| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08281138B2 |
Steganalysis of suspect media
Techniques described herein are generally related to steganalysis of suspect media. Steganalysis techniques may include receiving instances of suspect media as input for steganalytic processing. A first set of quantized blocks of data elements may be identified within the media, with this first set of blocks being eligible to be embedded with steganographic data. A second set of quantized blocks of data elements may be identified within the media, with this second set of blocks being ineligible to be embedded with steganographic data. The steganalysis techniques may requantize the first and second blocks. In turn, these techniques may compare statistics resulting from requantizing the first block with statistics resulting from requantizing the second block. The steganalysis techniques may then assess whether the first block of data elements is embedded with steganographic features based on how the statistics of the second blocks compare with the statistics of the first blocks. |
| US08281136B2 |
Techniques for key distribution for use in encrypted communications
Techniques for key distribution used with encrypted communications are provided. A shared secret associated with a principal is maintained securely and separately from the principal. If a principal is authenticated, then the shared secret is acquired from secure data store and used to encrypt a session key. An encrypted authentication token is also generated. The session key is used by the principal to encrypt communications with services and the authentication token vouches for an identity of the principal. |
| US08281135B2 |
Enforcing use of chipset key management services for encrypted storage devices
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for controlling access to data stored on a plurality of storage devices associated with a first platform. The method includes authenticating a user to access the first platform, wherein the first platform includes first and second storage devices, chipset encryption hardware, and a memory. Data stored on the storage devices are encrypted, with first data on the first storage device being encrypted by the chipset encryption hardware and second data stored on the second storage device being encrypted by another encryption mechanism. The data are decrypted and the user is allowed to access the first data and the second data. |
| US08281134B2 |
Methods and apparatus for layer 2 and layer 3 security between wireless termination points
A method is provided for both layer 2 (L2) and layer 3 (L3) security in the context, for example, of a WISP-e protocol. An AES algorithm in CBC mode is used for encryption and decryption of the control frames. The session keys (e.g., 128-bit session keys) are derived from a pre-shared secret configured on both communicating wireless termination points. |
| US08281132B2 |
Method and apparatus for security over multiple interfaces
A secure digital system including a number of ICs that exchange data among each other. Each of the ICs includes a key generator for generating a cipher key; a memory for securely storing the generated cipher key; an authenticating module for authenticating neighboring ICs of a respective IC; an encryption module for encrypting data communicated from the respective IC to the neighboring ICs; and a decryption module for decrypting data received from the neighboring ICs. |
| US08281120B2 |
Sending signed e-mail messages from a device
Sending signed e-mail messages. An output data stream is created for streaming a signed e-mail message, and streamed attachment data is read. In response to receiving a portion of the read streamed attachment data, the received portion of the attachment data is digested to generate a digest value, and the received portion of the attachment data is sent to a mail server via the output data stream. The received portion of the attachment data is smaller than the size of the attachment data. The digest value is updated as additional portions of the streamed attachment data are received and digested. In response to sending all attachment data to the mail server, a signer generates the signature data by signing the digest value using a signer's private key, and the generated signature data is sent to the mail server via the output stream. |
| US08281111B2 |
System and method to execute a linear feedback-shift instruction
A system and method to execute a linear feedback-shift instruction is disclosed. In a particular embodiment the method includes executing an instruction at a processor by receiving source data and executing a bitwise logical operation on the source data and on reference data to generate intermediate data. The method further includes determining a parity value of the intermediate data, shifting the source data, and entering the parity value of the intermediate data into a data field of the shifted source data to produce resultant data. |
| US08281110B2 |
Out-of-order microprocessor with separate branch information circular queue table tagged by branch instructions in reorder buffer to reduce unnecessary space in buffer
An out-of-order execution in-order retire microprocessor includes a branch information table comprising N entries. Each of the N entries stores information associated with a branch instruction. The microprocessor also includes a reorder buffer comprising M entries. Each of the M entries stores information associated with an unretired instruction within the microprocessor. Each of the M entries includes a field that indicates whether the unretired instruction is a branch instruction and, if so, a tag identifying one of the N entries in the branch information table storing information associated with the branch instruction. N is significantly less than M such that the overall die space and power consumption is reduced over a processor in which each reorder buffer entry stores the branch information. |
| US08281106B2 |
Specifying an addressing relationship in an operand data structure
A processor includes at least one execution unit that executes instructions, at least one register file, coupled to the at least one execution unit, that buffers operands for access by the at least one execution unit, and an instruction sequencing unit that fetches instructions for execution by the execution unit. The processor further includes an operand data structure and an address generation accelerator. The operand data structure specifies a first relationship between addresses of sequential accesses within a first address region and a second relationship between addresses of sequential accesses within a second address region. The address generation accelerator computes a first address of a first memory access in the first address region by reference to the first relationship and a second address of a second memory access in the second address region by reference to the second relationship. |
| US08281105B2 |
I/O conversion method and apparatus for storage system
A storage system comprises a storage apparatus which includes a processor, storage disks, and a memory storing a page mapping table, a page mapping program, and a page-filename mapping program. A file system manages a file tree of files with filenames. The page mapping table specifies a relationship between data volumes in the storage apparatus and the storage disks and the file system, the data volumes each including pages, each page including segments, each segment including sectors. The file tree has for each storage apparatus a hierarchy of directories and files based on relationships among the data volumes, the pages, and the segments. The page mapping program and the page-filename mapping program are executable by the processor to specify, by page, a location of data contained in the I/O request by referring to the page mapping table and the file tree. |
| US08281099B2 |
Backup of deduplicated data
Computer program product to back up deduplicated data to data storage media, the deduplicated data comprising a plurality of data blocks referenced for deduplication. In one embodiment, the existence of multiple references to each of the data blocks is determined; and at least two copies of at least each data block having multiple references thereto is stored, each to a separate data storage media. In another embodiment, the references to each of the data blocks is determined; the total of multiple references is compared to a percentage threshold; and multiple copies are stored for all the data blocks where the percentage threshold is exceeded. |
| US08281097B2 |
Control unit for storage device and method for controlling storage device
A storage device includes storage units, a management section that manages a logically defined storage area as a real logical volume by associating the storage area with a physical storage area created using the storage units in advance and manages the logically defined storage area as a virtual logical volume by associating the storage area with a physical storage area when data is added, a determination section that determines whether the activity ratio of the virtual logical volume exceeds a threshold and whether the physical storage area associated with a storage area of the virtual logical volume is managed by another control unit, and a migration section that migrates data stored in the virtual logical volume to a real logical volume when the activity ratio exceeds the threshold and the physical storage area associated with the storage area of the virtual logical volume managed by another control unit. |
| US08281096B1 |
Systems and methods for creating snapshots
A computer-implemented method for creating snapshots may include identifying a request to take a snapshot of a primary volume of data. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying a write-once block device configured to receive data for the snapshot. The computer-implemented method may further include identifying an attempt to write to a block of the primary device. The computer-implemented method may additionally include copying the block to the write-once block device before allowing the write attempt to write to the block of the primary volume. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08281093B1 |
Systems and methods for creating consolidated backups of snapshot hierarchies
A computer-implemented method for creating consolidated backups of snapshot hierarchies may include identifying a hierarchy of snapshots. The computer-implemented method may also include copying data in a root snapshot of the hierarchy to a backup. The computer-implemented method may further include, for each child snapshot in the hierarchy, copying valid data in the child snapshot to the backup. The computer-implemented method may additionally include copying information that identifies a parent of the child snapshot to the backup. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08281092B2 |
Memory-mirroring control apparatus and memory-mirroring control method
When an update instruction for updating task data stored in a memory is transmitted through a transaction process performed by an application server, an active node apparatus generates, based on the update instruction, an update log indicating update contents of the task data stored in the memory, and then distributes, in a multicast manner, the generated update log to other standby node apparatuses each with a memory. With this, mirroring among the plurality of memories is controlled. |
| US08281087B2 |
Method, system, and program implementing retention policies to archive records
Provided are a method, system, and program for receiving a request to remove a record. A determination is made as to whether a state associated with the record includes at least one hold state and whether the state associated with the record includes at least a retention period that has not expired. The request to remove the record is denied in response to determining that the state associated with the record includes at least one of at least one hold state and one retention period that has not expired. |
| US08281080B2 |
Method and apparatus for modifying an information unit using an atomic operation
A system and method for modifying an information unit, the method includes the following stages: (i) receiving, over a first bus, a request to initiate a snooping type atomic operation associated with at least one information unit located at a first address of a memory module; (ii) providing the information unit over the first bus; (iii) attempting to complete the snooping type atomic operation of an updated information unit; and (iv) defining the atomic operation as a failed atomic operation if during at least one stage of receiving, providing and attempting, the first address was locked as a result of a locking type atomic operation. |
| US08281074B2 |
Interface device for memory in a stack, storage devices and a processor
Memory requests for information from a processor are received in an interface device, and the interface device is coupled to a stack including two or more memory devices. The interface device is operated to select a memory device from a number of memory devices including the stack, and to retrieve some or all of the information from the selected memory device for the processor. Additional apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US08281073B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method of controlling same
Disclosed is an information processing apparatus equipped with first and second CPUs, as well as a method of controlling this apparatus. When the first CPU launches an operating system for managing a virtual memory area that includes a first cache area for a device, the first CPU generates specification data, which indicates the corresponding relationship between the first cache and a second cache for the device and provided in a main memory, and transfers the specification data to the second CPU. In accordance with the specification data, the second CPU transfers data, which has been stored in the device, to a physical memory corresponding to a cache to which the first CPU refers. As a result, the first CPU accesses the first cache area is thereby capable of accessing the device at high speed. |
| US08281072B2 |
Data processing system, controller, and method thereof for searching for specific memory area
A data processing system, a controller, and a method for searching for a specific logical block are provided. Logical blocks are searched out from a peripheral unit, where data of the searched logical blocks are not yet stored in a cache memory of a master control unit. During searching for the logical blocks, a plurality of read commands are executed. The read commands are set to read data of a plurality of separated logical blocks of the peripheral unit respectively. |
| US08281068B2 |
Configuration optimization method for a storage system
This invention provides, when optimizing a configuration of a storage system using a pool, an optimal configuration while ensuring a policy set by an administrator, the policy concerning a power saving performance, a response performance, or the like. The management computer sets, according to the set policy, priorities to volumes held by a storage subsystem, and reserves volumes satisfying the capacity of the pool, in descending order of the priority. Only some of the reserved volumes are registered for the pool in descending order of the priority. At this time, it can be guaranteed that a host computer makes no access to the volumes which have not been registered for the pool, and therefore the sleep state is set to physical drives forming the volumes or to a controller controlling the physical drives. |
| US08281066B1 |
System and method for real-time deduplication utilizing an electronic storage medium
The present invention provides a system and method for eliminating duplicate data (de-duplication) in substantially real time using an electronic storage medium. |
| US08281060B2 |
Virtual heterogeneous channel for message passing
A technique includes using a virtual channel between a first process and a second process to communicate messages between the processes. Each message contains protocol data and user data. All of the protocol data is communicated over a first channel associated with the virtual channel, and the user data is selectively communicated over at least one other channel associated with the virtual channel. |
| US08281056B2 |
System and method of processing data on a peripheral device configured to communicate with a host computing system over a peripheral BUS
A system and method for processing data on a peripheral device that is operatively coupled to a host computing system via a peripheral bus. The compression of input data transmitted to the peripheral device and/or the size of the storage provided on the peripheral device may enhance the efficiency of the processing of the data on the peripheral device by obviating a bottleneck caused by the relatively slow transfer of data between the host computing system and the peripheral device. |
| US08281051B2 |
Method and device for determining time in a bus system and corresponding bus system
A method and device for time determination in a bus system and a bus system having at least two users which are connected via a communication link are provided, where at least one user stores a specifiable base time in at least one memory, in particular a register, when an event occurs on the communication link whose moment of occurrence is to be determined. |
| US08281050B2 |
Method and apparatus of storage array with frame forwarding capability
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of storage array with frame forwarding capability to reduce the complexity of an IT platform system having a large number of hardware devices. In one embodiment, a storage system comprises one or more storage devices; a storage controller having a storage controller processor and a storage controller memory and being coupled with the one or more storage devices; an interface controller receiving an input/output command directly from a host computer; and an internal bus. The interface controller and the storage controller are coupled by the internal bus. In another embodiment, a storage system comprises one or more storage devices; a storage controller having a processor and a memory and being coupled with the one or more storage devices; and a network interface controller which provides virtual Ethernet bridging. |
| US08281047B2 |
Electronic device and control signal sending method in electronic device
[Object] To make it possible to control a CEC-non-compliant device connected to a television receiver by using a remote control sender of the television receiver.[Solving Means] The fact that a physical address [2000] is a device (Recording Device) that a photo player 370B controls in place of the physical address [2000] is set by a user in the photo player 370B. In accordance with this setting, the photo player 370B decides a logical address {1} as a CEC-controlled Recording Device. When the user operates a disc recorder 210B that is a CEC-non-compliant device by using a remote control sender 277, a television receiver 250B generates a CEC control command addressed to the disc recorder 210B. The photo player 370B detects the CEC control command, converts the CEC control command into an infrared remote control command, and sends the infrared remote control command from an infrared sending unit 384 to the disc recorder 210B. |
| US08281045B2 |
Device control device, device control method, and computer program
A device control device includes a transmission signal receiving/outputting unit configured to receive/output a signal containing a control signal for controlling an internal status from/to another device, the other device being connected to the transmission signal receiving/outputting unit, an application obtaining unit configured to obtain an application as necessary by accessing an application server via a network, a display control unit configured to control display based on the application obtained by the application obtaining unit, and an operation control unit configured to control an operation of the other device by performing the application obtained by the application obtaining unit. The display control unit changes content to be displayed in accordance with a type of the other device. |
| US08281043B2 |
Out-of-band access to storage devices through port-sharing hardware
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for enabling out-of-band access to storage devices through port-sharing hardware. Providing out-of-band access to storage devices enables system management functions to be performed when an operating system is non-functional as well as when the operating system is active. Storage commands originating with a management service can be interleaved with storage commands issued by the host operating system. The host operating system maintains ownership and control over its storage devices, but management activities can be performed while the host operating system is operational. |
| US08281040B2 |
Wireless management of remote devices
Disclosed is a wireless remote network management system for interfacing a series of remote devices (e.g., computers, servers, networking equipment, etc.) to one or more user workstations. The system is multifunctional to allow multiple users to control remote devices through serial access or keyboard, video, and cursor control device access via wireless and hard-wired connections. The remote devices are preferably coupled to a wireless-enabled remote management unit through a chain of computer interface modules, and each user workstation includes a wireless user station coupled to a keyboard, a video monitor and a cursor control device. The remote management unit and user stations preferably communicate via a wireless network, which enables a user workstation to access, monitor and control any of the remote devices. |
| US08281026B2 |
System and method for integration of streaming and static data
The invention relates to integration of streaming data. The invention provides a means for integrating both high-throughput streaming and static content originating from multiple types and/or instances of data sources into discrete units of data. The invention provides integration of a wide variety of disparate streaming and static data sources as well as deployment of content in multiple protocols, either static or streaming or both. In the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method and system for the insertion of domain-specific implementations of the JMS (Java Message System) messaging paradigm into a server-based JMS provider infrastructure. A Content Integration Framework provides access to Content Instances. The Content Integration Framework is used by Distribution Adapters that expose content from Content Instances cached in the system using a variety of protocols. |
| US08281025B2 |
Contemporaneous peer-to-peer multicast data distribution
A method of distributing a disk image by multicast includes a first computer downloading a disk image over a network, at least one second computer detecting the download and requesting the disk image, and the first computer multicasting the disk image to the at least one second computer. |
| US08281022B1 |
Method and apparatus for implementing high-performance, scaleable data processing and storage systems
A data system architecture is described that allows multiple processing and storage resources to be connected to multiple clients so as 1) to distribute the clients' workload efficiently across the available resources; and 2) to enable scaleable expansion, both in terms of the number of clients and in the number of resources. The major features of the architecture are separate, modular, client and resource elements that can be added independently, a high-performance cross-bar data switch interconnecting these various elements, separate serial communication paths for controlling the cross-bar switch settings, separate communication paths for passing control information among the various elements and a resource utilization methodology that enables clients to distribute processing or storage tasks across all available resources, thereby eliminating “hot spots” resulting from uneven utilization of those resources. |
| US08281021B1 |
Multiple cookie handling
A method, system, and computer readable media are provided for managing multiple HTTP cookies that are present in a wireless communication system. When a secure or non-secure HTTP cookie is formed, a time of creation for that HTTP cookie is also created as part of the cookie header. Therefore, when a wireless device makes a subsequent communication to a web based server, the gateway compares the creation time for multiple HTTP cookies that are present, and only forwards the most recently created HTTP cookie to the web based server. This avoids invalidating a session as a result of receiving multiple conflicting HTTP cookies from the same wireless device. |
| US08281016B2 |
Program and information processing method and apparatus
The present invention relates to a program and an information processing method and apparatus with which a connection can be formed reliably between apparatuses having different capabilities. A first application, using a presence function, announces a profile space ID representing processing for a service that can be provided. A second application receives the announcement. The second application requests the first application for detailed information of the service and registration to the service. The second application connects to the first application by peer to peer, based on a URI needed for peer-to-peer access, transmitted from the first application. The present invention can be applied to personal computers, network-enabled CE devices, and commercial application servers on the Internet. |
| US08281014B2 |
Session lifecycle management within a multi-tiered enterprise network
A system and method are described for managing session lifecycles within a multi-tiered enterprise network. In one embodiment, a plurality of session objects are generated at different layers of the enterprise network in response to a client request. Each of the session objects store session data defining a state of interaction with the client. In addition, one embodiment of the invention manages the lifecycle of a first session object based on corresponding lifecycles of one or more related session objects and also the type of relationship existing between the first session object and the one or more related session objects. In one embodiment, the defined relationship types include strong references, weak references, and soft references. |
| US08281011B2 |
Pre-access location-based rule initiation in a virtual computing environment
Methods, systems, and devices are described for updating resource access permissions in a virtual computing environment. In these methods, systems, and devices, a host computer system determines that a user associated with an existing session has moved from a first location to a second location, identifies at least one pre-access rule based on the second location, applies the at least one pre-access rule to the existing session before authenticating the user for access to the existing session in response to the determination that the user has moved to the second location, and authenticates the user at the second location for access to the existing session after the at least one pre-access rule has been applied to the existing session. |
| US08281010B2 |
System and method for providing network support services and premises gateway support infrastructure
A disclosed, service management system (50) communicates via wide area network (99) with gateway devices (10), located at respective user premises. The service management system (50) remotely manages delivery of application services by the gateway device(s) (1 On), e.g. by selectively activating or deactivating service logic modules in the gateway devices. The service management system (50) also may selectively provide secure communications and exchange of information among gateway devices (10) and among associated endpoint devices (30). An exemplary service management system (50) includes a router connected to the network and one or more computer platforms, for implementing management functions. Examples of the functions include a connection manager for controlling system communications with the gateway devices, an authentication manager for authenticating each gateway device and controlling the connection manager and a subscription manager for managing applications services and/or features offered by the gateway devices. A service manager, controlled by the subscription manager, distributes service specific configuration data to authenticated gateway devices. |
| US08281006B2 |
Connection state estimating device, connection state estimating method and storage medium
A connection state estimating method includes: acquiring a network distance between respective devices in a communication network; assuming branch point candidates at which three devices extracted from the network are connected together; calculating the network distance between each of the assumed branch point candidates and each of the three devices; classifying all the branch point candidates assumed to be connected with one of the devices into groups on the basis of the network distance between the one device and each branch point candidate; calculating representative values of the network distances between each device and branch point candidates assumed to be connected with the device; and selecting a device from the devices assumed to be connected with one of the branch point candidates and the representative value relating to the selected device. |
| US08281005B2 |
System and method of determining user profiles
A method determines a user demographic profile of a user that visits one or more websites of a predetermined group of websites. The method includes generating a first record of visits by the user to the websites of the predetermined group of websites. The method further includes providing one or more website profiles comprising demographic characteristics of each website visited by the user of the predetermined group of websites. The method further includes calculating an estimated user demographic profile of the user by using the first record of visits by the user and the one or more website profiles. |
| US08281001B2 |
Device-to-device network
A device to device network allows an entity to seamlessly access content stored on various devices. Many devices can be registered on a network; however, an entity will only have access to devices for which the entity is authorized to access. In one embodiment, the entity can only access devices that have been authenticated with the same username. While using the device-to device network, an entity can transfer files, stream files, create and use play lists, send commands to various devices and explore the contents of various devices. |
| US08281000B1 |
Variable-length nonce generation
Methods and systems for obtaining a scalable variable-length nonce are provided. An exemplary method for obtaining a scalable variable-length nonce includes obtaining an initial nonce candidate. The exemplary method also includes transmitting a query to determine whether the initial nonce candidate has already been assigned. When the initial nonce candidate has already been assigned, a combined nonce candidate is obtained. The combined nonce candidate includes characters appended to the initial nonce candidate. An exemplary system for obtaining a scalable variable-length nonce includes a transmitting engine that transmits a request associated with a current token. The exemplary system also includes a receiving engine that receives a message associated with the current token. The exemplary system further includes a token acquiring engine that obtains a new token, and an appending engine that appends the new token to the current token. |
| US08280995B2 |
System and method for supporting dynamic selection of communication means among users
A system, method and computer program product for supporting communication among users. The system includes a storage device for storing, a search unit for searching, and a selection unit for reading and then selecting a communication means to be used in the communication between the first and second users. The method and computer program product for supporting communication among users includes the steps of searching, reading and then selecting a communication means to be used in the communication between the first and second users. |
| US08280992B2 |
Method for configuring nodes within anycast group, and assistance method and device therefor
A method for configuring, in a preset node within an anycast group, non-preset nodes within the group and a control device therefor are provided. The method comprises: generating one or more address configuration messages based on the predetermined configuration address information; and sending to each of non-preset nodes within the anycast group the address configuration message corresponding to the non-preset node. A method for assistant configuration of non-preset nodes within an anycast group and an assistance control device therefor are also provided. |
| US08280991B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting incorrect responses to network queries
A system that determines if a DNS server suffers from a particular known functional limitation. During operation, the system sends an exploratory query to the DNS server, wherein the exploratory query is specially constructed so as to detect the existence of a functional limitation in the DNS server without causing the DNS server to fail. Next, the system receives an answer to the exploratory query from the DNS server. If the DNS server gives an incorrect response, the system can take actions as may be desired for the implementation. For example, the system may display a message identifying the functional limitation, or the system may establish a mode of operation where it avoids performing those types of DNS queries known to present a risk of crashing the particular Internet gateway. |
| US08280988B1 |
Content transfer management for reader device
A technique in which content is supplied to an electronic reader device is described. A time at which to send content to the electronic reader device is stored in a content server based on user preferences, user electronic reader device interaction or network conditions. The content is transmitted to the electronic reader device at the time for later display. Additional content may be securely supplied to the electronic reader device for purchase. The additional content may be in a format such that when a user later enters a request to purchase the content, the content can be instantly displayed. |
| US08280987B2 |
Cloud data persistence engine
Various cloud data persistence systems and methods are described. In some embodiments, a client may request a data object from a server. This data object may contain a link to a media asset and other information linked to the video file, such as a title and duration. This media asset may be stored in a different location. If this first server does not have the data object stored locally, it may contact a second server to determine if it has the data object stored. If the second server does not have the data object stored, it may contact a data object origin server, which may have all existing data objects stored. This data object origin server may then send the data object to the second server, which may in turn transmit the data object to the first server. The first server may then transmit the data object to the client. |
| US08280986B2 |
Mobile terminal and associated storage devices having web servers, and method for controlling the same
A mobile terminal and its access control methods are discussed. According to an embodiment, the terminal includes an internal memory, and a controller configured to control the internal memory and to communicate with each of a plurality of storage units. Each storage unit includes a memory and a smart card web server (SCWS) configured to manage the memory, and a specific URL address is assigned to each storage unit. The controller is configured to access contents of the memory of each storage unit using the URL address of the respective storage unit. |
| US08280983B2 |
Distributed search in a casual network of servers
Distributed searches in a casual server network may be provided. First it may be determined, at an originating server, that a first request cannot be fulfilled by information associated with the originating server. Then, from the originating server, the first request may be posted to a distributed request ring. Next, at a remote server on the distributed request ring, the first request may be received. The remote server may then query for current data on a data store associated with the remote server that may satisfy the first request. The remote server may next write a foreign reference in the data store. The foreign reference may indicate that the originating server requested the current data. Next, at the originating server, a response may be received to the first request from the remote server. The response may include the current data. |
| US08280981B2 |
System and method for selecting and displaying webpages
A computer-implemented method of dynamically selecting and presenting a webpage includes: receiving a request, at a server, from a client device to display a webpage; determining, at the server, a homepage defined by a user of the client device; accessing, at the server, a list of one or more webpages associated with the user; selecting a chosen webpage from the homepage and the list of one or more webpages; and facilitating the display of the chosen webpage on the client device. |
| US08280979B2 |
Persistent public machine setting
Disclosed herein are methods for protecting user information on a client device that may have a plurality of users. A user interface with a public machine designation portion is presented to a user prior to the start of the authentication process. The public machine designation removes web service account descriptions and any user specific information stored on the client device. Also, the client device is prevented from storing any new user specific information that is provided to the client device. The public machine designation is a persistent feature that may only be disabled by an affirmative action from the user. |
| US08280974B2 |
Migrating workloads using networked attached memory
A network system comprising a plurality of servers communicatively-coupled on a network, a network-attached memory coupled between a first server and a second server of the server plurality, and a memory management logic that executes on selected servers of the server plurality and migrates a virtual machine from the first server to the second server with memory for the virtual machine residing on the network-attached memory. |
| US08280972B2 |
User interface for a handheld device
A user interface and method for composing a message to be sent over a wireless network environment using a handheld device is disclosed. According to the method, upon receipt of a user request to compose a message, a screen is displayed with a recipient field for a recipient address, an associated label to indicate that the recipient field is for a recipient address, and a message body field for holding message content. The method further includes, upon each keystroke entry of text to the recipient field, looking up entries from an address book which match the text, and displaying a selection menu representing addresses from at least a portion of the entries. |
| US08280971B2 |
Suppression of undesirable email messages by emulating vulnerable systems
Provided herein are systems and methods for suppressing delivery of undesirable messages through vulnerable systems. In an embodiment, a system include an emulator emulates one or more vulnerable systems that can be used by spammers to relay, forward or otherwise send undesirable email messages to target systems. The system also includes one or more modules associated with the emulator and configured to automatically identifying, as being undesirable, email messages that are to be relayed, forwarded or otherwise sent to target systems via at least one of the one or more vulnerable systems emulated by the emulator. |
| US08280969B2 |
Methods, apparatus and systems for requesting underground facility locate and marking operations and managing associated notifications
Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same. In yet another aspect, a requesting party may provide an acknowledgement of receipt (e.g., a “return receipt”) for one or more received notifications. |
| US08280968B1 |
Method of detecting compromised computers in a network
A method of detecting a compromised machine on a network. The method receives an email message from a machine on the network and classifies it as either spam or non-spam. A probability ratio is then updated, according to whether the message was spam or non-spam, by applying a sequential probability ratio test. If the probability ratio is greater than or equal to a first threshold, then the machine is compromised. If the probability ratio is less than or equal to a second threshold, then the machine is normal. The operations of receiving a message, classifying the message, updating the probability ratio, and indicating the machine is normal or compromised until the probability ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold are repeated for a plurality of messages. Such repeated operations are performed on each of the messages one at a time, as each of the messages is received. |
| US08280965B2 |
Method and system for managing electronic mail
A method and system for managing email between a sender and a recipient wherein the method and system provide the recipient with control over routing an email message, wherein the control includes predefining directions to be executed upon the receipt of an email message, and wherein the directions are dependent upon the properties of the email message. The recipient may enable or disable the control at any time. |
| US08280963B2 |
Caching and exposing pre-send data relating to the sender or recipient of an electronic mail message
Technologies are described herein for caching and exposing pre-send data relating to the sender or recipient of an e-mail message. A mail client program is configured to cache recipient and configuration mail tips at a client computer. The configuration mail tips may be retrieved from a server computer and cached when the mail client program is started. Recipient mail tips may be retrieved and cached as each recipient of an e-mail message is identified. When subsequent e-mail messages are created, cached mail tips for an e-mail recipient are utilized instead of retrieving the mail tips from the server computer. The cached mail tips may be updated after a predefined period of time has elapsed. The cached mail tips may also be utilized when the client program is offline or unable to establish a connection to the server computer. |
| US08280959B1 |
Personalizing a web page outside of a social networking system with recommendations for content from the social networking system
A user device requests a web page from a web server of a third-party website, which is separate from a social networking system. The web server from the third-party website sends a markup language document for the requested web page to the user device which includes an instruction for a browser application running on the user device to incorporate information obtained from the social networking system within the web page. Based on the instruction in the received markup language document, the user device requests personalized content from the social networking system, which generates the requested personalized content based on social information about the user. The user device then renders the web page with the personalized content contained in a frame and displays the rendered web page and the frame to the user. |
| US08280956B2 |
User behavior based mobile broadband user plane traffic generation system and method for real-like measurement generation
A system, a method, and a graphical user interface testing tool are described herein for constructing a validation trace (i.e., high-speed realistic network traffic) using a real network without causing privacy concerns. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a client device which has one or more applications operating thereon and a graphical user interface; (b) recording user interactions on the client device; (c) extracting usage scenarios from real network traffic in the real network; (d) emulating user actions on the client device according to a specific user scenario by utilizing the recorded user interactions and the extracted usage scenarios to generate additional real traffic in the real network; and (e) creating the validation trace based on the generated additional real traffic and the extracted usage scenarios. |
| US08280955B1 |
Systems and methods for handling client-server communications
A computer-implemented method for handling client-server communications. The method may include 1) receiving, at a client system, a first command whose execution involves sending a first request to a server from a first transitory process associated with the first command; 2) initializing, on the client system, a communication proxy configured to relay communications between the server and transitory processes on the client system; 3) establishing a connection between the communication proxy and the server; 4) authenticating the communication proxy with the server; 5) establishing an inter-process communication channel configured to enable communication between the communication proxy and the transitory processes; 6) sending the first request from the first transitory process to the communication proxy over the inter-process communication channel; and 7) relaying the first request to the server via the connection between the communication proxy and the server. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08280950B2 |
Automatic client-server code generator
A system and method which enables clients to automatically generate client CLI response-objects directed for reading new unfamiliar server CLI response-objects which are received from servers without the need to write or obtain new code for each new server response-object. |
| US08280949B2 |
System and method for synchronized media distribution
Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing distribution of media with a scheduled media event. According to one aspect of the invention, a producer transfers selected content at a server in synchronization with a scheduled media event. Consumer sessions poll the server via a network and retrieve the selected content from the server for presentation thereby, whereby the information being presented at the consumers provides a user experience that is also in synchronization with the media event. |
| US08280948B1 |
System and method for enabling online collaboration amongst a plurality of terminals using a web server
Data may be made available to one or more participants of an online collaboration session through use of a client system that generates or otherwise captures the data to be shared, and then formats that data for use by general-purpose server resources. In one embodiment, data from the operation of an application on the client system is captured. A formatted data set that is suitable for the client-server communications is prepared from the captured data. The formatted data set may be configured with characteristics to enable the server to respond to requests from one or more participant terminals of the online collaboration session. During the session, the formatted data set may be transmitted to the server in one or more discrete and independent communications. |
| US08280945B2 |
Method and system for dynamic application layer gateways
A method and system are disclosed for providing functionality on a network. A mobile agent moves from a first node to a target node and, at the target node, performs as an application layer gateway. |
| US08280943B1 |
Managing service provider messaging
A system and method for management of service plan modification information between various service providers and telecommunications-based devices are provided. A service management component manages subscriber and service plan information for processing service plan modification requests from a service provider and a mobile device of a subscriber. The service management component processes updated service plan information provided by a service provider component and dynamically offers the updated services to subscribers. The service management component also enables subscribers to modify aspects of their service plans and have the modifications take effect immediately. The service management component maintains various data stores associated with subscriber information and service plan information that facilitate the offer of updated service plans, including service plan features and rule sets, received from a service provider component to subscribers at corresponding mobile devices. The service management component manages a framework that allows management of the updated service plan information. |
