| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08316456B2 |
System and method for representing a secure time in a device based upon an insecure clock
A system and method for providing modified rights information to an application on an electronic device. A centralized component monitors both a system clock and a secure clock. The centralized component calculates the difference between the time of the system clock and the time of the secure clock and thereafter modifies the access rights information for the application by the difference between the times. The modified access rights information is then presented to the application for use. |
| US08316455B2 |
Secure seed media
Accessing a data set with secret and non-secret data. A method includes accessing a data set image. The data set image comprises secret data. The data set image is derived from an authorized data set associated with a master key that authorizes access to the secret data. The master key is not provided with the data set image. The method further comprises restoring the data set image to a computing system to create a degraded data set. Data in the degraded data set other than the secret data is accessed without restoring the master key. |
| US08316454B2 |
Method and system for protection of user information registrations applicable in electoral processes
The present invention describes a method and system for protecting the integrity and authorship of a piece of registration information of the user, applicable in voter information registration, by means of biometric techniques. To that end, after a first stage of entering a piece of registration information, a second stage of protecting the integrity of the registration information is implemented. In this second stage, an item of integrity proof of said information is generated and said item of integrity proof is displayed to the user who wishes to protect it. In a third stage of generating an item of non-repudiation proof of the registration information, an item of biometric proof of the user which contains the item of integrity proof displayed is obtained, an item of non-repudiation proof is constructed from said item of biometric proof, and finally the item of non-repudiation proof is stored.The invention also includes optional stages which allow verifying the pieces of registration information from the items of non-repudiation proof, as well as verifying the authenticity and uniqueness of the items of non-repudiation proof. |
| US08316452B2 |
Computer network storage environment with file tracking
A method and system for operating a network server to discourage inappropriate use are disclosed. The method provides for altering files on the server in such a way so as essentially not affect acceptable, desired file types in any noticeable way, and to substantially corrupt undesirable file types. The method may be applied to every file copied to or from a memory of the server. In the alternative, the method may be applied only to selected files or types of files on the server. In particular, the files corrupted by altering according to the invention are executable software files and compressed files, that are generally not fault-tolerant. Fault tolerant files, such as uncompressed text and graphics files in common Internet-compatible formats, are not noticeably affected. The network server will therefore no longer be useful for storing or transferring undesirable files, and such use will be discouraged. According to a related embodiment of the invention, a system comprises a server having an application that performs one of the embodiments of the method according to the invention. |
| US08316448B2 |
Automatic filter generation and generalization
Methods and architectures for automatic filter generation are described. In an embodiment, these filters are generated in order to block inputs which would otherwise disrupt the normal functioning of a program. An initial set of filter conditions is generated by analyzing the path of a program from a point at which a bad input is received to the point at which the malfunctioning of the program is detected and creating conditions on an input which ensure that this path is followed. Having generated the initial set of filter conditions, the set is made less specific by determining which instructions do not influence whether the point of detection of the attack is reached and removing the filter conditions which correspond to these instructions. |
| US08316446B1 |
Methods and apparatus for blocking unwanted software downloads
Methods and systems for blocking unwanted software downloads within a network. Such methods may thereby prevent (i) downloads of spyware from one or more identified locations, and/or (ii) certain outbound communications from the network and/or may also permit software downloads only from specified locations. In general, the policies are defined by rules specified by a network administrator or other user. |
| US08316439B2 |
Anti-virus and firewall system
An anti-virus system for enforcing a virus monitoring and scanning process, the anti-virus and firewall system comprises a master CPU card, a plurality of slave CPU cards and a programmable logic. The master CPU card is used for controlling the virus monitoring and scanning process and dividing the virus monitoring and scanning process into a plurality of sub-processes. The plurality of slave CPU cards are controlled by the master CPU card in a software level and a hardware level, each of the plurality of slave CPU cards receives and processes one of the plurality of sub-processes then sends back to the master CPU card. The programmable logic controlled by the master CPU card for monitoring and controlling said plurality of slave CPU cards at a hardware level. |
| US08316438B1 |
Network management providing network health information and lockdown security
Network management to establish and maintain the health and security of a computing network, such as a home network. A network management tool may identify the media access control (MAC) address for each device in the network, and allow a user to identify which devices are authorized to be a member of the network. If the network gateway device supports MAC address filtering, a user can then employ the network management tool to configure the router to exclude non-authorized devices from joining or remaining in the network based upon their MAC addresses. Further, the network management tool may allow a user to configure a wireless gateway device to stop broadcasting its service set identifier (SSID), change the SSID, or both, identify to the user when a wireless gateway device is using encryption, and, if so, what type of encryption. Still further, the tool may monitor the status of various software applications on devices in the network, and then alert a user if the status of any of the devices in the network requires attention. Further, the network management tool may provide recommendations to a user for correcting or changing the status of the monitored software applications. |
| US08316437B2 |
Method for protecting the access to an electronic object connected to a computer
An electronic object carries out at least one operation on one element of an application installed in a computer. The method includes transmitting a random value of the electronic object to the computer, when such operation is completed, while maintaining in the electronic object the right of access to the electronic object by the user; storing the random value in the computer; giving access to the electronic object by the application and, in the case of a new access to the electronic object by the application; transmitting the random values stored in the computer to the electronic object; comparing, in the electronic object, the random value received from the computer with the random value previously transmitted to the computer; and, in case the random values are matching, re-establishing the previously acquired rights in the electronic object and thereby giving the application the access to the electronic object. |
| US08316436B2 |
User-defined multiple input mode authentication
A user can define two or more input modes with respective input values to establish an authentication protocol to unlock a computer or govern other computer behavior. As an example, the user may first establish a particular voice recognition pattern followed by a particular image recognition and subsequent logons can be accomplished only by speaking the voice recognition pattern into the device and then by presenting the commanded image, such as an image of the user's face, to the device. |
| US08316432B2 |
Method for implementing security-related processing on packet and network security device
Embodiments of the present invention provide method for implementing security-related processing on packet and a network security device. Through establishing a relationship between stream attribute information of an initial packet of a stream and security-related processing information implemented on the initial packet, when a succeeding packet of the stream is received, the previously stored relationship is acquired according to stream attribute information of the succeeding packet, the security-related processing is implemented on the succeeding packet according to the security-related processing information in the relationship. Therefore, according to the method for implementing security-related processing on packet and the network security device provided by the present invention, the process of searching for security information entries for succeeding packets of a stream is not required, the security-related processing procedure of the packet is thus accelerated, and the packet processing efficiency is improved. |
| US08316430B2 |
Preventing network traffic blocking during port-based authentication
A network device is allowed to transmit only authentication protocol traffic and no other traffic on an interface that is coupled to a port using port-based authentication until after authentication succeeds. An apparatus comprises a network interface; a packet filter coupled to the network interface; an authentication module coupled to the packet filter; a timer module coupled to the authentication module; wherein the authentication module comprises logic which when executed causes: configuring the packet filter to permit transmitting on the interface packets of an authentication protocol and to block transmitting all other packets; causing the timer module to start a timer; in response to receiving a packet of the authentication protocol before the timer reaches the expiration time, causing the timer module to disable the timer, transmitting one or more other authentication protocol packets until successfully authenticating the apparatus, and then configuring the packet filter to permit transmitting all packets. |
| US08316426B2 |
Apparatus, computer program product and method for secure authentication response in a mobile terminal
A mobile terminal for securely communicating with a network includes a user identity module (UIM). The UIM is in operable communication with a user equipment module and includes a password provisioning module (PPM), a password generating module and a response generation module (RGM). The user equipment module includes a client application. The PPM is configured to store a password. The password generating module is in operable communication with the PPM and configured to generate the password. The RGM is in operable communication with both the client application and the PPM. The RGM is configured to generate an authentication response from the password in response to a request from the client application. |
| US08316421B2 |
System and method for device authentication with built-in tolerance
A system for building tolerance into authentication of a computing device includes a means for executing, from a computer-readable medium, computer-implementable steps of: (a) receiving and storing a first digital fingerprint of the device during a first boot of an authenticating software on the device, the first digital fingerprint based on a first set of device components, (b) receiving a second digital fingerprint from the device at a subsequent time, (c) comparing the second digital fingerprint with a plurality of stored digital fingerprints of known devices, (d) in response to the comparison indicating a mismatch between the second digital fingerprint and the plurality of stored digital fingerprints, generating a request code comprising instructions for the device to generate a third digital fingerprint using the first set of device components, (e) sending the request code to the remote device, (f) receiving the third digital fingerprint from the remote device in response to the request code, and (g) authenticating the device based on a comparison of the first and third digital fingerprints. |
| US08316420B2 |
Access control on dynamically instantiated portal applications
The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling access rights to dynamically instantiated portal applications in a portal environment, wherein new instances of a portal application and respective access control information on resources used in the application are generated dynamically from an automated programmed mechanism, and wherein a user-application role mapping is demanded for the portal application by a respective runtime access control function implemented at the portal environment. The method includes: assigning an individual user-to-application role mapping to a respective individual one of the created instances of the portal application, wherein for each incoming user request to one of the created instances the runtime access control function checks a target application instance identifier, which identifies an individual application instance desired to be addressed by the incoming request; and granting access rights to incoming user requests according to the application roles as they are defined for the target application instance. |
| US08316418B2 |
Verification engine for user authentication
Computer-implemented system and methods for authenticating the identity of a person, for example a customer (1) of an E-Commerce web site (15). The web site or other verification “client” (110) contacts a verification engine (10, 100) (“Authentex”), which may be implemented as a web server (604). The verification engine (10), in turn, has limited access to a plurality of independent, third-party secure databases (21, 112) which are maintained by Trusted Validators (3, 610, 620, etc), which are entities such as banks that have a pre-existing relationship with customer (FIG. 4), and due to that relationship, acquire and maintain “out-of-wallet” data (4) that may be useful to authenticate the identity of the customer. That confidential customer data—held by the third-party “Trusted Validators”—is not disclosed. |
| US08316415B2 |
Security document printing system and method of controlling the same
A system to print a security document and a control method thereof. The printing system simplifies a security procedure, and minimizes or prevents the security document from being illegally copied or copied without authorization. The printing system includes an input unit which receives an authenticator to copy the security document, and an output unit which determines whether the authenticator is equal to an authentication mark on the security document, and copies the security document in different ways according to the determined result. |
| US08316414B2 |
Reconfiguring a secure system
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for reconfiguring a secure system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a configuration storage location, a lock, and lock override logic. The configuration storage location is to store information to configure the apparatus. The lock is to prevent writes to the configuration storage location. The lock override logic is to allow instructions executed from sub-operating mode code to override the lock. |
| US08316413B2 |
Apparatus for displaying electrical device usage information on a television receiver
Provided herein are techniques for displaying power usage information on a television receiver. A television receiver receives power usage information regarding electrical devices and outputs the power usage information and status information regarding the electrical device for presentation by a presentation device. |
| US08316412B2 |
Application execution method and apparatus
An application program executing a method and an apparatus for improving the speed of executing an application program for a digital television (DTV) are provided. If log information exists for a resource used by an application program, the resource indicated by the log information is requested, and the application program is executed using the resource transmitted as per the request. Accordingly, it is possible to rapidly provide the application program with the resource used by the application program, thereby increasing the speed of executing the application program. |
| US08316411B2 |
Content storage and delivery system and associated method and device
A system is provided for the storage of content on a network and the delivery of content to subscriber locations. The system includes routers and subscriber set-top boxes in communication with each other and a main content source. Content is delivered over a packet-switching network according to a peer to peer file distribution protocol and is stored in a storage area of the subscriber set-top box, such that each subscriber set-top box is configured to transmit and receive content to and from the main content source and other set-top boxes connected to the network. The set-top boxes may identify a preferred source of content based on various factors, such as geographic distance, Internet Protocol (IP) distance, available bandwidth, integrity of the content, etc. An associated method for accessing content and a set-top box for facilitating the storage and delivery of content are also provided. |
| US08316410B2 |
Apparatus and method for communicating media between communication devices
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a display device having a controller to wirelessly receive media; wirelessly receive control signals for presentation of the media from a mobile communication device; and selectively disable control by the display device over presentation of the media on the display device. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08316409B2 |
Simultaneous access to media in a media delivery system
An embodiment of a cable television system includes a media content source configured to transmit media content to a plurality of home communication terminals (HCTs) over a plurality of physical channels over a shared communication medium. Each physical channel carries the media content on a plurality of logical channels. The system further includes a media allocation server configured to receive requests from the plurality of HCTs, each of the requests from a respective HCT designating desired media content to be simultaneously received at the respective HCT and allocating at least a portion of the desired media content among a plurality of physical channels on respective logical channels. |
| US08316403B2 |
Receiving apparatus and control method thereof
In the case where the receiving apparatus 1 obtains, from a content archive, and reproduces a first video content having the same content as a program being broadcast, the difference of the ending time between the first video content being played and the program being broadcast is detected (S701). In the case where there is a difference in the ending time (YES in step S702), the receiving apparatus 1 obtains, from the content archive, a second video content having the same content as the next program started following the program being broadcast (S703, S704), and reproduces the second video content following the first video content being played (S705 to S709). |
| US08316399B1 |
Enabling programming of recordings
Enabling a first user to send to a second user a promotional program icon used to enable recording of a program promoted by the icon includes enabling the first user to access a display of content accessible via a network environment. The display of content includes the promotional program icon, and the first user is able to select the promotional program icon and request presentation of the icon to a second user. |
| US08316396B2 |
Correlation of media metadata gathered from diverse sources
A DVR, server, or other agent correlates media metadata from diverse sources, like an EPG data provider and multiple video-on-demand (VOD) service providers. Metadata sets from different sources are compared in order to attempt to identify identical programs to which the metadata sets pertain. From at least one metadata set, information about the program that the other metadata set lacks is selected. A “canonical” data structure instance for the program is created. The information that is lacking from at least one of the metadata sources is inserted into that instance. For each source from which a program is available, the DVR stores the identity of that source on the DVR's persistent storage device in association with the canonical data structure instance for that program. The DVR receives search criteria from a user and then searches the stored canonical data structure instance for programs that satisfy the criteria. |
| US08316395B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes a content metadata obtaining unit configured to obtain content metadata; a determination unit configured to determine the category of the content metadata; an editing unit configured to edit the content metadata so that, when text data of the content metadata is to be reproduced on the basis of the category of the content metadata determined by the determination unit, information on a predetermined link destination is displayed in response to a predetermined operation being performed on the reproduced text data; a reproduction unit configured to reproduce the text data of the content metadata in synchronization with the reproduction of the content; and a display unit configured to display the information on the link destination on the basis of the content metadata edited by the editing unit when the predetermined operation is performed on the text data of the content metadata reproduced by the reproduction unit. |
| US08316393B2 |
System and method for a communication exchange with an avatar in a media communication system
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile, cause a set-top box (STB) to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, detect from the one or more responses a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the user profile and the detected change in the emotional state of the user, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08316391B2 |
Video signal processing apparatus and set top box
This video signal processing apparatus includes a first resolution conversion portion, a first analog video output portion, a digital video output portion and a control portion. The control portion is so formed as to make the first resolution conversion portion convert a video signal to a digital video signal of high definition and make the digital video output portion output the digital video signal of the high definition when recognizing that connection between the digital video output portion and a display is in an on-state, also in a case where a broadcast signal includes a signal for restricting output of the video signal of the high definition. |
| US08316386B2 |
Multiple application integration
An application integration system used to integrate a plurality of applications includes a plurality of integration adapters, each communicating with an application and an integration engine including a messaging broker, an integration database and a schema mapping. database. The application integration system also uses a plurality of tools and components interactively working with the messaging broker. The application integration system allows integrating various applications and at the same time provides ease of change to users of such applications by providing a framework that may be used to customize and configure integrations leading to significant reduction in total cost of ownership to the businesses. |
| US08316379B2 |
Method for invoking UOML instructions
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for encapsulating Unstructured Operation Markup Language (UOML) into an Application Programming Interface (API), including: mapping an object of an UOML operation to a data type of a programming language, mapping the UOML operation to an API function prototype in the programming language, wherein an attribute or sub element of the UOML operation is mapped to a parameter of the API function prototype; wherein, when an API function is invoked, the API function issues a corresponding UOML operation instruction to a docbase management system according to the mapping relations; after an operation defined by the UOML operation instruction is executed by the docbase management system, the return result from the docbase management system is converted into a data type of the programming language by the API function. In this way, API functions in different programming languages, which correspond to the UOML, can be implemented, and the application developers of the programming languages may invoke suitable API functions directly to implement applications on the docbase management system, thus the development efficiency can be improved. |
| US08316378B2 |
Data flow control in wireless communication systems
A method includes receiving data in a first data processing module, and enabling a second data processing module when at least one signal time slot of the received data comprises data that complies with a first data transmission standard. The method also includes exchanging signals between the first data processing module and software executing in a processor, and determining that a software configuration of the second data processing module has been completed. The method also includes processing the data in the second data processing module for the at least one signal time slot, and enabling a third data processing module upon a completion of processing at least one data block in the second data processing module, and determining that a software configuration of the third data processing module has been completed, the at least one data block comprising multiple signal time slots. |
| US08316376B2 |
Optimizing workflow execution against a heterogeneous grid computing topology
Optimizing workflow execution by the intelligent dispatching of workflow tasks against a grid computing system or infrastructure. For some embodiments, a grid task dispatcher may be configured to dispatch tasks in a manner that takes into account information about an entire workflow, rather than just an individual task. Utilizing information about the tasks (task metadata), such a workflow-scoped task dispatcher may more optimally assign work to compute resources available on the grid, leading to a decrease in workflow execution time and more efficient use of grid computing resources. |
| US08316375B2 |
Load-balancing of processes based on inertia
A process is selected for movement from a current node to a new node, based on an inertia of the process. The inertia is a quantified measure of the impact resulting from the process being inaccessible while being moved. The inertia can take into account the number of current external connections to the process; the larger the number of current external connections is, the greater the inertia. The inertia can take into account the extent to which the process accepts external connections; the greater the extent to which the process accepts external connections is, the greater the inertia. The inertia can take into account the desired availability of the process; the greater the desired availability is, the greater the inertia. The inertia can take into account a specified quality of service of the process; the higher the specified quality of service is, the greater the inertia. |
| US08316372B2 |
Method for multiclass task allocation
Embodiments of the invention include a method of selection of server in a system including at least one dispatcher and several servers, in which system when a new task of a given class arrives, then the dispatcher assigns the task to one of these servers, characterized that the selection of the servers by the dispatcher is based on the MIPN (Multiclass Idle Period Notification) information, which is sent by the servers to the dispatcher. |
| US08316368B2 |
Safe partition scheduling on multi-core processors
One example is directed to a method of generating a set of schedules for use by a partitioning kernel to execute a plurality of partitions on a plurality of processor cores included in a multi-core processor unit. The method includes determining a duration to execute each of the plurality of partitions without interference and generating a candidate set of schedules using the respective duration for each of the plurality of partitions. The method further includes estimating how much interference occurs for each partition when the partitions are executed on the multi-core processor unit using the candidate set of schedules and generating a final set of schedules by, for at least one of the partitions, scaling the respective duration in order to account for the interference for that partition. The method further includes configuring the multi-core processor unit to use the final set of schedules to control the execution of the partitions using at least two of the cores. |
| US08316364B2 |
Peer-to-peer software update distribution network
A software package of interest is identified, and information about a latest version of the package is retrieved. Then, data corresponding to the latest version are downloaded from a peer-to-peer network, and the downloaded package is installed. Alternative methods and systems for use in particular environments are also described. |
| US08316356B2 |
Method for operating and monitoring a control device, corresponding operating/monitoring device, control device and machine with such a control device, and uses of the method together with data storage media
There is described a method, wherein an interpreter program is executed on a control device and is adapted to access scripts having display components and program architectures. Said program architectures are enabled to access operating data of the firmware of the control device, said operational data being convertible to display data of a defined display format and vice versa. The scripts are run, the program architectures compiling the corresponding result in the form of display components with optionally the display data in the defined display format and making the result available to the operating/monitoring device. A display program is executed on the reporting/monitoring device in order to display at least the display components in the defined display format. References to at least one script on the control device are deposited in the display components. These references are connected to an event, and the interpreter program initiates and runs the corresponding script when this event occurs. The operating/monitoring device can no longer directly access the sensitive firmware of the control device. Communication is carried out via an interpreter program. Access to the actual control application is no longer possible. |
| US08316348B2 |
Method, framework, and program product for formatting and serving web content
The present invention provides an approach and corresponding framework that separates data from its formatting/view by generating the dynamic JavaScript (data) as a set (e.g., at least one) of JavaScript (data) objects, without any HTML formatting. Then, a set of JavaScript functions can be created that takes the set of JavaScript objects as a parameter, and outputs all or a subset of this data object in a format determined by this JavaScript function. In general, these formatting functions can be static, rather than dynamic, JavaScript. This approach has the advantage of providing a much greater degree of formatting flexibility, without the need for each new format to establish a connection with the back-end system providing the data. |
| US08316347B2 |
Architecture view generation method and system
An SOA solution architecture generation method and system. The method includes retrieving by a computing system, a service model and an SOA solution architecture model. The computing system retrieves and loads a configuration file comprising mapping data. The mapping data comprises data associating elements of the service model to architectural layers of the SOA solution. Each element is processed. The computing system identifies each architectural layer that corresponds to an associated element based on the mapping data. Each element is placed in an associated layer of the architectural layers. The computing system generates a UML model. The UML model comprises each element in an associated layer of the architectural layers. The computing system loads the UML model. |
| US08316346B2 |
Method and system for selecting a software architecture for implementing service integration
A method and system for selecting a technology to implement a service integration. Functional and non-functional service requirements are received. Technology preference relative weights for a pre-defined set of technologies and requirement relative weights for the requirements are received. Responses are received. The responses are associated with the requirements and with the requirement relative weights in a one-to-one correspondence. The responses are associated with the technology relative weights in a many-to-one correspondence. Each response indicates a characteristic that satisfies a requirement. A technology for implementing the service integration is selected from the pre-defined set of technologies based on the technology preference relative weights and the requirement relative weights. |
| US08316345B2 |
Program abstraction based on program control
Embodiments described herein relate to determining an abstraction of a computer program and to the refinement of an abstraction of a computer program. The computer program may be a sequential program or may be a concurrent (parallel) program. A directed graph represents a computer program and may be the cross product of threads within a concurrent program. Nodes within a representation of a program are reduced to a single node to produce an abstraction. An abstraction may be refined by determining constraints that produce a refined abstraction that does not comprise infeasible paths. |
| US08316341B2 |
Hardware description language (HDL) generation systems and methods for custom circuit boards
A system comprises an input and a hardware description language (HDL) module. The input receives design specifications for a custom circuit board. The design specifications are selected from predetermined design options for custom circuit boards. The hardware description language (HDL) module generates HDL corresponding to the design specifications and outputs the HDL to a circuit board producer. |
| US08316340B2 |
Fixing full-chip violations using flip-flops
