjusted according to the skin condition to absorb effective components contained in functional cosmetics or medicines into the skin, and a plurality of electrode pairs are applied to use interference current generated between the electrode pairs thereby accelerating absorption of the effective components and improving the skin condition. |
| US08204586B2 |
External continuous field tomography
Methods for evaluating tissue motion of a tissue location, e.g., a cardiac location, via external continuous field tomography are provided. Aspects of the methods include generating at least one substantially linear continuous field gradient across the tissue location of interest, and using a resultant signal from a sensing element stably associated with the tissue location to evaluate motion of the tissue location. Also provided are systems, devices and related compositions for practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac resynchronization therapy. |
| US08204583B2 |
System for seizure monitoring and detection
Systems and methods for the detection of pathological conditions in a brain analyze signal properties of the brain electrical activity recordings. The pathological conditions to be detected include the occurrence of a seizure event. The systems and methods calculate a seizure susceptibility index (SSI) for real time brain function monitoring and for a pre-screening process of seizure detection. |
| US08204579B2 |
Device and method for determining a concentration-related quantity of a fluorescent contrast agent applied to a turbid medium
A device for determining a concentration-related quantity of a fluorescent contrast agent applied to an object (2), in particular a turbid medium. Said device generally comprises a source (4) of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the object (2) at an excitation wavelength and at least one first detecting means (6, 7.1, 7.2, . . . , 8) for detecting fluorescent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the contrast agent at a fluorescence wavelength, said first detecting means producing fluorescence intensity data (F). The proposed device further comprises at least one second detecting means (6, 7.1, 7.2, . . . ) for detecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the object (2) at the excitation wavelength, said second detecting means producing transmission intensity data (T), and evaluating means (10) adapted to receive the transmission intensity data and the fluorescence intensity data and to determine said concentration-related quantity of the contrast agent from a ratio (R) of fluorescence intensity data and transmission intensity data. |
| US08204575B2 |
Locating guide
A locating guide for locating a target tissue site within a patient includes a body, a first substantially radiopaque reference marker on the body, and a second substantially radiopaque reference marker extending from a major surface of the body. The reference markers provide reference points that extend in at least two dimensions, and may be useful for registering a medical image of tissue with an actual location on or within the patient in order to more accurately and precisely locate a target tissue site within the patient. In some embodiments, the second reference marker is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the major surface of the body, and provides a guide that a clinician may reference in order to orient a medical element introducer when introducing the introducer into the patient to access a particular target tissue site. |
| US08204570B2 |
Electrode for physiological signal measurements and method for making same
Described are an electrode and electrode catheter using thin metallic threads or wires, for example, microwires having diameters as low as 10−6 to 10−4 meters or less. The embodiments allow for the efficient mounting of at least one electrode on a catheter, resulting in the creation of a flexible ring-microelectrode that is suitable for, amongst other things, the detection of myoelectrical activity in a patient's muscle, such as the diaphragm or other inspiratory-related muscle. |
| US08204568B2 |
Blood inspection device
A blood inspection device using laser as puncture means. The blood inspection device has an electric power source control circuit for controlling electric power supply of an electric power source section including an electric power source for driving an electric circuit for measurement and also including an electric power source for driving a laser emission device. When a battery is used as the electric power source, the circuit measures the remaining level and voltage of the battery to control the power source so that electric power shortage does not disenable measurement. |
| US08204567B2 |
Signal demodulation
A method for processing an analog composite signal in a system has the steps of receiving a composite signal with at least one first signal component and at least one interfering signal component; filtering the composite signal with a filter having a transfer function H(s); sampling the filtered composite signal in periodic intervals wherein each periodic interval has n samples; forming a matrix equation representing the composite signal wherein the matrix equation has a signal vector with the at least first one signal component and the at least one interfering signal component and a matrix comprising weighted coefficients; solving the matrix equation to determine the at least one signal component; outputting the at least one signal component. |
| US08204565B2 |
Reagentless optical analyte detection system
Disclosed is an implantable microspectrometer for the reagentless optical detection of an analyte in a sample fluid. The microspectrometer comprises an optical sampling cell having a cell housing defining a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, the fluid inlet port configured to receive an optical sampling fluid from a test subject; an electromagnetic radiation source in communication with a first portion of the optical sampling cell housing and configured to irradiate at least a portion of the optical sampling fluid with electromagnetic radiation; and an electromagnetic radiation detector in communication with a second portion of the optical sampling cell housing and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emanating from the optical sampling cell. In use, the implantable microspectrometer can optically detect at least one parameter of an analyte contained within the optical sampling fluid in the absence of an added reagent. |
| US08204558B2 |
Compact palmtop computer system and wireless telephone with foldable dual-sided display
The present invention is a compact personal digital assistant (PDA) and cellular telephone with foldable dual-sided display. By utilizing flexible display technology, both a PDA and a cellular telephone are incorporated into one device. In a closed state, in one embodiment, the present invention corresponds to the form used for typical cellular telephone use (e.g., candy bar size). In an open state, in one embodiment, the present invention corresponds to the form used for typical PDA use by providing an enlarged viewing area. The present invention provides the benefit of two distinct devices in one device by allowing for common operations and functionality without compromising the respective form factor of either device. |
| US08204557B1 |
Wireless communications device assembly
A method and system are provided for assembling a monolith wireless mobile device in a manner that provides users with a highly fashionable and comfortable device while reducing associated manufacturing costs through a simpler assembly technique. The wireless mobile device utilizes a main housing having a plurality of generally channel-shaped sidewalls, each having one or more locking tabs for engagement with respective slots in an inner core. The sidewalls of the main housing each have a surface free of parting lines. The inner core, which is locked into the main housing, contains the hardware and software components of the wireless mobile device. |
| US08204556B2 |
Hinge device for portable terminal
A hinge device for a portable terminal that includes a first housing and a second housing is provided. The first and second housings are connected by a hinge device at one end of the first housing, and they rotate so that the front and back faces may be reversed. The hinge device includes a first hinge base combined with one side of an end portion of the first housing, a second hinge base combined with one side of an end portion of the second housing and rotating in opposition to the first hinge base, and an elastic member providing an elastic force in a direction that the first hinge base and the second hinge base are adhered closely to each other. The hinge device facilitates a user's viewing of video, such as DMB video, and contributes to the diversification of the design of the portable terminal. |
| US08204545B2 |
Coupler and electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a coupler which transmits and receives an electromagnetic wave to and from another coupler includes a substrate, a coupling element, a ground plane, and a feed terminal. The coupling element is positioned at a first surface of the substrate and includes a feed point. The ground plane is positioned at a second surface of the substrate. The ground plane includes a base portion and a protrusion. A first surface of an end of the protrusion is in contact with the second surface of the substrate. The base portion faces the second surface of the substrate with a gap therebetween. The feed terminal is positioned at a second surface of the end of the protrusion and connected to the feed point of the coupling element via a first through-hole in the substrate. |
| US08204543B2 |
Local area cellular basestation
A base station for a cellular wireless communications network has a first interface, enabling connection with a remote communications device using a cellular wireless communications protocol in the cellular wireless communications network. The base station also has a second interface, enabling connection over a wide area network, and a third interface, enabling connection over a local area network. Software enables communication over the wide area network between a remote communications device, connected to the first interface, and a core network of the cellular wireless communications network. Software can also enable the remote communications device to communicate with a device in the local area network, or with a server in the wide area network, without using the core network of the cellular wireless communications network. |
| US08204541B2 |
Holding base and information processing system
A holding base for removably holding an electronic device has a holding base body, a signal terminal provided in the holding base body, and connected to the electronic device in a holding position in which the electronic device is held, and a first connector attached to a surface of a printed circuit board, connected to the signal terminal, and connected to another electronic device. The printed circuit board is held by a bottom of the holding base body with the first connector held underneath the printed circuit board, such that a connecting port of the first connector faces a back side of the holding base body, and with an end edge of a front side of the holding base body positioned lower than an end edge of the back side thereof by an offset amount. The offset amount is set to be less than a thickness of the first connector. |
| US08204540B2 |
Wireless transfer of data from a mobile device to a server
The present invention relates to a mobile device for recording data that includes recording unit that records data, a memory that stores the recorded data, a detecting unit that detects a server that receives the recorded data via a wireless communication system, and a transmitting unit that automatically transmits recorded data to a detected server via the wireless communication system without any user interaction when the detecting unit detects the server. |
| US08204537B2 |
Multiple frequency band information signal frequency band conversion
A wireless device includes processing circuitry and a Radio Frequency (RF) receiver section. The processing circuitry determines a set of information signals for receipt, the set of information signals carried by a RF Multiple Frequency Bands Multiple Standards (MFBMS) signal having a plurality of information signal frequency bands. The processing circuitry determines a shift frequency based upon the determination. the RF receiver section receives the RF MFBMS signal and down-converts the RF MFBMS signal by the shift frequency to produce a baseband/low Intermediate Frequency (BB/IF) MFBMS signal. The processing circuitry then extracts data from the set of information signals of the BB/IF MFBMS signal. |
| US08204531B2 |
Power transmission control device, power transmission device, electronic instrument, and non-contact power transmission system
A power transmission control device provided in a power transmission device of a non-contact power transmission system includes an amplitude detection circuit that detects amplitude information that relates to an induced voltage signal of a primary coil, an A/D conversion circuit that performs A/D conversion of the amplitude information, and a control circuit. The A/D conversion circuit performs A/D conversion of a detected voltage detected by the amplitude detection circuit at a conversion timing and determines digital data relating to a reference threshold voltage, the conversion timing being a timing after a given period has expired from a timing when the detected voltage has exceeded a provisional voltage. The control circuit performs at least one of data detection that detects data that has been transmitted from a power reception device by means of load modulation, foreign object detection, and detachment detection using the digital data relating to the reference threshold voltage. |
| US08204529B2 |
Device and method for frequency scanning using two radios
A device (100) and method for frequency scanning uses two radios. The device (100) includes a processor (515), a scan radio (130) including a receiver (135) coupled to the processor (515), and a data radio (105) including a transmitter (115) that is also coupled to the processor (515). The processor (515) determines a transmission schedule for the transmitter (115) of the data radio (105) in response to a capability to receive a frequency scanning signal at the receiver (135) of the scan radio (130). |
| US08204525B2 |
Emergency notification system for a portable device
Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. In various embodiments, a portable device is enabled to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. The user can be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, the user can optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, and/or the user can otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data, such as a link to the information. |
| US08204523B1 |
Cost effective notifications with delivery guarantee
A first notification indicating a change on an account of a mobile station is generated and sent to an account holder of the mobile station via a first delivery procedure, when the change on the account of the mobile station occurs. The first notification is sent to the account holder only if a destination for the first delivery procedure has not changed for at least a predetermined period. A second notification of the change on the account of the mobile station is sent to the account holder via a second delivery procedure, if the first notification is not successfully sent to the account holder. Additional notifications of the change on the account of the mobile station may be sent to the account holder via respective different delivery procedures consecutively until any of the notification is successfully sent to the account holder. The first, the second and the various delivery procedures are among a Short Message Service (SMS) message, an Enhance Messaging Service (EMS), a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), an email, a fax, a voice call and a letter. Order of the delivery procedures to be sent may be determined based on cost for sending the notifications. |
| US08204522B2 |
Distributed storage and aggregation of multimedia information via a broadband access gateway
A system and method for the aggregation of multimedia information storage via a broadband access gateway is disclosed. Information about storage resources accessible to a broadband access gateway may be collected and used in selecting storage capacity used for storing multimedia information such as, for example, streaming video, broadcast video, digitized video, digitized audio, text, and digitized images. The gateway may manage storage and retrieval of the multimedia information based upon user defined criteria and characteristics of the available storage resources. Multimedia information may be parsed for storage across multiple storage resources, and the location and nature of the storage resources used for storage of multimedia information items may be unknown to the user. Storage services accessible via a broadband connection may also be used as storage resources. |
| US08204519B2 |
Methods and apparatus for updating a communications device using SMS messages
Method and apparatus for using text messages, e.g., SMS messages, to trigger a device update and/or to update a communications device, e.g., cell phone, are described. The cell phone can be updated/programmed from a remote device. The updating can use SMS messages to accomplish the update. An SMS message may include a command and, optionally, other update information in the message body. Received SMS messages are checked to determine if they include an update command. If an update command is present the command is performed after a security check is satisfied. In some but not necessarily all embodiments, a simplified user interface is supported in addition to SMS update features. |
| US08204514B2 |
System for providing alert-based services to mobile stations in a wireless communications network
System for providing alert-based communication services for which corresponding alert conditions to be met by mobile stations are defined. The system includes an alert engine capable of firing alerts associated with the alert-based communication services if location data regarding the mobile stations is indicative of the mobile stations meeting the alert conditions corresponding to the alert-based communication services. A requirements engine is provided for determining an expected earliest future time at which at least one alert condition is capable of being met by a particular mobile station and outputting a data element indicative of a requirement to obtain updated location data about the particular mobile station in advance of the expected earliest future time. Also provided is a scheduler for receiving expiry times data indicative of a plurality of expiry times relating to respective location requests, processing the expiry times data for determining an order for servicing the location requests by positioning determining equipment (PDE) at least in part on a basis on the expiry times of the location requests and an output for interfacing with the PDE, allowing it to service the location requests according to the order determined. |
| US08204510B2 |
Detection and selection of a reference signal for network-based wireless location
A serving mobile location center (SMLC) receives a position request concerning a mobile-of-interest (MOI) operating in a discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode, and in response a wireless location system (WLS) is tasked to locate the MOI. A plurality of location measurement units (LMUs) are instructed to receive and digitize radio frequency (RF) energy. At the LMUs, a signal of interest is received and cross-correlated with a known training sequence to produce a received detection metric. The detection metric is weighted to favor the MOI even in the presence of interference from other mobile devices. The SMLC selects the LMU with the best weighted detection metric as a reference site and selects two or more LMUs with lesser weighted detection metrics above a threshold as co-operating sites. The received signal of interest is demodulated and demodulated data are distributed to the co-operating sites. The co-operating sites produce a reference waveform and cross-correlate the reference waveform with stored data to produce a TDOA measurement at each co-operating site, and the TDOA measurements are used to compute MOI position information. |
| US08204503B1 |
Base station identification to indicate mobility of a wireless communication device
A base station identification system comprises a processing system and a memory device. The processing system is configured to initiate a modulo count to indicate mobility of the wireless communication device, determine a last base station identifier for a last base station serving the wireless communication device, compare the last base station identifier to a set of previous base station identifiers for previous base stations serving the wireless communication device, if the last base station identifier is in the set of previous base station identifiers, assign a previous modulo number in the modulo count to the last base station identifier, and if the last base station identifier is not in the set of previous base station identifiers, assign a next modulo number in the modulo count to the last base station identifier, and add the last base station identifier to the set of previous base station identifiers. |
| US08204502B2 |
Method and apparatus for user equipment registration
Some embodiments are implemented in a communication system that includes a first wireless communication system and a second wireless communication system that includes a Femtocell access point (FAP) and a network controller that can communicatively couple the FAP to the first wireless communication system. In some embodiments, the network controller can communicatively couple to the first wireless communication system through a UTRAN Iu interface. In some embodiments, the FAP can communicatively couple to a user equipment using a short-range licensed wireless frequency. Some embodiments provide a method of performing a user equipment (UE) registration. The method establishes a unique connection dedicated to the UE between the FAP and the network controller. The method receives a register request message at the network controller from the FAP through the dedicated connection. |
| US08204501B2 |
Cumulative neighboring cell list
A method and apparatus for reducing the number of cells that must be broadcast and the number of cells that a mobile terminal must measure when different frequencies and technologies must be listed as neighboring cells. |
| US08204496B2 |
In-vehicle wireless communications device
An in-vehicle wireless communications device executes an emergency report operation to transmit an emergency report signal from a wireless communications unit to a wireless communications network. During this emergency report operation, integrated electric currents from an in-vehicle battery to an in-vehicle wireless communications device reach a predetermined value, which generates an interrupt. Even at this time, stopping of an operation power from the in-vehicle battery to the wireless communications unit is suspended until the emergency report operation is normally finished. |
| US08204489B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling data transmission and reception therein
A mobile terminal and method of controlling data transmission and reception therein are disclosed. In a mobile terminal selectively performing a data transceiving operation or a signal transceiving operation, the present invention includes performing the data transceiving operation, determining whether the data transceiving operation in the course of being performed meets a prior execution condition, if the data transceiving operation in the course of being performed by the wireless communication unit meets the prior execution condition, setting up a data prior mode for enabling the data transceiving operation to be performed prior to the call signal transceiving operation, wherein as the data prior mode is set up, if the call signal transceiving operation is detected, the data transceiving operation is preferentially performed. Accordingly, a data transceiving operation can be performed prior to a call signal transceiving operation despite that a hybrid mode is set. |
| US08204487B2 |
Incentive system for mobile device
An incentive system is delivered via a mobile device. A database module registers a customer in the system. The registered customer is provided the mobile device for free or reduced cost. A streaming module is connected to the database module for serving content to the customer. A priority module is connected to the streaming module for implementing a content delivery schedule. The streaming module serves a content notification to the registered customer. The database module records a registered customer acceptance of content and calculates a corresponding content-based incentive. Finally, the streaming module serves the content-based incentive to the registered customer. |
| US08204484B2 |
System and method for managing missed calls and unread messages
A method and system for reporting missed calls and unread messages include setting a report function in a predetermined communication device, determining if the predetermined communication device receives a short message, which is substantially the same as a preset short message service (SMS) command. The method and the system further include invoking the report function to send unread short message and a list of missed calls of the predetermined communication device if the predetermined communication device receives a short message being substantially the same as the preset SMS command. |
| US08204478B2 |
System for setting security in wireless network system using cluster function and method of controlling the same
A system for setting security in a wireless network system using a cluster function. An access point stores a list of candidate terminals of each neighboring access point. When an arbitrary terminal sends an access request, the access point determines whether or not the terminal is authenticated using the stored list of candidate terminals, and transmits an authentication success message to the requesting terminal if the requesting terminal is authenticated. The terminal performs hand-over to the access point without performing authentication upon receiving the authentication success message from the access point in response to the access request. Thus, the hand-over time of a Wi-Fi phone is reduced in an environment based on Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) that is one of the strongest wireless LAN security policies, so that the safety and mobility of wireless LAN services can be improved at the same time. |
| US08204477B2 |
Systems and method for triggering proximity detection
Disclosed are methods and devices including a mobile communication device, a proximity application server and a receiving device. The methods of the mobile communication device include receiving an enterprise identification signal that may be an SSID transmitted by an enterprise access point. The user of the mobile communication device may have opted into receiving the services of the enterprise in accordance with the disclosed methods and devices. Therefore, the mobile communication device may generate a proximity data signal including an indication of receipt of the enterprise identification signal and an identifier of the mobile communication device. The identifier may be the telephone number of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device can then transmit the proximity data signal to a proximity application server. The proximity application server can correlate the proximity data signal. Correlated data in turn may be sent back to a receiving device of the enterprise. |
| US08204475B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing unauthorized use of computing devices
Methods and devices for preventing unauthorized use of mobile devices allow users to create a mobile device identification number (MDIN) which must be entered before mobile devices can access a new removable memory unit. Upon activation a mobile device may check an identifier of an installed removable memory unit to determine if the memory unit has been changed. If the mobile device determines that the memory unit is new, it may prompt the user to enter the MDIN. If the entry made by the user matches the MDIN stored in secure memory, the mobile device will access the new memory unit and function normally. However, if the entry does not match the MDIN stored in memory the mobile device may not access the new memory unit, thereby denying use of the mobile device. Example removable memory units include Subscriber Identity Modules, Universal Integrated Circuit Cards, and Removable User Identity Modules. |