| US08280938B2 |
Semi-sequential Galois Field multiplier and the method for performing the same
Disclosed are a semi-sequential Galois field GF(2n) multiplier and the method thereof. The GF(2n) multiplier comprises two ground field multipliers over GF(2m), at least a constant multiplier, and multiple GF(2m) adders. The high-order and low-order elements from a composite field GF((2m)2) for one operand of one GF(2n) multiplication are inputted in parallel into the two ground GF(2m) multipliers, respectively. The high-order and low-order elements from the composite field of another operand of the GF(2n) multiplication are sequentially inputted into the two ground GF(2m) multipliers. As such, multiple partial products are generated. The constant multiplication and additions are performed on the multiple partial products through the constant multiplier and the GF(2m) adders. This generates a high-order element and a low-order element of the composite field GF((2m)2). After mapping these two elements of GF((2m)2) back to GF(2n), the GF(2n) multiplication is done. |
| US08280937B2 |
Sparse-coded look-up table
A look-up table (LUT) is arranged as a plurality of rows each indexed by an index value and storing at least a coefficient for each index value for use in processing digital data. The LUT contains repeated sections in which m coefficients stored for successive index values form a cycle. The number m is not an integer power of 2. For example the LUT may be used when converting a digital count to a gain in dB, in which case m may be 6 or 12, the coefficients representing dB or fractional-dB steps in gain. The LUT contains n additional blank rows inserted after every repeated section of m rows storing the cycle of m coefficients, n being 1 or more and (m+n) being an integer power of two (such as 8 or 16). By feeding an initial index value through encoding logic which takes account of the additional rows, it can be ensured that these are never indexed. Thus, a sparse-coded LUT is provided. Although each repeated section is increased in size, the actual size of the LUT in terms of circuit area or programming logic is reduced because the repeating length is now a power of two. |
| US08280936B2 |
Packed restricted floating point representation and logic for conversion to single precision float
An apparatus for expanding an immediate vector of restricted data structures may include logic connected to a first memory and a second memory connected to the logic. The first memory may store the immediate vector of restricted data structures that specify distinct floating point numbers. The immediate vector may have a fixed number of bits. The logic may expand the vector of restricted data structures into a number of corresponding expanded data structures that also specify the distinct floating point numbers. Each of the expanded data structures may also have the fixed number of bits. The second memory may store the number of corresponding expanded data structures. |
| US08280934B2 |
Frequency dividing systems and methods
Systems and methods for producing a frequency divider output signal having a period substantially equal to three times a period of a reference input signal, comprising configuring each of three storage elements to receive a first input, a second input, and a reference input signal, and to provide a storage element output, obtaining a frequency divider output signal from at least one storage element output, and using the storage element output from each of the three storage elements as an input to another one of the three storage elements, where a phase difference between the output of the first storage element and the output of the second storage element is substantially equal to 60°. |
| US08280931B2 |
Desktop, stream-based, information management system
A steam-based document storage and retrieval system accepts documents that are in diverse formats and come from diverse application, automatically creates document model objects describing these documents in a consistent format and associating time stamps with the documents to automatically create a main stream in chronological order. The stream, or sub-streams meeting selected search criteria, are displayed in a variety of forms, including a receding, partly overlapping stack with aids that facilitate user interaction. |
| US08280928B2 |
Multi-level enmeshed directory structures
A method for creating a multi-level enmeshed structure is provided. The multi-level enmeshed directory structure of the present embodiments contain objects described by multiple object descriptors, which can be thought of as tags. Each object can be accessed by any one of the descriptors that describe the object and the descriptors of an object are also accessible. |
| US08280926B2 |
Scalable de-duplication mechanism
A method for removing redundant data from a backup storage system is presented. In one example, the method may include receiving the application layer data object, selecting a de-duplication domain from a plurality of de-duplication domains based at least in part on a data object characteristic associated with the de-duplication domain, determining that the application layer data object has the characteristic and directing the application layer data object to the de-duplication domain. |
| US08280922B2 |
User-interest driven launching pad of mobile application and method of operating the same
Provided is a user-interest driven launching pad of a mobile application and method of operating the same. The user-interest driven launching pad inputs metadata of data elements related to a mobile device, forms a set of data elements having the same metadata, marks the set of data elements with user-interest reflecting tags, and executes the mobile application relating to the set of data elements. |
| US08280919B2 |
Systems and methods for validating design meta-data
A metadata validation process that allows for deferring object model validation until after the objects are created. The process also allows for multi-threaded processing of the validation rules, thus increasing overall performance. Validation is performed by enforcing a series of validation rules on an appropriate subject. Rules are specified according to the subject that they are validating (i.e., attribute level, association level, object level or collection level). The metadata driven validation process implements several validation types on different validation units. Correctness validation rule types ensure that a validation unit satisfies all semantic rules defined for it. Completeness validation rule types ensure that a validation unit contains all the necessary data and is ready for further use. At design time, only correctness type validation is performed. Thus, the present invention advantageously allows for incomplete objects to be created at design time. The developer, however, in this case may opt to perform completeness validation at any time. In general, a developer may opt to perform completeness and/or correctness validation at any time independent of deployment processing. In another aspect, full validation (e.g., completeness and correctness) is automatically performed on the objects during the process of creating a configuration prior to deployment. |
| US08280906B1 |
Method and system for retaining offers for delivering targeted data in a system for targeted data delivery
A method and system retaining offers for delivering targeted data in a system for targeted data delivery. According to one embodiment, selection criteria for determining whether to present the offer for the targeted data to a user is accessed. The offer is retained even if a user profile does not satisfy the selection criteria. |
| US08280900B2 |
Speculative query expansion for relevance feedback
Speculative query expansion is a way to increase the effectiveness of relevance feedback. Instead of picking the best expansion query beforehand, multiple queries are executed and the best expansion query is selected afterward, but with no additional effort (or information) required from the user. From the best expansion query, search results and expanded queries more pertinent to the user can therefore be provided. |
| US08280898B1 |
Named entity database or mining rule database update apparatus and method using named entity database and mining rule merged ontology schema
A named entity dictionary update apparatus using a named entity dictionary and a mining rule combined with an ontology schema includes: a named entity dictionary and mining rule database storage module storing the named entity dictionary and a mining rule database; a named entity and mining rule search module searching for a corresponding mining rule and a named entity from the mining rule database and the named entity dictionary using a terminology included in an inputted mining pattern and the mining pattern; and a named entity dictionary update module estimating a named entity of the terminology using the mining rule and storing the estimated named entity of the terminology in the named entity dictionary depending on user's selection, if a named entity corresponding to the terminology is not searched from the named entity dictionary and the mining rule corresponding to the mining pattern is searched from the mining rule database. |
| US08280897B2 |
Methods and systems for assessing project management offices
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention assess and evaluate project management offices (“PMOs”). Information relating to the current project management capabilities of a PMO is obtained. The information is compared with industry best practices information and consolidated knowledge and experience. Based on the comparison, the maturities of the PMO's current capabilities are evaluated. The maturities of the PMO's current capabilities are given scores which provide a standardized measure of the maturity of each capability. In addition to the scores, recommendations are provided indicating specific ways in which the PMO may improve the maturities of its capabilities. |
| US08280892B2 |
Selecting tags for a document by analyzing paragraphs of the document
In one embodiment, assigning tags to a document includes accessing the document, where the document comprises text units that include words. The following is performed for each text unit: a subset of words of a text unit is selected as candidate tags, relatedness is established among the candidate tags, and certain candidate tags are selected according to the established relatedness to yield a candidate tag set for the text unit. Relatedness between the candidate tags of each candidate tag set and the candidate tags of other candidate tag sets is determined. At least one candidate tag is assigned to the document according to the determined relatedness. |
| US08280891B1 |
System and method for the calibration of a scoring function
A system and method for calibrating a scoring function. The scoring function S(input, classification) provides a score based on the amount of evidence a particular input has in connection with a particular classification. For example, a street level image may be OCR'ed so as to indicate the names of establishments contained within the image, and the scoring function indicates how much evidence exists within the image for a particular establishment. Some establishments (i.e. classifications) may produce higher scores based on the nature of the establishment rather than the nature of the image (i.e. input) causing any ranking of establishments done on the basis of the scoring function to be biased. Accordingly, the scoring function is calibrated by determining the probability distribution of scores for an establishment over a false set of images that do not display the establishment. The scoring function is calibrated so as to adjust the score to overcome such bias. |
| US08280888B1 |
Method and apparatus for creation of web document titles optimized for search engines
Systems and methods are described for creating question and document titles representing the relevant content of the question or document and optimized for a search engine where the title is of the appropriate character length such that search engines will view and index the entire title. A method includes receiving a document in which an optimized title is desired, identifying a maximum number of characters a search engine reads when characterizing the document, applying phrasal analysis to the document, identifying topics included in the document, computing candidate titles based on the identified topics, sorting the candidate titles based on the number of topics in each candidate title, selecting the candidate title with the largest number of topics as a candidate optimized title, and selecting the candidate optimized title in response to determining that the candidate optimized title character length is less than the maximum size. |
| US08280886B2 |
Determining candidate terms related to terms of a query
A predetermined number of temporary terms are obtained that have the highest differential affinity to each of a number of candidate terms. Each temporary term and the associated differential affinity is placed into a set of temporary terms. An average differential affinity is calculated for each temporary term of the set of temporary terms, the average differential affinity representing an average of differential affinities from the each temporary term to every term of the initial set of terms. One or more terms with an average differential affinity that fails to satisfy a predetermined threshold are removed from the temporary set. One or more terms of the temporary set with differential affinities above the threshold are placed into the set of candidate terms. One or more terms of the set of candidate terms are selected and output to a user. |
| US08280877B2 |
Diverse topic phrase extraction
Systems and methods for implementing diverse topic phrase extraction are disclosed. According to one implementation, multiple word candidate phrases are extracted from a corpus and weighed. One or more documents are re-weighed to identify less obvious candidate topics using latent semantic analysis (LSA). Phrase diversification is then used to remove redundancy and select informative and distinct topic phrases. |
| US08280875B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for optimizing a database query
More efficient querying of a multi-tenant database using dynamic tuning of database indices. A layer of meta-data associates data items with tenants, e.g., via tags, and the meta-data is used to optimize searches by channeling processing resources during a query to only those pieces of data bearing the relevant tenant's unique tag. |
| US08280874B2 |
Multi-tenant database system
More efficient querying of a multi-tenant database using dynamic tuning of database indices. A layer of meta-data associates data items with tenants, e.g., via tags, and the meta-data is used to optimize searches by channeling processing resources during a query to only those pieces of data bearing the relevant tenant's unique tag. |
| US08280869B1 |
Sharing intermediate results
A temporary computer-stored first-unit intermediate result is generated while executing a first unit of work on a computer-based database management system. The first-unit intermediate result has properties. It is determined that the properties of the first-unit intermediate result are similar to properties of a second-unit intermediate result to be generated for a second unit of work when the second unit of work is executed on the computer-based database management system. In response, the first-unit intermediate result is saved for use in executing the second unit of work. |
| US08280867B2 |
Identifying database request sources
A method, computer program, and database system are disclosed for identifying a second source of a request sent to a database management system by a first source. A database message is received from the first source. The database message includes a second value for a second source-identifying parameter. The second value identifies a second source. The second value for the second source-identifying parameter is stored in a log. |
| US08280859B2 |
Method and system for assuring integrity of deduplicated data
The present invention provides for a system and method for assuring integrity of deduplicated data objects stored within a storage system. A data object is copied to secondary storage media, and a digital signature such as a checksum is generated of the data object. Then, deduplication is performed upon the data object and the data object is split into chunks. The chunks are combined when the data object is subsequently accessed, and a signature is generated for the reassembled data object. The reassembled data object is provided if the newly generated signature is identical to the originally generated signature, and otherwise a backup copy of the data object is provided from secondary storage media. |
| US08280857B2 |
Method for indexed-field based difference detection and correction
A method and system for indexed field based difference detection and correction. A data feed file is partitioned into a plurality of subsets based on an indexed field of the data feed file. A redundancy check value is calculated for each of the subsets, and the redundancy check value is compared to a database file which corresponds to each subset. If the redundancy check values do not match for a subset and a corresponding database file, a difference is detected between the subset and the corresponding database file and the corresponding database file is replaced by the subset. |
| US08280856B2 |
Taxonomy mapping
Systems and methods for mapping extension taxonomy elements to a standard base taxonomy and thereafter making use thereof are provided. According to one embodiment, a list of base taxonomy elements is displayed on a display device. A taxonomy map is also displayed on the display device. The taxonomy map includes information regarding one or more extended taxonomy elements of a reporting entity that are not mapped to any base taxonomy elements. Responsive to one or more user input events corresponding to a selection of a base taxonomy element and corresponding to a request to map an extended taxonomy element to the selected base taxonomy element, the compatibility of the selected base taxonomy element with the extended taxonomy element is validated. If the compatibility is affirmed, then an association is formed between the extended taxonomy element and the selected base taxonomy element. |
| US08280852B2 |
System, method and storage medium for controlling a processing system
A processing system 10 applies an etching process on a wafer W in a PM1 or PM2. An EC 200 includes functions of a transfer/process control unit 250, a communication unit 255, a log management unit 260, and a backup unit 265, and controls the processing system 10. The transfer/process control unit 250 controls wafer transfer and the etching process. The communication unit 255 transmits to or receives data from each MC 300 and the like. The log management unit 260 registers log information generated at times of the wafer process and transfer, data communication, and the like in log files (in predetermined storage areas of an HDD 215). The backup unit 265 collectively saves the log information stored in the log files in backup files (in other storage areas of the HDD 215), in response to a timing when an unexpected alarm has been generated. |
| US08280847B2 |
Apparatus, method, and computer program product for synchronizing data sources
A method is provided for synchronizing data sources. The method includes receiving at least first and second data tables. The data tables have one or more mutually similar fields and one or more dissimilar fields from one another. First normalized, second normalized, and intermediate data tables are stored, each including respective first normalized, second normalized, and intermediate data table fields that each correspond to the mutually similar fields of the first and second data tables. The first normalized data table is at least partially populated with corresponding entries from the first data table and the second normalized data table is at least partially populated with corresponding entries in the second data table. Intermediate data table entries are respectively replaced with corresponding inconsistent data entries of the first and second normalized data tables. An apparatus and a computer program product for accomplishing the above method are also provided. |
| US08280845B2 |
Distributed system for interactive collaboration
A distribution management system can facilitate synchronous and asynchronous communications, take advantage of electronic scheduling tools, support a facilitator paradigm, and store meeting communications for later retrieval. The system can create a collaborative environment for members of a team in communication with a computer network. An interactive forum can be provided in the collaborative environment in a manner offering varying degrees of structure for collecting information from the members of the team. The information can then be used to arrive at a collaboratively derived decision. |
| US08280838B2 |
Evidence evaluation system and method based on question answering
An evidence evaluation method and system based on question answering converts a report of analyzed information and/or a model of information into a collection of questions, determines answers for the collection of questions. A fact in the report is marked as being supported if one or more of the answers for the collection of questions support the fact. A fact in the report of analyzed facts is marked as being refuted if one or more of the answers for the collection of questions refute the fact. The method and system also may collect the answers as evidence and add the evidence to the model of information to create an updated model of information. The steps may be repeated using the updated report and updated model. |
| US08280831B1 |
Type 6 KASER (knowledge amplification by structured expert randomization) for providing case-based inductive and analogical reasoning
A system and method for inductive and analogical reasoning provide capabilities for generalization, creative reasoning, possibilistic analysis, massive parallelism, and distributed processing. The system and method involve using matched cases/generalizations/analog inferences from a case base or generalization/analog base to provide output inferences based upon a user-supplied context. A user then provides feedback to indicate that the output inference is either correct or incorrect. If the user indicates that the output is incorrect, new rules may be computer-generated during runtime by performing, for example, an analogical contextual transformation. If the user indicates that the output is correct, the matched case/generalization/analog may be moved to the head of its respective base. |
| US08280827B2 |
Multilevel semiotic and fuzzy logic user and metadata interface means for interactive multimedia system having cognitive adaptive capability
A multilevel semiotic and fuzzy logic user and metadata interface means includes: an interactive user interface means comprising at least one multilevel semiotic means addressable by a user and a fuzzy logic descriptor set module for storing multiple fuzzy logic descriptor sets; a metadata layer for linking said multilevel semiotic means to interactivity points present in content of the multimedia representation and defined by the metadata layer such that each level of each of the multilevel semiotic means identifies an interactivity point in the content and allows by selection of the interactivity point to perform a selectively varying content manipulation and to receive a resulting interactive presentation of content according to the selection: and a user control device for addressing the multilevel semiotic means. |
| US08280826B2 |
Combining speculative physics modeling with goal-based artificial intelligence
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for identifying a deformable object of a scene of a computer game that is visible by an artificial intelligence (AI) character of the game, requesting a speculative physics simulation associated with the deformable object to determine a result of an action to the deformable object by the AI character, and selecting an action to be performed by the AI character, where the selection is based at least in part on the speculative physics simulation. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08280825B2 |
System for making financial gifts
A computer-implemented method and system for electronic gift giving. The method includes providing an internet site for access by a giver via a giver device, prompting the giver to enter giver identification information, and storing the giver identification information in a data store. The giver is prompted to enter recipient information, and the recipient information is stored in the data store. The giver is prompted to select from a plurality of composition templates, and create a composition based on the selected composition template. The giver is prompted to enter a value of a monetary gift, and the entered value is stored in association with the created composition for delivery to a recipient. An embodiment of the invention may include interest being accrued based on the value of the monetary gift. In another embodiment, at least one sponsor pays a fee for an advertising message to appear in the composition. |
| US08280823B1 |
Resume management and recruitment workflow system and method
A computer system and method for managing access to a resume database. For each skill or experience-related phrase in a resume, the system computes a term of experience based on an experience range associated with a contextual use of the phrase in the resume. The term of experience for a phrase that occurs multiple times in the resume is the summation of the term of experience for each occurrence of the phrase associated with a different contextual use. The system stores each phrase and the term of experience in a parsed resume. The resume database also stores job descriptions that include required phrases and a required term of experience for each required phrase. The job descriptions also store a required level of education or field of specialization, and a required salary range. A recruiter searches the resume database to find matching resumes that satisfy a job description. |
| US08280822B2 |
Performance driven compensation for enterprise-level human capital management
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a human resource management platform that includes applications targeted to solve a variety of human resource, compensation, and performance management problems. Applications of the human resource management platform include business applications such as performance driven compensation that may provide a single solution for driving employee performance and organizational success by automation of goal setting, performance measurement, and employee rewards by directly linking performance results to rewards. |
| US08280821B1 |
Methods and systems for providing a document
Systems and methods for providing a document are described. In one described method, a document comprising a portion selected by a first member of a social network is hosted for the first member. The portion is dynamically updated with content. An audience criterion for the portion and a type of relationship between the first member and a second member of the social network are identified. If the type of relationship between the first member and the second member satisfies the audience criterion, the second member is provided access to at least the portion. |
| US08280818B2 |
License source component, license destination component, and method thereof
Disclosed herein is, a license source component for transferring a license defining a content usage rule to a license destination component, the license source component and the license destination component each being a unit of license processing, including, creating means for creating a message including a license, a manipulation type defining a type of processing the license between the license source component and the license destination component, and a component attribute defining an attribute of the license source component of its own, and transferring means for transferring the message to the license destination component. |
| US08280816B2 |
Managing security for network-based gaming
This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing security for network-based gaming. A method and system download and install an image of wagering game content on a wagering game machine, wherein the wagering game machine is capable of receiving a wager input from a player. The image is validated and may be transformed to a virtual storage device, such that it appears to be a physical storage device. The files may be accessed and validated in a similar manner as if they were stored on a physical storage device. In some cases, the same image format for content in an image is the same as if the content was stored on a physical storage device. |
| US08280811B2 |
Method and apparatus for increasing charitable donations by providing instantaneous donor recognition
Charitable donations are increased by automatically providing immediate on-line recognition of on-line donors. A list of donors is maintained on a Web page acknowledging the on-line contributions. Donor names on the list can be links to additional information about the donation or the donor. Information about donor and donation is entered by the donor, who can specify what information is to be published on the Web and what information is to remain unpublished. The donor list can be arranged in order of donation size, and donors can compete for position on the list. The donor information can indicate membership in a group, and donations can also be totaled by group to encourage donation competition between groups. |
| US08280805B1 |
Computer-implemented risk evaluation systems and methods
Computer-implemented systems and methods are disclosed herein that relate to processes, which construct an empirically derived and statistically based risk evaluation and policy formulation system. For example, a process can be configured so as to accept as input an information base in computer readable form and produce either a single or multistage system composed of alternative decision making strategies. |
| US08280804B2 |
Evaluation and adjustment of settlement value curves
Disclosed is a method that is useful in connection with providing discount factors for an exchange-traded mark-to-market derivative product that has a variable tick rate, such as an interest rate swap product. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a series of consecutive settlement values, which collectively represent a settlement value curve for the derivative product. The curve is evaluated by determining, for each consecutive pair of settlement values, whether the difference between the first settlement value in the pair and the second settlement value in the pair exceeds a threshold. The threshold represents the value at which a discount factor derived from said pair of settlement values, in conjunction with other parameters, would be negative. In other embodiments the disclosed invention encompasses an apparatus and a computer-readable medium. |
| US08280800B2 |
System and method for an exchange of financial instruments
Provided is a method and system for an online marketplace for the buying, selling and Servicing of financial instruments, such as accounts receivable, where the online marketplace receives and analyzes Account data from a Reporting Agency Database, such as a Consumer Reporting Agency Database. The online marketplace may include a plurality of business logic Components, including an Analysis Component, an Inventory Management Component, an Offer Component, a Transaction Component, a Post-Transaction Component, a Receivables Management Knowledge Base and a Servicing Component. The Receivables Management Knowledge Base applies industry rules and regulations to the data. Users of the online marketplace may be Account Owners, Buyers, sellers, Servicers and the like. Users flag Accounts in the Consumer Reporting Agency database to be placed for sale on the online marketplace. Users may also define Selection Criteria for automatic buying, automatic selling, alerts or other such business rules. |
| US08280794B1 |
Price earnings derivative financial product
A system for and method of using a financial instrument to take a view on a price-to-earnings ratio for a set of one or more equities. The system and method may be used to commodify the price-to-earnings ratio for one or more equities, such as a stock or an index. The system and method may include a financial instrument that allows a user to take a view on an earnings, or ratio comprising price and earnings, for underlying equities. |
| US08280791B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for identifying and/or billing an individual in a vehicle
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for identifying a driver versus a passenger within a smart vehicle. This involves a determination of the relative positions of the wireless communication devices within the smart vehicle using near-field communication (NFC) or GPS, AGPS, etc. The wireless communication device detected closest to the driver seat is assumed to be the device owned by the driver. Once identified, the driver can be billed for tolls and other road services, based on the location of the smart vehicle. For instance, as the smart vehicle approaches a toll, a notification can be sent to all of the wireless communication devices. A response from a particular wireless communication device will result in the corresponding user's account being billed for the toll. Further, the smart vehicle can communicate with near-field transceivers placed, for instance, alongside a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane. A driver of the vehicle can be billed, fined, or ticketed based upon a determination of an absence of passengers in the smart vehicle. |
| US08280790B2 |
System and method for billing for hosted services
Some embodiments provide a system and method for projecting billing of a specified server configuration. In some embodiments, the projected billing is determined by identifying a set of allocated resources for the server configuration. In some embodiments, the set of resources include an amount of allocated RAM, network bandwidth, disk storage, processing power, etc. The set of resources are then projected over a billing period. Some embodiments determine a projection for the configuration as each component of the configuration is specified within a graphical user interface. Additionally, some embodiments determine a projection for the configuration after the entire configuration is specified within the graphical user interface. |
| US08280789B2 |
Method of billing a client for using a computerized numerical control machine
There is described an efficient and simple method of billing a client for using a computerized numerical control machine. The invoice amount to be billed is based on at least one trajectory of at least one axis during operation, on a volume of a stock removed from a work piece during operation, and on a processing time information related to working on the work piece. One concept of the method therefore is a pay-per-use concept relating the added value created by the computerized numerical control machine to the invoice amount. |
| US08280787B1 |
Method and system for recommending a change of bank account based on actual financial data
A method and system for recommending a bank account based on consumer financial data whereby financial transaction data, including banking transaction data, associated with a given consumer is obtained from one or more sources. The financial transaction data is then analyzed to identify one or more consumer bank account usage attributes associated with the given consumer. Data representing one or more bank accounts currently available, and one or more banking features associated with the one or more bank accounts currently available, is obtained from one or more sources and stored in an available bank accounts database. The available bank accounts database is then searched using the data representing the identified one or more consumer bank account usage attributes to find one or more bank accounts currently available having banking features that are advantageous to the given consumer. The given consumer is then provided access to data indicating the one or more bank accounts having banking features that are advantageous to the given consumer. |
| US08280786B1 |
Method and system for virtual representation of currency
The invention relates to a method for representing a transfer of currency during a transaction. The method involves establishing a network connection with a computing device, receiving, from the computing device, transactional data associated with the transaction, receiving currency data associated with a financial account, and displaying a pictorial representation of currency based on the currency data, where a currency type and a currency denomination are depicted as a portion of the pictorial representation. The invention further involves designating an amount of currency from the pictorial representation to obtain image data, where the amount of currency is sufficient to complete the transaction, transmitting the image data to the computing device as part of the transaction, and sending instructions to transfer the amount of currency from the financial account based on the image data and the transactional data. |
| US08280782B1 |
System and method for managing a listing of offers between buyers and sellers
A computer-implemented system and method for generating and display a listing of offers of items to be sold on a third party marketplace. The system includes a processing unit and a storage device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit has stored information for configuring the processing unit to receive a plurality of offers wherein each offer is associated with an item to be offered for sale, item information, and a seller identification. The processing unit is further configured to receive a search criterion, sort the plurality of offers based on the seller identification to generate one or more seller-specific offer listings, sort each of the seller-specific offer listings based on the search criterion, and generate a listing of offers by iteratively selecting an offer from each of the seller-specific search listings. |
| US08280775B2 |
Mobile kiosk system
A restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having opposed first and second sides. A first display is situated on the first side for use by the customer and a second display is situated on the second side for use by a bartender. One aspect of the restaurant system includes a mobile kiosk system that includes a rail having distal and proximate ends and extends therebetween. The electronic kiosk includes a base that extends adjacent the rail. Inductive or conductive electrical components transmit an electrical current to power a processor, input device, and output device of the kiosk. The base is movable only along the rail between the rail distal and proximate ends. |
| US08280770B2 |
Method and apparatus for selling subscriptions to periodicals in a retail environment
A system comprises a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a POS controller, a retail subscription system. The POS terminal allows a cashier to enter subscription sales data into the POS controller. The POS controller maintains databases on available subscriptions and produces databases containing data relating to subscriptions sold to customers. The retail subscription system verifies the subscriptions by reference to its own databases and transmits the subscriptions to a fulfillment house for distribution. |
| US08280769B2 |
Method and apparatus for administering a reward program
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a controller calculates a measurement of product success, such as the number of products sold or the market share of the product. A set of registrations which are “early-adopter” registrations are selected. The set of registrations thereby defines a set of early-adopter purchasers. If the measurement of product success is within a predetermined range, a reward, such as a refund or a free product, is provided to each early-adopter purchaser. |
| US08280768B2 |
Method for point of sale consumer packaged goods and lottery promotions
A method and system for point of sale consumer packaged goods and lottery promotions. A discount coupon is generated having two barcodes. The first barcode encodes standard UPC barcode data including, e.g., manufacturer ID, retail product or a retail product family, and discount value code. The second barcode encodes a FreePlay identifier code. A POS system scans the barcodes and the FreePlay identifier code is recognized. Based on this, the consumer is offered a choice of a Lottery FreePlay coupon in lieu of the discount on the retail product. When the consumer accepts the choice of a Lottery FreePlay coupon, a Lottery FreePlay coupon is printed for the consumer in lieu of giving the consumer a discount on the retail product. The Lottery FreePlay coupon is redeemable at an authorized lottery booth for a lottery ticket having a purchase price based on the discount value code. |
| US08280766B2 |
Targeted distribution of electronic coupons
A system, method and computer program product is described that matches commercial incentives to consumers based on targeting data associated with the commercial incentive and user data associated with consumers in a manner that advantageously allows for highly-targeted delivery of commercial incentives to the consumers that are most likely to use them. Because both the targeting data and the user data may include spatial, temporal, social and topical data, matching may be performed based on any or all of these data types, as well as based on any combination of these data types. |
| US08280760B1 |
Generating pricing estimates
A method for generating a pricing estimate involves displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) to obtain and display data associated with the pricing estimate, receiving items of the pricing estimate receiving a request to generate the pricing estimate, and obtaining, in response to receiving the request, pricing data for the items from a pricing server collecting pricing data from suppliers. The method further involves accessing a pricing rule relating to items of the pricing estimate, applying the pricing rule to the pricing data for the items to obtain adjusted pricing data, populating the GUI with the adjusted pricing data, calculating a total estimated cost based on adjusted pricing data and displaying the total estimated cost within the GUI. |
| US08280759B2 |
Information system, server, and service providing method
Fee-charging unit has unit to exclude, from a fee-charging target, information that is provided for a period of non-operating time for which the receiving device is presumed, from at least the charging state, to be disabled from continuing the reception if the fee-charging target information was provided to the receiving device in the past, if there is not recorded a piece of information that the receiving device can continue to receive the information for the predetermined period of time and if there is recorded a piece of information that the charging state of the secondary battery is not sufficient for continuing the reception. |
| US08280757B2 |
Demand forecast system and method
A demand forecast system and method. A planning module normalizes historical forecast data, and generates a forecast error interval according to the historical forecast data and a Grey forecast model. An adjustment module adjusts a target forecast value of a target-planning bucket according to the forecast error interval and/or the distance between the forecast error interval and a benchmark. |
| US08280754B2 |
System and method for modeling slow changing dimension and auto management using model driven business performance management
A system for generating a model for tracking a changing dimension feature of data in a business model includes a memory for storing the business model and a computer readable code for modeling the changes in the changing dimension feature and a processor for executing the computer readable code to perform method steps including capturing the changing dimension feature of the business model, transforming the changing dimension feature into a data warehouse model corresponding the business model, identifying changing dimensions and attributes in the changing dimension feature according to the data warehouse model, and generating a run-time deployable component for tracking the changing dimension feature based on the identified changing dimensions and attributes. |
| US08280748B2 |
Bed management
A computing device, system, method and machine readable medium for managing beds of a healthcare facility is provided. A system includes a client device and a server computing device. The client device may generate a request to assign a bed to a patient, present a list of beds to assign the patient, and receive a selection that identifies a bed of the list of beds. The server computing device may generate the list of beds presented by the client device in response to the request. The server computing device may retrieve an electronic medical record for the patient, and obtain healthcare attributes for the patient from the electronic medical record. The server computing device may generate the list based upon capabilities of a plurality of beds and the healthcare attributes of the patient retrieved from the electronic medical record. The server computing device may further assign to the patient the bed identified by the selection. |
| US08280741B2 |
Method and system for the entry of flight data for an aircraft, transmitted between a crew on board the aircraft and ground staff
A system of assistance in the entry of flight data for an aircraft transmitted between a crew on board the aircraft and a ground staff including, a radiofrequency communications link to transmit flight data between the crew and the ground staff. At least one means of sending and one means of receiving data on board the aircraft, wherein the system includes a voice recognition means capable of detecting a piece of data of a predefined type emitted, during the communications call, by the crew or the ground staff and a means of analysis and transcription of this piece of data in digital or alphanumeric form. |
| US08280739B2 |
Method and apparatus for speech analysis and synthesis
The present invention provides a speech analysis method comprising steps of obtaining a speech signal and a corresponding DEGG/EGG signal; regarding the speech signal as the output of a vocal tract filter in a source-filter model taking the DEGG/EGG signal as the input; and estimating the features of the vocal tract filter from the speech signal as the output and the DEGG/EGG signal as the input, wherein the features of the vocal tract filter are expressed by the state vectors of the vocal tract filter at selected time points, and the step of estimating is performed using Kalman filtering. |
| US08280736B2 |
Method and system for providing synthesized speech
An approach providing the efficient use of speech synthesis in rendering text content as audio in a communications network. The communications network can include a telephony network and a data network in support of, for example, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. A speech synthesis system receives a text string from either a telephony network, or a data network. The speech synthesis system determines whether a rendered audio file of the text string is stored in a database and to render the text string to output the rendered audio file, if the rendered audio is determined not to exist. The rendered audio file is stored in the database for re-use according to a hash value generated by the speech synthesis system based on the text string. |
| US08280724B2 |
Speech synthesis using complex spectral modeling
A method for processing a speech signal includes dividing the speech signal into a succession of frames, identifying one or more of the frames as click frames, and extracting phase information from the click frames. The speech signal is encoded using the phase information. Methods are also provided for modeling phase spectra of voiced frames and click frames. |