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a first design of the integrated circuit; analyzing the first design to identify a first flip-flop having setup/hold violations and a second flip-flop not having setup/hold violations; and replacing the first flip-flop with a third flip-flop having a substantially same cell delay as the first flip-flop to form a second design of the integrated circuit. The first flip-flop and the third flip-flop have different setup and hold windows. |
| US08316339B2 |
Zone-based leakage power optimization
A leakage power optimization system optimizes leakage power of a circuit design which includes a set of logic gates. The system selects a leakage-power-reducing transformation for a logic gate, and determines a zone around the logic gate. This zone includes logic gates within a first predetermined number of levels in the logic gate's fan-out, the logic gate's fan-in, and a second predetermined number of levels in the logic gate's fan-in's fan-out. The system propagates arrival times within the zone to obtain updated slack values at endpoints of the zone. Then, in response to determining that the updated slack values at the endpoints of the zone do not degrade one or more circuit timing metrics, the system applies the leakage-power-reducing transformation to the logic gate. |
| US08316333B2 |
Implementing timing pessimism reduction for parallel clock trees
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product are provided for implementing timing pessimism reduction for parallel clock trees. A common path tracing algorithm in a static timing tool is enhanced to include a proximity credit used for pairs of gates in two clock trees that are placed in close proximity to each other. The proximity credit given is equal to a predefined fraction of a proximity component of a gate delay. |
| US08316331B1 |
Method and mechanism for implementing extraction for an integrated circuit design
An improved method and system for stitching one or more islands of an integrated circuit design is disclosed. Multiple connected island objects in the IC design are first identified. At least one of the multiple identified connected island objects is then modified to form a modified island object. The modified island object may then be stitched into the multiple identified connected island objects. In some embodiments, stitching a modified island object may be implemented by tracking the endpoint(s), port(s), or node(s) of the connected island object being modified and stitched. |
| US08316327B2 |
Methods of optical proximity correction
Systems and methods of optical proximity correction are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a method of determining optical proximity correction, which includes providing a design for a lithography mask. The design comprises a layout for a material layer of a semiconductor device. A predicted wafer image producible by the design for the lithography mask is calculated, and an amount of error between a target image and the calculated predicted wafer image is measured over a plurality of pixels of the predicted wafer image. The plurality of pixels comprises a plurality of different sizes. |
| US08316325B2 |
Mobile terminal and method for controlling screen thereof
A mobile terminal capable of allowing a user to rapidly and easily recognize a list of multi-tasks being executed is provided. The mobile terminal includes one or more bodies, an input unit performing a key input or a touch input, a display unit displaying a task execution screen and a controller displaying a list of tasks being executed when the mobile terminal is in a preset operation mode set by operating the body or the input unit. |
| US08316324B2 |
Method and apparatus for touchless control of a device
A touchless sensing unit (110) and method (200) for operating a device via touchless control is provided. The method can include detecting (210) a finger (310) within a touchless sensory space (101), and handling (220) a control of the device (100) in accordance with a movement of the finger. A first finger movement can be recognized for acquiring a control, and a second finger movement for selecting a control. The method can include estimating (230) a location of the finger in the touchless sensory space for acquiring the control, and identifying a finger movement (250) of the finger at the location for selecting the control. |
| US08316319B1 |
Efficient selection of characters and commands based on movement-inputs at a user-inerface
An example method involves: providing a user-interface having a plurality of input regions, where one of the input regions is a home region, where each of the input regions is associated with a primary character from a set of primary characters, and where at least one of the input regions is associated with a subset of secondary characters from a set of secondary characters; receiving data indicating an input-movement from the home region to a second input region from the plurality of input regions that is associated with a subset of secondary characters; receiving data indicating an input-movement from the second input region to the home region; selecting, in response to the input-movement from the second input region to the home region, a character from the subset of secondary characters associated with the second input region; and causing the selected character to be displayed on a graphical display. |
| US08316317B2 |
System and method for navigating in a display window
Navigation between a plurality of property sheets on a display of a mobile electronic device, each of the property sheets having a tab index and a layout defining a plurality of elements. One of the property sheets is a displayed property sheet and one of the elements is a current active element. Navigation includes (i) storing the tab index of the displayed property sheet as a current tab index; (ii) detecting a soft key event; regardless of which of the elements is a current active element, (iii) modifying the current tab index based on a soft key identifier of the soft key event to create an updated tab index; and (iv) displaying another property sheet of the plurality of property sheets on the display, the another property sheet having a tab index equal to the updated tab index. |
| US08316316B2 |
Color and symbol coded visual cues for relating screen items to each other
Described is a system and a computer program product for visually delineating a relationship between diverse, but related graphical objects in a graphical user interface. An icon that has specified color scheme is associated with the diverse, but related but graphical objects. When one of the related graphical objects is displayed, the icon is displayed within the displayed graphical object. The persistence of the icon with the specified color scheme in the displayed graphical objects allows them to be recognized as related. In a particular instance, the icon is displayed with each graphical object in a series of graphical objects that represent an evolution of progression of development. |
| US08316315B2 |
Automatically generated highlight view of electronic interactions
A system and method for generating a highlight view of electronic interactions, such as, emails, instant messages, audio messages and/or video messages is provided. The highlight view can facilitate a user's understanding of the electronic interactions.The electronic interactions can comprise emails associated with conversation threads of a discussion list posted and/or received by a plurality of users. The highlight view system can include, for a given period of time, a list of participants in the discussion list, a list of conversation threads and/or a linear progression of one or more of the conversation threads. The linear progression of one or more conversation threads can include signal word(s), such as, “stated, “asked”, “responded”, “wrapped up”, “disagreed”, “agreed” etc. that facilitate a user's comprehension of the individual e-mails which form the conversation thread.An electronic interactions highlight system can include an input component that receives electronic interactions (e.g., emails associated with conversation thread(s) of a discussion list) and an analysis component that analyzes the electronic interactions and automatically generates a highlight view of the electronic interactions. |
| US08316307B2 |
Method and apparatus for abstracting internet content
A method and apparatus for abstracting Internet content is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device having a User Interface (UI) element that links a Graphical User Interface (GUI) element to each Internet resource identifier (IRI) of one or more subject matters of interest defined in a profile by an end user, and presents said one or more GUI elements in a GUI window without association to an Internet browser. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08316301B2 |
Apparatus, medium, and method segmenting video sequences based on topic
Provided are an apparatus, medium, and method segmenting video sequences based on a topic. The apparatus may include a start-shot determination unit detecting a plurality of key-frames by using character information from video sequences including a plurality of frames to determine the detected key-frames as start-shots for each topic, and a topic list creation unit creating a topic list by using the start-shots for each topic. |
| US08316298B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing entertainment through an interactive device
The present invention provides a method, device, and software program for providing entertainment by way of an interactive device. The device receives environmental data by way of at least one of a plurality of sensors, optionally stores that data in a datastore, determines the presence of an event by comparing that data to previously received and stored data, and performs a conspicuous act in response to the detection of an event. In addition to performing a conspicuous act, the device can send a transmission by way of a transmission device, thereby communicating with another device or a remote network. The device auto-initiates at least one conspicuous action and modifies behavior based on responses thereto. Because multiple inputs are received, the present invention can assign priorities to the inputs, executing resulting processes in their order of priority. |
| US08316297B2 |
Method for providing comprehensive documentation information of complex machines and systems, in particular an injection molding machine
A method for providing comprehensive documentation information of complex machines and systems, in particular an injection molding machine is disclosed. Each of the machine components has a storage device that stores information specific for the machine component; in addition, an individual identification is assigned to each of the machine parts. An overall documentation of the machine is generated by combining the component-specific information from a first documentation memory and the part-specific information from a second documentation memory. The overall documentation is displayed on an output device to allow an operator to determine an up-to-date machine configuration and machine state and to intervene in operation and maintenance of the machine. |
| US08316295B2 |
Shared language model
A shared language model may be provided. First, a first input may be received. Then, in response to the first input, an input mode may be determined comprising one of the following: a pinyin input mode, a stroke order input mode, and a stroke number input mode. Then, data may be received based on the determined input mode. The received data may be converted using the determined input mode and using a language model. The language model may be configured to be used with each of the following input modes: the pinyin input mode, the stroke order input mode, and the stroke number input mode. |
| US08316293B2 |
System and method for rendering presentation pages based on locality
A system renders presentation pages such as in a wireless communications system. A server includes an extensible stylesheet transformation (XSLT) module. A storage medium contains at least one of images and text. The XSLT module is operative for calling an XSL extension and rendering the at least one of images and text into a presentation page based on a language requirement at a foreign locale. |
| US08316289B2 |
Updating sequential data
Disclosed is a storage apparatus comprising a data store; a data input; and a data processor arranged to: receive from the data input a block of data to be stored at an append point after sequential data comprising one or more stored blocks of data; retrieve an integrity measure, of one or more stored integrity measures that are associated with one or more respective points in the sequential data, said retrieved integrity measure being associated with a point at or preceding the append point; calculate a new integrity measure using the received block of data and the retrieved integrity measure; and store the received block of data and the new integrity measure in the data store, in addition to at least one stored integrity measure that is associated with a point in the data at or preceding the append point. |
| US08316288B2 |
High efficiency, high performance system for writing data from applications to a safe file system
Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of data storage processes for high performance, high core number computing systems. In one embodiment, the systems of the present invention perform sequential I/O whenever possible. To achieve a high degree of sequentiality, the block allocation scheme is determined by the next available block on the next available disk. This simple, non-deterministic data placement method is extremely effective for providing sequential data streams to the spindle by minimizing costly seeks. The sequentiality of the allocation scheme is not affected by the number of clients, the degree of randomization within the incoming data streams, the logical byte addresses of incoming request's file extents, or the RAID attributes (i.e., parity position) of the block. |
| US08316287B1 |
Low-density parity check codes for holographic storage
Systems and methods for constructing low-density parity check codes for holographic storage are provided. The methods include selecting parameters of a low-density parity check code, determining the number of bit processing elements and the amount of memory in an accompanying decoder, and constructing a mother matrix representation of a quasi-cyclic parity check matrix. The low-density parity check codes are optimized for performance, memory considerations, and throughput. |
| US08316284B2 |
Collecting failure information on error correction code (ECC) protected data
Methods of error correction code (ECC) debugging may comprise detecting whether a bit error has occurred; determining which bit or bits were in error; and using the bit error information for debug. The method may further comprise comparing ECC syndromes against one or more ECC syndrome patterns. The method may allow for accumulating bit error information, comparing error bit failures against a pattern, trapping data, counting errors, determining pick/drop information, or stopping the machine for debug. |
| US08316276B2 |
Upper layer protocol (ULP) offloading for internet small computer system interface (ISCSI) without TCP offload engine (TOE)
An Upper Layer Protocol (ULP) offload engine system, method and associated data structure are provided for performing protocol offloads without requiring a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) offload engine (TOE). In an embodiment, the ULP offload engine provides Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) offload services. |
| US08316269B2 |
HARQ feedback channel indexing scheme in wireless communication systems
An enhanced semi-explicit solution for HARQ feedback channel indexing in wireless communication systems is disclosed. The HARQ feedback channel indexing method may be applied to the HARQ feedback channel transmitted in the downlink, as well as the HARQ feedback channel transmitted in the uplink. |
| US08316268B2 |
Data transmission apparatus controlling data retransmission and data transmission method controlling data retransmission
A transmission apparatus receives information used to identify data unsuccessfully received by a reception apparatus. Then, the transmission apparatus determines whether the data corresponding to the received identification information should be retransmitted based on whether the reception apparatus has a function of displaying the display area of the data corresponding to the identification information by using data having the display area corresponding to the data corresponding to the identification information. |
| US08316258B2 |
System and method for error detection in a data storage system
A system and method for error detection in a data storage array includes one or more storage medium interconnected with a controller through a network. A data integrity engine in the controller applies a first error detection process to a data object to create one or more data blocks and associated parity codes. First and second error detection processes are applied to detect and repair errors in the data object. |
| US08316251B2 |
Emergency mobile device power source
In various aspects, a portable electronic device includes electrical components supported by a housing, the electrical components including a user interface coupled to a processor and a storage medium including an emergency power storage module coupled to the processor. The portable apparatus further includes one or more power storage devices configured to provide electrical energy to the electrical components, at least one power storage device operably controlled by the emergency power storage module to provide emergency electrical energy to the electronic components for an emergency communication. |
| US08316250B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for dynamically distributing a computational load between clusters of cores at a frequency greater than a thermal time constant
A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and system, the method including, in some embodiments, processing a computational load by a first core of a multi-core processor, and dynamically distributing at least a portion of the computational load to a second core of the multi-core processor to reduce a power density of the multi-core processor for the processing of the computational load. |
| US08316247B2 |
Method and apparatus for user-activity-based dynamic power management and policy creation for mobile platforms
A method and apparatus for user activity-based dynamic power management and policy creation for mobile platforms are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the monitoring of one or more sensor values of a mobile platform device to gather sensor activity data. Once the sensor activity data is gathered, the user state may be predicted according to the gathered user activity and an updated user state model. In one embodiment, the user state model is updated according to the sensor activity data. In one embodiment, a switch occurs from the present power management policy to a new power management policy if the new user state differs from a present user state by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, at least one time-out parameter of a selected power management policy may be adjusted to comply with a predicted user state. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08316246B2 |
Network system, network monitor and method for resetting network monitor
A network system includes a server computer connected to at least one client device and configured to perform at least one operation corresponding to an operation signal received from the at least one client device, and transmitting result data based on the performed operation to a corresponding client device and the at least one client device configured to transmit the operation signal in response to an input from a user, receive the result data transmitted from the server computer and processing the result data, wherein the at least one of the client devices configured to determine whether the result data from the server computer is normal and perform power halting operation for a predetermined time period based on a determination that the result data is abnormal. |
| US08316241B2 |
Data transmitting apparatus, data receiving apparatus, data transmitting method, and data receiving method
The present invention provides a data transmitting apparatus in which a device information obtaining unit obtains device information of a device connected to the data transmitting apparatus; a verification unit verifies validity of a data receiving apparatus, based on the device information obtained by the device information obtaining unit; and a control unit performs control as to whether to obtain the device information through a wireless communication unit or obtain the device information through a wire communication unit, and as to whether to transmit image information encrypted by a first encryption unit from the wireless communication unit or transmit image information encrypted by a second encryption unit from the wire communication unit when the verification unit verifies that the data receiving apparatus is authorized. |
| US08316240B2 |
Securing computer log files
A log file is secured. One implementation involves maintaining a log file including one or more log entries in a storage device connected to a computer, and entering a new log entry by generating a new message authentication code based on a preceding log entry including a preceding message authentication code, and applying the message authentication code to the new log entry. |
| US08316233B2 |
Systems and methods for accessing secure and certified electronic messages
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for accessing secure and certified electronic messages using a combination of biometric security, a separate and secure network and email infrastructure, email management processes, and the addition of text, audio and visual format options to sending emails messages. |
| US08316231B2 |
Signature specification for encrypted packet streams
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for specifying a signature for an encrypted packet stream. One method receives the encrypted stream of packets, and encryption obscures the contents of a packet. A signature for insertion into the stream of packets is specified, and the signature identifies a type of data encrypted within the stream of packets. The signature identifies the contents of the packet despite the encryption obscuring the contents. |
| US08316229B2 |
Secure certificate installation on IP clients
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method is deployed for loading a user CA certificate into the trusted certificate storage of a network device. The method comprises a number of operations. A first operation involves a downloading of addressing information. Thereafter, a communication session is established using the addressing information for retrieval of a bootstrapping digital certificate that can be digitally verified by the network device using its factory settings. Keying information is extracted from the bootstrapping digital certificate and the keying information can be used to verify that the communication session is between the network device and a certificate server being different than a source for the addressing information. Upon verification that the network device is in communication with the certificate server, the user CA certificate is downloaded from the certificate server using a secure channel that is established based on the bootstrapping digital certificate. |
| US08316227B2 |
Health integration platform protocol
A protocol is provided for communicating data between two applications. The protocol can support communication of an extensible markup language (XML) document over hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) by associating the XML document with a data envelope and sending the data envelope to a disparate application. The data envelope can comprise a header, which can specify supported compression methods, encryption keys, and/or data specific to the disparate application and/or the sending application. The protocol adds a layer of security to the communication and can prevent malicious requests and other attacks. This protocol can also be used in conjunction with a health integration network. |
| US08316225B2 |
Automated integration of fault reporting
A system and method are provided for establishing a communication link between an on onboard computer system (OCS) of a mobile platform and a central computer system (CCS) located remotely from the mobile platform. A message containing data to be downloaded from the OCS to the CCS is sent from a first portion of an electronic log book function (ELB1) of the OCS to a second portion of a communications management function (CMF2) of the OCS. The message is configured into a transmittable data file and placed into an outgoing queue of the CMF2. The CMF2 automatically selects at least one desired communication channel from a plurality of available communication channels utilizing a configuration file of the CMF2. The CMF2 establishes a secure link between the OCS and the CCS utilizing the automatically selected communication channel and sends the transmittable data file to the CCS, via the secure established link over the automatically selected channel. |
| US08316224B2 |
Systems and methods for tracking a history of changes associated with software packages and configuration management in a computing system
In order to track actions performed by a package manager or a configuration management system, a computing system can be configured to include a tagging tool. The tagging tool can be configured to cooperate with the package manager and the configuration management system in order to determine and generate a history of the actions performed by the package manager and the configuration management system. The history can include a description of the actions, the reasons why the actions were performed, and a list and description of the software programs, files, and software libraries that are affected by the actions. |
| US08316222B2 |
Method of providing data access in an industrial automation system, computer program product and industrial automation system
In an industrial automation system comprising a plurality of industrial control devices connected to an industrial communication network, control and/or supervision functions of the industrial automation system are provided by services implemented by computer-based objects in industrial control devices. A computer-based object is assigned a first qualifier enabling the computer-based object to be accessed and/or modified during configuration of the respective service and/or a second qualifier enabling the computer-based object to be accessed and/or modified during runtime of the respective service. Upon a request for access to a computer-based object by a service consumer, the service consumer's operational state is determined. Depending on a set first and/or second qualifier of a computer-based object and depending on a determined operational state of a service consumer, access to the computer-based object is granted to the service consumer. |
| US08316221B2 |
Recording of a key in an integrated circuit
A method and a system for personalizing electronic elements, by replacing, in a non-volatile memory of each of the electronic elements a first secret key with a second secret key, by a secure authentication module automatically generating the second key after having restored the first one from an identifier of the element being personalized, including conditioning, on the authentication module side, the provision of the second key to a current element to the reception of a message confirming the key replacement of at least one preceding element. |
| US08316219B2 |
Synchronizing commands and dependencies in an asynchronous command queue
Provided are techniques for the managing of command queue dependencies and command queue synchronization. Incoming commands are actively tracked through their dependency relationships. Command dependencies may be tracked across multiple lists, including a submission list and a completion list. Each command on the submission list is prepared for processing and ultimately submitted to command processing logic. Command completion processing is performed on each command on the completion list, including by not limited to removing dependencies from pending commands and possibly queuing pending commands for submission to the command processing logic. Also provided as features of a command queue are a standby barrier, an active barrier and a marker. Standby and active barriers are employed to synchronize and track commands through the command queue. Markers are employed to track commands through the command queue. |
| US08316218B2 |
Look-ahead wake-and-go engine with speculative execution
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a microprocessor. The wake-and-go mechanism looks ahead in the instruction stream of a thread for programming idioms that indicate that the thread is waiting for an event. if a look-ahead polling operation succeeds, the look-ahead wake-and-go engine may record an instruction address for the corresponding idiom so that the wake-and-go mechanism may have the thread perform speculative execution at a time when the thread is waiting for an event. During execution, when the wake-and-go mechanism recognizes a programming idiom, the wake-and-go mechanism may store the thread state in the thread state storage. Instead of putting the thread to sleep, the wake-and-go mechanism may perform speculative execution. |
| US08316217B2 |
Semiconductor device and data processing system selectively operating as one of a big endian or little endian system
A semiconductor device correctly switches endian modes regardless of the current endian mode of an interface. The semiconductor device includes a switching circuit and a first register. The switching circuit switches an interface to be used in big endian or little endian mode. The first register holds control data of the switching circuit. The switching circuit sets the interface in little endian mode when first predetermined control information is supplied to the first register, and sets the interface in big endian mode when second predetermined control information is supplied to the first register. The control information can be correctly inputted without being influenced by the endian setting status. |
| US08316216B2 |
Implementing vector memory operations
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a register file to store vector data, an address generator coupled to the register file to generate addresses for a vector memory operation, and a controller to generate an output slice from one or more slices each including multiple addresses, where the output slice includes addresses each corresponding to a separately addressable portion of a memory. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08316215B2 |
Vector processor with plural arithmetic units for processing a vector data string divided into plural register banks accessed by read pointers starting at different positions
It is an object to speed up a vector store instruction on a memory that is divided into banks as setting a plurality of elements as a unit while minimizing an increase in physical quantity. A vector processing apparatus has a plurality of register banks and processes a data string including a plurality of data elements retained in the plurality of register banks, wherein: the plurality of register banks each have a read pointer 113 that points to a read position for reading the data elements; and the start position of the read pointer 113 is changed from one register bank to another. For example, consecutive numbers assigned to the register banks may be used as the read start positions of the respective register banks. |
| US08316214B2 |
Data access tracing with compressed address output
A moving window history of at least one previous data address accessed by a processor is maintained, the at least one previous data address in the history each being associated with an index. A difference between a current data address and one of the at least one previous data address in the history is determined. The difference and the index associated with the one of the at least one previous data address in the history are provided as a representation of the current address. |
| US08316204B2 |
Using versioned pointers to facilitate reusing memory with a reduced need to reclaim objects through garbage collection
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses versioned pointers to facilitate reusing memory without having to reclaim the objects solely through garbage collection. The system operates by first receiving a request to allocate an object. Next, the system obtains the object from a pool of free objects, and sets an allocated/free flag in the object to indicate that the object is allocated. The system also increments a version number in the object, and also encodes the version number into a pointer for the object. The system then returns the pointer, which includes the encoded version number. In this way, subsequent accesses to the object through the pointer can compare the version number encoded in the pointer with the version number in the object to determine whether the object has been reused since the pointer was generated. |
| US08316201B2 |
Methods for executing a command to write data from a source location to a destination location in a memory device
The embodiments described herein provide methods for executing a command to write data from a source location to a destination location in a memory device. In one embodiment, a memory device receives, from a host device, a command to write data from a source location to a destination location in the memory device. The memory device executes the command by changing the memory device's logical-to-physical address map without reading the data from the source location and writing the data to the destination location and without a need of further involvement of the host device after the host device sends the command to the memory device. |
| US08316194B2 |
Mechanisms to accelerate transactions using buffered stores
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for executing a transactional memory (TM) transaction in a first thread, buffering a block of data in a first buffer of a cache memory of a processor, and acquiring a write monitor on the block to obtain ownership of the block at an encounter time in which data at a location of the block in the first buffer is updated. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08316187B2 |
Cache memory including a predict buffer
Disclosed is a cache memory, design structure, and corresponding method for improving cache performance comprising one or more cache lines of equal size, each cache line adapted to store a cache block of data from a main memory in response to an access request from a processor; and a predict buffer, of size equal to the size of the cache lines, configured to store a next block of data from said main memory in response to a predict-fetch signal generated using at least one previous access request. |
| US08316186B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing cache reliability based on an associated error rate
