| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08209635B2 |
System and method for dynamically changing a display
A technique for managing the display of content on a display of an electronic device may be based on a distance of the user to the display. The distance may be estimated by analyzing video data to detect a face of the user and establish a distance parameter based on a relationship between facial features. Based on this information, the displayed content may be adjusted to facilitate easy viewing of the displayed content, such as by changing the size of the displayed content, the layout of the displayed content, or the number of visual elements that make up the displayed content. |
| US08209630B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for resizing user interface content
Aspect ratio locking alignment guides for gestures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a gesture is detected to resize a user interface element, and in response, a first alignment guide is visibly displayed, wherein the first alignment guide includes positions representing different sizes the user interface element can be resized to while maintaining the initial aspect ratio of the user interface element. While the user interface element is resized in accordance with the user gesture, and while the first alignment guide is visibly displayed: when the user gesture is substantially aligned with the first alignment guide, visible display of the first alignment guide is maintained; and when the user gesture substantially deviates from the first alignment guide, visible display of the first alignment guide is terminated. |
| US08209628B1 |
Pressure-sensitive manipulation of displayed objects
First and second objects are displayed on a pressure-sensitive touch-screen display device. Contact with the display device by an input mechanism is detected in a region corresponding to empty space. The movement of the input mechanism is tracked while it remains in contact with the display device. Movement of the input mechanism is detected as it moves to a point along the boundary of the second displayed object. In response, the pressure applied to the display device by the input mechanism is sensed. It is determined that the sensed pressure exceeds a threshold pressure value. Movement of the input mechanism is then detected as it moves to a new position on the display device. As a consequence of detecting the movement of the input mechanism to the new position and determining that the sensed pressure exceeds the threshold pressure value, a fold operation is applied to the second displayed object. |
| US08209623B2 |
Visualization and control techniques for multimedia digital content
A multimedia preview system in a client/server-based network environment for browsing content of requested multimedia data to be previewed includes a processor. The content is displayed on a client terminal for accessing a multimedia server that holds the requested multimedia data. The processor adapts a detail level of a presentation of at least one of text and an image associated with the requested multimedia data, depending on markup tags associated with the multimedia data and a frequency of commands indicating a speed at which the multimedia preview system is to browse through the at least one of the text and the image, such that the detail level of the presentation of the at least one of the text and the image is higher when the speed is lower and vice versa, and changes a layout of the at least one of the text and the image depending on the speed. |
| US08209620B2 |
System for storage and navigation of application states and interactions
Complex collaboration or decision support applications perform complex design or planning tasks, often with the input of large groups of people over long periods of time. The combination of time and complexity can often obscure past actions, making it difficult to remember the factors that influenced earlier stages in the planning task. This is especially true if the task involves many people and different people work at different times. The application state navigation system provides an application-independent mechanism that allows operators to walk back through the history of the application in order to better understand (or remember) the application actions that were taken in the past and the triggers for those actions. |
| US08209619B2 |
Non-linear navigation in discussion forums
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with providing non-linear navigation in a discussion forum are described. One method embodiment includes maintaining a location data that identifies a thread or message to which a user has navigated. The method also includes manipulating a navigation control in a graphical user interface based on actions taken by the user and/or other users of the system. The navigation control facilitates a user moving to points not traditionally reachable in a single vertical navigation step in a discussion forum interface. |
| US08209618B2 |
Method of sharing multi-media content among users in a global computer network
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for sharing multi-media content among a plurality of users in a computer network comprises creating a plurality of user accounts, each of said user accounts corresponding to one of the plurality of users, and having a plurality of interactive features including a first feature that permits the user to upload the multi-media content to the computer network; forming a user network including one or more of the plurality of user accounts in communication with one or more other user accounts and to the uploaded multi-media content via the computer network; categorizing the uploaded multi-media content in accordance with the subject matter of the uploaded multi-media content; organizing the uploaded multi-media content in a competitive format; and establishing a hierarchy for the uploaded multi-media content within the competitive format as a function of a competitive measurement system. |
| US08209613B2 |
Method and device for scheduling follow-up events
A device and method for scheduling follow-up events in relation to an existing event record. The device receives an input follow-up request associated with the existing event record and automatically generates a follow-up event record having information in its field populated using the information contained in the existing event record. The date of the follow-up event is automatically generated based upon the date of the existing event record. If the existing event record is a recurring event, then the date of the follow-up event is based on the frequency of recurrence. The follow-up event record may be displayed for user editing and may be transmitted to the attendees to propose scheduling of the follow-up event. |
| US08209610B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program
Program viewing is provided so that a user can easily search for a program which the user desires to view. An information processing apparatus includes an EPG information recording unit which stores EPG information of programs; a program selection unit which selects programs corresponding to a plurality of different selection conditions based on the EPG information; and a display control unit which controls the display on a display screen of a plurality of selection buttons associated with the plurality of selection conditions in a manner that features of the selected programs are represented, wherein, when any one of the selection buttons is selected, the display control unit controls the display on the display screen of information corresponding to the program associated with the selected selection buttons. |
| US08209609B2 |
Audio-visual search and browse interface (AVSBI)
An audio-visual search and browse interface (AVSBI) is described. In an embodiment, a user interface module displays one or more media collections, where each of the one or more media collections includes multiple clips of media. The user interface module determines a center media collection from the one or more media collections that corresponds with a slider on a user interface display. The user interface module determines a left media collection and a right media collection based on the center media collection. The multiple clips of media in the center media collection are played via a center speaker, the multiple clips of media in the left media collection are played via a left speaker, and the multiple clips of media in the right media collection are played via a right speaker, all in a simultaneous, overlapping and cyclical manner. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08209608B1 |
Method and system for presenting structured information in an interactive multimedia environment
The present invention provides an interactive multimedia system for providing structured information systems, for example help systems for desktop and network based applications. The invention employs an interactive multimedia runtime container and rich media content and other data files for the structured system navigational components such as the Table of Contents (TOC), Index, Search, and Glossary. In another aspect, the invention provides a structured navigation interface through the use of rich media files driven by data files which allow the user or the author to create a customized appearance for the structured information system. The system is advantageously cross-browser and cross-platform compatible and ensures consistent navigation and look and feel across platforms and browsers. The system additionally provides compatibility with high security networks and firewall systems, allows authors to focus on content without concern over platform and browser compatibility issues, and brings powerful, appealing new visual options to authors. |
| US08209607B2 |
Document navigation method
A document navigation tool that automatically navigates a document based on previous input from the user. The document navigation tool is utilized each time a page loads. The method recognizes user behavior on pages using patterns, which are based on four criterion: location, frequency, consistency, and scope. If the user has visited the page previously and has established a pattern, the method automatically focuses on the portion of the page indicated by the pattern, e.g. the location on a web page of the link clicked by the user in the user's last three visits to the page. If the user has not visited the page previously, the method logs the events that occur during this visit to the page. |
| US08209606B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for list scrolling on a touch-screen display
In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a device with a touch screen display is disclosed. In the method, a movement of an object on or near the touch screen display is detected. In response to detecting the movement, a list of items displayed on the touch screen display is scrolled in a first direction. If a terminus of the list is reached while scrolling the list in the first direction while the object is still detected on or near the touch screen display, an area beyond the terminus of the list is displayed. In response to detecting that the object is no longer on or near the touch screen display, the list is scrolled in a second direction until the area beyond the terminus of the list is no longer displayed. |
| US08209605B2 |
Method and system for facilitating the examination of documents
The user is enabled to move smoothly between viewing an entire document in a word by word display, through views that display only elements of increasing landmark value, to an overview of the document in a single display window. A document is parsed into a hierarchy, of which each node at every level (from chapter to sentence, clause or long word) has a display state (invisible, tokenized or open) for the way it is shown as part of an expandable view of the document. The contents opted for display within a tokenized view may be prioritized according to a system of landmark values. The view is modified by user input using an explicit data structure of nodes and states within the device controlling the display, or by structuring in another system the underlying logic of the arrangement of code that is acted upon by a web browser. |
| US08209604B2 |
Mathematical expression buildup and builddown
Systems and methods for manipulating mathematical expressions in a computer system. A system can include a builddown module programmed to builddown a mathematical expression from a two-dimensional format to a linear format, the builddown module being programmed to associate a special property of the two-dimensional format of the mathematical expression with a corresponding character of the linear format of the mathematical expression. A method can include receiving a request to builddown the mathematical expression from a two-dimensional format to a linear format, building down the mathematical expression to the linear format, and associating a special property of the two-dimensional format of the mathematical expression with a corresponding character of the linear format of the mathematical expression. |
| US08209601B2 |
System and method of formatting text
A text formatting system parses text and reformats it to establish optimal spacing for readability and reader comprehension. It also reduces the incidence of rivers and therefore enhances the aesthetic quality of the formatted text. The formatting applied to the text by the present invention is based on structure rules that determine key parameters of page layout including for example column width, font, font size, color, leading and kerning. |
| US08209600B1 |
Method and apparatus for generating layout-preserved text
Methods and apparatus for generating layout-preserved text output from portable document format (PDF) input are described. A layout-preserved text generation method may generate layout-preserved text output from PDF input that includes the text along with indentations, spaces, newlines, and paging and that thus preserves the global document layout view of the original PDF input document. The layout-preserved text generation method may transform the PDF (X, Y) document space into a text file grid space while preserving a similar global view of the text and layout from the PDF (X, Y) document space. This transformation may include determining a base size per grid that may produce accurate layout in the text output from the PDF input. |
| US08209597B2 |
System and method for achieving improved accuracy from efficient computer architectures
This invention provides a system and method that can employ a low-instruction-per-second (lower-power), highly parallel processor architecture to perform the low-precision computations. These are aggregated at high-precision by an aggregator. Either a high-precision processor arrangement, or a low-precision processor arrangement, employing soft-ware-based high-precision program instructions performs the less-frequent, generally slower high-precision computations of the aggregated, more-frequent low-precision computations. One final aggregator totals all low-precision computations and another high-precision aggregator totals all high-precision computations. An equal number of low precision computations are used to generate the error value that is subtracted from the low-precision average. A plurality of lower-power processors can be arrayed to provide the low-precision computation function. Alternatively a plurality of SIMD can be used to alternately conduct low-precision computations for a predetermined number of operations and high-precision operations on a fewer number of operations. In an embodiment, aggregation can include summing values within predetermined ranges of orders of magnitude, via an adding tree arrangement, so that significant digits therebetween are preserved. |
| US08209594B2 |
Sending device, receiving device, communication control device, communication system, and communication control method
A receiving device including: a receiver receiving two frames, each including substantially same data attached thereto with a data error detection code, a frame error detection code, and safety flag information indicating a safety function or not, respectively; a first detector connected to the receiver for performing error detection of the frames by use of the frame error detection code, respectively; a second detector connected to the receiver for performing error detection of the data by use of the data error detection code, respectively; and a Direct Memory Access Controller (DMAC) connected to the first and second detectors for outputting one among the data included in the two frames under a condition of the safety function in the two frames when no error is detected in the frame and data error detections. |
| US08209592B2 |
Method and apparatus for software-defined radio LDPC decoder
A method and apparatus for decoding transmissions in a wireless communications network is provided. A receiver includes a receive path. The receive path includes a low density parity check (LDPC) decoder. The receiver is configured to receive encoded transmissions and perform low density parity check decoding operations using a CRISP decoder. The CRISP decoder includes a plurality of memory units, and a plurality of processors. |
| US08209591B2 |
Voter tester for redundant systems
A tester is configured to access and test each redundant channel of a voter. The tester is disposed between the voter and a multitude of redundant circuits supplying redundant channel signals to the voter. The tester includes a number of input ports receiving the redundant channel signals as well as the test signals. In response to a number of logic combinations of the test signals, the voter generates output signals each corresponding to one of the redundant channel signals. In response to other logic combinations of the test signals, the voter generates a voted output signal. The voter is optionally a majority voter. |
| US08209590B2 |
Header encoding/decoding
In a communication device that is operative to perform decoding, a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) circuitry operates to calculate LLRs corresponding to every bit location within a received bit sequence. This received bit sequence may include a header and a data portion (both of which may be included within a frame that also includes a preamble). The header is composed of information bits, a duplicate of those information bits (such as may be generated in accordance with repetition encoding), and redundancy bits. The header includes information corresponding to frame or data including frame length, a code type by which the data are encoded, a code rate by which the data are encoded, and a modulation by which symbols of the data are modulated. Once the header has been decoded, then the data corresponding thereto is decoded by a block decoder circuitry to make estimates of that data. |
| US08209589B2 |
Reed-solomon decoder with a variable number of correctable errors
A syndrome calculator receives an input codeword and calculates a first set of syndromes. A syndrome transform receives the first set of syndromes having and determines a second set of syndromes. The second set of syndromes is based on the first set of syndromes. The second set of syndromes has number of syndromes that is less than the number of syndromes in the first set of syndromes. A key equation solver receives the second set of syndromes and produces an indication of zero or more error locations and an indication of zero or more error values. |
| US08209587B1 |
System and method for eliminating zeroing of disk drives in RAID arrays
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a technique for providing an indication whether data stored on a disk drive are invalid. As used herein, invalid data are data written prior to the disk drive being added to an array of the disk drives or data in a block that has become free and which has been removed from the corresponding parity block of the stripe. Knowing that the disk drive was written prior to the drive being added to the existing array or having data which has become invalid allows a storage server to ignore the invalid data and not to use it when computing parity (i.e., a data protection value computed as a result of a logical operation on data blocks in a stripe in the array of disk drives). This, in turn, eliminates the need to zero disk drives or to perform parity re-computation prior to using the disk drives. |
| US08209586B2 |
Burst transmission in a digital broadcasting network
A multiprotocol encapsulation forward error correction (MPE-FEC) frame comprising datagrams and FEC data is shown wherein an MPE encapsulator places datagrams in MPE sections and FEC data in MPE-FEC sections. A time slicing block forms a sequence of bursts and dividing the MPE-FEC frame between bursts, such that MPE sections are sent in at least two bursts. The time slicing block adds a burst number parameter to headers of the MPE and MPE-FEC sections to enable a terminal to determine whether to expect further bursts carrying data from the MPE-FEC frame. |
| US08209580B1 |
Error correction coding for varying signal-to-noise ratio channels
An error rate sensitive error correction (ERSEC) system acting on product code is disclosed herein that improves error correction effectiveness by allocating error correction resources based on error susceptibility. The ERSEC system acts on vectors (bits or multiple-bit symbols) of a data matrix arranged from a data sequence. The ERSEC system obtains a signal-to-noise (SNR) profile that includes different SNR domains, assigns at least two vectors of the same dimension to different SNR domains, and allocates a level of error correction for the assigned vectors based on the SNR magnitudes of the assigned-to SNR domains. |
| US08209579B2 |
Generalized multi-threshold decoder for low-density parity check codes
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for error correction of a communication signal. A generalized multiple threshold scheme for iteratively decoding a received codeword may include generating a bit reliability based on a channel output reliability and an updated bit reliability from a previous decoding iteration, where the bit reliability is updated using a scaling factor and a comparison with a threshold. The threshold may have a plurality of threshold values during the iterative decoding. |
| US08209575B2 |
MIMO hybrid-ARQ using basis hopping
A Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request (H-ARQ) technique is provided for Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) systems. The technique changes the basis (V) upon retransmission, which helps reduce the error probability upon retransmission. This basis hopping technique provides for improved performance gain without significant increase in design complexity. In one embodiment, communication device (100) includes a receiver section (114) for receiving an acknowledgment (ACK) or a non-acknowledgment (NACK) signal in response to information transmitted by the transmitter section of the communication device. If a NACK is received, a new basis is selected from a set of basis stored in a basis set unit (110). The new basis that is selected is then used by a linear transformation unit (106) in the retransmission of the information. |
| US08209572B2 |
Testing embedded memories in an integrated circuit
Various new and non-obvious apparatus and methods for testing embedded memories in an integrated circuit are disclosed. One of the disclosed embodiments is an apparatus for testing an embedded memory in an integrated circuit. This exemplary embodiment comprises input logic that includes one or more memory-input paths coupled to respective memory inputs of the embedded memory, a memory built-in self-test (MBIST) controller, and at least one scan cell coupled between the input logic and the MBIST controller. The scan cell of this embodiment is selectively operable in a memory-test mode and a system mode. In memory-test mode, the scan cell can apply memory-test data to the memory inputs along the memory-input paths of the integrated circuit. Any of the disclosed apparatus can be designed, simulated, and/or verified (and any of the disclosed methods can be performed) in a computer-executed application, such as an electronic-design-automation (“EDA”) software tool. |
| US08209570B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving digital video signals
An apparatus is operable to receive a digital video signal transmitted over a channel and comprises an operational module configured to operate in a first mode of operation and in a second mode. The apparatus is configured to switch operation of the operational module from the first mode to the second mode in dependence of an estimate of an environment (condition) of the channel. |
| US08209565B2 |
Data processing device and bus access control method therein
A data processing device includes a computing circuit that accesses a peripheral device connected to through a internal bus, an internal bus connection circuit that is provided between the computing circuit and the internal bus, and switches an enable and a disable state of an access from the computing circuit to the internal bus, an exception notification controller that outputs an exception occurrence notification signal to the computing circuit based on an error occurred in the peripheral device, and a bus disablement controller that instructs the internal bus connection circuit to disable an access from the computing circuit to the internal bus in accordance with the notification of the exception occurrence notification signal, and instructs the internal bus connection circuit to cancel the disablement of the access in accordance with a start of an exception processing based on the exception occurrence notification signal. |
| US08209561B2 |
Real time clock and method for recording data in real time clock
A real time clock for outputting data indicating a time of day includes: an event detection circuit for detecting that an event detection signal has been inputted from outside; a timing circuit for generating the time-of-day data according to a signal outputted from an oscillator circuit; a memory; and a control circuit for, if the event detection circuit detects input of the event detection signal, recording event data in the memory, the event data including additional data indicating an operating state of the real time clock and the time-of-day data generated by the timing circuit. |
| US08209557B2 |
Computer set provided with a disk type battery unit
A computer set for coupling to a disk drive and a battery unit, includes a disk-drive connecting port, a power diverter circuit and a power source. The connecting port includes a set of disk terminals, a set of battery terminals, and a set of power terminals. The diverter circuit is coupled electrically to the connecting port. The power source is electrically coupled to the diverter circuit such that when the computer set is coupled to the disk drive, the sets of disk and power terminals are electrically coupled to the disk drive and the power source supplies a first electrical power for the disk drive via the diverter circuit. When the computer set is coupled to the battery unit, the sets of battery and power terminals are coupled electrically to the battery unit so as to permit the battery unit to supply a second electrical power for the computer set via the diverter circuit. |
| US08209553B2 |
Information handling system that supplies power to a memory expansion board
An information handling system (“IHS”) including a processor, a memory controller coupled to the processor, and a memory device interface coupled to the memory controller is provided. The IHS also includes a voltage control circuit, coupled to the interface, for determining whether the interface is coupled to a memory expansion board or a memory device. In response to determining that the interface is coupled to a memory device, the circuit activates a first voltage regulator for supplying a first level of voltage. In response to determining that the interface is coupled to a memory expansion board, the circuit activates a second voltage regulator for supplying a second level of voltage. |
| US08209551B2 |
Security for RAID systems
Methods and apparatus for accessing a redundant array of independent drives (RAID) storage device are disclosed. In some embodiments file data is broken into multiple segments. A cryptographic operation is performed on one or more segments to generate encrypted segment(s). One or more parity syndrome is computed from the encrypted segment(s) and the unencrypted segment(s). The encrypted segment(s), the unencrypted segment(s) and the parity syndrome(s) are striped onto different individual drives. Since the cryptographic operation is not performed on all the segments, it may also be performed concurrently with computing of parity syndrome(s) from other unencrypted segments. |
| US08209548B2 |
Secure caching technique for shared distributed caches
The present invention relates to a secure caching technique for shared distributed caches. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: encrypting a key K to provide a secure key, the key K corresponding to a value to be stored in a cache; and storing the value in the cache using the secure key. |
| US08209547B2 |
Recording medium, storage unit, information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program and computer readable medium
A recording medium is provided. The recording medium is used for inputting, into an information processing apparatus, a program for causing the information processing apparatus to perform information processing, wherein the recording medium includes an ID file used for storing an ID of the program in which the ID is encrypted by a key specific to the recording medium or specific to the information processing apparatus. |
| US08209545B1 |
FPGA configuration bitstream protection using multiple keys
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that prevent detection and erasure of encoding or encryption keys. These encoding keys may be used to encode a configuration bitstream or other data for an FPGA or other device. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention masks a first key to form an encoding key in order to prevent detection of the first key. In a specific embodiment, the first key is encoded using a second key. The encoded key is used to encode a configuration bitstream or other data. The encoded key is stored on an FPGA or other device. When the device is to be configured, the encoded key is retrieved and used to decode the bitstream or other data. A further embodiment stores an encryption key in a one-time programmable memory (OTP) array to prevent its erasure or modification. The encoding key may be further obfuscated before storage. |
| US08209544B2 |
Trusted storage systems and methods
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a trusted database system that leverages a small amount of trusted storage to secure a larger amount of untrusted storage. Data are encrypted and validated to prevent unauthorized modification or access. Encryption and hashing are integrated with a low-level data model in which data and meta-data are secured uniformly. Synergies between data validation and log-structured storage are exploited. |
| US08209541B2 |
Method and system for single sign-on for multiple remote sites of a computer network
A system and method links first and second computers of a network to implement a single sign on feature. The first computer generates a link request having a plaintext component and a hashed component. The plaintext component includes an identifier associated with the first network computer and information for locating a resource of the second network computer. The hashed component includes a first hash result formed by applying a hashing function to the plaintext component and a secret known to the first network computer and the second network computer. The second computer authenticates the link request without using a two-way encryption process by generating a second hash result by applying the hashing function to the plaintext component of the link request and the secret and comparing the first hash result with the second hash result. |
| US08209537B2 |
Secure information distribution between nodes (network devices)
In an embodiment, a method of secure information distribution between nodes, includes: performing a handshake process with an adjacent node to determine membership in a secure group; and distributing secure information to the adjacent node, if the adjacent node is a member of the secure group. In another embodiment, an apparatus for secure information distribution between nodes, includes: a node configured to performing a handshake process with an adjacent node to determine membership in a secure group, and distribute secure information to the adjacent node, if the adjacent node is a member of the secure group. |
| US08209532B2 |
System and method for implementing security of multi-party-communication
A system and method for implementing security of multi-party communication is disclosed in the disclosure. The system mainly includes a group key management unit and a record protocol unit. The method mainly includes when the system runs in the centralized group key management mode, the Group Controller and Key Server (GCKS) establishes and stores a Group Security Association, the GCKS negotiates with the group members to establish an Initiation Security Association, under the protection of the Initiation Security Association, the group members obtain the Group Security Association from GCKS. When the system runs in the distributed group key management mode, a Group Security Association is established by all the group members together at the beginning of the group communication. The system runs in the application process space and can provide an application program (or application protocol) with the function of the group key management and data security of the multi-party communication in the form of the standard Application Programming Interface (API). |
| US08209527B2 |
Memory system and memory management method including the same
A booting method of a digital processing having a first processor and a second processor is provided. An interface between the first processor and the outside is stopped. A second processor program code is transmitted to a second memory from a first memory. A second stage loader (SSL) for the first processor is transmitted to a buffer of the second processor from the first memory. A first processor program code is transmitted to the second memory from the first memory under the control of the second processor and an interface between the first processor and the outside is resumed. The first processor program code is downloaded fast into the second memory to decrease booting time of the digital processing system. |
| US08209526B2 |
Method and systems for restarting a flight control system
A method for rapid restarting of a flight control system, wherein the flight control system comprises a processor, is provided. The method includes storing at least one executable program on a memory device and copying the at least one executable program to a first random access memory (RAM) sector and a second RAM sector of a RAM memory device at a predetermined time. The method also includes copying the at least one executable program from the second RAM sector to the first RAM sector upon a restart of the processor and reinitializing processor operation by executing the at least one executable program copied from the second RAM sector to the first RAM sector. |
| US08209521B2 |
Methods of indirect register access including automatic modification of a directly accessible address register
Systems and methods are provided for managing access to registers. A system may include a set of direct registers and a set of indirect registers. The indirect registers may be accessed through the direct registers, and the direct registers may provide various features to provide faster access to the indirect registers. One of the direct registers may indicate access modes for accessing the indirect registers. The access modes may include auto-increment, auto-decrement, auto-reset, and no change modes. Based on the access mode, the currently accessed address may be automatically modified after accessing the indirect register at the address. |
| US08209518B2 |
Processing bypass directory tracking system and method
A processing bypass directory system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bypass directory tracking process includes setting bits in a bypass directory when a corresponding architectural register is written. The bits are selectively cleared in the bypass directory each cycle. The configuration of the bits is utilized to determine which stage of a bypass path processing information is at. |
| US08209516B2 |
Method and system for dual mode access for storage devices
A method and system for reading data from a non-volatile mass storage device is provided. The method includes, performing logical configuration for the non-volatile mass storage device, wherein file data is allocated addresses in a virtual logical address space; and data identified by virtual logical addresses is read by a host system. The system includes a file storage segment that reads and writes data on a file-by-file basis, allowing a host system to access data from the non-volatile mass storage device using a file interface format; and a logical interface segment that allows the host system to access data using logical addressing, wherein the host system is unaware of a storage format under which data is stored on a file-by-file basis. |
| US08209515B2 |
Storage systems having differentiated storage pools
The systems and methods described herein include among other things, systems for providing a block level data storage service. More particularly, the systems and methods of the invention provide a block level data storage service that provides differentiated pools of storage on a single storage device. To this end, the systems and methods described herein leverage the different performance characteristics across the logical block name (LBN) space of the storage device (or devices). These different performance characteristics may be exploited to support two or more classes of storage on a single device. |
| US08209514B2 |
Media processing system having resource partitioning
A system comprises memory, process code, and resource partitioning code, where the code is executable by a processor. The process code may spawn multiple processes that request for access to the memory. The resource partitioning code generates resource partition objects and assigns processes to the resource partition objects. The processes may generate media store objects for storage in the memory. The media store objects may correspond to media storage devices and/or the media files accessed by the media storage devices. Access to the memory for storage of the media store objects of a process is based on parametric rules of the corresponding resource partition object. |
| US08209511B2 |
Storage management apparatus, a storage management method and a storage management program
A storage management apparatus performs migration considering an I/O load that will be generated during migration between a source array group and a destination array group. To migrate data from the source array group to the destination array group, a bandwidth that is available for use between the source and destination array groups is calculated. A volume that is within the source array group, and that has a write I/O amount that is smaller than the calculated bandwidth, is selected as the source volume for the migration, wherein the write I/O amount is the information transmission amount of information that is written. Data is thus migrated from the selected volume to the movement destination array group. |
| US08209510B1 |
Secure pool memory management
In general, the invention is directed to techniques for identifying memory overruns. For example, as described herein, a device includes a main memory that enables an addressable memory space for the device. A plurality of memory pages each comprises a separate, contiguous block of addressable memory locations within the addressable memory space. The device also includes a memory manager comprising a secure pool allocator that assigns a secure pool size value to a first one of the plurality of memory pages. The secure pool size value defines a plurality of protected memory spaces in the first memory page that partition the first memory page into a plurality of secure objects. The device also includes a memory management unit comprising secure pool logic that determines, based on the secure pool size value, whether a memory address is an address of one of the protected memory spaces in the first memory page. |
| US08209506B2 |
De-duplication in a virtualized storage environment
A data de-duplication application de-duplicates redundant data in the pooled storage capacity of a virtualized storage environment. The virtualized storage environment includes a plurality of storage devices and a virtualization or abstraction layer that aggregates all or a portion of the storage capacity of each storage device into a single pool of storage capacity, all or portions of which can be allocated to one or more host systems. For each host system, the virtualization layer presents a representation of at least a portion of the pooled storage capacity wherein the corresponding host system can read and write data. The data de-duplication application identifies redundant data in the pooled storage capacity and replaces it with one or more pointers pointing to a single instance of the data. The de-duplication application can operate on fixed or variable size blocks of data and can de-duplicate data either post-process or in-line. |
| US08209501B2 |
Capturing and loading operating system states
Operating system states capture and loading technique embodiments are presented that involve the capture and loading of baseline system states. This is accomplished, in one embodiment, by storing the states of a computer's operating system memory that it is desired to restore at a future time. No changes are permitted to the persisted storage associated with the computer. Instead, changes that would have been made to the persisted storage during an ensuing computing session, had they not been prevented, are stored in a separate computing session file. Whenever it is desired to return the operating system to its baseline condition, the stored baseline system memory states are loaded into the operating system memory, in lieu of the operating system memory's current states. |
| US08209500B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing intelligent interpretation of calendaring information to schedule computer data operations
A method and apparatus for scheduling a backup operation for a computer is described. The method includes searching a database for at least one record possessing an absence indicia. The method further includes scheduling an operation to be performed during a time period associated with the at least one record. |
| US08209499B2 |
Method of read-set and write-set management by distinguishing between shared and non-shared memory regions
A method of read-set and write-set management distinguishes between shared and non-shared memory regions. A shared memory region, used by a transactional memory application, which may be shared by one or more concurrent transactions is identified. A non-shared memory region, used by the transactional memory application, which is not shared by the one or more concurrent transactions is identified. A subset of a read-set and a write-set that access the shared memory region is checked for conflicts with the one or more concurrent transactions at a first granularity. A subset of the read-set and the write-set that access the non-shared memory region is checked for conflicts with the one or more concurrent transactions at a second granularity. The first granularity is finer than the second granularity. |
| US08209498B2 |
Method and system for transferring duplicate files in hierarchical storage management system
In order to provide HSM that can effectively use the storage capacity of an upper Tier in an HSM system, a lower Tier of the HSM system detects a group of files having the same data content from a plurality of files stored in the lower Tier, and keeps at least one of the real data of the group of files having the same data content while deleting the rest of the data. The upper Tier receives the process result from the lower Tier. Then, in response to a read request from the host computer that specifies a file included in the group of files and transferred to the upper Tier from the lower Tier, the upper Tier identifies the at least one of the data that is kept and corresponding to the specified file, and responds to the host computer. |
| US08209497B2 |
Multi-port memory and system using the same
A multi-port memory, comprising: a memory array made of a plurality of memory cells arranged at intersection points between a plurality of bit lines and a plurality of word lines, the memory array being divided into n (an integer of 2 or greater) memory banks; m (an integer of 2 or greater) input/output ports, each independently performing input and output of a command, an address, data to and from each of the memory banks; and a route switching circuit that sets signal for the command, address, and data between the memory banks and the input/output ports, the route switching circuit controlling a connection state of signal lines between the plurality of input/output ports and the plurality of memory banks. |
| US08209496B2 |
Method and system for accessing data
A method and system for distributing and accessing data over multiple storage controllers wherein data is broken down into one or more fragments over the multiple storage controllers, each storage controller owning a fragment of the data, receiving a request for data in a first storage controller from one of a plurality of hosts, responding to the host by the first storage controller with the request if the first storage controller contains the requested data, forwarding the request to the second storage controller from the first storage controller if the first storage controller does not contain the requested data, responding to the first storage controller from the second storage controller with the request, and responding to the host from the first storage controller with the request. |
| US08209493B2 |
Systems and methods for scheduling memory requests during memory throttling
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving power/performance tradeoffs associated with multi-core memory thermal throttling algorithms. In some embodiments, the priority of shared resource allocation is changed on one or more points in a system, while the system is in dynamic random access memory (DRAM) throttling mode. This may enable the forward progress of cache bound workloads while still throttling DRAM for memory bound workloads. |
| US08209488B2 |
Techniques for prediction-based indirect data prefetching
A technique for data prefetching using indirect addressing includes monitoring data pointer values, associated with an array, in an access stream to a memory. The technique determines whether a pattern exists in the data pointer values. A prefetch table is then populated with respective entries that correspond to respective array address/data pointer pairs based on a predicted pattern in the data pointer values. Respective data blocks (e.g., respective cache lines) are then prefetched (e.g., from the memory or another memory) based on the respective entries in the prefetch table. |
| US08209487B2 |
Block update for flash memory utilizing a cache page and cache block
The invention discloses a flash memory apparatus, including a plurality of blocks and a memory controller. The blocks include a first block, wherein the first block includes a first page. The memory controller receives a first data to be written into the first page of the first block. When the first page has already been written to, the memory controller further selects one of the blocks as a first cache block, writes the first data into a first cache page of the first cache block and records the number of the first block and the number of the first page into the first cache page. The memory controller further updates the first block according to the number of the first block and the number of the first page recorded in the first cache page when receiving an update command. |
| US08209484B2 |
Computer and method for managing storage apparatus