| US08280722B1 |
Automatic completion of fragments of text
A system offers potential completions for fragments of text. The system may obtain a text fragment and identify documents that include the text fragment. The system may locate sentences within the documents that include at least a portion of the text fragment, identify sentence endings associated with the located sentences, and present the sentence endings as potential completions for the text fragment. |
| US08280718B2 |
Method to preserve the place of parentheses and tags in statistical machine translation systems
An apparatus, method, and a computer program product are provided for improving the translation quality of text when a text sequence, such as a sentence, includes a parenthetical part delimited by a separator or separators, such as parentheses, quotation marks, or the like. The apparatus applies an algorithm which is configured for using several methodologies in sequence to identify an optimum position for insertion of the translated parenthetical in the main part of the translated text sequence. As a result, the translated parenthetical is more likely to be correctly delimited by separators and more likely to be correctly placed in the main part than in a conventional translation system which automatically translates each sentence as a whole. |
| US08280711B2 |
Sequence based engineering and optimization of single chain antibodies
The invention provides methods of using sequence based analysis and rational strategies to modify and improve the structural and biophysical properties of single chain antibodies (scFvs), including stability, solubility, and antigen binding affinity. These methods and strategies can be used individually or in combination. The methods of the present invention also include the use of a database comprising scFv sequences from an experimentally screened scFv library of antibodies that have been selected to have superior solubility and stability. The invention also provides methods of using the properties found for these selected antibodies in a general approach for reshaping scFv antibodies to improve stability and solubility properties of a single chain antibody fragment. |
| US08280709B2 |
Fully coupled simulation for fluid flow and geomechanical properties in oilfield simulation operations
The invention relates to a computer system for modeling an oilfield having a subterranean formation and an underground reservoir therein. The computer system includes a repository storing a geomechanical model for representing at least a portion of the subterranean formation and the reservoir, the geomechanical model comprising a stress equation and a fluid flow equation, a processor and memory storing instructions when executed by the processor comprising functionalities for combining the stress equation and the fluid flow equation into a matrix equation, and modeling the oilfield by solving the stress equation and the fluid flow equation simultaneously. |
| US08280706B2 |
Distributed processing-type simulator
A simulator simulates the behavior of a plurality of agents existing in the virtual space. Each of a plurality of calculators, communicable with one another, includes a space allocation storage that stores space allocation information, a space allocation control part that updates the space allocation information, an allocation change candidate space extracting part that extracts a divided space to be a candidate for the allocation change, a communication amount estimating part that calculates an amount of communication or an amount of change in communication generated between calculators based on the number of agents, a space allocation change judging part that determines whether or not to allocate a divided space to another calculator based on the amount of communication or the amount of change in communication, and a space allocation change executing part that requests the space allocation control part and other calculators to change the space allocation. |
| US08280702B2 |
Vehicle aspect control
A computer system and method for determining a survivability aspect control signal for an aircraft is disclosed. The computer system can include a processor and a memory including software instructions adapted to cause the computer system to perform a series of steps. The steps can include providing a plurality of signature exposure models, each signature exposure model corresponding to a threat sensor and including a threat sensor characteristic and a threat operational characteristic. A portion of a mission can be selected along with one or more of the models based on the selected mission portion. The steps can include calculating a signature exposure index based on the one or more selected models and the selected mission portion and providing a survivability aspect control signal based on the signature exposure index. |
| US08280699B2 |
Molecular simulating method, molecular simulation device, molecular simulation program, and recording medium storing the same
A molecular simulation method that acquires physical properties or physical quantities of a predetermined shape using simulation, including arranging atoms in the predetermined shape, acquiring interatomic potential based on positions of the arranged atoms, and carrying out a molecular dynamics calculation based on the acquired interatomic potential, and acquiring the physical properties or the physical quantities. |
| US08280696B1 |
Method for computer aided design of conduit
A method for computer aided design of conduit comprising: creating a library of specification information and a library of drawing characteristics related to a plurality of element types and bundles. An element type is selected, and an identification key is calculated for the selected element type, forming a graphics object. The selecting of element types and the calculating of identification keys is repeated, forming an updated graphics object. Specification information and drawing characteristics are retrieved from the libraries and stored in association with each selected element type. At least two element types are selected to form a bundle. An identification bundle key is calculated for the bundle. Selection of element types to form additional bundles is repeated, calculating identification bundle keys or each additional bundle, forming an updated bundle graphics object. Specification information and drawing characteristics for the bundles are retrieved and stored in association with the bundles. |
| US08280694B2 |
Constant current power source electronics for a sensor
An apparatus comprises a sensor and a circuit. The sensor is capable of generating a signal in response to detecting a stimulus. The circuit is capable of powering the sensor and providing multiple other capabilities including signal conditioning, non-signal related noise cancellation, and signal transmission using a constant current source power input from a cable and sending the signal over the cable. |
| US08280687B2 |
Direct fault diagnostics using per-pattern compactor signatures
In embodiments of the disclosed technology, diagnosis of a circuit is performed using compactor signatures (a technique referred to herein as “signature-based diagnosis”). Signature-based diagnosis typically does not require a test step that bypasses the compactor. Compactor signatures can be read from a compactor on a per-pattern basis, and an expected signature can be loaded into a compactor while an actual signature is being read from the compactor. Error functions can be used to describe relationships between errors in scan cell values and per-pattern compactor signatures, and the functions can be used to help generate a list of fault candidates in a circuit design. |
| US08280685B2 |
Inspection method, system, and program product
An improved solution for performing an inspection is provided, in which a user can use a handheld computing device to obtain and/or record the set of attributes required for the inspection. In particular, an inspection schedule can be initiated on the handheld computing device and the user can be prompted for the various attributes based on the inspection schedule. Various solutions can be incorporated for receiving the attributes on the handheld computing device, including manual entry, audible entry and/or one or more data sensing devices. Subsequently, the set of attributes can be communicated to a base station for further processing and/or more permanent storage. |
| US08280682B2 |
Device for monitoring movement of shipped goods
A device for monitoring movement of shipped goods and a related improvement include a detector for generating a signal in response to movement of the device during shipping when associated with the goods. A processor processes the signal to generate one or more movement events, and time-tags the movement events with time of occurrence information from a clock. A GPS chip locates the device, data from the GPS chip providing location information of where each of the movement events occurred. A first communications port communicates each movement event, tagged with the time of occurrence information and location information, to a receiver remote from the device. |
| US08280680B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting mailpiece thickness in an inserter system
A method of detecting mailpiece thickness includes detecting a leading edge of the mailpiece, moving a detecting roller downwardly over a first predetermined period of time from a first position to a second position where it contacts the mailpiece, increasing a compressive force applied by the detecting roller to the mailpiece from an initial force to a predetermined measurement force over a second predetermined period of time, and applying the measurement force to the mailpiece for a third predetermined period of time. The method further includes applying the measurement force to the mailpiece for a fourth predetermined period of time and making a number of thickness measurements of the mailpiece based on a position of the detecting roller, and determining the thickness of the mailpiece based on the number of thickness measurements. |
| US08280679B2 |
Activity monitor
An activity monitor that has a sensor for sensing movement, a processor for processing sensed data and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to use the sensed data to determine the number of steps taken for each of a plurality of epochs and to determine a measure of the fraction of each epoch spent stepping, the monitor being configured to record in a long term part of the memory at least two of the number of steps; the measure of the fraction of each epoch spent stepping and a measure of cadence calculated using the number of steps and the fraction of each epoch spent stepping. |
| US08280674B2 |
Apparatus for measuring surface temperature using embedded components
In one embodiment, a temperature sensing apparatus includes two temperature sensors that are disposed at differing depths from a surface and a measurement circuit that is coupled to the temperature sensors. The measurement circuit is operable to calculate the temperature of the surface based on a first temperature of one temperature sensor with a second temperature of the other temperature sensor. |
| US08280670B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting failure of an actuator switching device
A circuit breaker includes an actuator, a switching device connected to the actuator, and a test unit configured to test a connection between the actuator and the switching device by detecting a first connection voltage at the connection between the actuator and the switching device. The test unit is further configured to test the operation of the switching device by turning the switching device on without operating the actuator. |
| US08280668B2 |
Self calibrating cable for high definition digital video interface
A High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) cable may exhibit frequency dependent signal attenuation, inter symbol interference, and inter-pair skew. A boost device integrated with the cable can compensate for such impairments of the cable. A self calibrating cable with a boost device of the embodiment of the invention is described, in which parameters that control the response of the boost device are set optimally in a self-calibrating process comprising looping the boosted cable on itself through a calibration fixture that contains a calibration control device. The boost device includes pattern generators and a sampling circuit. Each high speed channel of the cable is separately tested and calibrated with the help of one of the other channels serving as a sampling channel. Additional embodiments provide for a selected replica boost device and a distinct pattern generator device in the calibration fixture. |
| US08280665B2 |
Calibration device for on-vehicle camera
A calibration device for an on-vehicle camera includes an image receiving portion receiving an image of an area around a vehicle taken by an on-vehicle camera, a viewpoint transformation portion performing a viewpoint transformation on the image to obtain a transformed image, a region setting portion setting a recognition target region on the transformed image according to coordinates of the calibration index set in accordance with vehicle models, where the recognition target region includes therein the calibration index, a calibration point detecting portion detecting a calibration point positioned within the calibration index included in the recognition target region, and a calibration calculating portion calibrating the on-vehicle camera in accordance with coordinates of the calibration point in a reference coordinate system and in accordance with coordinates of the calibration point in a camera coordinate system. |
| US08280663B2 |
Methods and systems for assisting in the design of mobile surfaces of objects
A computer-aided method suitable for calculating the position of a mobile surface of an object such an aircraft that moves through a fluid medium, which is affected by at least an upstream or downstream object component, for achieving a predetermined value Vo of a predetermined object performance target, including the following steps: preparing a computer-implemented CFD model of the object having said mobile surface in a first position; solving the CFD model and obtaining the value Vi of said object performance target; if the difference between Vi and Vo is greater than a predetermined value, modifying the CFD model changing the position of the mobile surface in the CFD model and iterating the solving step. The invention also refers to a system for carrying out the method. |
| US08280661B2 |
Alignment of mass spectrometry data
Methods, systems and mediums are disclosed for aligning mass spectrometry data before the analysis of the mass spectrometry data. The mass spectrometry data may be received from a mass spectrometry machine, and re-sampled using a smooth warping function. To estimate the warping function, a synthetic signal is build using, for example, Gaussian pulses centered at a set of reference peaks. The reference peaks may be designated by users or calculated after observing a group of spectrograms. The synthetic signal is shifted and scaled so that the cross-correlation between the mass spectrometry data and the synthetic signal reaches its maximum value. |
| US08280658B2 |
System for monitoring exposure to vibration
A portable instrument, described in GB2413189, is held between the fingers of one hand and measures the cumulative exposure of a worker to vibration. However, this instrument will not comfortably fit the hands of all workers There is also an administrative problem in administering the allocation of different instruments to respective workers at the beginning of a shift, recording the measurements at the end of a shift and ensuring that instruments are adequately charged. The problem is solved by using a docking station (14) to receive the instruments before and after use, to receive information recorded by or stored within the units, to charge the batteries and to receive identity information concerning a worker requesting access, to a unit. When a worker returns an instrument to the docking station, a processing mechanism collects information about the identity of the worker, and the state of charge of the instrument's battery. It also informs a worker about to start work which instrument to take and records which worker has or has had which instrument. |
| US08280654B2 |
Conductor apparatus, system, and method of displaying whether a number of conductors conduct current
An apparatus is for a conductor capable of conducting a current. The apparatus includes a global positioning system device structured to determine location of the global positioning system device, a coupling device structured to couple the global positioning system device to the conductor, and a power supply structured to power the global positioning system device responsive to a current conducted by the conductor. The global positioning system device is further structured to wirelessly communicate the determined location when powered by the power supply responsive to the current conducted by the conductor. The global positioning system device does not wirelessly communicate when current is not conducted by the conductor. |
| US08280653B2 |
Zone selective interlocking test method and apparatus, and circuit interrupter apparatus and power distribution system including the same
A circuit interrupter apparatus includes circuit interrupter and a device. The circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a zone selective interlocking input and a zone selective interlocking output. The device includes a first input electrically interconnected with the zone selective interlocking input, a second input electrically interconnected with the zone selective interlocking output, and an indicator circuit structured to indicate that the zone selective interlocking input occurred at the first input or that the zone selective interlocking output occurred at the second input. |
| US08280652B2 |
Sensor, method and system of monitoring transmission lines
An apparatus, method, and system for measuring the magnetic field produced by phase conductors in multi-phase power lines. The magnetic field measurements are used to determine the current load on the conductors. The magnetic fields are sensed by coils placed sufficiently proximate the lines to measure the voltage induced in the coils by the field without touching the lines. The x and y components of the magnetic fields are used to calculate the conductor sag, and then the sag data, along with the field strength data, can be used to calculate the current load on the line and the phase of the current. The sag calculations of this invention are independent of line voltage and line current measurements. The system applies a computerized fitter routine to measured and sampled voltages on the coils to accurately determine the values of parameters associated with the overhead phase conductors. |
| US08280651B2 |
Meter electronics and methods for verification diagnostics for a flow meter
Meter electronics (20) for a flow meter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) for receiving a vibrational response from the flow meter (5) and a processing system (203) in communication with the interface (201). The vibrational response is a response to a vibration of the flow meter (5) at a substantially resonant frequency. The processing system (203) is configured to receive the vibrational response from the interface (201), determine a frequency (ω0) of the vibrational response, determine a response voltage (V) and a drive current (I) of the vibrational response, measure a decay characteristic (ζ) of the flow meter (5), and determine the stiffness parameter (K) from the frequency (ω0), the response voltage (V), the drive current (I), and the decay characteristic (ζ). |
| US08280650B2 |
Flowmeter array processing algorithm with wide dynamic range
Methods and apparatus enable sensing flow of a fluid inside a conduit with an array of pressure or strain sensors. Inputs for a curve fit routine include power correlation values at one of multiple trial velocities or speeds of sound and several steps on either side utilizing data obtained from the sensors. The velocity at which a curve fit routine returns a max curvature result corresponds to an estimate value that facilitates identification of a speed of sound in the fluid and/or a velocity of the flow. Furthermore, a directional quality compensation factor may apply to outputs from the curve fit routine to additionally aid in determining the velocity of the flow. |
| US08280648B2 |
Method for locating the appearance of a defect in a medium using a wave
A medium is equipped with sources adapted for emitting a wave and sensors adapted for receiving the wave emitted. The method for locating an appearance of a defect in the medium comprises an initialization step in which reference impulse responses of the wave between the sources and sensors are determined, then at least one defect detection step in which the impulse responses of the wave between the sources and the sensors are measured, a decorrelation coefficient between the impulse responses and the reference impulse responses is calculated, a probability of exploration of a position is calculated, an error function for each source-sensor pair is calculated, and a product of at least some of the error functions of the source-sensor pairs is calculated. The product represents a map of a probability of the appearance of the defect at each position in the medium. |
| US08280646B2 |
Vehicle CO2 emission offsetting system and method
A method of offsetting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions includes the steps of capturing CO2 emissions data from a vehicle, transmitting the emissions data to a data collection unit, which then stores collected CO2 data and prepares a CO2 emission report. The CO2 emission report is used in preparing a customized CO2 offsetting package, which is selected by a vehicle owner. The selected CO2 offsetting package offsets the CO2 emissions through purchased credits, which neutralize the CO2 released from the vehicle. The owner of the package is given a visual indicator exhibiting that the vehicle is currently carbon neutral. |
| US08280645B2 |
Method and apparatus of measuring particulate matters
An apparatus for measuring particulate matters includes a particulate matters collecting part 1 that collects particulate matters contained in exhaust gas from an engine 200 by a collecting filter 41 during a predetermined period while the engine 200 is dynamically driven. A second measuring part 22 continuously measures properties indirectly indicating the mass of the particulate matters contained in the exhaust gas during the predetermined period. A correlation calculating part 82 calculates a correlation between the measurement result of the mass of the particulate matters collected by the particulate matters collecting part 1 and a time integration value of the measurement result in the second measuring part 22 during the predetermined period. A converting part 83 converts the continuous measurement data in the second measuring part 22 into a time series variation of the mass of the particulate matters based on the correlation. |
| US08280642B2 |
Analysis system for determining an analyte in a body fluid
An analysis system for determining an analyte of a body fluid comprises a test element and an analysis instrument having a measurement and evaluation unit. The test element has a sample application zone and two analysis zones and a reagent system, whose reaction with the analyte results in a detectable change characteristic for the desired analytical result. The measurement and evaluation unit comprises two analog measuring units, in each of which an analog measurement signal corresponding to one of the analysis zones is generated, two analog-digital converters for digitizing the analog measurement signal, a comparator unit for comparing control data values based on the digitized measurement signals, and a final processing unit, in which, if the determined deviation between the control data values of the digitized measurement signals is less than a predefined value, at least one of the control data values is allowed to pass for further processing into the desired analytical result. |
| US08280638B2 |
Multi-station analysis of magnetic surveys
A multi-station gravity and magnetic survey is carried out in a borehole. The data from the survey are processed to estimate the inclination and azimuth of the borehole. The drill collar relative permeability is estimated, and the estimated drill collar permeability is then used to remove the effects of induced magnetization of the drill collar on the magnetic measurements. |
| US08280637B2 |
Device for measuring a fluid flow velocity and direction
A device and method for measuring a fluid flow velocity and direction. The device includes: a modulator for modulating an incident signal from a fiber optical arrangement. The modulator includes an encoder resulting in a modulated signal having at least a first portion, a second portion and a third portion for each complete rotation of the encoder. The device further includes a processor for determining the fluid flow velocity and direction based on at least the first portion, the second portion and the third portion of the modulated signal. The method includes modulating an incident beam to have a first portion, a second portion and a third portion for each rotation of an encoder and processing the modulated signal to determine a fluid flow velocity and direction. |
| US08280636B2 |
Method and system for controlling a well service rig based on load data
The present invention is directed to methods for controlling the operations of a well service rig at a well site by evaluating load sensor data obtained from sensors on or associated with the well service rig. A rig load data chart can be reviewed and an average rig load can be determined for each pull of tubing or rods from a well. The average rig load can be used to calculate and set a rig overload level. If the rig load sensor reads a rig load at or above the rig overload level, the clutch for the hoist can be disengaged and the brake applied to prevent the load from either damaging the rig or breaking off the tubing or rods in the well. In addition, the rig load can be evaluated to determine when the limit the block speed when pulling rods or tubing. |
| US08280634B2 |
Utility mapping and data distribution system and method
A system and method of mapping underground utilities and other subsurface objects involves one or more of acquiring utility location data using a number of different detectors and sensors, processing the multiple detector/sensor output data to produce mapping data, storing the mapping data in a database, and providing access to and use of the stored mapping data by subscribing users on a usage fee basis. |
| US08280626B2 |
Method for selecting meteorological data for updating an aircraft trajectory
A method of selecting and storing a subset of available meteorological data along a predicted trajectory of an aircraft and relevant to the predicted trajectory includes determining pseudo-waypoints and related meteorological data pertaining to a level segment of the trajectory, and selecting the meteorological data points minimizing weighted fuel burn and time error pertaining to a non-level segment of the trajectory. |
| US08280625B2 |
Methods and apparatus for geo-collaboration
Methods and computer readable medium for collaborating on geographical maps between two or more computers are disclosed. In particular, sharing a geographical location on a map between two or more computers and co-navigating a map between two or more computers are disclosed. With respect to sharing a geographical location, the geographical location is retrieved to the first computer. The geographical location is added to the map being rendered at the first computer and is sent to a second computer. A map including the geographical location is rendered at the second computer. With respect to co-navigating, a map is displayed from a map perspective at the first computer. The map perspective is sent to the second computer. A map from the same map perspective being displayed at the first computer is rendered at the second computer. |
| US08280623B2 |
Control and systems for autonomously driven vehicles
An autonomous controller for a vehicle. The controller has a processor configured to receive position signals from position sensors and to generate operation control signals defining an updated travel path for the vehicle. The controller has a programmable interface providing communication among the position sensors, the operation control mechanisms, and the processor. The controller is configured to normalize inputs to the processor from the position sensors and to generate compatible operation control signals applied as the inputs to the operation control mechanisms. The processor and the programmable interface define a self-contained unit configurable for operation with a variety of different remote sensors and different remote operation control mechanisms. |
| US08280621B2 |
Vehicle collision avoidance system
A collision avoidance system for a machine is disclosed. The collision avoidance system has a first obstacle detection system. The first obstacle detection system is configured to detect a first obstacle and generate a corresponding first signal. Additionally, the collision avoidance system has an operator interface. The operator interface has a display configured to communicate visual information to an operator. The operator interface also has an input device configured to receive selections from the operator and generate a corresponding second signal. In addition, the collision avoidance system has a controller. The controller is in communication with the first obstacle detection system and the operator interface. The controller is configured to control the display to provide a first dangerous obstacle warning to the operator, based on the first signal. The controller is also configured to control the display to provide a second dangerous obstacle warning to the operator, based on the first and second signals. |
| US08280620B2 |
Position calculating method and position calculating device
A position calculating method performed by a position calculating device having a sensor unit carried by or mounted on a mobile body and moving with the mobile body, includes: calculating the position of the mobile body; setting a detection value agreement range of the sensor unit for each of the possibility of moving, possibility of uncertainty, and possibility of stopping of the mobile body, and setting the detection value agreement range of the possibility of moving as the widest range to establish a membership function; determining whether the mobile body is in the stopping condition by predetermined fuzzy inference calculation using the membership function; changing an error parameter used for predetermined Kalman filter process to correct the calculated position by the Kalman filter process according to whether the stopping condition of the mobile body is determined or not; and correcting the calculated position by the Kalman filter process. |
| US08280619B2 |
Portable navigation apparatus with refueling prompt function and method thereof
This present invention provides a portable navigation apparatus with a refueling prompt function, characterized in that the memory comprises a driving style table and a fuel consumption reference database, and the processing unit comprises a fuel recording unit and a refueling prompt unit. Wherein, while a vehicle approaches a gas station near the navigation route, or while a new route or a re-planned route is generated, the refueling prompt unit is able to automatically calculate forecasting fuel consumption required for traveling from a current location to a next gas station near a navigation route according to the navigation route generated by the route navigation unit, the driving style table and the fuel consumption reference database, and prompting an alarm signal when the forecasting fuel consumption is greater than the fuel quantity to remind a user to refuel firstly. |
| US08280618B2 |
Methods and systems for inputting taxi instructions
Methods and systems are provided for providing information relating to taxiing an aircraft at an airport having a plurality of taxi paths. One exemplary method involves identifying a first aircraft location on a first taxi path and a first aircraft heading along the first taxi path, and determining a first subset of possible taxi paths from the plurality of taxi paths based on the first aircraft location and the first aircraft heading, such that each respective taxi path of the first subset intersects the first taxi path at a respective intersection location in the first aircraft heading from the first aircraft location. The method continues by receiving a first input, and when the first input corresponds to a second taxi path of the first subset, providing indication of the second taxi path. |
| US08280617B2 |
Monitoring a mobile device
Devices, systems, and methods for monitoring traffic, such as vehicle traffic on a roadway, using identification information acquired using a Bluetooth protocol. A sensor is configured to scan for discoverable Bluetooth devices within a flow of vehicle traffic and to create a log of identified Bluetooth devices. A system includes multiple sensors at known locations along a route and is operable to identify a Bluetooth device identified at multiple sensors. |
| US08280615B2 |
Air inlet system of engine
An air inlet system of an engine includes a throttle, a fan, a motor, and a throttle sensor. The fan is connected to the throttle. The motor is for driving the fan to force air into at least one intake manifold of the engine through the throttle. The throttle sensor is for controlling the rotational speed of the fan according to the motion of a throttle pedal. |
| US08280614B2 |
Device for controlling quantity of injected fuel
A control device has a CPU for determining an opening time and a conversion time, set in a non-injection period between preceding and present injections, in an interception process every fuel injection, and a control circuit for controlling a converting unit, independent of the operation of the CPU, to convert an analog signal, indicating fuel pressure of an injector, into a converted value at the conversion time. The CPU determines a closing time from the opening time and the converted value in another interception process. The device has a driving circuit for starting the valve opening at the opening time to open the injector and to inject fuel from the opened injector into an engine and starting the valve closing at the closing time to close the injector and to stop the fuel injection when the injected fuel reaches a required quantity. |
| US08280610B2 |
Control systems and methods for fuel and secondary air injection
An engine control system comprises an actuator control module and a tertiary injection module. The actuator control module provides secondary air to an exhaust system when a catalyst light-off mode is enabled and provides first and second injections of fuel to a cylinder during each engine cycle while the catalyst light-off mode is enabled. The tertiary injection module selectively provides a third injection of fuel to the cylinder during an exhaust phase of each engine cycle while the catalyst light-off mode is enabled. The first, second, and third injections are each separated by a period of time. |
| US08280607B2 |
Safely overriding unintended acceleration protection in vehicles towing trailers
A system includes a trailer sensing module, a position sensing module, a torque reducing module, and an override control module. The trailer sensing module senses when a trailer is attached to a vehicle. The position sensing module senses positions of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal of the vehicle. The torque reducing module reduces torque output to wheels of the vehicle when both the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal are pressed. The override control module selectively deactivates the torque reducing module when the trailer is attached to the vehicle and when a speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold. |
| US08280605B2 |
Braking force control apparatus for vehicle
A braking force control apparatus for a vehicle is provided with a brake device that brakes a rotation of a drive wheel of a vehicle equipped with a continuously variable transmission and adjusts a magnitude of a braking force acting upon the drive wheel on the basis of a brake depression amount. The braking force control apparatus includes a controller that is configured to set an upper limit value of the braking force of the brake device when a restriction condition that is a condition, at which an excessively large torque input state occurs, has been estimated to be established, the excessively large torque input state being a state in which a reduced speed of the drive wheel based on the braking force is larger than an allowable limit speed. |
| US08280603B2 |
System and method to determine brake pedal sensor failure
Systems and methods for determining aircraft brake pedal sensor failure are provided. A brake pedal sensor and/or a brake pedal may be “failed” if brake pedal sensor readings unlikely to be generated as a result of human input are detected. The method comprises acquiring brake pedal measurements from a brake pedal sensor, determining a state of the brake pedal sensor, and providing a notification of the state. Each brake pedal measurement comprises a brake pedal deflection amount. The brake pedal sensor test algorithm may be conducted at regular intervals, in preparation for aircraft landing, at the request of a human operator, and the like. |
| US08280602B2 |
Operation assist apparatus
An operation assist apparatus including: an assist controller that assists a driver of a vehicle in operating the vehicle before a stop point; and a watching action detector that detects a watching action of the driver for watching the stop point. The assist controller changes an assist manner in which to assist the vehicle operation by the driver in accordance with whether the watching action is detected by the watching action detector during deceleration of the vehicle. Thus configured, the operation assist apparatus can accurately determine whether the driver will stop the vehicle at the stop point and thus can perform the vehicle operation assist appropriately. |
| US08280600B2 |
Process for calibrating an automatic transmission
A method is provided for calibrating an automatic transmission with a torque converter clutch. In order to avoid that the torque converter clutch still has capacity even if the pressure is commanded to be zero without modifying the behavior of the torque converter clutch behavior of all the production, the torque converter clutch minimum offset transmissions are detected and only on these transmissions the torque converter minimum clamp pressure is decreased by a pressure step and the torque converter clutch coast adapt reference cell is increased. |
| US08280597B2 |
Control apparatus of automatic transmission
A control apparatus of an automatic transmission has an engagement part, a power-ON/OFF state judgment section and a control section controlling a capacity of the engagement part. The control section compares an actual input revolution speed difference absolute value of an absolute value of a difference between an input revolution speed when engaged and an actual input revolution speed with a target input revolution speed difference absolute value of an absolute value of a difference between the input revolution speed when engaged and a target input revolution speed, then a deviation is determined by subtracting the target input revolution speed difference absolute value from the actual input revolution speed difference absolute value. When the deviation is positive, the capacity is increased. When the deviation is negative, the capacity is reduced. When the deviation is zero, a previous capacity that is set before the comparison of the both absolute values is maintained. |
| US08280589B2 |
Steering apparatus
A secondary-control-system power supply line is provided to supply electricity from a secondary power supply apparatus to an electronic control apparatus. When a primary power supply voltage becomes equal to or lower than a primary power supply determination voltage, a power supply control section turns a step-down switching element on and off to thereby supply electricity from the secondary power supply apparatus to the electronic control apparatus. When a secondary power supply voltage becomes equal to or lower than a secondary power supply determination voltage, the power supply control section turns a secondary power supply relay off so as to stop the supply of electric power from the secondary power supply apparatus to a motor drive circuit, and continues the supply of electric power to the electronic control apparatus. Thus, resetting of a microcomputer of the electronic control apparatus, which would otherwise occur due to a drop in the power supply voltage, is prevented. |
| US08280587B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating a vehicle
In a method for operating a vehicle (1) having a plurality of wheels (3) and wheel sensors (5) which are associated with said wheels and whose measurement signals are representative of angular speeds of the respective wheels (3), respective scaling values (SV1, SV2, SH1, SH2) are adapted when a predefined condition is met, the condition depending on the yaw rate (GR) of the vehicle and/or on the steering angle (LW) of the front/rear wheels. |
| US08280583B2 |
Transmission of vehicle-relevant data of a vehicle via mobile communication
A device, method, computer program and computer readable medium allowing for vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communication. An ignition key radio technology may used in addition to WLAN-based communication in a vehicle in order to communicate with other vehicles or infrastructure. The ignition key radio technology is used to send only selected data which have been altered significantly. The remaining data are not sent or kept for the WLAN communication. |
| US08280582B2 |
Apparatus and method for identifying in advance overrun phases of a vehicle
A device is provided for identifying overrun phases of a vehicle in advance. The device includes at least one processing unit, which processes altitude position data of a route that is traveled by a vehicle or will be traveled by a vehicle and calculates a prediction of the probable occurrence of future overrun phases of the vehicle, taking into consideration the altitude position data. |
| US08280573B2 |
Guided control device for unmanned vehicle
Guiding speed is increased while an unmanned vehicle is prevented from straying from a travel passage width, to improve the work efficiency. Target speed of the unmanned vehicle increases as a distance between a current position of the unmanned vehicle and a guidable borderline increases, and the target speed of the unmanned vehicle decreases as the distance between the current position of the unmanned vehicle and a guidable borderline decreases. The unmanned vehicle travels, along a travel path having adjacent inbound/outbound lanes, in a direction opposite to a direction of a vehicle on an oncoming lane. If it is determined that the vehicle traveling along the oncoming lane is approaching the unmanned vehicle, then the target speed of the unmanned vehicle is reduced, whereby the unmanned vehicle is caused to travel at a low guiding speed. |
| US08280570B2 |
Power controller for hybrid vehicle
An operation point of the engine where the fuel economy is optimal is obtained based on an iso-fuel-economy curve which is defined by engine speed and engine torque. Each of the operation points is connected to each other to form an efficiency characteristic line on which the demand operation point is computed. When the operation point of the engine is moved in a direction in which the fuel economy is improved, the moving speed of the operation point is increased so that the operation point rapidly moves to the point of high fuel economy as soon as possible. Contrary, when the operation point moves in a direction where the fuel economy is deteriorated, the moving speed of the operation point of the engine is decreased so that the operation point can be moved toward the point of low fuel economy as slow as possible. |
| US08280567B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling remote train operation
A method of verifying clearance of a rail crossing includes: (a) detecting the presence of a train near the crossing, the train being equipped with a locomotive control unit; (b) in response to detection of the train near the crossing, generating a unique code; (c) capturing an image of the crossing; (d) transmitting the unique code along with the image to a remote operator control unit; (e) using the locomotive control unit, waiting for a response from the operator control unit containing the unique code; and (f) if the response containing the unique code is received by the locomotive control unit, permitting further operation of the train and, if the unique code is not received by the locomotive control unit, carrying out an automatic response which prevents movement of the train through the crossing. |
| US08280563B2 |
Method and system to reduce impact of non-ATC data-link messages on ATC data-link messages on a shared air-ground communication link
A system to send air traffic control (ATC) data-link messages from an aircraft is provided. The system includes ATC applications in a first portion of an application layer, non-ATC applications in a second portion of the application layer; and a communication manager in the aircraft having two addresses for the aircraft. The communication manager includes a first copy of software in a first data link layer and a second copy of the software in a second data link layer. ATC data-link messages are sent from the aircraft independent of non-ATC data-link messages sent from the aircraft. |
| US08280562B2 |
Method and device concerning the taxiing of an aircraft, which is automatic at least in part
A method and device automatically controls the driving of an aircraft along a ground path of an airport domain. A guidance system is configured to determine, with the aid of at least one current value of the aircraft and a ground rolling trajectory, a yaw rate setpoint enabling the aircraft to follow the ground rolling trajectory by application of a yaw rate command. The guidance system, with the aid of measured current values of parameters of the aircraft, the determined ground rolling trajectory and a speed profile that incorporates a variation of the longitudinal speed along the ground trajectory, a longitudinal speed setpoint that represents a longitudinal speed command to drive the aircraft along the ground trajectory, while complying with the speed profile. A piloting aid system calculates setpoints from the yaw rate command and applies the setpoints to control yaw motion of the aircraft. |
| US08280561B2 |
Powered wheelchair
A powered wheel chair device comprises a motorized undercarriage and a support seat for supporting a wheelchair occupant. At least one support arm is located adjacent the seat. A controller is mounted on the arm, the controller including a joystick unit within reach of the occupant. The joystick is in communication with the motorized undercarriage for driving the undercarriage. The joystick includes an upstanding post with a collar, the collar having a periphery with a number of abutment regions located therealong. A number of actuators are provided, each movable from a storage position distal to the corresponding abutment region and a deployed position adjacent the corresponding abutment region. Each actuator is responsive to an obstacle detecting sensor near a corresponding peripheral region of the undercarriage. |
| US08280560B2 |
Adaptive vehicle control system with driving style recognition based on headway distance
An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a drivers driving style based on vehicle headway control. The system reads sensor signals to identify the range and range rate between a subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle, where the range rate is close to zero if the distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle is relatively steady, the range rate is negative when the subject vehicle is closing in on the preceding vehicle and the range rate is positive when the subject vehicle is falling behind the preceding vehicle. The range rate, the subject vehicle speed and other signals are used to classify the drivers driving style based on how fast the subject vehicle closes in on the preceding vehicle or falls behind, and the following distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle. The system can then classify the headway-control maneuver using selected discriminant features. |