A method of configuring a cache includes identifying a plurality of cache configurations of a configurable cache for a processor-executable application unit. Each configuration has an associated error rate. A selected configuration is selected based at least in part on the associated error rate. The configurable cache is configured in accordance with the selected configuration for execution of the application-unit. |
| US08316182B2 |
Hierarchical storage management for database systems
In response to read and write requests for data blocks at logical storage locations, a block mapping device determines physical storage locations on the storage devices. Read requests switch over secondary storage devices to the active mode when they are in the passive mode. Write requests write data blocks only to the primary storage devices. Secondary storage devices that have not been accessed for a minimum activation time may be switched over from the active to the passive mode to save power consumption and cooling. Data migration and data recall policies control moving of data blocks between the primary and secondary storage devices and are primarily based on threshold values. |
| US08316177B2 |
Partial block data programming and reading operations in a non-volatile memory
Data in less than all of the pages of a non-volatile memory block are updated by programming the new data in unused pages of either the same or another block. In order to prevent having to copy unchanged pages of data into the new block, or to program flags into superceded pages of data, the pages of new data are identified by the same logical address as the pages of data which they superceded and a time stamp is added to note when each page was written. When reading the data, the most recent pages of data are used and the older superceded pages of data are ignored. This technique is also applied to metablocks that include one block from each of several different units of a memory array, by directing all page updates to a single unused block in one of the units. |
| US08316163B2 |
HDMI-quality content transmission along a single medium
In a presentation system, a source device provides uncompressed presentation content in an HDMI format. A first conversion device converts the uncompressed presentation content to an uncompressed second format and entirely transmits the uncompressed presentation content in the second format along an electrically conductive member. A second conversion device receives the uncompressed presentation content in the second format from the conductive member and converts the uncompressed presentation content to the HDMI format. For example, the conductive member may be that of a coaxial cable. |
| US08316158B1 |
Configuration of programmable device using a DMA controller
Methods and a system of configuring a programmable device using a DMA controller are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a direct memory access (DMA) request to a direct memory access (DMA) controller in response to a reset of the programmable device. The method further includes automatically loading configuration data of the programmable device to configuration registers of the programmable device using the DMA controller. |
| US08316156B2 |
Method and apparatus for interfacing device drivers to single multi-function adapter
Systems which utilize a series of managers to handle resource management. Three types of managers are preferably used, with each manager being in one of two states, active or available. The types of managers are Global Interface Manager (GIM), Resource Manager (RM) and Access Manager (AM). Associated with each device driver for a given function is a GIM. The device driver may be associated with one or more RMs and/or AMs. Among managers of a given type, one is the active manager and all other managers of that specific type are available and work with the active manager to handle resource requests. As there can be RMs for different resources, the active manager concept is applied to the RMs associated with each resource. Mechanisms are present to allow the active manager and related information to be transferred to an available manager if necessary. |
| US08316155B2 |
Distributed robust clock synchronization
Technology is provided for synchronization of clock information between networked devices. One or more of the devices may include one or more applications needed access to data and a common time reference between devices. In one embodiment, the devices have applications utilizing data shared in a network environment with other devices, as well as having a reference to a local clock signal on each device. A device may have a layer of code between the operating system and software applications that processes the data and maintains a remote clock reference for one or more of the other devices on the network. |
| US08316152B2 |
Methods and apparatus for machine-to-machine communications
Methods and apparatus for machine-to-machine communications are disclosed. A communications server provides a way for application servers on the Internet to communicate with a plurality of physically remote devices that do not have “traditional” Internet connections. Communications between an application server and its remote devices are normalized by the communications server so that the need for a variety of wired and wireless protocols remains transparent to the application server. In addition, the application server may initiate communications with remote devices using dynamic IP addresses, because the communications server discovers dynamic IP addresses using a non-IP based protocol. |
| US08316150B2 |
System and method for remotely accessing cablecard
A system remotely accesses information on a non-addressable access control module, such as a cablecard module, over a communications network. The system includes a host device configured to interface with a network server remotely located from the host device and the access control module. The host device includes a table populated by information provided by the access control module in response to host a query. The host device provides at least a portion of the table to the server through the communications network in response to a server query to a network address of the host device. |
| US08316149B2 |
Information communication system, server, content holding device, content receiving device, information processing method, and program
A server includes a request information receiving section which receives request information, a correspondence information storage section which stores correspondence information indicating the correspondence of a plurality of content holding devices with content information including fragment content information held by each of the plurality of content holding devices, a specifying section which specifies two or more content holding devices and a plurality of fragment content information elements included in the content information held by the two or more content holding devices, using the correspondence information, so that a series of content information elements requested in the request information can be configured by the plurality of fragment content information elements, and an instruction information transmitting section which transmits instruction information, instructing that specified fragment content information be transmitted to the content receiving device, to a specified content holding device. |
| US08316147B2 |
Time synchronization of multiple time-based data streams with independent clocks
Techniques are described for synchronizing multiple time-based data streams with independent clocks wherein relationships between clock rates of timing devices associated with the time-based data streams are determined, and based on these relationships, times in at least one of the time-based data streams may be translated to times in any of the other time-based data streams despite the data streams having independent clocks. |
| US08316145B2 |
Data transfer system and method
A method is disclosed of data transfer between a source computer and multiple target computers. The method includes: transmitting a multi-media formatted transmission from the source computer over a first network to a server configured to receive the multi-media formatted transmission; extracting a data stream from the multi-media formatted transmission; transmitting the data stream in an Internet format over a second network to the target computers, the target computers each configured to receive the data stream in a finite set of protocols over the second network, the finite set of protocols including Internet protocols but excluding multi-media protocols; and extracting data from the data stream and reformatting the extracted data into a multi-media format at each target computer, wherein each target computer is able to reformat the extracted data into different multi-media formats. |
| US08316136B2 |
Multi-protocol network registration and address resolution
The functionality of communications standards and protocols that are application-layer specific are overlaid on an IP-based infrastructure, by employing an IP DNS server as the registration host for IP and other communications standards based and protocol based communications. Communication can occur at either the IP layer or the communications standards or protocol application layer. At the IP layer, a host application can interrogate network nodes. To extend this service to other communications standards or protocol communications, device registration and resolve services are implemented on the DNS server. Similar to the manner in which an IP-based service uses a native, IP-based DNS resolve request, a host can utilize a resolution request against the communications standards and protocol-enabled DNS server for standards and protocol application-layer interrogation of endpoints. |
| US08316127B2 |
Determining duration of user interaction
In some implementations, methods for determining a duration of user interaction include monitoring communication between a client computer and a server, identifying a message time period, during which messages are communicated between the client computer and the server, and monitoring activity of a processor of the client computer. A first time period of processor activity is identified, the first time period including a first start time and a first end time, the first end time being within the message time period. A second time period of processor activity is identified, the second time period including a second start time and a second end time, the second start time being within the message time period. The duration of user interaction is determined based on the first start time and the second end time. |
| US08316125B2 |
Methods and systems for automated migration of cloud processes to external clouds
A cloud management system can receive rules for altering the virtual machines based on demands on the virtual machines and/or computing resources supporting the virtual machines. The cloud management system can receive data from the internal monitoring agents and/or external monitoring agents and to determine when the conditions of the rules are met. Once the conditions are met, the cloud management system can migrate the virtual machines to an external cloud. |
| US08316124B1 |
Managing network data display
Systems and methods for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance metric information associated with processing a request corresponding to a set of resources. The processing device uses the processed performance metric information to identify a subset of the resources corresponding to a display location associated with a visible portion of a display and to further assess performance related to the processing of the identified subset of the resources. In some embodiments, the processed performance data may be used to identify timing information associated with the subset of the embedded resources. Aspects of systems and methods for identifying and testing alternative resource configurations corresponding to the content associated with the original set of resources and for determining whether to recommend a resource configuration for improving performance of subsequent client requests for the content are also provided. |
| US08316120B2 |
Applicability detection using third party target state
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to detecting needed updates. In aspects, an update agent receives a request to scan for updates for a target. The target may include a virtual or non-virtual device. The request may include one or more rules that indicate resources to check to determine attributes of the device. The update agent utilizes a resource accessor to access the resources indicated by the rules. The resource accessor maps resource names indicated by the update agent to corresponding resource names of the target. The update agent may provide results of evaluating the rules to an update source in a multi-pass protocol designed to eliminate irrelevant updates. |
| US08316117B2 |
Personal presentity presence subsystem
A personal presentity presence service provides support for heterogeneous presentities. Presentity types including personal presentities are registered with a presentity manifest store that includes information such as type names, addresses of applications associated with actions related to the presentity type, application parameters, icons for watcher application, and the like. Personal presentity service identifies the personal presentity types associated with the user and automatically organizes these into a personal presence group for management and presentation purposes. Users (watchers) can then register for different groups of personal presentities, which are devices and systems personally associated with the user, based on a type of presentity and receive updated presence information. |
| US08316116B2 |
Simple home networking
A network management system is provided for managing a computer network. The management system is configured to represent the computer network as having one of a plurality of defined network states. Once the state of the network has been identified, the management system can assist the user in making modifications to the computer network and in making recommendations to the user for possible modifications to the computer network. These modifications can include, for example, configuring network devices, removing network devices, replacing network devices, and adding new network devices. |
| US08316110B1 |
System and method for clustering standalone server applications and extending cluster functionality
Systems, methods, apparatus and software can implement clusterizing processes on existing standalone server application installations. A server computer system on which a server application resides is renamed from its original name. Cluster software is installed on the server computer system. A virtual server is created to represent the server application to client applications and users. The virtual server is given the original server computer system name and can also be given the server computer system's network address. Cluster functionality can further be extended to allow a virtual server to failover to any other node available in a cluster. |
| US08316108B2 |
Method and apparatus for obtaining media over a communications network
A method and apparatus for obtaining a real time media stream provided as a plurality of media fragments from a plurality of remote nodes in a communications network is described. Media fragments are requested from the plurality of remote nodes. A series of media fragments is received from at least one of the plurality of remote nodes. A selection criterion is determined for identifying the series of data fragments, and a blocking request is sent to at least one other of the plurality of remote nodes, the blocking request instructing the at least one other node to block the media fragments satisfying the selection criterion from being sent. |
| US08316105B2 |
Architecture for installation and hosting of server-based single purpose applications on clients
Architecture for installing and hosting of remote or server-based single-purpose applications (or server gadgets) on a local client. Where the client supports client gadgets that are available all the time, the server gadgets can now be installed and utilized on the client. Once installed in the client gadget framework, server gadgets can be docked or undocked. The server gadgets can be added to the client gadget framework with no modifications, and will continue to run as if running on the server. Components of the architecture include a browser plug-in (e.g., browser helper object (BHO)) that provides added functionality for the browser being employed, a client hosting application for hosting server gadgets on the client, and methods by which the client hosting application can interact with the server gadget and the server gadget can interact with the client hosting application. An installer is provided to install these components. |
| US08316103B2 |
Method for acquiring long data by GET method
[PROBLEMS] To pass long data which cannot be passed conventionally by the GET method, by using the GET method.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] [1] Long data which cannot be passed by the GET method is read from storage means, divided into a plurality of data pieces of the length which can be passed by the GET method, and stored in storage means. [2] A number of program execution regions corresponding to the number of the divided data pieces are generated. [3] The data pieces stored in the storage means are distributed to the generated program execution regions by the GET method. [4] In the respective program execution regions which have received the data pieces by the GET method, transfer programs are executed and the respective transfer programs search regions for executing a program performing coupling. [5] The data pieces are passed to the regions for executing the program performing coupling of the data searched from the respective transfer programs. [6] In the program execution regions which have received the data pieces, the coupling program is executed so that the coupling program couples the respective data pieces to reproduce data of the length which cannot be passed by the GET method and stores it in the storage means. |
| US08316098B2 |
Social caching for device resource sharing and management
Systems and methods of social caching for device resource sharing and management are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a local proxy which wirelessly accesses the physical storage of other device via a wireless network to cache the response or content for the mobile device, in response to detecting commonalities between the mobile device and the other device. The commonalities can include, for example, common interests in users of the mobile device and the other device. |
| US08316097B2 |
Multiple-layer chat filter system and method
A computer network-based messaging system includes a multiple-layer chat filtering system for controlling the content of messages sent by users. A computer receives a message including a plurality of words entered by a sender. A word database includes a plurality of permitted words which are allowed to be transmitted. A phrase database includes a plurality of prohibited phrases which are not allowed to be transmitted. At least one of the plurality of prohibited phrases consists of a plurality of individual words that are each included in the word database. A message sending part that transmits the message over a computer network only if all of the plurality of words entered by the sender are contained in the word database and none of the plurality of prohibited phrases are contained in the message. |
| US08316096B2 |
Facemail
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating, sending, and delivering a message addressed using an image of an intended message recipient of the message. In one embodiment, a central server receives a message including an image of an intended message recipient from a first user device of a first user. The central server then identifies a second user as the intended message recipient based on the image of the intended message recipient. Then, before delivering the message, the central server obtains an image of a user at a second user device associated with the second user and sends the image to the first user device where the image is presented to the first user. Upon receiving authentication from the first user device that the user at the second user device is the intended message recipient, the central server delivers the message to the second user device of the second user. |
| US08316087B2 |
Peer-to-peer service designer
A peer-to-peer communication system, including a service manager for managing peer-to-peer services, a zone manager for managing zones, each zone including at least one peer-to-peer service and a window display layout therefor, and a privacy manager for restricting access to a zone, to a select group of users. A method is also described and claimed. |
| US08316086B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for verifying the identity of social network users
An advanced identity verification system, method, and computer program product are provided that enable a user to create and individualize a repository of identifying data, and then incorporate that repository into processes that require reliable identification of an individual. Real-world acquaintances of the user can be queried to determine the accuracy of identifying data in the repository. As more and more acquaintances respond concerning a particular item of identifying data, a numeric accuracy index may be provided that permits an inquiring party to determine whether the identifying data may be trusted. |
| US08316082B2 |
Content providing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program
A configuration is provided in which a client in a home network receives content from a server outside the home network and plays the content. A home IMS gateway maps an external server outside the home network as a virtual home network device, and executes a process of receiving a content providing service provided by the external server by using mapping information. Furthermore, device information of the client is obtained and registered in a database existing outside the home network, and a content providing server executes a process of obtaining the device information and providing the client with content matching the device. |
| US08316081B2 |
Portable media player enabled to obtain previews of a user's media collection
A system and method for providing previews of media files from a user's media collection to an associated portable media player are provided. In general, media files from the user's media collection are selected based on a play history of the user and optionally a user profile of the user. Once the media files are selected, previews of the media files are generated. The previews may then be transferred to the portable media player during a docking, or synchronization, process. Thereafter, the previews may be played by the portable media player and, if desired, selected by the user for transfer to the portable media player. The media files corresponding to the selected previews are then transferred to the portable media player during a subsequent synchronization process. |
| US08316073B1 |
Optical processor
An optical processor that incorporates optical computing in a monolithic, i.e. single unit, structure that can take the place of, or operate as a coprocessor with, traditional processor devices such as vector processors, digital signal processors, RISCs, CISCs, ASICs, FPGAs among others. The optical processor incorporates photonic devices that perform algorithmic functions on optical signals. The optical processor takes one or more incoming digital signals, converts the digital signal into an optical signal, performs the algorithmic function(s) in the optical domain, and then converts the result back into a digital signal, all in a monolithic or single unit structure. |
| US08316071B2 |
Arithmetic processing unit that performs multiply and multiply-add operations with saturation and method therefor
Sum and carry signals are formed representing a product of a first and a second operand. A bias signal is formed having a value determined by a sign of a product of the first and the second operand. An output signal is provided based on an addition of the sum signal, the carry signal, a sign-extended addend, and the bias signal. A portion of the output signal, a saturated minimum value, or a saturated maximum value, is selected as a final result based on the sign of the product and a sign of the output signal. |
| US08316063B2 |
Data-driven database processor
Provided is a technique for a data-driven database which frees a user from having to be conscious of a sequence in which instructions of a program for accessing a database are described, an interrelation of data items, and the like, and from having to describe redundant instructions. A data-driven database processor includes: schema definition storage means 2 for storing a schema definition of a database 24; derived definition storage means 3 for storing a derived definition describing a cause-and-effect relationship that exists when a value of a given data item is derived from a value of another data item; derived definition processing means 26 for generating a trigger program 27 that makes a chain of changes to values of data items based on the cause-and-effect relationship described in the derived definition; and a database management system 23 for executing the trigger program 27 when a change is made to the other data item that affects the value of the given data item. |
| US08316060B1 |
Segment matching search system and method
A planning and search system are described wherein a graph search and segment matching are used to handle very large searches at a higher speed. |
| US08316053B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
A document management apparatus performs a first process to delete an object that is not to be presented to a user from document information registered in a database. The document management apparatus then performs a second process to determine whether a vacant block created as a result of the deleting of the object can be filled with another object. If it is determined by a CPU of the document management apparatus that a proper object to be put in the vacant block is not found, a third process is performed to adjust a layout associated with the vacant block. The document management apparatus then performs a forth process to provide a preview of a document with an adjusted layout thereby allowing a user to confirm the adjustment. |
| US08316049B2 |
Document management system, document producing apparatus, document use managing apparatus, and computer readable medium
A document management system includes: a document producing apparatus including a protected document producing unit; and a document use managing apparatus including: a document information storage; a document information registering unit; a use restriction information storage; and a use restriction information registering unit. |
| US08316046B2 |
Journaling on mobile devices
A journaling subsystem on a mobile device stores event data related to applications or other subsystems running on the mobile device. The event data can be stored and indexed in a journal database so that a timeline of past events can be reconstructed in response to search queries. In some implementations, a timeline can be reconstructed with markers on a map display based on search results. When the user interacts with a marker on the map display, the event data collected by the mobile device is made available to the user. |
| US08316045B1 |
Database linking system
A method for linking database table elements across a plurality of databases is provided. The method comprises submitting a query to a first database specifying a first data element and a second data element, wherein the second data element resides in a table in the first database and determining that a table containing the first data element specified in the query is not present in the first database, a component resident in the first database sending a message to a second database requesting identification of tables containing data element associations that include the first data element, connecting a data element association across the first and second databases to identify at least one linking path between the first data element and the second data element, and selecting one of the linking paths of data element associations to link the first data element and the second data element and executing the query. |
| US08316040B2 |
Programmable search engine
A programmable search engine system is programmable by a variety of different entities, such as client devices and vertical content sites to customize search results for users. Context files store instructions for controlling the operations of the programmable search engine. The context files are processed by various context processors, which use the instructions therein to provide various pre-processing, post-processing, and search engine control operations. |
| US08316039B2 |
Identifying conceptually related terms in search query results
Conceptually related term identification technique embodiments are presented that involve identifying in the results of a search query, terms that are conceptually related to the search query terms. In one general embodiment, this is accomplished by first inputting the terms employed in a search query and the results of the search. Word tokens found in the search query terms are then identified, as are potential phrases that can be made from the identified word tokens. Conceptually related words and phrases are then identified in the search query results. These words and phrases correspond to the previously identified word tokens and potential phrases. The search query results are presented to a user on a display device in such a manner as to visually distinguish the conceptually related words and phrases from other words and phrases in the search query results. |
| US08316034B2 |
Analyzing binary data streams to identify embedded record structures
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system identifies and extracts data structures embedded within a data stream, and comprises a computer system including at least one processor. The system analyzes the data stream and identifies data structure definitions corresponding to analyzed data stream portions. The data structure definitions each define a structure of a corresponding data structure, and are configurable to accommodate various types of data structures within the data stream. The corresponding data structures within the data stream are generated by extracting information from the data stream in accordance with the data structure definitions. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for identifying and extracting data structures embedded within a data stream in substantially the same manner described above. |
| US08316031B2 |
System for targeting advertising content to a plurality of mobile communication facilities
A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving respective requests for advertising content corresponding to a plurality of mobile communication facilities operated by a group of users, wherein the plurality includes first and second types of mobile communication facilities with different rendering capabilities; (b) receiving a datum corresponding to the group; (c) selecting from a first and second sponsor respective content based on a relevancy to the datum, wherein each content includes a first and second item requiring respective rendering capabilities; (d) receiving bids from the first and second sponsors; (e) attributing a priority to the content of the first sponsor based upon a determination that a yield associated with the first sponsor is greater than a yield associated with the second sponsor; and (f) transmitting the first and second items of the first sponsor to the first and second types of mobile communication facilities respectively. |
| US08316030B2 |
Method and system for document classification or search using discrete words
A method of operating a computerized document search system where information is matched against a database containing documents in response to user queries includes receiving a query identifying a source document that has information content related to the documents within the database. Important words within the source document are detected automatically, where at least one of the important words has been processed using at least two dictionary functions consisting of Derived Words, Acronym, Word Capitalization, and Hyphenation. An importance value is generated for important words in a processed document using a WordRatio and at least one of a selected set of values. A score is generated for a processed document based partly on the importance value of at least one important word in that document. A document list is created for identifying documents that are related to a source document. |
| US08316026B2 |
Method and system for keyword management
A keyword management system for managing keywords used when a user terminal connected to a network accesses contents, includes a Burst value calculating unit that calculates a Burst value indicating an increase per unit time of a keyword, an overall Burst value calculating unit that calculates an overall Burst value by correcting the Burst value based on characteristics in the contents of the keyword corresponding to the Burst value, and an output controlling unit that extracts from the contents, a relevant keyword related to the keyword corresponding to the overall Burst value based on time series changes of the overall Burst value, and outputs the keyword and the relevant keyword associated with each other to the user terminal. |
| US08316023B2 |
Data management system
A computer implemented system for processing selected data from a raw data file having a plurality of data sets arranged according to a repeating fixed format includes a plurality of processing sequences. A first sequence creates output files, each corresponding to a data set and having a common format, by sequentially processing the data sets according to a first meta-program. A second sequence generates a first data structure by processing each output file according to a second meta-program, the first data structure including data arrangements corresponding to the output files. A third sequence generates a second data structure by processing the first data structure according to a third meta-program, the second data structure including a tabular arrangement of data including data from each data arrangement. A fourth sequence processes the second data structure and provides an output configured to facilitate analysis of the data. |
| US08316022B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing method
Automatic sorting reflecting a user's intention is performed without prompting the user to perform a complicated sorting criterion setting operation. Images are sorted into groups in accordance with user's sorting operations. For each group, statistics of feature values of the sorted images are calculated. On the basis of the result of statistics, a feature value satisfying a predetermined criterion is determined as an automatic sorting criterion. The determined automatic sorting criterion is displayed. Thereafter, a plurality of contents are automatically sorted into the respective groups on the basis of the automatic sorting criterion. |