A management computer manages the pool application information that indicates a pool application for a pool and the application condition information that indicates the condition for the pool application. The management computer calculates an excess storage capacity based on a pool usage status for the pool. The management computer specifies a pool application for the pool and the condition for the pool application based on the pool application information and the application condition information. The management computer judges whether the specified condition is satisfied even in the case in which a storage area having a storage capacity equivalent to or less than the calculated excess storage capacity is deleted from the pool. In the case in which the result of the judgment is positive, the management computer defines a capacity equivalent to or less than the excess storage capacity as an unused capacity. |
| US08209477B2 |
Non-volatile memory device having assignable network identification
Memory devices and methods disclosed such as a memory device having a plurality of memory dies where each die includes a network identification that uniquely identifies the memory die on a bus. Access for each memory die to the bus can be scheduled by a bus controller. |
| US08209473B2 |
Flash storage device and operating method thereof
The invention also provides a flash storage device. In one embodiment, the flash storage device is coupled to a host, and comprises a random access memory and a controller. The random access memory stores a plurality of link tables therein, wherein each of the link tables corresponds to one of a plurality of management units of at least one flash memory, and the link tables store corresponding relationships between logical addresses and physical addresses of the corresponding management units. The controller receives an access logical address from the host, determines an access physical address corresponding to the access logical address according to the link tables stored in the random access memory, and accesses data from the flash memory according to the access physical address. |
| US08209472B2 |
Data writing method for flash memory and control circuit and storage system using the same
A data writing method for moving data in a plurality of flash memory modules during a write command of a host system is executed is provided, wherein each of the flash memory modules has a plurality of physical blocks. The present data writing method includes transferring first data received from the host system to one of the flash memory modules and writing the first data into the physical blocks of the flash memory module according to the write command. The present data writing method also includes moving at least one second data in the physical blocks of another one of the flash memory modules during the first data is written. Thereby, when the host system is about to write data into the other flash memory module, the time for executing the write command is effectively reduced. |
| US08209465B2 |
Data writing method
Data are write commanded from a host into a NAND flash memory. The data are saved once in a cache memory before being written into the NAND flash memory. The cache memory includes a physical segment whose size is the product of one page sector size of the NAND flash memory and the m-th power of 2 (m is 0 or a positive integer). A CPU records and manages the data writing status for each physical segment in a sector unit. |
| US08209464B2 |
Management method, management apparatus, and controller for memory data access
A management method, a management apparatus, and a controller for memory data access are provided. The management apparatus is disposed between a host and a device for managing the data transmitted between the host and the device, wherein the management apparatus includes a control unit and a storage unit. When the control unit receives a data writing command from the host, it searches for a set mapped to the data in the storage unit and updates the data in the set. Then, the control unit collects the other parts of the data in the storage unit and the device, integrates all parts of the data, and writes the integrated data into the device. Accordingly, the efficiency in data transmission can be improved, and the number of data writing operations can be reduced so that the lifespan of the device can be prolonged. |
| US08209463B2 |
Expansion slots for flash memory based random access memory subsystem
A memory system is provided. The system includes a controller that regulates read and write access to one or more FLASH memory devices that are employed for random access memory applications. A buffer component operates in conjunction with the controller to regulate read and write access to the one or more FLASH devices. Wear leveling components along with read and write processing components are provided to facilitate efficient operations of the FLASH memory devices. |
| US08209459B2 |
System and method for increased system availability in virtualized environments
A method is provided for managing errors in a virtualized information handling system that includes an error detection system and a hypervisor allowing multiple virtual machines to run on the information handling system. The hypervisor may assign at least one memory region to each of multiple virtual machines. The error detection system may detect an error, determine a physical memory address associated with the error, and report that address to the hypervisor. Additionally, the hypervisor may determine whether the memory region assigned to each virtual machine includes the physical memory address associated with the error. The hypervisor may shut down each virtual machine for which a memory region assigned to that virtual machine includes the physical memory address associated with the error, and not shut down each virtual machine for which the memory regions assigned to that virtual machine do not include the physical memory address associated with the error. |
| US08209457B2 |
Systems and methods for efficient handling of data traffic and processing within a processing device
The present invention provides an improved platform hub that aims to, in some embodiments, optimize system resources to improve system performance and/or reduce consumption of power. |
| US08209456B2 |
Integrating non-peripheral component interconnect (PCI) resources into a personal computer system
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having an adapter to communicate according to a personal computer (PC) protocol and a second protocol. A first interface coupled to the adapter is to perform address translation and ordering of transactions received from upstream of the adapter. The first interface is coupled in turn to heterogeneous resources, each of which includes an intellectual property (IP) core and a shim, where the shim is to implement a header of the PC protocol for the IP core to enable its incorporation into the apparatus without modification. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08209454B2 |
System and method for provisioning a remote library for an electronic device
The disclosure provides a system and method of provisioning a resource to an electronic device. The method comprises: after a triggering event, receiving from a network a data transmission at the device, the data transmission containing access information relating to a resource in a library that is in a remote server from the device, the resource relating to an application operating on the device; extracting the access information from the data transmission at the device; presenting the access information for the resource in a graphical user interface (GUI) on a display of the device; and after a selection event is initiated on the device for the resource, initiating a second data transmission containing a copy of the resource to the device and integrating the resource into the application as an output generated by the application. |
| US08209449B2 |
Method for enabling several virtual processing units to directly and concurrently access a peripheral unit
The present disclosure relates to a method for enabling a virtual processing unit to access a peripheral unit, the virtual processing unit being implemented by a physical processing unit connected to the peripheral unit, the method comprising a step of transmitting to the peripheral unit a request sent by the virtual processing unit to access a service provided by the peripheral unit, the access request comprising at least one parameter and an identifier of the virtual unit, the method comprising steps, executed by the peripheral unit after receiving an access request, of allocating a set of registers to the virtual unit identifier received, storing the parameter received in the register set allocated, and when the peripheral unit is available for processing a request, selecting one of the register sets, and triggering a process in the peripheral unit from the parameters stored in the selected register set. |
| US08209447B2 |
Device to device flow control within a chain of devices
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for device to device flow control. In one or more embodiments, a system configured for device to device flow control includes a host and a chain of devices, including one or more memory device, coupled to each other and configured to communicate with the host device through a same host port. In one or more embodiments, at least one device in the chain is configured to regulate the flow of data by sending a token in downstream data packets, the token allowing devices downstream from the respective at least one device to send an upstream data packet to the respective at least one device. |
| US08209442B2 |
Peripheral device communicating with a specific website
A peripheral device with a wireless communication function including a transmitting interface, a wireless communication unit, a storage unit and a processing unit is disclosed. The transmitting interface is connected to a computer system including a display device. The wireless communication unit utilizes a wireless method to link to an internet. The storage unit has at least one connection information. The processing unit directs the display device to display a list according to the connection information when the transmitting interface connects to the computer system. The list includes at least one choice. When the at least one choice is selected, the display device displays a homepage of a specific website. |
| US08209437B2 |
Personal information management data synchronization
A data management application that may be implemented in a mobile device to perform two-way synchronization of electronic messages and/or PIM data with a server device. The device may be a mobile device such as a mobile phone or Smartphone, as well as a personal digital assistant, notebook computer, or other mobile device communicating using any of several wireless protocols. PIM data may include PIM application objects or other data, including but not limited to calendar, contact, and task object data. The data management application may synchronize e-mail and PIM data on a client device with that of a server where the server and client utilize one or more different protocols. |
| US08209434B2 |
Continued transfer or streaming of a data file after loss of a local connection
A server receives a request for transfer or streaming of a data file sent in the local network from a portable communication device. The server provides the portable communication device with an identifier allowing the data file to be located on the server via a wide area network and transfers or streams the file over the local network to the portable communication device. |
| US08209431B1 |
System and method for improving quality of service for wireless LANs
An access point (AP) includes a control module that defines N basic service set identifiers (BSSID's) each corresponding to a class of service and having M service parameters, where N and M are integers greater than one. The AP includes an AP scheduling module that schedules communication between the AP and a plurality of client stations based on the N BSSID's and that determines a quality of service for the communication based on the N BSSID's and the M service parameters. |
| US08209429B2 |
Video stream switching
A client on a packet based network is provided with a stream of encoded video data. The system is maximizes the bit-rate of the video stream by adapting to fluctuations in network capacity. Adaptation of the bit-rate of the transmitted enclosed video data is timed to occur upon a scene change in the video sequence. In this way the interruption to the viewer when the perceived quality of the video sequence increases or decreases is minimized as it is ‘hidden’ in the scene change. The technique may be applied to hierarchically encoded video data and to other encoding technique which adapt to network conditions. |
| US08209427B2 |
Method and system for restricting access to user resources
A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS), which controls access to a walled garden. The walled garden contains links to one or more servers providing network-based services. The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. To provide the service, the site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The ACL is a bit-map that specifies which functions of the client's API can be invoked by code from the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL. The shell uses the ACL to determine whether the code has permission to execute any called functions in the API. If the code lacks permission, the shell stops execution and sends a message to the site indicating that the site lacks permission. Otherwise, the shell allows the code to call the function. |
| US08209419B2 |
Exception handling in a concurrent computing process
A system initiates multiple instances of a concurrent computing process, establishes a communication channel among the multiple instances, initiates execution of a computational job on the multiple instances, detects an interrupt request on one of the multiple instances, and terminates execution of the computational job while maintaining communication among the multiple instances via the communication channel. |
| US08209416B2 |
System and method for identifying transient friends
A system and method for identifying transient friends for a social network of a user are provided. A transient friend processing function obtains locations of a number of users or locations otherwise associated with the number of users. In order to identify transient friends for a first user, the transient friend processing function identifies other users associated with locations within a proximate area of the first user. For each of the identified users, the transient friend processing function compares a user profile of the first user to a user profile of the identified user to determine whether to add the identified user as a transient friend of the first user. If the transient friend processing function determines that the identified friend is to be added as a transient friend of the first user, the identified friend is then added as a transient friend of the first user. |
| US08209415B2 |
System and method for computer cloud management
A method for auto-scaling the infrastructure capacity of an application in response to client demands includes providing an application configured to run on an application infrastructure comprising a plurality of server nodes and to be accessed by clients via a first network. Next, providing traffic management means directing traffic from the clients to the server nodes of the application infrastructure. Providing monitoring means gathering performance metrics of the application and metrics of the application infrastructure. Providing controlling means configured to change the application infrastructure. Next, monitoring the performance metrics of the application and the metrics of the application infrastructure via the monitoring means thereby obtaining metrics information and then changing the application infrastructure based on the metrics information via the controlling means. Finally directing network traffic targeted to access the application to server nodes of the changed application infrastructure via the traffic management means. |
| US08209414B2 |
Information collecting system
A method for connecting a storage device to an information generating device includes transferring an identifying message from the storage device to a control server via a computer network. The identifying message includes a unique identifier uniquely identifying the storage device, matching a registered information generating system to the unique identifier, and identifying at least one information generating device included in the matched information generating system. A configuration message is transferred from the control server to the storage device, and the configuration message includes an address to the identified at least one information generating device and instructions of interaction. The instructions of interaction are arranged to define how the transfer of generated information is to be performed. |
| US08209413B1 |
Emergency power settings for data-center facilities infrastructure event
A management workstation has an interface for receiving notifications of data-center facilities infrastructure events. A manager determines emergency power settings for managed computing resources in response to the notifications. The settings are then communicated to the resources. |
| US08209407B2 |
System and method for web service discovery and access
An embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus, which includes a mediator operable to receive a user request and to transmit a user response; and a dynamic knowledge base including a web service classifier and a domain-relevant ontology. The mediator is operable to transform the user request into a web service request, using said dynamic knowledge base, and to transform a web service response into the user response, using the dynamic knowledge base. Optionally, the dynamic knowledge base includes a web service interface operation index. Optionally, the web service interface operation index includes an autonomous, dynamic web service interface operation index or a static web service interface operation index. |
| US08209405B1 |
Failover scheme with service-based segregation
A system provides a set of services. The system includes nodes that are in communication with each other. The system segregates the services into at least first and second groups of services, assigns the first group of services to a first set of the nodes, and assigns the second group of services to a second set of nodes. The first set of nodes provides the first group of services, and the second set of nodes provides the second group of services. |
| US08209404B2 |
Method, device and system for configuring device parameters in digital subscriber line access network
A method for configuring device parameters in a Digital Subscriber Line access network is disclosed. According to the method, a managing device sends a parameter modifying command to a managed device; the managed device makes a response to the parameter modifying command and modifies parameters; the managed device obtains an applying opportunity of unapplied parameters; the managed device applies the unapplied parameters according to the applying opportunity. A Digital Subscriber Line access system and a network device are also disclosed. |
| US08209400B2 |
System for data routing in networks
An integrated security system integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network having remote connectivity and access. The integrated security system delivers remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection and complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video or pictures and control home devices via a personal web portal or other client device. Camera management enables automatic configuration and management of cameras in the premise network. The camera management extends to remote control and monitoring from outside the firewall of the premise network to include routing of images or video from a streaming source device to a requesting client device. |
| US08209393B2 |
Multiple machine architecture with overhead reduction
A multiple computer environment is disclosed in which an application program executes simultaneously on a plurality of computers (M1, M2, . . . Mn) interconnected by a communications network and in which the local memory of each computer is not maintained substantially the same by updating in due course. An address table mechanism is provided to permit access to an asset, object, or structure (i.e., memory location) for the purpose of updating, for example. Not all computers have the same memory, so it is not necessary for all computers to be updated. |
| US08209391B2 |
Method of evaluating an additional service for a device of a user of a telecommunication system
A method of evaluating an additional service for a device (11) of a user of a telecommunication system is described. The device (11) supports one or more basic services. The kind of basic service/s being provided by the device (11) is examined. An additional service that could be combined with the basic service/s already supported by the device (11) is searched. |
| US08209384B2 |
Persistent group-based instant messaging
A system for managing an instant messaging conversation in a persistent context is provided. The system has an archiving feature for convenient access to the conversation, even after the conversation has ceased. |
| US08209382B2 |
Media exchange network supporting consumption of broadcast and user captured media
A network and methods for supporting concurrent consumption of broadcast and user captured media content are disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention permit a first user to concurrently consume media content from a server and a second user of a media exchange network. The first user may also concurrently provide media content to the second user of the media exchange network. The media content shared by users may be stored at a user's location, stored on a server at a third location in the media exchange network, or may originate from a media peripheral device, and may be audio, a still image, video, or data. |
| US08209381B2 |
Dynamic combatting of SPAM and phishing attacks
A self training set of robots are configured to proactively search for selective communication abuses over a network. Robots may enter a chat room to proactively send messages. The robots then analyze patterns and/or content of a received message for potential abuse. Robots may also passively reside on/off line without publishing their network address. If a message is received, the message may be interpreted to be SPAM/SPIM. Robots may also perform a variety of other actions, such as access websites, and analyze received messages to determine if the messages indicate abuse. If abuse is detected, information may also be obtained to enable blocking or filtering of future messages from the sender, or access to/from an abusive website. The information also may be used to retrain robots, so that the robots may learn from and share their collective knowledge of abusive actions. |
| US08209380B2 |
Multimedia aggregation in an online social network
Multimedia content is featured on user pages of an online social network using embed codes that are generated using a configuration file associated with the source ID for the multimedia content and a content ID for the multimedia content. The configuration file, the source ID and the content ID are stored locally by the online social network so that any changes to the embed codes can be made by changing the configuration file associated with the source and regenerating the embed codes. By managing multimedia content in this manner, greater control can be exercised by the online social network over the multimedia content that are featured on its user pages. |
| US08209368B2 |
Generating and using a dynamic bloom filter
A dynamic Bloom filter comprises a cascaded set of Bloom filters. The system estimates or guesses a cardinality of input items, selects a number of hash functions based on the desired false positive rate, and allocates memory for an initial Bloom filter based on the estimated cardinality and desired false positive rate. The system inserts items into the initial Bloom filter and counts the bits set as they are inserted. If the number of bits set in the current Bloom filter reaches a predetermined target, the system declares the current Bloom filter full. The system recursively generates additional Bloom filters as needed for items remaining after the initial Bloom filter is filled; items are checked to eliminate duplicates. Each of the set of Bloom filters is individually queried to identify a positive or negative in response to a query. When the system is configured such that the false positive rate of each successive Bloom filter is decreased by one half, the system guarantees a false positive rate of at most twice the desired false positive rate. |
| US08209365B2 |
Technique for virtualizing storage using stateless servers
A system and method for virtualizing networked heterogeneous storage devices in a computing system using stateless servers is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes self discovery of mapping information between a plurality of virtual file systems to a plurality of physical file systems upon startup by a virtual data store (VDS) server. The networked heterogeneous storage devices include the plurality of physical file systems hosted on associated file servers. Further, each physical file system includes a storage space in which a plurality of data files may be stored. |
| US08209360B2 |
System for defining key performance indicators
A system and method include a database having multiple tables with columns containing information. A database application executes queries against the database. An externalized data structure are stored on the system and provide a user modifiable set of key performance indicators facilitating selection of database tables and queries against the tables to provide multiple levels of viewable key performance indicators to users without having to recompile the database application upon modification of the set of key performance indicators. |
| US08209358B2 |
Hierarchical structured abstract data organization system
A method in a data processing system and apparatus for organizing files, web pages, or web site members organized in a traditional first hierarchical file structure that is on a recordable medium of a data processing system. A user-defined metalabel is assigned to each of the electronic files, web pages, or web site members. The electronic files, web pages, or web site members are organized as a function of the metalabels into a second hierarchical file structure existing simultaneously with the first hierarchical file structure on the recordable medium of the data processing system. The files, web pages, or web site members can be organized or grouped by the metalabels for efficient searching or following conversations of group members on social networking sites. |
| US08209357B2 |
Selecting applications for migration from a pod environment to a pool environment
A device may receive a selection of an application from a client device, send two or more sets of questions related to the application to the client device, receive answers to the two or more sets of questions from the client device, obtain a score for each of the sets of questions based on the answers, determine whether the application is to be ported from a first computing environment to a virtual computing environment based on the scores, and send results of the determination to the client device. |
| US08209356B1 |
Direct command line parser
Various embodiments provide a direct command line parser (DCLP) that enables command line input to be handled directly as a user strikes a key. Specifically, instead of waiting for the user to confirm a complete command line by pressing the Enter key, key input is evaluated immediately as the user inputs individual keystrokes. In addition, various embodiments can enable a user's input to be parsed directly and provide a command history for CLI applications. Using the inventive approach, various shells such as UNIX shells, can enable previously executed commands to be retrieved, edited, and executed again through the use of particular keystrokes. In addition, the inventive approach provides a user-friendly feature which can easily accommodate a large variety of CLI applications. |
| US08209355B2 |
Automatic user interface generation for entity interaction
Architecture that allows a developer to create an application quicker by providing an engine that automatically creates pieces of an application user interface (UI). The engine can take as input an instance of an entity or any entity type, and create as an output a user interface (UI) that allows the application users to view and modify the entity. The architecture also facilitates the association of metadata with the source entity to guide the engine decisions; decisions such as which UI controls the engine chooses to represent the entity properties, how much “real estate” (UI space) the entity is provided, and how the entity properties are to be laid out. Additionally, applications allow the user to interact with known entity types, but also with types that were unknown at the time of the application conception. In other words, applications (e.g., line-of-business) are able to handle random entities that are dynamically generated. |
| US08209345B2 |
User information management device for content provision, processing method, and computer-readable non transitory storage medium storing program
A user information management device configured to manage user information regarding content provision service users, and to provide a content acquisition method to a user client device, the user information management device includes, a user information storage unit configured to store user information for each user, the user information including an address of the content acquisition method and attribute information including a user's attributes using attribute values classified into predetermined attribute categories; an access attribute information storage unit configured to store access attribute information for each set of content; a content provision unit that acquires from the user information storage unit, a content provision request including content information; an access acquisition unit configured such that, upon receiving a content acquisition request from the user client device including content information, attribute criteria, and user attribute information. |
| US08209342B2 |
Systems and associated computer program products that disguise partitioned data structures using transformations having targeted distributions
A data structure that includes at least one partition containing non-confidential quasi-identifier microdata and at least one other partition containing confidential microdata is formed. The partitioned confidential microdata is disguised by transforming the confidential microdata to conform to a target distribution. The disguised confidential microdata and the quasi-identifier microdata are combined to generate a disguised data structure. The disguised data structure is used to carry out statistical analysis and to respond to a statistical query is directed to the use of confidential microdata. In this manner, the privacy of the confidential microdata is preserved. |
| US08209341B2 |
Configurable transformation macro
Transforming source input data using a configurable transformation macro is provided. A transformation macro script is executed by a configurable transformation macro. One or more transformation templates are read by the transformation macro script. Input data is read by the transformation macro script from one or more source files. Logical processing of the transformation macro script and the one or more transformation templates is performed by the configurable transformation macro. It is determined whether constraints generated by the logical processing of the transformation macro script and the one or more transformation templates are valid. In response to determining that the constraints generated by the logical processing of the transformation macro script and the one or more transformation templates are valid, it is determined whether transformation of the input data is complete. In response to determining that the transformation of the input data is complete, a transformation output is outputted. |
| US08209335B2 |
Extracting informative phrases from unstructured text
Disclosed is a method of extracting informative phrases from a full corpus of documents. An index of phrases contained in the full corpus of documents is built. Then, a user specifies a subset of text to analyze. The subset may be defined as: (1) all paragraphs or sentences containing terms selected as defining a subject; (2) all documents in a category; (3) all documents written within a date range; and/or (3) all documents matching a Boolean query of terms. Once the subset is specified, it is analyzed to extract informative phrases. Specifically, the index is queried to retrieve all phrases within the subset. The number of times each of the phases occurs in the subset and in the corpus is counted. Each phrase contained in the subset is scored according to informativeness based on a comparison of a likelihood that the phrase occurs in the subset and a likelihood that the phrase occurs in the corpus as a whole. Only those phrases having an informativeness score above a predetermined value are considered highly informative and extracted. |
| US08209333B2 |
System for using keyword phrases on a page to provide contextually relevant content to users
A process is described for assessing the suitability of particular keyword phrases for use in serving contextually relevant content for display on pages of network-accessible sites. In one embodiment, the process involves scoring the key phrases based in part on collected user behavioral data, such as view counts of associated social media content items. A process is also disclosed in which selected keyword phrases on a page are transformed into links that can be selected by a user to view bundled content that is related to such keyword phrases. |
| US08209330B1 |
Ordering image search results
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for ranking images are disclosed. An image search subsystem generates an adjustment factor representative of a quality measure of an image relative to a search query. The quality represents a relevance of the image to the query. The adjustment factor can be computed based on relevance data for the image to the query and image similarity data representing a relative similarity between the image and other images relevant to the query. The relevance data can be based on user actions in response to the image being included in search results for the query. The adjustment factor can be scaled based on whether the relevance data and the image similarity data both indicate that the image is relevant to the search query. A relevance score is computed based on the adjustment factor (e.g., a product of the adjustment factor and relevance score). |
| US08209325B2 |
Search engine cache control
A search query containing one or more terms is received from a client system. In response to receiving the search query, one or more snippets obtained in response to a prior execution of said search query are requested from a cache. For a respective snippet received from the cache, it is determined whether the respective snippet is a current version. In response to a determination that the respective snippet is not the current version, the current version of the respective snippet is obtained from a corresponding document in which one or more terms from said search query are located and the snippet stored in the cache is updated using the obtained current version. Search query results including the respective snippet are transmitted to the client. |
| US08209324B2 |
Method and system for providing information in virtual space
In an information providing system, a virtual three-dimensional space is established. Users of mobile communication terminals virtually move in the virtual space by manipulating an avatar representing the user and obtain advertisement information through electronic signboards. Users of information providing terminals place electronic signboards at appropriate positions in the virtual space and provide announcement information for the users of the mobile communication terminals. An information management server manages the announcement information provided by the information providing terminals and generates links each of which lead from advertisement information to other advertisement information. The information management server determines priorities for such links, based on use of advertisement information by the users of the mobile communication terminals. The information management server displays the links differently depending on the priorities. For example, a link to an announcement information item which is browsed more frequently is displayed more conspicuously than other links. |
| US08209319B2 |
Compiling co-associating bioattributes
A bioinformatics method, software, database and system are presented in which attribute profiles of query-attribute-positive individuals and query-attribute-negative individuals are compared, and combinations of pangenetic and non-pangenetic attributes that occur at a higher frequency in the group of query-attribute-positive individuals are identified and stored to generate a compilation of bioattribute combinations that co-associate with the query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest). |
| US08209317B2 |
Method and apparatus for reconstructing a search query
Methods and systems for reconstructing a full query based on a partial query are disclosed. Existing interfaces for search engines may be rigid and require users to submit full queries to perform searched. The methods and systems described herein may solve these problems by allowing a flexible way for users to submit a partial query and reconstruct a full query based on the partial query. A search may then be performed using the reconstructed query. |
| US08209316B2 |
Providing suggestions of related videos
Methods are provided for identifying media files that are related to a user-selected media file. Initially, a first set of media files that have previously been determined to be related to the selected media file is identified. It is determined that the number of media files in the first set of media files does not exceed a minimum number. A query is constructed based on the title or description of the selected media file to locate more related media files. A media database is searched and the results are combined with the first set of media files to be displayed. |
| US08209315B2 |
Search engine with fill-the-blanks capability
A client system provides to a server system a fill-the-blank query comprising one or more term segments and one or more missing term identifiers signifying missing information sought by a user. The client system receives from the server system a response to the query, the response including at least one or more potential answers corresponding to the one or more missing term identifiers in the fill-the-blank query, and then displays the response to the query, including displaying the one or more potential answers. Optionally, the client system displays a ranked list of documents containing the one or more potential answers. Optionally, the response to the query further includes snippets of text from one or more documents containing the one or more potential answers. Optionally, the fill-the-blank query includes a respective missing term identifier located between two respective term segments. |
| US08209313B2 |
Structuring and searching data in a hierarchical confidence-based configuration
A method and a system are provided for structuring and searching data in a hierarchical confidence-based configuration. In one example, the system receives data and assigns a confidence quality tier to the data. The confidence quality tier is in a range that spans from a highest confidence quality tier inclusive to a lowest confidence quality tier inclusive. Data of a particular confidence quality tier is configured to be searched before data of a relatively lower confidence quality tier. The system organizes the data in a selected server of a server system according to the confidence quality tier. The selected server is in the range that spans from the highest confidence quality tier inclusive to the lowest confidence quality tier inclusive. |
| US08209311B2 |
Methods and systems for grouping uniform resource locators based on masks
A method and system for grouping metadata search results associated with media on a computer network, such as multimedia and streaming media include binning and iterative masking. The media metadata has an associated media file, which has an associated uniform resource locator (URL). Each URL has at least one field, and each field has at least one character. Binning includes selecting, sorting, and putting URLs having a common attribute into the same bin. Masking includes creating a mask of masking characters. Each field in each URL in each bin is compare with the mask. If a masking character matches a character in a field, the character in the field is removed from the field. This produces at least one resultant URL, i.e., URL that has been compared with a mask. Identical resultant URLs are collapsing into one URL. Thus, redundant and variant URLs are collapsed into a single URL, which may be provided to a search system (e.g., search engine) and/or to a user. |
| US08209310B1 |
System and method of matching professionals for networking meetings
A professional networking system and method that facilitates a meeting between two or more users of the system for the purpose of expanding the users' professional networks. Users are matched by the system based on one or more available meeting dates of each user, and one or more sought characteristics corresponding to one or more characteristics of the second user that the first user profile seeks in another user. The system does not directly reveal the characteristics of one matched user to any other user except certain basic contact information may be disclosed to another matched user to facilitate a meeting. |
| US08209307B2 |
Systems and methods for data migration in a clustered file system
Systems and methods for providing more efficient handling of I/O requests for clustered file system data subject to data migration or the like. For instance, exemplary systems can more quickly determine if certain files on primary storage represent actual file data or stub data for recalling file data from secondary storage. Certain embodiments utilize a driver cache on each cluster node to maintain a record of recently accessed files that represent regular files (as opposed to stubs). A dual-locking process, using both strict locking and relaxed locking, maintains consistency between driver caches on different nodes and the data of the underlying clustered file system, while providing improved access to the data by the different nodes. Moreover, a signaling process can be used, such as with zero-length files, for alerting drivers on different nodes that data migration is to be performed and/or that the driver caches should be flushed. |
| US08209306B2 |
Method and apparatus for adding a database partition
A data repository system and method are provided. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes an operation that can be used to port data from one or more existing database partitions to new database partitions according to a minimally progressive hash. The method can be used to increase the overall size of databases while a system runs hot, with little or no downtime. |
| US08209303B2 |
System and method for implementing a reliable persistent random access compressed data stream
System and method for implementing a reliable persistent random access compressed data stream is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a computer-implemented journaled file system that includes a first file for storing a series of independently compressed blocks of a data stream; a second file for storing a series of indexes corresponding to the compressed blocks, wherein each one of the indexes comprises a byte offset into the first file of the corresponding compressed block; and a third file for storing a chunk of data from the data stream before it is compressed and written to the first file. The system further comprises a writer module for writing uncompressed data to the third file and writing indexes to the second file and a compressor module for compressing a chunk of data from the third file and writing it to the end of the first file. |
| US08209302B2 |
Systems and methods for processing data objects
A system and method for processing data objects is provided. The system and method may comprise: a data object database for storing data objects, a transaction document database for storing transaction documents, a fast data provider module configured to provide, upon request from a user interface module, data objects to the user interface module; a user transaction provider module configured to read changed data objects from the user interface module, read data objects from the fast data provider module, and store changed data objects in a user transaction document; and a business transaction provider module to read changed data objects from the user transaction document and perform updates of the changed data objects based on the user transaction document. |
| US08209301B2 |
Method and system for detection of integrity constraint violations
A system (and method) of detecting an error in a database interaction, includes providing information about at least one of at least first and second software systems, and a mapping between at least a portion of the at least first and second software systems, and examining the at least one of the first and second software systems and the mapping to determine an error in an interaction between the at least first and second software systems. |
| US08209296B2 |
Information processing apparatus, divided management server, information processing method, divided management method, program and information processing system
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a blocking unit that acquires holding block information, which is information about blocks to be held by a local apparatus, about a data file divided into a plurality of blocks among other information processing apparatuses excluding the local apparatus for divided management and held by the local apparatus and divides the data file to be held by the local apparatus based on the holding block information; and a storage unit that records the blocks of the data file identified by the holding block information with the blocks associated with data file identification information, which is information to identify the data file. |
| US08209294B2 |
Dynamic creation of database partitions
A method and apparatus for managing data in a partitioned data storage space is provided. Data referencing a new data item to be stored in the data storage space is received. It is determined that the data item does not pertain to any previously created partition. In response to the determination, a new partition is automatically created in the data storage space. The partition is mapped to a new set of values, such as to a next unpartitioned interval of dates or numbers. |
| US08209291B1 |
Optimized prefetching for wide area networks
A data prefetching technique uses predefined prefetching criteria and prefetching models to identify and retrieve prefetched data. A prefetching model that defines data to be prefetched via a network may be stored. It may be determined whether prefetching initiation criteria have been satisfied. Data for prefetching may be identified based on the prefetching model when the prefetching initiation criteria have been satisfied. The identified data may be prefetched, via the network, based on the prefetching model. |
| US08209287B2 |
Energy efficient backup system and method
A computer implemented method of backing up files includes initiating a backup process and waking up a client machine from a low power consumption mode. An indication from the client machine that the client machine is ready is received and the client machine is instructed to provide data to be backed up. An end of backup notification is received from the client machine and the client machine returns to a low power consumption mode. |
| US08209285B2 |
Method and a system for publishing data
The present invention relates to a system and a method for single click publication of personal contents of user with the user's consent and sharing it with the rest of the world via internet. The published content can be accessed by other internet users at their desktop, viewed or shared or saved for later use. The complete process of publishing personal content on the internet is done on a single click and all others users receive notifications about new or changed content automatically on their desktop thereby enabling them to access the content. |