| US08280556B2 |
Energy management of HVAC system
An HVAC system for conditioning air of an associated room includes one or more power consuming features/functions including at least one temperature controlling element for one of heating and cooling air. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of a utility state. The controller operates the HVAC system in one of a plurality or operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the HVAC system in the energy savings mode. |
| US08280555B2 |
Air conditioning system
Even at spots, such as a window side and the back side of a room, where air conditioning loads are different from each other, comfortable air conditioning is obtained at low cost using a common air conditioning unit. One indoor apparatus and wireless transceiver having a ZigBee-compliant transmission device are installed in the room. Sensor units having temperature/humidity sensors and ZigBee-compliant wireless transceivers are installed at plural indoor spots where the air conditioning loads are different from each other. A controller in the indoor-apparatus receives sensor information (temperature/humidity information) via the wireless transceivers from the sensor units, and computes a weight average based on the sensor information and weight values that are pre-stored in the storing devices and that correspond to the sensor units. Using the computed value as a control value, the controller controls an air conditioning unit. |
| US08280554B2 |
System for preventing unnecessary shutdown of a high-purity gas production plant
A novel fail-safe temperature monitoring system that can distinguish excessive chemical adsorbent temperature from temperature sensing component failure is provided. This system prevents the gas purifier from shutting down as a result of temperature sensing component failure, and thereby prevents a false shutdown of a high-purity gas production plant. |
| US08280552B2 |
Power assist device and its control method
It is possible to provide a power assist device which can maintain a stable contact state without causing an oscillation phenomenon even if a robot is brought into contact with an environment. A method for controlling the power assist device is also provided. The power assist device includes: an inner force sensor which detects an operation force applied by an operator; an operation handle having the inner force sensor; a robot arm which supports the operation handle; an actuator which drives the robot arm; the actuator and a control device which measure or estimate a force applied when the robot arm is brought into contact with an environment; and the actuator and the control device which detect or estimate a motion speed of the operation handle. The control device acquires a corrected external force according to the operation force detected by the inner force sensor and an external force detected by the actuator and the control device as external force derivation means and controls the actuator so that the corrected external force acts on the operation handle. |
| US08280550B2 |
Cabinet with remote integration
Devices, systems, and methods are described for remotely managing items that are configured to be stored in at least one dispensing device. This includes receiving user identification information at a host computer system from an electronic device that is remotely located from the dispensing device. This also includes transmitting from the host computer system to the electronic device a disposition of at least one item, wherein the at least one item is associated with a patient. Further, this includes receiving, at the host computer system from the remote electronic device, information about the item originating from the dispensing device, wherein the information includes a further disposition of the item. |
| US08280547B2 |
Method and system for transporting inventory items
A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point. |
| US08280546B2 |
Method and system for transporting inventory items
A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder capable of storing inventory items and a mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is capable of moving to a first point with the inventory holder at least one of coupled to and supported by the mobile drive unit. The mobile drive unit is additionally capable of determining a location of the inventory holder and calculating a difference between the location of the inventory holder and the first point. The mobile drive unit is then capable of determining whether the difference is greater than a predetermined tolerance. In response to determining that the difference is greater than the predetermined tolerance, the mobile drive unit is also capable of moving to a second point based on the location of the inventory holder, docking with the inventory holder, and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to the first point. |
| US08280545B2 |
Vacuum processing apparatus and method, and storage medium for executing the method
A vacuum processing apparatus transfers a wafer between a first transfer arm and a second transfer arm via a rotary stage; acquires position data of a peripheral portion of the wafer by using a line sensor while rotating the rotary stage sustaining the wafer before a vacuum process thereon; calculates a center position and a direction of the wafer based on the position data; controls a rotation of the rotary stage to adjust the direction of the wafer based on the calculation result; and controls the second transfer arm such that the second transfer arm conveys the wafer to a wafer mounting member inside a vacuum processing chamber while allowing a center of the wafer to be aligned to a center of the mounting member based on the calculation result. |
| US08280544B2 |
System for use in performance of injection molding operations
There is provided a system for use in performance of injection molding operations, wherein the system can include a plurality of injection molding assembly components. In one embodiment, the system can be operative so that various information respecting components of the system can be recorded within a component database. The component database can be a computer implemented database and in one embodiment can be utilized to output information that indicates past and/or present conditions prevailing within the system. |
| US08280542B2 |
Dental prosthesis manufacturing process, dental prosthesis pattern and dental prosthesis made thereby
A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually. |
| US08280539B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatically segueing between audio tracks
There is disclosed a method and storage media for automatically segueing between a first audio track and a second audio track. The first audio track and the second audio track may be analyzed to determine a preferred transition window. Segueing from the first track to the second track may occur during the preferred transition window. |
| US08280537B2 |
Editing lifecycle and deployment of objects in an industrial automation environment
An editor in an industrial automation environment comprises an input component that receives modification data relating to at least one of lifecycle and deployment of an object, the object is associated with a programmable logic controller and configured in accordance with a hierarchically structured data model. An implementation component can implement the modification data with respect to the object. The editor can further comprise a security component that determines that an entity providing the data to the input component is authorized to implement the modification data. |
| US08280536B1 |
Thermostat user interface
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component. |
| US08280524B2 |
External button processor with a rechargeable battery
An external processor device is described for an implantable prosthetic system. An external processor housing has a generally planar skin contacting surface and a central axis perpendicular to the skin contacting surface. A signal processor is located within the processor housing for developing an implant data signal. The processor housing also contains a transmitter coil for coupling the implant data signal across the skin to the implantable prosthetic system. A battery compartment is also located within the processor housing in an annular region around the central axis for containing a battery arrangement to provide electrical power to the signal processor and the transmitter coil. |
| US08280522B2 |
Cochlear implant power system and methodology
A cochlear implant system has an implantable portion that includes a stimulator module for producing for the auditory system of a user an electrical stimulation signal representative of an acoustic signal. The implantable portion further includes a battery for supplying power to the stimulator module, a receiver module for receiving an electrical power signal across the skin of a user, and a recharge module that uses the electrical power signal to recharge the battery. The recharge module recharges the battery at less than the maximum recharge rate. |
| US08280514B2 |
Identifying areas of the brain by examining the neuronal signals
The present invention relates to a method of identifying a region of the brain by measuring neuronal firing and/or local field potentials by recording discharges from at least one implanted electrode and analyzing the recording of the discharges within the beta frequency band range to determine an area of beta oscillatory activity. Once the region of the brain is identified, this region may be stimulated to disrupt the beta oscillatory activity thereby treating a movement disorder. |
| US08280510B2 |
Method for exclusion of ectopic events from heart rate variability metrics
Heart rate variability metrics are derived from the intervals between successive heart beats, referred to as BB intervals. A method implementable by an implantable cardiac device for excluding BB intervals due to ectopic beats based on a function of preceding BB intervals is presented. It is desirable to remove such BB intervals from a BB interval time series used to calculate a heart rate variability metric. |
| US08280507B2 |
Cardiac stimulator for treatment of tachycardiac arrhythmias of the heart
An implantable antitachycardiac cardiac stimulator has at least one right-ventricular sensing unit, a defibrillation shock generator and a control unit, as well as an additional detection unit for detecting ventricular events which operates independently of the right-ventricular detection electrode, and an evaluation unit (e.g., as an additional component of the control unit) which suppresses the delivery of a defibrillation shock on reliable detection of the normal rhythm via the additional detection unit. |
| US08280506B2 |
PCB blade connector system and method
The connector between the patient electrode pads and the base unit of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) system can be formed by capturing a printed circuit board (PCB) within a connector housing. The PCB can have conductive metal traces that serve as the contact points between the wires from the patient electrodes and the electronics within the AED base unit. The PCB in combination with the conductive metal traces can be shaped similar to a conventional two-prong or two-blade connector. Employing such a PCB-based connector may result in AED pads which are less complex and less costly to manufacture. The PCB can also support a configuration circuit that is positioned between the conductive metal traces and that allows the AED to read and store information about the attached pads. For example, the AED can use this data storage feature to check the expiration date of the pads. |
| US08280505B2 |
Vagus nerve stimulation method
An implanted electrical signal generator delivers a novel exogenous electrical signal to a vagus nerve of a patient. The vagus nerve conducts action potentials originating in the heart and lungs to various structures of the brain, thereby eliciting a vagal evoked potential in those structures. The exogenous electrical signal simulates and/or augments the endogenous afferent activity originating from the heart and/or lungs of the patient, thereby enhancing the vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain. The exogenous electrical signal includes a series of electrical pulses organized or patterned into a series of microbursts including 2 to 20 pulses each. No pulses are sent between the microbursts. Each of the microbursts may be synchronized with the QRS wave portion of an ECG. The enhanced vagal evoked potential in the various structures of the brain may be used to treat various medical conditions including epilepsy and depression. |
| US08280502B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation signals for neurostimulation and treatment of neurological disorders using electrical stimulation
A computing device-controlled system is described for the generation of amplitude-modulated pulse-width modulation (AMPWM) signals for use in treating neurological dysfunction via cranial neurostimulation, where the AMPWM signal is specifically designed to minimize the electrical impedance of the tissues of the head. A low-frequency carrier signal is determined for the AMPWM signal by measuring EEG activity at a reference site or sites, generally corresponding with the location of suspected brain dysfunction. Carrier signal frequency is variably related to critical frequency components of the EEG power spectral density, determined from statistical analysis of amplitudes and variability, and dynamically changed as a function of time to prevent entrainment. The AMPWM signal is presented to a subject via a plurality of neurostimulation delivery modes for therapeutic use. |
| US08280501B2 |
Systems and methods for quantitatively characterizing slow wave activities and states in sleep
A method for quantitative sleep characterization includes acquiring a surface electroencephologram (surf-EEG) signal from an individual by a probe, decomposing the surf-EEG signal into a plurality of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by a computer processor in communication with the probe, wherein the plurality of IMFs comprises a first group of IMFs and a second group of IMFs, calculating a ratio comprising an amplitude or power of at least one of the IMFs in the first group in the numerator and a corresponding amplitude or power of at least one of the IMFs in the second group in the denominator; and identifying a period in the surf-EEG waveform as slow wave sleep (SWS) if the ratio associated with the period is above a predetermined threshold. |
| US08280499B2 |
Method for implanting a minimally invasive physiologic parameter recorder and introducer system
An implantable monitoring device includes a flexible lead body that includes at least one sensing element. The device also includes a rigid main body connected to the flexible lead body at an attachment point. The rigid main body is generally centered about a longitudinal axis defined by the flexible lead body when the lead body is unflexed. The device further includes a measurement circuit, which is housed within the rigid main body and electrically coupled to the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and at least another sensing element on an outside surface of the rigid main body. The measurement circuit is configured to measure a potential difference between the at least one sensing element of the flexible lead body and the at least another sensing element of the main body. |
| US08280496B2 |
Extended spectral sensitivity endoscope system and method of using the same
A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes inserting an endoscope at least partially into a body lumen. At least a portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a first wavelength. The portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. A characteristic of an area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the first wavelength is compared with the characteristic of the area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the second wavelength. A medical device or treatment parameter is selected to treat the area of interest based on the comparing. In some embodiments, the body lumen is a ureter. In such an embodiment, a composition of a kidney stone within the ureter can be identified. |
| US08280495B2 |
Multi-channel catheter tip
A tip assembly for a catheter includes a housing having a recess that receives an optical bench. The optical bench accommodates adjacent fibers, one of which is in optical communication with a first beam re-director. The first beam re-director is oriented to cause a beam incident thereon to travel in a direction away from the optical bench. An engaging structure coupled to the optical bench provides torque coupling between the housing and an end of a torque cable extending axially along the catheter. |
| US08280488B2 |
Processing and displaying dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging information
A method, system, and related computer program products for processing and displaying dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) information are described. A plurality of instances of an MRI volume of the body part acquired at a respective plurality of sample times subsequent to an administration of a tracer is processed to determine a plurality of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters characterizing a mathematical model-based relationship between a plasma tracer concentration and a total tracer concentration within the body part. For one preferred embodiment, computation of the PK parameters is performed according to a generalized signal model such that computation can be carried out in real time during an interactive viewer session, with required reference regions being selectable and optionally re-selectable by the viewer without requiring extensive waiting times for PK parameter computation. Associated user interfaces and computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithms are also provided. |
| US08280482B2 |
Method and apparatus for evaluating regional changes in three-dimensional tomographic images
Methods for measuring atrophy in a brain region occupied by the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. In one example, MRI scans and a computational formula are used to measure the medial-temporal lobe region of the brain over a time interval. This region contains the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex, structures allied with learning and memory. Each year this region of the brain shrank in people who developed memory problems up to six years after their first MRI scan. The method is also applicable for measuring the progression rate of atrophy in the region in an instance where the onset of Alzheimer's disease has already been established. |
| US08280480B2 |
Stapedius muscle electrode
The invention relates to a stapedius muscle electrode array for detecting the action elements generated when a human stapedius muscle is contracted. Said array comprises an electrode (2, 2′, 2″) that is adapted for bipolar discharge and is to be attached to a human stapedius muscle. The electrode has two flexible, elastic, electrically conducting elongate elements (2a, 2b), each of which has a distal (4a, 4b) and a proximal end (17a, 17b) and is helically preshaped along at least some of the length thereof to the distal end (4a, 4b) thereof in such a way that the distal end (4a, 4b) and a section of the respective elongate element (2a, 2b) which adjoins the distal end (4a, 4b) can be placed at least in part around the tendon (7) extending between the stapedius muscle and the stapes while the helical part can be guided along the tendon (7), can be moved in the direction of the stapedius muscle, and can be at least partly twisted into and/or slid onto the region of the muscle belly (6) adjoining the tendon (7). The two elongate elements (2a, 2b) are electrically insulated from one another, and the helical parts (3) thereof are intertwined in such a way as to run around a common centerline (11), allowing the helical parts (3) to be jointly placed around the tendon (7), be guided along the tendon (7), and be brought in contact with the stapedius muscle. |
| US08280478B2 |
Evaluation of implantation site for implantation of implantable medical device
In general, the invention is directed to strategies pertaining to implantation of an implantable medical device between a scalp and a skull of the patient. The invention pertains to collection of data such as data pertaining to the skull of the patient, the scalp of the patient, the vascular structure or neurological structures in the head of the patient, and the like. The data may be in the form of images, such as images generated by X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, CT-scan and fluoroscopy. A surgeon can use the collected data to determine, for example, whether the patient is a candidate for a cranial implantation, whether the patient's skull and scalp can support the implantation, what configuration of device should be implanted, where the device should be implanted, and how the surgical incisions should be made. |
| US08280477B2 |
Mono-phasic action potential electrogram recording catheter, and method
Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements. |
| US08280475B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08280469B2 |
Method for detection of aberrant tissue spectra
A method is provided for determining contact of a sensor with a patient's tissue. The method comprises comparing the intensity of detected light at a first wavelength to a threshold, wherein the first wavelength is not used to determine a physiological characteristic of the patient, and determining if the sensor is in contact with the patient's tissue based on the comparison. In addition, a method is provided for determining the amount of light shunting during operation of the sensor. The method comprises comparing the intensity of detected light at a first wavelength to a threshold, wherein the first wavelength is not used to determine a physiological characteristic of the patient, and determining the amount of light shunting based on the comparison. |
| US08280467B2 |
Electricity transmission cooling system
A cooling system includes a first section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a first flow of coolant and to permit the first flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a second section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a second flow of coolant and to permit the second flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a cable joint configured to couple the first section of HTS cable and the second section of HTS cable. The cable joint may be in fluid communication with at least one refrigeration module and may include at least one conduit configured to permit a third flow of coolant between said cable joint and said at least one refrigeration module through a coolant line separate from said first and second sections of HTS cable. Other embodiments and implementations are also within the scope of the present disclosure. |
| US08280463B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a case, a cover member that includes a first layer, and a second layer made of a material different from that of the first layer, and an electronic component accommodated between the case and the cover member, wherein the second layer includes a first adhesion area that is adhered to the first layer, and a second adhesion area that is located closer to a center than the first adhesion area, adhered to the first layer, and recessed closer to the case than the first adhesion area, a step being formed between the first adhesion area and the second adhesion area. |
| US08280456B2 |
Providing a user with feedback regarding power consumption in battery-operated electronic devices
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a user with feedback regarding power consumption in a battery-operated electronic device. In one aspect, a method performed by data processing apparatus includes identifying, using the data processing apparatus, usage of a hardware component of a battery-operated electronic device that includes the data processing apparatus, attributing the usage of the hardware component to the hardware component or to a software application that uses the hardware component, recording, using the data processing apparatus, a power consumption resulting from the usage, and presenting power consumption feedback to a user using the data processing apparatus. The power consumption feedback identifies the hardware component or the software application of the electronic device and the power consumption resulting from the usage. |
| US08280455B2 |
Battery charging assembly
A battery charging assembly for charging a battery of a mobile device includes a charging unit, an output assembly and an input assembly. The input assembly is detachably associated with the charging unit and includes an adapter for removable attachment to the charging unit, a power cord, and a plug configured to mate with a style of electrical outlet such that the charging unit is positionable at a remote location from the electrical outlet. The adapter has a latching mechanism for latching the adapter in a receptacle defined in the charging unit. |
| US08280450B2 |
Hands-free phone-call device and tone quality control device
Constant phone-call quality is kept irrespective of setting of a tone adjusting function of a cellular phone under connection. There is provided a sound collector for collecting voices and converting the voices to a voice signal, a communication unit for communicating with a cellular phone terminal according to a predetermined communication protocol, and a reproducing unit for reproducing the voice signal received in the communication unit. A hands-free phone-call device for enabling the cellular phone terminal to execute hands-free phone call is provided with a signal processor for subjecting a voice signal to signal processing of adjusting tone quality to a predetermined state, and a controller for obtaining information on a tone adjusting function from the cellular phone terminal when the cellular phone terminal having the tone adjusting function for adjusting the tone quality during phone call is connected to communicate, and transmitting a predetermined command when it is determined that the tone adjusting function of the cellular phone terminal can be stopped or not, whereby the tone adjusting function of the cellular phone terminal is stopped and then the signal processor is made to execute the signal processing. |
| US08280444B1 |
Reducing multi-cell interference using cooperative random beam forming
Systems and methods which implement cooperative random or quasi-random beam forming as between a plurality of base stations in a wireless network to reduce multi-cell interference are shown. For example, a plurality of base stations in a wireless network cooperate to provide frequency resources, such as channels, subchannels, subcarriers, etc., in a plurality of randomesque beams. In operation, subscriber stations preferably analyze signals as received on a plurality of the randomesque beams to determine one or more “best” beams for use in communication between the subscriber station and base station. Assuming an identified beam is available for use by the subscriber station, payload communications may be provided using one or more beams identified by the subscriber station as a “best” beam. The base stations of the wireless network preferably cooperate to periodically reform the randomesque beams. |
| US08280443B2 |
WLAN access point with extended coverage area
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide high bandwidth data communication with respect to a large coverage area using smart antenna and/or directional antenna (referred to herein as multi-beam antenna) technology. Circuitry may be provided at a WLAN AP to provide selection of particular antenna beams used in the downlink and/or uplink, control of multicast transmission, control of unicast transmission, and to provide antenna pattern shaping techniques. Embodiments implement multi-beam antenna technology with little or no hardware modifications to AP circuitry. Other embodiments implement multi-beam technology using radio front-end and/or radio hardware modifications to AP circuitry. Various diversity techniques may be implemented, such as selection diversity, maximum ratio combining, and equal gain combing. To provide desired antenna pattern shaping, phase offsets with respect to a signal as transmitted in each antenna beam may be employed. |
| US08280442B2 |
Radio base station and receiver fault diagnosis method
Even if a receiver has a normal gain and a lowered intermodulation distortion characteristics, a fault detection is possible. A test signal transmitter sends a test signal having at least two frequencies to a radio receiver through a coupler. A digital signal processing section receives a signal which includes an IM3 component generated by the radio receiver and measures the electric power of fundamental wave components and the IM3 component. Then, the digital signal processing section calculates the gain of the radio receiver and IIP3, which is an index for intermodulation distortion characteristics, of the radio receiver 207 from the calculated electric power. A base station control section determines whether the gain and IIP3 of the radio receiver fall in predetermined ranges to determine whether the radio receiver works normally or has a fault. |
| US08280441B2 |
Multiple interface card
A multiple interface smart card adaptor is described for mobile phones to take advantage of at least wireless and contactless communications. |
| US08280436B2 |
Wireless telephony device with breath analysis sensor and methods for use therewith
A wireless telephony device includes a memory that stores at least one telephony application. A processor executes the telephony application to process at least one telephone call via a wireless telephony network in response to commands of a user. A breath analyzing sensor analyzes a breath of the user in conjunction with the at least one telephone call and generates breath analysis test data in response thereto. The telephony application generates a breath analysis test message, based on the breath analysis test data and transmits the breath analysis test message via the wireless telephony network. |
| US08280435B2 |
Communication system, settlement management apparatus and method, portable information terminal and information processing method, and program
The present invention provides a communication system that enables safe and easy addition of a function for use of credit card settlement services to a portable information terminal. In this system, if a user brings his credit card close to the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal reads a card ID stored in a contactless IC card provided in the credit card. Then, the card ID is transmitted to a card management system which checks whether or not the card ID is valid. If confirming that the card ID is valid, the card management system instructs the portable information terminal to write the card ID thereto. If the user places an order of a merchandise, the card ID written to the portable information terminal is provided therefrom to use credit card settlement services. |
| US08280431B2 |
Apparatus for end-user transparent utilization of computational, storage, and network capacity of mobile devices, and associated methods
Mobile devices, systems, and methods enable individual mobile devices and network services to utilize idle mobile computer resources through virtualization and wireless mesh networking in a manner that is transparent to users. Other embodiments include apparatus and systems of devices for dispatching virtual node modules to perform service functions. |
| US08280430B2 |
Antenna array calibration for multi-input multi-output wireless communication systems
Calibration for a transmit chain of a device transmitting information to multiple devices over wireless links and receive chains of the multiple devices receiving information over one of the wireless links utilizing each of the estimates for different antennas of an access terminal as a separate estimate. |
| US08280424B2 |
Transmission of data within a communications network
The invention relates to methods for providing a network element of a communications network with data, in particular HSDPA related data. In order to enable the transmission of user data, it is proposed that a controller of the network uses a dedicated frame structure for assembling frames with said user data. The frames can then be transmitted from the controller via an interface to the network element. In order to enable the transmission of control parameters, it is further proposed that an interface application protocol is employed which allows the controller to add control parameters to control messages transmitted from the controller to a network element via the interface. |
| US08280423B2 |
Voice hub processing
Systems and methods are provided for routing voice communications to groups in a voice communication system using a voice hub system. The voice hub system allows a user to group communication devices into one or more logical networks and/or unit task organizations. The user can then select one or more of the communications groupings to transmit and receive voice communications. A user can change the communication grouping selections automatically changing the communication group that the voice hub system is transmitting and receiving voice messages. |
| US08280420B2 |
Multi-level saturation
The claimed subject matter relates to enforcing a threshold peak to average power while reducing affects associated with saturation. This can be accomplished, for instance, by assessing piecewise linear approximation of an ideal saturation region, wherein the ideal saturation region is based at least in part upon the threshold peak to average ratio. Thereafter, a desirably transmitted signal can be saturated if power associated with the signal lies outside a region encompassed by the piecewise linear approximation. |
| US08280418B2 |
System for supporting video message service and method thereof
A system for supporting a video message service and method thereof is disclosed, a system for supporting a video message service comprises a video message center for when a calling-party mobile terminal is connected via a video call, creating a video message having a preset size based on video data received via the video call according to the reception authentication information of a called-party mobile terminal, and transmitting the created video message using a preset transmission method according to the reception state of the called-party mobile terminal and an authentication server for performing an authentication procedure on the called-party mobile terminal so as to transmit the video message, and provides reception authentication information, based on the results of the authentication procedure, to the video message center. |
| US08280416B2 |
Method and system for distributing data to mobile devices
Embodiments of the disclosure are concerned with a method and a system for distributing mobile applications, in particular to aspects of receiving, processing and displaying advertisements on mobile terminals. In one aspect, embodiments provide a software component for controlling movement of an advertisement image on a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal comprising a display area and a processor, the software component comprising processable instructions defining movement of the advertisement image relative to the display area, wherein the instructions are wirelessly transmissable to the mobile terminal and the processor is arranged to process said instructions in order to move the advertisement image. |
| US08280414B1 |
Map tile data pre-fetching based on mobile device generated event analysis
Map tile data for displaying graphic elements of a web-based mapping system in a mobile computing device may be pre-fetched to the device based on an analysis of the historical uses of a mapping module at that mobile device. For example, module executing on the mobile device may retrieve user mapping activity data. The user mapping activity module may then extract geographic location data and send the geographic location data to a mapping system via a network connection. The mapping system may then match map tile data to the geographic location data extracted from the user mapping activity data and send the matched mapping system data to the mobile computing device for cache storage. The user mapping activity module may also analyze the user mapping activity data to determine whether the extracted geographic location data is relevant enough to warrant pre-fetching the tile data. |
| US08280407B2 |
Using customer relationship management data non exhibiting unique user identifiers for creating geo statistical representations of the users
A computer implemented data processing system for using customer relationship management (CRM) non-exhibiting unique user identifiers in a cellular network for creating geo-statistical representations of the users. The system is arranged to: repeatedly identify all active network-connected devices in each location area using the unique identifier; repeatedly create a table, for all location areas, each table exhibiting: location area identifier, unique user identifier, time of inflow to the location area, time of outflow from the location area; and differentiate table of time N−1 over table of time N thereby detecting inflow and outflow quantities of unique identifiers for each location area; factorizing said difference by the ratio of stationary non-active network-connected device and the total number of network-connected devices; decipher the difference table; analyze the deciphered tables using CRM profiles; and join over time, the deciphered tables with corresponding location area thereby creating at least one GIS data layer. |
| US08280406B2 |
Methods for sending location-based data
A location-based messaging system and its methods of operation are disclosed, including methods for sending geographic location information for a target address from a computing device to a receiving device that will enable the receiving device to display a map and/or directions from a geographic location of the receiving device to the geographic location of the target address. Methods for processing and distributing location-based data, methods for receiving and responding to location-based data, and methods for virally distributing location-based applications are also disclosed. |
| US08280402B2 |
System and method for controlling financial transactions over a wireless network
A system and method for controlling financial transactions is disclosed. A customer, using a wireless device, identifies a point of sale and the amount of a transaction at that point of sale is first communicated to a central service and then transmitted to the wireless device for display at the wireless device. The customer can either accept the transaction amount to complete the transaction or reject the amount to cancel the transaction. The customer may have to enter a password or personal identification number to verify the authorization to use the wireless financial system. The customer is billed for the transaction via credit, debit, ATM or other methods, such as the wireless carrier or an internet provider. |
| US08280399B2 |
Method and system for controlling location update and paging, considering location characteristics of mobile station in a communication system
A method and system for controlling a location update of a Mobile Station (MS) and paging the MS, taking into account location characteristics of the MS in a communication system are provided. The system for controlling the location update includes the MS for receiving a broadcasting message from a preferred BS during a PLI, for determining whether a paging group is changed, for verifying lazy location update information in the broadcasting message to delay a location update of the MS, if the paging group is changed and for updating a location of the MS according to the lazy location update information. |
| US08280398B2 |
Positioning system, positioning method, and program thereof
A positioning system includes an illumination device, a terminal, and a positioning server. The illumination device transmits identification information. The terminal transmits the identification information received from the illumination device, to the positioning server. The positioning server uses the identification information received from the terminal, thereby searching an illumination installation position database registered in advance so as to identify the terminal position. This eliminates power supply for positioning infrastructure and facilitates attachment to a ceiling, thereby realizing the positioning infrastructure at a low cost. |
| US08280395B2 |
System and method for updating information using limited bandwidth
A system and method detects an amount of data attributed to a device including reports sent to the device, and reduces the amount of data being used to provide reports to the device if the amount of data attributed to the device exceeds an amount assigned to the device. Data uploaded from the device is also minimized. |
| US08280394B2 |
OFDMA uplink interface impact recovery in LTE system
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements to estimate neighbor cell interference for admission control purposes. Information on at least the total estimated neighbor cell interference power and the own cell power for frequency subsets of tones ft is signalled to neighboring cells for calculating a vector of impact values describing the interference impact of transmissions in a first impacting cell on respective impacted neighbor cells. The neighbor cell interference impact caused by a resource allocation in a first cell is estimated by help of the pre-calculated impact values such that resources are allocated to cause a minimized interference impact on said neighboring cells. |
| US08280392B2 |
Base station, mobile station, synchronization control method, and IC chip
A radio communication method in which a mobile station receives signaling information transmitted by a base station via a shared control channel, detects a presence/absence of data addressed to the mobile station, demodulates a shared data channel when the data is present, and receives data transmitted by the base station. The method includes the steps of transmitting, from the base station to the mobile station, a synchronization request via the shared control channel and transmitting, at the mobile station, feedback information including channel quality information, as a response to the synchronization request, via a random access channel. The method also includes generating, at the base station, timing advance information when receiving the feedback information, and transmitting, from the base station to the mobile station, the timing advance information, and adjusting, at the mobile station, a transmission timing of uplink data based on the timing advance information. |
| US08280391B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying downlink message responsive to random access preambles transmitted in different uplink channels in mobile communication system supporting carrier aggregation
An apparatus and method for determining an uplink channel used for a random access procedure are provided. An exemplary method by a User Equipment (UE) includes transmitting a preamble to a Base Station (BS) on at least one channel of a plurality of channels, receiving a response from the BS, and distinguishing the response based on an identifier unique to a channel resource to identify the channel in which the preamble is transmitted. |
| US08280388B2 |
Systems and methods for managing wireless communications using link space information
Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for management of wireless communications through the development and use of link space information. Such link space information provides link-centric information with respect to wireless links of a network to thereby provide a view of the network which takes into account phenomena affecting the wireless links. Utilizing such link space information, automated management of various aspects of a wireless network may be provided, including automated provisioning, management, and/or optimization of network links. Network operations may include use of link space information in providing network management applications such as automatic fault management, automatic performance management, operation advisories, and/or the like. |
| US08280387B2 |
Femtocell channel assignment and power control for improved femtocell coverage and efficient cell search
A method and a communication system including femtocells within a macrocell efficiently manage interference between the different femtocells, and between each femtocell and a macrocell. An efficient frequency assignment scheme for the femtocells minimizes interference between a femtocell and a macrocell and among different femtocells using a spectrum-sensing technique carried out by the femtocells. The frequency assignment scheme selects a suitable channel from a set of candidate channels and ensures that the femtocell has an acceptable coverage area even when it is close to the macrocell base station (BS). The frequency assignment scheme favors a co-channel implementation to take advantage of the hand-off and cell search characteristics of the co-channel implementation. In one embodiment, a joint power control and frequency band assignment technique is used, which partitions the coverage area of the macrocell into an inner region, a power control region, and an outer region. Depending on a femtocell's location, it is assigned a certain power level and a frequency band. Power control may be used within the power-control region while, in the other regions, a fixed transmission power may be used. |
| US08280385B2 |
Apparatus, communication system and methods for enabling spectrum access
Embodiments of the invention provide for allocating spectrum in a wireless communication system that supports simultaneously at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. Logic is arranged for determining a proportion of spectrum required for the wireless communication unit to operate simultaneously in both the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation. Logic for allocating spectrum allocates a temporary guard band between a first portion of spectrum for the first mode of operation and a second portion of spectrum for the second mode of operation for use while the wireless communication unit operates simultaneously in the first mode of operation and second mode of operation. |
| US08280379B2 |
Method and terminal for determining soft handover diversity set thresholds
A method and a terminal for determining soft handover diversity thresholds are disclosed in the present invention. In the above method, at first, a terminal determines a dynamical addition threshold of a diversity corresponding to the terminal according to the first predetermined information, wherein the first predetermined information comprises: carrier-to-interference noise ratios CINRs of all the base stations in the diversity, and parameters carried in downlink channel description messages that are received from base stations by the terminal; then, the terminal determines a dynamical deletion threshold for each base station in the diversity according to the second predetermined information respectively, wherein, for each base station, the second predetermined information comprises: CINRs for base stations in the diversity whose CINRs are greater than the CINR of the base station, and parameters carried in downlink channel description messages. According to the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, a terminal can perform handover according to the current network condition, thereby the system stabilization can be ensured and the system efficiency can be improved. |
| US08280378B2 |
Method and system to support user-centric selection of point of attachment through momentary interactive multimedia experience conveyance and through correlation of web links to quality and experience metrics