| US08204473B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively distributing media inputs associated with an incident
An information distribution device performs a method for selectively distributing media associated with an incident to a plurality of responders assigned to the incident. The method includes receiving, at the information distribution device, an incident information bundle comprising media inputs associated with the incident. For each responder in the plurality of responders assigned to the incident, the information distribution device: determines a set of roles for the responder; selects a set of filtering templates designed based on the set of roles; applies the set of filtering templates to the information bundle to generate a responder information bundle that includes a subset of the media inputs that is customized to the set of roles for the responder; and delivers the responder information bundle to the responder. |
| US08204472B2 |
Multi-wideband communications over power lines
Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz. |
| US08204470B2 |
Predecoding for joint processing coordinated multi-point transmission
This invention is a method of predecoding for joint processing coordinated multi-point transmission. The invention identifies for a particular transmission the cooperating point and the transmit antenna. The invention selects a code by reference to a selected one of a super-cell codebook for each combination of cooperating point and transmit antenna and a multi-cell codebook for each transmit antenna regardless of the cooperating point. |
| US08204468B2 |
Constant output DC bias circuit using an open loop scheme
Embodiments of the present invention provide DC biasing circuits. Embodiments employ an open loop scheme, instead of a closed loop scheme as used in conventional circuits. In addition, embodiments generate a DC bias voltage that is independent of temperature, process, and power supply variations. Further, embodiments require low amounts of power and silicon. |
| US08204467B2 |
Passive mixer mismatch tuning using self-tests to suppress IM2
The second-order inter-modulation distortion, originating in a differential passive mixer core from imbalance between devices, is reduced by compensating for the mismatch or load, by means of tuning the differential output impedance at the mixer core, or the input impedance of a filter coupled to the output of the passive mixer. Compensating for the imbalance allows greater suppression of even-order harmonics in the differential structure, which reduces second-order intermodulation at the output of the mixers. The compensation is achieved by tunable resistive elements that are calibrated by a built-in self-test architecture. The calibration circuit is deactivated during receiver operation. |
| US08204466B2 |
Dynamic AC-coupled DC offset correction
Methods and systems that utilize AC-coupled filtering to reduce DC offset, with aspects dynamically correcting instantaneous DC offset generated from the AC-coupled filtering. A DC offset correction circuit for an radio frequency (rf) receiver comprises a switchable high pass filter receiving a downconverted rf signal. The switchable high pass filter has N selectable corner frequencies, where N is greater than two. |
| US08204458B2 |
Transmitting device and method of tuning the transmitting device
A transmitting device comprising a transmitter, an antenna and a tuning means comprising a matching network connectable between the transmitter and the antenna, the matching network comprising a plurality of capacitors; characterized in that the tuning means further comprises a means of selectively individually adjusting the capacitors to increase the output power of the transmitting device. |
| US08204457B2 |
Mobile transmitter and transmitting method thereof
Provided is a mobile transmitter and a transmitting method thereof. The mobile transmitter includes a transmission circuit and a control circuit. The transmission circuit selectively operates as a polar transmitter or a direct-conversion transmitter. The control circuit controls an operation of the transmission circuit based on the level of an output signal. The mobile transmitter operates as a direct-conversion transmitter using a linear power amplifier with a high dynamic range when it transmits a low-power signal. Also, the mobile transmitter operates as a polar transmitter using a switching power amplifier with a high power efficiency when it transmits a medium-power or high-power signal. Thus, the mobile transmitter according to the present invention can provide both the high power efficiency (i.e., the advantage of the switching power amplifier) and the high dynamic range (i.e., the advantage of the linear power amplifier). Consequently, it possible to increase the battery lifetime of a personal portable communication terminal and also to implement to a compound terminal that can satisfy a variety of communication standards with a high dynamic range. |
| US08204452B2 |
Transmitter and transmission method thereof
A signal transmission method includes: converting an input signal to generate a first converted signal having a first bandwidth, and a second converted signal having a second bandwidth; mixing the first converted signal with an oscillation signal to generate a first mixed signal, and mixing the second converted signal with the oscillation signal to generate a second mixed signal; and transmitting the first and second mixed signals by different antennas; wherein the input signal has a predetermined bandwidth, the first bandwidth is smaller than the predetermined bandwidth; and the second bandwidth is smaller than the predetermined bandwidth. |
| US08204449B2 |
Method and apparatus for signaling user equipment status information for uplink packet transmission in a soft handover region
A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting user equipment (UE) status information in communication with one serving Node B and at least one non-serving Node B in a mobile communication system. The method and apparatus comprise generating transport channel data including UE status information; transmitting the transport channel data to the serving Node B and the at least one non-serving Node B, receiving a response signal for the transport channel data from the serving Node B, and retransmitting the transport channel data if the response signal received from the serving Node B is a non-acknowledge (NACK) signal, and ending the retransmission of the transport channel data if the response signal received from the serving Node B is an acknowledge (ACK) signal. |
| US08204444B2 |
Adjustable transmission filter responsive to internal sadio status
An adjustable filter is responsive to a control signal to change a frequency response of the adjustable filter based on at least one of a geographic location, frequency spectrum information, and a status of a secondary internal radio. The control signal may shift a center of the pass band from a first center frequency to a second center frequency and/or change a pass band bandwidth from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth. A transmitter includes an adjustable filter responsive to a control signal and controller configured to select a frequency response of the adjustable filter by generating the control signal based on a geographical location. In one aspect, the geographical location indicates a region of operation of the receiver and the frequency response is selected in accordance with the region. |
| US08204443B2 |
Adjustable receive filter responsive to internal radio status
An adjustable filter is responsive to a control signal to change a frequency response of the adjustable filter based on at least one of a geographic location, frequency spectrum information, and a status of a secondary internal radio. The control signal may shift a center of the pass band from a first center frequency to a second center frequency and/or change a pass band bandwidth from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth. A receiver includes an adjustable filter responsive to a control signal and controller configured to select a frequency response of the adjustable filter by generating the control signal based on a geographical location. In one aspect the geographical location indicates a region of operation of the receiver and the frequency response is selected in accordance with the region. |
| US08204434B2 |
Data transmission system for transmitting data via relay having multiple antennas
Disclosed is a data transmission system that transmits data using a relay. During a first time slot, a base station may transmit base station data to the relay, and a mobile station may transmit mobile station data to the relay. During a second time slot, the relay may transmit the mobile station data to the base station, and transmit the base station data to the mobile station. |
| US08204430B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a printer body having a developing portion and a fixing portion therein; a plurality of sheet feeding rollers successively disposed along a sheet discharge path of the printer body and driven to discharge a sheet from fixing portion to an upper portion of the printer body; and a rear cover portion having a rear cover provided on a side of the printer body to open and close, a guide rib member to guide the sheet from the fixing portion, an idle roller to rotate in contact with one of the sheet feeding rollers to feed the sheet, and a supplementary guide member to change a position thereof when the rear cover is open to prevent the sheet being discharged to the guide rib member from running into the idle roller. |
| US08204428B2 |
Image forming device capable of preventing detection error of test pattern on conveyor belt
A color laser printer includes a belt conveying device having a conveyor belt for conveying a recording medium, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium and a test pattern in a test-pattern area on a conveying surface of the conveyor belt, and a pressing member having a pressing surface that grows wider toward a downstream side with respect to a conveying direction in which the recording medium is conveyed and that presses the recording medium toward the conveying surface of the conveyor belt. The pressing member is disposed so that a prescribed gap is formed between the pressing surface of the pressing member and the test-pattern area on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt. |
| US08204427B2 |
Image forming apparatus with multiple lateral alignment positions
An image forming apparatus capable of reducing damage in a fixing section and printing a high-quality image on a sheet at low cost without reducing productivity. A sheet shifting mechanism is arranged upstream of a transfer roller and moves the sheet in a sheet lateral direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction. In order to change a position at which a sheet passes through a fixing roller, the sheet shifting mechanism is controlled for every conveyance of a predetermined number of sheets, whereby sheet movement in the sheet lateral direction is controlled. A correction amount for an error due to sheet shifting by the sheet shifting mechanism is stored for each of sheet shift positions. An image forming position in the sheet lateral direction of a photosensitive drum is shifted on the basis of the sheet shift position and the stored correction amount. |
| US08204426B2 |
Image processing for improving reliability of job-lock function
Whether a job-lock function is enabled is determined. Whether a current mode is a mode for outputting an image of an area on an original document onto a recording paper is determined. When the job-lock function is determined to be enabled, and when the current mode is the mode for outputting the image of the part of the area of the original document on the recording paper, the image of an area larger than the part of the area is read. It is possible to improve accuracy of recognizing a copying protection pattern, and to improve security, even when density unevenness is present on a copying prevented original document. |
| US08204425B2 |
Waste dry ink system with pressure equalizing hermetically sealed outer box
This is a novel xerographic marking system having a novel toner waste dispensing assembly. The assembly comprises a hermetically sealed outer box that houses a disposable waste toner container. The container is a biodegradable carton or bag that can be removed from the outer box when filled with waste toner. A feature of this invention is that the dispensing assembly can easily be retrofitted into existing marking systems. Also because the containers are inexpensive and biodegradable, the expensive prior art non-degradable waste containers and their adverse effect on the landfills can be avoided. |
| US08204419B2 |
Fixing device containing extended soaking member and image forming apparatus containing fixing apparatus
A portion 421 on each inner surface of both end sections 42c, 42d of an exciting coil 42, which is positioned on an outermost side in a width direction of a fixing roller 1, is positioned within an edge of a maximum paper feed area Z in the width direction of the fixing roller 1. A heat pipe 3 extends to farther outside of the maximum paper feed area Z in the width direction of the fixing roller 1. |
| US08204418B2 |
Fixing device with separation mechanism and image forming apparatus comprising the same
A separation mechanism of a fixing device includes a first separation member arranged opposite the first region in a state apart from the first region by a first gap, a second separation member arranged opposite the second region in a state apart from the second region by a second gap and at a position different from that of the first separation member in a direction orthogonal to the convey direction of the paper, a first gap adjustment member capable of moving the first separation member relative to the first region of the fixing member to adjust the first gap, and a second gap adjustment member capable of moving the second separation member relative to the second region of the fixing member to adjust the second gap. |
| US08204410B2 |
Developer cartridge, developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A developer cartridge includes a housing attachable to and detachable from a developing device and accommodating developer and an agitator agitating the developer in the housing and supplying the developer to the developing device through a supply opening of the housing. The agitator includes a rotation shaft, a support plate, a delivery agitation blade supported by the support plate and passing through a position opposing the supply opening along an inner surface of the housing by rotation of the rotation shaft, an entire width of a first end portion of the delivery agitation blade being supported by a distal end portion of the support plate, and an oblique agitation blade erected from a surface of the support plate and oblique to the rotation shaft in order to move the developer in an axial direction of the rotation shaft toward the supply opening. |
| US08204409B2 |
Image forming apparatus including bottle driving unit for toner bottle
In an image forming apparatus, a driving force transmitting member includes a protruding portion that can be removably attached to a concave portion of a toner bottle in a shaft line direction of a rotation shaft. The concave portion and the protruding portion can transmit a rotation driving force of the rotation shaft to the toner bottle by being connected with each other such that the concave portion and the protruding portion cannot be rotated relative to each other. A phase detection member includes a pin inserting hole that can select an attachment phase relative to the rotation shaft and can be fixed such that the phase detection member cannot be rotated relative to the rotation shaft. |
| US08204406B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a housing having an opening, a cover portion that can be disposed so as to cover the opening, a first connecting portion that connects the cover portion with the housing so that the cover portion is pivotable about a first pivotal axis and can switch between a closed state in which the opening is covered and an opened state in which the opening is exposed, a decorative portion that is disposed to be aligned with the cover portion on a side to the first pivotal axis in the cover portion, and forms a predetermined outer face of the housing along with the cover portion in the closed state, and a second connecting portion that connects the decorative portion with the housing so that the decorative portion is pivotable about a second pivotal axis, which is substantially parallel to the first pivotal axis. |
| US08204403B2 |
Two-color IOI drum module enabling N-color monochrome, highlight, full color, phototone color and extended color architectures
A xerographic marking device includes a media transport path and at least one two-color image-on-image (IOI) drum module. Each two-color IOI drum module includes in a process order around a photoreceptor: a) a first charging unit; b) a first exposure unit; c) a first development unit; d) a second charging unit; e) a second exposure unit; and f) a second development unit, wherein the intermediate transfer unit receives a first toned image and a second toned image from the photoreceptor in a single transfer and transfers those toner images to print media to produce a toned image on print media. In various embodiments, the xerographic marking device is modular and includes a common paper transport module having a cavity and a marking engine sized to fit within the cavity. |
| US08204393B2 |
Method for preventing the influence of the transfer of vibrations during the printing of images on a final image carrier
In a method for electrographic printing of color images on a final image carrier, charge images of images to be printed are generated on a charge image carrier and are developed into toner images with toner, the toner images being transferred onto an intermediate carrier from which they are transfer-printed onto the final image carrier. The charge images for individual colors of the color image are generated in succession on the charge image carrier and are developed into individual color toner images with color toner. The individual color toner images are transferred onto the intermediate carrier and are there collected atop of one another in a color collection cycle to form a complete color toner image. Before transfer printing of the complete color toner image on the final image carrier, the final image carrier is pivoted onto the intermediate carrier, and after the transfer printing, the final image carrier is pivoted away from the intermediate carrier. After transfer printing of the complete color toner image, the color toner images for a next complete color image are transferred from the charge image carrier onto the intermediate carrier after an end of the pivoting of the final image carrier away from the intermediate carrier. |
| US08204389B2 |
Electronic post-compensation of optical transmission impairments using digital backward propagation
Systems and method of compensating for transmission impairment are disclosed. One such method comprises: receiving an optical signal which has been distorted in the physical domain by an optical transmission channel; and propagating the distorted optical signal backward in the electronic domain in a corresponding virtual optical transmission channel. |
| US08204388B2 |
Transimpedance amplifier having a shared input
Consistent the present disclosure, a receive circuit is provided that includes a balanced detector portion and a transimpedance amplifier (TIA). The anode of one photodiode is connected to the cathode of the other by a bonding pad, which supplies the sum of the currents generated in each photodiode to an input of the TIA. Thus, the TIA may, for example, have a single input, as opposed to multiple inputs, thereby reducing the number of connections so that the photodiodes and the TIA may be integrated onto a smaller die. In addition, since there are few connections, fewer TIAs are required and differential stages are unnecessary. Power consumption is thus reduced, and, since the photodiode current is fed through one input to the TIA, fewer feedback resistors are required, thereby reducing thermal noise. In addition, since the anode of one photodiode is connected to the cathode of the other, the dark current generated in each flows in opposite directions, and is therefore effectively cancelled out. Since one input is provided, impedance matching with other inputs is unnecessary, nor is additional DC biasing circuitry needed. As described in greater detail below, an example of the present disclosure includes a bonding pad, which connects the two photodiodes and provides the input current to the TIA. |
| US08204387B2 |
Optical modulator and optical communication system
The optical modulator comprises an optical branching unit branching incident light into a first signal light and a second signal light; a first Mach-Zehnder modulator modulating the first signal light; a second Mach-Zehnder modulator modulating the second signal light; a phase shifter giving a fixed phase shift to the phase of the output light from the second Mach-Zehnder modulator; and an optical multiplexer multiplexing the output light from the first Mach-Zehnder modulator and the output light from the phase shifter. The phase shifter gives the phase shift so that the two input lights to the optical multiplexer have a phase difference of 60 degrees, and the first and second Mach-Zehnder modulators are driven by three-level signals. |
| US08204385B2 |
Optical device with reduced thermal tuning energy
An optical device that includes multiple optical modulators having actual operating wavelengths at a given temperature is described. Because of differences between the actual operating wavelengths and target operating wavelengths of the optical modulators, heating elements may be used to thermally tune the optical modulators so that the actual operating wavelengths match corresponding carrier wavelengths in a set of optical signals. Furthermore, control logic in the optical device may assign the optical modulators to the corresponding carrier wavelengths based at least on differences between the carrier wavelengths and the actual operating wavelengths, thereby reducing an average thermal tuning energy associated with the heating elements. |
| US08204383B2 |
Wireless communication interface for portable wireless terminal
A wireless communication interface for a portable wireless terminal and a system for wirelessly communicating by a portable wireless terminal with another device via a free space. The interface facilitates aligning the portable wireless device with another devices for improved communication. The interface including: a light source for generating a data-modulated visible light signal and outputting the visible light signal to the free space; an optical detector for generating an electrical signal by photoelectrically converting the visible light signal input from the free space, and for outputting the electrical signal. A demodulation unit demodulates the electrical signal input from the optical detector, and outputs a data signal. |
| US08204377B2 |
System, method and apparatus for joint self phase modulation compensation for coherent optical polarization-division-multiplexed orthogonal-frequency division-multiplexing systems
System, apparatus and method of optical communication are provided for performing digital compensation of the self-phase modulation (SPM) effect experienced by a polarization-division multiplexed (PDM) orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed (OFDM) signal in fiber transmission by compensating a complex digital waveform representing one orthogonal polarization component of the optical PDM-OFDM signal based on both digital waveforms representing two orthogonal polarization components of the PDM-OFDM signal. The compensation of the digital waveform may be further based on an anticipated mean total nonlinear phase shift experienced by the signal during fiber transmission due to SPM. The compensation may be divided into pre-compensation at the PDM-OFDM transmitter and post-compensation at the PDM-OFDM receiver. The fiber transmission link preferably includes a pre-dispersion compensation module, distributed inline dispersion compensation modules, and a post-dispersion compensation module arranged in a judiciously chosen manner. |
| US08204374B2 |
Reconfigurable multichannel (WDM) optical ring network with optical shared protection
A reconfigurable multi-channel (WDM) optical ring network with optical shared protection. Preferably, the shared protection is based on a channel optical shared protection ring. The reconfigurable multi-channel (WDM) ring network connects signals between add/drop nodes with reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADM). The ring architecture is used to provide redundant paths between any transmitter and receiver so that failure on one side of the ring does not cut the service. The optical shared protection ring supports full redundancy. The shared protection supports wavelength reuse and availability of protection bandwidth for low-priority traffic. The shared protection implementation can also provide full equipment redundancy including transponders if desired. The ROADM components allow for reconfiguration of the multiplexer from a remote site and can be used in a network having both shared and dedicated protection. |
| US08204369B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus whose posture is easily adjustable is provided. The imaging apparatus is configured to include an inclination detector detecting a degree of inclination of one of the imaging apparatus and an image captured by the imaging apparatus relative to a horizontal direction orthogonal to a direction of gravity; a display unit; a first inclination indicator unit allowing the display unit to display an indicator to indicate the degree of inclination according to a detection result from the inclination detector; a second inclination indicator unit notifying via sound according to a detection result from the inclination detector that the degree of inclination is over a predetermined value; and a selector unit allowing at least one of the first and second inclination indicator units to operate. |
| US08204368B2 |
Lens port
The device includes a lens port (1) for underwater photography attachable in use to housing. The port (1) has a control element which includes a knob (2) operable externally of the port (1) to engage and disengage a ring forming part of a camera lens positioned, in use, within the port (1). The construction will operate even if there is some misalignment between the port (1) and the lens during insertion of the lens into the port (1). |
| US08204365B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium having moving image generation program stored therein, computer-readable storage medium having moving image reproduction program stored therein, moving image generation apparatus, and moving image reproduction apparatus
For lower load in image encoding, the present invention causes the CPU core to function as the following sections: an editing execution section for an editing process, including shifting process, of an unprocessed image which may undergo previous editing process, under user's input; a shift amount calculation section for calculating the shift amount of the resultant edited image; a difference data calculation section for obtaining difference data between the processed image and an image obtained through shifting of the unprocessed image by the calculated shift amount; and an image addition section for storing, in the image storage section, the calculated shift amount, and the obtained difference data, so as to be associated with each other. |
| US08204362B2 |
Video recording and reproducing apparatus, and control method
An apparatus configured to acquire video content data and record the data in a storage unit and play back video based on the video content data includes: an upconverting processing unit configured to perform upconverting of the video content data recorded in the storage unit; an estimation unit configured to estimate a time period required for the upconverting of the video content data; an acquisition unit configured to acquire viewing deadline information that indicates a viewing deadline of the video content data and to acquire playback time period information that indicates a time period required to play back the video content data; and a control unit configured to determine whether the upconverting of the video content data is to be performed based on the time period estimated by the estimation unit, the viewing deadline information, and the playback time period. A related method is also disclosed. |