| US08209283B1 |
System and method for highly reliable data replication
Data replication includes generating replication data that is part of a replicated file system to be sent over a communication channel to a destination replication device; adding additional verification information to at least a portion of the replication data to prevent data corruption; and sending the replication data and the additional verification information over the communication channel to the destination replication device. The replication data with additional verification information is sent over the communication channel using a reliable protocol that allows the replication data to be verified by the reliable protocol at the destination replication device. The reliable protocol is a protocol capable of detecting most but not all data corruption introduced by the communication channel. The additional verification information includes information for verifying that replication data sent using the reliable protocol does not include data corruption that was introduced by the communication channel and undetected by the reliable protocol. |
| US08209278B1 |
Computer editing system for common textual patterns in legal documents
A computer system is disclosed herein that surveys numerous legal documents which memorialize business or legal transactions and then determines common provisions in such documents. The forms of these “core provisions” are then stored in a knowledge base of the system. The system then allows attorney users to apply the system to analyze unsurveyed documents and use the knowledge base to recognize the core provisions that are most similar to the text of these unsurveyed documents. The user can then edit these unsurveyed documents in a rapid accurate fashion by automated means to revise text to match these core provisions. Document editing functionality is also present, along with means to use correlations to determine the likelihood of the presence/absence of specific provisions and the presence/absence of various particular documents in groups of documents used to memorialize certain types of transactions. |
| US08209277B2 |
Predicting the outcome of events based on related internet activity
Particular embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for predicting the outcome of events based on internet activity associated with such events. For example, an internet activity metric associated with one or more events may be determined. The internet activity metric may be based at least on the popularity of particular search terms related to the events. The outcomes of the events may also be determined. The determined internet activity metrics and the outcomes of the one or more events may be analyzed to generate an algorithm for predicting the outcomes of subsequent events. For example, an internet activity metric associated with a particular subsequent event (e.g., based at least on the popularity of a particular search term related to the subsequent event) may be determined, and the algorithm may be applied to the internet activity metric to predict the outcome of the particular subsequent event. |
| US08209276B2 |
Constraint based system with dynamic consistency checking
A constraint based system solves a network that includes a first variable node having a first integer domain, a second variable node having a second integer domain, and a constraint for the first variable node and the second variable node. The system retrieves a first integer domain representation of the first integer domain and a second integer domain representation of the second integer domain and determines from the first and second integer domain representations if the first integer domain or second integer domain has at least one excluded value. The system then determines a type of constraint consistency checking based on whether the integer domains have at least one excluded value. |
| US08209273B2 |
Automatically evaluating and ranking service level agreement violations
The invention relates to ranking Service Level Agreement violations. A method for ranking said Service Level Agreements comprising determining a set of attributes for Service Level Agreements subject to violation, and predicting importance of Service Level Agreement violations using a model which performs ordinal regression based on said attributes of Service Level Agreements. |
| US08209272B2 |
Dynamic computation of optimal placement for services in a distributed computing system
Components of a distributed computing system are monitored, the components including hardware components and software components that operate on the hardware components. At least one of the software components is a service that includes a service level agreement. Performance characteristics of the components are determined based on the monitoring. The performance characteristics of the service are compared to the service level agreement to determine whether the service level agreement has been violated. At least one of the service or an additional service collocated with the service is migrated based on the performance characteristics of the components if the service level agreement has been violated. |
| US08209270B2 |
Supervised learning with multi-scale time intervals using a statistical classification model to classify unlabeled events
A method, a system and a computer program product generate a statistical classification model used by a computer system to determine a class associated with an unlabeled time series event. |
| US08209265B1 |
Electronic settlement system for mineral production, distribution and sales
An electronic settlement system for mineral production, distribution, and sales includes a plurality of modules and a processor for using information from those modules to effect a settlement between the parties involved in the production, distribution, and sales of minerals. The modules for information sufficient to perform the settlement includes: payor module, well tax module, mineral owner module, division order module, gathering system and gas plant module, wellhead price module, mineral lease and agreement module, product movement and balancing module, mineral ownership and book entry and netting module. |
| US08209263B2 |
Shipment authentication and tracking
In one embodiment of the present invention, a source point in a supply chain generates a secret and devises a secret sharing scheme that parcels the secret into a number of secret shares. The source point retains at least one secret share, and distributes the remaining secret shares to trusted, intermediate points in the supply chain. The source point then ships a shipment comprising are least one object, and frequently including at least one level of packaging, to a destination point in the supply chain, labeling the object or objects and/or packaging enclosing the object or objects with the retained secret share. Each intermediate point incorporates the secret share obtained by the intermediate point from the source point into the object, packaging enclosing the object, or a label on the object or packaging. At the destination point, the recipient of the object can use the secret shares incorporated into the object, packaging enclosing the object, or a label on the object or packaging to reconstruct the secret initially generated by the source point, and compares the reconstructed secret to the original secret forwarded from the source point. |
| US08209258B1 |
Systems and methods of a mortgage pricing service
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for creating and using a common, generic, data/object model to represent information grids or lookup tables, such as a mortgage asset pricing information grid, mortgage asset re-pricing grid, and credit risk pricing grid. The common model allows a common software representation for logically different attributes. |
| US08209256B1 |
Method, system, and computer program product for grouping securities in order to calculate a fee
A method, system, and computer program product for calculating a reduced fee associated with combining previously securitized mortgage-backed securities to form a new and larger security called a Mega. The method includes identifying a group of Megas that correspond to at least one predetermined fee discount parameter. The group of Megas are members of a set of Megas and the set of Megas contain a number of Megas equal to or larger than a number of Megas in the group of Megas. The method includes calculating a fee for said group of Megas and repeating the steps of identifying a group and calculating a fee until a plurality of groups of Megas have been identified and corresponding Mega group fees have been calculated. The method also includes choosing from said plurality of groups of Megas a final set of Mega groups having a reduced total fee. |
| US08209255B2 |
Market participant issue selection system and method
A system and method of allocating rights for quoting issues on a trading facility such as an exchange is described. The method may include providing market participants such as remote market makers with a listing of issues available for remote quote streaming where the available issues are ranked according to predetermined trading parameters. A market participant requests allocations of rights to certain issues and the request is filtered according to a value associated with the ranking of the selected issues. The system includes an issue selection database having a listing of issues available for trading where each issue is ranked based on a trading parameter. An issue selection communication module communicates with the issue selection database and is configured to list available issues and rankings. An issue allocation filter receives a market participant request and compares the selected issues in that request to one or more exchange-based rules. |
| US08209252B1 |
Method of and system for protecting an initial investment value of an investment
A method of protecting at least a portion of an initial investment value of an investment made by one or more investors, comprising the steps of: (a) determining using an option-based instrument calculator: (i) a first value of a first set of put option-based instruments at initial investment in the first set of put option-based instruments, the first set of put option-based instruments having a first underlying reference; (ii) a second value of a first set of call option-based instruments at initial investment in the first set of call option-based instruments, the first set of call option-based instruments having a second underlying reference, the first underlying reference being the same as or substantially correlated to the second underlying reference; and (iii) a third value of a second set of option-based instruments at initial investment in the second set of option-based instruments, the second set of option-based instruments having a third underlying reference; so that the sum of the first value, the second value, and the third value is less than the initial investment value; (b) holding positions using a regulated investment company in the first set of put option-based instruments, the first set of call option-based instruments, and the second set of option-based instruments, so that the first set of put option-based instruments and the first set of call option-based instruments provide the at least a portion of the initial investment value at maturity of the investment; and (c) making available the at least a portion of the initial investment value to the one or more investors upon the maturity of the investment. |
| US08209247B2 |
Automated system and method for providing lease payment information to consumers via the internet
A system and method of providing payment information for a lease of a specific vehicle in a vehicle dealer's inventory to a consumer via an Internet website of a dealer service is disclosed. A lease service obtains data via the Internet from the dealer service. The data is stored in a database associated with an Internet website and includes vehicle data, lease data, and consumer data. The lease service determines a residual value of the vehicle and obtains lease funding information from one or more third parties. The lease service then determines lease payment information and generates a disclosure webpage of the lease payment information. The disclosure webpage is formatted to comply with the Regulation “M” disclosure notice for vehicle lease payments. The consumer is allowed to view the disclosure webpage from the Internet website before committing to the lease. |
| US08209246B2 |
Proprietary risk management clearinghouse
A computerized risk management method and system for facilitating analysis and quantification of risk associated with a risk subject on a proprietary basis. A proprietary risk management system combines gathered information with information received from a source such as an automated risk management clearinghouse system and maintains a database to relate risk variables and calculate a measurement of risk. The measurement, which can be a risk quotient or other rating based upon a weighted algorithm applied to the risk variables, is indicative of risk associated with the risk subject. Actions commensurate with a risk quotient can be presented to a user to facilitate management of risk associated with a particular entity or transaction or other transaction. A stored history can be created to mitigate adverse effects relating to a problematic transaction. |
| US08209244B2 |
Document management system
A computer-readable medium, computer-implemented method, and apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, a change order for a purchasing document is created, and one or more attributes of the change order are modified. Approval of the change order is submitted and approved, and a change type of the change order is determined. When the change type is external, acknowledgment of the change order is requested and a revision number attribute of the purchasing document is incremented. The purchasing document is updated with the change order and the change order is archived. |
| US08209241B2 |
Method and system for illustrating where a ticket is located in an event venue
A system and method of illustrating where at least one ticket is located in an event venue, comprising: accepting event criteria for at least one ticket and at least one event; accepting price criteria for the at least one ticket and the at least one event; displaying an interactive graphics-based event venue map illustrating a location of all sections at a venue with at least one ticket meeting the event criteria and price criteria; accepting section selection criteria, at least one section being selected from the interactive graphics-based event venue map; displaying ticket information in a web browsing language corresponding to the section selection criteria, the displayed ticket information in the web browsing language being able to be utilized to drill down to a specific ticket, causing a location of the specific ticket to be displayed in the interactive graphics-based event venue map; and enabling a capability to utilize the interactive graphics-based event venue map to choose a section of interest, causing corresponding ticket information to be displayed in the web browsing language. |
| US08209239B2 |
Method, system, and program product for exchanging catalogue information
The present invention seamlessly facilitates information exchange between not only a vendor and a single customer but also between vendors and Procurement Services Providers (PSPs), supporting more than one customer, each with its unique specifications. This framework also has the capability to handle dual pricing. Dual pricing is used to differentiate the price that a PSP has negotiated with a vendor from the price that an end user/customer will be ultimately charged. These two levels of pricing are maintained at the customer/vendor level. This invention is used to create a framework for exchanging catalogue information between the vendors or vendors of IT products and a customer or a PSP acting on behalf of one or more customers. |
| US08209238B2 |
Systems and methods for graphic design development
This invention relates to a system and methods for developing designs. In one embodiment, a method includes electronically distributing a specification for a design to a distributed community of designers, receiving designs from each of a subset of the community of designers in response to the distributed design specification, screening received designs that do not meet the specification, facilitating evaluation of a subset of the received designs by a number of evaluators; and selecting a preferred design in response to the facilitated evaluation of the designs. |
| US08209237B2 |
System and method for configuring a configurable product
Product configuration selections automatically cross-over between plural product types based upon end user component selections. If end user component selections initiate a cross-over trigger, the end user is presented with an option to cross over from an initially-selected product type to a product type associated with the cross-over trigger. Upon selection of the cross-over product type, the product configuration is automatically reconfigured to update components selected by the end user for the initially-selected product type to components associated with the cross-over product type. |
| US08209234B2 |
Spectacle lens selection system and spectacle lens selection method
A spectacle lens selection system includes a manufacturer side terminal and a store side terminals installed in a store and is connected to the manufacturer side terminal via a network. The store side terminal transmits a wearing condition parameters including a downward rolling length of eyes and a lateral gaze length of a spectacle wearer to the manufacturer side terminal, and the manufacturer side terminal selects a most suitable product based on the wearing condition parameters, and transmits the result to the store side terminal. |
| US08209233B2 |
Method for facilitating personalized or customized tasks based on images captured via a wireless communication device
Methods are presented for use with a wireless communication device. A digital image of an event venue is captured via a wireless communication device. The digital image of the event venue is displayed to the user. The wireless communication device interacts with the user to select the digital image. At least one task option corresponding to a customized or personalized event task is displayed. The wireless communication device interacts with the user to select the customized event task. The digital image is transmitted to a server system along with data indicating the customized or personalized event task to identify the event venue via the server system, based on the recognition of the event venue in the digital image, and not based on the recognition of an optical code. Event information is received and displayed, based on the recognition of the event venue to facilitate the customized event task. |
| US08209231B2 |
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. |
| US08209223B2 |
Video object tag creation and processing
An indication of an object included in a frame of a video content item is received. A tag is associated with the object, the tag including a reference to a media content item. An additional frame that includes the object is identified in the video content item. The tag is associated with the additional frame in the video content item. |
| US08209222B2 |
Method and system for encrypting data delivered over a network
Systems and methods are provided for delivering e-mail, typically with time relevant content, to users, whose e-mail addresses are encrypted. Specifically, the e-mails are administered by a host or home server that is transparent to the e-mail addresses of the computers and e-mail clients, that electronic communications are being sent to and received from. |
| US08209220B2 |
Online services offer management
Online services offer modeling is provided. A system for managing online offers for products and services includes a components module, an offer module, a subscription module, a billing module and a change management module. The component module defines the properties of components that may be included in an offer. The offer module defines the features of the offer, including one or more components. The components may be a base component or an add-on component. The subscription module processes the provisioning of an offer. The market module specifies countries or regions in which offers are made available. The billing module processes billing and payment actions for an offer. The change management module processes alterations to a provisioned offer, inserting the properties of an add-on component into the properties of a base component. |
| US08209219B2 |
Vision-based measurement of bulk and discrete food products
In a real time food production management system and method, real time data about consumers inside or in the vicinity of a food outlet and an amount of prepared food available to serve and/or an amount of food being prepared is electronically generated. Based on the real time data, a demand for an amount of food to be ordered by the consumers in a specified interval immediately succeeding the generation of the real time data is electronically predicted. In addition, at least one of the following is electronically determined based on the real time data: a predicted amount of additional food requiring preparation; the time at least one prepared food product has been available; a length of time that a cooked food component has been cooked; and an amount of a food component, a condiment and/or a topping resides in a food product assembly buffer. |
| US08209218B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for processing, analyzing or displaying data related to performance metrics
Embodiments of the present invention relates to a method, apparatus and computer program product for processing, analyzing and/or display data related to performance metrics, for example, predicted performance metrics. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more computers, a user input device(s), and a display device(s). In some embodiments, the one or more computers are operative, to compute, from historical KPI-related data, predicted future KPI-related behavior. In some embodiments, the display device is operative to display indications of predicted KPI values and/or predicted influencer values and/or a predicted future influencer-ranking-hierarchy and/or calculated deviating influencer values and/or one or more of the deviating future KPI values. In some embodiments, one or more user input devices are configured to receive indications of user-proposed influencer values and/or any other relevant data. |
| US08209217B1 |
Author-focused tools for scheduling an event associated with an author or with a work of the author
This disclosure describes a platform for better connecting authors and retailers that offer works of the authors for acquisition by a community of users. This platform includes multiple tools that allow the authors to provide content to the community of users through the retailer or through another entity. In addition, this platform provides tools that authors may utilize for marketing their works, for tracking acquisition (e.g., sales) of their works, for connecting with other authors, or for a multitude of other purposes. |
| US08209216B2 |
Method and apparatus for configurable model-independent decomposition of a business metric
Methods and apparatuses for decomposing a business metric based on a plurality of activities and a response model are described. In one embodiment, the method accesses the response model and the plurality of activities, the plurality of activities each having a reference and executed value. The method computes a contribution to the business metric based on setting one of the plurality of activities to one of the corresponding reference and executed value and setting the other activities to the value state opposite of that activity. Furthermore, the method computes each of the contributions independent of the response model type. |
| US08209213B2 |
Method for the construction and execution of a distributed workflow in a communication system
The invention relates to a method for construction of a distributed workflow. A workflow specification comprising the invocation of a number of locatable functions is obtained. The workflow specification is divided into partitions based on the host nodes where the locatable functions are hosted. From the partitions are generated stub configuration rules for each host node, which implement the workflow execution in a given host node. The stub configuration rules are provided to the host nodes. The workflow is executed by exchanging messages between the host nodes along the lines of the original workflow. The workflow may be associated with implementation of a service or it may be for the purposes of network management. |
| US08209211B2 |
Apparatus and methods for requirements decomposition and management
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for requirements decomposition and management. The apparatus includes a collection module, an organization module, and a graph module. These modules carry out the steps of collecting a project task description, the project task description comprising one or more properties, generating a directed acyclic hierarchy of one or more project tasks associated with the project task description, and generating a directed acyclic hierarchical graph view of the project, wherein the directed acyclic hierarchical graph view of the project comprises one or more nodes representing the one or more project tasks, and wherein the one or more nodes are arranged to graphically illustrate a directed acyclic hierarchical relationship between the one or more project tasks. |
| US08209205B1 |
Planning and scheduling tool assistant assuring high utilization of resources
Schedulers, Planners, and Maintenance Supervisors in an Industrial facility can use the user interface of the present invention to extremely quickly move work order schedules, status planning, and manage resources. Additionally, key performance indicators or metrics on performance on how well the organization is doing is also cumbersome if not impossible in the current practice in these industrial organizations. The variables of this management include worker, crew, Work Order, Dates, Planning Status, planner, dates, etc. (see tech manual and summary sheets). The invention operates by interfacing with the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) database in a thoroughly interactive process. The local program constructs a parallel database and reads and feedbacks to the CMMS database frequently to stay current and accurate. |
| US08209201B1 |
System and method for correlating objects
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for correlating configurations, comprising a model layer having a generic model library, a control layer having generic control logic implemented in terms of the generic model library, and a view layer having reusable views and common tools that operate upon generic interfaces and constructs defined by the generic model library, wherein the generic model library, generic control logic, and reusable views and commons tools are defined to support a general functionality. |
| US08209198B2 |
Methods for selling insurance using hybrid life
An insurer sells a life insurance policy with two distinct coverage periods. Prior to accepting the offer of insurance, the insurer underwrites the insurance contract on a limited basis using information obtainable by querying a remote database. During the first coverage period, full coverage is provided and the premium rates approximate a comprehensively underwritten risk. The value of coverage provided at the end of the first coverage period may be reduced if the insured fails to satisfy various obligations. If before a contractually defined compliance period the insured undergoes medical tests and submits blood, urine, or other tissue samples to an underwriter or approved laboratory, the underwriter comprehensively underwrites the policy. If the comprehensive underwriting is satisfactory, the insurance contract is amended, modified, or replaced with a new contract effectively extending full coverage for a longer, extended coverage period, while maintaining or even reducing the premiums owed. |
| US08209195B2 |
System for personal emergency intervention
A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a device interface, a user interface, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from a medical device through a wired connection using the device interface, and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport. The system's user interface may include a microphone and speaker to allow the communication of audible information between the system and a user. Aspects of the system can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information. |
| US08209194B1 |
Method and system for providing a healthcare expense donation network
A method and system for providing a healthcare expense donation network whereby a third party provided healthcare management system, such as a computing system or on-line implemented healthcare expense tacking and/or payment system provides a service through which a healthcare consumer can create a verified patient need profile indicating a need for help in paying their healthcare expenses and requesting donations to this end. At least part of the healthcare consumer's patient need profile data is verified, as well as any other financial and/or personal data associated with the submitted patient need profile that a potential donor, the patient, and/or the provider of the process for providing a healthcare expense donation network desires to be verified. Once the healthcare patient need profile data is verified, the verified patient need profile is made available to potential donors and the potential donors are provided the ability to securely make donations to the patient's healthcare expenses directly. |
| US08209191B2 |
Methods and systems for linking an electronic address to a physical address of a customer
An electronic account links an electronic address to a physical address of a customer. Services provided to the customer using the electronic account can be delivered to the physical address or the electronic address of the customer. If the customer requests to receive only physical mail, the link between the addresses can be used to deliver any electronic mail to the physical address of the customer. |
| US08209189B2 |
Digital audio signal processing method and apparatus
Compression of audio signal data is described herein. In various embodiments, the compression of each unit of the audio signal data includes the employment of a distribution substantially representative of a subblock of residual data of the unit of audio signal data, to reduce the amount of data having to be transmitted to transmit the unit of audio signal data to a recipient. |
| US08209185B2 |
Interface for management of auditory communications
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for presenting an auditory recording having associated data representing at least one term identified in the recording is disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises providing a visual representation of the term, providing a link associated with an occurrence of the term in the recording, and when the link is selected, playing a portion of the recording corresponding to the occurrence of the term. A portion of the recording following the portion corresponding to the occurrence of the term may be played. |
| US08209183B1 |
Systems and methods for correction of text from different input types, sources, and contexts
Methods and apparatus related to correcting errors are disclosed. Inputs having a plurality of input types can be received at a wearable computing device. A text string corresponding to the inputs can be generated using the wearable computing device. The text string can include a plurality of segments, where each segment can be associated with an input type. For a given segment of the text string, one or more corrected segments can be generated by applying an error-correction filter configured to correct errors based on an input type associated with the given segment and a location-sensitive context. At least one of the corrected segments can be displayed using the wearable computing device. A corrected segment can be selected using the wearable computing device. A corrected text string including the selected corrected segment can be displayed using the wearable computing device. |
| US08209179B2 |
Speech communication system and method, and robot apparatus
This invention realizes a speech communication system and method, and a robot apparatus capable of significantly improving entertainment property. A speech communication system with a function to make conversation with a conversation partner is provided with a speech recognition means for recognizing speech of the conversation partner, a conversation control means for controlling conversation with the conversation partner based on the recognition result of the speech recognition means, an image recognition means for recognizing the face of the conversation partner, and a tracking control means for tracing the existence of the conversation partner based on one or both of the recognition result of the image recognition means and the recognition result of the speech recognition means. The conversation control means controls conversation so as to continue depending on tracking of the tracking control means. |
| US08209175B2 |
Uncertainty interval content sensing within communications
Repetition of content words in a communication is used to increase the certainty, or, alternatively, reduce the uncertainty, that the content words were actual words from the communication. Reducing the uncertainty of a particular content word of a communication in turn increases the likelihood that the content word is relevant to the communication. Reliable, relevant content words mined from a communication can be used for, e.g., automatic internet searches for documents and/or web sites pertinent to the communication. Reliable, relevant content words mined from a communication can also, or alternatively, be used to automatically generate one or more documents from the communication, e.g., communication summaries, communication outlines, etc. |
| US08209174B2 |
Speaker verification system
A text-independent speaker verification system utilizes mel frequency cepstral coefficients analysis in the feature extraction blocks, template modeling with vector quantization in the pattern matching blocks, an adaptive threshold and an adaptive decision verdict and is implemented in a stand-alone device using less powerful microprocessors and smaller data storage devices than used by comparable systems of the prior art. |
| US08209171B2 |
Methods and apparatus relating to searching of spoken audio data
This invention relates to a method of searching spoken audio data for one or more search terms comprising performing a phonetic search of the audio data to identify likely matches to a search term and producing textual data corresponding to a portion of the spoken audio data including a likely match. An embodiment of the method comprises the steps of taking phonetic index data corresponding to the spoken audio data, searching the phonetic index data for likely matches to the search term, wherein when a likely match is detected a portion of the spoken audio data or phonetic index data is selected which includes the likely match and said selected portion of the spoken audio data or phonetic index data is processed using a large vocabulary speech recognizer. The large vocabulary speech recognizer may derive textual data which can be used for further processing or may be used to present a transcript to a user. The present invention therefore combines the benefit of phonetic searching of audio data with the advantages of large vocabulary speech recognition. |
| US08209169B2 |
Synchronization of an input text of a speech with a recording of the speech
A method and system for synchronizing words in an input text of a speech with a continuous recording of the speech. A received input text includes previously recorded content of the speech to be reproduced. A synthetic speech corresponding to the received input text is generated. Ratio data including a ratio between the respective pronunciation times of words included in the received text in the generated synthetic speech is computed. The ratio data is used to determine an association between erroneously recognized words of the received text and a time to reproduce each erroneously recognized word. The association is outputted in a recording medium and/or displayed on a display device. |
| US08209166B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product for machine translation
A concept obtaining unit obtains, for each example set stored in an example storage unit, a first concept of a phrase included in an example in the first language and a second concept of a phrase included in an example in the second language from a concept storage unit. A determining unit determines that an example set including an unmatched concept between first concepts and second concepts is not applicable. An example set searching unit searches for an example set that includes an example in the first language that is analogous to or matches an input sentence. An output controlling unit outputs an example in the second language of the example sets from which the example set that is determined as inapplicable is deleted, as a translation result. |
| US08209164B2 |
Use of lexical translations for facilitating searches
A translation graph is created using a plurality of reference sources that include translations between a plurality of different languages. Each entry in a source is used to create a wordsense entry, and each new word in a source is used to create a wordnode entry. A pair of wordnode and wordsense entries corresponds to a translation. In addition, a probability is determined for each wordsense entry and is decreased for each translation entry that includes more than a predefined number of translations into the same language. Bilingual translation entries are removed if subsumed by a multilingual translation entry. Triangulation is employed to identify pairs of common wordsense translations between a first, second, and third language. Translations not found in reference sources can also be inferred from the data comprising the translation graph. The translation graph can then be used for searches of a data collection in different languages. |
| US08209163B2 |
Grammatical element generation in machine translation
Grammatical element prediction is used in the context of machine translation. Features from both the source language and the target language sentences (or other text fragments) are used in predicting the grammatical elements. |
| US08209161B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for lithography simulation in electronic design automation
Disclosed are improved methods, systems, and computer program products for lithographic simulation of an electronic circuit design. Various embodiments of the present invention identifies a mask pattern, performs offline precharacterization for the mask pattern by solving an equation which models a solution for the mask pattern and an interaction between the mask pattern and one or more effects, performs online evaluation based at least upon a parameterized form of the equation, determines a field around the mask pattern based at least upon the act of performing the online evaluation, and stores a result of the act of determining an electromagnetic field around the mask pattern in a tangible computer readable or usable medium |
| US08209160B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for designing a motor
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide and/or utilize a method that can comprise automatically rendering a determined volumetric flowrate of air and a corresponding dynamic air pressure at each of a plurality of locations in an electric motor. The volumetric flowrate can be determined based upon obtained specification information and a model. The model can be calibrated based upon flow measurement data from an operating electric motor. |
| US08209159B2 |
Method for reconstructing gusts and structural loads at aircraft, in particular passenger aircraft
A method for reconstructing gusts and/or structural loads at aircraft, in particular passenger aircraft. The method includes generating an observer on the basis of a nonlinear model of the aircraft which describes the movement of the aircraft in all six degrees of freedom (DoF) and the elastic motion of the aircraft structure; continuously supplying all the data and measurements substantial for the description of the state of the aircraft to the observer; and calculating the gust velocities and structural loads (maneuver and gust loads) by the observer from the supplied data and measurements. |
| US08209157B2 |
Methods and systems for simulating beam-to-surface contacts in finite element analysis
Methods and systems for simulating beam-to-surface contacts in finite element analysis (FEA) are disclosed. A FEA model contains at least one beam element and at least one surface mesh. Surface mesh comprises a plurality of two-dimensional finite elements having arbitrary mesh density. A minimum characteristic length (CL) of the surface mesh is calculated. One or more interior points are defined for those beam elements with length longer than CL. For every nodal point (i.e., end nodes and interior points if any), a parametric coordinate between 0 and 1 inclusive is established and kept constant throughout the FEA analysis. Distributed nodal masses are used for calculating a stiffness value for calculating nodal force to resist penetration. Initial penetration with the surface mesh at each nodal point along the beam element is compensated with a set of displacements subtracting from the initial nodal displacements, such that the compensational forces remain at zero as the nodal point's initial interpenetration decreases. |
| US08209149B2 |
System and method for automatically creating data sets for complex data via a response data handler
The present invention provides a system and method for automatically generating reduced response data sets from complex scientific data via a response data handler (RDH) methodology, thereby eliminating non-systematic losses and oversights often associated with and resulting from the current practice while improving the overall integrity and confidence of the results typically sought in experimental practice. |
| US08209144B1 |
Accurate alignment of multiple laser scans using a template surface
A system and process for laser scan alignment for vehicle trajectories is provided. A representation of the map surface allows multiple scans to be simultaneously aligned to each other. Laser scans are fit to the template surface, and the template surface is re-estimated based on the fit of the scans. The result is a pose trajectory estimate that drifts less than standard approaches, and is more robust to outliers (such as moving objects) in the laser's field of view. |
| US08209135B2 |
Wafer inspection data handling and defect review tool
A defect detected by a wafer inspection tool is reliably captured by a defect review tool. A defect review condition in the defect review tool is varied depending on defect attributes provided by the wafer inspection tool so as to optimize the review process. For example, review magnification is varied depending on the size of the defect, or the frame addition number is varied depending on the maximum gray level difference. |
| US08209134B2 |
Methods for modeling the structural health of a civil structure based on electronic distance measurements
Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis. |
| US08209131B2 |
Therapeutic heparins and their binding to interleukins 4 and 5 and PECAM-1
The present invention relates generally to chemical agents useful in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of disease conditions and in particular chronic disease conditions such as inflammatory including allergic diseases, metastatic cancers and infection by pathogenic agents including bacteria, viruses or parasites. More particularly, the chemical agents contemplated by the present invention are selected from glycosaminoglycan (GAG) molecules derived from a larger GAG, GAG-like molecules which resemble GAGs in some of their characteristics but may be derived from a larger non-GAG polysaccharide and molecules having a GAG-like composite structure as well as agents which bind to the same sites as GAGs, GAG-like molecules or GAG-like composite molecules. The present invention also provides assays to identify GAG and GAG-like therapeutic agents including GAG-like composite structures as well as analogs, homologs and orthologs thereof. |
| US08209128B1 |
Nanolaser spectroscopy and micro-optical resonators for detecting, analyzing, and manipulating bioparticles
This invention provides a new method for rapidly analyzing single bioparticles to assess their material condition and state of health. The method is enabled by use of a resonant cavity apparatus to measure an optical property related to the bioparticle size and refractive index. Measuring the refractive index is useful for determining material properties of the bioparticle. The material properties depend on the biomolecular composition of the bioparticle. The biomolecular composition is, in turn, dependent on the state of health of the bioparticle. Thus, measured optical properties can be used to differentiate normal (healthy) and abnormal (diseased) states of bioparticles derived from cells or tissues. The method is illustrated with data obtained from a resonator with a gain medium. The invention also provides new methods for making multiple measurements in a single device and detecting, analyzing, and manipulating bioparticles that are much smaller than the wavelength of light. |
| US08209121B1 |
Registration of location data to street maps using hidden markov models, and application thereof
The present invention provides systems and methods for improving the accuracy of location data, such as GPS data. In an embodiment, the present invention adjusts coordinates by receiving a sequence of coordinates corresponding to a plurality of locations; identifying in a map database, for each location, polyline features within a distance from the coordinates for the location; calculating emission probabilities for the polyline features; calculating transition probabilities for the polyline feature; and adjusting the coordinates for the plurality of locations so that the adjusted coordinates correspond to polyline features belonging to a sequence of polyline features selected, based on the emission probabilities and the transition probabilities, to be the most likely sequence of polyline features that correspond to the sequence of coordinates. Besides improving accuracy, embodiments of this invention enable novel geospatial applications and user interfaces by adding a large amount of meta-information to a location. |
| US08209116B2 |
Navigation apparatus, navigation server, and navigation system
Provided is a navigation system capable of outputting situation information of a specified area according to real-time traffic information including a traffic regulation. A navigation apparatus can make a user recognize the moment when a vehicle (Q) enters a specified area (A) where a situation which affects the travel of the vehicle (Q) along a navigation route (r) is generated and the situation (inf(A)) indicating the situation by using an icon (x) indicating an entry position (pin) and having a design decided according to the situation information (inf(A)). The navigation apparatus also can advice the user to instruct the navigation apparatus to perform an appropriate countermeasure in accordance with the situation such as re-search of the navigation route (r) or detour from the navigation route (r) being outputted. |
| US08209115B2 |
Method and device for aiding the guidance of an aircraft along a flight trajectory
Method and device for aiding the guidance of an aircraft along a flight trajectory. The device makes it possible to cause the aircraft to pass at least one particular waypoint of the flight trajectory, at an associated target time, and to do so to within an associated temporal tolerance. |
| US08209103B2 |
Hybrid vehicle and control method of hybrid vehicle