| US08316015B2 |
Tunersphere
Systems and methods for providing representative information for a geographic area of interest are disclosed. In one embodiment, a media service tracks media interaction histories (e.g., play histories) for a number of users registered with the media service, where each media interaction history identifies media items interacted with by the corresponding user as well as the locations at which at least a subset of the media items were interacted with by the corresponding user. The media service receives a request from a requesting user for representative information for a geographic area of interest. In response to receiving the request, the media service determines representative information for the geographic area of interest based on at least a subset of the media interaction histories of the users and effects presentation of the representative information to the requesting user. |
| US08316013B2 |
Programmatic retrieval of tabular data within a cell of a query result
A method, system and article of manufacture for processing a database query result that includes multiple data elements in a single result field. One embodiment provides a method of processing a query result. The method includes receiving a query result that includes at least one result field having multiple data elements that are in a many-to-one relationship with a second result field. The received query result is parsed to identify the multiple data elements from the first result field. Then, a result set is generated on the basis of the identified multiple data elements. The generated result set only includes one-to-one relationships between different result fields. Advantageously, the generated result set is suitable for programmatic access in order to allow an automated processing of the generated result set. |
| US08316009B2 |
Generating histograms of population data by scaling from sample data
Histograms formed based on samples of a population, such as histograms created from random page-level samples of a data store, are intelligently scaled to histograms estimating distribution of the entire population of the data store. As an optional optimization, where a threshold number of duplicate samples are observed during page-level sampling, the number of distinct values in the overall population data is presumed to be the number of distinct values in the sample data. Also, during estimation of distinct values of an overall population, a “Chao” estimator can optionally be utilized as a lower bound of the estimate. The resulting estimate is then used when scaling, which can take domain knowledge of the data being scaled into account in order to prevent scaled estimates from exceeding the limits of the domain. Also, a “sum of the parts” mathematical relationship can be taken into account during scaling that the sum of the scaled distinct values for each bin of an estimate histogram should total an estimate for the total distinct values of the entire population. |
| US08316008B1 |
Fast file attribute search
A method of performing a file search with specified attribute criteria includes generating or having access to a file system image of the data storage system. A substantially sequential scan of the file system image can then be performed. Based on the scan, a list of inodes (called a specified criteria inode map) on the file system image that have the specified attribute criteria can be built. This sequential scan eliminates the random scan of the file system image, thereby dramatically reducing the total time associated with reading of the inodes. A file tree of the data storage system can then be walked to find inodes (in the file tree) that match inodes in the specified criteria inode map. A list of files that correspond to matching inodes can thus be quickly and easily generated. |
| US08316006B2 |
Creating an ontology using an online encyclopedia and tag cloud
A method for generating an ontology may include selecting, by a processing device, a tag in a tag cloud. The method may also include searching, by the processing device, an online encyclopedia for content corresponding to the selected tag and determining, by the processing device, at least one category to which the content belongs in the online encyclopedia in response to finding the content corresponding to the selected tag in the online encyclopedia. The method may additionally include adding, by the processing device, a class to the ontology corresponding to the at least one category of the content in the online encyclopedia. |
| US08316005B2 |
Network-accessible database of remote services
The systems, methods, means, and computer program products disclosed herein provide a framework and tools for creating composite services from the array of services available as distributed, loosely structured, ad hoc, remote programming interfaces on the Internet. The framework includes metaservices for coordinating the execution of multiple services in a composite service, and also provides core services such as database management, security, financial transactions, media conversion, and so forth, to provide greater design latitude in the creation of new composite services from existing Internet content and services. The framework may be deployed to create new services and programming interfaces, or to deploy independent web applications constructed from available services. |
| US08315999B2 |
Policy-based file management for a storage delivery network
A method for managing storage and access to data files stored in a storage delivery network comprising a plurality of geographically distributed storage nodes, the method including: receiving a file request from a user, wherein the user is associated with a service level agreement (SLA) containing one or more policies governing handling of file requests from the user; determining if the SLA dictates redirecting the file request to a predetermined storage node; if the SLA dictates redirecting the file request to a predetermined storage node, redirecting the file request to the predetermined storage node; otherwise, identifying all storage nodes from the plurality of geographically distributed storage nodes that are near enough to the user based on one or more predetermined criteria; identifying a nearest storage node from among the near enough storage nodes; and redirecting the user request to the nearest storage node. |
| US08315996B2 |
Efficient management of customized functionality within shared data objects
A method, system and computer program product for configuring an application instance. A first path by which an application instance is configured to access a version of a resource is determined. Additionally, a determination is made as to whether a configuration associated with the application instance exists in a shared resource area. If the configuration does not exist, a base version of the resource is modified to generate a customized version. A second path is determined, and the customized version is stored thereat. If the configuration exists, the second path is determined such that the resource included in the configuration can be accessed thereat. A symbolic link having an origin of the first path and a destination of the second path is created. Using the present invention, multiple application instances can efficiently share customized versions of resources. |
| US08315995B1 |
Hybrid storage system
Roughly described, a tiered storage system has a filesystem that promotes and demotes data among tiers at block granularity. It maintains a logical-to-physical mapping which indicates for each block in a file both the assigned tier and the physical block number within the tier. Methods for performing file- and block-level manipulations are described. In an embodiment, a nominal tier is managed by a native filesystem, and higher tiers are managed by a super filesystem. The super filesystem manages promotion and demotion among the tiers, interfacing with higher tiers directly but interfacing with the nominal tier only through the native filesystem. The native filesystem defines the file namespace in the system, and the logical-to-physical block mapping for blocks in the nominal tier. The super filesystem defines the logical-to-physical mapping for blocks in the higher tiers, but retains the file identification information as defined by the native filesystem. |
| US08315994B2 |
System and method for updating digital media content
There is presented a system and method for updating digital media content. The system comprises a data structure residing on a media storage, the digital media content being stored in the data structure. The system further comprises a processor coupled to the media storage and configured to access the data structure, and receive an update to one or more modifiable elements of the data structure from an authoritative source external with respect to the data structure. The processor is further configured to modify the modifiable elements according to the update, and store the modified elements in the data structure. As a result, updates to the modifiable elements are persistently stored in the data structure. |
| US08315991B2 |
Detecting inadvertent or malicious data corruption in storage subsystems and recovering data
Embodiments of the invention detect inadvertent or malicious data corruption and for recovering data including receiving a query specifying corrupted application data; analyzing transaction logs to find update operations related to the data; determining where the data are stored, by mapping the table data to locations within the file system and mapping the file system locations to volume logical blocks; and analyzing snapshot volume bitmaps to determine if the bitmaps show changes to the table data stored in the volume logical blocks. Changes which are reflected in the bitmaps for the data, but which do not have corresponding entries in the transaction logs are flagged as unauthorized changes. Snapshots of the data, from a time prior to the time at which a flagged snapshot was taken, are identified for use in restoring data to its status prior to the unauthorized change. |
| US08315989B2 |
System and method for database integrity checking
A method is disclosed for checking the integrity of a database through a test of database integrity information provided in the database and integrity information provided external to the database. The integrity information may be provided in a configuration file. |
| US08315986B1 |
Restore optimization
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for protecting data, comprising receiving information about objects stored on a plurality of hosts, determining whether an object needs to be backed up, and if the object needs to be backed up, requesting each host having the object to provide a portion of the object to a target. Information about the objects and backup may be stored in an index. A requesting host may request an object to be restored to a target. It is determined whether the object is available at the backup and at other hosts, and the backup and hosts having the object may be requested to provide portions of the object to the target, which may be the requesting host. The index may be used to determine availability of the object at the backup and other hosts. |
| US08315983B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing granular restoration of data objects from machine images stored on sequential backup media
A method and apparatus for performing granular restoration from machine images stored on sequential backup media is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for performing granular restoration from machine images stored on sequential backup media includes processing at least one machine image file to identify at least one database file and at least one data object that is arranged within the at least one database file and generating mapping information regarding the at least one data object within the at least one machine image file, wherein the at least one machine image is to be stored on the sequential backup media. |
| US08315982B2 |
Method, apparatus, program and system for migrating NAS system
In a state where the migration source NAS apparatus is continuously operated, a migration processing program confirms the update date and time of files stored in the migration source NAS apparatus, and migrates only the files that were not updated from a specific time to the start date and time of migration processing. Or, the migration processing program migrates the files stored in the migration source NAS apparatus sequentially from the oldest file. The migration performance is calculated based on the capacity and migration time of the migrated files, and the time required for migrating the non-migrated files is calculated based on the size and migration performance of the non-migrated files. |
| US08315977B2 |
Data synchronization between a data center environment and a cloud computing environment
Methods, systems, and articles for simultaneously maintaining copies of data in a data center and a cloud computing environment providing network based services. Synchronizing applications monitor modifications to data records made in the data center and the cloud computing environment. The synchronizing applications are also configured to convert modified records from the data center into a format compatible with databases in the cloud computing environment prior to updating the databases in the cloud computing environment, and vice versa. |
| US08315976B2 |
Data transfer and synchronization system
A data transmission system is disclosed which optimizes transfer and updates of information between systems by providing difference information between the systems. The system transmits data packages having instructions for manipulating user data. The data packages include a header identifying the respective packages, as well as transaction objects for effecting a change to user data on a device having object instructions. |
| US08315974B2 |
Provision of data for data warehousing applications
A computer network architecture for making procurement-related information that has been generated on a transaction level available to data warehousing techniques is described. The network includes a transaction processing layer with at least one accounting component with a general ledger data base for centrally storing information contained in accounted-related data sets, a data warehousing layer and an additional data sourcing layer. A duplicator receives the data sets that will be or have been stored in the general ledger data base and delivers duplicates of those data sets that fulfil a predefined criteria in a procurement context. A source data base stores the duplicated data sets on a data line level. An extractor of the data sourcing layer interfaces with the data warehousing layer and selectively moves data contained in data lines or sets of data lines from the source data base to the data warehousing layer. |
| US08315971B1 |
Measuring marginal influence of a factor in a decision
An apparatus includes an analytic network process (ANP) storage memory that stores an ANP weighted supermatrix representing an ANP model; and a processor in communication with the ANP storage memory. The processor is configured to facilitate measuring an instantaneous rate of change of alternative scores with respect to a fixed node of the ANP model, to determine a marginal influence of the fixed node. Also, the processor is configured to facilitate maintaining a same proportionality in the stored ANP weighted supermatrix as an importance of the fixed node is changed to measure the instantaneous rate of change. |
| US08315969B2 |
Estimating a quantum state of a quantum mechanical system
A method includes performing quantum state tomography from the statistics of a collection of measurements, each of which has only two possible outcomes and has the feature of being a measurement of a single qubit. By carefully choosing the measurements it becomes possible to infer the state of a quantum system from the statistics. Moreover, the function which computes the state from the measurement statistics can be computed efficiently in the dimension of the underlying system. Reconstructing the quantum state is performed in accordance with the following expression: ρ = ( 2 d ∑ i = 1 d 2 - 1 p i P i + ( 1 - p i ) ( 1 - P i ) ) - ( d 2 - 2 d ) I d , where d is the dimension of the quantum mechanical system, ρ is the state of the quantum mechanical system, Id denotes the identity operator, Pi is one of the plurality of measurement projectors, and pi is the probability for the measurement projector Pi. |
| US08315965B2 |
Method for object detection
A method for object detection from a visual image of a scene. The method includes: using a first order predicate logic formalism to specify a set of logical rules to encode contextual knowledge regarding the object to be detected; inserting the specified logical rules into a knowledge base; obtaining the visual image of the scene; applying specific object feature detectors to some or all pixels in the visual image of the scene to obtain responses at those locations; using the obtained responses to generate logical facts indicative of whether specific features or parts of the object are present or absent at that location in the visual image; inserting the generated logical facts into the knowledge base; and combining the logical facts with the set of logical rules to whether the object is present or absent at a particular location in the scene. |
| US08315963B2 |
Automated hierarchical splitting of anatomical trees
A method for splitting a dataset relating to an anatomical tree structure (12) comprises establishing a plurality of seed points (24) within the tree structure; establishing a length of a path (20) along the tree structure from each of the plurality of seed points (24) to each of a plurality of other points (14); establishing a Euclidean distance (26) from each of the plurality of seed points (24) to each of the plurality of other points (14); associating with the seed point (24) a measure representing a likelihood that the seed point is the root point in dependence on the established lengths (20) and distances (26); identifying the root point of the tree structure (12) as the seed point (24) associated with a maximum measure representing the likelihood that the respective seed point is the root point; and establishing the principal bifurcation point (64) in dependence on the root point. |
| US08315960B2 |
Experience transfer for the configuration tuning of large scale computing systems
A computer implemented method employing experience transfer to improve the efficiencies of an exemplary configuration tuning in computing systems. The method employs a Bayesian network guided tuning algorithm to discover the optimal configuration setting. After the tuning has been completed, a Bayesian network is obtained that records the parameter dependencies in the original system. Such parameter dependency knowledge has been successfully embedded to accelerate the configuration searches in other systems. Experimental results have demonstrated that with the help of transferred experiences we can achieve significant time savings for the configuration tuning task. |
| US08315959B2 |
Learning transportation modes from raw GPS data
Described is a technology by which raw GPS data is processed into segments of a trip, with a predicted mode of transportation (e.g., walking, car, bus, bicycling) determined for each segment. The determined transportation modes may be used to tag the GPS data with transportation mode information, and/or dynamically used. Segments are first characterized as walk segments or non-walk segments based on velocity and/or acceleration. Features corresponding to each of those walk segments or non-walk segments are extracted, and analyzed with an inference model to determine probabilities for the possible modes of transportation for each segment. Post-processing may be used to modify the probabilities based on transitioning considerations with respect to the transportation mode of an adjacent segment. The most probable transportation mode for each segment is selected. |
| US08315956B2 |
System and method using hidden information
A method and system for use in describing a phenomenon of interest. The method and system computes a decision rule for use in describing the phenomenon of interest using training data relating to the phenomenon of interest, labels for labeling the training data, and hidden information about the training data or directed distances obtained from the hidden information, as inputs. |
| US08315953B1 |
Activity-based place-of-interest database
A method for generating a database of activities associated with places of interests having names that are non-descriptive of the activity includes, providing a social network that includes a plurality of unique users, each user having a social network user account; providing a social network user interface for creating a place of interest entry, wherein the user input interface requests from the social network user an activity that can be performed at the place of interest; for each of the plurality of unique users creating a plurality of places of interest entries by (i) obtaining a location of the place of interest having a name or type of a place of interest (POI) associated therewith; and (ii) receiving from the particular user, an activity that can be performed at the place of interest, wherein the name or type of the place of interest is non-descriptive of the activity that can be performed at the place of interest. In addition, the method includes, for each of the place of interest entries, storing the location, the activity, and optionally the name or type of the POI in a relational database. |
| US08315951B2 |
Identity verification for secure e-commerce transactions
A method and apparatus are provided for providing authentication of an e-commerce server to a user engaging in e-commerce transactions. When the user begins an e-commerce session, the e-commerce server requests an authentication token from an authentication proxy with which it has registered. If the authentication proxy recognizes the e-commerce server, the authentication proxy generates an authentication token in the form of a simple image, and sends the authentication token to the e-commerce server over a trusted path. The e-commerce server sends the authentication token to the user. The authentication proxy also sends a copy of the authentication token to the user over a second trusted path to a second device or application accessible by the user. The user can then see that the authentication token presented by the e-commerce server matches the authentication token presented by the authentication proxy. Since the user has received the two authentication proxies over separate channels, one of which is typically secure, the user can be assured that the e-commerce server has been authenticated by the authentication proxy, and that the e-commerce server is therefore legitimate. |
| US08315948B2 |
Method and device for generating a single-use financial account number
A device for facilitating financial account transactions is described which includes a processing unit including a cryptographic processor. The device also includes an input unit, a display unit and a memory device connected to the processing unit. The memory device contains a private cryptographic key, a first data element and a second data element. The processing unit encrypts the first data element using the private cryptographic key and the second data element, modifies the second data element, combines the encrypted first data element and the second data element to generate a single-use financial account identifier, and displays the single-use financial account identifier. This identifier is then transmitted to a central processor for authorization of the transaction. The central processor extracts and decrypts data elements from the transmitted identifier using the private cryptographic key, compares those data elements with data elements stored in a memory, and verifies the single-use financial account identifier in accordance with the comparison. |
| US08315946B2 |
Systems and methods for processing benefits
Systems and methods for processing, for example, childcare benefits include: issuing a benefit card to a childcare customer; receiving a start time for childcare service at a childcare provider, the start time recorded by using the benefit card at a terminal located at the childcare provider at the start of childcare service; receiving an end time for childcare service at the childcare provider, the end time recorded by using the benefit card at a terminal located at the childcare provider at the end of childcare service; computing the childcare benefit eligibility based on the start time, the end time and benefits available for the childcare customer; and paying the childcare provider a payment based on the computed benefit eligibility. |
| US08315945B1 |
Transferring money using a mobile electronic device
A check service provider enables users to make and receive payments from a financial account via a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The device includes a check module and a camera. A user can capture an image of a check using the camera and the check module deciphers information, such as an account number, bank routing number, and information regarding the account holder, from the image of the check. The user can then make payments from and receive payments into the financial account associated with the imaged check via the check module without having the physically write or deposit a check. The check service provider interacts with the ACH to settle payments directly between the user's accounts without handling the money. Users can be notified of pending payments via text, voice, and e-mail messaging. |
| US08315940B2 |
System and method for rapidly calculating risk in an electronic trading exchange
Latency in electronic trading is dramatically reduced by delaying trade order validation until a match or trade can potentially occur. If a new order does not meet the matching criteria for an existing order in an order book, then the new order is stored in the order book without performing validation processing in a first example embodiment. In a second example embodiment, the order is stored in the order book before validation has completed. But if a new order meets matching criteria for an existing order stored in an order book, then order validation processing is performed for both of the matching orders. Once the order validation processing is successfully completed for both of the matching orders, then the trade is executed. Order validation processing includes both risk calculations and account validations, (e.g., checking to ensure the party has the necessary money or collateral if a buyer or is the owner if a seller). If the order validation processing is not successfully completed for both of the matching orders, then the trade is rejected. |
| US08315939B2 |
System and method for computer implemented collateral management
A data processing system manages collateral risk associated with a trade of a financial instrument includes a processor and a memory that contains a database configured to store a ruleset relating to determining eligibility of collateral to be considered for a desired trade. A search module searches for accounts that could potentially accept a security position based upon established search criteria. Search results are stored in the memory, and are used to identify one or more security positions eligible for use as collateral for the trade. A collateral analysis module determines a collateral preference ranking by at least applying the ruleset via an algorithm executed by the processor so as to confirm an eligibility of security positions eligible for use as collateral for the trade by testing in accordance with the ruleset. The processor outputs a relative collateral preference indication via a user interface. |
| US08315938B1 |
Option analysis for a trading system
A system for option analysis comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a selection of a strategy to analyze for an underlying security; calculate a spectral map data for the strategy for the underlying security; and provide the spectral map data for the strategy to a display. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. |
| US08315936B2 |
Identifying and compensating for model mis-specification in factor risk models
Techniques for more accurately estimating the risk, or active risk, of an investment portfolio when using factor risk models are disclosed. This improved accuracy is achieved by identifying and compensating for the inherent “modeling error” present when risk is represented using a factor risk model. The approach adds one or more factors that depend on the investment portfolio and that explicitly compensate for factors that are unspecified or unattributed in the original factor risk model. These unspecified factors of the original factor risk model lead to modeling error in the original factor risk model. The approach can be used with a variety of different factor risk models, such as, fundamental, statistical and macro risk models, for example, and for a variety of securities, such as equities, international equities, composites, exchange traded funds (ETFs), or the like, currencies, and fixed-income, for example. The risk associated with modeling error in a factor risk model relative to a particular portfolio is identified and quantified. Knowledge of this risk associated with modeling error can be utilized when estimating risk, or active risk, using factor risk models or when constructing optimal portfolios by mean-variance optimization or other portfolio construction strategies and procedures that make use of factor risk models. |
| US08315932B2 |
News induced automated electronic securities transactions
News information is received. It is determined if the news information contains a reference to a company. It is further determined if the news information matches criteria associated with the company. Securities are automatically trade upon determining that said news information contains a reference to the company and determining that said news information matches criteria associated with the company. |
| US08315928B1 |
Systems and methods for validating a model
Systems and methods are described for validating a model that generates cash flow distributions. The systems and methods receive a first set of data and generate a second set of data, associated with the first set of data, based on a set of rules. The system may further request a first set of reports from the first processor and generate a second set of reports based on the first and second sets of data. The reports are compared. |
| US08315926B2 |
Architectural design for tax declaration application software
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing tax declaration. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service interface operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Accounting process component, a Due Item Processing process component, and a Payment Processing process component. |
| US08315925B1 |
Shutting down primary charge collection function (CCF) without creating incomplete sets of charging data records (DR) in primary and secondary CCFs
A shutdown notice may indicate that a primary CCF system is expected to shutdown soon. This notice may be received by a CTF system after the CTF system delivers an ACR Start message to the primary CCF system, but before it delivers an ACR Stop message relating to the same chargeable session to the primary CCF system. In response to this shutdown notice, the CTF system may be configured to deliver an ACR Stop message relating to the same chargeable session to the primary CCF system before the primary CCF system shuts down. Also in response to this shutdown notice, the CTF system may be configured to deliver an additional ACR Start message and an ACR Stop message relating to the same chargeable session to a secondary CCF system. |
| US08315922B2 |
Real estate investment determinator
Included are embodiments for providing investment data. One embodiment of a method includes providing an interface with predetermined criteria and at least one field, the at least one field configured to receive user input, the interface configured to provide investment data for at least one piece of property and receiving user input for the at least one field. Some embodiments include automatically determining investment data for the at least one piece of property, based on the received user input for the at least one field. |
| US08315920B2 |
Method for automating onboarding of user generated ringback tones to sales distribution channel
A method for automating an onboarding process for a developer onto a service delivery hub operated by a network operator includes providing the developer with information relating to use of the service delivery hub, receiving data relating to the developer, approving the developer, certifying an application provided by the developer, and configuring the application for use. A method for synchronization with the service delivery hub is also provided. |
| US08315917B2 |
Catalog generation based on divergent listings
A method and a system are described for catalog generation based on divergent listings. For example, a listing module may receive a divergent listing and collect data corresponding to an item in the listing. Each divergent listing of an item for sale is divergent with respect to other listings of the same item for sale. A calculation module may calculate an entropy value based on the collected data, the entropy value indicating a degree of difference between the item in the listing and a product in a catalog. A catalog module may associate the listing to the product in the catalog based on the entropy value. |
| US08315913B2 |
System and method for determining physical location of electronic display devices in a retail establishment
A system and method for determining physical location of an electronic display device located in a retail establishment of a retailer may include a support structure mechanically coupling the electronic display device to a fixture in the retail establishment. The fixture may be located at an identified location of the retail environment established by the retailer. An input device may be in communication with the electronic display device and configured to receive an entry of an identifier indicative of the identified location into the electronic display device. A transmitter may be coupled to the electronic display device and configured to transmit the identifier of the identified location to a remote location from the electronic display device for determining physical location of the electronic display device in the retail establishment. |
| US08315912B2 |
Integrated solar agent business model