| US08204357B2 |
Reproducing device, reproducing method, reproducing program and recording medium
For a BD-ROM, a picture-in-picture function and a wallpaper display function are accomplished. A second video plane 50 for displaying a moving picture is added to planes 10, 11, and 12 for displaying a moving picture, a subtitle, and graphics, respectively. One of the outputs of the second video plane 50 and the video plane 10 is selected by a switch 51 on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Reduced moving picture data are stored on the second video plane 50. The switch 51 is controlled according to a display position of the reduced moving picture data on a pixel-by-pixel basis. As a result, reduced moving picture data of the second video plane 50 are displayed as a sub screen against the moving picture data of the video plane 10. When wallpaper picture data instead of the moving picture data are stored on the video plane 10, a display screen is obtained as if a wallpaper were displayed in the background of the reduced moving picture data. |
| US08204355B2 |
Image signal processing device, imaging device, and image signal processing method
An image signal processing device that includes: a recording section; a first processing section that calculates an amount of screen motion through detection of a motion of a captured image, and determines a frame rate through comparison between the amount of screen motion and a preset motion threshold value; and a second processing section that performs recording of the captured image to the recording section using the dynamically-variable frame rate notified by the first processing section. |
| US08204353B2 |
Apparatus and methods for tracking and analyzing digital recording device event sequences
Methods and apparatus for tracking a sequence of events associated with a digital recording device are disclosed. Example methods and apparatus read first information transmitted on a data bus in communication with a mass storage device associated with the digital recording device and identify a set of digital information to be stored on the mass storage device based at least in part on the first information. The example methods and apparatus read second information transmitted on the data bus to derive storage location information associated with the set of digital information. Additionally, the example methods and apparatus store time information together with the storage location information to generate a sequence of events record corresponding to the sequence of events associated with the digital recording device. |
| US08204345B2 |
Method of manufacturing printed circuit board for optical waveguides
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board for optical waveguides, including: preparing a base substrate; forming an optical waveguide, which includes a lower clad, a core formed on an upper middle of the lower clad, and an upper clad formed on the lower clad to surround an upper surface and a side surface of the core, on an upper middle of the base substrate; disposing a side substrate including a first side substrate that has a through hole, through which the optical waveguide penetrates, provided at the middle thereof and a first circuit pattern formed therein and a second side substrate disposed on the first side substrate on the upper part of the base substrate on which the optical waveguide is formed; disposing an upper substrate on the side substrate on which the through hole is formed; and stacking the side substrate and the upper substrate on the base substrate on which the optical waveguide is formed. |
| US08204343B2 |
Fault detection of a printed dot-pattern bitmap
Embodiments of the present invention enable fault detection in a printed dot-pattern image. Certain applications of the present invention are its use in various embodiments of a system for inspection of a printed circuit board (“PCB”) substrate. In embodiments, a generated distortion map is based on a comparison of a reconstructed dot-pattern image, a simulated reference bitmap, and an error map representing differences between the reconstructed dot-pattern image and the reference bitmap. In embodiments, the pixels of the distortion map are color coded to identify the locations and types of aberrations that were discovered as a result of the comparison. |
| US08204338B2 |
Factoring repeated content within and among images
Systems and/or methods that factor large-scale repeated content within and/or among images can include devices and components that factor received or acquired images into epitomes that include all the content of the received or acquired images and transform maps that encode how to construct a facsimile or a close approximation of the image by selecting transformed regions from the epitomes. Through use of both the epitomes and the transform maps in conjunction, a facsimile or a close approximation of the input image can be reconstructed and displayed. |
| US08204337B2 |
Image processing system and method for noise reduction
To provide an image processing apparatus which reduces, using a temporal noise removal scheme, image block distortion or noise and temporal flickering and fluctuation phenomena. The image processing apparatus (1) removing noise in an input image by adding a reference image to the input image includes a motion estimation unit (20) which generates motion information indicating a motion estimated for the input image; a motion compensation unit (30) which generates a after motion compensation second image corresponding to a before motion compensation first image by performing motion compensation using the generated motion information; a flatness degree calculation unit (40) which calculates a flatness degree of the input image; a blending rate calculation unit (53) which calculates addition rates for the input image, first image, and second image, using the calculated flatness degree; and a pixel addition unit (60) which adds the respective images according to the addition rates. |
| US08204334B2 |
Adaptive pixel-based filtering
In an implementation, a pixel is selected from a target digital image. Multiple candidate pixels, from one or more digital images, are evaluated based on values of the multiple candidate pixels. For the selected pixel, a corresponding set of pixels is determined from the multiple candidate pixels based on the evaluations of the multiple candidate pixels and on whether a predetermined threshold number of pixels have been included in the corresponding set. Further for the selected pixel, a substitute value is determined based on the values of the pixels in the corresponding set of pixels. Various implementations described provide adaptive pixel-based spatio-temporal filtering of images or video to reduce film grain or noise. Implementations may achieve an “even” amount of noise reduction at each pixel while preserving as much picture detail as possible by, for example, averaging each pixel with a constant number, N, of temporally and/or spatially correlated pixels. |
| US08204323B2 |
Image quality control techniques
A technique for controlling the quality of one or more compressed images. The technique allows, for example, the selection of a target quality metric(s) and the compression of the image(s) such the compressed image(s) meets the metric(s). Alternatively, a target quality metric can be specified, and the image(s) compressed using parameters estimated to achieve the target quality. Optionally, the quality metric can also be made available to, for example, a user on an image processing system. The quality metrics can be, for example, for one or more layers, one or more images and/or one or more image sequences. |
| US08204321B2 |
Method and apparatus for digital image coding
A method of coding a digital image includes subdividing the image into image blocks formed by a plurality of pixels, and processing each image block of the image, by determining a skip-mode prediction block in respect of the current image block being processed, calculating a difference between the image block being processed and the skip-mode prediction block, and comparing the calculated difference to a predetermined threshold. The calculation of the difference between the current image block being processed and the skip-mode prediction block includes: calculating a plurality of pixel-by-pixel differences between a pixel of the current image block and a corresponding pixel of the skip-mode prediction image block; associating a respective quantized value with each pixel-by-pixel difference; and cumulating the quantized values. |
| US08204319B2 |
Image compression apparatus and image compression method
An image compression apparatus includes: first and second imaging sections for capturing an image of a subject to generate first and second image signals, respectively; first and second encoding sections for encoding the first and second image signals to generate first and second image data, respectively; first and second distance measuring sections for measuring a distance to the subject for each of image blocks, at the same time as the first and second imaging sections perform image capturing, to generate first and second distance information, respectively; first and second multiplexing sections for generating first and second multiplexed data on the basis of the first and second image data and the distance, respectively, by respectively multiplexing the first and second image data and first and second distance data, which are generated on the basis of the first and second distance information and indicate the distance to the subject for each of predefined pixel blocks in the first and second image data, respectively; and a compression processing section for reducing amounts of the first and second multiplexed data to generate compressed data. The compression processing section generates the compressed data by extracting long-distance blocks in the first and second image data on the basis of the first and second distance data, respectively, calculating a differential between the long-distance blocks in the first and second multiplexed data, and deleting the long-distance blocks in the first or second multiplexed data which are identical to their counterparts in the other multiplexed data. |
| US08204317B2 |
Method and device for automatic generation of summary of a plurality of images
Method and device for providing a summary of a plurality of images, e.g. a video sequence. The method includes dividing the video sequence into a plurality of segments. The segments are analyzed with respect to content and a set of content descriptors are associated to the segments. Preferably, additional textual information about the segments, screenplay etc., is used to determine the content descriptors. A graph representing relations between the segments is constructed indicating relations between segments. Weights are associated to the relations so as to represent a measure of relation, e.g. a logical correlation, between segments. The weights are based on the calculated content descriptors. A relevance measure for a segment is determined based on all weights associated with relations to said segment. Finally, a summary is generated by selecting the most relevant segments. The method can create an automatic summary of a film that preserves all the logical plot of the original but is shorter in duration (e.g. 70% of the original film) while the original playback rate is preserved. |
| US08204315B2 |
Systems and methods for classification of biological datasets
This invention relates to supervised or unsupervised classification of biological datasets. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of Graph Embedding as a method of reducing dimensionality thereby improving supervised classification of classes, both conventional and new ones. |
| US08204310B2 |
Feature design for HMM based Eastern Asian character recognition
An exemplary method for online character recognition of East Asian characters includes acquiring time sequential, online ink data for a handwritten East Asian character, conditioning the ink data to produce conditioned ink data where the conditioned ink data includes information as to writing sequence of the handwritten East Asian character and extracting features from the conditioned ink data where the features include a tangent feature, a curvature feature, a local length feature, a connection point feature and an imaginary stroke feature. Such a method may determine neighborhoods for ink data and extract features for each neighborhood. An exemplary Hidden Markov Model based character recognition system may use various exemplary methods for training and character recognition. |
| US08204305B2 |
Daytime and nighttime image recognizing method and apparatus
In a daytime and nighttime image recognizing method and apparatus, the method comprises predefining an air region and a terrestrial region for each image captured by a camera apparatus; inputting an image captured by the camera apparatus; calculating a lightness value histogram for the air region of the input image; and determining a lighting condition of a photo environment of the camera apparatus based on the lightness value histogram for the air region of the input image. The daytime and nighttime image recognizing method and apparatus are able to correctly recognize the lighting condition of the environment even if the air region in an image is obstructed by a background or there are no lane lines in an image. Moreover, when an erroneous recognition occurs for an individual image, the interference caused by the erroneous recognition can be precluded efficiently. |
| US08204301B2 |
Iterative data reweighting for balanced model learning
Aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for forming generative models, for utilizing those models, or both. In embodiments, an object model fitting system can be developed comprising a 3D active appearance model (AAM) model. The 3D AAM comprises an appearance model comprising a set of subcomponent appearance models that is constrained by a 3D shape model. In embodiments, the 3D AAM may be generated using a balanced set of training images. The object model fitting system may further comprise one or more manifold constraints, one or more weighting factors, or both. Applications of the present invention include, but are not limited to, modeling and/or fitting face images, although the teachings of the present invention can be applied to modeling/fitting other objects. |
| US08204298B2 |
Focusing method and apparatus
Methods and apparatus for placing wafers axially in an optical inspection system. A “best worst” focus method includes a series of through-focus images of a test wafer acquired using full field of view of the inspection optics. The value of the worst quality in each image is associated with the respective axial location, forming a locus of “worst” values as a function of axial location. The axial location is chosen which optimizes the locus, giving an axial location that provides the “best-worst” image quality. A “video focus” method includes a series of through-focus images generated using reduced field of view. A figure of merit is associated with each image, providing through-focus information. The “video focus” can be calibrated against the “best worst” focus. Further, a point sensor can be used to generate a single z-value for one (x,y) location that can be calibrated with “video focus”. |
| US08204294B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting defects in coatings utilizing color-based thermal mismatch
A method of analyzing a thermal image of a coated substrate to determine the presence of defects includes determining a defect temperature range based on a color of the coated substrate and the maximum temperature of the coated substrate in the thermal image. Thereafter, the thermal image is processed by determining a signal value of a pixel of interest based on a temperature of the pixel of interest, temperatures of pixels in a kernel of pixels surrounding the pixel of interest, and the color of the coated substrate. The signal value of the pixel of interest is then compared to the lower temperature threshold of the defect temperature range, wherein the pixel of interest is a defect location when the signal value of the pixel of interest is greater than or equal to the lower temperature threshold. |
| US08204293B2 |
Document imaging and processing system
A document processing system comprising one or more document scanning devices that extract information from document images that uniquely identify a document. The system further comprises a central processor remotely connected to the document scanning devices. The central processor is configured to receive the document images and the extracted information from the document scanning devices and is further configured to execute a correction routine configured to adjust errors in the extracted information from the document image. |
| US08204291B2 |
Method and system for identifying defects in a radiographic image of a scanned object
A method for processing a radiographic image of a scanned object is provided. The method comprises acquiring radiographic image data corresponding to a scanned object and identifying one or more regions of interest in the radiographic image data corresponding to the scanned object. The method further comprises performing an image-contrast comparison of the radiographic image data corresponding to the scanned object and one or more reference radiographic images, to identify one or more defects in the radiographic image data corresponding to the scanned object. |
| US08204287B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing program
A hemorrhage edge candidate area extraction section extracts a candidate area for the outline part of a hemorrhage area, based on an image signal of a medical image constituted by multiple color signals obtained by capturing an image of a living body. A feature quantity calculation section calculates a feature quantity of the hemorrhage area based on calculation of the amount of change in the image signal in a small area including the candidate area, among multiple small areas obtained by dividing the medical image. A hemorrhage edge determination section determines whether or not the candidate areas are the outline part of the hemorrhage area based on the feature quantity. |
| US08204286B2 |
Radiation image detecting system, radiation image detecting method, computer readable medium and computer program product
A radiation image detecting system includes an image detecting information storing section storing thereon an image detecting condition under which a radiation image judged by a reader of the radiation image to be inappropriate is detected in association with a site whose radiation image is detected under the image detecting condition judged inappropriate, an image detecting information designating section designating, before a radiation image of an examined subject is detected, an image detecting condition under which the radiation image of the examined subject is detected and a site of the examined subject which is image-detected, and a warning section issuing an warning to a user when the image detecting condition designated by the image detecting information designating section falls within a predetermined range including an image detecting condition stored on the image detecting information storing section in association with the site designated by the image detecting information designating section. |
| US08204284B2 |
Fingerprint identifying system using a set of microstructure layers formed on one of top and bottom faces of light-transmissive finger press plate
A fingerprint identifying system includes a light source, a light-transmissive finger press plate, and an image-capturing unit. The light-transmissive finger press plate is disposed to receive light from the light source, and has a top face adapted to contact a finger, a bottom face, and at least one first microstructure layer formed on at least one of the top and bottom faces of the light-transmissive finger press plate for guiding the light received from the light source to uniformly scatter. The image-capturing unit is disposed below the light-transmissive finger press plate. |
| US08204279B2 |
Method, system and program for authenticating a user by biometric information
A computer readable medium embodying a program to be executed by a terminal device used for a biometric authentication, the program including: an image generation code generating an enrolled image and a verification image from biometric information of a user collected at a sensor coupled to the terminal device; a filter generation code generating a random filter for scrambling the enrolled image and an inverse filter of the random filter; a transformation code transforming the enrolled image to a registration template by applying the random filter to the enrolled image and transforming the verification image to a filtered verification image by applying the inverse filter to the verification image; communication code transmitting the registration template and the filtered verification image to a biometric server thereby the biometric server performs biometric authentication of the user based on the cross-correlation between the registration template and the filtered verification image. |
| US08204277B2 |
Apparatus and method for camera-bases lane marker detection
A method is provided for detecting road lane markers in a vehicle road using an imaging device. Road input data is captured using the imaging device. Lighting normalization is applied to the road input data. The method detects the road lane markers in a few main orientations in the normalized input data. In each main orientation, the normalized input data is convolved with an oriented edge detection filter for generating an oriented edge-based filter response. The normalized input data is convolved with an oriented line detection filter for generating an oriented line-based filter response. Candidate lane markers are selected in response to the edge-based filter response and line-based filter response in each main orientation. A transformation technique is applied to the candidate lane markers for identifying the lane markings in each main orientation. |
| US08204276B2 |
In-vehicle apparatus for recognizing running environment of vehicle
An in-vehicle running-environment recognition apparatus including an input unit for inputting an image signal from in-vehicle imaging devices for photographing external environment of a vehicle, an image processing unit for detecting a first image area by processing the image signal, the first image area having a factor which prevents recognition of the external environment, an image determination unit for determining a second image area based on at least any one of size of the first image area, position thereof, and set-up positions of the in-vehicle imaging devices having the first image area, an environment recognition processing being performed in the second image area, the first image area being detected by the image processing unit, and an environment recognition unit for recognizing the external environment of the vehicle based on the second image area. |
| US08204271B2 |
Digital watermark detecting apparatus
A digital watermark embedding apparatus includes: an extractor configured to extract a specific frequency component from each of N kinds of scaled images about an input image signal to generate N kinds of extracted signals; a generator configured to compress the amplitude of the respective extracted signals on the basis of N kinds of to-be-embedded information corresponding to the N kinds of extracted signals to generate watermark image signals by shifting the predetermined phases; and a superimposer configured to add the N kinds of watermark image signals to the input image signal to generate an output image signal. |
| US08204268B2 |
Wired control of earphone
The present invention provides a wired control of an earphone. The wired control includes a ring and a body. The ring defines an elastic material structure and a plurality of rails. The body defines at least one protrusion which is mounted with a plurality of circuit boards, wherein each circuit board is electrically mounted with a switch thereon; the ring is rotatably mounted on the body; and each switch is operable in response either to the elastic material structure being pressed or to the rails of the ring being rotated. When one of the switches is activated by the movement of the ring, the circuit board corresponding to the activated switch generates a trigger signal. |
| US08204262B2 |
Sound image localization processor, method, and program
There are provided: a means (101a) for storing standard head related transfer functions for reference positions from a virtual listener; a means (101) for, when given information (DIR, DIST) about a virtual sound source position, forming head related transfer functions (hL(k), hR(k)) as left ear and right ear head related transfer functions by selecting one of the stored standard head related transfer functions or by selecting two or more of them and interpolating; means (102, 103) for imprinting a sense of direction and distance on the audio listening signal by using the head related transfer functions thus obtained; and means (104, 105) for correcting a distance related to the obtained head related transfer functions and the sense of distance to the virtual sound source position, in the audio listening signals (sL(n), sR(n)) given the sense of direction and distance or the source audio listening signal (s(n)). A highly precise sense of distance can be provided in a small structure. |
| US08204261B2 |
Diffuse sound shaping for BCC schemes and the like
An input audio signal having an input temporal envelope is converted into an output audio signal having an output temporal envelope. The input temporal envelope of the input audio signal is characterized. The input audio signal is processed to generate a processed audio signal, wherein the processing de-correlates the input audio signal. The processed audio signal is adjusted based on the characterized input temporal envelope to generate the output audio signal, wherein the output temporal envelope substantially matches the input temporal envelope. |
| US08204258B2 |
Multiband audio dynamics processor
An audio system includes an automatic level controller receiving at least one input audio signal from at least one audio medium. The automatic level controller includes a gain adjust module for producing an output audio signal based on the at least one input audio signal. A difference between a maximum sound level and a minimum sound level of the at least one input audio signal is greater than a difference between a maximum sound level and a minimum sound level of the output audio signal. A filter arrangement is communicatively coupled to the automatic level controller. The filter arrangement receives the output audio signal and divides the output signal into a plurality of filtered signals. Each of the filtered signals corresponds to a respective frequency band. A multiband dynamics controller is communicatively coupled to the filter arrangement. The multiband dynamics controller receives the filtered signals and applies a different respective gain characteristic to each of the filtered signals to thereby produce a plurality of gain adjust signals. The gain adjust signals are combined into a multiband dynamics controller output signal. |
| US08204257B2 |
System and method for increasing ring tone volume
A method for increasing ring tone volume is provided. The method includes steps of: reading an audio file which is set as a current ring tone; determining whether the ring tone is a MP3 audio file or a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) audio file; adjusting frequencies by using an equalizer technique to increase volume of the ring tone if the ring tone is the MP3 audio file; adjusting a volume level of the ring tone to be the highest volume level, and adjusting timbre of the ring tone to increase the ring tone volume by simulating a musical score of the ring tone by using different instruments if the ring tone is the MIDI audio file. A related system is also provided. |
| US08204255B2 |
Method of distortion-free signal compression