The drive control of the invention adopted in a hybrid vehicle specifies an operation line L to give a greater torque in a low rotation speed area of an engine with an increase in vehicle speed and controls the operation of the engine according to the specified operation line L. The engine can thus be driven at a higher-efficiency drive point, while the driving-related background noise effectively masks some abnormal noise or muffled noise, which may be caused by the operation of the engine in a low rotation speed-high torque area. This arrangement desirably prevents the driver and the other passenger from feeling odd and uncomfortable due to the abnormal noise or muffled noise and enhances the energy efficiency of the hybrid vehicle. |
| US08209101B2 |
Method and system for adaptive power management
In a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, electrical power is adaptively managed. A profile of predetermined threshold levels of electrical loading is developed for phases of an operation. A profile of electrical loading is developed for the phases of the operation such that electrical loading is substantially a same predetermined margin below the predetermined threshold levels during the phases of the operation. During the phases of the operation, operational data indicative of an electrical power generation system's actual ability to support electrical loading and/or actual electrical loading is received. The profile of the predetermined threshold levels and/or the profile of electrical loading is adjusted responsive to the operational data such that electrical loading is maintained substantially the same predetermined margin below the predetermined threshold levels during the phases of the operation. |
| US08209100B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling braking in vehicles
A method for controlling braking in a vehicle having a brake pedal includes the steps of calculating an intended amount of brake torque corresponding to a braking request made via application of the brake pedal, applying the intended amount of brake torque if a pre-determined condition pertaining to the vehicle is satisfied, and applying a filtered amount of brake torque if the pre-determined condition is not satisfied. |
| US08209095B2 |
Agricultural harvester with dual engines and power sharing based on engine temperature
An agricultural harvester includes a first power unit and a second power unit. The first power unit is couplable with a first primary load, including a threshing system load. A first temperature sensor associated with the first power unit provides a first output signal. A second temperature sensor associated with the second power unit provides a second output signal. A first motor/generator is mechanically coupled with the first power unit, and a second motor/generator is mechanically coupled with the second power unit. The second motor/generator and the first motor/generator are electrically coupled together. At least one electrical processing circuit is coupled with the first temperature sensor, second temperature sensor, first motor/generator and second motor/generator. The at least one electrical processing circuit is configured for selective bidirectional transfer of electrical power between the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator, dependent on the first output signal and the second output signal. |
| US08209087B2 |
Suspension device and method for use with a vehicle
A suspension device has in- and out-configurations for use with a vehicle, including means for damping and/or spring action, the damping and/or spring action being controllable, wherein the controllability of the damping and/or spring action includes a locked or substantially locked state in the out-configuration. A method of using the suspension device with a vehicle is also provided. |
| US08209084B2 |
Program management system
A program management system includes a center and a vehicle control device having a program in a vehicle. In management processing, the center selects one of preset examination methods, and requests the vehicle control device to send data according to the selected examination method. When receiving the request, the vehicle control device extracts data pertaining to the program according to the examination method specified by the request, and transmits the extracted data to the center. When receiving data from the vehicle control device, the center determines whether or not the value of the received data is within a preset permissible range, and thereby determines the presence or absence of an anomaly in the program installed in the vehicle control device. |
| US08209079B2 |
Electric power steering system and control method therefor
An electric power steering system of a vehicle has a plurality of Hall ICs for sensing torque applied to a steering wheel, and an electric motor for power-assisting the steering wheel. A supply voltage for the Hall ICs is varied temporarily to check the electric output signals of the Hall ICs. A non-failing device of the plurality of Hall ICs, which generates the electric output signal varying in response to the variation of the supply voltage, is selected. The electric motor is controlled based on only the electric output signal of the non-failing device. |
| US08209078B2 |
Electronic control unit and vehicle control system
An electronic control unit (ECU) and a vehicle control system are disclosed. When a vehicle ID rewrite instruction and a malfunction information erasure instruction are inputted to the system from an external scantool, one ECU in the system erases the malfunction information stored therein and determines whether the malfunction information stored in another ECU has been erased. When it is determined that the malfunction information stored in every ECU has been erased, the vehicle ID is rewritten. According to the above system, it is possible to prevent violation of a requirement, the requirement being such that when a vehicle ID is rewritten, malfunction information should be erased at the same time. |
| US08209076B2 |
Tracking vehicle maintenance using sensor detection
Radio frequency identification is used in cooperation with the computer system aboard a motor vehicle to track service and maintenance activities relating to the vehicle. Each component or part of the vehicle that may require maintenance is provided with a unique passive identification tag. The output data from the tag is read by a reader placed in proximity to the tag, and the data is transmitted to an on-board computer module where it is processed, and the service record is updated. A data stream converter may be used to process the information read by the reader into a format that is acceptable to the on-board computer. The data from the on-board computer is stored in a device external to the computer. Provisions are included for notification to the user, the auto dealer or service other agency as needed. |
| US08209074B2 |
Robot and method for controlling the same
A robot includes: a main body; a traveling mechanism attached to the main body to move the main body; an image pickup device which picks up an image of an object in a space including a traveling plane; an object detector which detects the object existing in the space based on an image picked up by the image pickup device; a distance calculator which calculates a distance to the object detected by the object detector; a degree of caution setting device which sets a degree of caution with respect to the object detected by the object detector based on the image picked up by the image pickup device and the distance calculated by the distance calculator; and a controller which controls the traveling mechanism based on the degree of caution set by the degree of caution setting device and the distance calculated by the distance calculator. |
| US08209073B2 |
Climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption of a vehicle
A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort. |
| US08209070B2 |
Methods and systems for efficiently orienting an agile vehicle using a gyroscope array
Methods and systems are provided for orienting an agile vehicle using a control moment gyroscope array. A method comprises obtaining initial vehicle parameters for the vehicle and obtaining target vehicle parameters for the vehicle. The method further comprises determining command parameters based on a difference between the target vehicle parameters and the initial vehicle parameters, and simulating operation of the control moment gyroscope array using the command parameters and a torque value being at least equal to a maximum achievable torque for the control moment gyroscope array. When the simulated vehicle parameters are substantially equal to the target vehicle parameters, the method further comprises determining a torque profile for the control moment gyroscope array based on the simulated operation and operating the control moment gyroscope array using the torque profile. |
| US08209069B1 |
Aircraft sensor anticipator system
An apparatus and method for estimating future pitch and roll angles of an aircraft to compensate for a time delay caused by a flight instrumentation system calculating the aircraft's pitch and roll. The apparatus may output signals to an aircraft autopilot system. The apparatus may comprise various inputs and outputs, at least one compensation module, and at least one addition module. The compensation module may multiply a gain value by the pitch rate of the aircraft and by the roll rate of the aircraft to determine a pitch compensation amount and a roll compensation amount. Then the pitch compensation amount may be added to the pitch of the aircraft, and the roll compensation amount may be added to the roll of the aircraft to solve for a compensated pitch and a compensated roll to send to the autopilot system. |
| US08209068B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling dynamic systems
A control system (12) for controlling velocity and attitude of a dynamic system (20) includes a velocity controller configured to receive a desired velocity command and output a velocity error in the form of Euler angle commands to an attitude controller system. The attitude controller system includes a converter (14) configured to receive the Euler angle commands and output a desired quaternion based on the Euler angle commands. The attitude controller system further includes an attitude error generator (16) configured to receive the desired quaternion and an estimated quaternion indicative of an estimated velocity and attitude of the dynamic system (20) and to output attitude errors associated with the dynamic system (20). The attitude controller system also includes an attitude controller (18) configured to receive the attitude errors and to output error commands to the dynamic system (20) based on the attitude errors. |
| US08209067B2 |
Height control device for vehicle
A seat height control amount setting part determines a target seat height displacement amount according to a deceleration outputted from a braking state calculating part. The deceleration is corrected according to the vehicle speed of a vehicle, and the target seat displacement amount is set such that the seat height becomes lower as the vehicle speed is higher. While correcting the target seat height displacement amount, a target deceleration with respect to the amount of operation of a brake pedal is corrected. The target deceleration is corrected such that the target deceleration with respect to the amount of operation of the brake pedal becomes greater as the vehicle speed is higher. |
| US08209066B2 |
Environmental control system for precision airborne payloads
Outside air enters a ram air scoop on an aircraft frame, and is ducted to a ram air control valve. The air control valve outputs a desired air mass flow to a cyclone air-water separator which removes moisture and produces a dry air flow. A heater assembly heats the dry air to a desired temperature and directs the heated air into an equipment bay enclosure on the aircraft. The relative humidity of the heated air is sensed by an air moisture sensor which produces a corresponding signal. Other sensors disposed near a payload in the bay enclosure produce corresponding air temperature and air pressure signals. All the sensor signals are input to a processor or controller configured to activate the air control valve and the heater assembly according to set points for temperature and humidity that are specified for the payload in the bay enclosure. |
| US08209064B2 |
Ballistic robotic vehicle
A mobile target assembly for use in small arms practice includes an armor-protected automotive unit with remote control for movement through a target area. Further, the target assembly includes a plurality of repairable/replaceable façades, wherein a selected façade is mounted on the automotive unit. For the present invention, the façade is formed as a land vehicle body and is constructed for intentional destruction by the small arms fire. Importantly, the armor protection provides survivability for the automotive unit in response to small arms fire. |
| US08209062B2 |
Method for non-intrusive load monitoring using a hybrid systems state estimation approach
A method for non-intrusively monitoring a load including a plurality of appliances includes retrieving a plurality of mathematical models for modeling operation of a respective subset of the appliances. A value of a respective operational parameter is predicted for each of the subsets of appliances. An output of the load is measured. A respective value of each of the operational parameters is calculated based on the mathematical models and the outputs of the load. The predicting, measuring and calculating steps are repeated until a metric pertaining to a difference error between the measured output and the predicted output calculated from the operational parameter and the mathematical models is equal to or below a threshold for one of the subsets of appliances. It is decided that the one subset of appliances is currently operating whose metric pertaining to a difference error is equal to or below the threshold. |
| US08209060B2 |
Updating syringe profiles for a syringe pump
A method and system to update a syringe pump is provided. The pump supports a syringe having a plunger and includes a piston drive to couple to the plunger, a processor to control movement of the piston drive, and a memory to store syringe profiles for different syringes. Each syringe profile contains data for the processor to control the piston drive to expel fluid from a respective syringe at a rate. The method includes, with a computing system containing a database of data correlated to an array of syringes for which the pump could be used, culling from the database a syringe profiles for the syringes to be used by the pump within the facility or portion thereof, and updating the memory of the pump while in the facility with the culled syringe profiles whereby to update the pump for operation with syringes to be used with the syringe pump. |
| US08209059B2 |
Thermostatic controller
In an energy efficient building, a thermostatic controller receives temperature and humidity input signals indicative of an inside, outside and air mass buffer. According to one or more algorithms, the thermostatic controller controls the operations of various actuators, such as blower speed, a fresh air intake vent damper, an exhaust vent and a heat pump, so as to adjust the internal climate of the energy-efficient building towards a control point (e.g., an inside temperature and humidity comfort level). |
| US08209056B2 |
System and method for assessing and managing data center airflow and energy usage
A system and method for providing energy assessment and optimization in a data center that includes at least one cooling provider, and at least one cooling consumer, the at least one cooling consumer having cooling requirements. The method according to one aspect includes receiving data regarding cooling availability and power consumption for the at least one cooling consumer, cooling capacity of the at least one cooling provider, and a physical relationship between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider in the data center, storing the received data, determining airflow distribution effectiveness between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider, and displaying at least one value representative of the effectiveness of the distribution of airflow in the data center between the at least one cooling consumer and the at least one cooling provider. |
| US08209055B2 |
System for sensing state and position of robot
An exemplary system for sensing the state and position of a robot is provided. The system measures the acceleration and angular velocity of the robot and calculates a velocity, and a displacement of the robot. The state of the robot according to the acceleration and the velocity vector, of the robot, is determined. The system includes an alarm that activates according to the state of the robot. The system also compensates for any inaccuracy of the measured displacements. |
| US08209052B2 |
High performance differential actuator for robotic interaction tasks
The mechanical differential actuator according to the present invention comprises a mechanical differential having three mechanicals ports. A first transducer with a low impedance is coupled to a first port, a second transducer with a high impedance is coupled to a second port, and the mechanical load is coupled to the third port. The mechanical differential actuator enables controlling a force and a speed at a load coupled thereto through a known relation between the force and the speed. Moreover, the mechanical differential actuator presents a compact structure enabling the transfer of a large force relative to its volume. |
| US08209047B2 |
Teaching device for a cutting die around patterns printed on a flat printing medium, cutting machine provided with such a device and method for implementing same
The purpose of the invention is a control device for handling mobility elements of a cutting tool (1) and/or a carrier device of a flat printing medium (2) whereon an inscription has been previously printed. The device includes teaching elements (9) for reading information (10) transmitted via reading means (5) which are associated with elements (14, 18) for comparing between the reading information (10) and the instruction information (15, d, D, C) previously stored in memory relating to the definition of the inscription (3, 4) from a density of pixels and/or the framing of the inscription (3, 4) from a relative position between two (3, 4) at least. |
| US08209043B2 |
Assembly information management apparatus, and assembly information management method
An assembly information management apparatus includes a detection means for detecting an update of a selected part selected from a group of parts constituting any assembly information in the set, a first calculation means for calculating outline shape data of the selected part after being updated from the selected part detected by the detection means, an identification means for identifying a common assembly information group sharing the selected part from the set, a second calculation means for calculating outline shape data of common assembly information for each piece of common assembly information identified by the identification means based on outline shape data of remaining parts after excluding the selected part constituting the common assembly information and outline shape data of the selected part after being updated calculated by the first calculation means, and an association means for associating each piece of the common assembly information with outline shape data. |
| US08209040B2 |
Plant control apparatus
A plant control apparatus has a measurement signal DB, an operation signal DB, a numerical value analysis executing unit, a numerical value analysis result DB, a model for estimating a value of a measurement signal for an operation signal, learning unit using the model, a learning information DB, a control logic DB for information used by an operation signal generating unit, a knowledge DB for plant running characteristics, and an analyzing unit processing information in the numerical value analysis result DB by information in the knowledge DB, learning information DB, operation signal DB, and measurement signal DB, wherein the analyzing unit includes at least one of a learning base analyzing unit checking adequacy of an operation method, a signal analyzing unit for evaluating an effect of the operation signal upon the plant and presence/absence of an abnormal signal, and a knowledge DB updating unit correcting information in the knowledge DB. |
| US08209039B2 |
Process control system having on-line and off-line test calculation for industrial process transmitters
Methods and systems for assessing transmitter electronics in an industrial process control system comprise generating a process condition reference equation signal, a process condition approximation equation signal, and an accuracy output signal. The process condition reference equation signal is generated using a process condition reference equation and process control inputs. The process condition approximation equation signal is generated using a process condition approximation equation that approximates the reference equation using the process control inputs, and approximation equation coefficients based on the approximation equation and the process control inputs. The approximation equation signal is compared to the reference equation signal at a control room workstation such that the industrial process control system can be adjusted. In one embodiment, the approximation equation coefficients are adjusted and transmitted to process transmitter electronics over a control network. In another embodiment, a parameter of the industrial process control system, such as a primary element or transmitter, is adjusted. |
| US08209034B2 |
Methods and apparatus for electrical stimulation treatment using esophageal balloon and electrode
Methods and apparatus for treating ailments provide for: inserting a balloon-electrode device into an esophagus of a mammal, the balloon-electrode device including: (i) a nasogastral (NG) having an internal passageway and an external surface, (ii) at least one electrode coupled to the external surface of the NG tube, (iii) a conductor extending through the internal passageway of the NG tube and electrically connecting to the electrode, and (iv) a balloon surrounding the electrode and a portion of the NG tube; inflating the balloon with fluid such that the electrode is substantially centrally located within an interior volume of the balloon; and applying at least one electrical signal to the electrode via the conductor such that an electro-magnetic field emanates from the electrode to at least one of nerves and muscles of the mammal. |
| US08209025B1 |
Methods and systems of optimizing stimulation current applied to a cochlear implant patient
Methods of optimizing stimulation current applied to a cochlear implant patient include determining a plurality of narrowband spectral modulation detection thresholds for the patient and adjusting a stimulation current applied to the patient in accordance with the narrowband spectral modulation detection thresholds. Systems for optimizing stimulation current applied to a cochlear implant patient include an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon, an implantable cochlear stimulator coupled to the electrode array and configured to apply a stimulation current to one or more locations along a cochlea of a patient via one or more of the electrodes, and a fitting station communicatively coupled to the implantable cochlear stimulator. The fitting station is configured determine a plurality of narrowband spectral modulation detection thresholds and adjust the stimulation current in accordance with the narrowband spectral modulation detection thresholds. |
| US08209023B2 |
Flexible circuit electrode array
A flexible circuit electrode array and method of fabrication having a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes to stimulate tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and metal traces; and a coating of the base and top layer by a soft polymer. A method of preparing a flexible circuit electrode array, comprising: providing a first soft polymer layer; depositing a first a base layer on the first soft polymer layer; providing a metal thin film on the base layer; depositing a top polymer layer on the metal thin film; providing holes in the top polymer layer; depositing a second soft polymer layer on the top polymer layer; providing holes in the second soft polymer layer for bond pads and electrodes; and preparing electrodes in the provided holes. |
| US08209020B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing complex tissue stimulation patterns
The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others. |
| US08209018B2 |
Probabilistic neurological disorder treatment
Disclosed are probabilistic approaches to patient evaluation, warning and treatment of a neurological disorder. Disclosed techniques estimate probability distribution functions or cumulative distribution functions, determined by relying on representative historical profiles, comprising information in short and/or long timescales obtained at times that may be intermittent or temporally discontinuous from each other or from other events of interest. The patient may thereby be treated based on the determined probability information. |
| US08209017B1 |
Septum for covering a fastener assembly on a connector of an implantable electric stimulation system and methods of making and using
A connector for an electrostimulation lead includes a connector housing defining a fastener aperture, a septum disposed over the fastener aperture, and a fastener for mating with the fastener aperture to secure a received lead to the connector housing so that at least one terminal disposed on the received lead electrically couples with at least one conductor contact disposed in the connector housing. The septum includes a septum flap and an attachment cuff. The septum flap is configured and arranged for extending over the fastener aperture and for receiving a tool for folding the septum flap open to expose the fastener aperture. The attachment cuff is configured and arranged for coupling the septum flap to the connector housing. The fastener is configured and arranged to be disposed in the fastener aperture and to be tightened against the lead to hold the lead within the connector housing. |
| US08209013B2 |
Therapeutic electrical stimulation that avoids undesirable activation
Energy parameters for electrical stimulation pulses that produce a desired activation, and avoid an undesirable activation, are determined. A strength-duration relationship for at least one desired activation produced by therapeutic electrical stimulation is measured. A strength-duration relationship for at least one undesirable activation produced by the therapeutic electrical stimulation is provided. A medical device selects, based on the desired and undesirable strength-duration relationships, one or more energy parameters for the therapeutic electrical stimulation that produce the desired activation and avoid the undesirable activation. |
| US08209010B2 |
Systems and methods for optimizing multi-site cardiac pacing and sensing configurations for use with an implantable medical device
Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac stimulation device equipped for multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) pacing using a multi-pole LV lead. In one example, referred to herein as QuickStim, cardiac pacing configurations are optimized based on an assessment of hemodynamic benefit and device longevity. In another example, referred to herein as QuickSense, cardiac sensing configurations are optimized based on sensing profiles input by a clinician. Various virtual sensing channels are also described that provide for the multiplexing or gating of sensed signals. Anisotropic oversampling is also described. |
| US08209007B2 |
Switching circuit
An H-bridge switching circuit for an automated external defibrillator comprises an SCR (D8) in one of the high legs of the circuit and a control means (D1-D7) associated with the SCR which is operative to switch the SCR on automatically in response to a voltage change across the SCR corresponding to the switching device in the diagonally opposite leg of the H-bridge turning on. The control means comprises a capacitor (D1) and the voltage on the capacitor changes when the diagonally opposite switching device turns on, the change in capacitor voltage lagging the change in voltage across the SCR and the SCR being turned on when the difference between the capacitor voltage and the voltage across the SCR exceeds a predetermined threshold. |
| US08209006B2 |
Constant current electroporation device and methods of use
An electroporation device which may be used to effectively facilitate the introduction of a macromolecule into cells of a selected tissue in a body or plant. The electroporation device comprises an electro-kinetic device (“EKD”) whose operation is specified by software or firmware. The EKD produces a series of programmable constant-current pulse patterns between electrodes in an array based on user control and input of the pulse parameters and allows the storage and acquisition of current waveform data. The electroporation device also comprises a replaceable electrode disk having an array of needle electrodes, a central injection channel for an injection needle, and a removable guide disk. |
| US08209003B2 |
Morphology discrimination based on inflection point-related information
A morphology discrimination scheme extracts shape characteristics from cardiac signals and identifies an associated cardiac condition based on the shape characteristics. For example, internal data structures may be updated to match the shape characteristics of a known condition (e.g., a patient's normal sinus rhythm). Similarly acquired shape characteristics obtained in conjunction with a later event (e.g., QRS complexes acquired during a tachycardia episode) may be compared with the previously stored shape characteristics to characterize the later event. In some aspects the shape characteristics relate to inflection points of cardiac signals. |
| US08208999B2 |
System and method for estimating electrical conduction delays from immittance values measured using an implantable medical device
Techniques are provided for estimating electrical conduction delays with the heart of a patient based on measured immittance values. In one example, impedance or admittance values are measured within the heart of a patient by a pacemaker or other implantable medical device, then used by the device to estimate cardiac electrical conduction delays. A first set of predetermined conversion factors may be used to convert the measured immittance values into conduction delay values. In some examples, the device then uses the estimated conduction delay values to estimate LAP or other cardiac pressure values. A second set of predetermined conversion factors may be used to convert the estimated conduction delays into pressure values. Techniques are also described for adaptively adjusting pacing parameters based on estimated LAP. |
| US08208998B2 |
Representing the geometry of a heart chamber
A method of representing the geometry of at least a portion of a human heart chamber includes positioning a catheter in a heart chamber. The position of the catheter in the heart chamber is determined. The catheter is re-positioned and the position is re-determined a plurality of times to determine the geometry of at least a portion of the heart chamber. A three-dimensional, anatomical representation of at least a portion of the heart chamber is then created. |
| US08208997B2 |
Non-invasive method to monitor microcirculation
This invention relates to the non-invasive determination of the degree of vasoactivity in the microcirculation in a tissue caused by a drug, disease, injury normal or pathological regulation. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of determining the influence on microcirculation in living tissue from an irritative agent, drugs, disease, injuries normal or pathological regulation including, illuminating a tissue surface with polarized light, collecting the backscattered light through a polarizing filter, detecting the backscattered and polarized light by a photo-sensitive array, transferring the collected information in digital form to a computing device, separating the collected information into at least two data matrixes, each representing a specific wavelength range and generating an output data matrix by processing corresponding values in at least two data matrixes by an algorithm, wherein each value in said output data matrix represents the amount of influence on the microcirculation in a source point of the tissue. Thereby a representation of the tissue microcirculation is obtained. |
| US08208995B2 |
Method and apparatus for imaging of vessel segments
An apparatus, method and software arrangement for imaging a surface of a structure that is in contact with an opaque fluid is provided. The apparatus includes an article of manufacture (e.g., a housing), a fluid delivery arrangement and an imaging arrangement. The housing includes an aperture formed in the article of manufacture. The fluid delivery arrangement is configured to deliver a volume of substantially transparent fluid to the aperture formed in the housing. The imaging arrangement is configured to image the surface of the structure using an imaging modality after the volume of the transparent fluid is delivered to the aperture, wherein the imaging arrangement and/or the article of manufacture is translated along the surface of the structure while imaging the surface of the structure. |
| US08208994B2 |
Computer tomograph and injector having a data interface
A device and a method are for operating a computer tomograph and an injector, wherein an injector is used to control injection of a contrast medium and a computer tomograph to control a scanning process. Data regarding operation are transmitted between the computer tomograph and the injector via a data interface, especially in a reciprocal manner. The two devices reciprocally influence their operation, thereby reducing the strain imposed on a patient to be examined, increasing operational reliability and simplifying handling. |
| US08208993B2 |
Imaging device for MRI-guided medical interventional systems
An MRI-guided interventional system includes a head support apparatus for engaging and securing the head of a patient, and a targeting frame configured to be secured to the body of a patient. The targeting frame includes a cooperating targeting cannula that is configured to guide placement of an interventional device through a burr hole in a patient's skull in vivo. The system includes an MRI-compatible camera positioned proximate to the head support apparatus, and an MRI-compatible imaging device having one end attached to the targeting frame to provide a local field of view of the burr hole, and an opposite end in communication with the camera. The system also includes a display output module coupled to the camera for receiving electrical signals therefrom and for displaying images corresponding thereto. |
| US08208991B2 |
Determining a material flow characteristic in a structure
An volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data. |
| US08208989B2 |
Implant, device and method for determining a position of the implant in a body
The invention relates to an implant, a method and a device for determining the position of the implant. To improve the accuracy of determining the position it is proposed to provide a transponder on the implant suitable for determining the position. |
| US08208985B2 |
Method and sensor measuring skin impedance
A sensor measuring skin impedance includes a reference electrode, a current carrying electrode, and a measuring electrode for measuring impedance for current flowing between the reference electrode and the current carrying electrode. The measuring electrode is recessed with respect to the reference electrode and the current carrying electrode, allowing the measuring electrode to make contact with a user's skin after the reference electrode and current carrying electrode make contact, resulting in greater measurement accuracy. |
| US08208983B2 |
Clinical applications of StO2 analysis
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for using StO2 values to predict an outcome of a subject's health status. |
| US08208982B2 |
Evanescent catheter system
An evanescent catheter system having a tip portion of an optical fiber capable of securely measuring fluorescence intensity or fluorescence spectrum of a substance around a catheter tip, without being hindered by optical absorption of hemoglobin in erythrocytes in blood, and being capable of calculating an existing amount of a fluorescence-emitting substance existing in an evanescent light generating part. A protecting layer 22 and a cladding 23 are removed from an upper semicircular part of a core 24 at a tip of a catheter 21 to expose the core 24. When excitation light 29 is incident, evanescent light 25 is generated on the upper semicircular part of the core 24 and a fluorescent substance generates emits fluorescence 30. An interference filter 26 filters out the excitation light and only the fluorescence 30 reaches the photodiode 28, permitting a measuring device to measure an existing amount of the fluorescent substance. |
| US08208981B2 |
MIMO communication device
Provided is a MIMO communication device which can maintain the MIMO communication characteristic at a certain level regardless of the device installation position. The MIMO communication device (100) includes antenna elements (101-1, 101-2) as a first and a second antenna element which are arranged on a single straight line and an antenna element (102-1) or an antenna element (102-2) as a third antenna element which is arranged out of the straight line. A MIMO modulation unit (105) is connected to all the antenna elements. This assures that there exists a combination of antennas having other than 0 as a matrix expression of a channel estimation matrix in a propagation path between the MIMO communication device (100) and the communication partner regardless of the installation position of the MIMO communication device (100) with respect to a communication partner. As a result, it is possible to realize the MIMO communication device which can maintain the MIMO communication characteristic at a certain level or above regardless of the device installation position. |
| US08208978B2 |
Small lanyard connector for low profile device
A miniaturized attachment mechanism for attaching a lanyard to a cell phone, MP3 player or other portable device having a hole in its outer casing is disclosed. The miniaturized attachment mechanism can have one end permanently fastened to a lanyard, and can include a spring-loaded ball detent within a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft diameter can be about 3 millimeters or less, while the diameter of the ball within the hollow shaft can be about 2 millimeters or less. The hollow shaft can be inserted into the casing hole such that the ball detent secures the mechanism to the casing until a pin release is used. In another embodiment, the miniaturized attachment mechanism can include a 1 millimeter shaft having a groove at an insertable end, while the casing encloses a two hole E-ring mechanism adapted to lock onto the groove when the shaft is inserted into the casing hole. |
| US08208975B1 |
Wearable access point
A portable access point including a power source having a state of charge, a wireless local area network transceiver configured to communicate with a wireless client device, and a wireless wide area network transceiver configured to i) access the Internet, and ii) provide the wireless client device access to the Internet, a control module configured to activate a sleep mode of the wireless wide area network transceiver in response to packets of data being not being received at the wireless wide area network transceiver for a predetermined period, wherein the predetermined period is based on the state of charge of the power source. The wireless wide area network transceiver is configured to, in response to activation of the sleep mode, halt wireless transmissions of packets of data to the Internet. |
| US08208970B2 |
Directional communication systems
A wireless communication system based on a directional speaker is disclosed. The system can include an interface unit and a base unit. The audio signals from the speaker can be generated by transforming ultrasonic signals in air. This allows the production of directional audio signals even when the aperture of the speaker has dimensions in the order of a few centimeters. The audio signals from the speaker can be heard hands-free. Further, privacy protection is enhanced. In one embodiment, the interface unit can be attached or integrated to a piece of clothing at the shoulder of the user, with the audio signals from the speaker directed towards one of the user's ears. The wireless communication system can be applied to a number of different areas, including a communication device, such as a cell phone; a hearing aid; an entertainment system; and a computation system, such as a personal digital assistant or a computer. The wireless communication system can be personalized to the hearing characteristics of the user, or to the ambient noise level of the environment. |
| US08208965B2 |
Displaying broadcast information in a mobile communication terminal
A method for displaying broadcast information in a mobile terminal is provided. The method comprises displaying a broadcast channel list including identification information of at least one or more broadcast channels; receiving an input including a search condition for a random one of the at least one or more broadcast channels; searching relevant broadcast information on the random broadcast channel for information on a specific broadcast program to correspond to the inputted search condition; and displaying the searched information on the specific broadcast program. |
| US08208962B2 |
Antenna system for shared operation
An antenna system for shared operation has three antenna stacks each with two mutually orthogonal polarisations (+45 degree and −45 degree). It is for use with multiple base stations. It combines on to a single feeder signals associated with like polarisation and with the base stations, and separates on to different feeders signals associated with different polarisations. This applies both to transmit and receive signals passing between antennas and base stations. Signal combining is achieved by band pass filtering. Each base station transmits and receives via a respective antenna stack, and so each can have an individual angle of electrical tilt. Two, three or four feeders may be used to route signals between antennas and base stations. With four feeders, transmit and receive signals and differing polarisation associations are separable, reducing intermodulation products. With two feeders, transmit and receive signals with like polarisation associations are combined. |
| US08208958B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a flexible wireless communication and cellular telephone system
A wireless communication system including flexible wireless handsets with modular electronic components selected for operation within multiple systems The units may be configured for removable connection to a variety of cartridges to provide a versatile communication device. A cartridge may be selected for the replacement of one or more existing cartridges within the handset to provide varying degrees of flexibility including the selection of a different featureset for the handset and compatible operation within different wireless systems. Methods are further provided for upgrading and reconfiguring cellular telephones and wireless communication devices for operation within different systems. A flexible wireless telephone with an original removable cartridge may include later-substituted cartridges to improve or change the featureset of the telephone, and may also enable a user to replace the internal electronics of a handset with different internal electronics for use within a different wireless system. A consumer may be thus provided with extended use the same flexible wireless telephone handset yet still migrate to a new wireless system by installing cartridges with desired featuresets within the selected wireless telephone system(s). |
| US08208957B2 |
Wireless communication method and wireless communication apparatus
A wireless communication method and a wireless communication apparatus capable of efficiently improving communication throughput of a second wireless communication system while securing a capturing capability of informative information in a first wireless communication system are provided. A transmitting/receiving unit (2, 3, 6) capable of transmitting/receiving information through first and second wireless communication systems (1x and EVDO) and a receiving unit (4, 7) capable of receiving information through the first and second wireless communication systems and whose reception gain in the first wireless communication system is smaller than the transmitting/receiving unit are used to detect that a reception sensitivity of informative information notifying a reception by the transmitting/receiving unit through the first wireless communication system has exceeded a first threshold or a second threshold set in accordance with a reception gain difference between the transmitting/receiving unit and the receiving unit when information is being transmitted/received by the transmitting/receiving unit through the second wireless communication system, and to switch reception of the informative information from the transmitting/receiving unit to the receiving unit. |
| US08208955B1 |
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems, components and methods for providing enhanced location information to emergency responders to respond to emergency calls
Disclosed are systems and techniques for identifying VoIP phone connector locations whereby an emergency call request can be specifically located on a VoIP phone network. This system addresses prior-art shortcomings in which the location information is attempted to be tracked with identification information stored in VoIP phones, or in which databases of location information are created relative to MAC addresses of component pieces of the VoIP phone network (such as the VoIP phones themselves, data switches, or LAN routers) Further described are VoIP phone server embodiments that enable the location and/or caller information to be determined according to the associated VoIP phone connectors and for that information to be transmitted both to public safety access points and to campus security networks, and for emergency calls to be bridged both to public safety access points and to campus security networks. |
| US08208954B1 |
Communication device
A communication device which implements a TV phone pausing function, wherein, while a TV phone function is implemented, a pausing audiovisual data is output from another device when a TV phone pausing command is input via the input device. |
| US08208948B2 |
Method and apparatus for selecting a location platform for a user equipment to roam and method for determining a location of a user equipment using the same
A method and an apparatus for selecting a location platform for a user equipment to roam and a method for determining the location of the user equipment using the same. The method for selecting a location platform includes: checking a visiting network of the UE in response to a location request message transmitted from the UE which is roaming; and selecting a location platform to calculate a location of the UE by comparing positioning capability information of the checked visiting network and positioning capability information of a home network of the UE. According to such a method, it is possible to efficiently perform the positioning of the UE, regardless of the location of the UE, thereby improving the quality of the positioning service. |
| US08208947B2 |
Apparatus and method for multimedia communication
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to transmit to a media server a request for distribution of media content to one or more targeted recipients according to a user profile associated with the communication device that is stored in the media server. The format of the media content can be adjusted by the media server based at least in part on the user profile. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08208946B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for transmitting messages
A subscriber unit, for a cellular communication system, is arranged to store data representing a message to be transmitted together with data representing specified conditions associated with the transmission of the message. The subscriber unit responds to the specified conditions being met by transmitting the message. The specified conditions may be dictated by the network or by the user of the subscriber unit or by a combination of the two, and include time, date, location, and network loading. |