A method of delivering a solar system and related services from a solar system vendor to a customer is provided. The method includes estimating the customer's solar system requirements, delivering the estimated requirements to the customer, providing a sales lead that includes the estimated requirements to a contractor, the contractor contacting the customer to perform a sales close, ordering the solar system products from the solar system vendor, and issuing a payment for the products to the solar system vendor. The method of delivering solar services further includes supplying a first set of solar system components from the solar system vendor and a second set of solar system components from a third-party vendor, configuring all or a portion of the solar system components in accordance with the solar system requirements, shipping the solar system to the customer's site, and installing the system on the customer's site. The method for delivering solar services further includes financing the solar system by providing a loan from a financial institution to the customer, providing periodic payments from the customer to the financial institution, and providing payments from the financial institution to the contractor and from the contractor to the solar system vendor. An optional network monitoring service may also be provided. |
| US08315911B2 |
Mortgage and real estate data integration and presentation system
A method of presenting real estate data is provided. A plurality of property listings can be presented, and a selection of one of the presented property listings may be received from a user. The user may be associated with a financial profile, which may be specified via user input. In response to receiving the selection by the user, at least one loan offer corresponding to the property listing may be automatically presented, for example, together with the property listing. The loan offer may be at least partially based on the financial profile, and may also be based on a property corresponding to the selected property listing. For example, the property listing and the financial profile may be automatically transmitted to one or more loan providers in response to receiving the selection by the user of the property listing, and in response loan offers may be received from some of the loan providers. |
| US08315908B1 |
Generating a proposed bid
A computer-implemented method for generating a proposed bid includes receiving an input generated by a first content provider as part of a bidding process where content providers bid for opportunities to provide content for publication. The input indicates (i) a resource for publishing first content from the first content provider and (ii) a campaign characteristic associated with the first content. The method includes determining a proposed bid for the first content provider based on the input and on historical data from the bidding process associated with the resource. The method includes presenting the proposed bid to the first content provider. |
| US08315907B2 |
Sponsor-based desktop customization as a revenue stream
The specification describes a method for realizing revenue streams for computer manufacturers apart from hardware sales. More particularly, the specification discloses a method where personal computers are configured such that each user has an individual login capability, and each user may experience a different desktop theme and related overall customization. The end-user may select a particular theme, and each theme is based on the goods and/or services of a sponsor of that theme. The computer manufacturer realizes revenue initially for enabling the end -user to select particular themes, but also realizes a revenue for end-users selecting themes. Further, the specification discloses a method where computer manufacturers realize revenue by generation of internet traffic to, and electronic-commerce on, a sponsor's internet sites. |
| US08315897B2 |
Systems and methods for evaluating, classifying and predicting game trends using clustered pattern recognition
Features of electronically embodied games are logically categorized, analyzed, and compared. Features are preferably organized according to a hierarchical classification scheme, according to a classification scheme that is not strictly tautological. All suitable feature sets are contemplated, including sets corresponding to characteristics of personifications of players and non-players, types and/or uses of game space, methods of rewarding a player, etc. In other aspects comparisons are made between an evaluation game and one or more sets of historically available games. Such sets can be grouped by genre and the number of games in such sets can range anywhere from a single game to hundreds of games, or more. Reporting and guidance can include providing a risk assessment score or other risk analysis, feature assessment (prevalence), market placement, business model analysis, dynamic trend analysis, clustered pattern recognition, and image analysis. |
| US08315893B2 |
Method and system for selective deployment of instruments within an assessment management system
A system of hardware and software provides a systematic and systemic method for performing assessment of the effectiveness of different levels within an institution. The system includes template driven definitions that span multiple tiers of hierarchically arranged operating units within the institution thereby providing flexibility and customization to handle a user-definable model of the institution's organization. In particular, instruments may deployed selectively to a variety of different recipients. The selected group of recipients may be based on, for example, demographic, course, program, institution, section, education experience, and section-related criteria. |
| US08315887B2 |
System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for specialty medication
An information system and method that provides the ability to reroute portions of prescription order work between a plurality of organizational units in order to leverage capacity, expertise, or other resources to increase network efficiency. |
| US08315886B2 |
Methods for delivering a drug to a patient while restricting access to the drug by patients for whom the drug may be contraindicated
Methods for delivering a drug to a patients in need of the drug, while restricting access to the drug by patients for whom the drug may be contraindicated are disclosed. The methods are of the type in which prescriptions for the drug are filled by a pharmacy only after a computer readable storage medium has been consulted to retrieve a prescription approval code. Embodiments are provided wherein the patients are assigned to risk groups based upon the risk that taking the drug will lead to an adverse side effect, and certain additional information, such as periodic surveys and diagnostic tests probative of the ongoing risk of the side effect developing are obtained before prescriptions for the drug are approved. |
| US08315882B2 |
Efficient, peer-to-peer CAPTCHA-based verification and demand management for online services
A system and method configured that may allow performing a human-computer verification including crediting a verified task from a first user to a second user. In additional embodiments, may allow the user to perform a computer operation that require human-computer verification based upon an amount of credits that the user has been provided. |
| US08315880B2 |
Method for binary coding of quantization indices of a signal envelope, method for decoding a signal envelope and corresponding coding and decoding modules
A module (402) for binary coding of a signal envelope, comprising coding module (502) for coding a variable length first mode. The coding module for coding the first mode incorporates an envelope saturation detector and said coding module (402) further includes a second coding module (503) for coding a second mode in parallel with the coding module (502) for coding the first mode and a mode selector (504) adapted to select one of the two coding modes as a function of a code length criterion and of the result from the envelope saturation detector. |
| US08315877B2 |
Encoding and detecting apparatus
An encoding data processing apparatus generates a marked version of an audio signal. The marked copy is generated by embedding data representative of a payload data word into the audio signal. A code word generator that generates a water mark code word from the payload data word and reads data representing the water mark code word into a shuffle data store. A shuffle processor that generates pseudo randomly at least one address within an address space of the shuffle data store for each predetermined period and reads data representing the water mark code word out from the data store at locations identified by the randomly generated address. A data embedding processor that receives the audio signal and embeds the data representing the water mark code word read out from the shuffle data store into the audio signal for each predetermined period. |
| US08315872B2 |
Methods and apparatus for rapid acoustic unit selection from a large speech corpus
A speech synthesis system can select recorded speech fragments, or acoustic units, from a very large database of acoustic units to produce artificial speech. The selected acoustic units are chosen to minimize a combination of target and concatenation costs for a given sentence. However, as concatenation costs, which are measures of the mismatch between sequential pairs of acoustic units, are expensive to compute, processing can be greatly reduced by pre-computing and caching the concatenation costs. Unfortunately, the number of possible sequential pairs of acoustic units makes such caching prohibitive. However, statistical experiments reveal that while about 85% of the acoustic units are typically used in common speech, less than 1% of the possible sequential pairs of acoustic units occur in practice. A method for constructing an efficient concatenation cost database is provided by synthesizing a large body of speech, identifying the acoustic unit sequential pairs generated and their respective concatenation costs, and storing those concatenation costs likely to occur. By constructing a concatenation cost database in this faction, the processing power required at run-time is greatly reduced with negligible effect on speech quality. |
| US08315870B2 |
Rescoring speech recognition hypothesis using prosodic likelihood
A distance calculation unit (16) obtains the acoustic distance between the feature amount of input speech and each phonetic model. A word search unit (17) performs a word search based on the acoustic distance and a language model including the phoneme and prosodic label of a word, and outputs a word hypothesis and a first score representing the likelihood of the word hypothesis. The word search unit (17) also outputs a vowel interval and its tone label in the input speech, when assuming that the recognition result of the input speech is the word hypothesis. A tone recognition unit (21) outputs a second score representing the likelihood of the tone label output from the word search unit (17) based on a feature amount corresponding to the vowel interval output from the word search unit (17). A rescore unit (22) corrects the first score of the word hypothesis output from the word search unit (17) using the second score output from the tone recognition unit (21). This allows to raise the speech recognition accuracy for tone speech. |
| US08315868B2 |
Vehicle-mounted voice recognition and guidance apparatus
A vehicle-mounted voice recognition apparatus including a voice input unit for acquiring an inputted voice, a voice recognition unit for performing voice recognition on the acquired inputted voice, a guidance information output unit for providing a guidance on the basis of the result of the voice recognition, and a recognized word understanding degree determining unit for determining a user's degree of understanding of recognized words to the guidance according to the number of timeout times that a timeout has occurred in the user's operation which is monitored while the voice recognition unit performs the voice recognition, and the number of correction times that a correction has been made to the user's operation, so as to change the guidance provided by the guidance information output unit. |
| US08315865B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive conversation detection employing minimal computation
A conversation detector and detection method is based on voice band energy detection. The detector is formed of a signal preconditioner, a comparator and an analysis unit. The comparator generates signal pulses reduced in resolution and sample rate (e.g., single bit data) and indicative of energy level and/or duration of activity detected in subject audio signals. The analysis unit determines from the generated signal pulses whether a conversation exists in the subject audio signal. The detector is also able to adapt to environmental noise change, automatically calibrate and operate in low power consumption mode. |
| US08315861B2 |
Wideband speech decoding apparatus for producing excitation signal, synthesis filter, lower-band speech signal, and higher-band speech signal, and for decoding coded narrowband speech
A wideband speech decoding apparatus has means for producing an excitation signal from coded data, means for producing a synthesis filter, and means for decoding a speech signal from the excitation signal and the synthesis filter. The wideband speech decoding apparatus comprises acquisition means for acquiring identification information which identifies the speech signal to be decoded is narrowband. The wideband speech decoding apparatus further comprises control means for controlling decoding means based on the identification information. |
| US08315857B2 |
Systems and methods for audio signal analysis and modification
Systems and methods for modification of an audio input signal are provided. In exemplary embodiments, an adaptive multiple-model optimizer is configured to generate at least one source model parameter for facilitating modification of an analyzed signal. The adaptive multiple-model optimizer comprises a segment grouping engine and a source grouping engine. The segment grouping engine is configured to group simultaneous feature segments to generate at least one segment model. The at least one segment model is used by the source grouping engine to generate at least one source model, which comprises the at least one source model parameter. Control signals for modification of the analyzed signal may then be generated based on the at least one source model parameter. |
| US08315856B2 |
Identify features of speech based on events in a signal representing spoken sounds
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for processing a signal representing speech. According to one embodiment, processing a signal representing speech can comprise receiving a region of the signal representing speech. The region can comprise a portion of a frame of the signal representing speech classified as a voiced frame. The region can be marked based on one or more pitch estimates for the region. A cord can be identified within the region based on occurrence of one or more events within the region of the signal. For example, the one or more events can comprise one or more glottal pulses. In such cases, cord can begin with onset of a first glottal pulse and extend to a point prior to an onset of a second glottal pulse. The cord may exclude a portion of the region of the signal prior to the onset of the second glottal pulse. |
| US08315854B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting pitch by using spectral auto-correlation
A method and an apparatus for detecting a pitch in input voice signals by using a spectral auto-correlation. The pitch detection method includes: performing a Fourier transform on the input voice signals after performing a pre-processing on the input voice signals, performing an interpolation on the transformed voice signals, calculating a spectral difference from a difference between spectrums of the interpolated voice signals, calculating a spectral auto-correlation by using the calculated spectral difference, determining a voicing region based on the calculated spectral auto-correlation, and extracting a pitch by using the spectral auto-correlation corresponding to the voicing region. |
| US08315853B2 |
MDCT domain post-filtering apparatus and method for quality enhancement of speech
A post-filtering apparatus and method for speech enhancement in a modified discrete cosine transform (MDCT) domain are disclosed. In the apparatus and method, previous and current MDCT coefficients are used for obtaining a speech spectrum coefficient similar to a real speech spectrum, and a convex function is used for transforming the speech spectrum coefficient and obtaining a post-filter coefficient so that difference can increase in the case where the speech spectrum coefficient is small but decrease in the case where the coefficient is large. Then, the post-filter coefficient is applied to the MDCT coefficient. With this configuration, both the current and previous MDCT values are used, so that it is possible to obtain a spectrum coefficient similar to the real speech spectrum and to obtain a more accurate filter coefficient. Further, the coefficient is adaptively transformed through the convex function, thereby enhancing speech quality. |
| US08315850B2 |
Web translation provider
A web translation server discovers a document address for a document. The document is accessed and parsed for text data in a first language. The parsed text data is translated into text data in a second language and stored in a database. A client accesses the document and sends a request including the document address to the web translation server. The translated text data in the second language is retrieved from the database based on the document address and sent to the client. The client renders the translated text data in the second language. |
| US08315848B2 |
Measurement method of the current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic device, a solar simulator for the measurement, and a module for setting irradiance and a part for adjusting irradiance used for the solar simulator
A solar simulator for measuring the current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic devices, in which an irradiated test plane of the object to be measured is disposed opposite an illuminating surface of the light source, the whole test plane of the photovoltaic devices is divided imaginarily into a plurality of sections, and a selected member for adjusting irradiance is disposed opposite the test plane of each imaginary sections so as to equalize or substantially to equalize the irradiance by the light source at every irradiated test plane of the sections, after which light from the light source is directed onto the test plane of the object to be measured. |
| US08315847B1 |
Aerodynamically efficient surfaces
A wave form tile in the form of a natural wave, is provided to replace traditionally smooth surfaces to aid in more efficient shedding of a fluid medium. The wave form tile is also applied to proportionally spherical fractal surfaces defined for the surface of a vehicle. |
| US08315846B2 |
Design data merging apparatus and design data merging method
A design data merging apparatus includes a merging determining unit that determines, for a plurality of design data of which each has product name information and has a same identifier for uniquely identifying a product, whether the product name information given to the plurality of design data are the same, and a merged data creating unit that merges the plurality of design data when it is determined by the merging determining unit that the product name information given to the plurality of design data are the same, and creates merged data obtained by merging a plurality of design data. |
| US08315843B2 |
Multi-objective optimal design support device, method and program storage medium
An objective function can be mathematically approximated using a prescribed number of sample sets of design parameters and sets of a plurality of objective functions computed corresponding to them. A logical expression indicating a relation between or among arbitrary two or three objective functions of the plurality of mathematically approximated objective functions is computed as an inter-objective-function logical expression and a region that the arbitrary objective function values can take is displayed as a feasible region in an objective space corresponding to the arbitrary objective functions. Furthermore, a point or area in a design space corresponding to arbitrary design parameters corresponding to a point or area specified by a user in the displayed feasible region is displayed. |
| US08315839B2 |
Passive and active wireless building management system and method
A building system includes a communication network, a plurality of wireless nodes, a plurality of passive wireless devices, and a processing circuit. The plurality of wireless nodes are disposed within a building operably and are coupled to the communication network. Each of the passive wireless devices is affixed to or within an object within the building. At least some of the objects constitute fixtures within the building. Each passive wireless device contains first information regarding at least one property of the object, and is configured to communicate wirelessly to at least one of the wireless nodes using power derived from communication signals detected in the passive wireless device. The processing circuit operably is coupled to receive the first information from the wireless devices, the processing circuit configured to update a model of at least a portion of a building based at least in part on the at least one property of the objects. |
| US08315836B2 |
Radiation measuring device and diagnostic method thereof
A radiation measuring device includes a computing unit that receives an input of a count value of a count portion configured to receive an input of a digital pulse from a pulse height discriminator and count the digital pulse in a fixed cycle and an integrated value of an adder-subtractor accumulation portion configured to add the digital pulse and subtract a feedback pulse and finds a first current rate on the basis of the count value and the integrated value and a second count rate on the basis of the integrated value, so that soundness of the adder-subtractor accumulation portion is diagnosed and outputted by comparing the first count rate with the second count rate. A radiation measuring device of a simple configuration and a diagnosis method thereof enabling a high-accurate self-diagnosis online on the count rate measurement that is the keystone of the radiation measurement can be thus obtained. |
| US08315835B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting a detection threshold given a desired false probability
A method and apparatus are described for determining a threshold, including selecting a desired false result probability, and selecting a threshold value from a threshold table corresponding to the desired false result probability. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining a threshold corresponding to a desired false result probability, including calculating a false result probability, calculating a difference value between the calculated false result probability and the desired false result probability, comparing the difference value to a first predetermined value and comparing the difference value to a second predetermined value if a result of the first comparing act is positive. |
| US08315833B2 |
Method for contactless capacitive thickness measurements
A method for contactless capacitive thickness measurement of a flat material (10) that is placed in the fringe field (32) of a capacitor (C1,C2), with simultaneous measurement of the width L of an air gap (16) between the flat material and the capacitor plates, in which the capacities gL, kL of two capacitors (C1, C2) are measured whose fringe fields (32) decay at different rates towards the flat material (10), and in that both, the thickness D of the flat material (10) and the width L of the air gap (16) are determined on the basis of the condition that, for each capacitor (C1, C2), the measured capacity gL, kL is equal to the integral of the capacity gradient g′, k′ over the thickness of the flat material (10). |
| US08315831B2 |
Method for determining analog input field values, loop statuses, and diagnostics using multiple processing devices and related system
A method includes receiving multiple measurements of an analog signal, where the measurements are taken using multiple measuring devices. The method also includes identifying whether any of the measurements are valid. In addition, the method includes, if at least one of the measurements is valid, generating a final measurement of the analog signal based on the at least one valid measurement. |
| US08315830B2 |
On-chip variation, speed and power regulator
Operational speed of an integrated circuit chip is measured using one or more speed measurement elements, such as ring oscillators, disposed at various regions of the chip. Each speed measuring element can include several ring oscillators, each corresponding to a different technology threshold voltage. The speed measurement data collected from the speed measurement elements can be used to determine on-chip variation (OCV). Circuitry either on the chip itself or, alternatively, external to the chip can adjust a chip operational parameter, such as core voltage or clock speed, in response to the speed measurement data. Speed measurement data can be read out of the chip through JTAG pins or an interface to an external host. |
| US08315829B2 |
Battery state-of-health monitoring system and method
A battery state-of-health monitoring and prognosis method includes training off-line parity-relation parameters between extracted battery voltage and current signals during off-line battery discharge events using at least one good off-line battery. Portions of terminal voltage and current signals of an on-board battery corresponding to an on-board engine cranking process are extracted, and battery voltage of the on-board battery are estimated based on the parity-relation parameters and the extracted portions of the on-board battery current signals. A diagnostic residual defining a deviation between the battery voltage estimation of the on-board battery and extracted portions of the on-board battery terminal voltage signals is generated. A measure of battery state-of-health based on the diagnostic residual is then provided. |
| US08315828B2 |
Battery management system and driving method for the same
Disclosed are a battery management system that uses a source file for sensing of the cell voltages of battery cells by changing only declaration information of a header file using an MCU even when the number of battery cells is changed, and a driving method for the same. The battery management system is connected to a battery including at least one battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells are contained. includes a sensor including an AD converter connected to the battery cells, the sensor configured to sense cell voltages of the battery cells, a storage configured to store source data generated using an input external signal, and a controller configured to generate a source signal corresponding to the source data and forward the source signal to the sensor, the sensor being configured to sense the cell voltages of the battery cells according to the source signal. |
| US08315827B2 |
Fault region location system
A method for identifying an approximate fault location in a power transmission line comprises detecting first and second dominant frequencies in first and second recovering voltages resulting from the fault without using the velocity of either of the recovering voltages. |
| US08315825B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptively handling level measurements under unstable conditions
A method includes retrieving at least one first measurement associated with material in a tank from a memory at a level gauge. The method also includes comparing the at least one first measurement to at least one second measurement associated with the material in the tank. The method further includes determining whether a difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement exceeds a threshold. In addition, the method includes identifying a current level of the material in the tank in a first manner if the difference does not exceed the threshold or a second manner if the difference does exceed the threshold. The first manner could include correcting a level measurement using the difference between the at least one first measurement and the at least one second measurement. The second manner could include identifying an offset value based on differences between pairs of level measurements. |
| US08315821B2 |
Packing properties of particulate compositions
A method and system for determining a packing property of a particulate composition. The method includes: obtaining size information relating to the particulate material; determining neighbor information from the size information; determining contact information from the size information; and determining a packing property from the neighbor information and the contact information, thereby enabling determination of the characteristic properties of the particulate composition. The method can be executed by use of a computer system to execute computer software instructions applied to data obtained on the particulate composition to determine a variety of properties of the particulate composition. |
| US08315819B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining dopant density in semiconductor devices
A method and apparatus generate a measured data set by: (i) providing a probe tip at a selected height from a doped region of a substrate, (ii) applying a probing signal to the probe tip, (iii) measuring a characteristic of an electrical interaction between the probe tip and the doped region of the substrate, and (iv) repeating steps (i) through (iii) for a plurality of different selected heights. A plurality of reference data sets are provided characterizing the electrical interaction between the probe tip and the doped region of the substrate as a function of height between the probe tip and the doped region of the substrate. Each data set corresponds to a different dopant density. The measured data set is compared to the plurality of reference data sets and based on the comparison, the dopant density of the doped region of the substrate is determined. |
| US08315814B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US08315810B2 |
Apparatus, method, computer-readable medium, and use for therapy planning in treatment of a patient
An apparatus, method, system, computer-readable medium and use for individual patient therapy planning of diseases such as cancer for different therapy modalities, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy is provided. A new aspect of the invention is that the degree of bone marrow depression of the patient is related to the count of immature blood platelets, which are measured before each treatment. Some embodiments of the invention provide an advantage allowing reducing the level of uncertainty in the prediction of the risk of bone marrow depression, and thus enabling to safely improve the therapy effect by an increase of the radiation dosage and/or chemical dosage to the individual patient while the risk for bone marrow depression is minimized. |
| US08315807B2 |
Molecular communication system
There is provided a molecular communication system capable of transmitting an information molecule in which predetermined information is encoded to a target destination under good controllability. The molecular communication system includes a molecular transmitter for transmitting the information molecule with prescribed information encoded, a molecular receiver for receiving the information molecule, and a molecule transmission channel extending between the molecular transmitter and the molecular receiver. The molecule transmission channel defines a transmission path formed of macromolecular (or polymer) materials, along which carrier molecules are circulating in a prescribed direction. The information molecule output from the molecular transmitter is loaded on the carrier molecule and carried to the molecular receiver. |
| US08315796B2 |
Navigation device
A navigation device includes a map database 5 that holds map data; a location and direction measurement unit 4 that measures the current location and direction of a vehicle; a route calculation unit 12 that, based on map data read from the map database 5, calculates a route from the current location measured by the location and direction measurement unit to a destination; a camera 7 that captures video images ahead of the vehicle; a video image acquisition unit 8 that acquires the video images ahead of the vehicle captured by the camera; a road width acquisition unit 16 that, based on road width data included in the map data read from the map database, calculates the width of a road segment that enters last into an intersection to which the vehicle is to be guided from among road segments that make up the route calculated by the route calculation unit; a video image composition processing unit 14 that limits the length of a portion that indicates a turning direction of a route guide arrow to the road width calculated by the road width acquisition unit, and that composes the arrow onto the video images acquired by the video image acquisition unit in a superimposing manner; and a display unit 10 that displays the video image composed by the video image composition processing unit. |
| US08315795B2 |
Map display system, map display, and map display method
Even if a detailed map being displayed is continuously scrolled, the place of the detailed map being displayed is kept to a wide-area map. A map display system having a map display for displaying a plurality of maps and an information distribution server which is connected to the map display through a communication means and distributes map data to the map display comprises a display means for displaying a first map capable of being scrolled and a second map including the scope of the first map, a scroll control means for scrolling the first map, a condition judging means for judging whether or not to control the display form of the second map according to the result of the scroll of the first map by the scroll control means and a condition for controlling the display form of the second map set in advance, and a reduced scale control means for controlling the display form of the second map. The reduced scale control means controls the display form of the second map according to the result of the judgment of the condition judging means. |
| US08315786B2 |
Local decision policies about the sharing of sensed data that enhance privacy and lower communication costs for services that aggregate data from personal devices
Velocity information can be beneficial to various entities including other vehicles and a central traffic monitoring and routing system. Vehicles with sensors can serve as velocity probes to update speeds that are shared via a more global service. However, individuals may be reluctant to provide location and velocity information given privacy preferences. Local policies about sharing personal data are described that can be harnessed to enhance privacy while minimizing communication costs. The local data-sharing policies allow devices to monitor their own speeds and locations and to employ models and analyses that determine the value of sharing flow information with a larger service in accordance with privacy preferences, and to make local decisions as to when to respond to broadcasted queries for specific information, while minimizing the redundancy of signals from multiple vehicles. |