An audio signal in which an audio signal is received as a stream of digital samples, each being a numerical value representing a sampled signal level. A first zero crossing point is identified and the received audio samples are stored until a second zero crossing point is identified, thereby storing a first half-wave of samples. The highest intensity sample is identified from the stored samples and this is compared against a predetermined threshold. All stored samples are scaled by an initial scaling factor so that the intensity of the highest intensity sample is not above this threshold. A second half-wave of samples is stored in which all samples of the second half-wave are below the threshold. All stored samples of the second half-wave are also scaled but by a modified scaling factor derived from a combination of the initial scaling factor and a decay factor. |
| US08204251B2 |
Amplifier apparatus and method
An amplifier start-up apparatus for reducing transient signals in a circuit, for example an audio circuit, comprising a reference voltage generator circuit for generating a reference voltage. The reference voltage generator circuit comprises a capacitor for maintaining the reference voltage at a desired level. The amplifier start-up apparatus comprises a control circuit for controlling the operation of the reference voltage generator circuit during power-up. The control circuit comprises an amplifier with a positive feedback path for controlling a current flow to the capacitor. |
| US08204250B2 |
Audio processing system and method
In an audio processing system and method, pull-up circuits and a capacitor circuit are used to cause gradual change in voltage levels of audio signals which would otherwise change abruptly due to high-speed switching when switching from a first audio signal to a second audio signal at a user's command. As a result, pop noise is prevented. |
| US08204249B2 |
Methods and systems for reducing acoustic echoes in multichannel audio-communication systems
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to adaptive real-time, acoustic echo cancellation methods and systems. One method embodiment of the present invention is directed to reducing acoustic echoes in microphone-digital signals transmitted from a first location to a second location. The first location includes a plurality of loudspeakers and microphones, each microphone produces one of the microphone-digital signals including sounds produced at the first location and acoustic echoes produced by the loudspeakers. The method includes determining approximate impulse responses, each of which corresponds to an echo path between the microphones and the loudspeakers. The method includes determining a plurality of approximate acoustic echoes, each approximate acoustic echo corresponds to convolving a digital signal played by one of the loudspeakers with a number of the approximate impulse responses. The acoustic echo in at least one of the microphone-digital signals is reduced based on the corresponding approximate acoustic echo. |
| US08204245B2 |
Bumper with speaker
A sound projecting bumper may include a vehicle bumper configured to be attached to a vehicle, the bumper comprising a plurality of uprights and at least one generally horizontal member, the bumper further comprising a horn for emitting sound, the horn comprising a driver, a cone, a speaker and a diaphragm for producing the sound, and wiring to connect the bumper device to the vehicle's electrical system. The horn may be configured to focus sound particularly forward of the vehicle. The driver may be attached to one of the uprights, and the bumper may include a second driver attached to a second one of the uprights. The horn may be generally aligned with one of the uprights, or the horn may be formed in a generally horizontal member. The bumper may further include a channel in the generally horizontal member, wherein the channel extends generally along a portion of the generally horizontal member, turning to form the horn. |
| US08204242B2 |
Active noise reduction adaptive filter leakage adjusting
An active noise reduction system using adaptive filters. A method of operation the active noise reduction system includes smoothing a stream of leakage factors. The frequency of a noise reduction signal may be related to the engine speed of an engine associated with the system within which the active noise reduction system is operated. The engine speed signal may be a high latency signal and may be obtained by the active noise reduction system over audio entertainment circuitry. |
| US08204241B2 |
Sound outputting apparatus, sound outputting method, sound output processing program and sound outputting system
The present invention provides a sound outputting apparatus, including: a housing; an electro-acoustic conversion section provided in the housing and configured to acoustically reproduce and output a sound signal; an acousto-electric conversion section provided at a position of the housing at which sound acoustically reproduced by the electro-acoustic conversion section can be collected; a removing section configured to remove a component of the sound signal from an output signal to be outputted from the acousto-electric conversion section based on an acoustic transfer function between the electro-acoustic conversion section and the acousto-electric conversion section; a decision section configured to decide whether or not a predetermined operation is performed for the housing based on an output signal from the removing section; and a control section configured to control so that a predetermined process is performed based on a result of the decision by the decision section. |
| US08204240B2 |
Apparatus and method for artificial reverberation
An apparatus and method for artificial reverberation having one or more input summing nodes receiving an input signal and which each feed a first series of delay elements and the output of which is thereafter summed, weighted, and fed back to the input summing nodes. Also, a feedback summing node which further feeds a second delay element which feeds an output with a signal which has multi-dimensional or multi-delay reverberation relative to the input signal. An alternative embodiment further feeds one or more of the first delay element outputs weighted via an output gain to an output summing node which also sums the output of the second delay element and provides a summed output having a multi-dimensional or multi-delay reverberation. The embodiment is easily and economically implemented via conventional integrated electronic circuits, a combination of analog and digital electronics, digital signal processors, microprocessors, micro-controllers, or computer algorithms. |
| US08204239B2 |
Audio processing method and audio processing apparatus
Samples of a component having a frequency less than a predetermined frequency in an input audio signal that is a digital signal having a predetermined sampling frequency are written in a memory. A harmonic-overtone signal having a frequency N times a frequency of the input audio signal is generated by repeating an operation N times, where N is an integer more than one, the operation including reading one sample and thinning out (N−1) samples for every N samples from the memory within each cycle period from a first one-direction zero-crossing point to a second one-direction zero-crossing point subsequent to the first one-direction zero-crossing point, each one-direction zero-crossing point being a point at which a level of the input audio signal changes from negative to positive or a point at which the level of the input audio signal changes from positive to negative. |
| US08204237B2 |
Adaptive primary-ambient decomposition of audio signals
A stereo audio signal is processed to determine primary and ambient components by transforming the signal into vectors corresponding to subband signals, and decomposing the left and right channel vectors into ambient and primary components by matrix and vector operations. Principal component analysis is used to determine a primary component unit vector, and ambience components are determined according to a correlation-based cross-fade or an orthogonal basis derivation. |
| US08204235B2 |
Center channel positioning apparatus
A center channel positioning apparatus is provided, which does not cause strange feeling in sound quality even at a position apart from an original listener position.A sound signal processing unit (40) changes a phase of at least one of a left sound signal for center channel positioning (CL) and a right sound signal for center channel positioning (CR), based on a processing coefficient, and causes a left speaker (46) and a right speaker (52) to output sound based on a center channel sound signal (C).The processing coefficient is calculated based on the difference in level between both ears in the case where the left sound signal for center channel positioning (CL) for the left speaker (46), and the right sound signal for center channel positioning (CR) for the right speaker (52) are reproduced simultaneously. |
| US08204230B2 |
Communication device, method for establishing a communication connection and method for using a communication connection
A communication device including a communication connection establishing circuit configured to establish an ad hoc network communication connection between the communication device, a second communication device and a third communication device, a generating circuit configured to generate encryption parameters to be used by the second communication device and the third communication device for encrypting and decrypting data transmitted between the second communication device and the third communication device via the communication connection when the first communication device has left the communication connection, a signaling circuit configured to signal the encryption parameters to the second communication device and the third communication device, and a disconnection circuit configured to remove the communication device from the communication connection. |
| US08204222B2 |
Steganographic encoding and decoding of auxiliary codes in media signals
Methods of steganographically encoding auxiliary data into audio and decoding the auxiliary data. In an encoding method, a processor maps the auxiliary data to samples in the audio data. A processor modifies the mapping of the auxiliary data to the samples over time. A processor modifies a feature of the samples of the audio data to which the code signals are mapped to convey the auxiliary data substantially imperceptibly in the audio data. In a decoding method, a processor performs decoding of a multibit auxiliary code embedded in an audio signal. A processor decodes code values of the auxiliary code from two or more different portions of the audio signal, each having the multibit auxiliary code. A processor combines the code values decoded from the two or more different portions of the audio signal to determine the code values of the auxiliary code. |
| US08204219B2 |
Cryptographic method and apparatus for enhancing computation performance of a central processing unit
A cryptographic method for enhancing computation performance of a central processing unit involves the execution of a conversion function of the cryptographic method by the central processing unit. The conversion function computation requires the use of a plurality of substitution boxes. The method comprises the steps of: (A) detecting a processing bit length of the central processing unit; (B) generating at least one new substitution box from original substitution boxes according to the processing bit length and a bit permutation sequence, each of the at least one new substitution box containing a plurality of new substitution values whose bit length is equal to the processing bit length; and (C) using a bit expansion operation, a bitwise exclusive OR operation, the selection operations that use the at least one new substitution box generated in step (B), a plurality of bitwise AND operations, and at least one bitwise OR operation to conduct the conversion function computation. The at least one new substitution box is designed according to different bit processing capabilities (e.g., 8 bits, 16 bits, 32 bits), such that the processing capability of a central processing unit can be fully utilized. |
| US08204217B2 |
Lightweight streaming protection by sequence number scrambling
Methods and apparatus for securely streaming multimedia packets, such as RTP packets, are disclosed, in which the payloads of the packets are shuffled. This reordering is performed using a shuffling function that depends on sequence numbers associated with each of the packets, a pre-determined group size N, and a pre-determined initialization value; in some embodiments this shuffling function comprises a cryptographic hashing function or other one-way function. A receiving device may reverse the shuffling, using a similar shuffling function, if the pre-determined group size N and the pre-determined initialization value are known. |
| US08204215B2 |
Method and apparatus for encrypting data
A method of encrypting data is provided. The method includes dividing data in packet units into N data blocks; generating an initial counter value using a random number used for generating an encryption key for encrypting the data blocks; generating N counter values by increasing the initial value by a predetermined value N times and encrypting the N counter values using the encryption key; and performing an exclusive OR operation on the N encrypted counter values and the N data blocks. |
| US08204214B2 |
Method and system for generating data transaction ID
A method for generating a data transaction ID for an interaction between first and second units, the method comprising: the first data unit generating a first data item as a function of a first time data element, the first time data element being representative of a first time value, and transmitting the first data item to the second data unit; the second data unit generating a second data item as a function of the received first data item and transmitting the second data item to the first data unit; and the first data unit generating a third data item as a function of the second data item and a second time data element, the second time data element being representative of a second time value, wherein the third data item comprises a transaction ID unique to the interaction between the first and second data units. |
| US08204206B2 |
Systems and methods for selection of a communication path
Embodiments of systems for selecting a communication path related to a networked contact center comprise a communication module configurable to receive data indicating that a customer of a tenant is seeking to initiate a communication with the tenant, and a path selection module configurable to register a first location, the first location being a geographical location of an agent associated with the tenant, determine a second location, the second location being a geographical location of the customer of the tenant, and based on the first location and the second location, establish the communication between the agent and the customer using a communication path having low communication latency. |
| US08204205B1 |
Method for increasing the efficiency of automated telephony systems
The problem of an automated telephony system having only a single way to measure a caller's difficulty in processing a transaction when using the system is solved by selecting from at least two thresholds for measuring the caller's difficulty. Having a choice of alternative thresholds to measure the caller's difficulty, referred to as inefficiency thresholds, allows for a more responsive approach to managing an automated telephony system. This choice of inefficiency thresholds overcomes multiple problems of systems only using one inefficiency threshold, such as: (1) transferring a call to a live agent to quickly, (2) transferring a call to a live agent to slowly, and (3) giving a caller a feeling that the automated telephony system is unresponsive to his or her needs. Having multiple inefficiency thresholds from which to choose allows for a more dynamic response to a diverse audience of callers and to different needs of a single caller during the various parts of a call. |
| US08204204B2 |
Method and apparatus for proper routing of customers
A customer-agent routing system (102) has a memory (102B) for storage, and a processor (102A) for controlling operations of the memory. The processor is programmed to retrieve (210) from the memory historical information about a calling party, restrict (212) access to one or more of a plurality of services according to the retrieved historical information, and process (218) a service request from the calling party according to the restricted services. |
| US08204202B2 |
Method and system for playing ringing back tone in IMS network
A method for playing a Ring Back Tone (RBT) in an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is disclosed. The method includes: after the network receives an RBT playing request, obtaining the current status information of the called user; determining an RBT ID corresponding to the called user ID and the current status information of the called user according to the corresponding relationship; and playing the RBT to the calling user. A system and Multimedia Ring Back Tone Application Server (MRBT AS) for playing an RBT in the IMS network are also provided. An RBT may be selected and played to the calling user according to the current status of the called user. |
| US08204200B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for overriding a ring back signal
Overriding a ring back signal involves receiving a ring back signal at a communications apparatus from a communication network in response to a user-initiated connection request. The ring back signal is rendered to a user of the communications apparatus, and a user input is received at the communications device to override the ring back signal. An alternate output is rendered to the user in place of the ring back signal. |
| US08204199B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring device status
The monitor is for monitoring the status of a first client telephone, and for sending this status information via a central server to an authorized second client telephone. The central server stores a database of registered client telephones and corresponding client telephones that the client may monitor. A user of a registered client telephone monitors in real time the telephone status of registered friends, family, or co-workers that have agreed to be monitored by the user. |
| US08204197B2 |
Method and system for conference call scheduling via e-mail
A method and system for conference call scheduling using e-mail. The method and system can receive and parse an e-mail received from a conference moderator, containing scheduling and participant information and schedule a conference call with minimal further user intervention. In essence, the method and system can operate as a virtual administrative assistant to identify and collect telephone contact information for each of the proposed conference call participants, using a customizable hierarchy of internal and external sources of contact information. In this manner, the conference moderator does not need know telephone contact information for each conference call participant. |
| US08204195B2 |
Multi-conferencing capability
A system and method for providing the capability to simultaneously manage multiple conference calls, move participants in the conference calls from one conference call to another and subdivide or join multiple conference calls together, and the like, wherein a participant seeking to initiate conference calls does so at his or her endpoint by selecting conference call identifiers, where the identifiers identify conference calls to be created. The initiating participant then selects the participants to be associated with the particular calls and confirms the selection. Upon confirmation of the selection, the conference calls among the selected participants are established. |
| US08204194B2 |
Communication system and method
A method of determining information relating to one or more users of one or more communication devices in a communication system comprising receiving a request for information, retrieving data relating to an association between communication devices and users identified in the request, obtaining presence information relating to communication devices in the communication system, and supplying the information, the information being determined in part on the obtained presence information and in part on the retrieved association data. |
| US08204193B2 |
Telephone device
The television receiver apparatus in the prior art has such a problem that, when phone calls come in this receiver set while the user watches a television, incoming calls of all phone calls are informed and also the television watching is suspended or interrupted. A telephone device of the present invention includes a phone book portion 7 for storing previously the sender information used to specify the sender as phone book information, and an incoming call display control portion 8 for executing control such that the sender information obtained from the incoming call sensing portion 5 is compared with the phone book information when the incoming call sensing portion sensed the incoming call while the content of the television broadcasting is displayed on the display portion 9, and the content of the television broadcasting and the sender information or the phone book information are displayed simultaneously on the display portion 9 when the sender information coincides with the phone book information or the sender information or the phone book information is not displayed when the sender information does not coincide with the phone book information. Such an effect can be achieved that, when the phone call comes in from the sender except those being listed previously in the phone book portion while the user watches the television, it can be prevented that the incoming call is displayed simultaneously on the television screen. |
| US08204187B2 |
Phone dialing method
A phone dialing method is carried out on a communication device when browsing photos so as to make a phone call. First, a browser is activated to load a picture. Face features of all the existing human faces are detected. The face features of all contacts in a directory are compared to find out the contact matching the characters of human face. Then, the phone number of the contact is dialed. Further, after the picture is loaded, a user may set an identification area to narrow down the scope of identifying human faces. After that, the characters of human face of the selected human face are analyzed, and a search is made in the directory to find the contact matching the characters of human face. Finally, call contact by the number of directory. |
| US08204186B2 |
Selectable audio and mixed background sound for voice messaging system
Methods, systems, computer program products, and methods of doing business by selectably mixing one or more sound files with a telephone caller's voice message, either as background for that message or embedded within the message. Or, the mixing may occur within a telephone conversation between parties. The disclosed techniques enable alleviating some of the problems that result from distance communication (as contrasted to face-to-face communication). In particular, context information (such as emotional context) can be provided through appropriate use of background sound and/or embedded audio files. The disclosed techniques may also make communication through voice mail exchange more enjoyable and/or increase its productivity. |
| US08204182B2 |
Dialect translator for a speech application environment extended for interactive text exchanges
The present solution includes a real-time automated communication method. In the method, a real-time communication session can be established between a text exchange client and a speech application. A translation table can be identified that includes multiple entries, each entry including a text exchange item and a corresponding conversational translation item. A text exchange message can be received that was entered into a text exchange client. Content in the text exchange message that matches a text exchange item in the translation table can be substituted with a corresponding conversational item. The translated text exchange message can be sent as input to a voice server. Output from the voice server can be used by the speech application, which performs an automatic programmatic action based upon the output. |
| US08204177B2 |
Offender message delivery system
A correctional facility communication system for sending an external message to an offender of a correctional facility is disclosed. The correctional facility communication system includes a messaging system and a correctional facility system coupled together with a wide area network. The messaging system is at a first location and the correctional facility system is at a second location, different from the first location. The messaging system authenticates a sender of the external message, receives the external message in electronic form at the first location, checks the external message against criteria specified by the correctional facility, determine a second location of the offender and a corresponding printer, and sends the external message to the second location for automatic printing with the corresponding printer. |
| US08204176B2 |
System for instructing individuals on the dialing sequence for emergency number 911 using distinctly colored 9 and 1 buttons
A method in one example has: applying, for a telephone having a plurality of number buttons having at least a nine button and a one button, a first predetermined color to the nine button and a second predetermined color to the one button, the remaining number buttons having a third predetermined color, the first, second, and third predetermined colors being three different colors; and pushing the number buttons in a sequence first predetermined color—second predetermined color—second predetermined color to dial an emergency telephone number. In one embodiment the first predetermined color may be red, and the second predetermined color may be yellow. Therefore, a 911 emergency telephone number may be dialed by pushing the number buttons in the order red-yellow-yellow. |
| US08204174B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of X-ray beams generated by multiple small area sources and by use of facing sides of adjacent monochromator crystals
Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of X-ray beams generated by multiple small area sources are disclosed. A plurality of monochromator crystals may be positioned to intercept the plurality of first X-ray beams such that a plurality of second X-ray beams each having predetermined energy levels is produced. Further, an object to be imaged may be positioned in paths of the second x-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emitting from the object a plurality of transmission X-ray beams. The X-ray beams may be directed at angles of incidence upon a plurality of analyzer crystals for detecting an image of the object. |
| US08204170B2 |
Shift register circuit
A shift register circuit includes plural shift register stages for providing plural gate signals. Each shift register stage includes a pull-up unit, a pull-up control unit, an input unit, a first pull-down unit, a second pull-down unit, and a pull-down control unit. The pull-up control unit generates a first control signal according to a driving control voltage and a first clock. The pull-up unit pulls up a corresponding gate signal according to the first control signal. The input unit is utilized for inputting the gate signal of a preceding shift register stage to become the driving control voltage according to a second clock having a phase opposite to the first clock. The pull-down control unit generates a second control signal according to the driving control voltage. The first and second pull-down units pull down the corresponding gate signal and the first control signal respectively according to the second control signal. |
| US08204166B2 |
Clock circuit with clock transfer capability and method
An apparatus including a multiplexer configured to provide an output clock selected from a source clock, a destination clock, and a transition clock is provided. The apparatus further includes a phase difference calculation module configured to calculate a phase difference between the source clock and the destination clock and a clock generation module configured to generate a plurality of clocks. The apparatus further includes a clock selection module configured to select one of the plurality of clocks as the transition clock and a control circuit configured to provide: (1) a signal to the clock selection module for selecting one of the plurality of clocks as the transition clock based on the phase difference between the source clock and the destination clock and (2) a signal to the multiplexer to provide as the output clock one of the source clock, the destination clock, or the transition clock. |