A system and method for improving quality of experience (QoE) of using a mobile device can comprise utilization of stored information relating to RANs of service providers and QoE ratings, receiving an event related to the RANs or to mobile Web browsing actions, receiving requests for QoE metrics based on the event, parsing and interpreting results of the QoE metrics; preparing and beginning an emulation session of the RANs, choosing a presentation style, rendering QoE in accordance with the browser actions and the presentation style which can be purely quantitative comparison, pre-recorded session, limited interaction-emulated session, live interactive session and live automatically controlled non-interactive session, and enabling user input according to the presentation style. The method can comprise standardizing information to allow comparison of the information, rendering network-related information on a display and updating the presentation of the network-related information to maintain a fair representation of the RANs being emulated. |
| US08280375B2 |
System and method for managing radio link failures
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) (152) in a wireless communications system includes a transceiver (153) for transmitting and receiving data from a plurality of base stations (154, 156, 357) and a controller (151) communicatively coupled to the transceiver (153) and configured to adjust an operation mode of the transceiver (153). In the WTRU (152), adjusting comprises configuring the transceiver (153) to begin a radio link handover procedure responsive to receiving a handover (HO) command from a first of the plurality of base stations (154, 156, 357) over a first communications link, specifying a first time, and reconfiguring the transceiver (153) to begin a radio link interruption procedure responsive to an expiry of the first time prior to completion of the radio link handover procedure. In the WTRU (152), the radio link interruption procedure first attempts to re-establish the first communications link. |
| US08280371B2 |
Base station and receiver failure diagnosing method
A radio system has silence periods in which wave transmission from a terminal is stopped and in which a base station measures external noise power. The base station includes a receiver for receiving a signal from the terminal, and a controller that has preset frequency information representing a frequency of diagnosing the receiver to a measurement frequency of external noise power, and diagnoses normality of the receiver by using one silence period out of plural silence periods on the basis of the frequency information while measuring the external noise power by using the other silence periods. When the receiver is diagnosed, the external noise cannot be measured during this silence period, and thus during this silence period the external noise measured during the just preceding silence period is held and applied as external noise under the diagnosis of the receiver. |
| US08280370B2 |
Method and device for detecting neighboring BS interference interferential neighboring BS
A method for detecting a neighboring BS interference is provided. The method includes the following steps. A base station (BS) informs a coexistence signaling interval information to a subscriber station (SS) in a wireless access system. The SS obtains a silent period in a coexistence signaling interval from the coexistence signaling interval information, and monitors an interference information from a neighboring BS during the silent period. The SS reports the monitored interference information to the BS. A device for detecting a neighboring BS interference, a method for identifying an interferential neighboring BS and a device thereof are further provided. The problem of resource conflict raised when two BSs which originally are not neighboring BSs become neighboring BSs because of changes of a SS's status, or SS's position and environmental conditions, is solved. |
| US08280369B1 |
Controlling application modes on a mobile device
A method for managing the application mode on a mobile device is provided. Messages containing instructions to change the application mode of a mobile device may be inspected to ensure the message conforms to security policies. The message may be modified to request a confirmation that the application mode has been changed according the instructions in the message. The delivery of the message may be ensured by overriding normal message delivery polices by repeatedly notifying the mobile device that the message is ready for download. The mobile device may update the application mode according to the instructions and send a confirmation message to a designated address. |
| US08280364B1 |
Interoperability of first responder devices
A system that facilitates inter-operable communications between first responder (FR) wireless communications devices at an emergency location. The system includes an on-site tactical communications plan that is configured into a communications control device. The communications control device is part of an emergency command vehicle. First responders utilize their associated FR devices to establish a wireless IP data session with the communications control device via a macro wireless network. Once the IP data session is established, the FR device is authenticated by the communications control device. The tactical plan is then transmitted to the FR device via the established wireless IP data sessions. Once the tactical plan is transmitted to the FR devices, each of the FR devices comprises identical radio configurations and channel assignments. |
| US08280363B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling visual appearance thereof
According to an embodiment of the present invention, In accordance with one embodiment, a method for controlling a visual appearance of a mobile terminal is described. The method includes sensing a property of an object or environment external to the mobile terminal and controlling the visual appearance of at least one portion of the mobile terminal according to the sensed property. According to another embodiment, a mobile terminal includes a sensor configured to sense a property of an object or environment external to the mobile terminal, and a controller configured to control a visual appearance of at least one portion of the mobile terminal according to the sensed property. |
| US08280362B2 |
System and method for controlling a feature of a mobile communication unit
A system for controlling at least one feature of at least one mobile communication unit includes: At least one sensor unit coupled with the at least one mobile communication unit. The at least one sensor unit senses at least one parameter associated with the at least one mobile communication unit. Each respective sensor unit of the at least one sensor unit presents a respective indicator relating to a respective sensed parameter of the at least one parameter. The system also includes at least one feature management system coupled with the at least one sensor unit. The at least one feature management system receives a representation of each respective indicator. The at least one feature management system employs the representation in cooperation with the at least one mobile communication unit to effect the controlling. |
| US08280360B2 |
Software program and method for offering promotions on a phone
The present invention includes a method and software application for providing a promotion to a user on a phone. The software application resides on a user's phone and “listens” for phone numbers dialed by a user. In response to the user dialing a phone number, the software determines whether a promotion or an offer for a promotion should be provided to the user. In response to determining to play or offer to play a promotion to the user, the software application on the phone effectively “intercepts” the call and plays to the user either a promotion or an offer to hear about a promotion prior to placing an outbound voice call. The software application may retrieve the promotion from local memory or may connect with a remote server to download an applicable promotion. |
| US08280359B2 |
Methods of authorizing actions
Methods for authorizing actions using mobile phones. Embodiments include receiving from a person having authority to authorize the action, an identification of a phone number for obtaining authorization for the action, receiving from a person seeking the action a request for authorization of the action, sending an automated first message through a mobile phone network to the mobile phone, including a description of the action for which authorization is requested, and receiving, from the first mobile phone, a second message, which authorizes the action. Actions that are authorized, in different embodiments, include computer access, physical access, and financial transactions. In various embodiments, the phone number may be received through the mobile phone network through the Internet, through a local signal, or directly from the user. |
| US08280353B2 |
System for the centralized storage of wireless customer information
A system for storing subscriber information in a centralized location includes a processor, memory coupled to the processor, and a data storage device coupled to the processor. The data storage device includes a subscriber profile portion for storing personal information about a subscriber. The subscriber profile portion includes a subscriber identification portion for storing an identification string. The subscriber profile portion is associated with an account type portion for storing account information, a portal portion for storing portal information, and an account status portion for storing account status information. The data storage device further includes a subscription portion for storing subscription information. The subscription portion is associated with a device portion for storing device information, a services portion for storing services information, and a mobile subscription portion for storing mobile subscription information. |
| US08280352B2 |
Handling of absence messages in a mobile network infrastructure
Method, and computer for handling information messages in a wireless communication infrastructure comprising an information message service and a mobile stations comprising the steps: a) receiving a connection request from one or more mobile stations at a server facility providing the information message service; b) receiving identity information about the one or more mobile stations at the server facility via a server facility interface; c) receiving a recording of a plurality information messages at the server facility; d) receiving information at the server facility indicative of the termination of the recording the plurality of information messages; e) storing the plurality of information messages in a storage space on the server facility and; f) receiving information at the server facility specifying at least one time period which at least one of the information messages recorded should be active; g) playing at least one of the information message recorded when receiving information indicative of a call being made to the one or more stations during the specified time period. |
| US08280349B2 |
Communication system, storage medium having communication program stored thereon, and communication terminal
A WEP key is generated from predetermined binary data and stored in an access point. The binary data is converted into an SSID using a predetermined conversion algorithm. The access point transmits the SSID in a beacon. A mobile game apparatus receives the SSID and recovers the binary data from the SSID using the predetermined conversion algorithm. Using the same algorithm as used for generating the WEP key, a WEP key is generated from the recovered binary data. Encrypted communication is performed between the access point and the mobile game apparatus using the WEP key. |
| US08280345B2 |
LPRF device wake up using wireless tag
A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast. |
| US08280342B1 |
Emergency services using path optimization
A visited access gateway provides an emergency communication service to a visiting mobile unit. The visiting mobile unit transfers a user registration to a home communication network, and the home communication network transfers a home internet protocol address to the visiting mobile unit. Upon receiving an emergency call request having the home internet protocol address from the visiting mobile unit, the access gateway transfers the emergency call request having the home internet protocol address over a signaling tunnel from the visiting mobile unit to a visited call processing system, receives routing instructions from the visited call processing system, and exchanges emergency communications having the home internet protocol address over a bearer tunnel between the visiting mobile unit and a visited emergency service node. |
| US08280339B2 |
Mixer capable of detecting or controlling common mode voltage thereof
A mixer capable of detecting or controlling a common mode voltage thereof, includes at least: a mixing module for mixing a first set of differential signals and a second set of differential signals to generate at least one mixed signal; and a compensation module for compensating at least one operation point of the mixing module. |
| US08280337B2 |
System and method for zero intermediate frequency filtering of information communicated in wireless networks
A circuit for communicating information in a wireless network includes a filtering circuit in communication with a zero intermediate frequency (ZIF) transceiver circuit. The filtering circuit includes a first mixer in communication with an output of the ZIF transceiver circuit. The filtering circuit includes a first Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter circuit in communication with an output of the first mixer. The filtering circuit includes a second mixer in communication with an output of the first SAW filter circuit. The filtering circuit includes a third mixer, and a second SAW filter circuit in communication with an output of the third mixer. The filtering circuit includes a fourth mixer in communication with an output of the second SAW filter circuit and an input of the ZIF transceiver circuit. The filtering circuit also includes a local oscillator circuit in communication with the first, second, third and fourth mixers. |
| US08280331B2 |
System and method for tuning FM synthesizer
A device is provided for dividing a clock signal by even and odd integers. The device includes a divider, a delay portion and a duty cycle corrector. The divider is arranged to receive the clock signal and can divide the clock signal and output a divided clock signal. The delay portion can output a delayed signal based on the divided clock signal. The duty cycle corrector can output a first signal based on the delayed signal and the divided clock signal. |
| US08280322B2 |
RF transmitter with stable on-chip PLL
A phase locked loop (PLL) a phase detector, a charge pump, a loop filter, a controlled oscillator, and a feedback divider. The phase detector is coupled to produce a difference signal based on a difference between phase of a reference oscillation and phase of a feedback oscillation. The charge pump is coupled to convert the difference signal into an up-signal or a down signal. The loop filter coupled to filter the up signal or the down signal to produce a control signal. The controlled oscillator is coupled to generate an output oscillation based on the control signal. The feedback divider is coupled to generate the feedback oscillation from the output oscillation based on a divider value. The loop filter includes a first resistor-capacitor circuit and a second resistor-capacitor circuit. The first resistor-capacitor circuit is calibrated using a first calibration technique and the second resistor-capacitor circuit is calibrated using a second calibration technique. |
| US08280320B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting multiple-input multiple-output and beamforming simultaneously in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for simultaneously supporting Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) and beamforming in a wireless communication system are provided. In the method, two data streams are mapped to each of all of 2N transmission antennas; the two data streams are multiplied by different Cyclic Delay Diversity (CDD) phase sequences; the two data streams multiplied by the different CDD phase sequences for each transmission antenna are added; and the added data stream is multiplied by a beamforming coefficient and transmitted for each transmission antenna. |
| US08280319B2 |
Tuning circuitry in a communications device
A communications device is provided. The communications device includes a first antenna port coupled to a signal line, transmitter circuitry coupled to the signal line and configured to broadcast a radio frequency (RF) output signal across the first antenna port, tuning circuitry coupled to the signal line, and a controller configured to adjust a tuning of the tuning circuitry. The first antenna port, the transmitter circuitry, the tuning circuitry, and the controller are at least partially integrated on the same integrated circuit. |
| US08280318B2 |
Core modem assembly for mobile communication device
The invention described herein provides a core modem assembly for a communication circuit that is well suited for mobile communication devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, and hand-held computers. The core modem assembly comprises a baseband module, an RF module, and a socket connector that provides electrical isolation between the baseband module and RF module. The core modem assembly achieves a very small form factor and provides shielding between the baseband module and RF module. Further, the core modem assembly uses a “plug and play” design allowing late customization and interchangeability of the modules. |
| US08280316B2 |
Wireless transmitting/receiving device
In a wireless transmitting/receiving device of TDD system etc., a transmission signal is detected on the transmitting side in a specified transmission period, a signal reflected from an antenna through a circulator is detected on the receiving side in the transmission period and a reception signal is detected on the receiving side in a specified reception period. In this case, in a part of the transmission period a transmission signal having been detected on the transmitting side is selected while in the remaining part of the transmission period a reflection signal having been detected on the receiving side through a circulator from an antenna is selected, and in the reception period a reception signal having been detected on the receiving side through the circulator from the antenna is selected and outputted. |
| US08280310B2 |
Wireless communication terminal automatically controlling non-communication monitoring timer
The present invention provides with a terminal having a monitoring period changing function for changing the value (monitoring period) of a no-traffic monitoring timer of the terminal by feeding back the information on radio signal conditions, and a no-traffic monitoring function for changing the status of the call of the terminal to “a disconnected state for only receiving radio signal from a base station” depending on the value (monitoring period) of the no-traffic monitoring timer based on the information fed back. |
| US08280309B2 |
Soft handoff method and apparatus for mobile vehicles using directional antennas
A system and method for implementing soft handoffs in a communications system on a mobile platform. The system employs an antenna controller in communication with a beam forming network that generates two independently aimable lobes from a single beam. The single beam is radiated by a phased array antenna on the mobile platform. In an Air-to-Ground implementation involving an aircraft, a base transceiver station (BTS) look-up position table is utilized to provide the locations of a plurality of BTS sites within a given region that the aircraft is traversing. The antenna controller controls the beam forming network to generate dual lobes from the single beam that facilitate making a soft handoff from one BTS site to another. In a ground-based application, one lobe of the beam is used to maintain a communications link with one BTS site while a second lobe of the beam is continuously scanned about a predetermined arc to receive RF signals from other BTS sites and to determine when a new BTS site has become available that will provide a higher quality link than the link presently made with the one BTS site. A soft handoff is then implemented from the one BTS site to the new BTS site. |
| US08280308B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing mobile ad hoc cooperative communication systems and related devices
A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed. |
| US08280305B2 |
Content player
There is provided a content player including: a communication module that performs a near field communication with a remote control device; a content storage section that stores content data; a playlist storage section that stores folders and playlists including a root folder as a root node and playlists as leaf nodes; a current location storage section configured to store current location information indicating a current location of a node in the playlist storage section; a current location notification module that controls the near field communication module to send the current location information to the remote control device; and a playback module configured to: set the root folder as the current location; change the current location; and play back content data having the identification information being included in the playlist. |
| US08280302B2 |
Communication device and method, and program
The present invention relates to a device and a method for communication, and a program that makes it possible to provide a communication environment not limited by a use environment. An electrode controlling unit 261 in a transmitting device 260 checks a state of capacitive coupling of each of an electrode 271 and an electrode 272 in an electrode unit 262 with surroundings, controls connection of each electrode to a transmitting unit 263 according to a result of the check, and makes the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 function as a transmission signal electrode or a transmission reference electrode, the transmission signal electrode and the transmission reference electrode being different from each other. The transmitting unit 263 connects the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 to an amplifying unit under control of the electrode controlling unit 261, and transmits a signal to a communication medium 280 via one of the electrodes. The present invention is applicable to communication systems. |
| US08280299B2 |
Image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus
An image forming apparatus capable of ensuring security of discharged printouts and preventing noise made by the operation of the image forming apparatus from becoming obtrusive to a user. The post-processing apparatus switches the operation mode of post processing to one of a normal operation mode and a quiet operation mode, and opens and closes a sealing door. Current limiting circuits switch the operation mode to the quiet operation mode before sealing of the door is released by a sealing drive circuit in response to an instruction from the user. |
| US08280294B2 |
Cleaning device for an image forming unit
A cleaning device includes a rotary member that contacts with an image carrier and moves materials on a surface of the image carrier along a rotation direction of the rotary member; a scraping member that contacts with the rotary member to scrape the materials adhering on the rotary member; a collected material receiving portion disposed downstream of a contact portion of the rotary member and the scraping member in a gravity direction; plural openings provided along a width direction of the image carrier by a partition member, through which the materials scraped by the scraping member pass to the collected material receiving portion; a protrusion portion that is arranged between the openings and the contact portion of the rotary member and the scraping member, and protrudes toward an upstream side in a rotation direction of the rotary member. |
| US08280292B2 |
Method reducing image glosser artifacts
Often times the glossing process results in an image artifact consisting of locally lighter image a fixed distance from the lead edge as a print is glossed. This artifact is most visible in areas of medium but consistent image. The present invention provides methods for reducing this artifact. |
| US08280291B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device for fixing an unfixed image on a recording sheet passing through a fixing nip formed by pressing a pressing member against an inside surface of a pressure belt via a low friction sheet, so that an outside surface of the pressure belt presses against a fixing member, wherein the pressing member includes a first pressing part whose front-side portion is an elastic pressing part, and a second pressing part whose front face presses against a rear face of the first pressing part, the second pressing part has a side wall near an upstream portion of the first pressing part that is upstream from the front-side portion with respect to a rotation direction of the pressure belt, and an upstream end of the low friction sheet, upstream from the other end with respect to the rotation direction, is sandwiched between the side wall and the upstream portion. |
| US08280288B2 |
Image forming device having protection member for protecting peeling claw
An image forming device includes a frame, a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a transfer roller, a heating roller, a backup roller, a peeling claw, and a protection member. The photosensitive drum has a surface on which a latent image is formable. The developing roller develops the latent image to provide a toner image. The transfer roller transfers the toner image onto a recording medium. The heating roller has a heating surface and a shaft supported to the frame and extending in a direction. The backup roller has a shaft supported to the frame and extending in the direction. The backup roller is in pressure contact with the heating roller. The peeling claw has a tip end in sliding contact with the heating surface of the heating roller. The protection member is configured to protect the peeling claw and prevent a user from accessing to the peeling claw. |
| US08280287B2 |
Multi-stage fixing systems, printing apparatuses and methods of fixing marking material to substrates
Multi-stage fixing systems for fixing toner to a substrate, printing apparatuses and methods of fixing marking material to a substrate are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the multi-stage fixing systems includes a softening device for softening toner applied to a substrate by a marking device; and a fixing device for fixing the softened toner to the substrate. The fixing device includes a first fixing member including a first surface; a first thermal energy source for actively heating the first surface; and a second fixing member including a second surface, the first surface and the second surface form a fixing nip at which the substrate with softened toner is received. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are operable to apply heat and pressure to the substrate and softened toner received at the fixing nip to fix the toner to the substrate. |
| US08280284B2 |
Endless flexible members containing phosphorus for imaging devices
Flexible members for use in imaging devices comprise a polyamideimide comprising phosphorus. |
| US08280283B2 |
Heat transmission member included image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for transferring and superimposing toner images formed on plural image bearers onto an endless intermediate transfer member in an electric field created between the plural image bearers and plural semi conductive transfer members internally contacting the endless intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus includes a heat generating member arranged inside the intermediate transfer member to generate heat. A heat transfer member is provided to transfer the heat to the plural semi conductive transfer members. |
| US08280276B2 |
Image forming apparatus component positioning mechanism
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a latent-image forming device; a developing device; a latent-image forming device contacting/separating mechanism; and a developing device contacting/separating mechanism, and the latent-image forming device contacting/separating mechanism allows the latent-image forming device to be movable to the latent-image forming device contacting position in a state where the developing device is moved to the developing device contacting position. |
| US08280270B2 |
Fixing device and image forming device
A fixing device including a heating roller; a pressure roller forming a nip section by making contact with the heating roller; a controller for controlling the surface temperature of the heating roller so that it becomes a predetermined set temperature; an amount of decrease detector for detecting an amount of decrease in the surface temperature of the pressure roller between before and after the passing of the paper sheet through the nip section; a determiner for specifying a required temperature required to perform the fixing for the paper sheet on the basis of the amount of decrease and for determining whether the set temperature is acceptable as the required temperature; and a temperature compensator for correcting the set temperature so that the set temperature is acceptable as the required temperature in the case that the determiner has determined that the set temperature is not acceptable as the required temperature. |
| US08280268B2 |
Developing device, and controlling method thereof
A developing device is provided with a first transporting member for transporting a developer containing a toner and a carrier; a second transporting member opposite to the first transporting member to interpose a first spatial region therebetween and opposite to an electrostatic latent image carrying member to interpose a second spatial region therebetween; a first electric field forming device, composed of first and second power sources, for shifting the toner in the developer held onto the first transporting member to the second transporting member; and a second electric field forming device, composed of the second power source, for shifting the toner held onto the second transporting member to an electrostatic latent image on the carrying member. The operation of the second electric field forming device is controlled based on electric currents flowing in the first and second power sources, which are detected by first and second detecting blocks, respectively. |
| US08280265B2 |
Image forming apparatus with drive control unit
An image forming apparatus is provided with a developing unit for attaching developer to a static latent image formed through charging and exposing to form a developer image; an image supporting member for supporting the developer image formed with the developing unit; a removing member disposed to abut against the image supporting member for removing developer; a drive unit for driving the image supporting member; a drive control unit for controlling the drive unit; and a fixing unit for fixing the developer image to a medium. It is configured such that the drive control unit controls the drive unit to temporarily stop before developer is discharged. |
| US08280263B2 |
Multi-feed detection and control system
A paper feed system for use in a printing apparatus that detects multi-feeds and separates all sheets while allowing a single sheet to continue into the machine includes a nip with a drive roller for feeding sheets. A reversible pressure roller downstream of the drive roller is connected to a motor, but idles in the direction of the paper feed in normal operation. When a multi-feed is detected, the motor is turned ON and the reversible pressure roll actuated by a controller. The reversible pressure roller has more friction with the sheet in its contact than the friction between sheets. This drives the sheet in contact backwards. This sheet can be diverted to a separate paper path using a gate mechanism and, if desired, fed back into the feed path. |
| US08280262B2 |
Light receiving circuit and photocoupler isolation circuit
A light receiving circuit includes: a light receiving element that receives an optical signal and converts into an electrical signal; a comparator that demodulates the information on the optical signal to a pulsed signal; a band limit circuit disposed between the light receiving element and the comparator, the band limit circuit removing noise components of frequency higher than the pulsed signal; and a comparator threshold circuit disposed between the light receiving element and the comparator, the comparator threshold circuit generating a threshold of the comparator and limiting the threshold of the comparator within a binary range. |
| US08280251B2 |
Data transmission using direct and indirect optical paths
A system for transmitting data, including: a transmitter node having a setup path packet and multiple data packets; a receiver node connected to the transmitter node by a first optical channel (OC); and a first intermediate node having a first forwarding module and connected to the transmitter node by a second OC and to the receiver node by a third OC, where the transmitter node transmits the setup path packet and a first subset of the multiple data packets to the first intermediate node using the second OC, where the first forwarding module relays, in response to receiving the setup packet, the first subset to the receiver node by switching the first subset from the second OC to the third OC, and where the receiver node receives a second subset of the multiple data packets from the transmitter node using the first OC. |
| US08280247B1 |
Arrangement for supervising and/or controlling the bit rate of data pulses
The invention concerns an arrangement for supervising and/or controlling the bit rate of data pulses that are transmitted from a transmitter (16) to at least one optical conduction path (22). The transmitter (16) has an input side (18) which receives electrical pulses from an electric connection (14) and an output side (20) from which light pulses are transmitted in response to the received electrical pulses. The arrangement comprises a supervising unit (24) with at least one input (26) which is suited to be connected to said electric connection (14). The supervising unit (24) is arranged to estimate or determine the bit rate of the pulses that are received at said input (26). The arrangement is arranged to carry out at least one measure which depends on the estimated or determined bit rate. |
| US08280245B2 |
Optical sampling with coherent detection
An optical sampling arrangement for high-speed measurement of the time-varying electric field of a data-carrying optical input signal. The present invention includes optical sampling of the optical input signal, followed by coherent mixing with a reference laser source in an optical hybrid solution. The generated streams of mixed optical samples are then detected and signal processed in order to reconstruct a sampled version of the electric field of the data-carrying optical input signal. |
| US08280243B2 |
Optical communication transmission system and method for checking performance of optical communication transmission system
To detect the performance degradation of an optical communication transmission system after it becoming operational, thereby preventing the reliability of the system from lowering. In an optical communication transmission system, one of optical transmitter-receivers in a redundant-structured system is an active optical transmitter-receiver, and the other optical transmitter-receiver is a standby optical transmitter-receiver. The optical transmitter-receiver includes a loopback device through which the signal light of a transmitting section of the optical transmitter-receivers is inputted to a receiving section, and an operating-system switching scheduling device for regularly switching the operating system is provided. Further, there is also provided a performance check scheduling device which operates the loopback device of the standby-system optical transmitter-receiver at a prescribed timing determined in advance to start the performance check processing by the transmitting section and the receiving section of the optical transmitter-receiver. |
| US08280242B2 |
Camera-steadying device
A portable camera steady device for use with a camera, having a retractable tensile member whose distal end can be stepped on by a user or hooked to her body or clothing. The device has a swivel mounting member providing two independent and generally perpendicular axes of rotation such that the tensile member extends tangentially from the reel and housing whether the camera is used in the landscape or portrait orientation. A switch is provided to control extension and retraction of the tensile member from a biased reel. |
| US08280239B2 |
Digital image photographing apparatus, method of controlling the apparatus, and recording medium having program for executing the method
Provided are a digital image photographing apparatus which easily captures an image of a composition intended by a user, a method of controlling the apparatus, and a recording medium having a program for executing the method. The apparatus includes: an image capturing device for receiving light to generate data on an image; and an auto-focusing tracking unit for allowing a lens to be auto-focused on a subject selected by a user. The image capturing device generates data on a still image when the subject on which the lens is auto-focused is located in a predetermined region of interest (ROI). |
| US08280236B2 |
Electric tankless water heater
In various embodiments, the invention provides a system for heating a liquid, such as, for example, water, comprising a plurality of liquid heaters, the inlets and outlets of which are respectively connected in a parallel flow relationship by respective manifolds, and configured to provide liquid having a temperature of greater than about 90 degrees Fahrenheit at a flow rate of greater than about 10 gallons per minute. In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electric tankless liquid heater system capable of delivering hot liquids, and in particular water, at even higher flow rates and or temperatures, including, but not limited to, flow rates greater than about: (1) 12 gpm; (2) 18 gpm; (3) 20 gpm; and (5) 20 gpm; and/or temperatures of greater than about: (1) 100° F.; (2) 120° F.; (3) 140° F.; and (4) 180° F. |
| US08280231B2 |
Storage medium storing moving-image data that includes mode information, and reproducing apparatus and method
A storage medium on which moving-image data including mode information is recorded, wherein the storage medium stores at least one object of a first type for reproducing moving-image information, at least one object of a second type for providing additional functions using the moving-image information and system data for controlling the reproduction of the objects of the first and second types. The system data includes mode information indicating the types of the objects. |
| US08280225B2 |
Information processing device, display data providing method, and program
There is provided an information processing device capable of communicating with a purchase history storage device for storing purchase history data and a display device, the information processing device including a storage unit for storing user image data and property data; a communication unit; a purchase history data acquiring unit for acquiring the purchase history data; a property data recording unit for generating and recording the property data based on the purchase history data; a property data updating unit for updating the property data to property data including a second property image represented with a time interval from when the user purchased the property until present based on the property data and time information; and a display data generating unit for generating display data shown with the user image and an image of the property according to the display request. |
| US08280219B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program for converting information
An information converting apparatus includes an additional information retrieval unit for retrieving additional information incidental to moving image data stored on a stream file having a first recording format, an additional information converting unit for converting the retrieved additional information in accordance with a second recording format, and an additional information recording control unit for controlling recording of the converted additional information onto a stream file having the second recording format. |
| US08280218B2 |
Optical attenuator
A tilting mirror MEMS variable optical attenuator attenuates light over a band of wavelengths with minimum wavelength dependent loss. The attenuator includes a lens that has a wedged input face and is made from a material that has high dispersion. The lens design causes different wavelengths to travel different paths through the attenuator such that wavelength dependent loss is reduced. The attenuator may be designed to have minimum wavelength dependent loss at a specified attenuation greater than zero. |
| US08280215B2 |
Multifiber loose buffer receiving element for a distributing device for optical waveguides
The invention relates to a bundle core repository (7) for a distribution device for optical waveguides, comprising a housing having a lateral opening (103), the bundle core repository (7) being connected to a lower part (109) via a pivot bearing (108). |
| US08280214B2 |
Nanowires and nanoribbons as subwavelength optical waveguides and their use as components in photonic circuits and devices
Nanoribbons and nanowires having diameters less than the wavelength of light are used in the formation and operation of optical circuits and devices. Such nanostructures function as subwavelength optical waveguides which form a fundamental building block for optical integration. The extraordinary length, flexibility and strength of these structures enable their manipulation on surfaces, including the precise positioning and optical linking of nanoribbon/wire waveguides and other nanoribbon/wire elements to form optical networks and devices. In addition, such structures provide for waveguiding in liquids, enabling them to further be used in other applications such as optical probes and sensors. |
| US08280207B2 |
Method and system for coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips
A method and system for coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips are disclosed and may include coupling one or more optical signals into a back surface of a CMOS photonic chip comprising photonic, electronic, and optoelectronic devices. The devices may be integrated in a front surface of the chip and one or more grating couplers may receive the optical signals in the front surface of the chip. The optical signals may be coupled into the back surface of the chip via one or more optical fibers and/or optical source assemblies. The optical signals may be coupled to the grating couplers via a light path etched in the chip, which may be refilled with silicon dioxide. The chip may be flip-chip bonded to a packaging substrate. Optical signals may be reflected back to the grating couplers via metal reflectors, which may be integrated in dielectric layers on the chip. |
| US08280205B2 |
Fiber optic connector and alignment mechanism for single lens multi-fiber connector
The invention pertains to an optical connector assembly having an alignment mechanism for coupling two single-lens, multi-fiber optical connectors together. Particularly, each connector comprising a single lens through which the light from multiple fibers is expanded/focused for coupling to corresponding fibers in a mating connector. In one aspect of the invention, the alignment mechanism includes mating features extending from the fronts of the lenses having substantially longitudinal surfaces that meet and contact each other when the two connectors are coupled together in only one or a limited number of rotational orientations relative to each other to as to properly rotationally align the multiple fibers in the two mating connectors. This mechanism also helps align the two connectors with the optical axes of their lenses parallel to each other. In another aspect of the invention to even more effectively align the two connectors with their optical axes parallel to each other, the connector assembly includes an alignment sleeve into which the front of each lens extends when mated, an inner diametrical surface of the alignment sleeve contacting an outer diametrical surface of each of the two lenses over a substantial longitudinal portion of each lens. The alignment sleeve may, for instance, be a resilient split sleeve that expands radially to accept the lenses. |
| US08280202B2 |
Fiber-optic dynamic sensing modules and methods
A fiber-optic dynamic sensing module comprises a support member, a beam extending from the support member, and a pre-strained fiber Bragg grating sensor and a strain-free fiber Bragg grating sensor mounted on the beam. The pre-strained and strain-free fiber Bragg grating sensors each comprise a Bragg grating inscribed in a fiber. The Bragg grating of the pre-strained fiber Bragg grating sensor is packaged more tightly along a longitudinal direction of the beam than the Bragg grating of the strain-free fiber Bragg grating sensor. |
| US08280197B1 |
Managed background loading of image resources in resource-constrained devices
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for loading images. A request can be received at a computing device to display a plurality of images on the computing device. In response to the request, the computing device can load, in parallel, the plurality of images into storage of the computing device. The computing device can determine whether an image of the plurality of images is to be used. In response to determining that the image is to be used, the computing device can mark the image as loaded. In response to determining that the image is to not be used, the computing device can mark the image as no-image. Only images marked as loaded can be provided for display. |
| US08280190B2 |
Image display device, image processing circuit, and image processing method
To provide a processing method for reducing motion blur while increasing resolution. By performing a super-resolution process, a resolution-increased image is obtained from an input image in multiple frames. By performing an enlargement process, an enlarged image is obtained from the input image in one frame. A high-frequency image is obtained by subtracting the enlarged image from the resolution-increased image. A high spatial frequency-emphasized image is obtained by adding the high-frequency image to the resolution-increased image. The enlarged image and high spatial frequency-emphasized image are displayed alternately every half frame. |
| US08280189B2 |
Distortion-immune position tracking using redundant measurements
A method for tracking a position of an object includes using a field sensor associated with the object to measure field strengths of magnetic fields generated by two or more field generators, wherein a measurement of at least one of the field strengths is subject to a distortion. Rotation-invariant location coordinates of the object are calculated responsively to the measured field strengths. Corrected location coordinates of the object are determined by applying to the rotation-invariant location coordinates a coordinate correcting function so as to adjust a relative contribution of each of the measured field strengths to the corrected location coordinates responsively to the distortion in the measured field strengths. |
| US08280186B1 |
Seam-based reduction and expansion of images with table-based priority
A system and method for expansion and reduction of images uses a look-up table to define an arbitrary mapping of data (e.g., pixel values) representing an image to respective energy values. Each pixel value may represent an absolute color or intensity value, a difference in color or intensity values, or an average, derivative, minimum, or maximum of two or more pixel values. The energy values may then be used to determine one or more low-cost seams of the image to be removed for an image reduction operation or replicated for an image expansion operation, where the cost of each seam is dependent on the energy values of the pixels of the seam. The look-up table may be used to apply a threshold and/or cap on the energy values mapped to pixel values. The look-up table may also provide a mechanism for reconfiguring mappings, thresholds, and/or caps. |
| US08280184B2 |
Image enhancement method and apparatuses utilizing the same