| US08315785B2 |
Data communication device, data communication system, and recording medium
The data communication device and method include storing road map information indicating locations of nodes and links, a time when a vehicle enters one link and an identifier of the link, and a vehicle location and the link identifier in a memory, periodically acquiring vehicle position data, identifying the link based on the road map information, and comparing the identified link with the link the vehicle has passed through a node. The device rewrites the position data and acquired time stored in the memory when receiving a result that the vehicle has not passed, determines an exit time based on the acquired time and the time of last acquired position data when receiving a result that the vehicle has passed, calculates a travel period of the vehicle, writes the exit time as an entry time, rewrites the link identification data, and transmits the travel period to a given communication destination. |
| US08315782B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas tract with a first and a second exhaust gas catalyst downstream of the first one, a first exhaust gas sensor, which is disposed upstream or in the first catalyst, and a second exhaust gas sensor, which is disposed downstream of the first catalyst and upstream of the second catalyst. During trailing throttle operation, the measurement signal of the second sensor is monitored for a signal characteristic that is typical of a maximum possible saturation state with oxygen that the first catalyst can achieve, upon which a characteristic variable is determined for a saturation state of the second catalyst with oxygen as a function of an engine operating variable. Outside the trailing throttle operation, an enrichment mode is controlled by enriching the air/fuel mixture, specifically as a function of the characteristic variable for the saturation state of the second catalyst with oxygen. |
| US08315780B2 |
High pressure fuel pump control apparatus for internal combustion engine
There is provided a high pressure fuel pump control system for an internal combustion engine which enables fuel pressure control with high precision without being restricted by the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine or the number of phase sensor signals and the number of cam noses which vertically drives a plunger of a high pressure fuel pump even when a camshaft phase varies by a variable valve timing mechanism by using the high pressure fuel pump with a solenoid valve. The control system has a means which changes an effective stroke by driving the solenoid valve in the high pressure fuel pump, and has a means which changes the drive timing of the high pressure fuel pump based on a cylinder recognition value of the internal combustion engine with the cam angle detecting means as an origin. |
| US08315777B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine (10) includes intake valve control means (50). The internal combustion engine (10) includes a variable intake valve operating mechanism (66) that changes a valve opening characteristic of an intake valve (64), and rich combustion is performed in the internal combustion engine (10) to control an exhaust gas purification catalyst (24) disposed in an exhaust passage (18). The intake valve control means (50) controls the valve opening characteristic of the intake valve (64) to increase a flow rate of intake air in an early stage of an intake stroke when the rich combustion is performed, as compared to when non-rich combustion is performed. |
| US08315772B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling a braking assistant function in a motor vehicle
A method for shifting the braking assistant function into an activatable state, in which method: after termination of a braking force monitoring function, the braking assistant function is shifted into a non-activatable state or a non-activatable state is maintained; information about the hydraulic pressure at a predefined point in the hydraulic braking circuit is determined; and after at least one predefined condition is met by that information, the braking assistant function is shifted into an activatable state. |
| US08315768B2 |
Accelerator pedal predictive shift point control
A transmission control module for a vehicle transmission includes a gear determination module, a predictive shift module, and a validation module. The gear determination module commands a first shift configuration based on an actual pedal position. The predictive shift module calculates a predicted pedal position based on the actual pedal position and commands a second shift configuration based on the predicted pedal position. The validation module validates the predicted pedal position and selectively cancels the second shift configuration based on the validation. |
| US08315767B2 |
Control device for vehicular automatic transmission
A control device for an automatic transmission 10 having shift control means 88 operative to select a manual shift mode is provided for preventing acceleration response from deteriorating in the automatic transmission 10. The control device includes automatic up-range control means 90 for switching a range to a “D” range when high oil-temperature determining means determines presence of a high oil-temperature state, and high oil-temperature down-range permitting means 92 for permitting a down-range during a manual shift operation until a selected uppermost gear position GSELECT reaches a determining gear position GJUGE when the accelerator-on drive determining means 86 subsequently determines presence of an accelerator-on drive. Even when obtaining a drive force is attempted during an accelerator-on drive mode after switching the range, the down-range by the manual shift operation is permitted until the selected uppermost gear position GSELECT reaches the determining gear position GJUGE. Thus, a drop in acceleration response in comparison to that of an automatic shift mode is prevented. |
| US08315766B2 |
Process for detecting a phenomenon limiting the visibility for a motor vehicle
A process and system for detecting a phenomenon limiting the visibility for a motor vehicle. The process and system comprises the steps of determining at least one point of interest in an image captured of the environment of the vehicle (CALC_H(I)); determining a region of interest in the image (CALC_ROI(I)); determining a graph of different levels of grey on the basis of said region of interest (CALC_CL(ROI)), and determining an area in said graph of different levels of grey around said point of interest (CALC_A(CL, H)). |
| US08315765B2 |
Method for reducing the rollover risk in vehicles
In a method for reducing the rollover risk in vehicles, at least one state variable which characterizes the transverse dynamics of the vehicle is ascertained and is used as the basis for an intervention into the steering system and the braking system which stabilizes the vehicle. A multivariable control is carried out in which two control loops are superimposed, the first control loop being based on control of the yaw rate and the second control loop being based on control of the transverse acceleration. The steering system as well as the braking system may be adjusted via the first and second control loops. |
| US08315764B2 |
Optimal corner control for vehicles
A method to control a vehicle having a plurality of wheels includes monitoring desired vehicle dynamics, determining a desired corner force and moment distribution based upon the desired vehicle dynamics and a real-time closed form dynamics optimization solution, and controlling the vehicle based upon the desired corner force and moment distribution. The real-time closed form dynamics optimization solution is based upon a minimized center of gravity force error component, a minimized control energy component, and a maximized tire force reserve component. |
| US08315763B2 |
Control apparatus for vehicle
The present invention relates to a control apparatus for vehicle, and in particular, to a control apparatus for vehicle that is capable of changing an operation mode of body controller of vehicle as well as changing various electronic instruments in the vehicle. In particular embodiments, a control apparatus for vehicle that controls various electronic instruments of vehicle according to the present invention includes a key input unit that receives an operation mode selection signal for one of a plurality of operation modes for a specific body controller; and a multimedia CAN communications unit that sends the operation mode selection signal to a body controller through a gateway, receives and displays an operation mode change confirmation signal from the body controller through the gateway. |
| US08315756B2 |
Systems and methods of vehicular path prediction for cooperative driving applications through digital map and dynamic vehicle model fusion
Method and system of vehicular path prediction for a vehicle travelling on a road. A yaw rate of the vehicle is estimated over a prediction time period based on vehicle sensor information and map information for the road. Then, a further path of the vehicle on the road is predicted for the prediction time period based on a speed and a direction of the vehicle, and the estimated yaw rate. Map information includes a geometry for a portion of the road on which the vehicle is travelling, and the vehicle sensor information includes yaw rate information from a yaw rate sensor on the vehicle, and location information of the vehicle relative to the map information from a positioning device on the vehicle. A vehicle provided for path prediction includes a communication system for transmitting the predicted path to other vehicles for collision avoidance. |
| US08315753B2 |
Wheelchair control system
A method and apparatus for wheelchair control. The position and distance of a touch point on a touch pad is used to set speed and wheel differential control. The two major wheels of the wheelchair are controlled according to these set quantities. Exceeding either of two horizontal accelerations measured by an accelerometer limits the set speed. Wheelchair control is shut down upon exceeding a vertical acceleration limit. |
| US08315751B2 |
Methods, program products, and systems for controlling braking in a hybrid vehicle
A method for controlling braking in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of determining a value of a variable pertaining to operation of the hybrid vehicle and applying regenerative braking based at least in part on the value of the variable. The variable comprises a speed of the hybrid vehicle, a steering angle of the hybrid vehicle, or a rate of change of the steering angle. |
| US08315748B2 |
Altitude measurement apparatus and method
Provided is an altitude measurement apparatus and method that may measure an altitude of an aircraft without using a separate altimeter. The altitude measurement apparatus may include a camera unit being provided to a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to collect an image of a circular mark formed on the ground, and a calculation unit to calculate an altitude of the VTOL aircraft based on the collected image. Accordingly, the altitude measurement apparatus may measure the altitude using a simple structure such as the circular mark formed on the ground, and be configured at inexpensive costs. |
| US08315743B2 |
Network centric power flow control
A method and apparatus are present for sending power to a number of loads. A plurality of nodes and a number of lines connected to the plurality of nodes are selected to send electrical power from a number of sources to a number of loads based on a capacity to send the electrical power through the plurality of nodes and the number of lines. The plurality of nodes is configured into a circuit to carry the electrical power from the number of sources to the number of loads using the plurality nodes. The plurality of nodes are controlled to send the electrical power through the circuit to the number of loads using a number of agent processes associated with the plurality of nodes. |
| US08315736B2 |
Method and apparatus for picking/packing applications
A system for picking and packing applications is provided. The system includes a plurality of robots and a plurality of robot controllers. Each robot controller includes a load re-balance subsystem, a load balance subsystem, a robot state change detector subsystem, a communicator subsystem, and a motion control subsystem. Each of the robot controllers is interconnected and in communication with one another via the communicator subsystems. Each of the robots has a workload that may be selectively balanced. A method for balancing the workloads of the robots using built-in processors which run motion control is also provided. |
| US08315735B2 |
Production system having cooperating process area between human and robot
A production system in which a human and a robot may simultaneously perform a cooperative task in the same area while ensuring human's safety. A robot is positioned at one side of a working table, and an operator is positioned at the other side of the working table. The reachable area of the operator is limited by the working table. An area of the working table is divided into an area where only the operator may perform a task, an area where only the robot may perform a task, and an area where both the operator and the robot may enter. In a cooperation mode, the maximum movement speed of a component of the robot is limited lower than when the component of the robot is outside the cooperative task area, and, the motion of the robot is limited so that the robot does not enter a robot entry-prohibited area. |
| US08315727B2 |
Channel patching apparatus for network audio system
In a channel patching apparatus, an output patch setting part assigns a name to an audio signal of an internal channel of an audio device, which outputs the audio signal to a transmission channel of an audio network. A transmission channel allocation setting part allocates a transmission channel of the audio network to the audio signal assigned the name, and performs setting of the audio device such that the audio signal assigned the name is output from an internal channel associated with the audio signal assigned the name to the allocated transmission channel. An input patch setting part assigns a name that the user has selected from a list of the names assigned to the audio signals, to an internal channel of an audio device of an input side, to which an audio signal from a transmission channel of the audio network is input, and performs setting of the audio device such that an audio signal of a transmission channel corresponding to the selected name is input to the internal channel of the audio device assigned the selected name. |
| US08315724B2 |
Wireless audio streaming transport system
A sound reproduction and amplification system includes a digital central controller, a wireless transmitter and a plurality of addressable wireless digital receivers and digital amplifiers for driving loudspeakers or earphones, wherein Differential Pulse Width Modulation (DPWM) signals from the central control of the audio transmitter are sent to the addressable receivers, but no DPWM signals are sent unless there are changes in the target PWM signals. The control signaling is based on position mapping in each repetitive sequence of bits (i.e., each frame or word) in a digital communication channel, where only a single bit per channel per word is allotted to each receiver/amplifier/loudspeaker. If there is any change in output of any transmitter PWM from the audio processor (decoder), all the channel bits are sent to all the addressable loudspeakers. |
| US08315722B1 |
Advanced fantasy sports competition having user-drafted and system-generated fantasy teams
A system and method for playing fantasy sports that replicates league competition for an individual user by competing in a simulated league against a plurality of system-generated teams, followed by competing in an elimination round and a plurality of tournament rounds against other users. The user can field more than one team, but each team competes in a different system-generated simulated league. The user selectively drafts a roster based on real players in a sport and the system randomly generates a plurality of rosters to complete a league schedule congruent with the sport season. At the conclusion of the schedule, at least a designated percentage of users having the best win record compete in a pool against each other in an elimination round. A plurality of top scoring users in the elimination round win a berth in a championship tournament using single elimination rounds to determine a champion. |
| US08315717B2 |
Method and apparatus for actively managing consumption of electric power supplied by an electric utility
A client device manages consumption of power supplied by an electric utility to one or more power consuming devices. Power flow to the power consuming devices is controlled by one or more controllable devices, which are controlled by the client device. The client device receives a power control message, such as from a remote system controller. The power control message may have been issued in furtherance of a power reduction event initiated by the electric utility. The power control message indicates an amount of electric power to be reduced and/or identification of at least one controllable device to be instructed to disable a flow of electric power to one or more associated power consuming devices. Responsive to the power control message, a flow of electric power is disabled or otherwise reduced to at least one power consuming device based on the contents of the power control message. |
| US08315714B2 |
Burr hole caps and methods of use
In one embodiment, a kit, for securing a lead or cannula within a burr hole, comprises: a base structure to be positioned immediately adjacent to or partially within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead within the burr hole, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member; wherein when the distal end of the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead or a cannula between the first and second arm structures. |
| US08315707B2 |
System and method for avoiding, reversing, and managing neurological accommodation to electrical stimulation
A method of operating a neurostimulation device comprises varying a first stimulation parameter under user control while fixing a second stimulation parameter, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first stimulation parameter and the fixed second stimulation parameter, outputting a pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets, such that a therapeutic effect is achieved while allowing neural tissue to undergo neurological accommodation, changing the second stimulation parameter, varying the first stimulation parameter under user control while fixing the second changed stimulation parameter, generating another plurality of stimulation parameter sets from the varied first stimulation parameter and the fixed changed second stimulation parameter, and outputting the pulsed electrical waveform from the neurostimulation device between the electrodes in accordance with the other stimulation parameter sets to maintain the therapeutic effect while the neural tissue is neurologically accommodated. |
| US08315706B2 |
External speech processor unit for an auditory prosthesis
A cochlear implant system comprising an external component having an external speech processor unit, and an internal component. The speech processor unit monitors one or more parameters, and the speech processor unit is configured to reduce the power consumption of the cochlear implant system in the absence of one or more parameters. |
| US08315705B2 |
Transcutaneous capacitive data link
A cochlear implant is disclosed, comprising: a transcutaneous energy transfer circuit for transcutaneously transferring power across a recipient's skin; and a transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit for transcutaneously transferring data across the recipient's skin, wherein the transcutaneous energy transfer circuit and the transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit operate independently of each other. The transcutaneous capacitive data link circuit comprises: a first pair of capacitors each having an external electrode configured to be externally positioned on a recipient and an internal electrode configured to be internally positioned in the recipient; a first voltage driver having positive and negative terminals each connected to one of the external electrodes, and configured to generate a first voltage drive signal responsive to a first input control signal; and a first differential amplifier circuit connected to the internal electrodes, configured to generate a first output data signal representative of the first input control signal. |
| US08315703B2 |
Methods for targeting deep brain sites to treat mood and/or anxiety disorders
The present invention relates to a method of identifying a target such as within the subgenual area by measuring neuronal activity in response to a stimulus. Once the target is identified, it can be stimulated to treat a neurological disorder, such as a mood disorder or an anxiety disorder. |
| US08315702B2 |
Implantable and rechargeable neural stimulator
One aspect of the present subject matter relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a rechargeable power supply adapted to be recharged through an ultrasound signal, a neural stimulator connected to the rechargeable power supply, and a controller connected to the rechargeable power supply. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to a neural stimulation target through an electrode. The controller is further connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulator according to a neural stimulation protocol. Other aspects are provided herein. |
| US08315700B2 |
Preventing biofilm formation on implantable medical devices
Biodegradable polymer-coated surgical meshes formed into pouches are described for use with cardiac rhythm management devices (CRMs) and other implantable medical devices. Such meshes are formed into a receptacle, e.g., a pouch or other covering, capable of encasing, surrounding and/or holding the cardiac rhythm management device or other implantable medical device and preventing or retarding the formation of a biofilm. |
| US08315697B2 |
Classification of supraventricular and ventricular cardiac rhythms using cross channel timing algorithm
A system and method for classifying cardiac complexes sensed during a tachycardia episode. A first cardiac signal and a second cardiac signal are sensed, where the first cardiac signal has a voltage. A first cardiac complex and a second cardiac complex of a cardiac cycle are detected in the first and second cardiac signal, respectively. A predetermined alignment feature is identified in the second cardiac complex. A datum is defined, or positioned, at a specified interval from the predetermined alignment feature of the second cardiac complex. Voltage values are then measured from the first cardiac complex at each of two or more measurement intervals from the datum. The voltage values are then compared voltage values measured from NSR cardiac complexes to classify the first cardiac complex is either a ventricular tachycardia complex or a supraventricular tachycardiac complex. |
| US08315694B2 |
Method and apparatus for ectopic beat detection
Heart monitor for detecting ectopic beats in an input electrocardiogram signal that includes an electrocardiogram signal input and a morphological signal analyzer connected to the electrocardiogram signal input, the analyzer being adapted to generate a first time series of values representing the input electrocardiogram signal, a second signal analyzer adapted to generate generating a modified time series of values representing a trend of values of the first time series and a comparison stage being adapted to compare the first time series with the modified time series to thus detect ectopic beats. The invention further relates to a method for detecting ectopic beats in an input electrocardiogram signal that includes obtaining an electrocardiogram signal, generating from the electrocardiogram signal a first time series of values representing the input electrocardiogram signal, generating a modified time series of values representing a trend of values of the first time series and comparing the first time series with the modified time series to thus detect ectopic beats. |
| US08315686B2 |
Cortical electrode array and method for stimulating and recording brain activity
An electrode device and a method of installing the electrode device in the vicinity of the brain. The electrode device includes a plurality of electrode assemblies, each with at least one electrode lead, extending from a common base. The base is configured to be positioned on an outside of the patient's cranium with each electrode assembly projecting individually through a hole in the patient's cranium such that the electrode lead is in the vicinity of the brain. The method of installation includes carving a recess out of the patient's cranium and inserting the base therein. Each of the electrode assemblies are placed in their respective holes in order to stimulate, monitor or record neurological activity. The electrode device may be used over long periods of time for chronic treatment or recording. |
| US08315685B2 |
Flexible medical sensor enclosure
A sensor is provided that includes a flexible wrap enclosure which is folded about the sensor. The flexible wrap includes primary flaps and at least one reinforcement flap. The reinforcement flap may be used to enclose areas of the sensor not enclosed by the primary wrap and/or may be used to provide reinforcement of the enclosure to prevent tearing of the flexible wrap enclosure. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. |
| US08315683B2 |
Duo connector patient cable
A patient cable has a duo sensor connector having a first socket section and a second socket section. The first socket section is configured to removably attach a two-wavelength sensor. The second socket section in conjunction with the first socket section is configured to removably attach a multiple wavelength sensor in lieu of the two-wavelength sensor. A circuit housed in the duo sensor connector converts emitter array drive signals adapted for the multiple wavelength sensor into back-to-back emitter drive signals adapted for the two-wavelength sensor when attached. |
| US08315678B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for multilayer superconducting printed circuit boards
Superconducting connections are provided to internal layers of a multi-layer circuit board structure, for example by superconducting vias. |
| US08315670B2 |
Base station antenna interface system for antenna cable reduction in dual band deployments
In an antenna interface system of a wireless network base station, each sector of the base station is outfitted with two dual-band duplexer assemblies, each of which includes a tower-mounted antenna unit, an RF filter unit (e.g., triplexer), and an RF feed or antenna cable that interconnects the two. One antenna unit transmits in one communication band, and the other transmits in a second band. Both units receive signals over the two bands. The RF filter units pass transmit data on to the cables and filter receive data of both bands for separate output. The antenna units and filter units act as cable-end interfaces for multiplexing and de-multiplexing the transmit and receive data on and off the cables. Thus, each cable carries transmit data for one communication band and receive data for both bands, for a total of two cables per sector for dual-band applications. |
| US08315666B2 |
Wireless intelligent switch engine
A wireless intelligent switch engine (WISE) is described. The wireless intelligent switch engine provides for automatic switching between different physical wireless interfaces in mobile devices while roaming to maintain a wireless network connection. WISE functions as a bridge between a mobile device and multiple wireless network interfaces to provide automatic and seamless switching among networks while roaming. The mobile device sees WISE as a LAN interface and communicates with WISE using the TCP/IP protocol stack, thus providing a PPP-less configuration that uses the TCP/IP protocol stack regardless of the wireless interface. |
| US08315664B2 |
Method and arrangement for power control
A method for setting a power control level (600) in a wireless communication system. The method includes the steps of obtaining (620) transmission information from a wireless subscriber unit, and modifying a power control level and/or a communication channel format (660) in response to said transmission information. Preferably, the transmission information is re-transmission requests from a wireless subscriber unit, which are transmitted frequently. In this manner, rapid adjustment of power control can be attained utilizing an optimal selection of the available communication channel format, followed by a fine-tuning power control operation. |
| US08315661B2 |
Enhanced power headroom reporting
Method and system for power headroom reporting in a mobile device capable of supporting multiple radio transmissions via different channels. The available maximum power variation of a second channel is estimated based on power usage in radio transmission of a first channel. A plurality of measures related to radio transmission via the second channel are them computed. Whether one or more conditions for power headroom reporting of the second channel are met is tested in accordance with a configuration with respect to power headroom reporting. The power headroom is computed based on the estimated power variation relating to the first channel and the radio transmission measures relating to the second channel. A power headroom report is then generated based on the computed power headroom and such a report is then transmitted, typically from the mobile device to a base station. |
| US08315659B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing broadcast messages in a communications network
The present invention is a novel and improved method for providing broadcast short message services (SMS) in a communication network. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that insures the successful transmission of the broadcast message while minimizing the impact of providing the short messaging service on overall system capacity. It is further the objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for receiving broadcast messages without depriving the receiver of the benefits of slotted paging, that being the savings in power consumption. |
| US08315657B2 |
System and method for enabling coordinated beam switching and scheduling
A system and method for enabling coordinated beam switching and scheduling in a wireless communications system. A method for controller operation includes indicating that the controller is operating in a cooperative beam switching mode, transmitting a beam formed reference signal (BFRS), from each communications device being served by the controller, receiving a measurement of a communications channel between the controller and the communications device and an indicator indicating a transmission unit corresponding to the measurement of the communications channel, receiving a transmission intended for a communications device, and causing the transmission to be transmitted to the communications device. The BFRS is beam formed using a plurality of beam patterns, the beam pattern used in beam forming the BFRS changes once per transmission unit, and the transmission is transmitted using measurement of the communications channel and the indicator from the communications device. |
| US08315653B2 |
Routing messages between cellular handsets and a multi-handset cordless telephone system
Systems and methods are provided for routing data messages between a cellular telephone and a cordless telephone system having a plurality of cordless handsets configured to communicate with a single cordless base station when in range. Messages are received at the cordless base station via a first radio frequency transfer protocol. The message is transmitted to the cordless base station from the cellular telephone after the cellular telephone has received the message from a cellular network. The cordless base station transmits the message to a desired one of the plurality of cordless handsets via a second radio frequency transfer protocol. The desired one of the plurality of cordless handsets is chosen based on predetermined message routing settings. |
| US08315652B2 |
Haptically enabled messaging
A mobile terminal device receives a haptically enabled message that includes text and at least one haptic feedback command. The device determines the timing of the haptic feedback command within the message. When the device receives an indication that the message is being displayed by a user, the device synchronizes a haptic effect corresponding to the haptic feedback command. The synchronizing is based on the timing and the indication. |
| US08315647B2 |
Time and power based wireless location detection system
Disclosed is a method for processing readily available radio network, timing and power information about cellular networks and typical measurements made by the mobile device and network. A probabilistic method is disclosed that uses both time (i.e., range) and power differences with known downlink transmitter antenna characteristics to locate mobiles with accuracy better than cell-ID with ranging, with high capacity, and without the need for field calibration. |
| US08315645B2 |
System and method for scheduling of spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems
System and method for scheduling spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems. A method comprises sensing an availability of a spectrum band, computing a duration of an inter-sensing time block based on the availability of the spectrum band, and scheduling an occurrence of the spectrum sensing operation using the duration of the inter-sensing time block. Computing the duration of the inter-sensing time block based on the availability of the spectrum band allows for an optimization of communications of the cognitive radio system, thereby increasing spectral efficiency and reducing interference to licensed communications. |
| US08315640B2 |
Methods and systems for transmission of multiple modulated signals over wireless networks