| US08204165B2 |
Jitter measurement apparatus, electronic device, and test apparatus
There is provided a jitter measurement apparatus to measure jitter of a signal under measurement. The jitter measurement apparatus includes a pulse generator that outputs a demodulated signal indicating the jitter of the signal under measurement, by outputting a pulse having a substantially constant pulse width in synchronization with each predetermined edge of the signal under measurement, a DC component detecting section that detects a DC component of the demodulated signal output from the pulse generator, and an adjusting section that adjusts the pulse width of the pulse output from the pulse generator, based on the DC component of the demodulated signal which is detected by the DC component detecting section. |
| US08204161B2 |
Configurable all-digital coherent demodulator system for spread spectrum applications
A configurable all-digital coherent demodulator system for spread spectrum digital communications is disclosed herein. The demodulator system includes an extended and long code demodulator (ELCD) coupled to a traffic channel demodulator (TCD) and a parameter estimator (PE). The demodulator also includes a pilot assisted correction device (PACD) that is coupled to the PE and the TCD. The ELCD provides a code-demodulated signal to the TCD and the PE. In turn, the TCD provides a demodulated output data signal to the PE. The PACD corrects the phase error of the demodulated output data based on an error estimate that is fed forward from the PE. Accumulation operations in the ELCD, TCD, and PE are all programmable. Similarly, a phase delay in the PACD is also programmable to provide synchronization with the error estimate from the PE. |
| US08204159B2 |
Calibrated pulsed serial link
Circuitry for decoding data from a pulsed signal received on a single line, the circuitry comprising receiving means for receiving a first edge and a second edge on the single line, the first and second edges being separated by a time period, the time period representing said data; decode circuitry comprising determining means arranged to determine a value of the time period and decoding means arranged to decode said data based on said determined value of the time period; a memory arranged to store a reference value; and calibration means for calibrating said decode circuitry based on a comparison between said determined value of the time period and said reference value, wherein the determining means comprises a plurality of sampling units for sampling said pulsed signal at different times, and selection means for selecting the output of one of said sampling units to decoded. |
| US08204157B2 |
Wireless communications device for signal with selected data symbol mapping and related methods
A wireless communications device may include a wireless receiver for receiving a Gaussian phase shift keyed signal having a selected data symbol mapping, and a demodulator coupled to the wireless receiver for demodulating the Gaussian phase shift keyed signal using memory-less data symbol decisions based upon the selected data symbol mapping. |
| US08204152B2 |
Digitally synchronized receiving device and associated signal processing method
A digitally synchronized receiving device and an associated signal processing method are provided. The digitally synchronized receiving device can receive data transmitted by a transmitter. The transmitter and the receiving device belong to a first clock domain and a second clock domain respectively. The receiving device performs synchronization in a digital manner, so as to deal with the problem of the analog solution in prior arts and the synchronization for interference cancellation. |
| US08204140B2 |
Subscriber unit and method for variable forward error correction (FEC) decoding
The present invention provides for making code rate adjustments and modulation type adjustments in a pseudonoise (PN) encoded CDMA system. Coding rate adjustments may be made by changing the number of information bits per symbol, or Forward Error Code (FEC) coding rate. A forward error correction (FEC) block size is maintained at a constant amount. Therefore, as the number of information bits per symbol are increased, an integer multiple of bits per epoch is always maintained. The scheme permits for a greater flexibility and selection of effective data rates providing information bit rates ranging from, for example, approximately 50 kilobits per second to over 5 mega bits per second (Mbps) in one preferred embodiment. |
| US08204137B2 |
Channel equalizer and method of processing broadcast signal in DTV receiving system
A channel equalizer includes a first transformer, an estimator, an average calculator, a second transformer, a coefficient calculator, a compensator, and a third transformer. The first transformer converts normal data into frequency domain data, where a known data sequence is periodically repeated in the normal data. The estimator estimates channel impulse responses (CIR) during known data intervals adjacent to each normal data block. The average calculator calculates an average value of the CIRs. The second transformer converts the average value into frequency domain data. The coefficient calculator calculates equalization coefficients using the average value, and the compensator compensates channel distortion of each normal data block using the coefficients. The third transformer converts the compensated data block into time domain data. |
| US08204136B2 |
Image encoding apparatus
This invention provides a technique of efficiently executing prediction error calculation processing while preventing any increase in the circuit scale. An encoding apparatus of this invention includes a determination unit determining the size of an encoding target pixel block, a plurality of predicted value calculation units, a first error calculation unit calculating, based on a predicted value from a predicted value calculation unit in a prediction mode using one reference pixel value, the prediction error in the determined pixel block size, a second error calculation unit calculating, based on a predicted value from a predicted value calculation unit in a prediction mode for calculating a predicted value based on a plurality of reference pixel values, the prediction error in the determined pixel block size, and a unit determining, based on the sum of the prediction errors from the first and second error calculation units, a prediction mode. |
| US08204135B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception system utilizing mull packet and TRS code to improve receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcasting transmission and/or reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TRS encoder for to TRS-encode a MPEG-2 transmission stream having null data for inserting a Known data and a TRS parity at predetermined positions, randomizer to input and randomize data stream from the TRS encoder, a null packet exchanger to replace the null data for inserting the Known data to the 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 and further uses the TRS parity for correcting error of the received signal, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08204134B2 |
Grouping of image frames in video coding
A method of decoding a compressed video sequence, wherein image frames are entered into a buffer memory in connection with the decoding. The video sequence includes an indication relating to at least one discontinuity in the numbering of the image frames, which indication is decoded from the video sequence. Then, in response to the indication, the buffer memory is configured to provide a number of image frames corresponding to a discontinuity in the numbering of the image frames, and the image frames provided by the buffer memory are used in the decoding process. Preferably, said indication informs that at least one discontinuity in the numbering of the image frames in the video sequence are intentional, and the number of image frames provided by the buffer memory are used in place of image frames that do not exist at a decoder. |
| US08204133B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding multi-view video using image stitching
Provided is a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding multi-view video data. The encoding method includes: decomposing each view image of the multi-view video into an overlapped region and a non-overlapped region, the overlapped region being overlapped with other view image and the non-overlapped region not being overlapped with other view image; generating a stitched image by combining the non-overlapped region of each view image and a middle view image; encoding the stitched image using a first encoding algorithm; and encoding the overlapped region of each view image, using a second encoding algorithm. Further, the decomposing step includes the steps of estimating disparity information for each view image, based on a predetermined view image; and decomposing each view image into said overlapped region and said non-overlapped region using the estimated disparity information. |
| US08204132B2 |
H.264 decoder equipped with multiple operation units and method for decoding compressed image data thereof
Disclosed is an H.264 decoder equipped with multiple operation units, and a method for decoding compressed image data using same. The decoder comprises a plurality of operation units that successively perform a Variable Length Decoding (VLD) operation, an Inverse Transform & DeQuantization (ITDQ) operation, and an intra PREDiction & inter PREDiction (PRED) operation with respect to a macroblock for which each operation unit is to perform a decoding operation, on receiving information on a macroblock, for which each operation unit is to carry out the decoding operation, with reference to a synchronization information storage unit. When the VLD, ITDQ, and PRED operations have been completed with respect to all macroblocks, the synchronization information storage unit is initialized, and the multiple operation units perform Deblocking Filter (DF) operations with respect to macroblocks for which the operation units are to carry out the DF operations respectively, and then, complete decoding of compressed image data currently received. |
| US08204126B2 |
Video codec apparatus and method thereof
An optimal interpolation frame is achieved by estimating optimal motion vectors both for a coding process and an interpolation frame generating process. A video codec apparatus coding and decoding a video and generating an interpolation frame in the decoding includes a motion vector estimation unit calculating an evaluation value to evaluate a correlation between images using a calculating formula and estimates a motion vector using the evaluation value, a motion vector coding unit coding video data using the motion vector and outputs a coded stream, video decoding unit decoding the coded stream and outputs video frames generated by the decoding, a frame interpolation unit generating interpolation frame using the motion vector, a cost calculating formula selecting unit selecting the calculation method depending upon whether the coding by the motion vector coding unit or the generating an interpolation frame by the frame interpolation unit is being executed. |
| US08204125B2 |
Fast motion estimation in scalable video coding
Scalable Video Coding is recently attracting attentions due to its high flexibility. The current H.264/AVC scalable extension has adopted the Motion Compensated Temporal Filter (MCTF) framework to provide temporal scalability. In this paper, described is another fast motion estimation (ME) algorithm based on the MCTF framework. Simulation results show that the herein described algorithm can reduce the encoding complexity significantly while maintaining similar bit rate and PSNR, comparing with existing fast ME algorithms implemented in the reference software. |
| US08204119B2 |
Moving picture prediction method, moving picture coding method and apparatus, and moving picture decoding method and apparatus
A moving picture prediction method for enabling a calculation amount and a storage capacity to be reduced in a prediction about a moving picture by scaling processing is provided. A method for predicting the value P of Time T from the value P0 of Time T0 and the value P1 of Time T1 includes a step of judging whether it is possible to generate a predictive value with a predetermined significant number of bits by scaling using Time T0, T1 and T (Step S90); a step of predicting the value P from the values P0 and P1 by scaling using Time T0, T1 and T when it is possible to generate a predictive value with the predetermined significant number of bits (Step S92); and a step of predicting the value P from the values P0 and P1 without using Time T0, T1 and T when it is impossible to generate a predictive value with the predetermined significant number of bits (Step S91). |
| US08204118B2 |
Video encoding method and decoding method, apparatuses therefor, programs therefor, and storage media which store the programs
A video encoding apparatus used in encoding of a multi-viewpoint image. The apparatus generates a synthetic image for a camera used for obtaining an encoding target image, by using an already-encoded reference camera image having a viewpoint different from the viewpoint of the camera used for obtaining the encoding target image, and disparity information between the reference camera image and the encoding target image, thereby encoding the encoding target image. A predicted image for a differential image between an input image of an encoding target area to be encoded and the synthetic image generated therefor is generated, and a predicted image for the encoding target area, which is represented by the sum of the predicted differential image and the synthetic image for the encoding target area, is generated. A prediction residual represented by a difference between the predicted image for the encoding target area and the encoding target image of the encoding target area is encoded. |
| US08204116B2 |
Video frame encoding and decoding
A video frame arithmetical context adaptive encoding and decoding scheme is presented which is based on the finding, that, for sake of a better definition of neighborhood between blocks of picture samples, i.e. the neighboring block which the syntax element to be coded or decoded relates to and the current block based on the attribute of which the assignment of a context model is conducted, and when the neighboring block lies beyond the borders or circumference of the current macroblock containing the current block, it is important to make the determination of the macroblock containing the neighboring block dependent upon as to whether the current macroblock pair region containing the current block is of a first or a second distribution type, i.e., frame or field coded. |
| US08204113B2 |
Moving picture coding apparatus, moving picture decoding apparatus, and stream data
A signal separation unit (101) separates an input picture made up of component pictures of RGB, each of which has an equal number of pixels as the input picture, into three component pictures, and outputs the three component pictures. Each of coding units (102 to 104) codes one of the component pictures into an intra-picture prediction coded picture or an inter-picture prediction coded picture, and outputs a bit stream corresponding to the component picture. A bit stream multiplexing unit (105) multiplexes three bit streams outputted from the three coding units into one bit stream, and outputs the bit stream. Each of the coding units (102), (103) and (104) determines a prediction method for the component picture at the time of coding. |
| US08204111B2 |
Method of and device for coding a video image sequence in coefficients of sub-bands of different spatial resolutions
A video image sequence including coefficients of frequency sub-bands with different spatial resolutions is coded. A data stream including at least one restitution level (Niv N−2, Niv N−1, Niv N) is formed. The restitution levels have coefficients of frequency sub-bands whose spatial resolution equals a spatial resolution of the restitution level. There are inserted, in at least one restitution level, coefficients of frequency sub-bands with a spatial resolution higher than the spatial resolution or resolutions of the restitution level. |
| US08204109B2 |
Overcomplete basis transform-based motion residual frame coding method and apparatus for video compression
The present invention provides a method to compress digital moving pictures or video signals based on an overcomplete basis transform using a modified Matching Pursuit algorithm. More particularly, this invention focuses on the efficient coding of the motion residual image, which is generated by the process of motion estimation and compensation. A residual energy segmentation algorithm (RESA) can be used to obtain an initial estimate of the shape and position of high-energy regions in the residual image. A progressive elimination algorithm (PEA) can be used to reduce the number of matching evaluations in the matching pursuits process. RESA and PEA can speed up the encoder by many times for finding the matched basis from the pre-specified overcomplete basis dictionary. Three parameters of the matched pattern form an atom, which defines the index into the dictionary and the position of the selected basis, as well as the inner product between the chosen basis pattern and the residual signal. The present invention provides a new atom position coding method using quad tree like techniques and a new atom modulus quantization scheme. A simple and efficient adaptive mechanism is provided for the quantization and position coding design to allow a system according to the present invention to operate properly in low, medium and high bit rate situations. These new algorithm components can result in a faster encoding process and improved compression performance over previous matching pursuit based video coders. |
| US08204107B2 |
Bandwidth reduction mechanism for polar modulation
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of reducing phase and amplitude modulation bandwidth in polar transmitters. The bandwidth reduction mechanism of the present invention effectively reduces the phase modulation bandwidth of the polar modulation performed in the transmitter by modifying the zero-crossing trajectories in the IQ domain. This significantly reduces the phase modulation bandwidth while still meeting the output spectrum and error vector magnitude (EVM) requirements of the particular modern wideband wireless standard, such as 3G WCDMA, etc. The mechanism detects a zero crossing or a near zero crossing within a predetermined threshold of the origin and an offset vector is generated that when added to the input TX IQ data, shifts the trajectory to avoid the origin thus reducing the resultant polar modulation amplitude and phase bandwidth. |
| US08204106B2 |
Adaptive compression of video reference frames
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing intermediate compression or decompression for use with a video decoder and a memory. In one aspect, there is provided a method including receiving information to enable compression of a macroblock. At an intermediate section coupled to a video decoder and a memory, a macroblock may be compressed. The compression of the macroblock may be based on the received information. The compressed macroblock may be provided to memory. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described. |
| US08204103B1 |
Scalable equalizer for multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) wireless transmission
Systems and techniques relating to processing information received from a spatially diverse transmission. In some implementations, an apparatus includes an input configured to receive data that has been transmitted over a wireless channel using multiple transmit antennas, nt, and multiple receive antennas, nr; and an equalizer responsive to multiple data streams corresponding to the multiple receive antennas and configured to generate an equalization matrix, Gntxnr, using a kernel matrix order updated from n(t−i)xn(r−j) to ntxnr, the kernel matrix updates being distributed across preamble processing operations. The input can be responsive to a selectable number of at least four antennas in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) system, and the equalizer can be configured to distribute the kernel matrix updates across multiple training fields of data preambles. |
| US08204085B1 |
Virtual concatenation for parallel data streams
It is often required to send a plurality of streams of data in parallel between two network nodes in a synchronous transmission network and also to maintain a particular alignment between those streams of data. This is particularly required when the streams of data are to be transmitted over a wide area network, for example, for data mirroring applications. Virtual concatenation is used for each of the individual data streams as known in the art and in addition, the individual virtual concatenation processes are synchronized or co-ordinated. At a destination node it is then possible to realign the individual data streams with respect to one another. |
| US08204075B2 |
Inter-device wireless communication for intra-device communications
To support an intra-device communication using inter-device wireless communications, an RF bus controller is operably coupled to receive an RF bus access request from one of a plurality of circuit modules for an intra-device RF communication. The RF bus controller determines whether to grant the RF bus access request using intra-device RF bus resources or inter-device RF bus resources. The RF bus controller determines desired inter-device RF bus resources of another device when the inter-device RF bus resources are to be used. The RF bus controller transmit a request for access to the desired inter-device RF bus resources to an RF bus controller of the another device. The RF bus controller establishes an RF communication link between the one of the plurality of circuit modules and a target circuit module of another IC within the device when access to the desired inter-device RF bus resources is granted. |
| US08204074B2 |
Flexible MAC/PHY association
A system and method for allowing flexible associations between PHY devices and MAC devices in a point-to-multipoint communications system, such that a given upstream channel is not deterministically bound to a particular MAC device. An upstream MAC device may connect to a varying number of PITY devices depending on configured PHY capacity. Upstream service flows are kept intact by noting Service identifiers (SIDs) of each burst received at a PHY device. A burst is then directed via a switching infrastructure to the appropriate MAC on the basis of the SID. |
| US08204073B1 |
Personalized television
A method, system, and medium providing personalized media content to a display device. The method includes receiving television programming at a media-receiving device from a content provider (where the media-receiving device includes a wireless-communications component that transmits to and receives data from a mobile communications device in a protocol via a wireless personal area network (PAN) that is effective within a distance range from the wireless-communications component), incident to a mobile communications device entering the distance range, receiving identifying indicia associated with the mobile communications device, communicating the identifying indicia to at least one database to retrieve profile data from at least one profile associated with the mobile communications device; and communicating personalized media content to the display device, the personalized media content based on at least a portion of the profile data associated with at least one profile associated with the mobile communications device. |
| US08204072B2 |
Method and devices for determining available frequency ranges
A method of determining available frequency ranges for at least one communication device is provided. The method comprises providing a downlink transmission time interval, determining available frequency ranges within a plurality of frequency ranges after the downlink transmission time interval, and providing an uplink transmission time interval after the determining of the available frequency ranges. |
| US08204071B2 |
Methods and devices for allocating frequency ranges
A method of allocating frequency ranges to at least one communication device is provided. The method comprises determining available frequency ranges within a plurality of frequency ranges, combining the available frequency ranges to at least one combined logical frequency range, and allocating the at least one combined logical frequency range to the at least one communication device. |
| US08204063B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing remote IP network elements through SONET network elements
A method and apparatus for transmitting an IP packet between first and second remotely located IP end devices via a network operating under OSI. An IP interface is overlaid over OSI in the routers that are directly connected to the IP devices. These routers act as gateways, communicating with each other using OSI but able to convey IP information to the first and second IP devices via the overlaid IP interface. |
| US08204055B2 |
Multicast over unicast in a network
A method is described for receiving a multicast in user devices in a network issuing a request to join a multicast group, identifying multicast data packets associated with the multicast group, monitoring transmissions of the multicast data packets to determine whether the identified multicast data packets are being transmitted in an already established unicast session and establishing a unicast session and processing multicast data packets if an already established unicast session does not exist A method is described for receiving a multicast transmission in user devices in a network establishing a unicast session with a dedicated terminal, identifying multicast data packets associated with a multicast group, monitoring transmissions of the multicast data packets and processing the multicast data packets by the dedicated terminal. Additonally, an apparatus is described for accepting a request to join a multicast group, for identifying multicast data packets associated with the multicast group, establishing a unicast session, for encapsulating said multicast data packets in a unicast frame and for forwarding the unicast frame via the unicast session. |
| US08204053B1 |
Systems and methods for providing network services for recording
IP packets associated with a communication are received at a first network device in an IP recording system. The first network device communicates to other devices in the IP recording network to receive a determination if the IP packets associated with the communication are to be recorded. The first network device may then be instructed to direct the IP packets associated with the communication to a recording device. In some implementations, the IP packets may duplicated, encrypted, re-encoded, compressed, etc. prior to recording. |
| US08204052B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically coordinating collection and distribution of presence information
Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically coordinating collection and distribution of presence information are disclosed. According to one method, presence information is collected for a presentity. An event manager is selected from a plurality of event managers and is dynamically assigned to the presentity. The presence information is then communicated to the assigned event manager. |
| US08204049B2 |
Add-drop benes networks
Benes networks include an input stage having a plurality of input ports, an input connection stage configured to connect output signals of the input stage, an add connection stage configured to connect outputs of the input connection stage and to connect inputs of add ports corresponding in number to the number of the plurality of input ports, a drop connection stage configured to connect outputs of the add connection stage, to output some outputs to a next stage, and to output some outputs to drop ports, an output connection stage configured to connect the some outputs of the drop connection stage to an output side, and an output stage configured to output the outputs of the output connection stage to output ports. |
| US08204043B2 |
Quality of service prioritization of internet protocol packets using session-aware components