| US08208945B2 |
Information processing device and method, program, and recording medium
An information processing device for transmitting information to be provided to a user to a terminal held by the user, including: current position obtaining means for obtaining the current position of the user of the terminal, based on information transmitted from a signal processing device capable of communicating with the terminal, of a signal processing device connected to itself; searching means for searching the information to be provided to the user from the plurality of information that can be read out by itself, based on the current position information obtained by the current position obtaining means; and transmission means for transmitting the information searched with the searching means to the terminal. |
| US08208937B2 |
System and method for uplink inter cell interference coordination in a wireless access system
A system and method for uplink inter cell interference coordination and multi-user multiple input, multiple output in a wireless access system are provided. A method for providing uplink inter cell interference coordination in a wireless access system includes categorizing users the wireless access system, selecting a resource allocation plan based on the categorized users, allocating resources to the users in the wireless access system based on the selected resource allocation plan, and receiving transmissions from the users. |
| US08208935B2 |
Combined base transceiver station and base station controller data call
A system, method, and computer readable medium for a data call setup comprises receiving an origination message by a radio call control (RCC) and by a main call control (MCC), receiving an assignment request message by the MCC and by the RCC, and receiving a traffic channel assignment message by a channel element control (CEC) and by the MCC. |
| US08208932B2 |
System for mobile broadband networking using dynamic quality of service provisioning
A wireless networking system uses mobile and fixed transceivers to achieve a network with changing topology. A routing process includes quality-of-service considerations in the network to allow for features such as file or other data transfer, streaming audio and video, digital telephone communications, etc. The routing process adapts to transceiver units entering, leaving, or moving within, the network. Auxiliary networks such as the Internet, campus or corporate intranets, home networks, etc., can be accessed through the wireless network. Features, designs and user interfaces for the units are described. Security and access control of media content and other data is presented. |
| US08208931B2 |
PBX mobility system with multiple call legs
A private branch exchange (PBX) mobility system and associated method for re-using of call legs in an enterprise system. The enterprise system includes a session management platform (SMP) having a private branch exchange (PBX) mobility enabler, the PBX mobility enabler having third-party control communications to one or more PBXs over a session control interface, such as a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) interface. The PBXs are in communication with one or more media servers. The PBX mobility enabler is configured to provide control communications to the PBXs over the session control interfaces to re-use a wireless call leg and connect to other call legs. |
| US08208929B2 |
Method of cell assignment in cellular communications networks using macrodiversity
A method of selecting a cell from a certain active set of cells (102, 103) to become serving cell for a mobile terminal (101) instead of the primary cell (102) of said active set of cells (102, 103) during a call in a mobile communications network implementing soft handover, the method comprising the steps of: determining whether the radio access bearer (RAB) of said call is being served on a soft handover area or not, and: if said call is being served on a soft handover area, determining whether the user of said mobile terminal (101) can be considered static or in motion, and: if said user of said mobile terminal (101) is considered static, comparing the load of said primary cell (102) to the load of at least one of the remaining cells (103) within the active set (102, 103), and: if the load of said primary cell (102) exceeds the load of said at least one of said remaining cells (103) within the active set (102, 103) by a predetermined factor, transferring the downlink user plane from said primary cell (102) to said cell (103) of said remaining cells within the active set (102, 103), which is less loaded than said primary cell. |
| US08208927B2 |
Method of system access to a wireless network
A method is performed by a wireless device. The method includes (a) preselecting a set of the base stations; (b) selecting a reverse link cost according to a preselected reverse link cost metric; (c) selecting a base station from the set of base stations; and (d) sending a probe signal at the selected reverse link cost to the selected base station. If a response is not received from the selected base station within a preselected time period and not all the base stations have been sent a probe signal at substantially the selected reverse link cost, then steps (c) through (d) are repeated with a different one of the base stations at substantially the selected reverse link cost. If a response is received from the selected base station within the timeout period, then the responding base station is selected to provide access to the wireless network. |
| US08208925B2 |
Method and apparatus for inter-system handover
An inter-system handover system for a wireless communication system supports hand-down and hand-up of user equipment (UE) to different radio access technologies, including synchronous and asynchronous systems. Latency and handover connection failures are reduced by an access node (nodeB) broadcasting information about neighboring systems (targets) when the UE reception (RX) capability is both inside or outside the reception range of the target. A single RX chain is sufficient, although transitioning between a wireless wide area network (WWAN) to a wireless local area network may (WLAN) may advantageously benefit from simultaneous operation on two Rx chains. Optimized list of neighboring RAT systems (targets) are broadcast from the network, including measurement parameters and reporting instructions. Thereby, UE-driven reporting minimizes latencies. UE reports other-system searches to network only if needed for a handover. In addition, handover requests can be bundled with other-system measurement information, if necessary, for additional efficiencies. |
| US08208917B2 |
Wireless and dockable audio interposer device
An apparatus meant to be interposed between a wired device and a wireless device gathers information concerning the functions of which each of the wired device and wireless devices are capable, and induces the wireless device to enable a wider range of wireless protocols by presenting the wireless device with a false indication to the effect that the apparatus is capable of performing a wider array of functions than is the case to make possible an interaction between the wired and wireless devices through the apparatus in support of various audio-related functions. |
| US08208912B2 |
Mobile telephone, informing method, and program
A mobile telephone performs communication by transmitting voice, which is inputted by a speaker into a communication apparatus having a floor, via a server, to one or more communication devices of one or more listener(s) having no floor. A transmitter transmits a request signal, which requests an acquisition of a floor, to the server (Step S104) when a predetermined operation is performed by a user (Step S103: YES). A receiver receives both a permission signal, which is transmitted from the server in response to the request signal for permitting the acquisition of a floor, and numerical information, which is transmitted from the server, indicating the number of communication apparatuses of the listener(s) (Step S101 and S106). An informing control subunit performs different informing controls in accordance with the number indicated by the numerical information when the receiver receives the permission signal (Step S107 to S109). |
| US08208911B2 |
System and method for identifying a contact associated with an electronic communication
A method is provided on an electronic communications device having a subscriber identifier, the method for identifying a contact entry associated with an electronic communication specified by a communication identifier. The method comprises searching an address book associated with the device; in response to finding a first and a second contact entry each having a respective first contact communication identifier matching the communication identifier, comparing a second contact communication identifier with the subscriber identifier; and identifying the second contact entry associated with the electronic communication if the second contact communication identifier in the first contact entry matches the subscriber identifier. |
| US08208906B2 |
Enhanced interface for mobile phone
A docking station may provide an enhanced user interface for mobile communication devices. In one particular implementation, a device may include a base unit configured to provide connections to one or more user interface devices and an interface for connecting to a mobile phone, where the base unit connects the mobile phone to the one or more user interface devices to provide an enhanced interface for the mobile phone. |
| US08208904B2 |
System and method of exchanging identification information for mobile stations
A system is provided for allowing mobile stations to exchange identification information using a predetermined communication path for the purpose of obtaining identification information to use in establishing a different communication path for communicating. |
| US08208903B2 |
System and method for realizing remote control to terminal data
The invention discloses a system for realizing remote control to terminal data comprising a terminal management subsystem and terminals, wherein the terminal management subsystem is used to receive a data operation request for the terminal, obtain information of the terminal according to the data operation request, transmit a data operation instruction to the terminal, and instruct the terminal to perform a user data operation; and the terminal is used to receive the data operation instruction from the terminal management subsystem and perform a data control operation on the data in the terminal according to the data operation instruction. The invention discloses also a method for realizing remote control to terminal data. In the case that the mobile terminal is lost or authorized temporarily to be used by others, the present invention can implement locking, wiping and unlocking the data of the terminal according to user requirements. |
| US08208902B2 |
Communication system, authentication server, and communication method
An authentication server according to the present invention performs authentication of a first access to the Internet via a base station, and stores a usable base station identifier identifying a radio base station usable by the radio terminal to access the Internet. When a base station identifier of a different base station being a handover candidate of the radio terminal matches the usable base station identifier stored in advance, the authentication server transmits an authentication request to an authentication server managing the different base station, the authentication request requesting authentication of a second access to the Internet via the different base station. |
| US08208892B2 |
Remotely activatable locator system and method using a wireless location system
A method for locating an entity attached to a locator device comprises receiving, at the locator device, a message over a cellular network. Responsive to receiving the message, a call over the cellular network is automatically initiated to enable a party answering the call to determine a location of the locator device. |
| US08208888B2 |
Vehicle to vehicle wireless control system training
A system for mounting to a first vehicle and for learning information from a first transmitter configured to be mounted to a second vehicle. The first transmitter is further configured to cause the activation of a remote device by transmitting a first control signal to the remote device. The system includes a receiver and processing electronics coupled to the receiver and configured to increase the sensitivity of the receiver. Increasing the sensitivity of the receiver is based on the receipt of a first command that indicates that the information will be communicated from the first transmitter. The receiver with increased sensitivity is configured to receive the information from the first transmitter. The processing electronics are configured to used the received information to determine signal characteristics. The system further includes a memory coupled to the processing electronics and configured to store the signal characteristics, and a second transmitter coupled to the processing electronics. The second transmitter is configured to receive a second command from the processing electronics to generate and transmit a second control signal based on the stored signal characteristics. The second control signal is transmitted to the remote device to cause the activation of the remote device. |
| US08208885B1 |
Variable time, phase, and amplitude control device
A signal conditioning device includes a substrate including at least one transmission line integrated therewith, a power divider for receiving an input signal and dividing the input signal into a plurality of divided signals, a plurality of time delay paths, each of the time delay paths coupled to an output of the power divider to receive at least one of the divided signals, wherein at least one of the time delay paths is in signal communication with the at least one transmission line to define a time delay associated therewith, a control device in signal communication with at least one of the time delay paths and controlling at least one of a phase shift and an amplitude of at least one of the divided signals, and a power combiner for receiving the divided signals and combining the signals into an output signal. |
| US08208884B2 |
Method and system for FM tuner ground isolation when using ground signal line as FM antenna
Methods and systems are disclosed that utilize FM tuner ground isolation when using a ground signal line as an FM antenna for an FM tuner integrated circuit (IC) within a portable electronic system. The ground isolation can be implemented, for example, using one or more isolation elements, such as ferrite beads, coupled between the FM tuner ground and the device ground. The ferrite beads can also be coupled between other pins for the FM tuner and the device circuitry. A car lighter adapter (CLA) coupled to the device circuitry can be configured to provide a ground signal line for use as an antenna for the FM tuner IC. Further, signal lines on a printed circuit board (PCB) can also provide a ground signal line for use as an antenna for the FM tuner IC. The device can also be as a personal navigation device. |
| US08208883B2 |
Receiver with low power consumption
The present invention provides a receiver with low power consumption. The receiver with low power consumption adjusts the gain of the programmable gain amplifier based on the automatic gain controller and further optimizes the gain bandwidth product by current-adjusting unit. The current-adjusting unit thus adjusts the current provided for the programmable gain amplifier, e.g. operational amplifier. Therefore, the gain bandwidth product of the programmable gain amplifier is optimized and the power consumption of the receiver is effectively decreased. |
| US08208877B2 |
Digital modulator and method for initiating ramp power transitions in a mobile handset transmitter
A digital modulator for a portable handset using 8PSK or EDGE modulation with a direct launch transmitter is used to controllably adjust the transmit power of the portable handset. The digital modulator includes a controller coupled between a memory and an accumulator. The controller is responsive to an indication that the transmit power should be transitioned. The controller temporarily alters the data transferred from the memory to the accumulator during transitions of the transmit power level. |
| US08208875B2 |
Systems and methods for automatically calibrating output power of a communication device
A method for automatically calibrating output power from a power amplifier of a communication device is provided. The method includes acquiring present output power values corresponding to preset current power calibration values by testing, and the theoretical values from calculation corresponding to the auto-power calibrate (APC) values not obtained from testing. Using the present output power and the theoretical values, the output power values from the power amplifier under different APC values can be further calibrated automatically. |
| US08208873B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting waveform parameters for an adaptive air interface waveform
Adjusting parameters of a waveform includes facilitating wireless communication between a transmitting node and receiving nodes, where the transmitting node communicates with a receiving node over a channel. Spectrum conditions are estimated, where a spectrum condition describes spectrum utilization in the vicinity of surrounding nodes. Channel conditions are estimated, where a channel condition describes a channel of the plurality of channels. Waveform parameters are adjusted in response to the spectrum conditions and the channel conditions. |
| US08208865B2 |
RF front-end with on-chip transmitter/receiver isolation and noise-matched LNA
Embodiments of an RF front-end are presented herein. In an embodiment, the RF front end comprises a power amplifier (PA), a noise-matched low-noise amplifier (LNA), a balance network, and a four-port isolation module. A first port of the isolation module is coupled to an antenna. The second port of the isolation module is coupled to the balancing network. The third port is coupled an output of the PA. The fourth port is coupled to a differential input of the noise-matched LNA. The isolation module effectively isolates the third port from the fourth port to prevent strong outbound signals received at the third port from saturating the LNA coupled to the fourth port. Isolation is achieved via electrical balance. In an embodiment, the signal path coupling the antenna at the first port to the differential input of the LNA at the fourth port is shorter than a wavelength of the inbound signal received by the antenna. |
| US08208864B2 |
Adaptive data rate control for narrowcast networks
A system to provide narrowcast communications uses adaptive data rate control to individual subscribers such that the effects of precipitation or other link conditions, which are not common to all subscribers, is mitigated. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the narrowcast data consist of packets which are individually addressed to specific subscribers, or groups of subscribers. The narrowcast data is communicated on a plurality of channels, each of potentially differing data rates. The subscribers are assigned a particular channel, based upon their link quality, to receive packets addressed to them. The lower data rate channel will be less affected by adverse link conditions and are hence assigned to subscribers most likely to incur adverse link conditions. |
| US08208863B2 |
Radio frequency unit analog level detector and feedback control system
A Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver includes a baseband processor, a receiver section, and a transmitter section. The receiver section communicatively couples to the baseband processor and includes a plurality of tuned RF circuits. The transmitter section communicatively couples to the baseband processor and includes a plurality of tuned RF circuits. In a calibration operation, the transmitter section applies a RF test signal to its plurality of tuned RF circuits. The baseband processor applies a plurality of tuning control settings to each the tuned RF circuit. The baseband processor, for each of the plurality of tuning control settings, measures an output of the tuned RF circuit. The baseband processor selects a tuning control setting for the tuned RF circuit based upon at least one measured output of the tuned RF circuit. Finally, the baseband processor is operable to apply a selected tuning control setting to the tuned RF circuit. |
| US08208855B2 |
Method for transition between distributed transmission and localized transmission
Provided is a method for transitioning between a distributed transmission mode and a localized transmission mode, including transmitting, by a Base Station (BS), a measurement control message to a User Element (UE), wherein the UE makes corresponding measurement and transmits a required measurement report message to the BS and the BS transmits a transition indicator message of new mode to the UE based on measurement report message sent from the UE; and commencing CQI reporting and a downlink transmission of a new mode between the UE and the BS. The BS can choose a more appropriate transmission mode for the downlink transmission based on changing characteristics of the channel in the time domain and the frequency domain. |
| US08208852B2 |
Electronic apparatus for electric field communication
A casing contains a circuit substrate. A signal electrode for transmitting and/or receiving an electronic field signal is arranged on a first surface side of the casing. The signal electrode is electrically connected to a conductor, which is an apparatus component, of the circuit substrate. A battery and a reference electrode having an electric field reference potential, which are apparatus components, are arranged on the second surface side of the casing. The sum (Cst) of a capacitance between the signal electrode and the transmission medium and a capacitance between the apparatus component and the transmission medium generated while the first surface is facing the transmission medium is approximately equal to the sum (Cgt) of capacitances between the apparatus components and the transmission medium generated while the second surface is facing the transmission medium. |
| US08208849B2 |
Filtering circuit with jammer generator
A filtering circuit with a jammer generator cancels a jammer in wireless signals with little degradation of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The filtering circuit may include a jammer generator which acquires information of period and phase of a sinusoidal jammer signal in a composite input sinusoidal signal, which includes the jammer signal and a desired signal, and outputs a pseudo sine-wave with a period and phase corresponding with the period and phase of the jammer signal acquired, and an adder which outputs a difference between the input and output signals of the jammer generator as the desired signal. |
| US08208844B2 |
Roller for fixing and image fixing apparatus using roller for fixing
A fixing roller of an image fixing apparatus has an elastic layer on a core metal and has a thermal conductive fluororubber latex layer containing a mixture of fluororubber, fluororesin and thermal conductive fillers more outer side than the elastic. An intermediate layer made of silicone rubber having higher thermal conductivity than the thermal conductive fluororubber latex layer is provided between the thermal conductive fluororubber latex layer and the elastic layer, and the intermediate layer is configured so that an elastic parameter Y(=H×T) satisfies a relational expression: Y≧4200 where H (degree) is Asker-C hardness of the silicone rubber having higher thermal conductivity (500 g load) and T (μm) is a thickness of the silicone rubber having higher thermal conductivity. |
| US08208840B2 |
Developer carrier, developing device, image forming apparatus, process cartridge, and image forming method
A developer carrier which holds a developer on a surface and is rotatable includes: a plurality of grooves which is formed on the surface, wherein each of the grooves is wavy-lined, an inclination direction of the grooves to an axis of the developer carrier is cyclically changed in an opposite direction, and the grooves are respectively arranged at intervals. |
| US08208837B2 |
Developing device and image forming apparatus
A developing device includes a conveyance path, a conveyance member, a return path, and a pre-agitation region. The conveyance path conveys a toner while agitating the toner. The conveyance member has a rotational shaft, which is rotatably disposed along an upstream end to a downstream end of the conveyance path, and conveys the toner toward the downstream end due to rotation of the rotational shaft. The return path communicates with the downstream end and an intermediate portion of the conveyance path, thereby forming a circulation path, and returns the toner from the downstream end to the intermediate portion. The pre-agitation region is formed at the upstream end side, extending from the intermediate portion and outside the circulation path, and pre-agitates the toner to be conveyed to the circulation path. |
| US08208836B2 |
Developer holding apparatus, developing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A developer holding apparatus holds developer therein. The developer is discharged through a discharging opening. An agitator includes shaft portions and an agitating portion. A bearing member includes a bearing hole formed therein. One of the shaft portions is rotatably received in the bearing hole. The bearing hole has a larger diameter than the shaft portions. A hollow body is rotatable in the developer holding apparatus and the agitator rotates in the hollow body. |
| US08208835B2 |
Protective layer forming device, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
A protective layer forming device including: a protective agent block containing a metal soap, a protective agent supplying unit configured to supply a protective agent onto a photoconductor, and a pressing unit configured to press the protective agent supplying unit against the protective agent block, wherein the protective agent supplying unit is rotated while being pressed against the protective agent block by the pressing unit, so that the protective agent block is micronized to make the protective agent in the form of fine powder, and the protective agent in the form of fine powder is supplied onto the photoconductor, thereby forming a protective layer on the photoconductor, and wherein the protective agent in the form of fine powder has a particle diameter of 200 μm or smaller and contains protective agent particles of 20 μm to 200 μm in an amount of 1% by mass to 70% by mass. |
| US08208834B2 |
Image forming apparatus having regulating mechanism for regulating swingable range of swingable member
A first body houses a photoconductor is provided with a second body openably and closably attached to the first body. Additionally, a unit is provided to be swingable with respect to the second body such that an exposure surface of the unit is disposed at an exposure position opposing the photoconductor when the second body is closed. The exposure surface of the unit is disposed at a retreated position facing toward the rotary shaft of the second body when the first body is opened. Since the exposure surface of the unit faces toward the rotary shaft of the second body when the second body is opened, the exposure surface is not exposed to outside of the second body. |
| US08208831B2 |
Image forming cartridge mounting structure for image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus that includes a main body housing formed with an opening, a main body frame coupled to the main body housing, an image forming cartridge mounted to the main body frame via the opening, and a cartridge supporting member which includes a supporting member main body formed integrally with the main body frame, and a supporting part formed in the supporting main body to elastically support the image forming cartridge with respect to the main body frame, so that the image forming cartridge can be mounted to the main body frame as the supporting member main body elastically moves to a cutting part formed in a part of the main body frame adjacent to the supporting member main body when the supporting part is pressed by the image forming cartridge. |
| US08208830B2 |
Process cartridge and space maintaining member
A process cartridge is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive member unit having a photosensitive drum, a developer carrying member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with a developer, and a toner accommodating unit having a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer to be used for development of the electrostatic latent image. A movable frame supports the developer carrying member, and an urging member is provided for urging the movable frame in a direction in which the developer carrying member approaches the photosensitive drum. A space maintaining member, is also provided for maintaining a state in which a distance between the photosensitive drum and the developer carrying member is larger than that in an image formation. |
| US08208829B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming unit
An image forming apparatus is provided with an image bearing member for bearing a toner image while rotating, a developing device including a developing roller for supplying toner to a surface of the image bearing member and a pair of gap rollers held in contact with opposite end portions of the image bearing member to define a specified gap between the developing roller and the surface of the image bearing member, and a lubricant applicator for applying a lubricant to parts of the opposite end portions of the image bearing member where the gap rollers are in contact. |
| US08208828B2 |
Image forming apparatus and job execution method
An image forming apparatus is provided with a job storage portion that stores a print job relating to an image forming process and a command job relating to a control process of operation of the image forming apparatus, a job management portion that registers the print job and the command job in the job storage portion and manages the print job and the command job, an image formation portion that executes the print job, a command execution portion that executes the command job, and a controller that performs control such that the print job stored in the job storage portion is executed ahead of the command job. |
| US08208827B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus equipped with an image forming unit capable of image formation using color toner and transparent toner includes, a determining unit to determine whether each pixel of image data belongs to an image region or a text region; a control unit to control the image forming unit by switching between transfer of a toner image to the image region and transfer of a toner image to the text region; a fixing unit to fix the toner image formed on recording material; and a transport unit to discharge the recording material on which the toner image is fixed or re-feed the recording material to the image forming unit. |
| US08208825B2 |
Electrostatographic printing machine
An electrostatographic printing machine has a liquid toner supply chain incorporating at least a toner supply device (10), a metering roller (21) and a development member (31) and an image carrying member (41). An electrostatic charging device (33) acts onto the development member to impress an electrostatic charge onto the development member and to induce a voltage thereon with respect to a machine electrical common earth potential. The toner supply roller, the metering roller and the developer member are each electrically connected to the machine electrical common earth potential (37) via a respective voltage regulating or controlling means (25, 27, 35) to regulate or control induced voltages on each of the toner supply roller, the metering roller and the developer member. |
| US08208824B2 |
Correction method, apparatus, data carrier or system for correcting for unintended spatial variation in lightness across a physical image produced by a xerographic process
A correction method for correcting unintended spatial variation in lightness across a physical image produced by a xerographic process, the method comprising producing a test image using the xerographic process, measuring a difference between actual lightness and intended lightness across at least part of the test image, and varying the light source level used subsequently in the xerographic process to correct for the measured unintended difference. |
| US08208819B2 |
Optical signal generator
An optical signal generator includes a splitter, a first modulator, a second modulator, a signal-switching unit and a multiplexer. The splitter splits an optical pulse train into a first pulse train and a second pulse train. The first modulator receives the first pulse train and first data signal, and generates a first modulation signal by performing on-off-keying or phase modulation on the first pulse train based on the strength of the first data signal. The second modulator receives the second pulse train and second data signal, and generates a second modulation signal by performing the on-off-keying or phase modulation on the second pulse train based on the strength of the second data signal. The signal-switching unit delays pulses of the second modulation signal or adjusts a phase of a carrier included in the second modulation signal according to a switching signal. The multiplexer generates an optical modulation signal by multiplexing the first modulation signal and the second modulation signal. |
| US08208817B2 |
High-speed optical modulation using a quantum-well modulator
An optical transmitter having a quantum-well (QW) modulator and a method of operating the same. The QW modulator is configurable to perform both amplitude and phase modulation. Using the disclosed methods, the length of the QW modulator, one or more drive voltages, and/or an operating wavelength can be selected to enable the optical transmitter to generate a modulated optical signal having a relatively high bit rate, e.g., an optical duobinary signal having a bit rate greater than about 80 Gb/s. |
| US08208812B2 |
Optical relay device and optical relay transmission system
A control-target-value setting unit sets a control target value corresponding to the number of multiplexed wavelengths measured by a number-of-multiplexed-wavelengths measuring unit. A controller controls the variable optical attenuator based on the control target value. An optical amplifier performs an optical amplification with a constant gain regardless of power of a wavelength-multiplexed light. The controller performs feedback control of the variable optical attenuator such that a result of measurement of the total power of the wavelength-multiplexed light coincides with the control target value. |
| US08208803B2 |
Focus adjusting device, image pickup apparatus, and focus adjustment method
A focus adjusting device in which, when a detecting unit that detects an object image to be focused from a picked up image is capable of detecting the object image to be focused, a setting unit that sets a focus detection area when a focused state of an image pickup optical system is detected sets a second focus detection area after setting a first focus detection area and in accordance with the position of the first focus detection area, corresponding to the object image that is detected by the detecting unit and that is to be focused. Then, on the basis of signal outputs at the set focus detection area, the image pickup optical system is driven to perform focus adjustment. |
| US08208801B2 |
Multi-function liquid container
A container is provided for heating or otherwise processing the contents of the container. For example, the container may be a kettle or kettle for heating fluids therein. The container may receive a command, desired characteristic or desired range for processing the contents of the container. The container may further include at least one sensor such as a temperature sensor or pressure sensor for determining a corresponding characteristic of the contents of the container. Based on at least one determined characteristic and/or the input command, the container may heat or otherwise process the contents therein. The results and/or current status of the contents may further be provided through a display. Also, based on the current status of the contents, the container may further process/heat the contents or discontinue processing/heating of the contents. |
| US08208797B2 |
Transport stream generating apparatus, recording apparatus having the same, and transport stream generating method
The present invention provides a recording apparatus that generates a transport stream so that a boundary between recording units (aligned units) and a file division point (i.e., a boundary between GOPs) always coincide with each other without obtaining information on the file size or the like. When generating a transport stream by time-division multiplexing transport packets, n or more transport packets (e.g., null packets N) other than a video packet are inserted between a video packet group generated from a single encoding unit (GOP) and a video packet group subsequent to the video packet group. When d indicates the data length of the transport packet, h indicates the data length of a fixed-length header added to each of the transport packets before being recorded on a data recording medium, and L indicates a recording unit length to the data recording medium, L≦(n+1)×(d+h) is satisfied. |
| US08208796B2 |
Systems and methods for prioritizing the storage location of media data
A digital media recorder includes a first storage device associated with the digital media recorder and an interface for removably attaching a second storage device to the digital media recorder. Each of the first and second storage devices are configured to store media data representing programming from a media source. The digital media recorder is configured with logic for prioritizing the storage of the media data to one of the first and second storage devices before storing the media data to the other of the first and second storage devices. |
| US08208795B2 |
Playback apparatus, program, and playback method
An Interactive Graphics Decoder 13 decodes a graphics stream, and overlays a Page including a plurality of Buttons on a moving picture. The Interactive Graphics Decoder 13 then executes a command corresponding to one of the plurality of Buttons on the Page, to thereby perform (1) a control of switching the Page to another Page and (2) a control of specifying a Button to be set in a selected state on the other Page. A judgment is made as to whether a button number of the specified Button is invalid. If the button number is invalid, an alternative value is written in a status register. |
| US08208794B2 |
Reproducing apparatus, reproducing method, program, and program storage medium
A reproducing apparatus includes an acquisition unit for acquiring playback management information containing first information containing a main playback path indicating a location of a main stream, a read out unit for reading the main stream to be reproduced and video data that is to be reproduced in synchronization with the main stream, based on the playback management information, a first storage unit for storing the video data read by the read out unit, a decode unit for decoding the video data stored on the first storage unit, a second storage unit for storing the video data decoded by the decode unit, a playback unit for reproducing the main stream read by the read out unit by referencing a predetermined counter based on the playback management information, and a video data output unit for outputting the decoded video data stored on the second storage unit in synchronization with playback of the main stream. |
| US08208791B2 |
Authoring device, authoring method, authoring program, and recording medium containing the program
An authoring device includes: a separator for separating a video stream and an audio stream from the input stream; a multiplexer for multiplexing the video stream and the audio stream to generate content information and further generating control information for managing stream reproduction, generating, from content information and control information, incomplete disc image data which is a series of data basically based on a predetermined format and in which a part of reproduction control information defined by a predetermined format is missing, and further generating analysis information required for generating the missing part of the reproduction control information; and a disc image completing section for completing the incomplete disc image data by referencing the analysis information after generation of the incomplete disc image data. |
| US08208788B2 |
Information storage medium, information reproducing apparatus, and information reproducing method
According to one embodiment, an information storage medium, and the program comprises referring to a manifest from a playlist that manages playback presentation of a playback presentation object, referring to one of a markup and a script from the manifest, monitoring defining of a name corresponding to an event in the markup, and generation of an event in response to the name corresponding to the event defined in the markup using an event listener in the script, and designating function contents that execute processing when the event is generated. |
| US08208785B2 |
Video recording system, video camera, video recording apparatus, method of controlling video recording apparatus by video camera, and method of recording video signal in video recording
A video recording system is provided in which reliability of information supplied from a video camera to control recording and the like is improved when video being obtained by a video camera is recorded in one or more VTRs. In the video recording system, the video camera multiplexes: control information to control the VTR in accordance with an operational status of an operation unit of the video camera and a video signal from an imaging unit of the video camera, and transmits the result to the VTR as a transmission serial digital signal. The VTR separates the video signal and the control information from the serial digital signal and controls a video recording system of the VTR based on the control information. |
| US08208777B2 |
Structure for electrical and/or optical cable using impregnated fiber strength layer
A cable includes at least one plastic impregnated fiber layer and at least one conductor in contact with the at least one fiber layer. In some examples, the fiber may be glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber. In some examples, the plastic may be thermoset plastic, thermoplastic or chemically set resin. In some examples, the conductor may be an electrical conductor or an optical fiber. |
| US08208776B2 |
Optical control device
There is provided an optical control device including a plurality of line-defect waveguides provided in a photonic crystal; each line-defect waveguide including a multiplicity of dielectric pillars with a finite height arranged at lattice points of a two-dimensional Bravais lattice. The optical control device comprises: a first line-defect waveguide; a second line-defect waveguide provided with the dielectric pillars having a thickness different from that of the dielectric pillars of the first line-defect waveguide; and a third line-defect waveguide arranged between the first and second line-defect waveguides and provided with the dielectric pillars whose thicknesses are gradually varied from those of the dielectric pillars of the first line-defect waveguide to those of the dielectric pillars of the second line-defect waveguide along a wave guiding direction. |
| US08208774B2 |
Silica-based single core optical fiber, silica-based multi core optical fiber, and fabrication method for the same
A silica-based multi core optical fiber and a fabrication method for the same are provided, and include two or more cores of GeO2—SiO2 glass including an fluorine concentration not less than about 15 w % and a germanium concentration about 0.05 wt % to 2 wt %, in a core. A relative refractive index difference of a cladding and a core is not less than about 3%; and a ratio of a cladding diameter to a core diameter is about 1.02 to 3.0. A silica-based single core optical fiber is also provided, and includes a core having a germanium concentration not less than about 15 wt % and an fluorine concentration about 0.05 wt % to 2 wt %. |
| US08208773B2 |
Optical fiber cable having raised coupling supports
Disclosed is an optical fiber cable that includes optical fibers and a deformable coupling element enclosed within a buffer tube. The coupling element is formed from a deformable yet substantially incompressible material and features a number of raised members projecting toward the optical fibers. The design of the coupling element layer permits coupling of the optical fibers to the buffer tube without the use of a compressive cushioning layer. This arrangement distributes the compressive force applied to discrete points along the outer perimeter of the optical fiber element. |
| US08208766B2 |
Method of selecting image, program and storage medium for the method, and image processing apparatus using the method
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit, an input unit, a reading unit, a controller, and an output unit. The storage unit stores article images embedded with mark data. The input unit is used to input a search information element for searching an article image. The reading unit reads mark data of each article image stored in the storage unit. The controller controls an analysis function, a determination function, and a selection function. In the analysis function, the mark data read by the reading unit is analyzed. In the judgment function, the read mark data is compared with the search information element and checked whether the read mark data includes an information element matching the search information element. In the selection function, an article image having the read mark data matched to the search information element is selected. The output unit outputs the selected article image. |
| US08208765B2 |
Search and retrieval of documents indexed by optical character recognition
An image of a character string composed of M pieces of characters is clipped from a document image, and the image is divided into separate characters. Image features of each character image are extracted. Based on the image features, N (N>1, integer) pieces of character images in descending order of degree of similarity are selected as candidate characters, from a character image feature dictionary which stores the image features of character image in units of character, and a first index matrix of M×N cells is prepared. A candidate character string composed of a plurality of candidate characters constituting a first column of the first index matrix, is subjected to a lexical analysis according to a language model, and whereby a second index matrix having a character string which makes sense is prepared. In the language model, statistics are taken and then, the lexical analysis is performed. |
| US08208754B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing image noise with filter matrix and computer readable medium stored thereon computer executable instructions for performing the method
An apparatus for reducing image noise with filter matrix comprises a first input unit for receiving input of an object image data for conversion; a second input unit for receiving input of a size data of a convention area; a first output unit for setting conversion unit matrixes movable in the conversion area in a predetermined direction relative to a standard matrix; a second output unit for outputting average values of image information of pixels corresponding to the conversion unit matrixes set by first output unit and outputting an average value of image information of pixels corresponding to the standard matrix; an arrangement unit for calculating difference values between the average value of the standard matrix and the average values of the conversion unit matrixes and arranging calculation (difference) values according to size; and a conversion unit for low-pass filtering the conversion unit matrixes having calculation values smaller than a predetermined ordinal number among the arranged calculation values. |
| US08208753B2 |
Method and system for noise level detection in image data