A method and apparatus for requesting and allocating bandwidth in a broadband wireless communication system. The inventive method and apparatus includes a combination of techniques that allow a plurality of CPEs to communicate their bandwidth request messages to respective base stations. One technique includes a “polling” method whereby a base station polls CPEs individually or in groups and allocates bandwidth specifically for the purpose of allowing the CPEs to respond with bandwidth requests. The polling of the CPEs by the base station may be in response to a CPE setting a “poll-me bit” or, alternatively, it may be periodic. Another technique comprises “piggybacking” bandwidth requests on bandwidth already allocated to a CPE. In accordance with this technique, currently active CPEs request bandwidth using previously unused portions of uplink bandwidth that is already allocated to the CPE. The CPE is responsible for distributing the allocated uplink bandwidth in a manner that accommodates the services provided by the CPE. By using a combination of bandwidth allocation techniques, the present invention advantageously makes use of the efficiency benefits associated with each technique. |
| US08315637B2 |
Signal transmission method for a terminal using fractional frequency reuse scheme
A method for transmitting a signal from a mobile station of a multi-cell environment comprises being allocated with a specific frequency partition from a base station depending on a fractional frequency reuse scheme; receiving modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level information on the specific frequency partition or a specific resource region within the specific frequency partition from the base station; controlling transmit power corresponding to the MCS level depending on a location of the mobile station within a cell, if the specific frequency partition is a frequency partition shared with a mobile station located at an edge region of a neighboring cell; and transmitting a signal to the base station at the controlled transmit power. |
| US08315635B2 |
Re-routing calls from mobile stations
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for re-routing calls from mobile stations. For example, in one embodiment, a call from a mobile station to a non-local number can be re-routed to a local number. The local number can then be used to communicate with a call server to deliver the re-routed call to the non-local number. |
| US08315631B2 |
Radio-resource management system and method thereof, and management apparatus, base station and terminal to be employed for it
Terminals and base stations belonging to service areas 100 to 102 of plural radio operators periodically measure a radio-link quality and an availability ratio of a radio link to notify them to a radio-resource management server 40. The server 40 alters a frequency of the base station, and a transmitted-power quantity of the base station and the terminal based on these measured results to improve the radio-link quality, and reduces interference with a neighboring radio system. When a load is concentrated on a network of a specific radio operator, an instruction of handover is given to the terminal from the server 40 to realize a load distribution within the radio operator, and between the radio operators. When the server 40 detects excessive radio interference between the radio operators, it notifies occurrence of a fault, an interference quantity, a quantity of the transmitted power that the base station should attenuate, and the frequency that the base station should alter to the above radio operator that becomes an interference source. |
| US08315627B2 |
Pro-active access handling in a multi-access network environment
Providing access for a mobile node to a communication network comprising multiple access networks operating according to different access technologies, wherein said communication network is configured to communicate by means of different access technologies with said mobile node, comprising, upon an access request of the mobile node at a first access network, preparing the access networks, other than the first one, for providing access for the mobile node in case of a handover of the mobile node to one of these other access networks. |
| US08315626B2 |
Smart wireless station for identifying a preferred access point
Systems and methods for connecting a wireless station to a wireless network are provided. The method may include: receiving a pre-connection management signal from each of a plurality of wireless access points, each of the access points connecting an upstream network to a downstream wireless network; retrieving from each of the management signals characteristics of the access point corresponding to the management signal, the characteristics of the access point comprising information regarding the upstream network associated with the respective access point; analyzing the characteristics of the access point for each of the management signals; and based on the analysis of the characteristics of the access points, identifying a preferred access point from the plurality of access points. |
| US08315625B2 |
Apparatus and method for selecting mobile communication system in a portable terminal
A mobile communication system selection is disclosed. A method for selecting a mobile communication system of a portable terminal includes driving a first timer; checking whether a Mobile Country Code (MCC) of a region where the portable terminal is located is obtained by searching for a network until the first timer expires; when the MCC is obtained before the first timer expires, storing the obtained MCC to a previous MCC list; performing a first checking operation for checking whether the obtained MCC belongs to a list of countries supporting only a first mobile communication system; and obtaining a service of the first mobile communication system by searching for only the first mobile communication system when the obtained MCC belongs to the list of the countries supporting only the first mobile communication system. |
| US08315624B2 |
System and method for communicating over a data network or the PSTN using a hybrid cordless telephone device
A hybrid cordless telephone system allows a user to place or receive a call over either a data network or a PSTN network. In one aspect, a system router and PSTN unit are coupled with a communications manager to avoid extensive redesign of router components and PSTN components while providing a wireless user with data network and PSTN connectivity. In another aspect, the system router of the hybrid cordless telephone system includes a communications manager configured to provide termination of data network calls or PSTN calls at the system router. Accordingly, a plurality of handsets can each access the system router to place or receive calls from the data or PSTN networks. |
| US08315622B2 |
Motion adaptive communications device and integrated circuits for use therewith
A circuit includes a package substrate that supports an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the circuit. The package substrate further supports a die that supports a processing module that processes the motion parameter to produce motion data, wherein the processing module further generates a receive control signal and a transmit control signal in accordance with the motion data. The die further supports a wireless local area network transceiver that generates an outbound RF signal that includes outbound data and that generates voice inbound data from an inbound RF signal, wherein the wireless local area network transceiver is further operable to adjust a receive parameter based on the receive control signal and to adjust a transmit parameter in response to the transmit control signal. |
| US08315621B2 |
Event reminder method
A method includes setting, by a mobile device, a notification based on the mobile device being within proximity of a predetermined location at a predetermined date or time. The mobile device detects that the mobile device is located within proximity of the predetermined location at the predetermined date or time. Subsequent to the detecting, the mobile device provides the notification. |
| US08315620B1 |
Methods and apparatus to associate a mobile device with a panelist profile
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to associate a mobile device with a panelist profile. An example method includes initializing a metering application on the mobile device to operate with partial functionality, parsing a message log with the metering application to identify an installation message, extracting a telephone number from the installation message and saving to a memory of the mobile device, sending an initialization message based on the extracted telephone number to prompt an authorization message, and enabling full functionality of the metering application in response to receiving the authorization message. |
| US08315617B2 |
Controlling mobile device functions
This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details. |
| US08315616B2 |
Mobile device solution that provides enhanced user control for outgoing data handling
The present solution can include a configurable interface for controlling data sent from a mobile device. This interface can include multiple, configurable options that permit a mobile device user to control how often outgoing data is sent from the device. These options can include: a push on schedule option, a push within a time counted from when outgoing data was queued for delivery option, a push on volume option, a push immediately option, an auto-adjusting push option, and a customized push option based upon a user-adjustable sliding scale between two competing considerations. |
| US08315614B2 |
Method and apparatus of transmitting personal information in subscriber-based ringback tone service
A method and apparatus for a called subscriber to send a sound for his own personal information as a ringback tone with a ringback tone replacing sound are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: HLR providing MSC with the first information about whether a ringback tone is to be replaced or not and the second information for routing to sound providing means when a called terminal is registered in MSC; MSC requesting a call connection to the sound providing means based on the first and second information when the called terminal is called; and the sound providing means call-connecting to the calling terminal, and providing the calling terminal with a specific sound, wherein the specific sound is generated by combining a subscriber information sound, which can identify the called subscriber or can represent the subscriber's character, with the ringback tone replacing sound. |
| US08315612B2 |
Terminal device, communication processing method and phone-book management method
A terminal device includes a deletion reason-registration unit configured to register deletion target information and deletion reason information with a storage unit storing information relating to a communication destination and a communication processing unit configured to acquire the deletion reason information registered by the deletion reason-registration unit from the storage unit upon receiving information about a communication connection request issued from a device of a communication destination corresponding to the deletion target information stored in the storage unit, and executes communication processing based on the acquired deletion reason information. |
| US08315609B2 |
Personal call center
A personal call center that can schedule calls for a user, make the call at the scheduled time and connect the user when the other party answers, thus making the calls completely “hands free” and transparent for the user. In essence, the system can make an outbound call look and act like an inbound call. Advantageously, the system can also be used by a manager or a centralized call center to schedule calls for a given user or group of users. This way, managers or call centers can schedule calls, between salespersons and customers, and have calls go through without interaction from the salesperson. |
| US08315602B2 |
Communications system including aggregation server for determining updated metadata of e-mail messages and related methods
A communications system includes a mobile wireless communications device and an e-mail server configured to store pushed e-mail data and metadata associated therewith already pushed to the mobile wireless communications device. An aggregation server is configured to download a first set of metadata of pushed e-mail data at a first time, and generate and store a first set of hash values corresponding to the first set of metadata. The aggregation server is also configured to download a second set of metadata of pushed e-mail data at a second time after the first time, and generate and store a second set of hash values corresponding to the second set of metadata. The aggregation server is further configured to determine an updated set of metadata based upon a comparison of the first and second sets of hash values, and push the updated metadata to the mobile wireless communications device. |
| US08315598B2 |
Systems and methods for gathering information about discrete wireless terminals
The present invention is broadly directed to systems and methods for gathering information about wireless transceiver devices in a defined boundary region. To this end, the disclosure is more particularly directed to gathering movement information (e.g., via detection and location) about two-way end-user wireless terminals within three-dimensional boundaries of defined local space (“DLS”) to allow for selective control of the terminals and other subsystems, as desired. Additionally, the data collected can be used to improve accuracy and precision regarding the prediction of behavior characteristics and tendencies of populations based on a sampling of observed terminals. |
| US08315597B2 |
“I am driving/busy” automatic response system for mobile phones
A cell phone system which has been modified by the addition of software and hardware to determine the speed of at least phones to which incoming text messages are directed and determine whether or not to send an automated text message response to the sender indicating the user to which the text is directed cannot respond immediately. If such a response message is to be sent, automatically generating and sending said text message. If not, forwarding the text message to the cell phone to which it is directed. |
| US08315592B2 |
Voice messaging prioritization
A voice radio communication system prioritizes radio voice communications so that higher priority voice transmission is given precedence. The communication system comprises a transmitter that inserts a digital watermark into a voice communication. Software in a receiver decodes the digital watermark to determine a priority requested by the sender, and other information about the sender and the message. The software determines the message priority based on multiple factors. Voice transmissions are digitally recorded and played in order of priority. Options exist for the user to control the playback. |
| US08315589B2 |
Emergency calls for internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) over packet switched code division multiple access (CDMA) networks
A mobile communication device receives initiation of an emergency call by a user of the mobile communication device, and determines whether a single-carrier radio transmission technology (1xRTT) network is available for the emergency call. The mobile communication device also routes the emergency call over the 1xRTT network when the 1xRTT network is available for the emergency call, and routes the emergency call over an enhanced high rate packet data (eHRPD) network when the 1xRTT network is unavailable for the emergency call. |
| US08315580B2 |
Process for detecting transmitted symbols based on a ternary alphabet and corresponding receiver
A detection process of a communication channel based on a ternary alphabet is provided wherein the channel transmitting a signal transports the same transmitted symbol for N sequential slots within one Time Transmission Interval (TTI). The detection process comprises a mechanism that eliminates unwanted signal contributions and isolates noise contributions. The detection process estimates a noise variance and sums consecutive received signals of a same Transmission Time Interval (TTI) in order to isolate a transmitted signal portion. The detection further obtains a chi squared distribution, which is used to determine a threshold that is proportional to the estimated noise variance. The threshold is then used to detect the communication channel. |
| US08315574B2 |
Management of variable-rate communication links
A method for communication includes transmitting data from a transmitter to a receiver using Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM). The data rate is set by selecting, based on feedback, an ACM profile defining a Forward Error Correction code and a modulation scheme. Upon detecting that the feedback is unusable, an operation of the transmitter is changed independently of the feedback.In another method, data is exchanged over two opposite directions of a bidirectional link that uses ACM by communicating using two ACM profiles. A joint constraint is defined on the two directions. The two ACM profiles are set based on first and second measured reception quality metrics of the two link directions, to meet the joint constraint. In yet another method, a subset of the ACM profiles is temporarily disabled, and the data is transmitted using only the ACM profiles that are not disabled. |
| US08315570B2 |
Method circuit and system for communication channel scanning and selection
Disclosed is a frequency scouting circuit with an adjustable frequency synthesizer. The scouting circuit may be collocated with other radio frequency integrated circuits on the same die. The synthesizer may include a dedicated oscillator, and the synthesizer may be adapted to generate a mixing signal at a given frequency. A channel monitoring circuit block may be adapted to determine availability of a carrier frequency corresponding to the mixing signal frequency, and control logic may be adapted to select the given frequency from a set of possible transmission carrier frequencies for a functionally associated transmitter. |
| US08315566B2 |
Wireless communication system for communication handover by using different communication modes
A wireless communication system includes a terminal device; a first wireless communication device; and a second wireless communication device. When the first wireless communication device communicates with the second wireless communication device by wireless LAN communication after a handover and completes prescribed processing to the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device sends first disconnection information to the second wireless communication device to disconnect the second wireless communication device. The second wireless communication device stores wireless LAN connection information before communicating with the first wireless communication device by the wireless LAN communication when the second wireless communication device is connected with the terminal device at a time of the handover. The second wireless communication device disconnects the first wireless communication device and connects with the terminal device based on the wireless LAN connection information when the first disconnection information is received. |
| US08315565B2 |
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. |
| US08315564B2 |
Short-range wireless communication
The present specification describes techniques and apparatus that enable wireless devices to communicate effectively at short ranges. In one implementation, the transmit power of a transmitting device is reduced to permit a receiving device to demodulate a signal. |
| US08315561B2 |
Adaptive inductive power supply with communication
An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast. |
| US08315560B2 |
Underwater navigation
An underwater navigation system comprising a transmitter having an electrically insulted magnetic coupled antenna for transmitting an electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signal, a receiver having an electrically insulated magnetic coupled antenna for receiving an electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signal from the transmitter, and determining means for determining the position of the receiver relative to the transmitter using the received electromagnetic and/or magneto-inductive signal. |
| US08315559B2 |
Transmitter and control method for transmitting and calibrating a phase signal and an amplitude signal
A transmitter for transmitting and calibrating a phase signal and an amplitude signal. The transmitter comprises a phase modulation path, an amplitude modulation path, and a control unit. The phase modulation path transmits the phase signal. The amplitude modulation path transmits the amplitude signal. The control unit delays the signal on at least one of the phase modulation path and the amplitude modulation. |
| US08315555B2 |
Portable media player as a remote control
A portable multimedia player is used to wirelessly access and control a media server that is streaming digital media by way of a wireless interface to a media unit such as a stereo/speakers in the case of streaming digital audio. In one embodiment, the portable multimedia player is wirelessly synchronized to a selected one(s) of a number of digital media files stored on the media server in such a way that digital media file metadata (song title, author, etc.) associated with the selected digital media file(s) only is transferred from the media server to be stored in the portable media player. |
| US08315554B2 |
Connected audio content
The presently claimed invention relates to connecting audio signals to associated information. One claim recites a method comprising: using a microphone, capturing data representing ambient audio; using a programmed electronic processor, analyzing captured data to extract identifying information therefrom; communicating the identifying information to a remotely located database; in response to said communicating, receiving music information associated with the identifying information, said music information including licensing options for a general type of music associated with the captured data. A related claim recites that the music information also includes purchase options for a specific song title for the capture data. Of course, other combinations and claims are provided as well. |
| US08315553B2 |
Broadcast system and method for cellular networks
An example system comprises one or more base stations, each base station associated with a cell, a Channel-to-Subscriber Management Entity operable to register a channel and a plurality of subscribers to that channel, wherein each subscriber is located in at least one of the cells, and a router operable to send media content associated with the channel to the one or more base stations, wherein each base station is operable to transmit the content to the subscribers in its cell at the same time. |
| US08315550B2 |
Adjusting paper ejecting speed to collate printed matters
A method executed by an image forming apparatus for producing a print job, which includes the steps of: (a) receiving data representing a document to be printed in the print job; (b) receiving job information about the print job, the job information including an instruction to print multiple copies of the document; (c) printing the multiple copies of the document; and (d) ejecting one sheet of each of the multiple copies of the document at an ejection speed, that is either greater than or less than an ejection speed of the other sheets of the multiple copies of the document. |
| US08315545B2 |
Image forming apparatus utilizing both a transfer belt and a direct transfer member
An image forming apparatus includes first and second belt members, at least one color image carrier, a separate image carrier, a primary transfer member, a secondary transfer mechanism, a direct transfer member, a first image detector to detect positional deviation of transferred images from reference pattern images, and a controller to transfer the reference pattern images formed on the at least one color image carrier and the separate image carrier onto the first belt member or onto the second belt member, convey the reference pattern images to the first image detector, cause the first image detector to detect the reference pattern images, and adjust one or more image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus to prevent positional deviation of the transferred images from the reference pattern images based on detection results obtained by the first image detector. |
| US08315544B2 |
Image forming apparatus including developer contact media having nano-scale roughness
Provided is an image forming apparatus which includes a developer to develop an image and a developer contact medium of which a surface contacts the developer, wherein asperities with a density of about 4×108 to about 200×108 pcs/cm2 are formed to form roughness on the surface of the developer contact medium. |
| US08315540B2 |
Compact image forming apparatus having pivotally attached scanning unit
An image forming apparatus to be placed on a desktop includes a first body, a second body which is pivotally mounted above the first body, a light emitting unit disposed in the second body, an image forming unit disposed in the first body so as to form a C-shaped paper feeding path, a first power supply unit and a second power supply unit disposed on a bottom surface of the first body, a controlling board disposed on a first side wall of the first body, and a power transmission unit disposed on a second side wall of the first body. |
| US08315538B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing members, a plurality of primary transferring devices, an intermediary transfer unit, a secondary transfer portion, a detecting member, an adjusting device, an openable member, a guiding mechanism, and a retracting mechanism. |
| US08315532B2 |
Reducing background development in electrophotographic printer
Background development in a multi-color electrophotographic printer is reduced. A print job including a plurality of separations is received. Each separation has an image area and a non-image area. A printer is provided, including a development member for supplying toner to a photoreceptor for each separation. A developing and a non-developing zone are determined for each separation, corresponding to the image area and non-image area, respectively. Developer is automatically supplied to the development members, and automatically removed developer from the respective non-developing zone of each development member. |
| US08315528B2 |
Zero mean carrier recovery
A method of data symbol recovery in a coherent receiver of an optical communications system. Two or more SYNC bursts, having a known symbol sequence and periodicity, are processed to derive an estimate of a frequency offset Δf between a transmit laser and a Local Oscillator (LO) of the receiver. A phase rotation κ(n) is computed based on the estimate of the frequency offset Δf, and applied to a plurality of data symbol estimates to generate corresponding rotated symbol estimates. The rotated symbol estimates are then filtered to generate corresponding decision values of each data symbol. |
| US08315527B2 |
Passive optical network system and optical line terminal
A transmission speed of a protection (backup) line using 1G-OLT unit and 1G-ONU unit is set to be lower than a transmission speed of a working (primary) line using 10G-OLT unit and 10G-ONU unit. A priority and band of each communication service in ONU are preset individually and separately every LLID for a working (primary) line and a protection (backup) line. When bands are allocated to the protection (backup) line, the band allocation is performed so as to secure a minimum number of bands of each communication service. A monitoring controller refers to a predetermined band information table according to an operation state of the working (primary) line or the protection (backup) line with respect to a downstream signal packet. |
| US08315525B2 |
Amplification of interleaved optical signals
A technique for generating a data signal and a beacon signal for free space optical communications involves generating a data signal having a first optical wavelength and a beacon signal having a second optical wavelength. The data signal is encoded with data via modulation at a first modulation rate. The beacon signal is an inverted version of the data signal and can be further modulated at a second modulation rate that is less than the first modulation rate. The data and beacon signals are optically combined to produce a combined signal in which power attributable to the beacon signal is interleaved with and substantially non-overlapping temporally with power attributable to the data signal. The combined signal is amplified via a fiber amplifier, and the combined signal is supplied to transmitter optics for transmitting the data signal and the beacon signal into free space. |
| US08315518B1 |
Technique for transmitting an optical signal through an optical network
A technique for transmitting an optical signal along an optical wavelength path through an optical network having a plurality of network nodes is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for transmitting an optical signal along an optical wavelength path through an optical network having a plurality of network nodes. Such a method may comprise transmitting a first message from a first node to a second node requesting an optical wavelength path from the first node to at least the second node, and simultaneously configuring the first node for transmitting an optical signal along the optical wavelength path from the first node to the second node. |
| US08315517B2 |
Optical line monitoring apparatus and optical line monitoring method
An optical line monitoring apparatus, including: a group information recording portion which records group information about to which splitter respective terminators are connected; a normal information recording portion which records intensities of reflected lights from a plurality of terminators in a state in which a failure is not occurring in optical lines; a monitored information recording portion which records intensities of reflected lights from the plurality of terminators in failure monitoring time; an attenuation amount determination portion which determines a terminator the reflected light intensity of which is attenuated compared with the corresponding reflected light intensity in normal information; and a control portion which determines, if the intensities of the reflected lights of all the terminators connected to the same splitter are attenuated by the same value, that a failure has occurred between the test apparatus and the splitter to which all the terminators are connected. |
| US08315512B2 |
Method and apparatus for auto-focus control of digital camera
Disclosed is a method for auto-focus control of a digital camera, the method including moving a focus lens of the digital camera to a position for a longest-distance photographing, and then extracting an edge value according to a corresponding position while moving the focus lens by a preset interval in a direction toward an image sensor; estimating a form of a preset function based on the extracted edge values, and calculating a maximum value of the estimated function; calculating a difference between a maximum value of the preset function calculated at a first current position of the focus lens and a maximum value of the preset function calculated at a previous position of the focus lens; and moving the focus lens to a position corresponding to a currently-calculated maximum value of the preset function when the difference between the maximum value of the preset function calculated at the first current position of the focus lens and the maximum value of the preset function calculated at the previous position of the focus lens is less than or equal to a preset threshold value. |
| US08315507B2 |
Video generation device, video generation method, and video generation program
In a device for editing input video and generating a new video, it is possible to control how long each object appearing in an input video should be made to appear in a new video according to the appearance ratio of each object in the input video. Appearance ratio calculation means 101 calculates an appearance ratio of each object appearing in the input video. Appearance ratio presentation length conversion means 102 converts the appearance ratio of each object into a video presentation length of each object in the new video by using a conversion rule in which a presentation length corresponding to the appearance ratio is uniquely determined. New video generation means 103 edits the input video and generates a new video that substantially satisfies the video presentation length of each object. |
| US08315504B2 |
Reproducing apparatus for reproducing movie data from a storage medium
A reproducing apparatus includes a reproducing unit configured to reproduce, from a storage medium, a plurality of movie data elements, a plurality of movie information files associated with and recorded for the plurality of movie data elements, and a playlist file that indicates order in which the movie data elements are reproduced, each of the movie information files containing connection information that indicates a movie data element to be reproduced immediately after the movie data element associated with the movie information file, a control unit configured to control the reproducing unit such that the movie data elements are reproduced on the basis of the movie information files and the playlist file, and a restoring unit configured to create the playlist file on the basis of the connection information of each of the movie information files if the reproducing unit is unable to reproduce the playlist file. |
| US08315503B2 |
Link information generation apparatus, picture recording apparatus, picture reproduction apparatus, recording medium, link information generation method, picture recording method, picture reproduction method, program, and integrated circuit
A link information generation apparatus records a link information file on a recording medium on which a first folder holding a still picture file that includes still picture data and still picture imaging time information and a second folder holding one or more moving picture files each of which includes moving picture data are recorded at positions that are not in a containment relationship with each other. The link information generation apparatus includes: a moving picture specification unit (1131) that specifies a still-picture-linked moving picture imaged during a time period including a time shown by the still picture imaging time information of the still picture data; a position information obtainment unit (1132) that obtains still-picture-corresponding position information showing a position in the still-picture-linked moving picture corresponding to the still picture imaging time information; and a link information generation unit (1133) that generates link information including still picture identification information for identifying the still picture data, moving picture identification information for identifying the still-picture-linked moving picture, and the still-picture-corresponding position information, and records the link information file including the link information on the recording medium at a position not contained in any of the first and second folders. |
| US08315500B2 |
Metamaterial inclusion structure and method