A method includes receiving a first media-content packet associated with a first session within a Session over Internet Protocol (SoIP) network. The first media-content packet is associated with a quality-of-service parameter. A transmission priority value associated with the first media-content packet is identified based on a value of the quality-of-service parameter. A priority indicator associated with the first media-content packet and/or a second media-content packet is modified based on the transmission priority value. The priority indicator indicates a priority to transmit the first media-content packet and/or the second media-content packet over a connection within the first session and/or a connection within a second session. |
| US08204034B2 |
Method and device for transmitting data packets
A method for transmitting a packet from a transmitting node to a destination node in a communication network can enable improved network efficiency. The method includes receiving and storing identification information concerning at least one foreign node that is directly reachable in the communication network (block 505). It is then determined, using the identification information, whether the destination node is directly reachable in the communication network (block 510). Based on whether the destination node is directly reachable in the communication network, it is then determined whether to transmit the packet to the destination node using a tunneling protocol or without using a tunneling protocol (block 515). The packet is then transmitted from the transmitting node to the destination node (block 520). |
| US08204030B2 |
Communication method and communication terminal device
A communication method includes the steps of: establishing a session with one or two or more other communication terminals according to a set content before it is changed in a case where a change request for own set information about a radio communication is received; notifying a set content to be changed to the one or two or more other communication terminals with which the session is established; and changing the own set information from the set content before it is changed to the set content to be changed. |
| US08204026B2 |
Element-based method for auto-configuration of handsets by a base station in a heterogeneous MAC protocol for wireless networks
An element-based method to automatically configure mobile handsets by the base station using a protocol that combines contention-free and contention-based MAC protocols for use in wireless VoIP systems with multiple base stations is disclosed. |
| US08204025B2 |
Flexible OFDM/OFDMA frame structure for communication systems
A flexible OFDM/OFDMA frame structure technology for communication systems is disclosed. The OFDM frame structure technology comprises a configurable-length frame which contains a variable length subframe structure to effectively utilize OFDM bandwidth. Furthermore, the frame structure facilitates spectrum sharing between multiple communication systems. |
| US08204019B2 |
Method and system to enable simultaneous reception of plurality of services in DVB systems
A method comprises dividing a time frequency frame into a plurality of slots, the frame having one or more radio-frequency (RF) channels, determining a maximum slot length, and scheduling service data in symbols such that all service data symbols are within the maximum slot length of symbols corresponding to at least one common service part. |
| US08204017B2 |
Channel arrangement method and radio communication base station device
Provided is a radio communication base station device which can prevent lowering of use efficiency of a channel communication resource for performing a frequency diversity transmission when simultaneously performing a frequency scheduling transmission and the frequency diversity transmission in a multicarrier communication. In the device, a modulation unit (12) executes a modulation process on Dch data after encoded so as to generate a Dch data symbol. A modulation unit (22) executes a modulation process on the encoded Lch data so as to generate an Lch data symbol. An allocation unit (103) allocates the Dch data symbol and the Lch data symbol to respective sub carriers constituting an OFDM symbol and outputs them to a multiplexing unit (104). Here, when a plurality of Dch are used for a Dch data symbol of one mobile station, the allocation unit (103) uses Dch of continuous channel numbers. |
| US08204016B2 |
Method for selecting serving PNC based on FER in wireless mesh network
Provided is a method for selecting a serving PNC at a wireless device in a wireless mesh network for data communication. In the method, an initial PNC is selected if data is generated to transmit. Then, an initial MAC frame size is decided and data communication is performed with the selected initial serving PNC. A PNC having a best channel state is reselected from PNCs in a same coverage as a serving PNC after selecting the initial serving PNC. A MAC frame size is decided for the reselected serving PNC and data communication with the reselected serving PNC is performed. The data communication is terminated if a FER of the reselected serving PNC is larger than a maximum allowable FER or if there is no data to transmit after the data communication is performed. |
| US08204013B2 |
Method and device for detecting a GSM channel of interest
A method for detecting a GSM channel of interest, in a wireless communication device capable of supporting broadband as well as narrowband wireless systems, includes receiving (210) analog signals across a wide bandwidth and identifying (220) possible GSM channels within that wide bandwidth. The wireless communication device then samples (230) the analog signals to produce a time domain digital signal and further chooses (240) a pair of frequencies that correspond to a possible GSM channel. The wireless communication device converts (260) the time domain digital signal at the chosen pair of frequencies into first and second frequency domain digital signals and calculates (270) a power ratio between the first frequency domain digital signal and the second frequency domain digital signal. If the calculated power ratio for the possible GSM channel exceeds a threshold, the wireless communication device determines (280) that the possible GSM channel is the GSM channel of interest. |
| US08204012B2 |
System and method for using frequency resource in communication system
A system for using frequency resources in a multi-cell communication system is provided. The system includes cells included in a multi-cell communication system, each cell being controlled to use frequency resources based on a preset segment sequence, wherein available frequency bands which can be used by the respective cells are equal to each other, the available frequency band is divided into “A” number of segments, each segment is divided into “B” number of partial bands, each partial band is divided into “C” number of channels, and the segment sequence comprises an order in which the “A” number of segments are used. |
| US08204004B2 |
Frequency channel assignment system, base station, control station, inter-system common control apparatus, frequency channel assignment method, and control method
This invention relates to a frequency channel assignment system which enables adaptive overlapping use of the same frequency band in a plurality of radio communications systems. The frequency channel assignment system includes radio communications systems 1 and 2 which use a common frequency band, and controllers 31 and 141. The controllers 31 and 141 include a system characteristics information management function 317 configured to manage system characteristics information showing characteristics of frequency channels in the radio communications systems 1 and 2, and a frequency channel assignment function 1411 configured to assign frequency channels to each of the radio communications systems 1 and 2, based on the system characteristics information and channel status information showing status of frequency channels, so as to avoid inter-system interference. |
| US08204003B2 |
Mobile station transmissions in response to network acknowledgment polling
Methods and apparatus for mobile station transmissions in response to network acknowledgment polling are disclosed. An example method in a mobile station disclosed herein comprises receiving a poll from a network, the poll requesting piggy-backed ACK/NACK (PAN) information, and transmitting a control message in response to the poll if a previously transmitted data block is associated with a tentative acknowledgment state, the control message including acknowledgment information. |
| US08204002B2 |
Methods and apparatus to prioritize mobile station transmissions in response to network acknowledgment polling
Methods and apparatus to prioritize mobile station transmissions in response to network acknowledgment polling are disclosed. An example method in a mobile station disclosed herein comprises receiving a request for acknowledgment information expected to be transmitted with data, and transmitting a control message in response to the request if a previously transmitted data block is associated with a tentative acknowledgment state, the control message including acknowledgment information. |
| US08203997B2 |
System and method for multiple packet data network connectivity detachment
A system is provided that includes a component configured to promote detachment of a user equipment (UE) from a plurality of packet data network (PDN) gateways by sending a message to the plurality of PDN gateways to detach multiple PDN connections associated with the UE. |
| US08203996B2 |
Communication device, wireless communication device, and control method
A communication device that includes an authentication unit that authenticates a wireless communication device depending on whether a predetermined authentication condition is satisfied, and a relay unit that relays communication performed by the wireless communication device when the authentication unit successfully authenticates the wireless communication device, comprising: an information transmission and reception unit receiving connected-terminal information, which includes identification information identifying the wireless communication device whose communication is being relayed, held by other communication devices; a recording unit recording the received connected-terminal information; a judging unit judging, when a connection request is received from the wireless communication device, whether the identification information identifying the wireless communication device is included in the recorded connected-terminal information; and a permitting unit permitting relaying of communication performed by the wireless communication device when the identification information of the wireless communication device is included in the recorded connected-terminal information. |
| US08203991B2 |
Communication in dual protocol environments
A communication device (1) comprising: a first communication system (4) for transmitting and/or receiving signals according to a first protocol; a second communication system (3) for transmitting and receiving signals according to a second protocol, the second protocol having the facility that a receiver (3) can indicate to a transmitter (2) that it is in an unresponsive state whereby the transmitter can be inhibited from transmitting data to the receiver when it is in the unresponsive state; a signal activity detector (9) for detecting activity in the signals of the first protocol; and a control unit (7) responsive to the signal activity detector for causing the second communication system to indicate that it is in an unresponsive state. |
| US08203988B2 |
Effective reception method in wireless communication system providing MBMS service
Disclosed is a radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and the terminal, and more particularly, to the method for receiving a MBMS service effectively by considering of time information related to a MBMS service transmission scheme. |
| US08203987B2 |
Mobile communications system, base station apparatus, user apparatus, and method
A user apparatus which wirelessly communicates with a base station apparatus within a mobile communications system is disclosed. The user apparatus includes a receive unit which receives control information in downlink; and a transmit unit which transmits a first channel in uplink, wherein the transmit unit, based on the control information, makes a value of a maximum transmit power of the first channel smaller than that of a nominal power specified for the mobile communications system. |
| US08203982B2 |
Access domain selection in a terminal
The present application discloses a system of at least a network element and at least a terminal. The system constituents are configured to provide assistance by the terminal to the network element in terms of access domain selection for at least one of the media channel and the session control channel of an incoming call to the terminal. In this regard, the terminal acquires information about the capabilities of an access network in which the terminal is camping. Upon receiving, at the terminal, an invitation to participate in a call, the terminal analyzes the acquired information about the capabilities of the access network, and optionally or additionally of the IMS network. The terminal responds to the invitation, based on the result of the analyzing, with an indication that indicates a respective access domain to be used for at least one of the media channel and the session control channel of the incoming call. |
| US08203978B2 |
Multi-mode terminal in a wireless MIMO system
A user terminal supports multiple spatial multiplexing (SM) modes such as a steered mode and a non-steered mode. For data transmission, multiple data streams are coded and modulated in accordance with their selected rates to obtain multiple data symbol streams. These streams are then spatially processed in accordance with a selected SM mode (e.g., with a matrix of steering vectors for the steered mode and with the identity matrix for the non-steered mode) to obtain multiple transmit symbol streams for transmission from multiple antennas. For data reception, multiple received symbol streams are spatially processed in accordance with the selected SM mode (e.g., with a matrix of eigenvectors for the steered mode and with a spatial filter matrix for the non-steered mode) to obtain multiple recovered data symbol streams. These streams are demodulated and decoded in accordance with their selected rates to obtain multiple decoded data streams. |
| US08203977B2 |
Method and system for half duplex audio in a bluetooth stereo headset
Aspects of a method and system for half duplex audio in a Bluetooth stereo headset are provided. A service type and/or service activity levels may be detected over a link in a duplex communication system. The link may be dynamically changed according to the detected service activity levels in both direction of the link. The duplex communication system may be a communication system capable of supporting duplex communication, for example, a Bluetooth system, a 3GPP system, a WiMAX system, or a WiFi system. The link may be a synchronous connection-oriented (SCO) link such as the SCO link. The duplex communication system may be enabled to determine an operating mode, whether symmetric or asymmetric, based on the detected service type and/or the detected service activity levels over the SCO link. In this regard, the SCO link may be dynamically switched from symmetric to asymmetric operating mode and vice versa. |
| US08203975B1 |
Adaptive analog echo/NEXT cancellation
A transceiver includes an analog front end (AFE) device and first, second, third, and fourth transmitters. A digital signal processor (DSP) receives digital receive signal and digital transmit signals and generates a shared error control signal and first, second, third, and fourth individual error control signals. An echo canceller system generates an estimated echo signal. First, second, and third NEXT canceller systems generate first, second, and third estimated NEXT signals, respectively, each based on the second analog receive signal and respective ones of the analog transmit signals from the second, third, and fourth transmitters during the first mode and each based on the shared error control signal, respective ones of the second, third, and fourth individual error control signals, and the respective ones of the analog transmit signals from the second, third, and fourth transmitters during the second mode. |
| US08203974B2 |
Method for establishing packet-switched connection, and cellular network utilizing the method, and cellular terminal
The invention relates to method applicable in a packet-switched cellular network for voice connections, by which method a new dedicated channel can be established quickly using the existing dedicated channel of the voice connection. The establishment of the new dedicated channel utilizes the previous dedicated channel the existence of which is extended by sending to at least the receiving terminals post-speech packets according to the invention. The post-speech packets produce a 2-second delay, approximately, which is sufficient to establish a new dedicated channel between terminals participating in a session. |
| US08203971B2 |
Group communication in a mobile ad-hoc network
A system, method, and computer readable medium for group communication protocol in mobile ad-hoc network, that comprises, collecting a route from a source node to at least one group member node, caching the collected route information, and merging an intermediate link of a host node having a single branch to the at least one group member node in the collected route. |
| US08203966B2 |
Method and device for setting up connection between mobile station and base station in multi-hop relay network
The invention relates to methods and devices for setting up connection for wireless relay network, wherein, mobile station utilizes the primary transmission path from itself and relay stations in the initial ranging and network entry procedure to send a request signal to base station. After the base station receives the request signal, it allocates a transmission path for the mobile station, and sends the information to the relay station on the path along the primary transmission path, and sends a response message to the mobile station. When the mobile station and the related relay stations obtain the corresponding response message and transmission path information, the signal sent by the mobile station is sent to the base station via relay stations along the transmission path. |
| US08203965B1 |
Layered approach for representing and analyzing virtual private network services
A method, apparatus and computer-program product for logically representing and analyzing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in a plurality of functional representation layers is disclosed. The method, which is typical of the invention, comprises the steps of representing selected physical and logical components of said VPN as a plurality of configuration non-specific objects determined for each said functional representation layers, organizing selected ones of said objects within selected ones of said functional representation layers, wherein said object are selected from the group consisting of: VPNService, ServiceConnectionPath, ForwarderEndpoint, TunnelGroup, Tunnel, TunnelHop, TunnelIn/Out, SignalingProtocolEndpoint, SignalingProtocollSession and SignalingProtocolService, representing relationships among said physical and logical components as configuration non-specific representations within and among said functional representation layers, wherein Endpoint objects provide communication among said functional representation layers, which are among a group of Service, Service connection, Transport and Protocol layers. |
| US08203964B2 |
Asynchronous event notification
The invention includes a method system and apparatus for an asynchronous event notification. In the event that a system-wide application requires notification of an asynchronous event that occurs in a remote device within the communications system, the event is locally detected and the necessary information is forwarded to the application. |
| US08203963B1 |
Overflow pages in heavily loaded slots
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scheduling pages to mobile stations in a radio access network. An exemplary method involves (a) at a radio access network, determining whether or not a first load that is scheduled for transmission during a first paging period, is greater than a threshold load, (b) if the first load is greater than the threshold load, then (i) determining whether or not a second load that is scheduled for transmission during a second paging period, is less than the threshold load and (ii) if the second load is less than the threshold load, then rescheduling at least a portion of the first load for transmission during the second paging period, and (iii) otherwise, refraining from rescheduling the portion of the first load for transmission during the second paging period. |
| US08203962B2 |
Network monitoring device, network monitoring method, and network monitoring program
Information on a communication relation or communication path to be monitored is automatically generated to reduce load of a user. A path information generation part receives a destination IP address designated by a user, through an input receiving part. When the input of the destination IP address is received, the path information generation part uses configuration information tables, each of which stores configuration information of a device on a network, to identify IP addresses of networks each having a plurality of terminals, as branch IP addresses. The path information generation part uses the configuration information tables and transfer destination information tables each storing a routing table of a router, to identify the connection order of routers between the designated destination IP address and the identified branch IP addresses, to generate path information. |
| US08203960B2 |
Methods for sending small packets in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network
An improved mechanism is provided that facilitates transmission of small packets within an ad hoc peer-to-peer network. A small packet is identified to a receiver within a control channel so that its lower power can be considered in an interference management protocol implemented among local peer devices. In a traffic slot, a transmitter voluntarily backs down on the transmitter power as a smaller packet will require much lower signal-to-noise ratio. This will improve the signal energy per bit per noise power density for the transmission as well as minimize the interference caused to other wireless communications happening in the same spectrum. |
| US08203959B2 |
Apparatus for remotely managing network elements of A VoIP communication system and an associated method and computer program product
An apparatus is provided for remotely managing various network elements of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication system. In general, an apparatus is described for communicating with different network elements of a VoIP communication system, receiving data from each network element, and storing the data. The apparatus includes a processor that communicates with different network elements of a VoIP communication system over a packet-switching network and queries the network elements for particular information. The processor receives and stores the data regarding each network element. In this way, data from multiple different network elements of a VoIP communication system may be remotely accessed and stored, and the data may be analyzed or manipulated to address system problems or monitor conditions of the system from the remote location. A method and computer program product are also provided for remotely managing various network elements of a VoIP communication system. |
| US08203953B2 |
Bi-directional policer for data rate enforcement over half-duplex mediums
A bi-directional policer especially suitable for application in, but not limited to, wireless networks or other shared access or half-duplex communication mediums. In a particular implementation, bi-directional policers measure a flow of frames (L2) or packets (L3) in both directions and apply policing actions accordingly. |
| US08203952B2 |
Using network traffic logs for search enhancement
A method and apparatus for using network traffic logs for search enhancement is disclosed. According to one embodiment, network usage is tracked by generating log files. These log files among other things indicate the frequency web pages are referenced and modified. These log files or information from these log files can then be used to improve document ranking, improve web crawling, determine tiers in a multi-tiered index, determine where to insert a document in a multi-tiered index, determine link weights, and update a search engine index. |
| US08203950B2 |
Quality of service in a storage area network
In one embodiment, a solution is provided wherein a minimum and/or maximum bandwidth may be guaranteed for specific flows. These guarantees can be associated to various levels of granularity, such as target (T), target-Logical Unit Number (LUN) coupling (TL), initiator-target-LUN coupling (ITL), and initiator-target coupling (IT). This may be accomplished by rate limiting frames in the storage area network based upon quality of service information provided by a user. As such, the traffic can be shaped in a way that guarantees requested levels of service without dropping frames. |
| US08203941B2 |
Virus/worm throttle threshold settings
One embodiment disclosed relates to a network device that includes at least one port to connect to a network and at least one throttle that limits a rate of connections made from the device. An auto-adaptive thresholding mechanism determines a threshold for the throttle. The mechanism may be tunable to various aggressiveness levels. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a network apparatus including multiple ports capable of making connections and multiple throttle instantiations. Each throttle instantiation is associated with a port or group of ports. Threshold levels for each throttle instantiation are independently set. The ports may be physical ports or may be logical ports. |
| US08203940B1 |
Rate adaptation in a communication system
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adapting data rate in a communication system. A receiving device receives a data transmission at an initial data rate. The device determines, based on an error rate of the data transmission at the initial data rate, that a first criterion is satisfied for requesting an increase in the data transmission. The device requests that a transmitting device increase the data transmission from the initial data rate to the first subsequent data rate. The device determines, based on an error rate of the data transmission at the first subsequent data rate, whether a second criterion is satisfied for maintaining the first subsequent data rate. The device maintains, if the second criterion is determined to be satisfied, a state of the device for receiving the data transmission at the first subsequent data rate. |
| US08203938B2 |
Multi-router IGP fate sharing
A method for routing communication traffic in a network includes detecting that a link in a parallel link configuration has failed and in response to detecting that the link in the parallel link configuration has failed, adjusting one or more metrics associated with other links in the parallel link configuration to indicate that none of the links in the parallel configuration are available. A router connected to a direct link in a parallel link configuration including one or more other routers connected to one or more indirect links, respectively, includes a memory storing configuration parameters specifying a minimum number of links required to be operational in the parallel link configuration and an artificially high cost, and a link metric adjustment module operable to set a metric of the direct link to the artificially high cost until the minimum number of required links are operational after startup of the router or failure and reactivation of the direct link. |
| US08203937B2 |
Global detection of resource leaks in a multi-node computer system
A process is disclosed for identifying and recovering from resource leaks on compute nodes of a parallel computing system. A resource monitor stores information about system resources available on a compute node in a clean state. After the compute node runs a job, the resource monitor compares the current resource availability to the clean state. If a resource leak is found, the resource monitor contacts a global resource manger to remove the resource leak. |
| US08203934B2 |
Transparent automatic protection switching for a chassis deployment