A system determines the noise level of image data by high pass filtering image data. Absolutes values of the high pass filtered image data are determined. Thereafter, multiple mean values for absolute values less than a predetermined number of threshold values are determined. Based upon the determined mean values, a plurality of estimated mean values is calculated, each estimated mean value being calculated from a combination of two determined mean values. The noise of the image is determined from a combination of the minimum estimated mean value and the maximum estimated mean value. This noise can be optionally used by a sigma filter, at Step S740, to sigma filter the image data. |
| US08208751B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus, which quantizes M-level image data into N levels (M>N>2) using a multi-level error diffusion method or a multi-level average-error minimization method, includes a γ-conversion unit that performs γ-conversion on an integer part in a real number value after ideal gradation conversion that aims to obtain desired density or brightness, an area-gradation expressing unit that expresses a decimal part in the real number value by area gradation, an integerization unit that adds two values obtained through the γ-conversion and the area gradation to obtain an integerized value corresponding to the ideal gradation conversion, a correction unit that adds a peripheral error to the integerized value, and a threshold setting unit that sets an N−1-type threshold value for a value corresponding to the ideal gradation conversion, wherein the conversion to N levels is performed by using the correction value and the N−1-type threshold value. |
| US08208746B2 |
Adaptive PSF estimation technique using a sharp preview and a blurred image
An adaptive motion estimation and deblurring technique for acquired digital images includes acquiring multiple digital images with a moving digital image acquisition device that includes an image sensor, including a relatively sharp, underexposed reference image and a blurred image. And initial approximate point spread function (PSF) is estimated corresponding to the moving of the device. A different DC offset point is determined and a second PSF is calculated based on the different DC offset point. |
| US08208745B2 |
Spatial domain video enhancement/scaling system and method
A method of spatial domain video enhancement/up-scaling including transforming the video input from the temporal domain to a K×K matrix of spatial domain coefficients; multiplying each spatial domain coefficient by corresponding elements of a K×K enhancement matrix to obtain enhanced spatial domain coefficients; depositing the enhanced spatial domain coefficients in the upper left K×K corner of a zero padded 2K×2K inverse transform matrix and inversely transforming them to scale the enhanced spatial domain coefficients and convert them back to video output temporal domain elements and a method of spatial domain video enhancement/down-scaling including transforming the video input from the temporal domain to a 2K×2K matrix of spatial domain coefficients; multiplying the upper left K×K corner of the 2K×2K matrix of spatial domain coefficients by the corresponding elements of a K×K enhancement matrix to obtain enhanced spatial domain coefficients; inversely transforming the K×K enhanced spatial domain coefficients to scale them and convert them back to video output temporal domain elements. |
| US08208740B2 |
Streaming repetition coded compression
A method for transmitting a compressed image via a network, the method comprising: converting (11) the compressed image into a plurality of images, each of the plurality of images having a predetermined resolution level which is less than the original resolution of the image; transforming (12) each of the plurality of images into a data stream; and transmitting (13) each data stream in order according to resolution level, from the lowest resolution level to the original resolution of the image; wherein the compressed image is an image compressed (10) by comparing each image element with a previous image element and; if they are both equal, a first value is recorded; and if they are not both equal, a second value is recorded. |
| US08208733B2 |
Method, medium, and apparatus with estimation of background change
A method, medium, and apparatus with estimation of background changes. The method includes generating an edge map based on a pre-learned background image, and calculating a value representing the similarity between a foreground image extracted from an input image and the generated edge map and estimating a background change in the input image based on the calculated value. Therefore, the method can reduce the effect of disturbances caused by the implementation environment of an image-based intrusion detection system and uncontrollable device defects, which, in turn, reduces false alarms. |
| US08208728B2 |
Method of generating a labeled image and image processing system with pixel blocks
To identify pixels constituting image elements for generating a labeled image in which pixels are labeled with identification information, a pixel block including four pixels adjacent to one another in two dimensions is inputted as a unit from data including pixels that form an image. All of the on-pixels that are subject for grouping, included in the pixel block are labeled with the same identifier. Since the on-pixels that are included in a pixel block are consecutively connected, such pixels can be labeled with the same identifier without having to calculate whether such pixels are connected. |
| US08208726B2 |
Method and system for optical character recognition using image clustering
The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method of translating an image-based electronic document into a text-based electronic document. The method includes electronically scanning an image-based document to determine positions of word images in the image-based document. The method also includes extracting the word images from the image-based document and storing the word images to an electronic storage device. The method also includes grouping a subset of the word images into a word cluster based on a similarity of the word images, wherein the word images in the word cluster correspond to a same actual word. The method also includes generating a character-encoded transcription for the word cluster based on the word images in the word cluster. The method also includes adding the character-encoded transcription to a text-based electronic document at locations corresponding to the positions of the word images in the image-based document. |
| US08208723B2 |
Smoke detecting apparatus
Provided is a smoke detecting apparatus capable of detecting occurrence of smoke at high sensitivity while suppressing an effect of disturbance. The smoke detecting apparatus for detecting occurrence of smoke by subjecting an image captured by a monitoring camera to image processing includes: an image memory (10) for storing a plurality of images captured by the monitoring camera in a time series; and a smoke detection area selecting portion (20) for calculating a luminance histogram of the same pixel for each predetermined pixel a plurality of times in a past predetermined period based on the plurality of images stored in the image memory (10), detecting presence or absence of a luminance value that has been newly generated due to occurrence of one of an intrusive object and smoke based on the luminance histogram, and identifying candidate regions to be subjected to the image processing. |
| US08208721B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and method, and program
Signals are provided which allow colors in a wider color range than predetermined standards, which can be handled by apparatus according to such predetermined standards. A primary color converter converts first color signals having primary color points in a wider color range than the primary color points according to BT.709 into second color signals based on the primary colors according to BT.709. A photoelectric transducer converts the second color signals into third color signals according to photoelectric transducer characteristics defined in a numerical range wider than a range from 0 to 1.0 of color signals corresponding to a luminance signal and color difference signals according to BT.709. A color signal converter converts the third color signals into a luminance signal and color difference signals. A corrector incorporated in the color signal converter corrects the color difference signals into color difference signals. |
| US08208719B2 |
3D geometric modeling and motion capture using both single and dual imaging
A method and apparatus for obtaining an image to determine a three dimensional shape of a stationary or moving object using a bi dimensional coded light pattern having a plurality of distinct identifiable feature types. The coded light pattern is projected on the object such that each of the identifiable feature types appears at most once on predefined sections of distinguishable epipolar lines. An image of the object is captured and the reflected feature types are extracted along with their location on known epipolar lines in the captured image. Displacements of the reflected feature types along their epipolar lines from reference coordinates thereupon determine corresponding three dimensional coordinates in space and thus a 3D mapping or model of the shape of the object at any point in time. |
| US08208717B2 |
Combining subcomponent models for object image modeling
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. |
| US08208716B2 |
Stereo vision system and stereo vision processing method
A stereo vision system includes an image pre-processing unit for pre-processing the right and left images, and a stereo matching unit for carrying out stereo matching of the right and left images to acquire low-resolution distance information of the right and left images and high-resolution distance information of the right and left images upon detection of an object within a distance range through the low-resolution distance information. |
| US08208713B2 |
Method and system for inspecting a diced wafer
A method for inspecting a diced object that comprises multiple dies, the method includes: acquiring multiple images of multiple portions of the diced object, starting from a first portion that comprises an alignment area and continuing through adjacent portions of the diced object; assigning a die index to each die of the multiple dies of the diced object, starting from a die of the first portion and continuing through adjacent portions of the diced object; associating between dies of the diced object and a dies of a reference object in response to the assigned indexes and locations of the dies of the diced object; wherein the reference object is not diced; and comparing between a die of the diced object and another die while taking into account an association between the die of the diced object and a reference object die. |
| US08208710B2 |
System, method, and product for scanning of biological materials
An embodiment of a scanning system is described including optical elements that direct an excitation beam at a probe array, detectors that receive reflected intensity data responsive to the excitation beam, where the reflected intensity data is responsive to a focusing distance between an optical element and the probe array, a transport frame that adjusts the focusing distance in a direction with respect to the probe array, an auto-focuser that determines a best plane of focus based upon characteristics of the reflected intensity data of at least two focusing distances where the detectors further receive pixel intensity values based upon detected emissions from a plurality of probe features disposed on the probe array at the best plane of focus, and an image generator that associates each of the pixel intensity values with at least one image pixel position of a probe array based upon one or more position correction values. |
| US08208709B2 |
System and method for improved real-time cine imaging
A cine imaging filter and method of use that includes a denoising image-filter based on the Karhunen-Loeve transform along the temporal direction to take advantage of the high temporal correlation among images. The cine imaging filter may further include the application of a simple formula describing the quantitative noise reduction capabilities of the KLT filter as a function of eigenimage cutoff. Additionally, the filter may validate its accuracy in numerical simulation and in in-vivo real time cine images. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments of the cine imaging filter may employ a technique to automatically select the optimal eigenimage cutoff to maximize noise reduction with minimal effect on image information. |
| US08208707B2 |
Tissue classification in medical images
The present disclosure relates to the use of probabilistic models to classify elements of a medical image into different tissue types. The models may be based upon geometric abstractions of the different tissue types being classified. In addition, the present disclosure teaches the derivation and modification of models for tissue classification based upon the neighboring region of the voxels undergoing classification. |
| US08208703B2 |
Medical image analysis apparatus and image analysis control program
A motion function of a biological tissue is efficiently evaluated on the basis of image data collected from different medical image diagnostic apparatuses. In terms of a common analysis algorithm applied to subject's time-series image data supplied from a separate medical image diagnostic apparatus, a setting part sets a plurality of interest points on a myocardial tissue of a reference image data extracted from the image data, and a tracking process part measures a motion parameter on the basis of displacement information of the myocardial tissue at the interest points obtained by a tracking process between the reference image data and subsequent image data thereof. Meanwhile, a data creating unit creates parameter image data showing two-dimension distribution of the motion parameter or parameter time-series data showing a variation in time of the motion parameter as parameter data on the basis of the measurement result, and displays the parameter data. |
| US08208701B2 |
Method for high-resolution presentation of filigree vessel implants in angiographic images
The invention relates to a method for high-resolution display of vessel implants in angiographic images, featuring the steps: recording at least two images of an object-catheter combination including catheter markers with a medical imaging method; detection of an region of interest created in the form of an area between the balloon markers which completely contains the object to be registered for each recorded image; coarse registration of the region of interest images by registration of the respective pairs of balloon markers of all recorded images; fine registration of the region of interest image content/of the region of interest image by registration of the region of interest content; and arithmetic averaging across the fine-registered images. |
| US08208700B2 |
Mass spicules detection and tracing from digital mammograms
The present invention provides an algorithm to detect and trace the spicules of a mass density in digital mammograms using an adaptive threshold edge algorithm and a flood-fill segmentation algorithm. Elongation criteria are used to remove false edges that do not radiate from a central mass margin. The algorithm works on a central mass border and spicules feature map that contains a subset of the pixels from the source image, so processing time is fast enough for use in a mammography CAD server and for real-time computation within a digital mammography workstation. |
| US08208699B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting enhancement in angiography
A technique for use in angiography includes obtaining data from a tracking scan following injection of a contrast agent according to a test injection profile. A region of interest (308) is established. The data from the tracking scan, the test injection profile, and the measured enhancement of the region of interest (302) are used to establish a patient function at the region of interest. The patient function and a desired enhancement profile (402) are used to establish a desired clinical injection profile. The desired clinical injection profile is communicated to a contrast injector (36) via an electrical injector interface. |
| US08208698B2 |
Characterizing a texture of an image
Among other things, a texture of an image is characterized by deriving lacunarity measures from the image based on a wavelet analysis. |
| US08208695B2 |
Systems and methods for performing image clustering
One embodiment, among others, is a method for clustering a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images comprises faces of a plurality of individuals. The method comprises arranging the plurality of images associated with a plurality of individuals into a plurality of subgroups for each individual based on time stamps associated with the plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images are arranged according to increments of a time interval. The method further comprises determining whether adjacent subgroups are correlated and forming groups comprising correlated subgroups. Based on correlations between adjacent groups, the groups are associated with a particular individual. |
| US08208692B2 |
Method and system for identifying a person using their finger-joint print
A method for identifying a person using their finger-joint print including the outer skin around the proximal interphalangeal joint of a finger, the method comprising: capturing (10) an image of the finger-joint print of the person; extracting (12) a region of interest (ROI) based on a local convexity property of the finger-joint print; extracting (13) features representing the orientation of the lines in a finger-joint print image from the ROI using an extended Gabor phase coding scheme and the extracted features are represented in competitive code maps; wherein angular distance between the competitive code maps is compared (14) with a reference set in a database to identify the person. |
| US08208690B2 |
Image-processing device and image-processing method, image-pickup device, and computer program
An image-processing device configured to process image data including at least one face image includes an image-input unit configured to input the image data, a face-detection unit configured to detect the at least one face image from an image frame of the input image data, an importance-determination unit configured to determine importance of each of the at least one detected face image, and a priority-determination unit configured to determine priority of each of the at least one detected face image based on the determined importance. The importance-determination unit determines the importance considering data on the size and position of the detected face image shown in the image frame, and a priority determined by the last time by the priority-determination unit. |
| US08208681B2 |
Image analysis system for detecting personal protective equipment compliance
Embodiments of the invention relate to an image analysis system for detecting compliance with requirements for using personal protective equipment (PPE). An image capturing device may be used to acquire an image of an individual requesting entry into a restricted area. In turn, a PPE analysis tool may be configured to analyze the image to detect the presence of the PPE, e.g., by recognizing markings made using UV fluorescent dye, reflective ink, or other marking materials visible in the captured image and/or the physical shape of the PPE. The image analysis tool may be further configured to demine not only whether the required PPE is present, but also determine whether the PPE is being worn correctly by the individual requesting access to the restricted area. |
| US08208680B2 |
Method of predicting crop yield loss due to N-deficiency
A method for determining the yield loss of a crop using remote sensor data is described. The yield loss is determined using the reflectivity of green light by the crop canopy measured from remote sensor data such as an aerial photograph that is digitized and spatially referenced to the field's longitude and latitude. Green pixel values from the aerial photograph, expressed relative to green pixel values from well-fertilized areas of the field, are transformed to yield losses using a linear transformation that was developed using empirical data. A similar method is described to determine recommended nitrogen fertilization rates for the crop fields. The yield loss data is useful for nitrogen fertilization management, as it allows a producer of crops to weigh the expense of fertilization against the loss of revenue due to yield loss. |
| US08208679B2 |
Transducer membrane with symmetrical curvature
A transducer membrane enhances sound reproduction. Curved portions of the membrane periphery contribute to the enhanced sound reproduction. The transducer membrane may add or improve sound reproduction capability in cell phones, gaming systems, personal data assistants, or other devices. |
| US08208678B2 |
Membrane or membrane configuration for an electrodynamic sound transducer, and loudspeaker comprising such a membrane or membrane configuration
A membrane for an electrodynamic sound transducer, particularly a membrane for an AMT loudspeaker, has a meandering shape and is disposed in an air gap between two pole plates. The membrane has a plurality of opposite flanks and a plurality of wave crests and/or wave troughs. In order to avoid parasitic oscillations, at least one supporting element is provided which stabilizes the position and/or the orientation of at least one wave crest and/or wave trough. |
| US08208677B2 |
Suspension member for speaker
An elastically deformable suspension member for use in a speaker to establish a sufficient support to a cone is disclosed. The suspension member has an inner diameter portion for mounting the cone, an outer diameter portion spaced around the inner diameter portion for fastening to a basket, a first annular convex surface portion concentrically arranged between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion and constituting a summit, and a number of second annular convex surface portions symmetrically arranged at two opposite lateral sides of the first annular convex surface portion between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion and respectively constituting summit ridges having a height below the summit and above the elevations of the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion. |
| US08208672B2 |
Headphone
A headphone including a housing that includes a speaker unit and that has a generally flat surface that comes into contact with an outward facing surface of an auricle of an ear and a neckband that is connected to the housing. The neckband has a ring form with a partially cut-out section and the inner side of at least one end of the neckband is connected to the housing. The neckband and the generally flat surface of the housing are generally coplanar, and have an elastic force in a direction that causes the neckband and the generally flat surface of the housing to return to the coplanar arrangement. |
| US08208670B2 |
Sound recordable/playable device and method of use
A portable and wearable sound recordable and playable device comprising an electronic module that provides audio recording and playback functions and that includes at least one integrated circuit having associated memory storage, a microphone and a speaker, and a power source; a bulbous portion that substantially encapsulates the electronic module and that is configured so that the device has a substantially continuously contoured outer surface that is free of any display; and one or more exposed user controls that signally communicate with the electronic module and penetrate through the bulbous portion. |
| US08208666B2 |
Method for determining unbiased signal amplitude estimates after cepstral variance modification
A method for determining unbiased signal amplitude estimates () after cepstral variance modification of a discrete time domain signal (s(t)), wherein the cepstrally-modified spectral amplitudes () of the discrete time domain signal (s(t)) are χ-distributed with 2{tilde over (μ)} degrees of freedom. A bias reduction factor (r) is determined using the equation r 2 = μ μ ~ ⅇ ψ ( μ ~ ) - ψ ( μ ) , where 2μ are the degrees of freedom of the χ-distributed spectral amplitudes of the discrete time domain signal (s(t)) and ψ ( x ) = - 0.5772 - ∑ n = 0 ∞ ( 1 x + n - 1 1 + n ) ; then the unbiased signal amplitude estimates () are determined by multiplying the cepstrally-modified spectral amplitudes () with the bias reduction factor (r) according to the equation =r. A method for speech enhancement and a hearing aid use the method for determining unbiased signal amplitude estimates () in order to offer the advantage of spectral modification, such as smoothing, of spectral quantities without affecting their signal power. |
| US08208664B2 |
Audio transmission system and communication conference device
In an audio transmission system, a control section of a communication conference device emits measurement sound waves from a loudspeaker array to a terminal unit and measures the time until a response is received, thereby detecting the position of the terminal unit. The control section sets directivity characteristics so that microphone sensitivity of the microphone array is brought to point to the position of the terminal unit, and sends the collected audio to another communication conference device. In a communication conference device on the reception side, the directivity characteristic of the loudspeaker array is set so that the received audio appears as if it was emitted from the position of the terminal unit on the transmission side. |
| US08208660B2 |
Method and system for audio level detection and control
In a method and system for audio level detection and control, an amplitude of an audio signal may be compared to a threshold and an attenuation applied to the audio signal may be adjusted based on the comparison. In instances that the amplitude of the audio signal is greater than or equal to the threshold the adjustment may comprise increasing a first attenuation factor until the amplitude of the audio signal is less than the threshold. The first attenuation factor may be subsequently decreased until the amplitude of the audio signal is greater than or equal to the threshold or until the first attenuation factor is equal to zero. The attenuation of the audio signal may be controlled via a digital gain circuit within the hardware audio CODEC, wherein an overall attenuation factor of the digital gain circuit is a sum of the first attenuation factor and a second attenuation factor. |
| US08208655B2 |
Wireless resonating surface speaker and method of using the same
A wireless speaker and mounting system for use with a resonating surface of an automobile includes a wireless speaker mechanism including a vibrator, the wireless speaker mechanism configured to receive and convert a wireless signal representative of sound from a separate wireless electronic device into vibrations transmitted by vibrator to the resonating surface of the automobile for creating sound waves by the resonating surface; and a mounting mechanism configured to directly mount the wireless speaker mechanism to the resonating surface of the automobile. |
| US08208651B2 |
Active sound blocker
A noise reduction system for actively blocking a noise source for a means of transport. The noise reduction system comprises at least one counter sound source and at least one intensity sensor. The at least one counter sound source and the at least one intensity sensor are arranged in a measuring region. In the measuring region, measuring of the noise intensity of the noise source and measuring of the counter sound intensity of the counter sound source are by the intensity sensor. Based on the measured noise intensity and the counter sound intensity, the counter sound source is controllable such that the sound energy input of the noise source can be globally reduced by the counter sound source. |
| US08208650B2 |
Feedback-based ANR adjustment responsive to environmental noise levels
An ANR circuit, possibly of a personal ANR device, monitors a sound level of environmental sounds detected by a microphone external to an earpiece in which the ANR circuit is providing feedback-based ANR, and increases or decreases the degree of feedback-based ANR provided in response to the external microphone detecting a higher or lower sound level, respectively. Increasing and decreasing the degree of feedback-based ANR provided may be carried out by changing a variable loop gain of the ANR circuit and/or a range of frequencies of environmental sounds attenuated by the feedback-based ANR. |
| US08208649B2 |
Methods and systems for robust approximations of impulse responses in multichannel audio-communication systems
Proper estimation of impulse responses is an important and challenging aspect of multichannel echo control. Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to real-time, adaptive acoustic echo cancellation methods in multichannel audio-communication systems. In particular, embodiments of the present invention use a collection of a room's past impulse responses to determine an optimal lower dimensional impulse response space as the underlying search subspace for approximate impulse responses. As a result, embodiments of the present invention mitigate inherent instability of multichannel audio-communication systems and provide stable and accurate echo removal without distorting audio signals. |
| US08208648B2 |
Sound field reproducing device and sound field reproducing method
The sound field reproducing apparatus includes: a signal obtaining unit which obtains input audio signals of plural channels; an effect adding unit which gives an effect on an output to a sound field; and an effect amount control unit which controls an amount of the effect based on a characteristic of the input audio signal. The sound field reproducing apparatus receives input audio signals of plural channels from a medium such as a DVD, and gives a sound effect to them to output. The amount of the effect given to the input audio signal is controlled based on the characteristic of the input audio signal, especially the cross correlation of the reverberation component between the channels. |
| US08208644B2 |
Earhealth monitoring system and method III
A system for monitoring sound pressure levels at the ear includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM) for receiving ambient sounds and an ear canal receiver (ECR) for producing audio signals as a function of ambient sound received at the ambient sound microphone and a sound signal received from an associated personal audio device. A logic circuit is operatively associated with the ASM and ECR and calculates a total SPL_Dose experienced by the ear for periods Δt. The logic circuit may select an action parameter in response to the Total SPL_Dose. |
| US08208642B2 |
Method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using monaural audio signals
The present application provides method and apparatus for a binaural hearing assistance system using a monaural audio signal input. The system, in various examples, provides adjustable delay/phase adjustment and sound level adjustment. Different embodiments are provided for receiving the monaural signal and distributing it to a plurality of hearing assistance devices. Different relaying modes are provided. Special functions are supported, such as telecoil functions. The system also has examples that account for a head-related transfer function in providing advanced sound processing for the wearer. Other examples are provided that are described in the detailed description. |
| US08208636B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving encryption information in a mobile broadcast system, and system therefor
A system and method for transmitting/receiving encryption information in a mobile broadcast system supporting broadcast service (BCAST) are provided. In the mobile broadcast system, a BCAST Subscription Management (BSM) manages subscriber information of a terminal, and transmits to a BCAST Service Distribution/Adaptation (BSD/A) a first delivery message including a Registration Key Material (RKM) provided for registration of the broadcast service of the terminal and including at least one service or content's identifier. The BSD/A transmits to the BSM a first delivery confirmation message including information indicating success/fail in receipt of the first delivery message, and transmits the RKM to the terminal. |
| US08208635B2 |
Wireless mesh network with secure automatic key loads to wireless devices
A wireless mesh network provides secure communication by encrypting data using one or more encryption keys. A configuration device in communication with a security manager of the network provides a temporary secure communication path between the security manager and a new field device to be added to the mesh network. Cryptographic material and other configuration data can then be transferred between the security manager of the network and the new field device securely via the configuration device. |
| US08208633B2 |
Method and system for securing communications in a metering device
A method and system for securing the communication link between the accounting device and printer of a metering system by authenticating the data being sent via the link utilizing a Nonlinear Feedback Shift Register (NLFSR) based system is provided. A NLFSR is provided in each of the accounting unit and printing unit of a metering system. The NLFSR in the accounting unit is utilized to generate a message authentication code (MAC) for the image data being sent from the accounting unit to the printing unit. The printing unit generates a corresponding MAC for the received image data using the NLFSR in the printing unit. The MAC generated by the printing unit is compared with the MAC generated by the accounting unit. If the MACs are similar, the image data is accepted as authentic and the printing unit will print the image corresponding to the image data. |
| US08208632B1 |
Pipelined packet encapsulation and decapsulation for temporal key integrity protocol employing arcfour algorithm
An apparatus including a key mixing circuit, an input circuit, and a decapsulation circuit. The key mixing circuit generates a plurality of seeds, each based on a predetermined temporal key, a transmitter MAC address, and a predetermined start value for a Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) Sequence Count (TSC). The input circuit receives a message including the transmitter MAC address and the predetermined start value. The key mixing circuit generates the plurality of seeds based on the message. The input circuit receives a plurality of encapsulated MAC Payload Data Units (MPDUs). The input circuit receives the message before receiving the plurality of encapsulated MPDUs. The decapsulation circuit decapsulates each of the plurality of encapsulated MPDUs using one of the plurality of seeds that was generated based on the value for the TSC in the respective one of the N encapsulated MPDUs. |
| US08208631B2 |
Group management apparatus, and information processing apparatus and method
A group management apparatus which manages a group in which one or a plurality of information processing apparatuses connect to each other by wireless communication detects the position of an information processing apparatus and determines whether the information processing apparatus exists in a predetermined range. When determining that the information processing apparatus exists in the predetermined range, the group management apparatus notifies the information processing apparatus of an encryption key to be used in the group. Upon detecting, based on the position detection result, that the number of information processing apparatuses existing in the predetermined range has changed, the group management apparatus updates the encryption key. |
| US08208619B2 |
Method and apparatus for improving call yields when contacting patients who are due for a visit but do not have a scheduled appointment
A method and apparatus for improving call yields and reducing redundant calls while contacting patients who have not responded to reminders to schedule a return appointment, or who are due for a visit according to accepted standards of care or office policies, but have not scheduled an appointment. The patient reactivation system is queried for the next patient on the contact list, and queried again to find all patients sharing one or more phone numbers with this patient. Information required for contacting these patients to invite them to make an appointment is displayed. The user is presented one phone number at a time, and prompted to call this number and invite all listed patients to make an appointment. Results are collected, and when multiple patients are displayed, the program may prompt the user for clarification regarding which patients a given result applies to. Based on the results collected, the system determines whether or not to prompt the user to call the same patients again with other phone numbers, if available. Finally, the system analyzes the set of results collected in order to calculate follow-up call times for each patient. The system may keep separate follow-up call times for each phone number as well in order to further improve the patient experience. |
| US08208618B2 |
Apparatus and method for originating call by using image
Provided is an apparatus and method for searching a phone number and originating a call by using an image in a mobile communication terminal having a touch screen. The apparatus includes the touch screen for displaying at least one image in an image area, a memory unit for storing at least one image and a phone number corresponding thereto, and a control unit for performing call origination by using the phone number corresponding to each image if a touch input is made onto the relevant image displayed in the image area. |
| US08208611B2 |
System for remote control of apparatuses, in particular of industrial apparatuses
A system for control of apparatuses, in particular of industrial apparatuses, comprising a plurality of interfaces (20), each dedicated to a connection with a respective apparatus (10) to be monitored, and a processing unit (40) to control the apparatuses (10); the processing unit (40) is provided with first receiving means (41) to receive at least one data item from an apparatus (10), a first selection block (42) to select one or more addressees, depending on the received data item, a second selection block (43) to select one or more communication channels (50) for connection with said addressees, and first transmission means (44) to send at least one notification signal representative of the received data to the addressees through the selected communication channel/channels (50). |
| US08208610B2 |
Handheld electronic device having service-specific message management feature support and associated method
The disclosed and claimed concept describes a handheld electronic device that has the capability to process electronic messages that originate from an electronic mail service using the features that are supported by the electronic mail service. |
| US08208608B2 |
Method and system of providing personal and business information
A multi-modal system providing for a single point of contact that can allow users to manage their personal contact information and contact lists, and connect to other users and businesses in a personalized, efficient, location-sensitive and organized manner. By accessing the system using any type of telephony-based device, a user can manage all of their personal and business contacts as well as perform generalized searches in public databases, such as white page and/or yellow page listings, or more personalized searches through databases of their business or personal contacts. A user may also, during a generalized search, go to a personalized search, and vice-versa. The system may also provide users with the opportunity to select certain businesses from their contact lists and allow these businesses to provide them with personalized data, either on demand or based on user-controlled permissions or areas of interest through various technologies including presence technologies. |
| US08208607B2 |
Device, method and computer readable medium for recorded data management
There is provided a device for managing recorded data, comprising: a recording unit configured to record a telephone communication; a designation unit configured to designate a time delimiting point to be set to recorded data being recorded by the recording unit; a receiving unit configured to receive a signal indicating a time delimiting point from an external device of a party on the other side; a setting unit configured to set the designated time delimiting point designated through the designation unit and the received time delimiting point received from the external device to the recorded data. |
| US08208605B2 |
Extended efficient usage of emergency services keys
An emergency services key (e.g., ESQK or ESRK) is guaranteed to be available from a limited size ESQK pool. A plurality of ESQKs are grouped into a pool of emergency service keys “ESQK Pool ID”, each including anywhere from 1 to N number of ESQKs. Each ESQK preferably has a “Timestamp”, information relating to the specific emergency E911 call (“Call Data ID”), a guard timer, and an optional hold timer. The ESQK having a Call Data ID=“NULL”, and having the oldest Timestamp, is chosen for selection. If no such ESQK has both Call Data ID=NULL and the oldest Timestamp is found, then the ESQK with merely the oldest Timestamp is selected. The timestamp is reset to a current time plus a guard timer, or hold timer if desired. |
| US08208602B2 |
High flux photon beams using optic devices
A system for producing at least one high flux photon beam is provided. The system includes two or more photon sources configured to produce photon beams, and at least one first stage optic device coupled to at least one of the photon sources and providing at least one focused photon beam through total internal reflection, wherein at least one of the photon beams and the focused photon beams are combined at a virtual focal spot. |
| US08208601B2 |
Integrated shaping and sculpting unit for use with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment
An apparatus for engagement with a LINAC head of a LINAC machine, the LINAC machine generating radiation for intensity modulated radiation therapy of a cancer patient. The apparatus is a member incorporating separately a beam shaping material and a beam sculpting material. The member typically includes a tray and the tray is designed to fit into or adjacent the head of a LINAC machine. When radiation passes through the tray mounted member, it will be modulated and shaped to conform to the tumor of the cancer patient, which patient is radiated by the modified radiation beam. |
| US08208597B2 |
Channel confinement system and method for dry-storage of BWR fuel bundles
A nuclear reactor fuel bundle confinement system including: a fuel bundle with an upper tie plate; a channel enclosing the fuel bundle; a handle for the fuel bundle extending above the fuel bundle; an upper fuel particle barrier positioned over the upper tie plate and above the fuel rods, wherein the fuel particle barrier has a permeable panel at least co-extensive with an open area of the upper tie plate; a slot in the permeable panel through which passes the handle, and a closure device on the fuel particle barrier having a closed position which covers the slot and an open position that leaves the slot open; a lower fuel particle barrier positioned over the lower tie plate and below the fuel rods, wherein the lower portion of the fuel bundle assembly is grasped by the lower fuel particle barrier. |
| US08208596B2 |
System and method for implementing a dual-mode PLL to support a data transmission procedure
A system and method for effectively utilizing a dual-mode phase-locked loop to support a data transmission procedure includes a voltage controlled oscillator that generates a receiver clock signal in response to VCO input control signals. A binary phase detector generates a BPD output signal during a BPD mode by comparing input data and the receiver clock signal. In addition, a lock-assist circuit generates a PFD output signal during a PFD mode by comparing a reference signal and a divided receiver clock signal. A loop filter performs a BPD transfer function to generate a VCO input control signal from the BPD output signal during the BPD mode. The same loop filter also performs a PFD transfer function to generate the VCO input control signal from the PFD output signal during the PFD mode. |
| US08208591B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing adaptive equalization
Systems and techniques for adapting and/or optimizing an equalizer of a receiver are described. The equalizer's behavior can be adjusted by modifying one or more equalization parameters. At the beginning of the adaptation and/or optimization process, the system can determine robust initial values for the one or more equalization parameters. The system can then adapt and/or optimize the equalizer by iteratively adjusting the one or more equalization parameters. Specifically, in each iteration, the system can use the receiver's clock and data recovery (CDR) circuitry to determine the number of early and late data transitions associated with one or more data patterns. Next, the system can adjust the one or more equalization parameters so that, for each data pattern in the one or more data patterns, the ratio between the number of early data transitions and the number of late data transitions is substantially equal to a desired value. |
| US08208589B2 |
Receiver and reception processing method
A receiver including: a delay profile generating unit to generate a delay profile from a received signal; combining unit operable to combine multiple received signals with different timings; a determining unit to determine whether or not the propagation environment of the received signals is multi-path, based on the delay profile; and a control unit operable to exclude any signal with timing whose power is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold in the delay profile from the combining, upon the determination not being multi-path. |
| US08208586B2 |
Jitter measuring apparatus
It is an object of the invention to correctly display the waveform of a demodulation signal with a single apparatus. A jitter demodulator which demodulates a jitter component of a digital signal input from the outside, a jitter amount detector which detects the amplitude value of a demodulation signal output from the jitter demodulator, an interpolator which measures a period of the demodulation signal output from the jitter demodulator and interpolates the demodulation signal processing with a rate corresponding to the measured period, a display unit, and a display control section which displays on the display unit the value detected by the jitter amount detector and a waveform of the demodulation signal interpolated by the interpolator are provided in a single housing. |
| US08208579B2 |
Radio transmitting apparatus, radio receiving apparatus, and data placing method
A radio transmitting apparatus wherein when both a first data and a second data, which has a greater importance than the first data, are placed in a single block, the BER characteristic of the second data can be well maintained. In this apparatus, a modulating part (101-1) modulates a first data sequence to generate a first data symbol, while a modulating part (101-2) modulates a second data sequence to generate a second data symbol. A placing part (102) places both the first data symbol and the second data sequence in each of blocks constituting a single carrier signal. At this moment, the placing part (102) places, in the single block, the first data at both ends of the block, while placing the second data, which has the greater importance than the first data, at the center of the block. A CP adding part (103) adds, to the head of the block in which the first and second data symbols are placed, a rear end portion of that block as CP. |
| US08208577B2 |
Control system methods and apparatus for inductive communication across an isolation barrier
Improved control apparatus and methods transfer information between devices, such as controllers and field devices, utilizing a modulator that generates a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal containing information to be transferred by a first of the devices, e.g., the controller, to the second device. A transformer or other inductive device transfers the PWM signal across the isolation barrier, where it is demodulated to analog form for application to the second device, e.g., the field device. Information transferred from the second device to the first device can be transferred in an amplitude modulated (AM) signal that utilizes, as its carrier, a fixed duty cycle output of the modulator that generates the PWM signal. |