An image enhancement apparatus is provided. The image enhancement apparatus includes a global tone mapping curve generator, a local tone mapping curve generator, a reference gamma voltage generator and an image generator. The global tone mapping curve generator generates a global tone mapping curve for an input image according to global characteristic(s) of the input image. The local tone mapping curve generator generates a local tone mapping curve for each image partition within the input image according to the global tone mapping curve and further a feature of the image partition. The reference gamma voltage generator generates a plurality of reference gamma voltages for each image partition according to the corresponding local tone mapping curve for the image partition. The image generator generates an output image according to the reference gamma voltages of the image partitions and the input image. |
| US08280183B2 |
Noise robust contrast-enhancement engine employing IIR filters
A noise robust contrast-enhancement engine utilizes low-pass infinite-impulse-response filters for enhancing the contrast while preventing noise amplification in video/image signals. |
| US08280182B2 |
Image processing method of noise reduction and apparatus thereof
An image processing method of noise reduction and an apparatus thereof are disclosed herein. In the image processing method, a current image having a plurality of image blocks is provided. A first block of the image blocks of the current image is substrate by the first block of at least one previous image for obtaining a difference block. Next, the difference block is performed on a motion detection process for determining whether the first block of the current image is in a static state. When the first block of the current image is in the static state, the first block of the current image is performed on a temporal filtering process for reducing the noise. By analyzing the static state, occurrence of motion blur can be prevented. |
| US08280180B2 |
Method and system for image restoration in the spatial domain
Method and system embodiments of the present invention are directed to restoration of corrupted images using spatial-domain image-processing methods that can effectively employ spatial-domain information both in order to avoid various types of artifacts and distortions produced by frequency-domain image-processing operations and to achieve computational efficiency. The various method and system embodiments of the present invention employ a family of penalty functions to constrain iterative restoration images corrupted by both deterministic corruptions, such as motion-induced blur and blurring due to optical misalignment, incorrect positioning of optical components, and defective optical components as well as essentially non-deterministic noise corruption introduced at various stages of image acquisition, image encoding, image storage, and image transmission. |
| US08280175B2 |
Document processing apparatus, document processing method, and computer readable medium
A document processing apparatus includes: a character segmentation unit that segment a plurality of character images from a document image; a character image classifying unit that classifies the character images to categories corresponding to each of the character images; an average character image obtaining unit that obtains average character images for each of the categories of the character images classified by the character image classifying unit; a character recognizing unit that performs a character recognition to a character contained in each of the average character images; and an output unit that outputs character discriminating information as a character recognition result obtained by the character recognizing unit. |
| US08280171B2 |
Tools for selecting a section of interest within an image
Some embodiments provide a method that provides a display area for displaying an image. Some embodiments provide a tool that when activated generates a deformable tunnel based on a cursor movement through the display area. The tunnel is for differentiating a region of interest of the image from the rest of the image. The method provides a moveable tool for determining a width for the tunnel region. The moveable tool is a slider tool in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the moveable tool is for determining the initial width at which the tunnel is generated. The moveable tool is further for modifying the width of the tunnel after the tunnel is generated in some embodiments. |
| US08280170B2 |
Intermediate image generating apparatus and method of controlling operation of same
An intermediate image is generated between a reference image and a corresponding image. To achieve this, moving subject images are detected in respective ones of a first image and second image captured at a fixed interval. A moving subject image of an intermediate image is positioned at a position that is intermediate the moving subject images. The intermediate image is generated utilizing the reference image in a portion of the image other than occupied by the moving subject image. A correction is applied in such a manner that the second image will coincide with the first image with the exception of the portion of the second image occupied by the moving subject image. |
| US08280169B2 |
Recordation of handwriting and hand movement using electromyography
Handwriting activity is recorded by use of electromyography (EMG) signals detected from muscles at several locations on the hand. The EMG signals are sensed and registered. The sensed signals are processed and stored, after which the signals are analyzed to reconstruct handwriting activity into a digital format. Machine edible text is generated and displayed along with a graphical depiction of the handwriting. |
| US08280168B2 |
Handwritten character recognition system
A character classification system is disclosed. The character classification system has an input device for receiving a handwritten input character, and a processor. The processor is configured to, for each character model, each character model being associated with an output character and defining a model specific segmentation scheme for that output character and an associated segment model, the model specific segmentation scheme defining a minimum length corresponding to a number of points in a stroke of the output character: (i) decompose the handwritten input character into one or more segments in accordance with the model specific segmentation scheme of the respective character model; and (ii) evaluate the one or more segments against the segment model of the respective character model to produce a score indicative of the conformity of the one or more segments with the segment model. The processor then selects the character model that produced the highest score, and classifies the handwritten input character as the output character associated with the character model that produces the highest score. |
| US08280164B2 |
Producing object cutouts in topically related images
A method for extracting an object out of each image in a group of digital images that contain the object, includes providing a group of digital images, each containing the object with a background; selecting a seed image from the group of digital images, and displaying the seed image to a user; the user providing at least one marking for the seed image, which corresponds to a subset of pixels in the seed image that indicates whether the set of pixels belongs to a part of object of interest or a part of the background; producing from the seed image and the marking a statistical model that can be used for separating the object of interest from the background in the group of images; and applying the statistical model to each image in the group of digital images to produce a cutout of the object of interest from each digital image. |
| US08280163B2 |
Image processing to suppress color blur
When determining an area in which color blur occurs from an image, there may be an area where color blur suppression is performed in an area even though color blur does not occur, and the area becomes more noticeable or less noticeable depending on a degree of gamma correction processing. To solve this problem, an image processing apparatus obtains a color blur suppression coefficient based on a gradient value obtained from the image, performs color blur suppression on the image data using the color blur suppression coefficient, and changes the color blur suppression coefficient corresponding to the gradient value according to brightness. |
| US08280159B2 |
Methods and devices for compressing an image
An image processing device that processes input image data includes: an image dividing unit that divides the input image data into a plurality of blocks; an image type determining unit that determines the type of the input image data for every block on the basis of the number of edge elements included in the block; a frequency component conversion unit that converts color components of the input image data into frequency components for every block; and an image compression unit that compresses corresponding image data for every block by specifying unnecessary components of the converted frequency components of the image data on the basis of the determined type of the image data and suppressing or removing the specified unnecessary components. |
| US08280155B2 |
Modeling spectral characteristics of an input imaging device
A method of modeling spectral characteristics of an input imaging device comprising includes adjusting digital values measured from a target to be linear relative to luminance of neutral patches of the target, for each channel of the input imaging device. The method further includes modifying the adjusted digital values to compensate for cross-channel interaction, for each channel of the input imaging device. In addition, the method includes converting the modified digital values to a spectrum, for each channel of the imaging device. An apparatus for modeling spectral characteristics of an input imaging device is also provided. |
| US08280154B2 |
Color processing apparatus and method thereof
Color processing is executed in consideration of a change in size of a region of interest in a moving image. To this end, a region of interest is set in each frame image of a moving image and an occupied area ratio indicating an amount that the region of interest occupies with respect to the entire frame image is calculated for each of the frame images set with the regions of interest. A temporal increase or decrease of the occupied area ratio is determined based on the occupied area ratios of a plurality of frame images set with the regions of interest, and a color processing method is set for each frame image based on the occupied area ratio and the temporal increase or decrease determination result. Color processing is applied to each frame image by the color processing method set for that frame image. |
| US08280152B2 |
Method for optical measurement of the three dimensional geometry of objects
The invention relates to a method for optically scanning the three-dimensional geometry of an object by means of triangulation, in which a pattern (9, 9′) is projected onto the object (7) to be scanned in order to obtain a 3D data set, and the projected pattern (9, 9′) is recorded in an image (40, 41). In a first step for the production of at least one first image (40), a first pattern (9) is projected and in a second step for the creation of at least one further image (40), a further pattern (9′) deviating from the first as regards position or shape is projected onto the object (7) to be scanned and the image (41) is created. The first image (40) and the further image (41) comprise at least one common point (44). The 3D data acquired from the images (40, 41) are merged in a subsequent step on the basis of the 3D data of the at least one common point (44) such that the 3D data acquired from said images (40, 41) agree at least with reference to the 3D data of the common point (44) in the 3D data set. |
| US08280150B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining similarity between surfaces
A method for determining similarity between a non-planar probe surface and a non-planar model surface is disclosed. The method comprises calculating an extremal value of an objective function describing embedding of the probe surface into an embedding space having a non-constant sectional curvature; and determining similarity between the probe surface and the model surface based on the extremal value. |
| US08280147B2 |
Pattern verification method, pattern verification apparatus, and pattern verification program
A pattern verification apparatus includes a correction section creating a plurality of first data pieces; a determination section performing light intensity simulation to create a plurality of plots, determine whether or not each of the plurality of simulation result plots falls within an allowable range, and recognize two or more simulation result plots which do not fall within the allowable range as a plurality of second data pieces; an extraction section extracting a reference pattern of the plurality of original design patterns corresponding to the plurality of second data pieces; and a classifying section classifying the plurality of second data pieces into categories of the reference pattern. |
| US08280146B2 |
Photo-mask and wafer image reconstruction
A system receives a mask pattern and a first image of at least a portion of a photo-mask corresponding to the mask pattern. The system determines a second image of at least the portion of the photo-mask based on the first image and the mask pattern. This second image is characterized by additional spatial frequencies than the first image. |
| US08280145B2 |
System for non-destructively examining degradation of an interior of a device
A system and method for monitoring degradation of a device having a metal layer and a composite layer, such as a vehicle-mounted boom arm. The system can include a collar mounted on an outer surface of the device, a radiography device movably coupled to the collar, and a monitor. The radiography device can include a source of radiography signals positioned to direct radiography signals through at least a portion of the device and a detector to detect radiography signals that have passed through the device. The monitor can be connected to the detector to display an image of the device generated from the detected radiography signals. Anomalies in the device image can represent degradation in the device. |
| US08280141B2 |
Quantitative, multispectral image analysis of tissue specimens stained with quantum dots
A biological sample such as a tissue section is stained with one or more quantum dots and possibly other fluorophores (total number of fluorophores N). A camera coupled to a microscope generates an image of the specimen at a plurality of different wavelengths within the emission spectral band of the N fluorophores. An analysis module calculates coefficients C1 . . . CN at each pixel from the set of images and reference spectral data for the N fluorophores. The coefficients C1 . . . CN are related to the concentration of each of the individual fluorophores at each pixel location. Morphological processing instructions find biological structures, e.g., cells, cellular components, genes, etc., in the images of the specimen. Quantitative analysis is performed on the identified biological structures. A display module displays the quantitative analysis results to the user, along with images of the specimen. The images can include images constructed from one or more of the coefficients C1 . . . CN. The quantitative analysis display includes histograms of the biological structures, scatter plots of fluorophore concentrations, statistical data, spectral data and still others. |
| US08280139B2 |
Cell feature amount calculating apparatus and cell feature amount calculating method
A cell feature amount calculating apparatus is provided that is capable of capturing the state of nuclear DNA. This cell feature amount calculating apparatus includes an image input unit that inputs an image of a cell, a cell nucleus region extracting unit that extracts a cell nucleus region of the cell from the image, a standard contour length calculating unit that calculates a standard contour length of the cell nucleus region, a contour length sequence calculating unit that extracts, for each threshold value of a plurality of different threshold values, a specific region which is a region having a pixel value larger than or equal to the threshold value from the cell nucleus region and calculating a contour length sequence by calculating a contour length of the specific region, and a contour complexity calculating unit that calculates a feature amount of the cell based on the standard contour length and the contour length sequence. |
| US08280138B2 |
System and method for performing bone densitometer measurements
A system and method for performing skeletal age assessment is provided. The method includes scanning a hand and/or wrist of a patient using a dual-energy x-ray imaging system, acquiring density information of the hand and wrist using the scan, comparing the density information to at least one reference image, and automatically determining a skeletal age of the patient based on the comparison. |
| US08280136B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting intraventricular dyssynchrony
A method and apparatus for detecting intraventricular dyssynchrony is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) receiving information from an observer viewing a source image to define a plurality of points associated with muscle boundaries of a ventricle, b) extracting muscle boundaries for a series of source images to define a corresponding series of contour shape images using a Fourier descriptor model, and c) deforming each contour shape based at least in part on image forces, external forces, and internal forces to track movement of the muscle boundaries over time. In another embodiment, the method includes: a) characterizing the series of source images as a corresponding series of contour shape images representative of movement of muscle boundaries of the ventricle over time, b) classifying the series of contour shape images in a dyssynchronous class or a non-dyssynchronous class, and c) pre-diagnosing the ventricle as dyssynchronous or non-dyssynchronous. |
| US08280134B2 |
Multi-spectral imaging including at least one common stain
A method including: providing a sample with M components to be labeled, where M>2; labeling the components with N stains, where N |
| US08280130B2 |
Method to individualize kinetic parameter estimation for dynamic molecular imaging procedures
A method within dynamic molecular imaging comprising dynamically estimating a first parameter (β(x)) and a second parameter (k(x)) of an activity function describing the bio distribution of an administered tracer, is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises specifying a first target variance (σβ,T(x)) and a second target variance (σβ,T(x)) of the first parameter (β(x)) and the second parameter (k(x)) of the activity function, respectively; initiating an image acquisition; reconstructing the first parameter (β(x)) and the second parameter (k(x)); reconstructing a first associated variance (σβ(x)) and a second associated variance (σk(x)) of the first parameter (β(x)) and the second parameter (k(x)), respectively; and repeating the image acquisition and the reconstructing until the first associated variance (σβ(x)) and the second associated variance (σk(x)) are equal to or less than the first target variance (σβ,T(x)) and the second target variance (σβ,T(x)), respectively, σβ(x)≦σβ,T(x) and σk(x)≦σβ,T(x). The method enables patient-specific adaptive protocols within molecular imaging. |
| US08280125B2 |
Method and system for segmentation of tubular structures using pearl strings
A method and system for segmenting tubular or stroke-like structures in 2D images is disclosed. Examples of such structures include, but are not limited to, blood vessels, bones, roads, rivers, electrical wirings, and brush-strokes. User inputs identifying a first region on the image inside of a tubular structure and a second region of the image outside of the tubular structure are received. Based on this information, an ordered series of pearls are generated along the tubular structure. Pearls are 2D disks, each having a center location and a radius determined based on local pixel intensities in the image. A continuous model of the tubular structure is generated by interpolating the center locations and radii of the ordered series of pearls. |
| US08280124B2 |
Methods of view selection for radioactive emission measurements
A method is described for identifying an optimal, or preferred set of views for radioactive-emission measurements of a body structure, based on modeling the body structure, in terms of its geometry and radioactive emission distribution, obtaining different sets of views of the model, and scoring the different sets of views, with a scoring function, using information theoretic measures, for example, for uniformity, reliability and separability in reconstruction.The preferred set of views may then be applied in imaging the in-vivo body structure, that has been modeled. |
| US08280118B2 |
Biometrics authentication device and portable terminal
Provided is a biometric authentication device for identifying an individual based on a biometric pattern of the subject included in a picked up image. The biometric authentication device includes: a light guiding unit for outputting light from a surface thereof; a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit for adjusting, on a display pixel basis, an intensity of light output from the surface of the light guiding unit; an image pickup unit for picking up an image of the subject; a display light source for emitting light used as a backlight of the LCD unit; a detection light source for emitting light for irradiating the subject; and a control unit for controlling processing of the biometric authentication device The control unit turns on the detection light when the image pickup unit picks up a first image, which is used for authentication, and turns on the display light source when the LCD unit displays information. |
| US08280115B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A key region extraction unit (303) extracts a first region including pixels having a predetermined pixel value in a physical space image. A motion vector detection unit (304) calculates motion vectors at a plurality of portions on the physical space image. An object region detection unit (305) specifies, using the motion vectors, a second region to be merged with the first region. When superimposing a virtual space image on the physical space image, an image composition unit (308) excludes a composition region obtained by merging the first region with the second region from a virtual space image superimposition target. |
| US08280100B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product
Encoding information is assigned to each block according to a position of the block in an image of the color image data. An image analyzing unit analyzes the block and outputs a feature value. A block determining unit determines whether the block is an embedding-possible block based on the feature value and demarcates a watermark embedding area in the embedding-possible block. An embedding unit embeds the watermark information by deforming the watermark embedding area according to a pattern that represents the watermark information and replacing a pixel in the watermark embedding area with another pixel near the pixel to be replaced. |
| US08280099B2 |
Laser safety system with beam steering
A laser safety system providing a system for checking the presence, focus and integrity of a laser beam focusing lens is disclosed. The laser safety system checks the focusing lens properties by capturing an image of a target by viewing the target through the focusing lens from along the laser beam path. An initial, known good, image is compared to an image captured immediately before enablement of the laser beam source to determine if the focusing lens is present, focused and is not damaged. The system may also utilize a mask projected onto the target as well as a low-power visible light laser directed along the path of the processing laser to determine the focusing lens properties. The system can also provide target recognition. |
| US08280092B2 |
Voice sound input apparatus
A voice sound input apparatus, adapted to be inputted a sound and configured to output sound data, includes: a display unit; a first microphone, related to a first sound hole; a second microphone, related to a second sound hole; a signal processing unit; and a microphone holding unit, formed with the first sound hole, and adapted to extend toward a sound source predicted position; wherein a distance between the first sound hole and the second sound hole is a distance that a phase component of a sound strength ratio is lower than or equal to 0 dB, the sound strength ratio being a ratio between a strength of a sound component contained in differential sound pressure of sounds entered to the first sound hole and the second sound hole and a strength of sound pressure of the sound entered to the first sound hole. |
| US08280089B2 |
Hearing aid with adaptive bulk biasing power management
A power management system (1) for a digital processing core (12) of a battery-powered hearing aid is adapted for providing power to the hearing aid circuit in a particularly efficient manner. The power management system (1) comprises a first linear voltage regulator (25, 26, 28), and a second linear voltage regulator (25, 27) in series with a switched-capacitor 2:1 SC converter (21), a positive bulk biasing voltage supply (10), and a negative bulk biasing voltage supply (11), for controlling the switching speed, threshold voltage, and current leak from the semiconductor elements (13, 14) of the digital processing core (12) when the core (12) is operated at the reduced voltage provided by the power management system (1). The power management system (1) may save between 50% and 70% of the power consumed by the digital processing core (12) of the hearing aid circuit when compared to existing hearing aids, and may thus prolong the battery life. The invention further provides a method for providing a supply voltage to a digital hearing aid. |
| US08280087B1 |
Delivering fundamental frequency and amplitude envelope cues to enhance speech understanding
Systems, apparatus, and techniques are described to perform operations including receiving speech that includes audio signals from a talker. A fundamental frequency, unique to the talker, is extracted from the audio signals. A tone in frequency with the extracted fundamental frequency of the received speech is modulated and the modulated tone is delivered to an audio transducing device. |
| US08280086B2 |
Remote control system for a hearing aid
A remote control system for a hearing aid (9) comprises a mobile telephone (1) and a plug-in device (5). The mobile telephone (1) is executing hearing aid remote control software and transmitting commands to the hearing aid (9) via the plug-in device (5). The plug-in device (5) comprises means for transmitting remote control commands or audio to the hearing aid (9) wirelessly. The invention provides a system, a plug-in device and a mobile telephone. |
| US08280084B2 |
Method for signal processing for a hearing aid and corresponding hearing aid
A method for signal processing for a hearing aid aims to better match signal processing for a hearing aid and in particular a hearing device to a situation and includes processing an input signal in accordance with a first processing algorithm to form a first intermediate signal and processing the input signal in accordance with a second processing algorithm to form a second intermediate signal in parallel with the processing of the input signal in accordance with the first processing algorithm. The input signal is classified by a classifier. Finally, an output signal with a constant mixture ratio is formed both from the first and from the second intermediate signals, taking into account the result of the classification. This allows the advantages of a plurality of algorithms to be used at the same time. A corresponding hearing aid is also provided. |
| US08280083B2 |
Positioning of speakers in a 3D audio conference
A method, implemented by electronic data processing resources, for audio conference between conference participants via their respective terminals, the participants including at least one listener and at least one speaker, the method comprising, for at least said listener and for at least said speaker, the steps consisting in, estimating, as a function of a digital signal coming from a terminal of the speaker, at least one characteristic specific to said speaker, and determining, using said at least one estimated characteristic, a setpoint for positioning the speaker within a virtual space of the listener. |
| US08280082B2 |
Electret assembly for a microphone having a backplate with improved charge stability
The present invention relates to a microphone that includes a housing and a diaphragm and backplate located with the housing. The housing has a sound port for receiving the sound. The diaphragm undergoes movement relative to the backplate, which it opposes, in response to the incoming sound. The backplate has a charged layer with a first surface that is exposed to the diaphragm and a second surface opposite the first surface. The backplate further includes a conductor for transmitting a signal from the backplate to electronics in the housing. The conductor faces the second surface of the charged layer. To minimize the charge degradation created by contact with or infiltration of foreign materials, the first surface, the second surface, or both surfaces of the charged layer includes a protective layer thereon. |
| US08280081B2 |
Electrode connection structure of speaker unit
An electrode connection structure of a speaker unit is provided. The speaker unit includes at least one electrode layer, which is made of a conductive material, or made of a non-conductive material with a conductive layer formed on a surface thereof. The electrode connection structure includes a conductive electrode and an adhesive material. The conductive electrode is used for providing power supply signals for the speaker unit to generate sounds. The adhesive material adheres the conductive electrode in parallel with a surface of the electrode layer. The adhesive material has adhesive characteristics, so as to electrically connect the conductive electrode and the electrode layer, in which the adhesive material is adhered to a side of the surface of the electrode layer closely adjacent to the conductive electrode with a certain area. |
| US08280073B2 |
Correcting engine noise cancellation microphone disturbances
A system for correcting erroneous microphone readings in a vehicle engine harmonic cancellation (EHC) system. A method for operating an engine harmonic cancelling system, includes receiving, from a first microphone at a first location in a vehicle cabin, a signal representative of noise in the vehicle cabin; receiving, from a second microphone at a second location in the vehicle cabin, a signal representative of noise in the vehicle cabin; and correlating the signal from the first microphone with the signal from the second microphone. |
| US08280072B2 |
Microphone array with rear venting
Microphone arrays (MAs) are described that position and vent microphones so that performance of a noise suppression system coupled to the microphone array is enhanced. The MA includes at least two physical microphones to receive acoustic signals. The physical microphones make use of a common rear vent (actual or virtual) that samples a common pressure source. The MA includes a physical directional microphone configuration and a virtual directional microphone configuration. By making the input to the rear vents of the microphones (actual or virtual) as similar as possible, the real-world filter to be modeled becomes much simpler to model using an adaptive filter. |
| US08280068B2 |
Ambient audio transformation using transformation audio
A method and device for transforming ambient audio are provided. Example embodiments may include monitoring ambient audio proximate to a sound processing device located in an environment. The device may analyze the ambient audio to derive one or more first characteristics. Memory may be accessed to obtain at least one transformation audio from a number of stored transformation audio. Each stored transformation audio may have one or more associated characteristics. A characteristic associated with the transformation audio may match one or more of the first characteristics. The device may generate output transformation audio based on the one or more transformation audio to provide modified output audio for propagation into the environment. |
| US08280066B2 |
Binaural feedforward-based ANR
In a personal ANR device having a pair of earpieces, each having a feedforward microphone and an ANR circuit associated therewith, each ANR circuit provides digital data representing environmental noise sounds detected by each ANR circuit's associated feedforward microphone. Such digital data may represent the environmental noise sounds as detected with little or not modification, or such digital data may be modified to some degree within each ANR circuit, perhaps to limit the range of frequencies that such digital data represents, before being provided to the other ANR circuit. |
| US08280064B2 |
Radio frequency interference reduction in connection with mobile phones
A wireless communications apparatus comprises a monitor component that analyzes transmitter operating parameters of the wireless communications apparatus. A generator component generates an acoustic anti-phase burst based at least in part upon the analyzed transmitter operating parameters, wherein the acoustic anti-phase burst reduces effects of radio frequency interference received at a hearing aid. |
| US08280063B2 |
Loudspeaker panel with a microphone and method for using both
In public audio presentation it is desirable that the playback loudness is continuously adapted to the background noise loudness. Such adaptation of the playback volume requires a continuous measurement of the loudness somewhere within the sound exposure area. A dipole loudspeaker panel has a strong attenuation of the emitted sound in the panel plane. When placing a microphone capsule in that plane but outside the panel, the sound emitted from the panel will be recorded by the microphone with a significant sound pressure level attenuation. Such specific microphone arrangement can capture the background noise without being unduly disturbed by the direct sound emitted from the loudspeakers. |
| US08280059B2 |
Method, system and device for generating group key
A method for generating a group key are provided in the field of network communications. The method includes the following steps: Group members select DH secret values and generate DH public values. An organizer generates an intermediate message and broadcasts a DH public value and the intermediate message. The group members generate a group key according to a DH secret value selected by the organizer and DH public values of the other group members except the organizer. A system for generating a group key and communication devices are also disclosed in the present invention. |
| US08280057B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing security in wireless communication networks
A method includes receiving data at a first wireless node in a wireless network, where the data is associated with an industrial control and automation system. The method also includes decrypting the received data using a first encryption key to produce decrypted data and encrypting the decrypted data using a second encryption key to produce encrypted data. The method further includes communicating the encrypted data to at least a second wireless node in the wireless network. Another method includes generating first data at a first wireless node in a wireless network, where the data is associated with an industrial control and automation system. The other method also includes encrypting the first data using an encryption key and transmitting the first data to multiple second wireless nodes in the wireless network, where the second wireless nodes are capable of using the same encryption key to decrypt the first data. |
| US08280055B2 |
Optical network system and method of changing encryption keys
An optical network system including an OLT and ONUs is provided that can prevent the loss of a multicast signal. When receiving an encryption key generation request from the OLT, the ONU generates an encryption key, and transmits the generated encryption key to the OLT. When receiving a notice of timing from the OLT, the ONU updates the encryption key of a belonging group. When receiving a report message from a STB through the ONU, the OLT analyzes the report message, stores a group that the STB belongs to as well as the ONU in a second table, and transmits the encryption key generation request to the ONU. When receiving the encryption key from the ONU, the OLT further stores the encryption key in the second table, and transmits to the ONU a notice of the timing in which the encryption key is valid. |
| US08280053B1 |
Authentication in a radiotelephony network
A method which improves the security of the authentication between two entities in a telecommunication network, and particularly between a mobile terminal and the fixed network, notably visitor location and nominal recorders and an authentication center, in a cellular radiotelephony network. Prior to a first authentication of the terminal, and more precisely of the SIM card therein, by the fixed network, a second authentication is based on an algorithm in which there are entered a random number produced and transmitted by the fixed network and a key different from the key for the first authentication. A transmitted signature and a signature result are produced by the fixed network and the terminal, and compared in the terminal in order to enable the first authentication in the event of equality. |
| US08280052B2 |
Digital signature of changing signals using feature extraction
In one embodiment, a signal transmission authentication apparatus includes an input operable to receive a changing signal, a first extractor operable to extract first phoneme data from the received changing signal, a first generator including logic operable to generate first data representative of the extracted first phoneme data, a first output operable to communicate output data corresponding to the received changing signal and the first data from an associated transmitter to an associated receiver, a second extractor associated with the receiver including logic operable to extract second phoneme data from the received output data via the receiver and regenerate the first phoneme data from the received first data, a comparator including logic operable to generate a comparison signal in accordance with a comparison of the first and second phoneme data, and a second output operable to generate a signal corresponding to authenticity of the received changing signal in accordance with an output of the comparator. |
| US08280051B2 |
Secure presentation of media streams in response to encrypted content
Secure presentation of media streams includes encoding the media streams into digital content, encrypting a portion of that digital content, the portion being required for presentation, in which the encrypted version is substantially unchanged in formatting parameters from the clear version of the digital content. Selecting those portions for encryption so there is no change in distribution of the media stream: packetization of the digital data, or synchronization of audio with video portions of the media stream. When encoding the media stream into MPEG-2, refraining from encrypting information by which the video block data is described, packet formatting information, and encrypting the video block data using a block-substitution cipher. A block-substitution cipher can be used to encrypt each sequence of 16 bytes of video data in each packet, possibly leaving as many as 15 bytes of video data in each packet in the clear. |
| US08280049B2 |
Method and apparatus for synthesizing copy protection for reducing/defeating the effectiveness or capability of a circumvention device
A new copy protection signal includes resistance to certain circumvention devices and includes improved playability. The new copy protection signal causes the certain circumvention devices to pass substantially the copy protection effects to a video recorder or to allow for content control effectiveness on a compliant device. The new copy protection signal also causes the circumvention device to add or enhance copy protection effectiveness, which is contrary to the circumvention device's original intent of removing or reducing copy protection effectiveness. The new copy protection signal is provided by inserting or adding one or more pseudo sync pulses or one or more pseudo sync/AGC pulse pairs immediately after, or one line after, a vertical sync signal in at least one television line. |
| US08280048B2 |
Method for strengthening the implementation of ECDSA against power analysis
A method of inhibiting the disclosure of confidential information through power analysis attacks on processors in cryptographic systems. The method masks a cryptographic operation using a generator G. A secret value, which may be combined with the generator G to form a secret generator is generated. The secret value is divided into a plurality of parts. A random value is generated for association with the plurality of parts. Each of the plurality of parts is combined with the random value to derive a plurality of new values such that the new values when combined are equivalent to the secret value. Each of the new values is used in the cryptographic operation, thereby using the secret generator in place of the generator G in the cryptographic operation. The introduction of randomness facilitates the introduction of noise into algorithms used by cryptographic systems so as to mask the secret value and provide protection against power analysis attacks. |
| US08280047B2 |
Method and system for securing data utilizing redundant secure key storage
A data processing device and method adapted for key management are provided. A first encryption key associated with a first password is generated, and at least a further encryption key associated with a further password is generated. Generation of the encryption key may use the associated password, a key seed, and a current key. The first encryption key and further encryption key or keys are stored in memory, and are used to encrypt and decrypt separate sets of data. Different keys and potentially different levels of encryption are thus used to protect different sets of data at the device. |
| US08280045B2 |
Text-input device and method
A text-input device and method is provided. The device includes a display unit that displays a user interface, which is divided into a plurality of areas each including a plurality of cells where predetermined text is displayed, an input unit that includes a plurality of text-input units to provide a focusing signal that focuses on a predetermined cell in the displayed user interface and a selecting signal that selects the focused cell, a user interface providing unit that generates a control signal corresponding to the selected cell with reference to a mapping table according to whether the selecting signal is available, and a control unit that performs a control command based on the control signal, wherein the plurality of text-input units correspond to the areas. |
| US08280043B2 |
System and method for protecting data in a secure system
A system for protecting data in a security system generates and encodes a backup key for encoding long-lived secrets. The system generates a distribution plan for distributing cryptographic splits of the encoded backup key to selected persons based on geographic and organizational diversity. The distribution plan specifies a number M of the cryptographic splits to be generated and a number N of the cryptographic splits required to recover the backup key. The system processes utilize an init file comprising system parameters and state files each comprising parameters reflecting a state of the secure system after a transaction. Any of the state files may be used for any of the system processes. The state files and the init file are encoded by the backup key, thus protecting the long-lived secrets. |
| US08280041B2 |
Chinese remainder theorem-based computation method for cryptosystems
A computer hardware implemented cryptography method computes a modular exponentiation, M :=Cd (mod p·q), upon a message data value C using a Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) based technique. To secure against cryptanalysis, the private key moduli p and q are transformed by multiplication with a generated random value s, so that p′: =p·s and q′ :=q·s, as shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2. The CRT steps of the modular exponentiation are applied using the transformed moduli p′ and q′ to obtain a random intermediate message data value M′. A final reduction of M′ modulo p·q yields the final message data value M. Values needed for the computation are loaded into data storage and accessed as needed by electronic processing hardware. |
| US08280040B2 |
Processor instructions for improved AES encryption and decryption
Encrypting information involving the execution of a first instruction and a second instruction on a processor. The first instruction causes the processor to perform an AddRoundKey transformation followed by a ShiftRows transformation. The second instruction causes the processor to perform a ShiftRows transformation followed by a MixColumns transformation. These instructions are useful for performing AES encryption. The first and second instructions also have inverse modes that may be used to perform AES decryption. |
| US08280036B2 |
Configuring the virtual noise parameters of a digital subscriber line
An apparatus comprising a digital subscriber line (DSL) transmitter configured to transmit a transmitter referred virtual noise for a tone in a subscriber line, wherein the transmitter referred virtual noise is based on a time history of a noise condition in the subscriber line. Also disclosed is an apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising obtaining a transmitter referred virtual noise for a DSL tone using a plurality of noise condition measurements, and determining a DSL bitloading using the transmitter referred virtual noise. |
| US08280035B2 |
IP telephone system
An Internet Protocol (IP) telephone has a constant impedance filter that is capable of being continuously attached to the physical layer of a computer chip in the IP telephone. The constant impedance filter is located outside the physical layer and is connected to a relay on the physical layer. The relay is configured using native FET devices, which are normally conductive without a supply voltage. Therefore, the relay is capable of operating during the discovery mode of IP telephone operation, where no power is applied to the substrate. Rectifier circuits rectify an incoming signal during discovery mode, and apply the rectified signal to the gate of the relay to improve conductivity of the relay. This allows for faster detection of the IP telephone during discovery mode. During normal operation mode, voltage is applied to the physical layer, and the relay is opened by grounding the native devices. Also, during the normal operation mode, any signal coming from the constant impedance filter is terminated in a switchable termination resistor that is also disposed on the physical layer. |
| US08280027B2 |
Method to collect and manage smart dialplan for session initiation protocol devices
Methods and apparatus for dialing numbers using a session initial protocol device are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes obtaining at least a first part of an input string associated with a dialplan. The input string includes at least one character. The method also includes determining if at least a first potential target string stored in a local cache includes the first part of the input string, and accessing an external call manager arrangement if the first potential target string stored in the local cache does not include the first part of the input string. |
| US08280016B2 |
Communication terminal device and reception controlling method for communication terminal device