Methods and apparatus for allowing a traffic level switch associated with an automatic protection switching (APS) topology to occur transparently and without reconverging routing are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for providing protection switching configuration information associated with a router arrangement to includes identifying a first interface and a second interface of the router arrangement as an APS group. The method also includes providing information regarding the APS group to a process that implements a routing protocol. Providing the information regarding the group includes identifying the first interface as a primary interface and identifying the second interface as a backup interface that is arranged to protect the primary interface. |
| US08203931B2 |
Communication network protection systems
A communication network protection system made up of interconnected networks, at least one of which has an automatic control plane (for example ASTN) among which are terminal interconnecting nodes. With the terminal interconnection nodes, termed primary nodes, are associated corresponding secondary terminal nodes wherein a secondary terminal node is used to realize a protection circuit in case of failure of the associated primary node. |
| US08203930B2 |
Method of processing a signal and apparatus for processing a signal
A method and apparatus for signal processing which enable data compression and recovery with high transmission efficiency are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding are performed with correlation and grouping is used to increase coding efficiency. A method for signal processing according to this invention, the method includes decapsulating the signal received over an Internet protocol network, obtaining a pilot reference value corresponding to a plurality of data and a pilot difference value corresponding the pilot reference value from the decapsulated signal and obtaining the data using the pilot reference value and the pilot difference value. |
| US08203927B2 |
Information recording medium, information recording apparatus and method, and computer program
An information recording medium (100) is provided with: a data recording area (105, 115) to which one attribute, which corresponds to recorded data, of a plurality of types of attributes is given in each of segmentized area units; and an address recording area (1031, 1032) to record therein an address (AD0-1, AD1-1) of an edge portion on an outermost side of a recording area, which is a continuous recording area to which a data area attribute of the plurality of types of attributes is given and which is a recording area closest to an edge portion on an innermost side of said data recording area, the data area attribute indicating a status that user data is recorded as the data. |
| US08203923B2 |
Recording device and recording method for optical recording medium
It is desired that the overshooting and undershooting of optical pulse waveforms of optical pickups included in optical disk devices be reduced to improve the quality of recording. Among pulses to be recorded, the trailing edge of each last pulse and the leading edge of the subsequent erase top pulse are made to almost coincide with each other. Ratio a/b, where a is the difference between erase top pulse power level Pet and erasing power level Pe and b is the difference between recording power level Pw and the erasing power level Pe, is adjusted to realize an optical pulse waveform with reduced overshooting and undershooting for each of different recording media. Erase top pulse duration Tert is switched according to different recording speeds for different recording media. |
| US08203921B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
An optical disc apparatus capable of deriving optimum laser beam power even when OPC areas overlap with one another and a method for the apparatus. OPC result is recorded to an optical disc and OPC (area-saving OPC) that reduces an area use quantity by using the OPC result is executed and optimum laser power is determined. |
| US08203918B2 |
Mirror signal generation circuit
A low pass filter unit generates a slice level for digitizing the signal based on the track state from the signal. When a tracking servo is in invalid state, a sample hold unit holds a slice level sampled at a predetermined timing. A comparison unit compares the signal based on the track state to the slice level and generates a mirror signal. When the tracking servo becomes in an invalid from valid state, the low pass filter unit uses the slice level held in the sample hold unit. |
| US08203912B2 |
CMUTs with a high-k dielectric
A capacitive ultrasound transducer includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, the third electrode including a central region disposed in collapsibly spaced relation with the first electrode, and a peripheral region disposed outward of the central region and disposed in collapsibly spaced relation with the second electrode. The transducer further includes a layer of a high dielectric constant material disposed between the third electrode and the first electrode, and between the third electrode and the second electrode. The transducer may be operable in a collapsed mode wherein the peripheral region of the third electrode oscillates relative to the second electrode, and the central region of the third electrode is fully collapsed with respect to the first electrode such that the dielectric layer is sandwiched therebetween. Piezoelectric actuation, such as d31 and d33 mode piezoelectric actuation, may further be included. A medical imaging system includes an array of such capacitive ultrasound transducers disposed on a common substrate. |
| US08203910B2 |
Autonomous ultrasonic indoor location system, apparatus and method
An autonomous ultrasonic indoor location system includes a location beacon transmitting apparatus and a location beacon receiving apparatus. The location beacon transmitting apparatus is configured to sequentially transmit US signals at a predetermined time interval upon transmission of a signal containing synchronization information. The location beacon receiving apparatus is configured to synchronize with the location transmitting apparatus when synchronization information is detected, determine transmission order of the received US signals based on the obtained synchronization timing, infer transmission timings of the respective US signals based on the determined transmission order, calculate TOA information corresponding to each of the received US signal from the transmission timings and reception timings of the respective US signals, and determine location of the location beacon receiving apparatus on basis of the positions of the US transmitters in the transmitting apparatus and the calculated TOA information sequence. |
| US08203906B2 |
Seismic data acquisition and source-side derivatives generation and application
The technologies described herein include systems and methods for performing a first seismic survey and performing a second seismic survey after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed between the first seismic survey and the second seismic survey. The shot times and the shot positions of the second seismic survey may be substantially the same as the shot times and the shot positions of the first seismic survey. After performing the seismic surveys, seismic data generated by the first seismic survey may be processed to generate a first image, and seismic data generated by the second seismic survey may be processed to generate a second image. After generating the first and second images, a difference between the first image and the second image may be computed to generate a time lapse difference image. |
| US08203903B2 |
Main decoding circuit and semiconductor memory apparatus including the same
A main decoding circuit includes a shared column selection signal generating unit and a switching unit. The shared column selection signal generating unit receives a column decoding signal to generate a shared column selection signal. The switching unit selectively provides the shared column selection signal to one of a column selection line of a first memory bank and a column selection line of a second memory bank in response to a bank selection signal. |
| US08203901B2 |
Configurable bandwidth memory devices and methods
Memory devices and methods are described, such as those that include a stack of memory dies and an attached logic die. Method and devices described provide for configuring bandwidth for selected portions of a stack of memory dies. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08203899B2 |
Memory cell with proportional current self-reference sensing
Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a method and apparatus for sensing a programmed state of a memory cell, such as a spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM) cell. A first read current is applied to the memory cell to generate a first voltage. A second read current is subsequently applied to the memory cell to generate a second voltage, with the second read current being proportional in magnitude to the first read current. A comparison is made between the first and second voltages to determine the programmed state of the memory cell. |
| US08203898B2 |
Leakage and NBTI reduction technique for memory
In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a logic circuit and a memory circuit that includes multiple bit lines and bit line precharge circuits. The memory circuit may include level shifters for control signals generated from logic circuit inputs, and particularly there may be one or more level shifters that generate precharge enable signals to control the bit line precharge circuits. The level shifters for the bit line precharge circuits may also be controlled, during periods of time that the memory circuit is idle, by an input control signal (FloatBL herein). If the FloatBL signal is asserted, the bit line precharge circuits may be disabled to float the bit lines. In some embodiments, the FloatBL signal may also disable bit line bit line hold circuits on the bit lines. In some embodiments, when the memory circuit is exiting an idle state, the bit line precharge circuits may be enabled in a staggered fashion. |
| US08203897B2 |
Semiconductor device capable of suppressing a coupling effect of a test-disable transmission line
Semiconductor device and semiconductor memory device include a plurality of internal circuits configured to perform test operations in response to their respective test mode signals and a plurality of test-mode control units configured to control the test operations of the internal circuits to be disabled in response to a test-off signal. |
| US08203891B2 |
Voltage sensing circuit capable of controlling a pump voltage stably generated in a low voltage environment
A voltage sensing circuit, which is capable of controlling a pumping voltage to be stably generated in a low voltage environment, is provided. The voltage sensing circuit includes a current mirror having first and second terminals, a first switching element configured to control current on the first terminal of the current mirror by a reference voltage, a second switching element configured to control current from the second terminal of the current mirror in response to a pumping voltage, and a third switching element configured to control current sources of the first and second switching elements to receive a negative voltage. |
| US08203890B2 |
Data output buffer whose mode switches according to operation frequency and semiconductor memory device having the same
A data output buffer switches it operating mode according to its operating frequency. The data output buffer includes a delay control unit, and a buffer unit. The buffer unit provides data of an internal buffer input line to an external buffer output line. The delay control unit generates a buffer enable signal corresponding to a received reference control signal. The buffer unit blocks the provision of the data to the buffer output line in response to a deactivation of the buffer enable signal. The buffer enable signal remains in an activated state when the period of the reference control signal is shorter than a reference period. The data output buffer may be included in a semiconductor memory device. |
| US08203887B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor storage device
The present invention provides a readout circuit including: a memory cell array that includes a readout target memory cell that is a data readout target; a reference memory cell having the same configuration as this memory cell; a first constant current source and a second constant current source which have the same characteristics; and a reference current source that generates, as a reference current for determining the logic level of the readout target memory cell, a current obtained by adding one constant current, out of a first constant current flowing through the first constant current source or a second constant current flowing through the second constant current source, with a reference memory cell current flowing in the reference memory cell, and by subtracting the other constant current, out of the first constant current or the second constant current, from the added current. |
| US08203884B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, includes: a stacked structural unit including electrode films alternately stacked with inter-electrode insulating films; a first and second semiconductor pillars piercing the stacked structural unit; a connection portion semiconductor layer to electrically connect the first and second semiconductor pillars; a connection portion conductive layer opposing the connection portion semiconductor layer; a memory layer, an inner insulating film, and an outer insulating film provided between the first and second semiconductor layers and the electrode films and between the connection portion semiconductor layer and the connection portion conductive layer. At least a portion of a face of the connection portion conductive layer opposing the outer insulating film is a curved surface having a recessed configuration on a side of the outer insulating film. |
| US08203882B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor storage device
When a data erase operation is performed in one memory cell block, a first voltage is applied to one source line selected from m source lines in the one memory cell block. A second voltage equal to a voltage of the source lines before the data erase operation begins is applied to the other source lines. Then, after a certain time delay from application of the first voltage, a third voltage smaller than the first voltage is applied to a third conductive layer of a source-side selection transistor connected to a selected source line. Then, a hole current is produced near a third gate insulation layer due to a potential difference between the first and third voltage. A fourth voltage is applied to one of first conductive layers connected to one of the memory transistor to be erased. The other first conductive layers are brought into a floating state. |
| US08203876B2 |
Reducing effects of erase disturb in a memory device
Methods for programming and memory devices are disclosed. One such method for programming includes initially biasing a subset of a plurality of control gates of a string of memory cells with a negative voltage, wherein the subset is less than all of the plurality of control gates of the string. The control gate of a selected memory cell is subsequently biased with a programming voltage during a programming phase. |
| US08203872B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing a multi-mode programmable resistance memory
A memory is configurable among a plurality of operational modes. The operational modes may dictate the number of storage levels to be associated with each cell within the memory's storage matrix. |
| US08203871B2 |
Reconfigurable magnetic logic device using spin torque
Spin torque magnetic logic devices that function as memory devices and that can be reconfigured or reprogrammed as desired. In some embodiments, the logic device is a single magnetic element, having a pinned layer, a free layer, and a barrier layer therebetween, or in other embodiments, the logic device has two magnetic elements in series. Two input currents can be applied through the element to configure or program the element. In use, logic input data, such as current, is passed through the programmed element, defining the resistance across the element and the resulting logic output. The magnetic logic device can be used for an all-function-in-one magnetic chip. |
| US08203867B2 |
8T SRAM cell with one word line
An integrated circuit with SRAM cells containing dual passgate transistors and a read buffer, all connected to one word line is disclosed. The read buffer and one passgate transistor may be variously configured to a separate read data line and write data line, or a combined data line, in different embodiments. The read buffer in addressed SRAM cells may be biased during read operations. The read buffer in half-addressed SRAM cells may be biased or floated, depending on the configuration of the read data line and the write data line. The read buffer in addressed and half-addressed SRAM cells may be biased or floated, depending on the configuration of the read data line and the write data line. |
| US08203864B2 |
Memory cell and methods of forming a memory cell comprising a carbon nanotube fabric element and a steering element
A method of programming a carbon nanotube memory cell is provided, wherein the memory cell comprises a first conductor, a steering element, a carbon nanotube fabric, and a second conductor, wherein the steering element and the carbon nanotube fabric are arranged electrically in series between the first conductor and the second conductor, and wherein the entire carbon nanotube memory cell is formed above a substrate, the carbon nanotube fabric having a first resistivity, the method including applying a first electrical set pulse between the first conductor and the second conductor, wherein, after application of the first electrical set pulse, the carbon nanotube fabric has a second resistivity, the second resistivity less than the first resistivity. Other aspects are also provided. |
| US08203858B2 |
Power supply with integrated linear high voltage multiplier and capacitors therefor
A high voltage power supply for use in small diameter spaces such as in oil well logging devices includes an AC voltage source which provides an AC voltage to a voltage multiplier circuit that converts the AC voltage to a high DC voltage. A parallel or combination parallel-series multiplication circuit is used, rather than a series multiplication circuit, to reduce the reverse voltage across each semiconductor rectifier in the multiplication circuit. The lower reverse voltage reduces leakage currents allowing such circuits to operate at temperatures over 150 degrees C. A special construction of high voltage capacitors allows the power supply to fit small spaces. A piece of elongate conductive material, such as a metal cylinder, forms a common capacitor electrode and is coated with a high voltage dielectric. Separate individual capacitor electrodes are formed around the common electrode and dielectric. |
| US08203852B2 |
Expansion card retention assembly
A retention assembly for an expansion card in an enclosure, the expansion card having an expansion card cover plate. The retention assembly includes an expansion card mounting frame, a limiting member, a resisting member, and an elastic member. The expansion card mounting frame is disposed on the enclosure to fix the expansion card cover plate. The limiting member is disposed on the enclosure adjacent to the expansion card mounting frame, and the limiting member and the enclosure cooperatively define a guide groove. The resisting member includes a resisting portion and a limiting portion connected to the resisting portion and slidably received in the guide groove. The elastic member interconnects the expansion card mounting frame and the resisting member. The resisting portion resists the expansion card cover plate by a resilient force applied by the elastic member. |
| US08203851B2 |
Retention-extraction device for removable cards in a chassis
A retention-extraction device is provided for a removable card in a chassis. The device includes an actuation rod having a cam slot, the actuation rod configured to provide linear movement along the length of the actuation rod, and an extraction lever operatively connected to a proximal end of the actuation rod and pivotally secured to the chassis. The device also includes a bell crank with a cam follower that is configured to ride in the cam slot and a latch hook that pivots between an open and closed position based on the motion of the bell crank. The linear movement of the actuation rod causes the extraction lever to apply a force to a portion of the card and causes the latch hook to pivot to an open position to allow removal of the card. |
| US08203843B2 |
Electronic device and engaging structure thereof
The invention discloses an electronic device and an engaging structure thereof. The electronic device comprises a first casing and a second casing. The first casing comprises a plate portion and a plurality of hooks. Each hook is located on the plate portion. The second casing comprises a first side portion, a second side portion, an engaging portion, a first rib and a second rib. The engaging portion is between the first and the second side portions and comprises a plurality of recesses. Each recess is engaged with one of the hooks and has a front edge. A gap is between one end of the hook and the front edge of the recess. The first and second ribs are respectively located on the first and the second side portions. The plate portion is disposed on the first and second ribs. The hook can be detached from the recess by the gap. |
| US08203841B2 |
Data center
A data center includes a housing and a number of server module assemblies received in the housing. Airflow interspaces are formed between neighboring server module assemblies, and between the two outmost server module assemblies and corresponding sidewalls of the housing. The airflow interspaces are alternately used for cold aisles and hot aisles. An inside of each server module is communicated with one of the hot aisles and one of the cold aisles at opposite sides of the server module. A number of cooling units are installed in the housing over the server module assemblies. A number of fans are installed in the housing to draw hot air from the hot aisles to flow through the corresponding cooling units to be cooled, and the cooled air flow into the corresponding cold aisles, thereby creating air differences in air pressure between the cold aisles and the hot aisles. |
| US08203827B2 |
Anode for a solid electrolytic capacitor containing a non-metallic surface treatment
A solid electrolytic capacitor that comprises an anode, a dielectric layer overlying the anode; and a cathode that contains a solid electrolyte layer overlying the dielectric layer. The anode comprises a porous, sintered body that defines a surface. The body is treated so that the surface contains a non-metallic element having a ground state electron configuration that includes five or more valence electrons at an energy level of three or more (e.g., phosphorous). |
| US08203826B2 |
Lithium ion capacitor
A lithium ion capacitor includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-protonic organic solvent electrolytic solution of a lithium salt. A positive electrode active material is a material capable of reversibly doping a lithium ion and/or an anion. A negative electrode active material is a material capable of reversibly doping a lithium ion. The lithium ion is doped in advance to either one or both of the negative electrode and the positive electrode so that a positive electrode potential after the positive electrode and the negative electrode are short-circuited is 2.0 V (relative to Li/Li+) or less when capacitance per unit weight of the positive electrode is C+(F/g), weight of the positive electrode active material is W+(g), capacitance per unit weight of negative electrode is C−(F/g), and weight of the negative electrode active material is W−(g), a value of (C−×W−)/(C+×W+) is 5 or more. |
| US08203818B2 |
Temperature protection system for electronic devices
An electronics system includes an electronic device, a power source and a temperature control switch. An actuator having a shape memory alloy is attached to the temperature control switch and moves the temperature control switch between an open position preventing a current flow between the power source and the electronic device, and a closed position permitting current flow between the power source and the electronic device. The shape memory alloy transforms shapes upon the ambient temperature falling below a low critical temperature or rising above a high critical temperature to move the temperature control switch into one of the closed position to permit current flow to the electronic device or the open position to prevent current flow to the electronics device respectively. |
| US08203814B2 |
Electrical switching apparatus including a plurality of Rogowski coils and method of calibrating the same
An electrical switching apparatus includes a plurality of poles each having a Rogowski coil and a conductor passing through an opening thereof, and a processor circuit including a sensor circuit including a plurality of inputs each electrically interconnected with an output of the Rogowski coil of a corresponding pole. The sensor circuit further includes a number of outputs having values each corresponding to current flowing through the conductor, a memory including for each corresponding pole an offset value and a gain correction factor for the sensor circuit, and a gain correction factor for the Rogowski coil, a number of routines, and a processor cooperating with the sensor circuit and the routines to provide for each pole a corrected current value as a function of a corresponding one of the values, the sensor circuit offset value and gain correction factor, and the Rogowski coil gain correction factor. |
| US08203810B2 |
Solid state pre-charge module
A solid state pre-charge module includes a relay, a transistor connected to the relay and a solid state device connected to the transistor. The solid state device controls switching of the transistor. |
| US08203809B2 |
Enhanced hard bias in thin film magnetoresistive sensors with perpendicular easy axis growth of hard bias and strong shield-hard bias coupling
A hard bias (HB) structure for longitudinally biasing a free layer in a MR sensor is disclosed that is based on HB easy axis growth perpendicular to an underlying seed layer which is formed above a substrate and along two sidewalls of the sensor. In one embodiment, a conformal soft magnetic layer that may be a top shield contacts the HB layer to provide direct exchange coupling that compensates HB surface charges. Optionally, a thin capping layer on the HB layer enables magneto-static shield-HB coupling. After HB initialization, HB regions along the sensor sidewalls have magnetizations that are perpendicular to the sidewalls as a result of surface charges near the seed layer. Sidewalls may be extended into the substrate (bottom shield) to give enhanced protection against side reading. The top surface of the seed layer may be amorphous or crystalline to promote HB easy axis perpendicular growth. |
| US08203808B2 |
Magneto-resistance effect element including free layer having multilayer constitution including magnetic body mixed with element having 4F electrons
In an MR element constituted in such a manner that a pinned layer whose magnetization direction is fixed, a nonmagnetic spacer layer, and a free layer whose magnetization direction is changed according to an external magnetic field, are laminated in this order; the free layer has a multilayer constitution including a magnetic body mixed with an element having 4f electrons at a certain ratio. Specifically, the first layer in contact with the spacer layer, the third layer, the fifth layer, and the seventh layer of the free layer are formed by mixing Nd, Sm, Gd, or Tb into CoFe. The second layer and the sixth layer of the free layer are formed by mixing Nd, Sm, Gd, or Tb into NiFe. The third layer of the free layer is Cu. A damping constant of the free layer is greater than 0.018. |
| US08203806B2 |
Disk drive having a head loading/unloading ramp that includes a torsionally-compliant member
A disk drive includes a ramp having a fixed portion that is fixed to the disk drive base, and a guide portion that is not. The guide portion includes a guide surface having a parking region that is in contact with an HGA lift-tab with the disk drive in a non-operational state. The guide surface also has a load/unload region that extends over a disk outer periphery. The guide surface defines a guide surface length that is measured from the parking region to the load/unload region. The ramp also includes a torsionally-compliant member connecting the fixed portion to the guide portion. A distance between the torsionally-compliant member and the parking region, measured approximately parallel to the guide surface length, is less than half the guide surface length. The guide portion is not connected to the fixed portion over at least two-thirds of the guide surface length. |