| US08208573B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing trellis coded modulation of signals for transmission on a TDMA channel of a cable network
A method and apparatus for performing trellis coded modulation of signals for transmission on a TDMA channel of a cable network, such as a DOCSIS cable network, is provided. In an embodiment, an upstream modulator portion of a cable modem receives burst data, selectively encodes the burst data for trellis coded modulation to generate encoded symbols, and modulates the encoded symbols for selective transmission over a time division multiple access (TDMA) channel or a synchronous code division multiple access (S-CDMA) channel of the cable network. |
| US08208572B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving quadrature amplitude modulation signals, a system for carrying out said method, a machine-readable carrier and the use of a method for synchronously receiving quadrature amplitude modulation signals
The invention relates to signal transmission. The use of the invention for transmitting and receiving quadrature amplitude modulation signals on unlicensed frequency bands makes it possible to lower a demodulation threshold owing to a low synchronization threshold. The inventive method consists in extending a burst of M m-level quadrature amplitude modulation signals with the aid of two pseudo-random sequences, one of which is periodically inverted in some bursts, thereby making it possible to extract, on a receiving side, the quadrature amplitude modulation signal components corresponding to a meander signal of the pseudo-random sequence inversion (the frequency of which is known). The inventive method is carried out by means of a corresponding system in a hardware and software mode. Moreover, said method can be used for synchronizing the reception of quadrature amplitude modulation signals. |
| US08208571B1 |
Method for detecting a periodic signal
In detecting a signal, angle information is generated based on a complex signal having a periodic portion. An autocorrelation signal is generated based on the angle information and not based on magnitude information associated with the complex signal. The periodic portion is detected based on the autocorrelation signal. |
| US08208570B2 |
Spectrum coding apparatus, spectrum decoding apparatus, acoustic signal transmission apparatus, acoustic signal reception apparatus and methods thereof
A spectrum coding apparatus capable of performing coding at a low bit rate and with high quality is disclosed. This apparatus is provided with a section that performs the frequency transformation of a first signal and calculates a first spectrum, a section that converts the frequency of a second signal and calculates a second spectrum, a section that estimates the shape of the second spectrum in a band of FL≦k |
| US08208568B2 |
Estimating channel in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication system
Among others, techniques, systems and apparatus are described for estimating a channel in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system. A method of estimating a channel in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication system includes sequentially receiving symbols. Each symbol includes pilots and data. The pilots included in each of first n symbols of the sequentially received symbols are placed in first areas of a memory component used for channel estimation. Data in second areas disposed between the first areas of the memory component are estimated. The pilots of at least one symbol after the nth symbol of the sequentially received symbols are placed in the first areas and the estimated data is updated in the second areas. |
| US08208565B2 |
Pre-processing method and system for data reduction of video sequences and bit rate reduction of compressed video sequences using temporal filtering
Methods for pre-processing video sequences prior to compression to provide data reduction of the video sequence. In addition, after compression of the pre-processed video sequence, the bit rate of the pre-processed and compressed video sequence will be lower than the bit rate of the video sequence after compression but without pre-processing. A temporal filtering method is provided for pre-processing of video frames of a video sequence. In the method, pixel values of successive frames are filtered when the difference in the pixel values between the successive frames are within high and low threshold values. The high and low threshold values are determined adaptively depending on the illumination level of a video frame to provide variability of filtering strength depending on the illumination levels of a video frame. |
| US08208563B2 |
Boundary artifact correction within video units
This disclosure describes techniques for correcting artifacts that occur along a boundary of a substitute video unit generated using video unit substitution, e.g., motion-compensated video unit interpolation or extrapolation. In accordance with the techniques described in this disclosure, a frame substitution unit identifies first locations within a substitute video unit that correspond with a boundary that exists within a reference video unit and should exist within the substitute video unit, and corrects boundary artifacts in the first locations using a first boundary artifact correction technique. The frame substitution unit also identifies second locations within the substitute video unit that correspond with a boundary that exists within the substitute video unit and does not exist within the reference video unit and corrects boundary artifacts in the second locations using a second boundary artifact correction technique. |
| US08208559B2 |
Device for producing progressive frames from interlaced encoded frames
The present invention relates to a method of and a device for decoding a set of encoded frames at a first resolution (SD) so as to produce a set of output frames at a lower resolution (QCIF). Said device comprises: a partial decoding unit (DECp) for producing a first residual error field at a second resolution lower than the first one and a second residual error field at a third resolution lower than the first one based on the encoded frame; —a first predicting unit (PRED1) for producing a first motion-compensated field based on the first residual error field, on a first reference field (Fix1) and on a second reference field (Fix2); a first adder for combining the first residual error field with the first motioncompensated field so as to obtain a next first reference field (Fiy1); —a second predicting unit (PRED2) for producing a second motion-compensated field based on the second residual error field, on the first reference field and on the second reference field; a second adder for combining the second residual error field with the second motioncompensated field so as to obtain a next second reference field (Fiy2), the next second reference field corresponding to an output frame. |
| US08208557B2 |
Video encoding and decoding method and apparatus using weighted prediction
Provided is a video encoding and decoding method and apparatus. The video encoding method includes selecting a plurality of reference blocks based on a plurality of motion vectors and setting weights assigned to the plurality of reference blocks independently for each of a plurality of regions of a current block in order to predict and encode the current block, thereby providing a new encoding mode allowing accurate prediction of the current block and thus improving the compression rate of video encoding. |
| US08208551B2 |
Method and system for hierarchically layered adaptive median motion vector smoothing
Methods and systems for hierarchically layered adaptive median motion vector smoothing are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include generating motion vectors (MVs) for video pictures at each level of a hierarchical motion estimation process, where each level may use different resolution video pictures. The MVs may be smooth filtered at each level to reduce or remove spurious MVs. The smooth filtering may comprise scalar median filtering and/or vector median filtering. The smooth filtering may receive as inputs a plurality of MVs, for example, the MV being filtered and eight MVs from the surrounding video blocks. The vector costs of the nine MVs may be compared to a threshold vector cost, and those MVs with costs above the threshold value may be discarded. The threshold value may be dynamically changed based on, for example, content of the video pictures and/or to adjust a window size of the smoothing filter. |
| US08208550B2 |
Adapting an encoded video signal to encoding complexity
Techniques for adapting an encoded video signal to a complexity of video encoding may be used to reduce a bit rate of an encoded video signal when the complexity is reduced. Video communication according to the present techniques includes adapting an encoded video signal to an encoding complexity used to derive a set of encoded data from a series of video frames. |
| US08208549B2 |
Decoder, encoder, decoding method and encoding method
A decoder according to the present invention includes: an obtainment unit which obtains additional information that includes a motion vector indicating a motion of an image in the first video data, and stream data that is coded data of the second video data which has the same content as the first video data and which has the lower resolution than the resolution of the first video data; a decoding unit which decodes the stream data into images of the second video data; and a conversion unit which converts the decoded images of the second video data into third video data having the same resolution as the first video data, through interpolation using the additional information. |
| US08208548B2 |
Video encoding
An embodiment is directed to a method for selecting a predictive macroblock partition from a plurality of candidate macroblock partitions in motion estimation and compensation in a video encoder including determining a bit rate signal for each of the candidate macroblock partitions, generating a distortion signal for each of the candidate macroblock partitions, calculating a cost for each of the candidate macroblock partitions based on respective bit rate and distortion signals to produce a plurality of costs, and determining a motion vector from the costs. The motion vector designates the predictive macroblock partition. |
| US08208535B2 |
Video coding method of exploiting the temporal redundancy between successive frames
The invention relates to a video coding method of exploiting the temporal redundancy between successive frames in a video sequence. A reference frame, called I-frame, is first approximated by a collection of geometric features, called atoms. The following predicted frames called, P-frames, are approximated by the geometric transformations of the geometric features (atoms) describing the previous frame. Preferably, the I-frame is approximated by a linear combination of N atoms (formula), selected in a redundant, structured library. They are indexed by a string of parameters representing the geometric transformations applied to the generating mother function g(x,y) and the cn are weighting coefficients. |
| US08208533B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fast signal acquisition in a digital video receiver
Methods and systems for receiving, processing and/or decoding digital video signal and acquisition of transmission parameters encoded therein. The method generally includes providing an initial set of parameters for decoding the digital video signal, finding a synchronization block position by matching bits of the transmission parameter signal to a predetermined pattern, obtaining raw transmission parameter bits from the transmission parameter signal based on the synchronization block position, storing the raw transmission parameter bits, and updating at least one of the initial set of parameters with at least one updated transmission parameter value from the raw transmission parameter bits. Embodiments of present invention advantageously provide a faster approach for synchronizing with the frame boundaries of transmission parameter blocks to decode digital video signals. |
| US08208530B2 |
Apparatus and method for correcting IQ imbalance
An apparatus and method for correcting IQ imbalance are presented. An exemplary receiver for processing I and Q signals from a tuner includes: a non-decision directed (NDD) imbalance canceller coupled to receive the I and Q signals, and a decision directed (DD) imbalance canceller coupled to the non-decision directed imbalance canceller. The DD imbalance canceller converges after the NDD imbalance canceller converges, so as to correct IQ imbalances in the receiver. An exemplary method for processing I and Q signals from a tuner includes: (a) converging a NDD imbalance canceller to correct a majority of IQ imbalances, and (b) subsequently converging a DD imbalance canceller to correct a remainder of IQ imbalances not corrected in step (a). The apparatus and method correct frequency-dependent and frequency-independent IQ imbalances. |
| US08208525B2 |
2K mode interleaver with odd interleaving only and per OFDM symbol permutation code change in a digital video broadcasting (DVB) standard
A data processing apparatus maps input symbols to be communicated onto a predetermined number of sub-carrier signals of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) symbol. The data processor includes an interleaver memory which reads-in the predetermined number of data symbols for mapping onto the OFDM sub-carrier signals. The interleaver memory reads-out the data symbols on to the OFDM sub-carriers to effect the mapping, the read-out being in a different order than the read-in, the order being determined from a set of addresses, with the effect that the data symbols are interleaved on to the sub-carrier signals. The set of addresses are generated from an address generator which comprises a linear feedback shift register and a permutation circuit. |
| US08208520B2 |
Variable state length initialization
Through the use of a variable state length initialization, both the transmitter and the receiver can have control of the length of one or more initialization states. For example, a transmitter can send information, such as a message, to the receiver at the commencement of, during initialization or prior to entering a variable length initialization state. The information can specify, for example, a minimum length of an initialization state as needed by the transmitter. |
| US08208515B2 |
On-vehicle communication device
An on-vehicle communication device according to the present invention includes initial signal estimating unit 243b for estimating initial data based on a part of the transmission command signal from the mobile device. Thus, it also includes PN signal generating unit 243c for generating a PN signal based on the initial data estimated by the initial signal estimating unit, and partial correlating unit 243d for calculating a correlation value between the transmission command signal from the mobile device and the PN signal. Thus, it also includes a data demodulating unit 244 for demodulating the transmission command signal from the mobile device, the starting of the data demodulating unit being controlled based on the correlation value calculated by the partial correlating unit 243d. |
| US08208514B2 |
Successive interference canceling for CDMA
Successive interference canceling for CDMA. ICI may result from a signal's multi-path effects, or by filtering/suppression of some of the component energy of the signaling waveforms. Energy component attenuation destroys orthogonality of CDMA symbols thereby causing ICI. An ICF suppresses frequency domain portions (attenuates ingress), but also introduces ICI. Following the ICF, the signal is de-spread, sliced, re-spread and convolved with the ICF echoes (except first tap echoes). Convolving re-spread hard decisions with delayed ICF taps is equivalent to partially re-modulating the first-pass hard decisions to efficiently “add-back-in” the signal energy which was blanked/subtracted by the ICF. Alternatively, parameter estimation de-rotates and re-rotates soft symbols and hard decisions, respectively, compensating for undesirable symbol rotation. The convolved signal is subtracted from a delayed version of the ICF output signal. If desired, this process may be repeated successively to enhance the accuracy of the obtained data decisions in the next stage. |
| US08208511B2 |
Surface emitting laser, surface emitting laser array, optical scanning device, image forming apparatus, optical transmission module and optical transmission system
A disclosed surface emitting laser is capable of being manufactured easily, having a higher yield and a longer service lifetime. In the surface emitting laser, a selectively-oxidized layer is included as a part of a low refractive index layer of an upper semiconductor distribution Bragg reflector; the low refractive index layer including the selectively-oxidized layer includes two intermediate layers adjoining the selectively-oxidized layer and two low refractive index layers adjoining the intermediate layers. Al content rate in the intermediate layers is lower than that in the selectively-oxidized layer, and Al content rate in the low refractive index layers is lower than that in the selectively-oxidized layer. This configuration enables providing more control over the thickness and oxidation rate of the oxidized layer, thereby enabling reducing the variation of the thickness of the oxidized layer. |
| US08208508B2 |
Laser diode package with enhanced cooling
A laser diode package assembly includes a reservoir filled with a fusible metal in close proximity to a laser diode. The fusible metal absorbs heat from the laser diode and undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid during the operation of the laser. The metal absorbs heat during the phase transition. Once the laser diode is turned off, the liquid metal cools off and resolidifies. The reservoir is designed such that that the liquid metal does not leave the reservoir even when in liquid state. The laser diode assembly further includes a lid with one or more fin structures that extend into the reservoir and are in contact with the metal in the reservoir. |
| US08208507B2 |
Feedback control for heated TOSA
A closed loop system for controlling laser temperature without the need for additional sensors or other hardware. Embodiments utilize an existing automatic power feedback loop and existing sensors to determine the temperature of a TOSA based on changes in laser bias current, thus avoiding the need for the additional hardware. The automatic power feedback loop will modify the laser bias current as the temperature of the TOSA changes. That is, as the temperature increases, the amount of laser bias current is increased and as the temperature decreases, the amount of laser bias current is decreased. Thus, the laser bias current may be used as feedback for the laser temperature control. Accordingly, when the transceiver module drops below a predetermined temperature, a laser heater current may be controlled to thereby maintain the same laser bias current as at the preset temperature. |
| US08208489B2 |
Method for reporting downstream packet resequencing status in cable modem
Provided is a method by which a cable modem reports a downstream packet resequencing status to a cable modem termination system, and more particularly, a method of effectively reporting detailed information on a packet resequencing status by further defining a packet resequencing-related event and event-related information in a message reporting the packet resequencing status. The method by which a cable modem reports a resequencing status of the resequenced packets includes the steps of: when a packet resequencing-related event occurs, generating a resequencing status message (CM-STATUS) including packet sequence numbers of packets causing the event; transmitting a band allocation request message for requesting a cable modem termination system to allocate an upstream band for transmission of the resequencing status message; and transmitting the resequencing status message to the cable modem termination system over the upstream band allocated by the band allocation request message. More detailed resequencing status information, such as the remaining capacity of the receive buffer and the resequenced packet map, for more packet resequencing-related events compared to the conventional downstream packet resequencing status reporting method, is transmitted to the CMTS, such that the CMTS copes more flexibly with situations that may occur upon packet resequencing. |
| US08208486B2 |
Apparatus and control method for energy-aware home gateway based on network
An energy-aware home gateway based on a network protocol includes a network matching module for performing a physical network interface function on a home and an external network; a processor module for performing an operation and a control function of a system in a active state in which service traffic exists; a memory module used as a system memory of the processor module; and a service function module controlled by the processor module and performing a service function depending on a use state. The home gateway further includes a network protocol agent module for processing control traffic in an idle state in which no service traffic exists; and a power supply module for supplying power to the overall system in the normal active state and for supplying power to the network matching module, the memory module, and the network protocol agent module in the idle state. |
| US08208485B2 |
Routing method and wireless network system
A routing method of a wireless network system is provided. Paths of the wireless network system are divided into down-stream and up-stream paths. The up-stream paths are reset for each period, or whenever a network is changed, or whenever transmission of data fails more than a predetermined number of times. Accordingly, it is possible to secure an average lifetime of a wireless network system by previously preventing a bottleneck from occurring at a specific node, increase a transmission speed of data by reducing the hop count to the sink node connected to the information collector, and reduce power consumption of a battery. |
| US08208467B2 |
Method and apparatus for modulating the width of a high-speed link
The described embodiments include a system that modulates the width of a high-speed link. The system includes a transmitter circuit coupled to a high-speed link that includes N serial lanes. During operation, while using a first number of lanes to transmit frames on the high-speed link, the transmitter circuit determines a second number of lanes to be used to transmit frames on the high-speed link based on a bandwidth demand on the high-speed link. The transmitter circuit then sends an indicator of the second number of lanes to a receiver on the high-speed link. Upon receiving an error-free acknowledgment of the indicator from the receiver, starting from a predetermined frame, the transmitter circuit transmits subsequent frames on the high-speed link using the second number of lanes. |
| US08208465B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling multicast in multi hop networks
Disclosed is a multicast controlling apparatus and method in a multi hop network. The multicast controlling apparatus in the multi hop network includes a packet determining unit to receive a packet from a group management query device or a station, and to determine whether the received packet is a group management protocol packet, a packet type distinguishing unit to distinguish a type of the received packet when the received packet is determined as the group management protocol packet, and a packet transmitting unit to transmit the packet to a second port excluding a first port that receives the query message, when the received packet is determined as the query message. |
| US08208460B2 |
Method and system for in-band signaling of multiple media streams
Methods and systems are provided for in-band signaling of at least two simultaneous digital media streams in a network, the two simultaneous streams being a part of a media session. Each of the at least two simultaneous streams is generated from a corresponding source. The generated simultaneous streams are synchronized by using a unique marker packet. Each synchronized stream is transmitted to a destination corresponding to each source. |
| US08208454B2 |
Determining optimal locations for wireless access points in a wireless network
A computer-implemented method for predicting signal coverage in a wireless network environment includes segmenting the wireless network environment into a plurality of zones, in which each one of a plurality of wireless communications devices operating in the wireless network environment is assigned to a corresponding one of the plurality of zones. The method continues with determining that a dependency exists between at least two signal reference relations from at least two of the plurality of zones and merging the at least two of the plurality of zones. The method concludes with adjusting the search space size for the optimal solution that predicts the signal coverage for the wireless network environment and locating at least one wireless access point within the wireless network environment based on the optimal solution. |
| US08208452B2 |
Integrated information communication system
A communication system, for functioning without the use of dedicated lines or the Internet so as to ensure communication speed, communication quality, and communication trouble countermeasures, including a communication network and domain name server. The domain name server includes a domain name tree with a country number of a telephone number as a level 2 domain name of the domain name tree, and the domain name server receives, from a terminal, a telephone number of a destination terminal. Furthermore, based on the telephone number of the destination terminal, the domain name server (i) seeks out, in the domain name tree, an Integrated Information Communication System (ICS) user address of the destination terminal, and (ii) sends the ICS user address to the terminal, such that the communication system receives, from the terminal, the ICS user address as a destination address, and sends the ICS user frame to the destination terminal. |
| US08208450B2 |
Subscriber information management system and method for mobile communication service system
Disclosed are a subscriber information management system and a method for a mobile communication service system for managing subscriber information. System comprises a subscriber information management system for a mobile communication service system that a wire terminal and a wireless terminal respectively connected with an integrating and managing server and provides at least one portal service from the integrating and managing server, the system comprising: a subscriber information management unit, wherein the subscriber information management unit is included in the integrating and managing server, and links subscriber information transmitted from the wireless terminal with subscriber information transmitted from the wire terminal using a predetermined key value. |
| US08208448B2 |
Dedicated channel entry method
A dedicated channel entry method for a system of digital wireless communications utilizing time division multiplex access and including a base station for voice transmission with wired connection to a command console for voice input/output and with wireless connection to a plurality of mobile station, including the steps of: executing a first communication procedure for selecting an arbitrary mobile station, a second communication procedure for entry to a dedicated channel, and a third communication procedure for transmitting voices at said command station, respectively from the command console relative to the mobile station; and executing said communication procedures in a desired command to allow the designated mobile station to realize automatic entry to the dedicated channel and receive voices from the command console transmitted via the dedicated channel. |
| US08208443B2 |
Apparatus and method for cell reselection in a radio access network
A method for cell reselection from a serving cell to another cell in a radio access network covering a geographical area divided into a plurality of cells, the method comprising: attempting to reselect to a first other cell with a higher rank value than the serving cell; setting up a channel on the first other cell and initiating a completion period; conditional on the completion period expiring before the first other cell is identified as being a suitable cell, receiving cell measurements for cells and creating a cell ranking list of the cells based on rank values of the cells; conditional on a second other cell having a higher rank value than the serving cell or first other cell, attempting to reselect to the second other cell. |
| US08208437B2 |
System and method for improved scheduling for time-frequency slicing
A system and method for improved scheduling for time-frequency slicing. According to various embodiments, slot allocations are made so as to guarantee time for tuning between slots. When scheduling services for multiplexes covering multiple radio frequency (RF) channels, time is provided for the receiver to tune to another radio-frequency channel between at least two of the time frequency frames. This is accomplished by arranging slots so that a service carried in a slot within the tuning time before the end of a time frequency frame k is not transmitted in a slot within the tuning time after the beginning of the next time frequency frame k+1. |
| US08208433B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating resources in wireless communication system
A method and apparatus i.e. Base Station for allocating resources in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes generating a plurality of first groups of allocation units based on one or more of a plurality of Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs) and traffic characteristics in the wireless communication system. The method further includes generating a second group of slots including resource allocation information for mapping first groups of allocation units to Mobile Stations (MSs) based on MCSs and traffic characteristics associated with first groups of allocation units and the MSs. Thereafter, the method persistently allocates each first group of allocation units to the MSs based on one or more of the resource allocation information and a communication state associated with each MS. Further, the method also identifies if each MS has succeeded in decoding the persistent resource allocation sent in the second group of slots. |
| US08208425B2 |
Media exchange network supporting remote peripheral access
Systems and methods that provide remote access are described. In one embodiment, a system may include, for example, a plurality of communication devices and a media device. The plurality of communication devices may be operatively coupled to a network and may include, for example, a native communication device. The media device may be operatively coupled to the native communication device and the network. The media device may be associated with the native communication device and the network and may be capable of exchanging media content with the plurality of communication devices and the network. A profile of the media device may be stored in at least one of the media device and the native communication device. The profile may include, for example, information related to managing the media content when the media device is roaming. |
| US08208424B2 |
Wireless base station for communications network
A wireless base station includes: a trend factor regression expression calculator for determining, on the basis of measured wireless communication environment factor, the trend of the variation in the environment factor; a trend prediction value calculator for calculating, on the basis of the determined trend of the variation in the environment factor, the environment prediction value; an irregular variation factor calculator for calculating, on the basis of the difference between the determined trend of the environment factor variation and the measured environment factor, the magnitude of correction to be applied to the environment prediction value; and a radio environment prediction correction unit for correcting the environment prediction value according to the tolerance of the base station for its communication failure risk. |
| US08208423B2 |
Method and arrangement for efficiently utilizing radio resources in a communication system
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement of efficiently utilizing radio resources in a communication network, comprising a communication network node communicating with one or more user equipments over a radio interface, wherein at least two communication services are provided on said radio interface, each having a certain amount of power allocated in an interactively way. The interaction between said at least two communication services is minimized in order to obtain an enhanced power utilization. |
| US08208422B2 |
Intra-domain load balancing
A satellite system for broadband communication utilizing load balancing of satellite modems between physical forward sub-channels. The bandwidth requirements of the various satellite modems allocated to a domain are analyzed. Satellite modems, which can be moved between various physical forward sub-channels, are moved among physical forward sub-channels of a plurality of domains to balance loading between domains and/or physical forward sub-channels within domains. Buffering and latency are monitored in the subscriber modem termination system (SMTS) to allow dividing physical forward channel delay either uniformly or according to tiers of quality of service. |
| US08208419B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system comprises a baseband processor, a management processor and a presentation processor. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data, wherein the mobile service data configure a Reed-Solomon (RS) frame. The RS frame includes at least one of the mobile service data and notification messages. The notification messages are packetized in accordance with any one of a first transport protocol and a second transport protocol. The management processor decodes the notification messages from the RS frame in accordance with any one of the first transport protocol and the second transport protocol. The presentation processor directly outputs the decoded notification messages to an output unit in accordance with a channel which transmits the decoded notification messages, or outputs the decoded notification messages to the output unit only if a user selects the notification messages. |
| US08208411B2 |
Telephone system, server and proxy response telephone
A callee confirmation unit is disposed in a proxy response telephone so as to determine whether a call to the proxy response phone is one addressed to a subject number or one to a transfer destination. Upon determination of the call to the transfer destination, the call is received while identifying a callee number to allow for use in a multi-user environment. |
| US08208407B2 |
Optimized flush operation in response to topology changes for spanning tree protocols
In one embodiment, in response to receiving a topology change notification at a network bridge having ports identified as either a network port or an edge port, address learning may be disabled on the network bridge. Once address learning is disabled, an association of all entries of a forwarding table of the network bridge having addresses previously forwarded on a particular network port of the network bridge may be changed to forward those addresses on all network ports of the network bridge (e.g., flooding the frames not addressed to edge ports on all network ports only). Subsequently, address learning may be enabled on the network bridge, thus repopulating the network port entries of the forwarding table in response to the topology change. |
| US08208406B1 |
Packet forwarding using feedback controlled weighted queues dynamically adjusted based on processor utilization
In general, techniques are described for dynamically managing weighted queues. In accordance with the techniques, a network security device comprises a queue management module that assigns, for each queue of a plurality of queues, a quota desirable to a user that a processor of the network security device consumes to service each queue. The queue management module determines, based on the desirable quotas, a queue weight for each queue and computes. Based on the computation, the queue management module dynamically adjusts one or more of the weights such that subsequent amounts of processing time actually required to process the number of packets defined by each of the queue weights more accurately reflects the desirable quotas assigned to each of the queues. The network device outputs the number of packets in accordance with the adjusted weights. |
| US08208403B2 |
Defining an end-to-end path for a network service
A device receives, from a customer, a request for an end-to-end path through a network, determines parameters of a query based on the request and path criteria, and executes the query on a database of network elements capable of being included in the end-to-end path. The device also selects one or more of the network elements provided in the database based on results of the query, and reserves, in the database, the one or more selected network elements for the end-to-end path. |
| US08208402B2 |
Changing a radio access configuration between a terminal and a network
A method of changing a radio access configuration between a terminal and a network. The network performs the steps of: initiating a new configuration that is related to an old configuration for the same terminal; informing the terminal to apply the second configuration; and determining when the terminal uses the second configuration based on the reception of a radio signal from the terminal. The terminal performs the steps of: receiving information to apply a new configuration; transmitting, to the network, a radio signal indicating a change in configuration; and changing from an old configuration to the new configuration at a predetermined time after transmitting the radio signal. |
| US08208401B2 |
Method of managing address spaces of incommunicable nodes in ZigBee network
Provided is a method of managing addresses of incommunicable nodes in a ZigBee network, and more particularly, a method of managing address values of a plurality of nodes that form a ZigBee network by efficiently withdrawing address values from nodes which are incommunicable for reasons of abnormality. An address management process can be performed using two methods. According to a first method, a parent node withdraws address values of child nodes that do not transmit a hello message for a predetermined period of time. According to a second method, a parent node transmits a periodic or non-periodic request message to child nodes, and the child nodes, which receive the request message, immediately transmit a hello message to the parent node. Then, the parent node withdraws address values of child nodes that do not respond to the request message sent by the parent node more than a predetermined number of times. An address value assignment process and a process for nodes that have their address values withdrawn are also provided. |
| US08208397B2 |
Efficient uplink transmission of channel state information
A UE in a wireless communication network transmits succinct, direct channel state information to the network, enabling coordinated multipoint calculations such as joint processing, without substantially increasing uplink overhead. The UE receives and processes reference symbols over a set of non-uniformly spaced sub-carriers, selected according to a scheme synchronized to the network. The frequency response for each selected sub-carrier is estimated conventionally, and the results quantized and transmitted to the network on an uplink control channel. The non-uniform sub-carrier selection may be synchronized to the network in a variety of ways. |
| US08208395B2 |
System and method for measuring interface utilization using policers
An approach is provided for monitoring interface utilization. Bandwidth data for an interface is collected during a configurable time interval, and a peak utilization of the interface over the time interval is determined using a plurality of incremented policers to measure the collected bandwidth data. An implementation of which is system that includes a monitoring module configured to collect bandwidth data for an interface over a configurable time interval, a plurality of incremented policers configured to measure the collected bandwidth data, and an analysis module configured to determine a peak utilization of the interface over the time interval using the measurements of the plurality of incremented policers. |
| US08208390B2 |
Structure of transmission packet for link adaptation mechanism, and transmitting/receiving device and method using the same
The invention relates to a structure of a transmission packet for a link adaptation mechanism that can efficiently transmits/receives uncompressed data using a link adaptation mechanism in a high-frequency wireless communication, and an apparatus and method of transmitting/receiving a packet using the same. According to an aspect of the invention, a structure of a transmission packet for a link adaptation mechanism includes a payload having a plurality of data units obtained through error correction encoding of uncompressed data at a predetermined coding rate, an MAC header being added to the payload and having a link adaptation field and a link adaptation extension field expressing presence/absence of the link adaptation field for transmission/reception of the uncompressed data, and a PHY header being added to the MAC header and including information about the coding rate and information about usability of an unequal error protection mode. |
| US08208383B2 |
Modem and method of connecting a computer to the internet using the modem
A method for connecting a computer to the Internet checks if an original media control access (MAC) address in a received data packet is identical with a MAC address of a certain computer that has been allocated an IP address. If the original MAC address in the received data packet is not identical with the MAC address of the certain computer, the method sends an address resolution protocol (ARP) request to detect if the certain computer is shut down. If the certain computer is shut down, the method replaces the original MAC address in the received data packet by the MAC address of the certain computer, so as to connect the computer that sends the received data packet to the Internet using the IP address of the certain computer. |
| US08208382B2 |
Method for estimating and signalling the density of mobile nodes in a road network
A method and an associated device for estimating the density of mobile node traffic in an ad-hoc network on the roads of a predetermined geographical network in which mobile nodes move. Each road is divided into coverage cells. For each cell, a principal mobile node located at the center of the cell counts the number of nodes in the cell, and inserts this number into a cell density packet (CDP) transmitted from cell to cell during a first stage. |
| US08208378B2 |
Protocol data unit priority management
A single receiver can collect multiple protocol data units at one time originating from different sources. While it can be desirable for higher priority protocol data units to be processed, loss of data unit portions can cause confusion to the receiver. Therefore, even if a higher priority protocol data unit transfers to the receiver while a lower priority data unit is being processed, the lower priority unit can be completed before processing the higher priority unit; thus, there can be a lower likelihood of confusion among protocol data units. |
| US08208377B2 |
MAC-address based virtual route aggregation
An autonomous system includes at least some packet network devices that are capable of operating in a virtual route aggregation environment and some packet network devices that are not capable of operating in a virtual route aggregation environment. The autonomous system includes at least one egress border router, at least one aggregation router and at least one intermediate router. The egress border router uses an interior border gateway protocol to distribute a label message to the other routers in the autonomous system, the label message including a next hop MAC address associated with either an external router or the egress border router. The egress border router and the intermediate router using information included in the label message to contrast layer 2 table entries and the aggregation router using information included in the label message to construct a layer 3 table entry. The aggregation router receives a packet with a virtual prefix that corresponds to a virtual prefix in a list of virtual prefixes stored by the aggregation router, and routes the packet over a virtual path corresponding to one of the virtual prefixes. |
| US08208375B2 |
Selective filtering of network traffic requests
Several approaches to selectively filtering network traffic are described. One approach involves a system for selectively filtering network traffic. The system includes a helper application, which is coupled to a networking program, and is used to identify a user-initiated request. A network filter driver is coupled to the networking program, for intercepting the user-initiated request. A filtering service is coupled to both the helper application and the network filter driver, and is used to determine if the user-initiated request is allowable. If the request is allowable, the filtering service is configured to generate a special identifier, which the helper application is configured to include in a subsequent request. The filtering service is configured to allow a subsequent request which includes the special identifier, and the network filter driver's configured to strip a special identifier from subsequent requests. |
| US08208373B2 |
Method for multi-band communication routing within a wireless communication system
A method of operation of a node for multi-band communication routing within a wireless communication system comprises communicating a communication session on a default route within an identified quality of service objective on a first frequency band; broadcasting, on a second frequency band, one or more route discovery messages at each of a plurality of sets of transmission variables; storing one or more alternate route table entries in a route table, wherein each of the one or more alternate route table entries are indexed by each of the plurality of sets of transmission variables that are at least within the quality of service objective; selecting a stored alternate route that is at least within the quality of service objective of the communication session on the second frequency band; and switching the communication session to operate using the transmission variables related to the selected alternate route. |
| US08208371B2 |
Bandwidth management for MPLS fast rerouting
Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method comprising: in a network at a node located on a label switched path: selecting a backup path to respond to a failure; and for each link along the backup path, reserving a backup bandwidth, wherein the backup bandwidth is sufficient to reroute traffic around the failure. |
| US08208365B2 |
DRM receiver with analog and digital separation filter and demodulation method
A Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) receiver and demodulation method includes an analog and digital separation filter for filtering and separating a DRM-encoded signal and a non DRM-encoded signal from a composite RF signal received at the receiver. The DRM receiver includes a programmable downsampler and a programmable N-point Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to recover and demodulate the OFDM symbols in a received DRM-encoded RF signal. The received signal is digitally sampled at a rate operably integer downsampled to achieve a number N samples in the useful portion of the OFDM symbol for input to an N-point FFT, where N equal to a power of two. The downsampling rate and size (N-points) of the FFT depend on the DRM encoding and transmission parameters, notably the robustness mode and spectrum occupancy. The structure and operation of the receiver in this manner simplifies the design and reduces the required filter order of the analog and digital separation filter. |