An aspect of the invention provides a communication terminal device that comprises: a communication counterpart information notification contract determination unit configured to determine if a counterpart communication terminal device communication received through a line has a communication counterpart information notification contract; and a communication controller configured to change a communication time parameter when the communication counterpart information notification contract determination unit determines that the counterpart communication terminal device of the received communication has the communication counterpart information notification contract. |
| US08280015B2 |
Providing contextual information with a voicemail message
Aspects of the present invention are directed at obtaining contextual information with a voicemail message. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains additional contextual information that is not obtained automatically when a voicemail message is received. More specifically, the method includes automatically obtaining a first set of contextual information from a client associated with the caller when the caller is transferred to a voicemail system. Then a determination is made regarding whether the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained. If the callee requests that additional contextual information be obtained, the requested information is obtained from a third-party service or by prompting the caller. |
| US08280012B2 |
Notification system management
Methods and systems for providing electronic notifications are described. A server is configured to serve an interface, such as a Web page, to a terminal that requests from a user a first set of user contacts to be used to provide notifications to the user by a telephonic notification system in response to a notification process initiated by an organization associated with the user. The interface further requests a first set of priorities corresponding to the first set of user contacts, wherein the notification system will attempt to provide notifications to the first set user contracts in an order based at least in part on the first set of priorities. A database is configured to store the first set of user contacts and the first set of priorities. A voice interface circuit is configured to transmit a voice notification to at least one of the first set of user contacts. |
| US08280010B2 |
Line sharing multipoint pots splitter with intelligent termination
The present invention provides for a system and method for blocking leakage signals and uncoupling connections in a communication system. A leakage signal (LS) blocking splitter employs a high-pass filter which effectively blocks the lower frequency leakage signal. The high-pass filter (an LS filter) has a cut-off frequency selected to fall between the upper range of the leakage signal (which is approximately 4 KHz in the preferred embodiment) and the low-end frequency of a data signal. A detect and terminate function detects service on the communication connection to which each one of the leakage signal (LS) filters are coupled to. The detect and terminate function detects service on the communication connection to ensure that each LS blocking splitter is coupled to an in-service communication connection. If the communication connection becomes out-of-service, such as when a customer discontinues service with the service provider, the detect and terminate functions automatically uncouple the respective LS filter from the communication connections so that the LS filter cannot introduce undesirable harmonics into the communication system. In an alternative embodiment, the detect and terminate function may insert an impedance matching element in addition to uncoupling the LS filter. |
| US08280008B2 |
X-ray rotating anode plate, and method for the production thereof
Described is an X-ray rotating anode plate having a base and X-ray active layer having the described acceptable properties and a method for producing same. The base comprises carbon nanoparticles in quasi-homogeneous spatial distribution. Carbon nanoparticles can be selected from among carbon nanotubes, nano-graphite powder particles having a substantially spherical shape, and mixtures thereof. The inclusion of described additives improves the stability and heat conductivity of the base. With the described method, the starting materials for the base and X-ray active layer, and other optional materials which may form functional layer are compressed to a preselected shape in a pressing mold with simultaneous application of pressure, elevated temperature and varied electric currents, compressing the shape to a final density exhibiting high-strength diffusion bonds between these starting materials. The described X-ray rotating anode plate can be used, for example, in high-performance X-ray tubes for X-ray computer tomography. |
| US08280003B2 |
Method for calculating head scatter phase space for radiation treatment using a multi-leaf collimator with dynamic jaws
A method is proposed for accurate and efficient modeling of head scatter phase space for treatments with dynamic jaws. Specifically, the method enables the efficient calculation of the head scatter phase space in case of a dynamic treatment where jaws and MLC leaves move during the delivery. In one embodiment, the invention can be used to calculate the head scatter contribution during final dose calculation of dynamic treatments. This novel method also enables an accurate calculation of the head scatter contribution from optimal fluence and from jaw positions without having to calculate the leaf sequence. In this embodiment, the invention can be used in optimization of large field IMRT treatments. |
| US08279998B2 |
X-ray image formation device
CT imaging is performed twice (S1101), which is set as the normal number of rotations, and a sinogram is corrected (S1102) based on the sinogram obtained by performing CT imaging twice. Since the cycles of data variation caused by respiration are controlled so as not to overlap one another, usually the data variations caused by respiration are eliminated by performing CT imaging twice. However, depending on irregularity in the respiration cycle of the subject, data variation components sometimes overlap at the same angle in spite of the fact that the cycles of data variation caused by respiration are controlled so as not to overlap one another. Therefore, when data variation components remain overlapped at the same angle, CT imaging is performed one additional time (S1104) and the sinogram is corrected (S1102) using the sinogram obtained by performing the additional CT imaging. |
| US08279994B2 |
Tokamak reactor for treating fertile material or waste nuclear by-products
Disclosed is a tokamak reactor. The reactor includes a first toroidal chamber, current carrying conductors, at least one divertor plate within the first toroidal chamber and a second chamber adjacent to the first toroidal chamber surrounded by a section that insulates the reactor from neutrons. The current carrying conductors are configured to confine a core plasma within enclosed walls of the first toroidal chamber such that the core plasma has an elongation of 1.5 to 4 and produce within the first toroidal chamber at least one stagnation point at a perpendicular distance from an equatorial plane through the core plasma that is greater than the plasma minor radius. The at least one divertor plate and current carrying conductors are configured relative to one another such that the current carrying conductors expand the open magnetic field lines at the divertor plate. |
| US08279988B2 |
Efficient channel estimate based timing recovery
A module and method for channel estimate based timing recovery comprises a timing estimation module, a channel estimation module communicably coupled to the timing estimation module, a conversion module communicably coupled to the timing estimation module and to the channel estimation module, and an analog pulse shaping filter communicably coupled to the conversion module, wherein: the analog pulse shaping filter receives an analog signal and outputs a filtered analog signal, the conversion module receives the filtered analog signal and outputs a 1/T rate signal to the channel estimation module, the channel estimation module outputs a 1/T Channel Impulse Response (CIR) estimate to the timing estimation module, and the timing estimation module outputs a timing estimate to the conversion module, wherein the timing estimate is used in conjunction with an output of the conversion module to provide the 1/T rate signal. |
| US08279986B2 |
Digital receiver, controlling method of the apparatus, computer program product, and recording medium recording thereon the product
Provided are: plural circuit components including a circuit component which constitutes a receiving unit receiving a signal sequence which is arranged so that a desired signal and a signal different from the desired signal are lined up in time series, the desired signal indicating desired data which includes at least one of text data, sound data, image data, and a computer program product; and an operating parameter changing unit which changes an operating parameter of at least one of the plural circuit components, during a period in which the receiving unit receives the signal different from the desired signal. |
| US08279985B2 |
Intelligent demodulation systems and methods in an OFDMA multicell network
An OFDMA communication system includes a plurality of terminals, with at least one of the terminals including at least one type of multi-user decoder adapted to decode a signal intended for the at least one terminal received on a subchannel of the system and adapted to decode at least a portion of an interfering signal received on the subchannel. The system also includes a plurality of base stations. Each of the base stations may be in communication with others of the base stations for exchanging information about data throughput for particular terminals in cells of the system using particular subchannels in the cells. Each of the base stations assigns the subchannels to terminals in the cell of the base station so as to maximize data throughput in the entire system. |
| US08279982B2 |
Method and system for estimating the speed of a mobile device in a network
A method for estimating the speed of a mobile device in a network is provided that includes selecting a correlation length from a plurality of possible correlation lengths. A correlation result is generated based on the selected correlation length. A speed estimate is generated for the mobile device based on the correlation result. |
| US08279980B1 |
Detector for single-user coded signals in the presence of interference
Techniques are provided for detecting a coded signal in the presence of interference. In an embodiment, a primary transmitter corresponds to a desired transmitter, and one or more secondary transmitters correspond to interfering transmitters. Received symbols, which include interference and additive noise, are filtered to recover a set of original message bits. An estimate of the set of original message bits may be determined using an ordered successive interference cancellation (SIC) decoder that uses either a SIC detector or an AWGN-based detector, depending on the signal-to-interference ratio at a primary receiver. |
| US08279971B2 |
Determining a level of power reduction for a transmitter
A level of power reduction for a transmitter arranged to transmit signals modulated according to one of a number of modulation configurations via radio channels in a digital wireless communications system is estimated. Modulation dependent data comprising a term calculated from a third order product of a signal modulated according to a modulation configuration are provided, and a power reduction estimate for transmission of signals modulated according to said modulation configuration is calculated there from. The modulation dependent data are provided to comprise, in addition to the term calculated from a third order product, at least one term calculated from a higher order product. Further, transmitter dependent data are provided, and the estimate is calculated from said modulation dependent and transmitter dependent data. Thus a more accurate method of determining a power reduction is achieved, which also allows different operating conditions for the transmitter to be considered. |
| US08279970B2 |
Transmission spectra
Transmitter devices and transmission methods transmit a modulated GMSK- or EDGE-signal in a transmission system, wherein normally the pulse shaping follows the given rules of standards for these mobile radio systems. The amount of TX spectra in the adjacent TX channels is predetermined by these rules. A second filtering step is suggested to be introduced for attenuating predetermined unwanted spectra in the adjacent transmit channels. A second goal of this suggestion is to reduce spectra at adjacent TX channels also at cases of nonlinearity at the TX Power Amplifier of the RF transmitter. Nothing must be changed in standards of mobile communication systems, for example GSM. |
| US08279965B2 |
Multiple antenna spatial multiplexing optimal detection
MIMO detection is described that reduces the complexity of computations for finding the soft bit output. The detection process includes QR factorization splitting the distance calculations into two groups, subset lookup using a last cross constellation set (LCCS) lookup, and minimal distance lookup with soft bit output calculation. By grouping the distance calculations into a first group that has one antenna transmitting using a modulation scheme with a generally square constellation diagram and a second group for all of the other antenna constellation diagrams, the LCCS lookup process may be used which substantially reduces the number of calculations to be made in the detection process. Moreover, in the special case of 2×2 antenna, QR factorization is performed by applying a scaled Givens rotation to the channel matrix. The application of the scaled Givens rotation operator eliminates any square root operations that would be performed in a standard QR factorization. |
| US08279956B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, display apparatus and information processing program
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus including: a demodulation FFT processing section configured to carry out an FFT process on a demodulation-related signal extracted by making use of a demodulation FFT window from every symbol of a received OFDM signal and output the frequency-domain signal; a control FFT processing section configured to carry out a process equivalent to an FFT process on a control-related signal extracted by making use of a control FFT window from every symbol of the received OFDM signal and output the frequency-domain signal; a transmission-line information estimation section; an equalization section; a reception-quality computation/comparison section; and an FFT-window position control section configured to control the demodulation FFT window to be used by the demodulation FFT processing section and the control FFT window to be used by the control FFT processing section on the basis of a comparison result produced by the reception-quality computation/comparison section. |
| US08279953B2 |
Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus, and wireless communication method
A transmitting apparatus, a receiving apparatus and a wireless communication method for suppressing interference between codes, while further reducing the ratio of redundant components occupying a signal to improve the transmission efficiency. The transmitting apparatus (100) transmits a signal having a frame structure in which a plurality of symbols follow a pilot symbol to which a guard interval has been added. In the receiving apparatus (200) that receives that signal, a long FFT target section acquiring part (202) acquires, from the received OFDM signal, a long FFT target section that is a target section in which delay waves are to be removed by use of a pilot symbol. A long FFT part (203) performs a fast Fourier transformation of the long FFT target section to convert it to a frequency domain signal. A frequency equalizing part (204) performs a frequency equalization of the long FFT target section by use of an interpolation result of communication line estimation value. A long IFFT part (205) performs an inverse fast Fourier transformation of the long FFT target section as frequency equalized to convert it back to a time domain signal. |
| US08279950B2 |
Compensation for transmission line length variation in a SERDES system
Described embodiments provide a method and system for signal compensation in a SERDES communication system that includes monitoring the quality of a data signal after passing through a transmission channel. The quality of the data signal is monitored with at least one of a BER calculation algorithm and a received eye quality monitoring algorithm. Variations in channel length of the transmission channel are compensated for by i) adjusting a length of transmission line delay of the data signal from the transmission channel, ii) comparing the data signal quality with a threshold for the adjusted data signal; and iii) repeating i) and ii) until the data signal quality meets the threshold. |
| US08279945B2 |
Method for compensating timing mismatch in A/V data stream
Methods for compensating timing errors in an A/V stream are provided. An embodiment of the methods includes: receiving a plurality of encoded video frames of a current Group of pictures (GOP) from the video encoder and a plurality of encoded audio frames; when an error occurs in the video encoder, utilizing a most recent encoded video frame of a previous GOP received from the video encoder as a reference to generate a plurality of dummy video frames; and utilizing the dummy video frames to pad the current GOP. |
| US08279944B2 |
Method and device for regulating the encoding bit rate of video image sequences relative to a target bit rate
The invention relates to a method and a device for regulating the encoding bit rate of video images relative to a target image size). The images being subdivided into zones to be encoded, the complexity of encoding of each zone is distinguished among the zones, the zones to be encoded are classified according to a determined order of complexity, each zone is successively encoded according to the decreasing order of complexity, successively minimizing the estimated encoding error of each zone, the final size of each image relative to the target size and the bit rate of the sequence of video images. Application to the video encoding of images of video sequences, in particular to networked video surveillance. |
| US08279934B2 |
Multilevel data compression using a single compression engine
A single compression engine transmits first and second discrete cosine transform (DCT)-encoded signals. The first DCT-encoded signal uses at most t coefficient bits to represent each of a plurality of DCT coefficients. The second DCT-encoded signal uses at most u coefficient bits, where u is less than t, to represent each of the plurality of DCT coefficients. |
| US08279931B2 |
Motion vector estimator for reducing film judder
A motion vector estimator for reducing film judder measures a motion vector of a block of an image. A motion vector selection device receives a plurality of motion vectors and generates N candidate vectors based on a motion estimation stage signal. N block matchmakers are connected to the motion vector selection device in order to generate N matching costs based on the N candidate vectors. A motion vector determinator is connected to the N block matchmakers and the motion vector selection device in order to determine an output motion vector of the block based on the N matching costs. |
| US08279930B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
A compensation allocation unit performs allocation compensation of a motion vector to a pixel to which a motion vector is not allocated by a victor allocation unit. A C/UC area determination unit compares magnitudes of a present DFD, a past DFD, and a future DFD based on a background vector and a DFD based on a compensation allocation vector by an evaluation value calculation unit to determine an area of a target pixel. Regarding the target pixel determined as the pixel in a covered area or an uncovered area, an interpolation method decision unit decides a computation method for a pixel value through which one of a double-sided interpolation and a one-sided interpolation. An interpolation frame generation unit computes the target pixel of the pixel value of the interpolation frame through the method decided by the interpolation method decision unit. |
| US08279925B2 |
Video streaming apparatus with quantization and method thereof
A streaming appliance having an internal quantizer is disclosed so that the bit rate of a streamed video can be adjusted based on the current conditions of a link between the streaming appliance and one or more target devices. |
| US08279923B2 |
Video coding method and video coding apparatus
A method and an apparatus are provided for adaptively improving an image quality of current images to be coded by reducing effects due to pulsing artifacts. The video coding method is intended for coding a video on a per predetermined block basis using one or more predetermined quantization control variables. The method includes calculating a correlation degree indicating a correlation between an original block in a current original picture to be coded and a prediction block in a previous uncompressed picture, and includes changing a first predetermined quantization control variable to a second predetermined quantization control variable, so as to reduce a quantization step size when the correlation degree is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method also includes determining the quantization step size based on the second quantization control variable, and coding the original block based on the determined quantization step size using a predetermined image coding tool. |
| US08279922B2 |
Hybrid rate control in a digital stream transcoder
A rate controller in run-level domain transcoder, which receives a stream of compressed frames carried in a bit stream, selectively determines whether to quantize and/or threshold portions of a frame carried in the stream of frames. The rate controller determines the input size of the frame and based at least in part upon at least a desired size, requantizes and/or thresholds the frame such that the output size of the frame is approximately the desired size. |
| US08279921B2 |
Moving image reproducing apparatus
A moving image reproducing apparatus (10) includes a video encoder (18). The video encoder (18) reproduces a moving image including a partial moving image having a frame rate different from a reference frame rate at the reference frame rate. A CPU (26) calculates a difference value between a first frame count required to reproduce the partial moving image in real time and a second frame count obtained by performing periodic frame interpolation processing on the partial moving image. The CPU (26) dispersively executes frame thinning-out processing on the moving image at the number of times corresponding to the calculated difference value. The CPU (26) further executes frame interpolation processing on the partial moving image at the number of times corresponding to the second frame count. |
| US08279919B2 |
Image processing apparatus
The invention is intended to reduce overall image degradation when frame interpolation is performed by means of an adaptive image compression technique. A compression unit which adaptively compresses input image data, determines an error rate, i.e., a quantity of data loss, depending on input image data. A compression rate is set, depending on the determined error rate (or the quantity of data loss). For an image that is likely to be degraded by compression because of a large error rate determined for it, a process of generating an interpolated image by an interpolated image generating unit is disabled and an original image is used instead of an interpolated frame. |
| US08279917B2 |
Pulse width modulation controller and pulse waveform control method
A pulse width modulation (PWM) controller includes: a first counter for counting a reference clock signal, and thus outputting a first count value, a leading edge control signal generator for outputting a leading edge control signal on a basis of the first count value, an adjustment clock generator for generating an adjustment clock signal, a second counter controller for instructing the adjustment clock generator to start to output the adjustment clock signal, a second counter for outputting a second count value, a trailing edge control signal generator for outputting a trailing edge control signal on a basis of the second count value, and a PWM pulse generator for synthesizing the leading edge control signal and the trailing edge control signal, and thus generating a pulse width modulation signal. |
| US08279912B2 |
Tranceiver non-linearity cancellation
Embodiments of a method and apparatus for reducing non-linear transmit signal components of a receive signal of a transceiver signal are disclosed. The method includes the transceiver simultaneously transmitting a transmit signal, and receiving the receive signal. A non-linear replica signal of non-linear transmission signal components that are created in the transceiver by a transmit signal DAC, and imposed onto the receive signal, is generated. The non-linear replica signal is subtracted from the received signal reducing the non-linear transmission signal components imposed onto the receive signal. |
| US08279900B2 |
Mode-locked two-micron fiber lasers
A mode-locked fiber laser comprising a multicomponent glass fiber doped with a trivalent rare-earth ion of thulium and/or holmium and including a fiber-optic based passive saturable absorber that contains an adhesive material mixed with a saturable absorbing components and is disposed along the length of an optical fiber such as to assure that a mode propagating within the fiber spatially overlaps with the volume occupied by the saturable absorbing components. |
| US08279899B2 |
Fiber laser
A fiber laser of an MOPA type includes an MO which is a laser oscillator for generating seed light, a PA which is a light amplifier connected to a rear stage of the MO, for amplifying and outputting laser light emitted from the MO, and a reflection device which is provided between the MO and the PA. According to the present invention, the MOPA type fiber laser can decrease the peak value of the pulse which is emitted toward the MO or the pump light source by self-oscillation or reflection, and makes it unlikely that the pump light source or the MO will be damaged. |
| US08279897B2 |
Synchronization in a wireless node
A wireless node receives a beacon from a wireless access point. The beacon includes a wireless protocol time synchronization function (TSF) timestamp generated with reference to a global clock for a network. The wireless node synchronizes a counter according to the TSF timestamp. The wireless node receives a global timing offset (GTO) packet from the wireless access point and combines the GTO packet with a counter value to generate a global timestamp. |
| US08279896B2 |
Synchronization in a wireless node
A wireless node clock is periodically synchronized with a wireless access point clock. The wireless access point clock is globally synchronized with other access points in a network. Failure of the access point is detected. A search is performed for a beacon signal of a neighboring wireless access point that is associated with the network. The neighboring access point also has a globally synchronized clock. The wireless node clock is synchronized with the globally synchronized clock of the neighboring wireless access point. |
| US08279895B2 |
Efficient channel architectures for multi-channel MAC protocols in wireless ad hoc networks
The system (500), apparatus (400), and method of the present invention provide three architectures for logically organizing multiple channels: a parallel multi-channel superframe (PMS) (100), a sequential multi-channel superframe (SMS) (200), and a non-overlapping multi-channel superframe (NMS) (300). Each of these architectures arises from different trade-offs and is applicable to any multi-channel MAC protocol that is based on the concept of a superframe, e.g., IEEE 802.11 superframe. |
| US08279894B2 |
Method and device for data packet assembly
The assembly of data blocks to form at least one data packet includes: writing in a first register of at least one first data block descriptor, which includes information representing a status of each block belonging to a set of blocks, whereby the status of each block indicates whether the block has been stored; the determination and recording in a second register of a status of the blocks, which represents the state of storage of the blocks, whereby this operation, based on the use of a second register, enables simple and fast acquisition of the status of a packet which can be assembled on the basis of the blocks; and the assembly of a packet containing the blocks according to the status recorded in the second register. |
| US08279890B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting uplink protocol changes
A method and apparatus for supporting uplink (UL) protocol changes includes reconfiguring a medium access control (MAC) protocol from a first MAC protocol to a second MAC protocol. A hybrid automatic repeat request (HARD) process associated with the first MAC protocol is flushed, and a MAC-e/es reset is performed. Segments of a MAC-e/es packet data unit (PDU) that are contained in a segmentation entity are discarded. |
| US08279888B2 |
Apparatus and method for upstream transmission of variable bit rate VoIP traffic in hybrid fiber coaxial network, and apparatus and method for resource allocation
Provided are an apparatus and method for upstream transmission of variable bit rate traffic in a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network. The apparatus includes: a VoIP signal processing unit for digitizing a voice of a speaker to create a voice packet, detecting a mute section to suppress packet generation, and generating an Service identification (SID) packet in the mute section; a storage unit for storing the voice packet and the SID packet created by the VoIP signal processing unit and notifying information on the stored packets; a VoIP activity determining unit for determining a voice activity based on the information on the stored packets notified from the storage unit; and a packet processing unit for including the voice activity transferred from the VoIP activity determining unit in the packets from the storage unit to encapsulate them and transmit it to a network device. |
| US08279881B2 |
Method and system for route updating
A method for route updating includes: a. determining more than one route in accordance with a predetermined preset mechanism and sending the determined more than one route to a client and/or a non-client, by a reflector in a route advertisement, and saving more than one route reaching the same destination address by the client and/or the non-client; and b. sending to the client and/or the non-client a message carrying information on the next hop of the route to be withdrawn, by the reflector in a withdrawal of a route and withdrawing the corresponding route for route updating in accordance with the information on the next hop carried in the message, by the client/the non-client. A system for route updating and a router reflector is also provided. |
| US08279880B2 |
Communication gateway between wireless communication networks
A communication gateway includes a communication unit that transmits and receives messages in order to communicate with at least one remote communication node on a first wireless communication network according to a protocol which includes network access control (MAC), and receives messages originating from at least one transmitter transmitting messages on a second wireless communication network according to a protocol which does not include network access control (MAC). The protocols of the first and second wireless communication networks use a same physical layer (PHY). The communication gateway also includes a processing unit associated with the communication unit that differentiates between the received messages originating from the first wireless communication network and the received messages originating from the second wireless communication network by analyzing header information contained in the received messages originating from the first wireless communication network and in the received messages originating from the second wireless communication network. |
| US08279876B2 |
Data service apparatus and method in heterogeneous wireless networks
Provided are an apparatus and a method for providing a concurrent data service to an Mobile Station (MS) through a plurality of heterogeneous networks. In a method for providing a data service to an MS through different wireless networks, the MS measures channel qualities of at least one accessible wireless network and reports the measured channel qualities to an Internet Protocol (IP) packet controller. The IP packet controller selects wireless networks for data transmission on the basis of the reported channel qualities, distributes data destined for the MS, and transmits the distributed data to the selected wireless networks. The selected wireless networks receive the data from the IP packet controller and transmits the received data to the MS. The MS combines and interprets the data received from the selected wireless networks. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a seamless data service to the MS in service environments with a mixture of different wireless communication systems. |
| US08279875B2 |
Method and apparatus for Ethernet to bear ATM cells
A method for an Ethernet to bear ATM cells includes: mapping the ATM virtual connection information in the first ATM cell received from the ATM network to an Interworking Identifier (IW ID); combining the IW ID and the cell payload of the first ATM cell into an Ethernet frame; and transmitting the Ethernet frame in an Ethernet network. An apparatus for an Ethernet to bear ATM cells is also disclosed. The embodiments of the present invention implement network interworking on the data link layer (layer 2) and enable an ATM network to perform ATM emulation in a metropolitan area Ethernet (MEN) independently of the upper-layer protocol, thus facilitating the user. |
| US08279872B1 |
Method for obtaining a mobile internet protocol address
In various embodiments, methods and systems are provided for acquiring a mobile internet protocol address in a communication network. In an embodiment, a mobile network internet node key is sent to a service node. A mobile network internet node sends a mobile internet protocol access request message to an authentication node. The authentication node can then receive the mobile network internet node key transferred from the service node. In response to receiving a mobile internet protocol access accept message at the mobile network internet node transferred from the authentication node where the mobile internet protocol access accept message comprises the mobile network internet node key, the mobile internet protocol address is assigned at the mobile network internet node to a mobile station associated with a user identifier. |
| US08279866B2 |
Method and system for switching packets in a communication network
A method for switching packets in a communication network is provided. The method includes dividing a data stream into at least two sub-streams in a first application card received in a first application card slot of a packet switch. A first sub-stream is sent through a first application port associated with the first application card slot to a first switch port associated with a switch port slot of the packet switch. The switch port slot is operable to receive a switch card for the packet switch. A second sub-stream is sent through a second application port associated with the first application card slot to a second switch port associated with the switch port slot. |
| US08279863B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dynamic detection of transit times between stages in distributed multi-stage switch fabrics
In some embodiments, a method includes sending a signal to a first module associated with a stage of a switch fabric and receiving a signal from the first module a first amount of time after sending the signal to the first module. A signal is sent to a second module associated with the stage of the switch fabric and a signal is received from the second module a second amount of time after sending the signal to the second module. The second amount of time is less than the first amount of time. A cell of a first data packet is sent to the first module and a cell of a second data packet is sent to the second module a third amount of time after sending the cell of the first data packet. The third amount of time is associated with the difference between the first amount of time and the second amount of time. |
| US08279857B2 |
Virtual PBX based on feature server modules
A virtual private branch exchange is formed by a plurality of interconnected feature server modules, each having an integral feature server that is configured and operates independently of the other feature server modules. Within a virtual private branch exchange, the feature server modules may be logically arranged in a hierarchy having at least a main feature server module and one or more subordinate feature server modules. A particular feature server module may operate in multiple virtual private branch exchanges, and may have a distinct set of rules for handling calls originating in different virtual private branch exchanges. |
| US08279853B1 |
Socket-based internet protocol for wireless networks
Systems and methods for assigning unique network identifiers in a packet-switched wireless network and methods for communicating with a wireless device in a packet-switched wireless network are provided. A request for a unique network identifier for a wireless device is received. A socket-based unique network identifier, including an IP address and one or more ports, is assigned to the wireless device. The unique network identifier is created by combining an IP address and one or more ports. This allows multiple unique network identifiers to be created from a single IP address, where each unique network identifier consists of the same IP address combined with a different group of one or more ports. |
| US08279849B2 |
Propagation delay time adjustment method, propagation delay time adjustment system, propagation delay time adjustment device, storage medium stored with propagation delay time adjustment program, and node device
There is provided a propagation delay time adjustment method for adjusting the propagation delay time occurring within a reception circuit for each channel of a center node device configuring a 1-to-N communications system in which communication is performed between the center node device and N (N being an integer of 2 or more) individual edge node devices using a Synchronous Code Division Multiplexing method, the center node device comprising a main control section, and each of the edge node devices comprising an auxiliary control section that controls the propagation delay time in cooperation with the main control section, the transmission delay time adjustment method comprising: transmission permission signal transmitting; transmission controlling; reception phase controlling; reception validity determining; optimum reception phase determining; and reception phase setting in which the main control section sets the optimum reception phase as the reception phase for the reception circuit. |
| US08279846B2 |
Broadcast channel timing detection
A broadcast control channel (BCH) transport block is communicated in a cellular communications system having a physical layer in which information is communicated in one or more frames, wherein the BCH transport block represents BCH information. This involves coding (901) the BCH transport block (1001, 1101) to generate M bits of coded information. Nframes segments of coded bits are formed (903) from the M bits of coded information, wherein the BCH information can be derived from any one of the Nframes segments of coded bits. A unique one of Nframes mapping functions is applied (905) to each of the Nframes segments of coded bits to produce Nframes mapped segments of coded bits. A different one of the Nframes mapped segments of coded bits is transmitted (907) in each of Nframes frames. This enables multi-frame timing to be determined even when fewer than all BCH segments are received. |
| US08279844B1 |
Extensible interactive voice response
The present invention discloses a system and method for providing interactive voice response (IVR) applications executable on individual communication devices. Unlike current IVR applications that run from centralized voice servers, the present invention describes a system in which communication units initiate communication with a multimedia server over a data network such as the Internet and download extensible copies of voice response applications. The communication device then runs the voice response applications, thus, locally administering the voice messages and accepting the voice or data input from a user. The multimedia server may preferably divide the application software into executable segments to accommodate communication devices with limited memory resources, such as mobile phones and hand-held computers. The system and method may implement different level of complexity by breaking application functionality into modules and the sub-modules. For multi-module applications, the communication units will re-establish communication links with the multimedia server to download each necessary or subsequent module or sub-module. The system and method may also allow users to connect directly to agents or operators to perform tasks that are too complex for efficient automation. The system may connect users and agents using any combination of a data network and voice network. The implementation of the voice response application using the data network connection allows a reduction in the number of telephone ports into an IVR and also allows multiple users to access the IVR over the same line, because of the asynchronous nature of the data network. |
| US08279842B2 |
Route selection system and method for promoting route distributions among multiple devices in a wireless mesh network
In a mesh network having a plurality of wireless nodes, including a first, second, third and fourth node, wherein each node includes a routing table, a method of route discovery. A first route request message is broadcasted from the first node and received at the second and third nodes. In the second node, a link quality metric is calculated as a function of link quality of the link to the first node and as a function of capacity in the routing table of the second node. In the third node, a link quality metric is calculated as a function of link quality of the link to the first node and as a function of capacity in the routing table of the third node. A second route request message is broadcasted from the second node and received by the fourth node, wherein the second route request message includes the link quality metric calculated by the second node. A third route request message is broadcasted from the third node and received by the fourth node, wherein the third route request message includes the link quality metric calculated by the third node. A route path is selected as a function of the link quality metric calculated by the second node and the link quality metric calculated by the third node. |
| US08279840B2 |
Systems and methods for providing location based services (LBS) utilizing WLAN and/or GPS signals for seamless indoor and outdoor tracking
Systems and methods for tracking a wireless device are disclosed. According to one aspect, the wireless device includes a hybrid global positioning system (GPS) and wireless local area network (WLAN) circuit board for seamless indoor and outdoor tracking. In embodiments, GPS and WLAN data are combined to obtain a position estimate of the device. In other embodiments, the circuit board automatically switches between WLAN and GPS data for indoor and outdoor environments. A Location Based Services (LBS) algorithm for determining the position of a wireless device using WLAN and/or GPS signals is also disclosed. The LBS algorithm is implemented by way of method steps including: sensing GPS and/or WLAN signals, measuring and/or converting the sensed signals to obtain distance data, fusing the distance data, and applying one or more approximation algorithms to the distance data to obtain a position estimate of the wireless device. A method for rendering position data using a Marching Cubes algorithm is further disclosed. |
| US08279836B2 |
Soft handoff in OFDMA system
Soft handoff in an OFDMA system is disclosed. If the pilot signal strength for a base station exceeds the defined threshold, the base station is added to an active set list. Subcarriers in a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are divided and allocated into subchannels. The OFDM symbols are divided and multiplexed. A soft handoff zone with a first dimension of the subchannels and a second dimension of the divided and multiplexed OFDM symbols is defined. The soft handoff zone has subcarriers with a subchannel definition, for example, an identical permutation. |
| US08279833B2 |
Mobile network system and method for processing IP handoff thereof
Provided are a mobile network system capable of processing a high-speed handoff by dividing into a data packet path between mobile nodes and a handoff packet path of the mobile node, and a method for processing IP handoff thereof. The system includes a MAP broadcasting a handoff registration request and reply between a foreign agent and a home agent, and an additional handoff signal path between the MAP and a mobile agent operating as a foreign agent and a home agent by means of a HAAP and VPN technology to be physically distinguishable from a data path. Therefore, limitation in a head of line can be resolved and the IP handoff can be promptly provided. |
| US08279832B2 |
Method, system and device for converting session control signaling
A method, system, and device for converting session control signaling are provided. The method includes at least one of the following steps: a first adaptation unit converts a session control signaling message of a circuit switched (CS) session leg into a session control signaling message of an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) session leg; or the first adaptation unit converts a session control signaling message of an IMS session leg into a session control signaling message of a CS session leg. In embodiments of the present invention, an adaptation unit intercepts a CS signaling message after an inter-mobile switching center (MSC) handover, and converts CS signaling messages to IMS signaling messages and vice versa, so that the IMS domain may continue to control a session after the inter-MSC handover. |
| US08279831B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable medium for selecting a network for connectivity and handover based on application requirements
A system, method, and computer-readable medium are provided for choosing a network for connection and handover based on the application requirements of a multi-mode, multi-radio user equipment. The selection of the network for connectivity and handover is based on one or more of the invoking of an application, the invoking of a second application, and the closing of an application. |
| US08279829B2 |
Multicast fast handover
A network component comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising receiving a multicast listening state (MLS) report comprising a multicast state data from a mobile node (MN), sending the multicast state data to an access router (AR), establishing a tunnel with the AR, and forwarding at least one multicast data stream associated with the multicast state data to the AR via the tunnel. Also disclosed is an AR configured to implement a method comprising receiving a multicast state data for a MN, evaluating the multicast state data, indicating whether the multicast state data is supported by the AR, establishing a tunnel with a second AR, and receiving at least one multicast data stream associated with the multicast state data from the second AR via the tunnel. |
| US08279827B2 |
Method for transmitting channel quality report in a discontinuous transmission scheme, primary and secondary stations therefor