| US08203805B2 |
ABS with lubricant control trenches for hard disk drives
A method and apparatus for controlling lubrication in hard disk drives. Hard disk drives often include lubrication on the disks to protect the disks from incidental contact with the head slider. Embodiments of the invention include lubrication control recesses on the air bearing surface (ABS) of the head slider. The recesses reduce air stagnation on the ABS and/or store excess lubrication that migrates from the disk to the head slider. By reducing build-up of lubrication and storing excess lubrication, the lubrication control recesses avoid failure that may occur as a result of the lubrication interfering with the ABS or the read/write elements of the head. |
| US08203803B2 |
Magnetic recording head for perpendicular recording with wrap around shield, the fabrication process and magnetic disk storage apparatus mounting the magnetic head
Embodiments of the invention are directed to narrowing a read/write gap of a perpendicular magnetic head by applying a wrap around shield, data erasing from return pole edges by returning recording field, and reducing TPR of a magnetic material. In one embodiment, the wrap around shields are formed by partitioning and making Gd, which is the height of the shield at the main pole side in the sensor height direction, smaller than the height of the shield connected to the return pole in the sensor height direction. |
| US08203801B2 |
System for adjusting the pressure of a head on an information storage medium of a disk device
According to one embodiment, a disk device rotates a disk information storage medium to record and reproduce information on the information storage medium by use of a head that slides in contact with a lubricant coated on the information storage medium, wherein a sliding speed U, area A and normal force N are set to cause U×A/N to fall within a monotonously increasing region in which a coefficient of friction associated with a frictional force occurring in a contact area of the head that faces the information storage medium monotonously increases as U×A/N increases, where the sliding speed U represents a sliding speed at a sliding time of the head, the area A represents the contact area of the head, and the normal force N represents a normal force applied to the contact area of the head. |
| US08203799B2 |
Lens component, image forming optical system, and electronic image pickup apparatus using the same
A lens component of the present invention is made by cementing a lens LA and a lens LB having a refracting power smaller than a refracting power of the lens LA, and satisfies predetermined conditional expressions. Moreover, in an image forming optical system of the present invention which includes a lens group B having a negative refracting power, a lens group C having a positive refracting power and which moves only toward an object side at the time of zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, and one or two more lens groups additionally, one of the lens components of the present invention is used in the lens group B. |
| US08203797B2 |
Photographing optical lens assembly
This invention provides a photographing optical lens assembly from an object side toward an image side in order including a first lens element with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface, a second lens element with positive refractive power having the object-side surface and the image-side surface being convex, a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface and both surfaces thereof being aspheric. An aperture stop is positioned between the first and the second lens elements. An electronic photo sensor is positioned at the image plane. There are three lens elements with refractive power in the photographing optical lens assembly. |
| US08203787B2 |
Optical device, two-plate unit, imaging instrument, and endoscope equipped with optical device
An optical device includes a first optical member and a second optical member formed of a medium having a refractive index greater than 1, and a multiple layer film section. The multiple layer film section has a structure in which at least two types of thin film layers namely a first thin film layer and a second thin film layer which has a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the first thin film layer, are stacked alternately. The first optical member and the second optical member are joined by an adhering means (an adhesive), and satisfy a predetermined condition. At the multiple layer film section, from a light incident, a light in a first wavelength band is let to be reflected, and a light in a second wavelength band which is shorter than the first wavelength band, and a light in a third wavelength band which is longer than the first wavelength band is let to pass (to be transmitted). |
| US08203784B2 |
Multispectral lighting apparatus
The invention is directed to a multispectral illumination device for a microscope or for a reader. According to the invention, the illumination device comprises at least three receptacle positions for lighting modules and at least one receptacle position for coupling modules, the mechanical devices for connecting the lighting modules or coupling modules at the receptacle positions to the illumination device being designed in such a way that the lighting modules or coupling modules can be easily changed. Further, the receptacle positions are arranged in such a way that, with suitable selection of the lighting modules and coupling modules, all individual spectra of the lighting modules in a total spectrum are available simultaneously at the output of the illumination device. |
| US08203778B2 |
Electrophoretic display device and method for manufacturing same
A method of manufacturing is disclosed for an electrophoretic display apparatus that includes an array substrate and an electrophoretic film laminated to the array substrate. A thermally activated adhesive is used to adhesively attach the electrophoretic film to the array substrate. The electrophoretic film is first aligned to and flattened against the array substrate and then a substantially stronger than original adhesion property of the adhesive is activated by annealing at a high temperature that is substantially greater than room temperature. Rework prior to annealing is therefore possible when alignment errors occur between the electrophoretic film and the array substrate. |
| US08203773B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and recording medium for chromatic content determination
An image processing apparatus includes a counting section for counting pixels belonging to a chromatic text component and chromatic pixels belonging to a component other than the text component among pixels composing image data obtained by reading a document, a comparison section for comparing the counted numbers with respective predetermined values, a determination section for determining that the document contains a chromatic color when either one of the number of the pixels belonging to the text component and the number of the chromatic pixels belonging to the component other than the chromatic text component is not less than the corresponding predetermined value, and an image processing section for performing a process with respect to the image data in accordance with a determination result by the determination section. |
| US08203772B2 |
Image output method, apparatus, and program using one or more attention levels
When a processed image obtained by performing image processing on an original image is presented, an option desired by a user is presented. A plurality of object regions is detected from an original image to detect the imaged state of each of the object regions when the original image was obtained. Then, an attention level for each object region is calculated based on the imaged state of the object region, and an output condition and an image processing condition are set based on the calculated attention level. Thereafter, a processed image is generated by performing image processing according to the image processing condition, and the processed image is outputted according to the output condition. |
| US08203771B2 |
Control method for image reading system
In a control method for an image reading system comprising an image scanning apparatus selectively reading an original as a reflective or transmissive original, an image processing apparatus receiving image data read by the image scanning apparatus and executing image processing of the image data, an operating unit, and a display unit. The control method includes determining whether the original is the reflective or transmissive original, executing reading of the reflective or transmissive original based on the determination result, processing the read image data, displaying details of processing executed and the image processing, and inputting an instruction to change the details of displayed processing. When the change instruction input instructs change of a process under execution or having been already executed, the image processing is executed again from the changed process. |
| US08203769B2 |
In-line linear variable filter based spectrophotometer
A system for providing color analysis of a toner image on an image bearing surface with a spectrophotometer is provided. The system includes an illuminator positioned adjacent to the image bearing surface and configured to emit a light beam at the image bearing surface, a linear sensor positioned adjacent to the image bearing surface and configured to receive the light reflecting off the toner image on the image bearing surface, a gradient index lens placed in the optical path of the light beams reflecting off the image bearing surface between the image bearing surface and the linear variable filter; and the linear variable filter positioned between the linear sensor and the gradient index lens. The system is devoid of a collimating lens positioned in between the gradient index lens and the linear variable filter, and the linear variable filter and the linear sensor are spaced apart by a gap. |
| US08203768B2 |
Method and system for processing scanned patches for use in imaging device calibration
The presently described embodiments provide for halftone-aligned averaging and noise reduction in a calibration method and associated system. Halftone-aligned averaging is implemented, in one form, as a method of averaging in which the window over which an average is computed is a multiple of the halftone period. Noise reduction, in one illustrative embodiment, comprises discarding windows having an average outside of the range from the 5th to the 95th percentiles of all windows for a patch. |
| US08203766B2 |
Vibratory scanning
Motion is introduced into a scanning operation, in addition to the motion that is inherent in any scanning operation. For example, in a flatbed scanner a linear array of scanning devices is positioned across a document in a first or “x” direction and this array is moved across the document in a perpendicular or “y” direction. With embodiments of the present technology a vibratory motion is introduced into the scanning process—not aligned with the basic “y” direction of scan. Such vibratory motion can be controlled in accordance with pre-stored data, or a random process can be employed. In some arrangements, the vibration reduces Moiré patterns. In other arrangements, the vibration causes a hidden pattern to be revealed from the scanned object. A great many other features and arrangements are also detailed. |
| US08203764B2 |
Phased illumination method for image capture system
Imaging devices and methods that permit the capture of digital images of an original document sequentially illuminated by a plurality of light sources. In one aspect, a first digital image is captured using illumination from a first illumination angle, a second digital image is captured using illumination from a second illumination angle, and the first and second digital images are combined to obtain a composite digital image of the document. The obtained composite digital image is free of reflection artifacts corresponding to the first and second illumination angles. |
| US08203763B2 |
Image scanning apparatus and method for aligning a stack of scanned images using the stack orientation indicated by a user and an automatically determined image orientation
An image scanning apparatus according to the invention includes: a scanning unit configured to scan each of plural images from plural originals that are inputted; a rotation designating unit configured to designate rotation of the plural images that are scanned, so that an orientation of the plural images that are scanned coincides with a desired image orientation; a first image rotating unit configured to rotate the image that is scanned, in accordance with the designated rotation of the image; an orientation determining unit configured to determine whether the image orientation rotated by the first image rotating unit coincides with the desired image orientation or not; and a second image rotating unit configured to, for an image determined as not coinciding by the orientation determining unit, further rotate the orientation of the image so that the orientation coincides with the desired image orientation. |
| US08203761B2 |
Image reading apparatus and control method with streak detection and correction using string count and continuity detection
When an auto document feeder feeds an original to an original image reading platen, a CCD line sensor reads the original along the main scanning direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the original. A string detection circuit detects a streak parallel to the feeding direction in the image. A string correction circuit corrects the detected streak. In particular, for a predetermined number of sub-scanning positions that are located in the same main scanning position as the main scanning position at which the streak has been detected by the string detection circuit and that exist subsequent to the sub-scanning position at which the streak has been detected, correction is performed by the string correction circuit even when no streak is detected by the string detection circuit. |
| US08203758B2 |
Image processing apparatus and its method, and control method
An ICC profile includes brief gloss information indicating glossy/matte attribute as attribute information, however, gloss matching cannot be performed with the 2 options. In a case where embedding of glossiness information into the ICC profile is designated, glossiness information is obtained from a color chart placed on an original plate of a color copier, and the obtained glossiness information is described in a private tag of the ICC profile. |
| US08203747B2 |
Methods and systems for time-efficient print-data rendering
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for generating rendered data for printing. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a master stencil may be formed from individual print-object stencils. The master stencil may provide a mapping such that rendered print data may be generated at a pixel without multiple renditions at each pixel for each print object. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the master stencil may provide a mapping such that processing operations may be minimized at each pixel. According to a third aspect of the present invention, individual print-object stencils may be processed serially at each line, or spatial portion. Print-object stencils may be processed in z-order for each line, or spatial portion, and pixels which overlap multiple print objects may be overwritten. According to another aspect of the present invention, a master stencil may be generated while rendering print data. Accordingly, print-object stencils may be processed serially in reverse z-order. |
| US08203746B2 |
Image forming system and recording medium storing program
An image forming system includes an image forming portion for forming a transparent image on a sheet by using transparent toner; an obtaining portion for obtaining a size of the sheet on which an image is to be formed; a storing portion for storing image data, for forming the transparent image on an entire image formable area of the sheet with the transparent toner, for each of a plurality of predetermined sheets different in size from each other; and a control portion for controlling the image forming portion so that the transparent image is formed on the sheet on the basis of the image data corresponding to the size of the sheet obtained by the obtaining portion. |
| US08203745B2 |
Automated image sizing and placement
Versions of user-selected content images are automatically created, sized, and positioned within a template such that all versions are simultaneously displayed without overlapping in a defined acceptable image area of the template. Creating the content image versions may include creating a frame image for the content image. A predefined anchor point associated with the acceptable image area is used to control the location of the image versions within the image area. |
| US08203738B2 |
Image forming device, image forming device terminal, and program for authentication printing
The present invention provides an image forming device terminal for enhancing the productivity of the image forming process such as printing. An image forming device terminal for instructing execution of a printout process on an image forming device capable of executing an authentication print printing, includes a selection accepting unit which accepts a selection of an image forming device for executing the printout process from a plurality of image forming devices; a determination unit which classifies the selected image forming device to a first type image forming device or a second type image forming device based on whether or not the selected image forming device is a default set image forming device; and a generating unit which generates job data as a printout process of not the authentication print printing in a case where the selected image forming device is the first type image forming device, and generates job data as a printout process of the authentication print printing in a case where the image forming device is the second type image forming device. |
| US08203734B2 |
Image formation using a portable storage medium
In an image formation system comprising a data processing device and an image formation device, the data processing device includes: a print data storing unit which stores print data in a portable storage medium; an image data generating unit which generates image data to be displayed by the image formation device in regard to the print data; and an image data storing unit which stores the image data in the portable storage medium while associating the image data with the print data. The image formation device includes an image formation unit which forms an image on a print medium based on print data stored in the portable storage medium while being associated with image data corresponding to the image displayed by a display unit and selected by a selection unit when printing is requested regarding the image. |
| US08203729B2 |
Image forming apparatus providing user support in sleep mode
An image forming apparatus that can support the user in sleep mode is provided. When the apparatus enters sleep mode, guidance information is displayed on an electronic paper. The electronic paper maintains displayed contents even when power is not supplied and, therefore, even when power is not supplied to a display panel in the sleep mode, the display for the user is continuously given, thereby supporting the user. |
| US08203722B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and output-format setting method
An image-information obtaining unit obtains image information. A form determining unit determines form information indicating a characteristic of limiting a position of a viewing axis that is an axis for turning over a page a print on which the image information is printed, based on the image information. A viewing-axis determining unit determines the position of the viewing axis based on the form information. A format limiting unit limits format information that can be set according to the position of the viewing axis. A format receiving unit receives an input of the format information limited by the format limiting unit. |
| US08203721B2 |
Optical sensor system on an apparatus for treating liquids
An optical sensor system on an apparatus for treating liquids, with a device for projecting light to at least one illumination position in space, at least one device for imaging the at least one illumination position on at least one photo detector in order to supply a measurement signal depending on the received light, wherein the device for projecting is a device for simultaneously projecting light to plural illumination positions and/or the device for projecting is a device for simultaneously projecting light under different angles to the same illumination position, and/or plural photo detectors are existent, and an analysing unit connected to the at least one photo detector for analysing the at least one measurement signal. |
| US08203718B2 |
Photonic crystal based sensor or modulator
A gyroscope having photonic crystals for sensing rotation uses the Sagnac effect to determine angular motion. The gyroscope comprises a photonic crystal capable of guiding counter-propagating light beams in a closed path. A light source, coupling, and detection apparatus permits detection of phase changes between the counter-propagating beams, thereby permitting measurement of angular rotation. The photonic crystal comprises a periodic structure of pillars and voids which creates a photonic bandgap waveguide within which light waves in the proper wavelength range propagate with low loss. |
| US08203714B2 |
Method for the camera-assisted detection of the radiation intensity of a gaseous chemical reaction product and uses of said method and corresponding device
According to the invention, an RGB-color camera is used to detect the radiation intensity of a reaction product in red, green or blue wavelength range such that the respective blue signal (IB) of the RGB-color camera is used to produce a band radiation value (BS) of the respective reaction product and the respective red and/or green signal (IR, IG) of the RGB-color camera is used to produce the thermal radiation value (TS) by means of pyrometry or comparative pyrometry, whereby the difference of the respective range radiation value (BS) and the respective associated thermal radiation value (TS) is used to produce an emission rate (K) for the radiation intensity of the respective reaction product. |
| US08203713B2 |
Method and device for quantitatively determining the surface optical characteristics of a reference object comprised by a plurality of optically differentiable layers
A method and device to determine quantitatively the surface optical characteristics of an object of reference made up of a plurality of optically differentiable layers. The device includes lighting and image capture means, connected to analysing means which execute the method to obtain the parameters of the repair material components best fitting the optical characteristics of the dental environment of the subject under treatment. The result of the analysis through the method in the invention consists mainly in the identification of each one of the various materials which should constitute the different layers, as well as their respective thicknesses, and which are to lead to a dental repair with optimum optical characteristics. It is thus achieved that the repair be visually imperceptible, both under natural light and under ultraviolet light. |
| US08203707B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed sensing utilizing optical scattering in optical waveguides
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for distributed sensing utilizing optical scattering in optical waveguides and reveals two types of the invention. One type of the invention is to characterize optical scattering while actively controlling the temperature of the optical waveguide. The other type of the invention is to characterize optical scattering while strain/stress is induced into the optical waveguide through interaction of the jackets or coatings of the optical waveguide with objects under test. In one embodiment of the invention, the optical scattering based method and apparatus can sense liquid level, liquid distribution, and temperature gradient on ground and in low gravity. Other embodiments of the invention can detect location and concentration of liquid spill and gas leak along pipelines, or measure liquid or gas flow rates. Moreover, the method and apparatus described in the invention have capabilities of sensing multiple physical and chemical parameters using one sensing optical waveguide. |
| US08203705B2 |
Inspection apparatus and inspection method
The invention is directed to detect a warp amount in a real-time manner in a wafer rotating at high speed under inspection. An inspection apparatus includes: a first light irradiating unit for irradiating an object to be inspected with light; a first detector for detecting scattered light from the object to be inspected; a second light irradiating unit for irradiating the object to be inspected with light; a second detector for detecting light reflected from the object to be inspected, of light of the second light irradiating unit; a stage for moving an object to be inspected, which moves the object to be inspected so as to change irradiation positions on the object to be inspected, of the light of the first light irradiating unit and the light of the second light irradiating unit; an inspection coordinate detector for outputting information of coordinates of a position irradiated with light; an elevation control circuit for outputting height information of the object to be inspected on the basis of a detection signal from the second detector; and a data processing unit for calculating a warp amount of the object to be inspected on the basis of the information of the position coordinates from the inspection coordinate detector and the height information from the elevation control circuit. |
| US08203701B2 |
Apparatus and method for checking component parts of a mechanical piece
An optoelectronic system for checking the relative attitude of component parts of an HSA (32) including a base (2); a reference system (40) connected to the base and having a stationary support (3) adapted to cooperate with positioning surfaces (34) of the HSA, and a floating device (10) which floats with respect to the stationary support and is adapted to cooperate with working surfaces (33) of the HSA; an optoelectronic detection device; and a processing unit for receiving and processing signals of the optoelectronic detection device. The floating device includes a floating element (11) adapted to cooperate with the optoelectronic detection device. A method for checking the relative attitude of component parts of a mechanical piece by means of an optoelectronic system includes the steps of referring a first component part of the HSA to the reference system; locking the HSA at a checking position; bringing the floating device with the floating element (11) to contact a second component part of the HSA; and carrying out dimensional and positional checkings of component parts of the floating element (11) by means of the optoelectronic system. |
| US08203699B2 |
System architecture design for time-of-flight system having reduced differential pixel size, and time-of-flight systems so designed
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods to produce a high performance, feature rich TOF system, phase-based or otherwise using small TOF pixels, single-ended or preferably differential, as well as TOF systems so designed. IC chip area required for pixels is reduced by intelligently off-loading or removing from within the pixel certain components and/or functionality. In some embodiments during a single TOF system capture period, analog values from each pixel are repeatedly sampled and converted to digital values, which are combined and manipulated on the sensor chip. Combining this plurality of values enables appropriately compact data from the sensor chip. Embodiments of the present invention implement a TOF system with high ambient light resilience, high dynamic range, low motion blur and dealiasing support, while advantageously reducing pixel area size relative to prior art TOF pixels. |