| US08208364B2 |
MIMO system with multiple spatial multiplexing modes
A MIMO system supports multiple spatial multiplexing modes for improved performance and greater flexibility. These modes may include (1) a single-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams on orthogonal spatial channels to a single receiver, (2) a single-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas to a single receiver without spatial processing at a transmitter, (3) a multi-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams simultaneously to multiple receivers with spatial processing at a transmitter, and (4) a multi-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas (co-located or non co-located) without spatial processing at the transmitter(s) to receiver(s) having multiple antennas. For each set of user terminal(s) selected for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink, a spatial multiplexing mode is selected for the user terminal set from among the multiple spatial multiplexing modes supported by the system. |
| US08208363B2 |
Transmission apparatus and transmission method
A transmitter transmits data to a communicating opponent with a better channel condition with use of one or more frequency blocks including one or more carrier frequencies. The transmitter includes a communicating opponent selection unit evaluating the channel condition for each frequency block for each of plural communicating opponents and selecting one or more communicating opponents from the plurality of communicating opponents, a modulation scheme determination unit determining at least a modulation scheme depending on the evaluated channel condition, a control channel generation unit generating a control channel indicative of the determined modulation scheme and one or more frequency blocks available for the selected communicating opponents to receive a data channel, and a channel transmission unit providing the selected communicating opponents with the control channel and the data channel modulated in accordance with the modulation scheme. |
| US08208358B2 |
Optical information recording method, optical information reproduction method and optical disk device
When a phase shift is to be evaluated, based on a difference between an output from a waveform equalization circuit to equalize an input reproduced signal to a predetermined target equalization characteristic and the target equalization characteristic, the phase shift of the reproduced signal relative to a channel clock, a group delay characteristic with respect to the frequency of the waveform equalization circuit is fixed. Hence, an equalized waveform as an output from the waveform equalization circuit can preserve phase shift information of the inputted reproduced signal to correctly detect the phase shift of the reproduced waveform using the equalized waveform. It is hence possible to realize, with high precision, optimal value learning of various parameters for the recording, reproduction, and servo by use of the phase shift as an index. |
| US08208357B2 |
Optical disc apparatus and optical disc drive control method
A movement speed of a lens included in an optical pickup is calculated by differentiating a total reflection return light quantity that is detected by emitting laser light and near-field light onto a signal recording surface of a rotationally driven optical disc. On the basis of the calculated movement speed, processing for driving the optical pickup or the lens included in the optical pickup is controlled. For example, in a case where the calculated movement speed exceeds a permissible speed set in advance, retreat processing is performed for moving the optical pickup or the lens included in the optical pickup apart from a surface of the optical disc. |
| US08208354B2 |
Optical disc apparatus, driving method of optical disc apparatus
An optical disc apparatus, for executing recording or reproducing on an optical disc having at least two recording/reproducing layers, includes an optical pickup, having a sphere aberration compensating portion, an objective lens, a driver portion, and an obtaining portion. The sphere aberration compensating portion sets up a compensation volume corresponding to an intermediate position laying between a deepest layer and a most front layer from the optical pickup, and the driver portion drives the objective lens in a direction approaching to the optical disc in accordance with the set compensation volume. When the sphere aberration compensating portion sets up the compensation volume corresponding to the deepest layer, and when the objective lens is driven in a direction approaching the optical disc, the driver portion drives the objective lens in a direction of separating from the optical disc. |
| US08208350B1 |
Energy assisted magnetic recording head having a near field transducer with reduced thermal protrusion
An energy assisted magnetic recording head comprises a slider having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an air bearing surface (ABS), and a near field transducer (NFT) disposed in the slider and having a distal end proximate the ABS. The distal end is recessed from the ABS when no optical power is applied to the NFT, and is co-planar with the ABS when a predetermined amount of optical power is applied to the NFT. A portion of the slider surrounding the distal end forms a concave surface having a continuously varying slope when no optical power is applied to the NFT, and a flat surface coplanar with the ABS and the distal end when the predetermined amount of optical power is applied to the NFT. Applying optical power comprises coupling light into a waveguide formed in the head and directing the coupled light to the NFT via the waveguide. |
| US08208348B2 |
Hand position detecting device
When detecting a rotational position of a seconds hand, it is determined whether data stored in a register in correspondence with a supply state of a drive current previously supplied to a coil of a stepping motor is “0”. When the data is “0”, the rotational position of the seconds hand is optically detected. When the data is “1”, the seconds hand is rotated one step, and then, the rotational position of the seconds hand is optically detected. Even though the seconds hand is shifted one second, the position detection is executed every two steps. |
| US08208347B2 |
Geophone having improved damping control
A geophone in which a coil bobbin assembly ideally includes a provision for receiving a third coil winding between the upper and lower coils. A third mass-tuning coil is wound around the bobbin whose purpose is to adjust the overall mass of the bobbin assembly with greater accuracy and precision than can be achieved by machining techniques alone. Mass is adjusted by adding or subtracting one or more turns of wire in the tuning coil. The tuning coil is preferably electrically shorted for increasing geophone damping. |
| US08208344B2 |
Method, apparatus or software for determining the location of an acoustic emission emitter in a structure
A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which the location of the origin of a received acoustic emission in a structure is calculated by triangulating the times of flight of the acoustic emission to a distributed set of sensors and using a predetermined acoustic model of the structure. |
| US08208343B2 |
Acoustic ranging by application of linear period modulated sound
A method and apparatus is provided for acoustic ranging by application of linear period modulated sound. In one aspect of the instant invention, an apparatus is provided for acoustic ranging by application of linear period modulated sound. The apparatus includes at least one source adapted to generate at least one modulated Doppler invariant signal and at least one receiver deployed along a seismic sensing cable, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive at least one modulated Doppler invariant signal from the at least one source. The apparatus further includes a signal processing unit adapted to determine the propagation time delay between the source and the receiver using the modulated Doppler invariant signal and the received Doppler invariant signal. |
| US08208336B2 |
Fuse circuit and semiconductor device having the same
A fuse circuit includes a fuse unit configured to drive an output terminal via a current path including a fuse in response to a fuse enable signal; and a comparison unit configured to be activated in response to an activation signal for comparing a reference voltage having a predetermined level with a voltage level of the output terminal to generate a fuse state signal. |
| US08208335B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and system including the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a cell array unit having a plurality of banks each having a plurality of blocks, and a refresh controller configured to set at least one of the blocks as a test block, perform a refresh operation on the blocks except for the test block in a self-refresh operation period, determine a refresh period of the test block, and then set another one of the blocks as the test block. |
| US08208334B2 |
Systems, memories, and methods for refreshing memory arrays
Memories, systems, and methods for refreshing are provided, such as a memory with an array of memory cells divided into sections. Memories include replacement elements having a digit line, and detecting circuitry coupled to a digit line of at least one section of the memory cell array and coupled to the digit line of the replacement element. Memories include control logic configured to selectively refresh the replacement element at an occurrence when a non-neighboring section of the memory cell array relative to the replacement element is refreshed. Other memories, systems, and methods are provided. |
| US08208332B2 |
Temperature compensation circuit and method for sensing memory
A compensation circuit includes a comparator and an emulation circuit. The comparator has a first terminal, and a second terminal for receiving a reference voltage. The emulation circuit is coupled to the first terminal of the comparator. The emulation circuit responses to the temperature, so that the comparator outputs a read timing control signal at a first time spot, or outputs the read timing control signal at a second time spot, the first time spot is later than the second time spot. |
| US08208327B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and data read method thereof
A semiconductor memory device includes a first bitline pair equalized to a first voltage level by a first equalizer circuit, a second bitline pair equalized to a second voltage level by a second equalizer circuit, an isolation circuit disposed between the first bitline pair and the second bitline pair, the isolation unit configured to electrically connect or isolate the first bitline pair to or from the second bitline pair, and a sense amplifier electrically connected to the second bitline pair, the sense amplifier configured to sense a voltage difference of the second bitline pair, wherein the isolation circuit isolates one of the connections between the first bitline pair and the second bitline pair while the sense amplifier senses the voltage difference of the second bitline pair. |
| US08208322B2 |
Non-volatile memory control
Methods and apparatus for use in a memory system having a non-volatile memory and a controller for limiting the number of non-volatile memory arrays from a plurality of available arrays accessed at one time are useful in the control of concurrent access of memory arrays. One method includes implementing a pipelining sequence for transferring data to and from the non-volatile memory arrays and limiting the number of active arrays operating at one time. The controller is configured to wait for the at least one of the arrays to complete before initiating a transfer to and from a further array. |
| US08208321B2 |
Apparatus and method for data strobe and timing variation detection of an SDRAM interface
An apparatus for data strobe and timing variation detection of an SDRAM interface includes a differential-signal to single-end signal converter, a first phase delay circuit, a data latch circuit. The differential-signal to single-end signal converter receives a differential data strobe signal from the SDRAM interface and converts the signal into a single-end data strobe signal. The first phase delay circuit is connected to the differential-signal to single-end signal converter to delay the phase of the single-end data strobe signal for producing a delayed data strobe signal. The data latch circuit is connected to the phase delay circuit to latch synchronous data from the SDRAM interface according to the delayed single-end data strobe signal. |
| US08208318B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A system LSI (100) having a logic circuit (104) and a plurality of SRAM macros (103) includes a power supply circuit (102) configured to receive a voltage (VDDP) supplied from the outside of the system LSI (100), and to generate a stabilized voltage (VDDM) lower than the voltage (VDDP). An SRAM memory cell (103a) of each of the plurality of SRAM macros (103) is supplied with the voltage (VDDM) generated by the power supply circuit (102), and an SRAM logic circuit (103b) of each of the plurality of SRAM macros (103) is supplied with a voltage (VDD) supplied from the outside. In addition, the logic circuit (104) is supplied with the voltage (VDD) from the outside. |
| US08208314B2 |
Sequential access memory elements
Integrated circuits with sequential access memory cells are provided. A sequential access memory cell may include an inverter-like circuit, an inverter, a preset transistor, an access transistor, and a read circuit. The inverter-like circuit and the inverter are cross-coupled to form a bi-stable latch that is powered by a positive power supply line and that has first and second storage nodes. The preset transistor may be connected between the positive power supply line and the first storage node. The inverter-like circuit may include a transistor in its pull-down path. The preset transistor is enabled while the transistor is disabled to write a “1” at the first storage node. The access transistor may be used to write a “0” into the cell. The read circuit may be connected to the second storage node to read data from the cell without inducing a voltage rise at the second storage node. |
| US08208313B2 |
Static random access memory (SRAM) and test method of the SRAM having precharge circuit to precharge bit line
An SRAM includes a memory cell and a precharge circuit. The precharge circuit precharges a bit line pair with a power supply voltage before writing a data in the memory cell or before reading a data therefrom at a time of a normal mode, and which feeds a power supply voltage to at least a low level data-holding node of a node pair of the memory cell at a time of a read test mode, between time for writing a data in the memory cell and time for reading a data therefrom. |
| US08208311B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device adapted to store a multi-valued data in a single memory cell
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes an electrically data rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory cell and a write circuit for writing data in the memory cell, the write circuit writing a data in the memory cells by supplying a write voltage Vpgm and a write control voltage VBL to the memory cell, continuing the writing of the data in the memory cell by changing the value of the write control voltage VBL in response to an advent of a first write state of the memory cell and inhibiting any operation of writing a data to the memory cell by further changing the value of the write control voltage VBL to Vdd in response to an advent of a second write state of the memory cell. |
| US08208304B2 |
Storage at M bits/cell density in N bits/cell analog memory cell devices, M>N
A method for data storage includes accepting data for storage in a memory that includes multiple analog memory cells and supports a set of built-in programming commands. Each of the programming commands programs a respective page, selected from a group of N pages, in a subset of the memory cells. The subset of the memory cells is programmed to store M pages of the data, M>N, by performing a sequence of the programming commands drawn only from the set. |
| US08208297B2 |
Integrated circuits to control access to multiple layers of memory in a solid state drive
Circuits to control access to memory; for example, third dimension memory are disclosed. An integrated circuit (IC) may be configured to control access to memory cells. For example, the IC may include a memory having memory cells that are vertically disposed in multiple layers of memory. The IC may include a memory access circuit configured to control access to a first subset of the memory cells in response to access control data in a second subset of the memory cells. Each memory cell may include a non-volatile two-terminal memory element that stores data as a plurality of conductivity profiles that can be non-destructively sensed by applying a read voltage across the two terminals of the memory element. New data can be written by applying a write voltage across the two terminals of the memory element. The two-terminal memory elements can be arranged in a two-terminal cross-point array configuration. |
| US08208278B2 |
Couplings within memory devices
A memory device includes a first bit line coupled to a first source/drain region of a first multiplexer gate, a second bit line coupled to a first source/drain region of a second multiplexer gate, and a sensing device having an input coupled to a second source/drain region of the first multiplexer gate and a second source/drain region of the second multiplexer gate. The input of the sensing device is formed at a vertical level that is different than a vertical level at which at least one of the first and second bit lines is formed. |
| US08208277B2 |
Memory modules and memory devices having memory device stacks, and method of forming same
A memory module, system and method of forming the same includes a memory module including a plurality of memory devices having a first portion of memory devices cooperatively forming a first rank of memory devices and a second portion of memory devices cooperatively forming a second rank of memory devices. The first and second portions of memory devices are grouped into a plurality of memory device stacks, wherein each of the plurality of memory device stacks includes at least one of the plurality of memory devices coupled to a first portion of a plurality of DQ signals and at least another one of the plurality of memory devices coupled to a different second portion of the plurality of DQ signals. |
| US08208275B2 |
High-voltage modulator system
A high-power modulation system includes drive circuitry that receives input signals from the signal source via a series of transformers. The drive circuitry amplifies the input signals and provides the resulting amplified signals to the high-power switch. The switch includes a series of stacked switching elements, each with a control terminal, first and second current-handling terminals, and feedback path extending between the first current-handling terminal and the control terminal. The feedback paths work in concert to turn the switches on and off together to prevent excessive voltage from developing across one or a subset of the switching elements. The feedback path includes a resistor that dampens the bandwidth of the feedback path to reduce turn-off and turn-on ringing and oscillation. The damping resistor may be coupled in series with a diode that holds charge against the control terminal of the switching element. |
| US08208271B2 |
Printed board and image formation apparatus
A printed board having an input/output terminal that connects with a component in an image formation apparatus through a cable, and a control circuit that controls the component, the printed board which includes a conductive pattern on which a capacitor that suppresses an emission of an electromagnetic wave from the cable is mounted between a grounding surface and a signal line from the input/output terminal, the conductive pattern being formed in the vicinity of the input/output terminal. |
| US08208269B2 |
Composite structure of electronic component and supporting member
A composite structure includes an electronic component and a supporting member. The electronic component includes a main body and a plurality of pins extended outwardly from the main body. The supporting member includes a first supporting part and a second supporting part. The first supporting part is foldable with respect to the second supporting part. The main body of the electronic component is accommodated within the first supporting part of the supporting member. The pins are accommodated with the second supporting part of the supporting member. The first supporting part is folded with respect to the second supporting part such that the pins are bent to define a bent structure. |
| US08208267B2 |
Printed wiring board with a built-in resistive element
A printed wiring board with a built-in resistive element comprising a first electrode formed on the surface of an insulating member, a second electrode provided adjacent to the first electrode to form a space therebetween, a resistor-filling part formed by the space between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a resistive element comprising a resistive material provided in the resistor-filling part wherein the resistor-filling part is substantially enclosed by the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08208266B2 |
Shaped integrated passives
Shaped integrated passive devices and corresponding methodologies relate to construction and mounting of shaped passive devices on substrates so as to provide both mechanical and electrical connection. Certain components and component assemblies are associated with the implementation of surface mountable devices. Specially shaped integrated passive device are capable of providing simplified mounting on and simultaneous connection to selected electrical pathways on a printed circuit board or other mounting substrate. Shaped, plated side filter devices have plated sides which provide both mounting and grounding/power coupling functions. Thin film filters may be constructed on silicon wafers, which are then diced from the top surface with an angular dicing saw to produce a shaped groove in the top surface. The groove may be v-shaped or other shape, and is then plated with a conductive material. Individual pieces are separated by grinding the back surface of the wafer down to where the grooves are intercepted. The plated grooves serve as ground or power connection points for the filter circuit. The metallized slopes of the plated grooves are used in securing the individual pieces to a mounting surface, by soldering or using conductive epoxy. |
| US08208264B2 |
Control device having a position sensor
An electronic control device is described for controlling an automatic transmission, having a control circuit an integrated plug connector and an integrated position sensor in a housing, the position sensor including a stator and a rotor. In order to improve the production quality of the position sensor, the stator of the position sensor is enclosed by the material of the housing in a stationary manner. |
| US08208262B2 |
Window base material, card with embedded module, and manufacturing method of card with embedded module
The window base material of the present invention is provided with an intermediate layer having a window section composed of transparent resin and a colored section composed of colored resin surrounding the window section, and a transparent first base material and second base material which sandwich the intermediate layer. The card with embedded module of the present invention is provided with a module having a display element, an adhesive layer covering the module, and a paired third base material and fourth base material which sandwich the module with interposition of the adhesive layer, wherein the third base material is composed of the window base material, and the display section of the display element is disposed so as to face the window section of the window base material. According to the present invention, a card with embedded module is offered, which incorporates a display element as an electronic component, which renders the display section of this display element visible from the outside, and which is easy to manufacture. |
| US08208261B2 |
Electronic device with power supply
An electronic device includes a chassis, a power supply, and a bracket. The power supply is capable of supplying power to electronic elements secured in the chassis. A resiliently deformable latch piece is located on the power supply. A tab is located on the latch piece. The bracket is secured in the chassis and defines a slit. The slit receives the tab of the power supply so as to secure the power supply in the bracket, and the latch piece is resiliently deformable to disengage the tab from the slit to remove the power supply from the bracket. |
| US08208253B1 |
Modular chassis arrangement with separately cooled logic and logic power modules
A modular packet network device has a chassis in which multiple logic cards mate to the front side of an electrical signaling backplane. Logic power for the logic cards is supplied from a group of power converter cards that convert primary power to the logic voltages required by the logic cards. The power converter cards lie in a separate cooling path behind the backplane. Advantages achieved in at least some of the embodiments include removing primary power planes from the signaling backplane or portion of the backplane, providing redundant, upgradeable power modules whose individual failure does not cause logic card failure, and providing cool air to power converter circuits that would be subject to only heated air if located on the logic cards. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08208251B2 |
Electronic device and heat dissipation apparatus of the same
A heat dissipation apparatus is arranged in a housing of an electronic device. The electronic device includes a motherboard mounted in the housing. The heat dissipation apparatus includes a heat dissipation block mounted to an electronic element of the motherboard, a heat sink, a number of pipes connecting the heat sink to the heat dissipation block, and a plate plugged in a socket of the motherboard. The heat sink is mounted to the plate. |
| US08208250B2 |
External thermal solution for a mobile computing device
A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment method includes causing a cooling medium to flow through a hollow cable. The cable couples an external cooling station to a heat exchanging unit. The heat exchanging unit is located within a mobile computing device. The method then transfers heat from within the mobile computing device to the cooling medium at the heat exchanging unit. Then the cooling medium contained the transferred heat is expelled out of the mobile computing device. |
| US08208240B2 |
Laminated ceramic capacitor
A crystal constituting a dielectric porcelain, comprised of a first crystal group composed of crystal grains of 0.2 atomic % or less calcium concentration and a second crystal group composed of crystal grains of 0.4 atomic % or more calcium concentration, wherein the ratio of concentration of each of magnesium and a first rare earth element contained in a center portion to that contained in a surface layer portion of crystal grains constituting the first crystal group is greater than the corresponding concentration ratio of crystal grains constituting the second crystal group, and wherein on a polished surface resulting from polishing of the surface of the dielectric porcelain, when the area of crystal grains of the first crystal group is referred to as a and the area of crystal grains of the second crystal group referred to as b, the ratio of b/(a+b) is in the range of 0.5 to 0.8. |
| US08208239B2 |
Contact method to allow benign failure in ceramic capacitor having self-clearing feature
A capacitor exhibiting a benign failure mode has a first electrode layer, a first ceramic dielectric layer deposited on a surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode layer disposed on the ceramic dielectric layer, wherein selected areas of the ceramic dielectric layer have additional dielectric material of sufficient thickness to exhibit a higher dielectric breakdown voltage than the remaining majority of the dielectric layer. The added thickness of the dielectric layer in selected areas allows lead connections to be made at the selected areas of greater dielectric thickness while substantially eliminating a risk of dielectric breakdown and failure at the lead connections, whereby the benign failure mode is preserved. |
| US08208236B2 |
Power converter and method thereof
A power converter includes a transformer, a switch element, a control circuit, an over-current detecting circuit, and a compensation signal generating circuit. The transformer includes a primary winding and at least an auxiliary winding. The control circuit is coupled to the switch element, and controls on/off status of the switch element to control a primary current flowing through the primary winding. The over-current detecting circuit compares the primary current with a current limit, and then controls the control circuit to turn off the switch element if the primary current is greater than the current limit. The compensation signal generating circuit is coupled between the auxiliary winding and over-current detecting circuit, and provides an adjustment value to calibrate the current limit according to an output of the auxiliary winding; wherein the adjustment value varies with time when the switch element is turned on. |
| US08208231B2 |
Tunneling magnetic sensing element with insertion magnetic layer inspired into soft magnetic layer
A tunneling magnetic sensing element includes a laminate in which a pinned magnetic layer having a magnetization direction pinned, an insulating barrier layer, and a free magnetic layer having a magnetization direction variable with an external magnetic field are laminated in order from below. The insulating barrier layer is made of Mg—O. The free magnetic layer has a soft magnetic layer and an enhanced layer disposed between the soft magnetic layer and the insulating barrier layer to have a spin polarization ratio higher than the soft magnetic layer. An insertion magnetic layer made of one selected from Co—Fe—B, Co—B, Fe—B, and Co—Fe is inserted into the soft magnetic layer in a direction parallel to the interface of each layer constituting the laminate, and the soft magnetic layer is divided into multiple layers in a thickness direction through the insertion magnetic layer. |
| US08208229B2 |
Magneto-resistance effect element
A magneto-resistance effect element, comprising a first magnetic layer, a first metallic layer, which is formed on said first magnetic layer, mainly containing an element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Au, Ag, a current confined layer including an insulating layer and a current path which are made by oxidizing, nitriding or oxynitriding for a second metallic layer, mainly containing Al, formed on said first metallic layer, a functional layer, which is formed on said current confined layer, mainly containing an element selected from the group consisting of Si, Hf, Ti, Mo, W, Nb, Mg, Cr and Zr, a third metallic layer, which is formed on said functional layer, mainly containing an element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Au, Ag; and a second magnetic layer which is formed on said third metallic layer. |
| US08208226B2 |
Suspension substrate, suspension, head suspension and hard disk drive
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a suspension substrate having reduced strain. The present invention solves the problem by providing a suspension substrate comprising: a fundamental structure in which a metal substrate, a first insulation layer, and a wiring are laminated in this order; a wide wiring laminate structure provided with a wide wiring first insulation part of the first insulation layer, a first wide wiring formed on the wide wiring first insulation part, a second insulation part formed on the first wide wiring, and a second wide wiring formed on the second insulation part; and a narrow wiring-containing structure provided with a narrow wiring first insulation part of the first insulation layer and a first narrow wiring formed on the narrow wiring first insulation part, wherein the narrow wiring-containing structure is provided with a strain-limiting part formed to limit strain generated in relation to the wide wiring laminate structure. |
| US08208224B1 |
Suspension assemblies for minimizing stress on slider solder joints
Suspension assemblies for minimizing stress on slider solder joints in a disk drive are described. One such suspension assembly includes a flexure including a gimbal area having a leading end and a trailing end, a metal support layer including a flexure tongue, a flexure tip disposed at the trailing end and including first and second isolation arms extending from the flexure tongue, and a bond pad support including a support arm extending from the flexure tongue, and a load beam including an elongated flat surface having a protrusion extending therefrom and having a cut-out section, where the leading end of the flexure gimbal area is attached along the flat surface, where the flexure is configured to retain contact with the protrusion, and where the cut-out section is configured to receive a portion of the bond pad support when the flexure rotates about a long axis of the suspension assembly. |
| US08208222B2 |
Slider body with selective hard component removal
A slider is formed of a two-phase material having a first component and a second component that is harder than the first component. A media-facing surface is formed on two-phase material, with a leading edge extending transversely from the media-facing surface. The second component is selectively removed from the two-phase material in a contact region located along at least one of the leading edge and the media-facing surface, such that a hardness of the slider is reduced in the contact region. |
| US08208217B2 |
Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproducing system
A magnetic recording medium includes a tape-shaped nonmagnetic support, and a vertical magnetic layer formed on a main surface of the nonmagnetic support by a vacuum thin-film forming technique, signals being recorded on and reproduced from the vertical magnetic layer in a linear system. In the magnetic recording medium, the dipulse ratio of the vertical recording layer is 0.36 or more. |
| US08208213B2 |
Systems and methods for hybrid algorithm gain adaptation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide data processing circuits that include a variable gain amplifier, a gain circuit, and hybrid gain feedback combination circuit. The variable gain amplifier is operable to apply a gain to a data input corresponding to a gain feedback value and providing an amplified output. The gain circuit is operable to calculate a first algorithm error component and a second algorithm error component based at least in part on the amplified output. The hybrid gain feedback combination circuit is operable combine the first algorithm error component and the second algorithm error component to yield the gain feedback value when the data input includes a synchronization pattern. |
| US08208212B2 |
Method of magnetic transfer and a magnetic recording medium
A method of magnetic transfer, including placing a first medium in contact with a second medium, pressing the first and second media together to form an adhered body, applying a magnetic field to the adhered body, and moving the magnetic field relatively to the adhered body, so as to transfer information from the first medium to the second medium. Then the monitoring of the adhered body is performed to detect existence of an air bubble between the first and second media. |
| US08208211B2 |
Magnetic transfer device and magnetic transfer method
A magnetic transfer device and method are provided. A magnetic field generating structure comprises a pair of permanent magnets connected to a return yoke. Respective magnetic poles of the magnets, of a different polarity from one another, oppose each other with a conjoined body disposed therebetween. The magnetic field generating structure is moved from a position at an outer periphery of the conjoined body, to a position at an inner periphery of the conjoined body, and then moved from the position at the inner periphery across the conjoined body toward the outer periphery, to a position outside of the conjoined body. The return yoke is positioned at a radially more outward position, toward the outer periphery, than are the permanent magnets. The movement of the magnetic field generating structure is carried out while maintaining a constant distance from the rotating conjoined body. |
| US08208209B2 |
Lens arrangement and lens module using same
A lens arrangement includes two lenses. Each lens includes an optical portion having an optical axis, a non-optical portion surrounding the optical portion, and an engagement portion extending along and inclining relative to the optical axis from the non-optical portion. The engagement portions of the lenses are engaged with each other and an included angle is defined between the engagement portions. One of the lenses includes an elastic element which can be flexibly deformed relative to the other lens. |
| US08208207B2 |
Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system includes a negative first lens group, a positive second and third lens groups, wherein distances between the lens groups change during zooming from the short to long focal length extremities. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 0.20 |
| US08208204B2 |
Multi-layer screen composites
The invention relates to multi-layer composites for use as a screen, having at least three layers, with an inner diffusing layer and at least one substrate layer on either side. The diffusing layer contains small particles having a narrow particle size distribution that are refractive-index mismatched with the polymer matrix. The multi-layer acrylic composition is useful as a projection screen. |
| US08208203B1 |
System and method for a coelostat with large field of regard optics
An optical imaging system includes a non-gimbaled telescope attached to a platform configured for outer-space orbit. Attached to the platform is a coelostat that is positioned in front of the aperture of the telescope. The coelostat includes two connected mirrors. Mirror one receives light from a scene of interest and mirror two receives light from the first mirror and transfers that light to the aperture of the telescope. The coelostat rotates 360 degrees around the azimuth axis. Additionally, mirror one rotates around the elevational axis to provide the entire system with a large field of regard. |
| US08208200B2 |
Imaging optical system
The disclosure generally relates to imaging optical systems that include a plurality of mirrors, which image an object field lying in an object plane in an image field lying in an image plane, where at least one of the mirrors has a through-hole for imaging light to pass through. The disclosure also generally relates to projection exposure installations that include such imaging optical systems, methods of using such projection exposure installations, and components made by such methods. |
| US08208198B2 |
Catadioptric projection objective
A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object plane of the projection objective onto an image plane of the projection objective has a first, refractive objective part for imaging the pattern provided in the object plane into a first intermediate image; a second objective part including at least one concave mirror for imaging the first intermediate imaging into a second intermediate image; and a third, refractive objective part for imaging the second intermediate imaging onto the image plane; wherein the projection objective has a maximum lens diameter Dmax, a maximum image field height Y′, and an image side numerical aperture NA; wherein COMP1=Dmax/(Y′·NA2) and wherein the condition COMP1<10 holds. |
| US08208197B2 |
Optical film, and polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device using the optical film
An optical film includes a filmy support that includes a polymer having all alicyclic structure; an ultraviolet absorbing layer; and a hardcoat layer, wherein the ultraviolet absorbing layer has a beam transmittance of 5% or less in a wavelength region of 200 to 340 nm and includes at least one ultraviolet absorbent selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide fine particle and a polymer particle. |
| US08208187B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a plurality of converging lenses and a plurality of supporting members. Each supporting member supports a corresponding one of the converging lenses. Moreover, the converging lenses are arranged so as to be out of alignment with one another in a main-scanning direction and are arranged in a row in a sub-scanning direction in such a manner that no converging lens interferes with supporting members that support other converging lenses. |
| US08208185B2 |
Method and apparatus for the production of polarization holograms
The present invention relates to a method for the production of polarization holograms, an apparatus for the production of polarization holograms and the use of the polarization holograms according to the invention as data stores, security features or diffractive optical elements for performing conventional optical functions. |
| US08208184B2 |
Holographic storage system with improved data page quality
A holographic storage system having an improved data page quality is described. The holographic storage system includes a special optical filter or a special light source for emphasizing the high frequency components of a reference beam and/or an object beam. This is achieved by an optical filter arranged in a Fourier plane, which has a higher attenuation at the center than at the edge. Alternatively, an adapted light source for generating the reference beam and/or the object beam is arranged in a Fourier plane. The light beam emitted by the light source has a higher intensity close to the edge than at the center. |
| US08208183B2 |
Detecting image quality defects by measuring images printed on image bearing surfaces of printing devices
Systems and methods for implementing use of customer documents in maintaining image quality or image quality consistency of printing devices are provided. The system may include a marking engine constructed to print images on an image bearing surface of the print device; one or more color measuring devices for measured toner images formed on the image bearing surface corresponding to the one or more relevant pages, and an image analyzer configured to generate reference images and to compare measured image data with the reference images. The image analyzer may also be configured to analyze input image data for a document and to identify one or more relevant pages of the document that may provide information regarding the state of the printing system to generated reference image data. Comparisons between the color separations of the reference image data and measured image data images may be realized for determining defects. |
| US08208174B2 |
Reduction of pitch errors between points of a print image
In a method and printing device, a deviation from a predetermined desired pitch that occurs between at least two points of at least one print image in a print direction is reduced. In a printing step, the at least one print image is generated on a substrate with at least one print head of the printing device with a relative movement between the at least print head and the substrate. In a determination step preceding the printing step, an initial deviation from a desired pitch between the two points is determined first and correction information to reduce the deviation is determined from the determined initial deviation. In the printing step, control signals for the at least one print head are generated depending on the correction information to generate the at least one print image. A variable delay of at least one of the control signals is predetermined by the correction information. |
| US08208172B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a resolution conversion unit that integrates n pixels that are contiguous in the sub-scanning direction, and that determines an average value of pixel values of the n pixels as a pixel value of integrated pixels, a quantization unit that quantizes the pixel value of the integrated pixels to N levels, an image analysis unit that performs first determination processing for determining whether the difference between the pixel values of the n input pixels exceeds a threshold value set in advance, and second determination processing for determining whether a direction in which the pixel values of the n input pixels becomes greater is a forward direction of the sub-scanning direction or an opposite direction, and a pixel selection unit that determines n output pixels, based on the results, from a quantization result of the integrated pixels. |
| US08208170B2 |
System and method for printing target colors with process colors utilizing parallel feedforward neural networks
A system and method for printing target colors includes a print-engine interface and a neural network component. The print-engine interface is in operative communication with a print engine of a printing system. The neural network component is calibrated to the print engine for printing a target color on a substrate. The neural network is in operative communication with the print-engine interface and communicates a parameter associated with printing the target color on the substrate utilizing the print engine. |
| US08208168B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting size of object included in printing target to be printed at predetermined reduction ratio
A method and apparatus for adjusting the size of an object included in a printing target to be printed according to a reduction ratio, the method including: calculating at least one of a width and height of the object; and when the calculated width or height of the object is 0, the object width or the object height is changed to a predetermined value, and the changed value is set. By doing so, when the printing target to be printed according to the reduction ratio is printed, a phenomenon in which the object does not appear on a print medium is prevented. |
| US08208161B2 |
Photo printing device
A photo printing device includes a microprocessor, operable to receive photo printing data, a printer, configured to print photographs from the photo printing data, an order sorter, having a plurality of moveable bins for receiving prints from the printer, and means for conveying information to a user related to operation of the order sorter. |
| US08208159B2 |
Controllling a document processing workflow
In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving an application identifier value associated with a printed application; receiving a media size; receiving a machine identifier value associated with a first document processing machine; determining programming instructions for a second document processing machine based on said received application identifier value, media size, and machine identifier value. |
| US08208156B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method
An image processing apparatus is configured to receive a processing flow, which is to be performed by the image processing apparatus, that includes processing for storing data in a storage unit to which an access control has been set, and instructs the processing according to the received processing flow. The image processing apparatus, in performing the processing based on the processing flow, is configured to perform the processing for storing data in the storage unit when the storage unit is under the access control, and to notify a user that the storage unit is not under the access control when the storage unit is not under the access control. |
| US08208155B2 |
Network apparatus, method for performing setting via network apparatus, program, and storage medium
A network apparatus configured to perform data communication using an address includes a value input unit configured to input a value describing at least one part of the address, a first mark input unit configured to input a mark for separating a plurality of values describing the address in a plurality of parts, and a second mark input unit configured to continuously input a plurality of marks. |