A method is disclosed for transmitting channel quality reports periodically from a secondary station to a primary station, wherein transmission of a control channel is carried out discontinuously with a predetermined periodic transmission phase, and wherein said method comprises the following steps. Scheduling the transmission of a transmission sequence of channel quality reports of at least a first type and a second type according to a predetermined pattern. Estimating the number of channel quality reports of the second type scheduled during the transmission phases of a predetermined time window. Amending the transmission sequence by replacing at least one channel quality report scheduled to be of the first type with a channel quality report of the second type if the number of second type channel quality reports scheduled during the transmission phases of the predetermined time window is below a predetermined threshold. Transmitting the amended sequence to the primary station. |
| US08279826B1 |
Presence based routing in an IP multimedia subsystem network
A method for registration of endpoints within in IP Multimedia Subsystem network is described. One embodiment includes receiving a request from an endpoint to deregister the endpoint. A deregistration routine is initiated to deregister the endpoint within the IP Multimedia Subsystem network. The registration status of the endpoint and any call forwarding data is stored within the IP Multimedia Subsystem network. |
| US08279825B2 |
Method for transmitting channel state information in a wireless communication system
A method for transmitting channel state information from an user equipment in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The user equipment transmits a spatial channel matrix or a spatial channel covariance matrix irrespective of a feedback type. The user equipment is able to additionally transmit noise plus interference variance information of a whole bandwidth used for the channel state information. In this case, the user equipment is able to transmit normalized spatial channel matrix or spatial channel covariance matrix and normalized noise plus interference variance information for accurate and efficient transmission of the channel state information. The user equipment receives an allocation of an uplink resource from a base station and is then able to map the spatial channel matrix or the spatial channel covariance matrix to the allocated resource according to a specific pattern. |
| US08279824B2 |
Method of transmitting control signal in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting control signals in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a first control signal via a control channel region comprising a plurality of tiles composed of a plurality of subcarriers contiguous in a frequency domain on a plurality of OFDM symbols in a time domain, and transmitting a second control signal via the control channel region, wherein the plurality of tiles included in the control channel region are distributedly or contiguously disposed within a basic range of the control channel region, a range within which the plurality of tiles are distributed in the time domain. Control channel regions can be configured in various manners, so control signals can be adaptively transmitted in various channel environments. |
| US08279823B2 |
Spectrum allocation system and method
Spectrum asset class determination is dynamically assessed so that a radio device may use a more preferred one of licensed spectrum or unlicensed spectrum for the specific wireless communications application of the radio device. Licensed spectrum, in addition to unlicensed spectrum, may be made available to preferred radio devices by validating that the radio system has an equipment ID and a secondary ID that authorizes the use of the licensed spectrum by the radio system. |
| US08279819B2 |
Wireless communication method
A wireless communication method is provided which includes the steps of selecting, by a wireless communication device belonging to a communication system operating on a certain communication protocol, a communication protocol among a plurality of communication protocols, exchanging, among a plurality of wireless communication devices including the wireless communication device, information including peripheral communication status of each wireless communication device by using the selected communication protocol, and changing the communication protocol to be used for exchanging the information. |
| US08279817B2 |
Method of managing discontinuous reception offset in a wireless communications system and related communication device
A method of managing an offset operation of discontinuous reception, hereinafter called DRX, for a mobile device of a wireless communication system includes separately managing a start offset operation of a long DRX cycle and a start offset operation of a short DRX cycle. |
| US08279816B2 |
Method for QoS guarantees in a multilayer structure
A method in which a user equipment processes data in a wireless mobile communication system is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving a first data block from an upper layer, transferring a second data block including the first data block to a lower layer at a particular protocol layer, discarding the first and second data blocks present in the particular protocol layer if a certain period of time has passed, and transferring information associated with the discard of the second data block to the lower layer. |
| US08279815B2 |
Resource allocation apparatus and method for reducing overhead in mobile communication system
A resource allocation for reducing overhead in a mobile communication system is provided. An operating method of a base station for changing a fixed resource allocation to reduce overhead in a mobile communication system includes calculating a total amount of resources allocated to a corresponding subframe in a period of a corresponding fixed allocation resource; when the total amount of the resources allocated to the corresponding subframe is greater than a threshold, temporarily canceling one or more corresponding fixed allocation resources to make the total amount of the resources allocated to the corresponding subframe less than or equal to the threshold; and reallocating the one or more canceled fixed allocation resources according to a corresponding rule. |
| US08279813B2 |
Method and apparatus of subchannelization of wireless communication system
A method and apparatus to transmit pilot subcarriers over uplink channels. The pilot subcarriers includes symbols which hierarchically structured. The symbol includes a first split of at least two fractional frequency reuse (FFR) groups, a second split of a fractional frequency reuse (FFR) group to a distributed resource group and localized resource group and a third split of said distributed resource group and localized resource group into plurality of subchannels. |
| US08279811B2 |
Allocating downlink acknowledgement resources in wireless communication networks
A wireless communication system includes a scheduling entity that transmits scheduling messages to first and second wireless terminals having different scheduling characteristics, wherein each scheduling message includes a reference signal cyclic shift indicator and a resource assignment. The assignment of a downlink feedback resource to the first wireless terminal is indicated by the reference signal cyclic shift indicator in the corresponding scheduling message, and the assignment of a downlink feedback resource to the second wireless terminal is indicated by a corresponding resource assignment. The scheduling entity indicates a cyclic shift that the first wireless terminal should use for its reference signal transmission using the reference signal cyclic shift indicator. |
| US08279810B1 |
Sensor network information collection via mobile gateway
There is provided a sensor network information collection mechanism in which, after a UE has decided to become part of an information collecting operation for collecting information from a local sensor network, a signaling transmitted from a managing node of a local sensor network is received and processed. A communication network control element is informed about the willingness to become an information collector by sending a report message comprising measurement results derived from the signaling received from the managing node of the local sensor network. When receiving a gateway allocation message indicating that the UE is determined to be a gateway element to the local sensor network, the information collecting operation is started wherein sensor nodes of the local sensor network are woke up, and a traffic flow direction in the local sensor network is set in accordance with the managing node identity to which the UE is accessed. |
| US08279806B2 |
Technique for uplink data transmissions in communication networks
The invention relates to a technique for uplink data transmissions in, e.g., mobile networks. A method embodiment for performing the technique in a transmitter (122) comprises the steps of allocating, for a first transmission (T1′) as the transmission power for an uplink control channel (UCOCH), the smaller of an available transmission power and a desired transmission power for the uplink control channel; and allocating, for at least one subsequent transmission (T2′) triggered by a feedback indication (128), zero transmission power to the uplink control channel (UCOCH). |
| US08279804B2 |
Wireless communications control method, wireless base station, and wireless terminal
The wireless base station sends control data relating to the processing, belonging to the upper layer (the second layer) of the first layer, to the wireless terminal through the downlink channel. Upon reception of the control data through the downlink data channel, the wireless terminal sends the response data, as a response to the control data, to the wireless base station through the control channel. The wireless base station detects the response data from the received data through the control channel, and then controls the processing belonging to the upper layer based on the response data. The above processing eliminates establishing a data channel to the wireless base station only for the response data as a response to the processing belonging to the upper layer. |
| US08279800B2 |
Enterprise mobile network for providing cellular wireless service using licensed radio frequency spectrum and internet protocol backhaul
One embodiment is directed to an enterprise mobile network for providing wireless service within a coverage area associated with an enterprise using licensed radio frequency spectrum. The enterprise mobile network includes a base station subsystem deployed on a premises of the enterprise to provide wireless capacity within the coverage area using the licensed radio frequency spectrum. The enterprise mobile network further includes a mobile switching subsystem deployed in an office of a service provider that operates a public land mobile network. The mobile switching subsystem is communicatively coupled to the public land mobile network. The base station subsystem is communicatively coupled to the mobile switching subsystem using an Internet Protocol (IP) network. The mobile switching subsystem is configured to function as a mobile switching center (MSC) and visitor location register (VLR) for roaming subscribers and local subscribers of the enterprise. The mobile switching subsystem is configured to function as a home location register (HLR) and gateway mobile switching center (GMSC) for local subscribers of the enterprise. |
| US08279799B1 |
Intelligent transmission of wireless communication overhead messages
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless communication system. The method includes wirelessly transferring overhead information to a wireless communication device using a first overhead message type that is repeatedly transferred during repeating overhead time periods. The method also includes obtaining new overhead information for the wireless communication device, where if the new overhead information will fit within the first overhead message type during a subsequent one of the repeating overhead time periods, wirelessly transferring the new overhead information to the wireless communication device using the first overhead message type in the subsequent one of the repeating overhead time periods, and if the new overhead information will not fit within the first overhead message type during the subsequent one of the repeating overhead time periods, wirelessly transferring a notice for a second overhead message type to the wireless communication device using the first overhead message type in the subsequent one of the repeating overhead time periods, and wirelessly transferring the new overhead information to the wireless communication device using the second overhead message type. |
| US08279797B2 |
Cross-paging between communication networks
A system and method to provide cross-paging between circuit and packet data networks includes providing a mobile station being on a circuit-switched communication in a first area while maintaining a packet data session on the packet data network. When the mobile station moves to a second location area served by the circuit-switched network while the mobile station is still idle with respect to packet communications on the packet data network the location of the mobile station with respect to the circuit-switched network becomes unknown by the packet data network. In this case, the circuit-switched network informs the packet data network of a change in the mobile switching center serving the mobile station. |
| US08279794B2 |
Opportunistic data forwarding and dynamic reconfiguration in wireless local area networks
Mobile communication devices and wireless network device each can participate in, or solely provide, opportunistic data forwarding in a wireless network such as a wireless local area network or radio access network. A supporting node receives wireless communication between a transmitting node and a receiving node comprising packet data units (PDUs). The receiving node communicates to the transmitting node that one or more portions of the communication were not received, which is overheard by the supporting node. The supporting node can have sufficient over-the-air (OTA) allocation in its transmit opportunity to relay the failed portions to the receiving node. Thereby, techniques such as more robust error encoding, longer transmit allocations, etc., that would reduce the effective data throughput for OTA resources are avoided while providing an ability to more rapidly adapt to a changing channel state. |
| US08279792B2 |
Polling method and apparatus for long term evolution multimedia broadcast multicast services
A device for wirelessly communicating a service to user equipment is provided. The device includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to promote the transmitter polling to determine whether user equipment desire a service and responsive to receiving, via the receiver, at least one user equipment request for the service, the processor programmed to promote the transmitter providing a point-to-multipoint (PTM) broadcast of the service. |
| US08279791B2 |
Configuration and indication methods of multicast/broadcast over a single frequency network frames and an identifying method used by a terminal
A configuration method and an indication method of MBSFN frames and an identifying method used by a terminal applied in a long term evolution system are disclosed in the present invention, which include: an access network sends configuration parameters of the MBSFN frame to a mobile terminal determining whether the wireless frame received is an MBSFN frame according to the configuration parameters, the configuration parameters including a repetition period of the MBSFN frames distributed in system-set time. With the present invention, it could consume less bytes in system message to complete the configuration of the MBSFN sub-frames and could save system resources. |
| US08279790B2 |
Packet buffering based at least in part upon packet receipt time interval weighted moving average
An embodiment may include circuitry to be comprised in a node. The node may be communicatively coupled to a network and may include a host processor to execute at least one communication protocol-related process. The circuitry may determine, at least in part, whether to buffer, at least in part, at least one packet received from the network based at least in part upon whether a weighted moving average exceeds a first threshold and is less than a second threshold. The average may be determined based at least in part upon one or more time intervals between one or more packet receptions from the network. Many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible. |
| US08279787B2 |
Packet processing apparatus
A packet processing apparatus includes a packet buffer unit that temporarily holds packet data, a packet processing unit that processes packet data output from the packet buffer unit, a clock supply unit that supplies a clock signal to the packet processing unit, and a control unit that detects a buffer vacant time indicating a time during which no packet data exists in the packet buffer unit based on an accumulation amount of the packet data in the packet buffer unit, and controls an operational state of the clock supply unit in accordance with the buffer vacant time. |
| US08279786B1 |
Methods and systems for dynamic spectrum arbitrage
Methods and system are provided for managing and monitoring allocation of RF spectrum resources based on time, space and frequency. A network may be enabled to allocate excess spectrum resources for use by other network providers on a real-time basis. Allocated resources may be transferred from one provider with excess resources to another in need of additional resources based on contractual terms or on a real-time purchase negotiations and settlements. A network may be enabled to monitor the use of allocated resources on real-time basis and off-load or allow additional users depending on the spectrum resources availability. Public safety networks may be enabled to make spectrum resources available to general public by allocating spectrum resources and monitoring the use of those resources. During an emergency, when traffic increases on a public safety network, the public safety networks may off-load bandwidth traffic to make available necessary resources for public safety users. |
| US08279779B2 |
Method and system for virtual agent session monitoring and barge-in
An approach is provided for virtual agent session monitoring and barge-in. A platform monitors content of a communication session between a virtual agent and a user and determines whether the content satisfies a pre-defined rule. Further, the platform selectively initiates a barge-in of the communication session by a live agent based on the determination. |
| US08279778B2 |
Simultaneous communications within controlled mesh network
A wireless mesh network, method of operating a wireless mesh network, and a central node device are disclosed herein. Communications are interleaved to maintain a spatial differential, for example, two “hops,” between any two nodes transmitting in proximity to the collector. In one embodiment, a wireless mesh network includes a central node and a plurality of bidirectional nodes in bidirectional wireless communication with the central node. Each bidirectional node has a respective wireless communication path to the central node that is either a direct path or an indirect path through one or more intermediate bidirectional nodes. Each bidirectional node is characterized by a number of intermediate bidirectional nodes forming a respective wireless communication path to the central node. The central node isolates a first data communication from a first node from second data communications from other nodes that are within a defined threshold of hop levels of the first node. |
| US08279777B2 |
Method for secure reliable point to multi-point bi-directional communications
Systems and methods for sending secure reliable point to multi-point communication on any communication infrastructure. The infrastructure is not required to conform to any specifications other than to be capable of point to point communications. The system consists of a protocol that allows for Secure Reliable point to multi-point communications irregardless of the support for such communications. This invention does not rely on the Internet or ATM or any other point to point or point to multi-point communications infrastructure. |
| US08279776B1 |
Network address translation based on a reverse domain name service
In a communication system, a gateway receives an IP message having source IP address and port number and having a destination IP address and port number. The gateway system transfers the IP message with a different destination IP address. A base station receives the IP message and wirelessly transfers the IP message to a routing system. The routing system transfers a reverse DNS query for the source IP address and receives a DNS reply indicating a domain name. The routing system selects a network address translation set based on the domain name, translates a destination port number into another destination IP address using the network address translation set, and transfers the IP message with the other destination IP address. |
| US08279775B2 |
Node device cooperating with switch which implements zones in a fibre channel system
In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone. |
| US08279768B2 |
Methods, devices and computer program products for capturing events associated network anomalies
Methods, devices and computer program products are provided for capturing information associated with a triggering event at a network-enabled device. A triggering event is detected at a first network-enabled device. A message is transmitted to at least one other network-enabled device responsive to the detected triggering event. The message includes an indication of a time period associated with the triggering event and a request that the at least one other network-enabled device mark information associated with the at least one other network-enabled device during the associated time period as having significance, such that this information is retained rather than discarded. |
| US08279749B2 |
Failure protection for P2MP tunnel head-end node
In one embodiment, a primary head-end node (PHE) and one or more backup head-end nodes (BHEs) receive traffic from a common multicast network. The PHE establishes a primary point-to-multipoint (P2MP) tunnel and forwards the multicast traffic onto the primary P2MP tunnel. The PHE then notifies a selected BHE of one or more characteristics of the primary P2MP tunnel, and the selected BHE establishes a backup P2MP tunnel with the characteristics of the primary P2MP tunnel. In response to detecting a failure of the PHE, the BHE initiates forwarding of the multicast traffic onto the backup P2MP tunnel. |
| US08279748B2 |
Core-based satellite network architecture
Systems and methods for implementing a satellite network, are described. The system includes satellite gateways in communication with subscribers over a satellite communication network. The satellite gateways send network communications to the subscribers and receive network communications from the subscribers. The system further includes a first core node in communication with at least one of the satellite gateways. The first core node provides networking services, at L2, to a first subset of subscribers. The system further includes a second core node in communication, at L2, with one of the satellite gateways and the first core node. The second core node provides the networking services, at layer-2 of the OSI model, to a second subset of the subscribers. In response to failure of at least one of the networking services in the first core node, the second core node providing the at least one of the services to the first subset of the subscribers. |
| US08279744B2 |
Method of selecting antennas and transmitting data in multi-input multi-output wireless local area network environments
In a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) wireless local area network (WLAN) system, a method is provided for selecting at least one antenna from a plurality of antennas and transmitting a data frame from a station to an access point via the selected antenna or antennas. A method for transmitting data from a plurality of stations to an access point in the MIMO WLAN system includes detecting a channel status of a channel from the access point to each transmitting antenna of the station, selecting at least one transmitting antenna from among the station's transmitting antennas based on the detected channel status, and transmitting a data frame from the station to the access point via the selected transmitting antenna or antennas. |
| US08279742B2 |
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. |
| US08279741B2 |
Device and method for interleaved encoding RS code
The present invention provides a device and method for interleaved encoding RS code, the RS code used being RS (N, K, S). The method comprises: firstly, writing the data in the data packets to be RS interleaved encoded into the information region of the RS code byte interleaver column-by-column in turn; then, constructing the data of each row of the check region based on the data written into the information region; finally, performing cyclic shifting processing on the data of the check region, and reading out the data of the check region in the RS code byte interleaver column-by-column in turn. The present invention can be used to improve the performance of the entire data packet outputted, thereby enhancing the reliability of the data link layer, by evenly spreading the areas with a filled value of 0 in the last column of the information region that is filled with valid information and by performing cyclic shifting processing on the data of the check region so that the data of that region offer larger time span and good diversity effect when outputted. |
| US08279739B2 |
Heat-assisted magnetic recording medium and magnetic storage device
A heat-assisted magnetic recording medium that includes a substrate, underlayers formed on the substrate, and a magnetic layer which is formed on the underlayers and contains either an FePt alloy having an L10 structure or a CoPt alloy having an L10 structure as a main component, wherein the underlayers include a first underlayer formed from an amorphous alloy, a second underlayer formed from an alloy having a BCC structure containing Cr as a main component and also containing at least one element selected from among Ti, Mo, W, V, Mn and Ru, and a third underlayer formed from MgO. Also, a magnetic storage device that uses the heat-assisted magnetic recording medium. |
| US08279734B2 |
Recording medium, read/write method thereof and read/write apparatus thereof
A recording medium read/write method and apparatus are disclosed. The present invention records version information of a corresponding recording medium as read/write control information within the recording medium. The version information includes write compatibility version information and read compatibility version information. The read/write apparatus efficiently performs the read/write of the recording medium with reference to the version informations recorded within the recording medium. |
| US08279733B2 |
Dynamic write strategy modification method and apparatus
The invention relates to write strategy modification, and in particular, to dynamic write strategy modification. A dynamic write strategy modification apparatus comprises a measurement module, a write strategy development module, and a write laser module. The measurement module measures a plurality of different parameters. The write strategy development module calculates or chooses an optimal parameter from the plurality of different parameters and modifies a default strategy to generate a modified write strategy. The write laser module drives to write data onto an optical disc. A write strategy modification will be repeated until writing is finished. |
| US08279732B2 |
Optical disc drive and optical information read method
An HF waveform prevailing during a read operation varies due, for instance, to changes in the ambient temperature of an optical disc drive and variations in the characteristics of a laser. This degrades read performance and decreases the number of rewritable disc read operations. To address the above problems, an optical disc drive and an optical information read method are disclosed. The disclosed optical disc drive and optical information read method vary an HF amplitude in relation to the resistance, differential resistance, or temperature of the laser. |
| US08279728B2 |
Read and write power control methods and system for optical recording device
The present invention discloses read and write power control methods and system for an optical recording device that records information on an optical disk having read-only areas. The read and write power control methods respectively introduce the steps of determining a specific level of a former power control signal output based on a former power control, and then according to the specific level, setting a predetermined level of a power control signal to induce a present power control for rapidly outputting a proper power of the pick-up head. Accordingly, the level transition of the read/write power control signal can be shortened and even eliminated. An unstable read/write power output for the pick-up head can be avoided. |
| US08279726B2 |
Recording device for recording a content into a plurality of recording media and control method thereof
A recording device records contents in a plurality of recording media. While the recording device records a content in a recording medium, if a free space of the recording medium runs out, an unrecorded part of the content needs to be recorded in another recording medium. In order to play back all parts of the content, all recording media in which all the parts of the content have been separately recorded are necessary. Particularly, if an internal recording medium included in the recording device has a small space and accordingly a sufficient space is secured by connecting an external removable recording medium to the recording device after the recording has started, parts of the content are separately recorded in the internal recording medium and the external recording medium. As a result, even if the external recording medium is removed from the recording device and is connected to a playback device in order to play back all the parts of the content, it is possible to play back only one part of the content. In order to play back all parts of the content using another playback device, a user needs to edit the separately recorded parts of the content so as to be saved in a single recording medium. In view of this problem, the present invention aims to provide a recording device that controls a recording destination of a content to be recorded such that the content can be recorded in a single recording medium for as long as possible. |
| US08279724B2 |
Optical pickup
An optical pickup has a first optical system and a second optical system. The optical axis of the first optical system and the optical axis of the second optical system are inclined, for example, 45 degrees with respect to the reference plane, and are parallel to each other. A first objective lens and a second objective lens are arranged substantially side-by-side in a radial direction, and the center position of the second objective lens is slightly displaced from the reference plane in a tangential direction. The first optical system and the second optical system each have a flat-shaped beam splitter; this is used to produce astigmatism for acquiring a focus error signal by the astigmatic method. |
| US08279718B2 |
Calendar mechanism and analog timepiece equipped with same mechanism
To provide a calendar mechanism wherein the building-in property of a second date indicator is improved, and an analog timepiece equipped therewith. A calendar mechanism of an analog timepiece includes a first date indicator which includes a first date character indication portion, a first date indicator gear portion, and an endless ring-shaped drive cam portion; a drive cam lever which includes an operating lever portion including a first fan-shaped gear portion, wherein a driven lever portion is spring loaded in order to become a cam follower, and the operating lever portion is pivoted in accordance with the driven lever portion abutting against the drive cam portion; a second date indicator which, being rotatable, includes a second date character indication portion and a second fan-shaped gear portion meshing with the first fan-shaped gear portion; and a positioning/locking portion. In a case in which the tens column of the date is 0, one portion of the drive cam lever abuts against the positioning/locking portion, causing the cam follower of the driven lever portion to remain in a condition out of contact with an invalid cam face portion of the cam face of the drive cam portion. |
| US08279716B1 |
Smart-watch including flip up display
A smart-watch can include a wristband, a base, and a flip up portion. The base can be coupled to the wristband and include a housing, a processor, a wireless transceiver, and a tactile user interface. The wireless transceiver can be configured to connect to a wireless network. The tactile user interface can be configured to provide interaction between a user and the smart-watch. The flip up portion can be displaceable between an open position exposing the base and a closed position concealing the base. Further, the flip up portion can include: a top display exposed when the flip up portion is in the closed position, and an inside display opposite the top display. The inside display can be concealed when the flip up portion is in the closed position and be exposed when the flip up portion is in the open position. |
| US08279715B2 |
Sample analyzing apparatus
A sample analyzing apparatus is provided with a memory for storing a schedule of maintenance, a display, and a controller for displaying on the display a screen of calendar format, wherein the screen includes a date display area for displaying a date and a maintenance item display area for displaying a maintenance item scheduled on the date. |
| US08279712B2 |
Composite transducer apparatus and system for processing a substrate and method of constructing the same
A transducer, system and method of constructing the same that utilizes a composite of piezoelectric pillars. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for generating acoustic energy comprising: a plurality of pillars constructed of a piezoelectric material, the pillars arranged in a spaced-apart manner so that spaces exist between adjacent pillars; the pillars having a width and a height extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the height of the pillars is greater than the width of the pillars; and the spaces filled with a resilient material so as to form a composite assembly. |
| US08279710B2 |
Underwater synchronisation system
An underwater system (10) comprising a transmitter (12) for broadcasting an electromagnetic synchronization signal and at least one node (14) that has a receiver for receiving that signal, the node being adapted to use the received signal for synchronization. |
| US08279708B2 |
Measurement method for a granular compaction pile using crosshole seismic testing
A measurement method for a granular compaction pile 10 using a crosshole seismic test. The measurement method includes forming first to fifth measurement holes around the granular compaction pile, injecting grouting material into the first to fifth measurement holes and inserting casings into the first to fifth measurement holes, respectively, and installing an oscillator and a detector of a crosshole seismic tester in the first to fifth holes and detecting a velocity of a shearing wave, thereby measuring a diameter of the granular compaction pile according to a construction depth thereof. The shape and the diameter of the granular compaction pile are easily checked without causing damage to the granular compaction pile. |
| US08279705B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic transmission/reception method
According to one embodiment, a reception unit generates reception beam data set groups based on echo signals. Each of the reception beam data set groups includes reception beam data sets respectively corresponding to reception beams associated with parallel signal processing. Each of the reception beam data sets is generated based on echo signals from transducers associated with a corresponding reception position. A scanning control unit sets the spatial arrangement of the reception beams. The reception beams are arranged at unequal intervals. A synthesizing unit generates synthetic beam data sets associated with reception positions based on the reception beam data set groups. Each of the synthetic beam data sets is obtained by synthesizing reception beam data sets associated with the same reception position. An image generation unit generates ultrasonic image data based on the synthetic beam data sets. |
| US08279702B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus includes an individual-chip-designating-code setting block configured to generate a plurality of sets of individual-chip-designating-codes which have different code values or in which at least two sets of individual-chip-designating-codes have the same code value, in response to a plurality of chip fuse signals; a control block configured to generate a plurality of enable control signals in response to the plurality of chip fuse signals and most significant bits of the plurality of sets of individual-chip-designating-codes; and an individual chip activation block configured to compare individual-chip-designating-codes of the plurality of sets of individual-chip-designating-codes excluding the most significant bits, with chip selection addresses in response to the plurality of enable control signals, and enable one of a plurality of individual-chip-activation-signals depending upon a comparison result. |
| US08279699B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with reduced power noise
A semiconductor memory device includes an internal clock generator configured to generate an internal clock signal having a first clock period in response to a chip enable signal and change the first clock period of the internal clock signal in response to a clock control signal, and a controller configured to receive external commands including the chip enable signal and generate the clock control signal corresponding to a first external command other than the chip enable signal. Here, the semiconductor memory device performs a data input/output operation in response to the internal clock signal with the changed clock period. |
| US08279698B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes first and second sub-memory-cell areas configured to form a memory cell matrix and include a first bit line and a second bit line respectively to form a data transfer path corresponding to a predetermined memory cell, an additional bit line configured to cross the first sub-memory-cell area and form a data transfer path by being connected with the second bit line and a sensing and amplifying unit configured to sense and amplify data inputted through the additional bit line and the first bit line. |
| US08279693B2 |
Programmable tracking circuit for tracking semiconductor memory read current
One example memory device includes a memory array, a sense amplifier, and a tracking circuit. The memory array is formed of a plurality of memory cells. The sense amplifier is for accessing the memory array. The tracking circuit is for tracking memory read current of the memory array. The tracking circuit comprises one or more columns of tracking cells. Each column is coupled to a corresponding bit line to provide a drive current on the bit line for triggering a memory read operation by the sense amplifier. At least one of the columns comprises two tracking cells connected in series to each other. |
| US08279691B2 |
Semiconductor memory integrated device with a precharge circuit having thin-film transistors gated by a voltage higher than a power supply voltage
Provided is a semiconductor integrated device including a semiconductor memory circuit and a peripheral circuit of the semiconductor memory circuit. The peripheral circuit includes a first transistor having a first voltage as a breakdown voltage of a gate oxide film. The semiconductor memory circuit includes a pair of bit lines, one of the pair of bit lines being connected to a gate transistor of a memory cell, and a precharge circuit that includes a transistor having a breakdown voltage substantially equal to that of the first transistor, and precharges the pair of bit lines to a predetermined voltage in response to an activation signal. The activation signal of the precharge circuit is a second voltage higher than the first voltage. |
| US08279689B2 |
Low power termination for memory modules
An apparatus is provided that includes a memory controller to provide a first on-die termination (ODT) signal and a second ODT signal, a memory channel, a first memory module to couple to the memory channel, and a second memory module to couple to the memory channel. The first memory module may include a first memory having a first ODT circuit to receive the first ODT signal, and a second memory having a second ODT circuit to receive the first ODT signal. The first ODT signal may disable the ODT circuit of the first memory when the first memory is to be ACTIVE. |
| US08279688B2 |
Sense amplifier enable signal generation
System and method for generating a sense amplifier enable (“SAE”) signal having a programmable delay with a feedback loop to control the SAE signal duty cycle, which can be used in SRAM or DRAM, or other kinds of memory cells. An illustrative non-limiting embodiment comprises: a programmable clock chopper, a low pass filter, a bias generator, a comparator, and a feedback control module. |
| US08279687B2 |
Single supply sub VDD bit-line precharge SRAM and method for level shifting
A reduced bitline precharge level has been found to increase the SRAM Beta ratio, thus improving the stability margin. The precharge level is also supplied to Sense amplifier, write driver, and source voltages for control signals. In the sense amplifier, the lower precharge voltage compensates for performance loss in the bit-cell by operating global data-line drivers with increased overdrive. In the write driver, the reduced voltage improves the Bitline discharge rate, improves the efficiency of the negative boost write assist, and decreases the reliability exposure of transistors in the write path from negative boost circuit. |
| US08279685B2 |
Pre-charge voltage generation and power saving modes
A system includes a voltage generator to produce a pre-charge voltage signal for pre-charging one or more signals in a memory circuit. The one or more signals can be data bus lines used to access memory. The voltage generator can include an input indicating whether the memory circuit is set to a power-saving mode. The input adjusts a magnitude of the pre-charge voltage signal produced by the voltage generator. Adjusting the pre-charge voltage can result in power savings. When in the power-saving mode, the voltage generator circuit can adjust the pre-charge voltage to a value that reduces an amount of leakage current associated with a pre-charge voltage. Reducing the leakage with respect to the pre-charge voltage means that the saved power can be used for other useful purposes. |
| US08279680B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and related method of programming
A method of programming a nonvolatile memory device comprises applying a program voltage to a selected wordline to program selected memory cells, and performing a verify operation by applying a verify voltage to the selected wordline to determine the programming status of the selected memory cells. The verify operation applies the verify voltage to the selected wordline at least two different times to divide the selected memory cells into at least three regions corresponding to different threshold voltage ranges. |
| US08279672B2 |
Nonvolatile memory having plurality of memory blocks each including data storage area and discrimination area
A nonvolatile memory includes memory blocks each including a data storage area for storing user data and a discrimination area that is provided so as to correspond to the each data storage area on a one-to-one basis and stores discriminative data indicating a writing state of data to the data storage area. The nonvolatile memory further includes a control circuit which determines the data storage area that will be a storage destination of the user data based on a relative difference relation among the discriminative data of the respective memory blocks, and changes the discriminative data of the discrimination area corresponding to the data storage area in which the user data was written to a value different from that before the writing. |
| US08279671B2 |
Flash memory devices, methods for programming the same, and memory systems including the same
A programming method of a nonvolatile memory device is provided including: applying a local voltage to a first unselected word line; applying a local voltage to a second unselected word line, after the local voltage is applied to the first unselected word line; and applying a pass voltage to the first unselected word line, after the local voltage is applied to the second unselected word line. Related devices and systems are also provided herein. |
| US08279670B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor storage device
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device according to an embodiment includes: a memory cell array including an array of electrically rewritable memory cells and configured to be able to store N bits of data (where N is a natural number not less than 2) in one memory cell; and a controller operative to control read, write and erase operations of the memory cell array. The memory cell array includes a first region having a first memory cell operative to retain N bits of data, and a second region having a second memory cell operative to retain M bits of data (where M is a natural number less than N). A data structure of address data received by the controller when accessing the first memory cell is the same as a data structure of address data received from the outside when accessing the second memory cell. |
| US08279667B2 |
Integrated circuit memory systems and program methods thereof including a magnetic track memory array using magnetic domain wall movement
Provided are nonvolatile memory devices and program methods thereof, an integrated circuit memory system includes a memory array comprising at least one magnetic track, each of the at least one magnetic track including a plurality of magnetic domains and at least one read/write unit coupled thereto, decoding circuitry coupled to the memory array that is operable to select at least one of the magnetic domains, a read/write controller coupled to the memory array that is operable to read data from at least one of the plurality of magnetic domains and to write data to at least one of the plurality of magnetic domains via the at least one read/write unit coupled to each of the at least one magnetic track, and a domain controller coupled to memory array that is operable to move data between the magnetic domains on each of the at least one magnetic track. |
| US08279665B2 |
Memory cell and select element
In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a memory cell (1) or select element is provided. The element includes an ion conductor element (3) formed of a ion conductor material with mobile metal ions, a first electrically conducing electrode (4) in electrical contact with the ion conductor element, and a second electrically conducting electrode (6) in electrical contact with the ion conductor element, so that the memory cell or select element is programmable by applying an electrical voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode that causes the metal ions to be influenced so that an electrical resistance across the ion conductor element is caused to vary, for example because a metallic protrusion (7) is caused to grow or decompose. In contrast to prior art approaches, the ion conductor element has a shape that is asymmetrical with respect to an exchange of the first electrode (4) and the second electrode (6) for each other. |
| US08279661B2 |
Magnetic memory element, driving method for the same, and nonvolatile storage device
A magnetic memory element (10) for use in a cross-point type memory is provided with a spin valve structure having a free layer (5), a nonmagnetic layer (4), and a pinned layer (3). The magnetic memory element is also provided with another nonmagnetic layer (6) on one surface of the free layer (5), and furthermore, a magnetic change layer (7) whose magnetic characteristics change depending on temperature so as to sandwich the nonmagnetic layer (6) with the free layer (5). In the magnetic change layer (7), the magnetization intensity increases depending on temperature. |