A metamaterial inclusion structure (MIS), a metamaterial and a method of producing an optical magnetic response employ interspersed plasmonic and dielectric materials. The MIS includes first petals of a plasmonic material and second petals of a dielectric material that alternate at a surface and along a periphery of the MIS. The MIS exhibits the magnetic resonance when illuminated by an optical signal at an optical wavelength. The optical signal has a magnetic field component that is parallel with an interface between the first petals and the second petals. The metamaterial includes a plurality of the MIS arranged in an array and provides an optical magnetic susceptibility at the optical wavelength. The method forms the MIS with the alternating petals and includes illuminating the MIS with the optical signal. |
| US08315495B2 |
Large effective area fiber with Ge-free core
According to some embodiments an optical waveguide fiber comprises: (i) a Ge free core having an effective area of 90 μm2 to 160 μm2, at a 1550 nm wavelength, and α value 12≦α≦25, said core comprising: (a) a central core region extending radially outwardly from a centerline to a radius 0 μm≦r0≦2 μm, and having a relative refractive index percent profile Δ0(r) in % measured relative to pure silica, wherein −0.1%≦Δ0(r)≦0.1%, wherein the central core region has a maximum relative refractive index percent, Δ0MAX; (b) a first annular core region surrounding and directly adjacent to the central core region and extending to an outer radius r1, wherein 4.8 μm≦r1≦10 μm, and having a relative refractive index percent profile, Δ1(r) in % measured relative to pure silica, and a minimum relative refractive index, Δ2MIN, and the relative refractive index measured at a radius r=2.5 μm being: −0.15≦Δ1(r=2.5 μm)≦0, and Δ0MAX≧Δ1(r=2.5 μm); (c) a fluorine doped second annular region surrounding and directly adjacent to the first annular core region and extending to a radius 13 μm≦r2≦30 μm and having a negative relative refractive index percent profile, Δ2(r) in %, measured relative to pure silica, with a minimum relative refractive index percent Δ2MIN being: Δ2MIN≦Δ1(r=2.5 μm), and −0.7%≦Δ2MIN≦−0.28%; (ii) a cladding surrounding the core and having a relative refractive index percent Δc(r) in % measured relative to pure silica, and Δc(r)=Δ2MIN±0.3%; wherein the relative refractive index profile of the optical fiber is selected to provide attenuation of no more than 0.175 dB/km at the wavelength of 1550 nm. |
| US08315490B1 |
Port array topology for high port count wavelength selective switch
An optical apparatus can include an optical port array having an M×N array of fiber collimator ports. The array of ports is configured such that there is a gap within each column of ports located between two rows of ports. The gap is wide enough to permit a hitless beam switching trajectory to pass between the two rows of ports from one side of the array of ports to an opposite side. |
| US08315489B2 |
Optical sensor array
A switching array is disclosed that has a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers having phase shifting mirrors. The switching array may be used for providing a device and system that has optical signal processing of sensing, a serialization and protocol interface, that has increased gray scale levels and sensitivities, pixel polarization detection, higher speed, lower power requirements and provides optical or electrical output for holographic optical storage to a bus or network. |
| US08315482B2 |
Integrated platform for user input of digital ink
Described is a technology that provides an integrated platform for users to use different kinds of digital ink (e.g., handwritten characters, sketched shapes, handwritten formulas) when interacting with computer programs. The platform interprets the user's digital ink input and outputs one or more associated items into an application program. The output items can be customized for different application programs. In one aspect, the platform includes an ink panel having different operating modes for receiving digital ink, and a recognition service that recognizes different types of digital ink. The recognition service may include a unified recognizer that recognizes different types of digital ink, e.g., characters and shapes. Another recognizer may be included such as an equation recognizer. If the recognition result is text while in a non-text mode, the text may be used in a keyword search to locate items; otherwise, the recognition result may be used without keyword searching. |
| US08315480B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program to execute the image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to include a plurality of line sensors to read image data having a plurality of channels; a correcting unit configured to correct the image data read by the sensor unit to obtain a plurality of frames of image data in which reading positions on an original image by adjacent line sensors among the plurality of line sensors are shifted by less than a pixel in a main scanning direction or/and a sub-scanning direction; and a high-resolution converting unit configured to perform interpolation by using the plurality of frames of image data obtained by the correcting unit so as to obtain monochrome image data having resolution higher than resolution of the line sensors. |
| US08315479B1 |
Slicing and scaling figures
Slicing and scaling figures. An example method includes generating one or more slice lines for a figure. The one or more slice lines result in a plurality of regions including a central region and one or more corner regions for the figure. Further, the one or more corner regions are scaled while maintaining aspect ratio of the one or more corner regions. |
| US08315477B2 |
Method and apparatus of taking aerial surveys
A method of taking an aerial survey maps boundaries of a first image and a second image from a first plane to a second plane to determine boundaries of an output image in the second plane. For a plurality of pixels in the output image, the method determines a corresponding pixel of either the first image or second image in the first plane. |
| US08315476B1 |
Super-resolution with the focused plenoptic camera
Methods and apparatus for super-resolution in focused plenoptic cameras. By examining the geometry of data capture for super-resolution with the focused plenoptic camera, configurations for which super-resolution is realizable at different modes in the focused plenoptic camera are generated. A focused plenoptic camera is described in which infinity is super resolved directly, with registration provided by the camera geometry and the microlens pitch. In an algorithm that may be used to render super-resolved images from flats captured with a focused plenoptic camera, a high-resolution observed image is generated from a flat by interleaving pixels from adjacent microlens images. A deconvolution method may then be applied to the high-resolution observed image to deblur the image. |
| US08315473B1 |
Variably fast and continuous bilateral approximation filtering using histogram manipulations
A system and method for performing integral histogram convolution for filtering image data is disclosed. The method may include applying a filter window to a first portion of an image, wherein the filter window includes an interior region and a border region. The method may include generating a plurality of histograms for the pixels in the filter window. The method may include generating spatial weight coefficients for the pixels in the border of the filter window. The method may include generating a plurality of color weight coefficients for the pixels in the filter window. The method may include performing a filtering operation on the pixels in the filter window by applying a respective spatial weight coefficient and a respective color weight coefficient to the values in the plurality of histograms for each respective pixel in the filter window. The methods may be implemented by program instructions executing in parallel on CPU(s) or GPUs. |
| US08315472B2 |
System and method for reducing dimensionality of hyperspectral images
A method for reducing dimensionality of hyperspectral images may include receiving a hyperspectral image having a plurality of pixels. A basis vector set including a number of members may then be established, wherein each of the members comprises a basis vector. For each of the plurality of pixels, a spectral vector for the pixel may be read and decomposed with the members of the basis vector set to derive a residual vector for the pixel. A basis vector for the pixel may then be added to the members of the basis vector set if the residual vector for the pixel has a magnitude exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the basis vector set may then be optimized to eliminate one of the members of the basis vector set, whereby the optimized basis vector set includes the number of members. A system configured to perform the method may also be provided. |
| US08315471B2 |
Image processor
An image processor includes a frequency transform unit performing frequency transform independently on a luminance signal and plural chrominance signals and outputting an item of frequency data of the luminance signal and plural items of frequency data of the chrominance signals, and a quantization unit performing quantization independently on plural items of frequency data inputted from the frequency transform unit. The quantization unit performs quantization on one or plural specific items of frequency data corresponding to a signal with noise among the frequency data of the luminance signal and the chrominance signals, employing a quantization coefficient having a value greater than “1”, and performs quantization on frequency data apart from the specific items of frequency data, employing a quantization coefficient having a value “1”. |
| US08315470B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image, in which a character image and a photographic image are mixed, is efficiently encoded while preventing image quality deterioration. Hence, image data including foreground pixels and background pixels is input. In the image data, first image data is generated by setting a pixel value that does not occur as the foreground pixel to the pixel value of the background pixel based on the histogram of pixel values that occur as foreground pixels, and the first image data is encoded. In the image data, second image data is generated by setting a value based on the pixel value of the background pixel to the pixel value of the foreground pixel, and the second image data is encoded. |
| US08315461B2 |
Light source detection from synthesized objects
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining a location relative to an object and a type of a light source that illuminated the object when the image was captured, are described. A method performed by a process executing on a computer system includes identifying an object of interest in a digital image. The method further includes projecting at least a portion of the digital image corresponding to the object of interest onto a three dimensional (3D) model that includes a polygon-mesh corresponding to the object's shape. The method further includes determining one or more properties of a light source that illuminated the object in the digital image at an instant that the image was captured based at least in part on a characteristic of one or more polygons in the 3D model onto which the digital image portion was projected. |
| US08315460B2 |
Method for recognizing text from image
Disclosed is a method of recognizing a text from an image. The method includes dividing the image into a predefined number of regions through a clustering technique; setting a certain area of the regions as a background region; identifying the outer peripheral pixel and inner peripheral pixel of each region except for the background region of the divided regions; setting a region identified as having one of its outer peripheral pixel and its inner peripheral pixel corresponding to a pixel of the background region, as a boundary region; and setting a region identified as having any of its outer peripheral pixel and its inner peripheral pixel not corresponding to a pixel of the background region, as a center text region, and excluding the boundary region from a binary-coding object of the text. |
| US08315457B2 |
System and method for performing multi-image training for pattern recognition and registration
A system and method for performing multi-image training for pattern recognition and registration is provided. A machine vision system first obtains N training images of the scene. Each of the N images is used as a baseline image and the N−1 images are registered to the baseline. Features that represent a set of corresponding image features are added to the model. The feature to be added to the model may comprise an average of the features from each of the images in which the feature appears. The process continues until every feature that meets a threshold requirement is accounted for. The model that results from the present invention represents those stable features that are found in at least the threshold number of the N training images. The model may then be used to train an alignment/inspection tool with the set of features. |
| US08315455B2 |
Robot system, robot control device and method for controlling robot
A robot system includes a robot having a movable section, an image capture unit provided on the movable section, an output unit that allows the image capture unit to capture a target object and a reference mark and outputs a captured image in which the reference mark is imaged as a locus image, an extraction unit that extracts the locus image from the captured image, an image acquisition unit that performs image transformation on the basis of the extracted locus image by using the point spread function so as to acquire an image after the transformation from the captured image, a computation unit that computes a position of the target object on the basis of the acquired image, and a control unit that controls the robot so as to move the movable section toward the target object in accordance with the computed position. |
| US08315449B2 |
Identification of regions of interest and extraction of time value curves in imaging procedures
A system and method of extracting at least one time-value curve enables determination of a protocol for a patient in an imaging procedure. The method includes the step of determining a series of 0 through T M-dimensional data sets of pixel values of an imaged portion of the patient acquired using an imaging system. M and T are integers, and the 0 and T data sets correspond to sets at times t=0 and t=T, respectively. Other steps include: computing a predetermined number of correlated segments of the imaged portion corresponding to a number of regions of interest by computing a similarity metric of a time series of pixel values; computing the at least one time-value curve for at least one of those regions; and determining a protocol for a diagnostic scan using the imaging system based at least in part upon data from the at least one time value curve. |
| US08315446B2 |
Breast tissue density measure
Mammogram images are processed by computer to derive automatically a value for a parameter useful in detecting differences in breast tissue in subsequent images of the same breast or relative to a control group of such images, said derived parameter being a parameter that changes alongside changes in breast density and is hence useful in assessing cancer risk. The method comprises the steps of processing each image of at least part of a breast by: computing for pixels of the image a quotient value representative of the aspect ratio of tissue structures depicted in the image; using a trained classifier to classify said pixels according to their respective said quotient values and assigning a score to the respective pixels representing their classification with respect to at least two classes; deriving said parameter that changes alongside changes in breast density based on the aggregate pixel membership scores of said classes. The classifier may be trained either by unsupervised learning or by supervised learning. |
| US08315443B2 |
Viewpoint detector based on skin color area and face area
In a particular illustrative embodiment, a method of determining a viewpoint of a person based on skin color area and face area is disclosed. The method includes receiving image data corresponding to an image captured by a camera, the image including at least one object to be displayed at a device coupled to the camera. The method further includes determining a viewpoint of the person relative to a display of the device coupled to the camera. The viewpoint of the person may be determined by determining a face area of the person based on a determined skin color area of the person and tracking a face location of the person based on the face area. One or more objects displayed at the display may be moved in response to the determined viewpoint of the person. |
| US08315437B2 |
Image processor, control method therefor, image forming apparatus, and program
An image processor capable of detecting whether an image formed on a recording medium by the image forming apparatus is defective or non-defective with as high accuracy as possible and at high speed. A sheet-surface portion-determining section determines sheet-surface portions of a non-defective formed image on a pixel basis, and stores data of the sheet-surface portion/non-sheet-surface portion distribution, and extracts smallest RGB pixel values from image data of a group of pixels determined to correspond to a sheet-surface portion, to form RGB offset signals based on the smallest values. A sheet-surface portion determination-based offset section subtracts the values of the offset signals from the image data (RGB) of an inspection object. An image quality-determining section determines whether a formed image on the object is defective or non-defective on a pixel basis, using the most significant 1-bit RGB values subjected to the subtraction and the distribution data. |
| US08315436B2 |
Robust camera pan vector estimation using iterative center of mass
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for camera pan vector estimation, are disclosed. A camera model is provided for representing motion vectors based on a plurality of parameters. A distribution of the motion vectors is generated. A cluster in the distribution of motion vectors is identified. A center of mass of the identified cluster is determined. The camera pan vector is provided based upon the determined center of mass. |
| US08315435B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method
An image processing apparatus includes: a pixel difference calculator for calculating a difference value between each first pixel of a previous image and a second pixel of a present image and at a position corresponding to said each first pixel, and outputting a plurality of pixel differences; a counter counting a number of positive pixel differences and a number of negative pixel differences in the pixel differences of a sampling window; a motion level determining unit calculating a motion level of a pixel in the sampling window according to the numbers of the positive and negative pixel differences; a blending value determining unit determining a blending value according to the motion level; and an output unit adding together weights of the present and previous images according to the blending value to generate and output an output image. An image processing method is also disclosed. |
| US08315433B2 |
Obstacle determination system and method implemented through utilizing bird's-eye-view images
A technology of determining obstacles around a vehicle through utilizing bird's-eye-view images; wherein, a plurality of image fetching devices disposed in various positions of said vehicle fetch a plurality of images around said vehicle, said images of two adjacent regions contain at least an overlapped region; an image processor transforms said images into said respective independent bird's-eye-view images; and an obstacle detection unit compares said overlapped region in said independent bird's-eye-view images of two adjacent regions, so as to obtain their correlations, and existence of said obstacle is determined based on said correlations. Moreover, a correspondence table is set up containing a set of space transformation information based on vehicle driving condition information. Therefore, a surrounding bird's-eye-view image of an appropriate visual angle can be produced quickly and a position of said obstacle is marked on said surrounding bird's-eye-view image. |
| US08315430B2 |
Object recognition and database population for video indexing
A method for processing digital media is described. The method, in one example embodiment, includes identification of objects in a video stream by detecting, for each video frame, an object in the video frame and selectively associating the object with an object cluster. The method may further include comparing the object in the object cluster to a reference object and selectively associating object data of the reference object with all objects within the object cluster based on the comparing. The method may further include manually associating the object data of the reference object with all objects within the object cluster having no associated reference object and populating a reference database with the reference object for the object cluster. |
| US08315429B2 |
Image processing apparatus and information processing system
A disclosed image processing apparatus includes process components configured to input, process, or output image data; and a registration unit configured to obtain a list of the process components available in the image processing apparatus, to display on a display unit a screen for selecting a plurality of the process components from the list and thereby defining a combination of the process components which combination implements an application program for performing an image processing task, and to register the combination with an identifier in the image processing apparatus. |
| US08315424B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program product
An image processing apparatus configured to embed embedment information in image data includes an embedment information acquisition unit configured to acquire embedment information to be embedded in the image data, an information embedment manner determination unit configured to determine an information embedment manner to embed the embedment information according to one of the acquired embedment information and image data to be generated by embedding the acquired embedment information in the image data, and an information embedment unit configured to embed the acquired embedment information in image data according to the information embedment manner determined by the information embedment manner determination unit. |
| US08315421B2 |
Loudspeaker having an interlocking magnet structure
A magnet structure for use with a loudspeaker has an interlocking mechanism. The magnet structure can include a magnet, a shell pot and at least one core cap. The shell pot can contain the magnet in its hollow interior. The magnet can be a single magnet or double magnets. The core cap has two surfaces. For a single magnet, one surface of the core cap faces the magnet. For double magnets, the core cap can be vertically disposed between the two magnets. The magnet, the core cap and the shell pot can interlock with one another such that a position of the magnet relative to the core cap and the shell pot can be rigidly preserved. The magnet can be configured to be, for example, overlapped, inserted, staked and/or engaged with at least one of the shell pot or the core cap. |
| US08315417B2 |
Shippable speaker box
A speaker box, or enclosure, and kit with five panels connected by flexible couplings is shipped in a stack of four of the five panels, plus two side panels. The flexible couplings may be provided by a single sheet of fabric coupled to the five panels. When the kit is assembled into a speaker box, the five coupled panels circumferentially engage the two side panels, which are shaped as isosceles trapezoids. One side of the assembled speaker box includes two coupled panels, of the five coupled panels, joined with a flat rabbet joint. The assembled speaker box is held together with bundle ties, adhesive, or preferably, both. Openings for a speaker and a connector cup are provided. The kit includes adhesive, instructions, bundle ties with bundle tie locks, a connector cup, and hardware. |
| US08315416B2 |
Necklace type detachable three dimensional sound reproduction apparatus
A necklace type sound reproduction apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is detachable from a media player to be worn on a neck of a user. An acoustic sound reproduced by a digital amplifier and a speaker of the apparatus is delivered to an ear of the user without using an earphone or a headphone via an audio signal processing. |
| US08315414B2 |
Thermoacoustic device
A thermoacoustic device includes at least one first electrode, at least one second electrode, a sound wave generator and two protection components. The sound wave generator is electrically connected to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. The sound wave generator includes a carbon nanotube structure. The two protection components are located on opposite sides of the sound wave generator. |
| US08315412B2 |
Method and apparatus to facilitate use of background noise when providing secure access to equipment
A user interface device provides secure access to equipment. An audio reception device is adapted to receive an audio input comprising background noise and to receive an audio user code from a user. A user input device receives a manual input comprising a manual user code from the user. A control unit stores one or more target user codes and receives an audio input and determines a noise level of the background noise. An instruction message is generated to inform the user to enter the manual user code in response to the noise level of the background noise exceeding a predetermined threshold level. An output device provides the instruction message to the user. A control unit provides secure access to the equipment in response to at least one of the audio user code and the manual user code. |
| US08315408B2 |
Prevention of audio pop in a digital audio device
An electronic audio device with a digital audio output channel in which an amplifier output voltage is gradually ramped up and down to avoid causing a popping sound when the device is turned on and off. This is accomplished without employing any additional hardware, by incrementally changing a digital input word applied to a digital audio source, such as a DSP, so as to gradually change the amplifier output voltage between a minimum, such as zero volts, and a DC working voltage. On powering up, the amplifier is only turned on after the digital word is applied, but while it still results in a minimum amplifier output, and on powering down the amplifier is turned off after it's output has been ramped down, but before removing the digital input word. Sources and output channels can also be switched over by powering down, and then powering up, following the same method. |
| US08315405B2 |
Coordinated ANR reference sound compression
Apparatus and method of an ANR circuit providing both feedforward-based and feedback-based ANR, possibly of a personal ANR device, compressing both feedforward and feedback reference sounds detected by feedforward and feedback microphones, respectively, in response to the acoustic energy of the feedforward reference noise sound reaching a predetermined level. |
| US08315404B2 |
System for active noise control with audio signal compensation
An active noise control system generates an anti-noise signal to drive a speaker to produce sound waves to destructively interfere with an undesired sound in a targeted space. The speaker is also driven to produce sound waves representative of a desired audio signal. Sound waves are detected in the target space and a representative signal is generated. The representative signal is combined with an audio compensation signal to remove a signal component representative of the sound waves based on the desired audio signal and generate an error signal. The active noise control adjusts the anti-noise signal based on the error signal. The active noise control system converts the sample rates of an input signal representative of the undesired sound, the desired audio signal, and the error signal. The active noise control system converts the sample rate of the anti-noise signal. |
| US08315400B2 |
Method and device for acoustic management control of multiple microphones
An earpiece (100) and a method (640) for acoustic management of multiple microphones is provided. The method can include capturing an ambient acoustic signal from an Ambient Sound Microphone (ASM) to produce an electronic ambient signal, capturing in an ear canal an internal sound from an Ear Canal Microphone (ECM) to produce an electronic internal signal, measuring a background noise signal, and mixing the electronic ambient signal with the electronic internal signal in a ratio dependent on the background noise signal to produce a mixed signal. The mixing can adjust an internal gain of the electronic internal signal and an external gain of the electronic ambient signal based on the background noise characteristics. The mixing can account for an acoustic attenuation level and an audio content level of the earpiece. |
| US08315399B2 |
Device for and a method of processing audio data
A device (500) for processing audio data (102) comprises an envelope detector (101) for detecting an envelope of the audio data (102) and a frequency generator (103) for generating an oscillation signal (104) oscillating at a predetermined frequency, wherein the frequency generator (103) is coupled to the envelope detector (101) for supplying the envelope detector (101) with the oscillation signal (104), and the envelope detector (101) detects the envelope of the audio data (102) by sampling the audio data (102) based on the oscillation signal (104). |
| US08315394B2 |
Techniques for encrypting data on storage devices using an intermediate key
A data storage device encrypts data stored in non-volatile memory using a bulk encryption key. The data storage device uses a key derivation function to generate an initial encryption key. The data storage device then wraps an intermediate encryption key with the initial encryption key and stores the wrapped intermediate key in the non-volatile memory. The data storage device wraps the bulk encryption key with the intermediate encryption key and stores the wrapped bulk encryption key in the non-volatile memory. The data storage device can unwrap the wrapped intermediate key to generate the intermediate encryption key using the initial encryption key. The data storage device can unwrap the wrapped bulk encryption key to generate the bulk encryption key using the intermediate encryption key. The data storage device decrypts data stored in the non-volatile memory using the bulk encryption key. |
| US08315393B2 |
System for on-line and off-line decryption
A secure communication system wherein message decryption may be performed while off-line, or optionally while on-line. A sender encrypts a message based on the message key and sends it to the recipient. An envelope containing a message key is created by encrypting the message key based on a verifier, where the verifier is based on a secret of the recipient. The recipient is provided the envelope, along with the message or separately, from the sender or from another party, contemporaneous with receipt of the message or otherwise. The recipient can then open the envelope while off-line, based on their secret, and retrieve the message key from the envelope to decrypt the message. In the event the recipient cannot open the envelope, optional on-line access permits obtaining assistance that may include obtaining an alternate envelope that the recipient can open. |
| US08315391B2 |
Information access system, reader/writer device and contactless information storage device
In an information access system, a reader/writer device encrypts, with a first encryption key, an information request and a second encryption key to thereby generate first encrypted data, and encrypts the information request with the second encryption key to thereby generate second encrypted data, and transmits cyclically an information request signal that alternately carries the first encrypted data and the second encrypted data. An active contactless information storage device receives the information request signal and decrypts the encrypted data carried by the information request signal with one encryption key stored in its memory. When the second encryption key different from the one encryption key is contained in the decrypted data, the information storage device rewrites the one encryption key with the second encryption key. |
| US08315383B2 |
Method and apparatus for random bit-string generation utilizing environment sensors
A random number generator that generates random numbers based on measurements of one or more environmental quantities. The random number generator includes a first sensor for generating a first sequence of digital values representing measurements of a first environmental quantity at successive times. A first compressor that provides a first sequence of compressed values having a lower internal correlation than the values of the first sequence of digital values compresses the sequence of digital values. The random number generator generates an output random number via a circuit for generating a random number from an input sequence of digital values, the input sequence being a function of one of the first sequence of compressed values. The circuit may utilize a hash function to provide further security. In addition, the circuit includes a blocking circuit for preventing the generator from outputting a random number if the input sequences fail a predetermined test. |
| US08315379B2 |
Single transducer full duplex talking circuit
A full duplex talking audio circuit uses a single transducer ZT which, even when various characteristics including the strength of a transmission signal change from moment to moment, enables the adequate operation of an echo canceling function and sufficiently compensates for the deterioration of the frequency characteristics of the transmission signal due to the acoustic transfer characteristics of the human body. |
| US08315372B2 |
Unified call centre system for multiple service providers
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a unified call center system for multiple service providers comprising at least one server; and at least one database in communication with the at least one server. A service provider executes software stored on the at least one server to register an account, the registration process requiring the service provider to enter a predetermined set of information, including at least one identifier for an electronic voice communication device, an additional identifier for an electronic communication device (voice or text) and a personal identifier. After entry of the predetermined set of information, the software generates a unique identifier for the account and communicates the unique identifier and a return destination address for activating the account. The service provider then operates to activate the account by communicating their personal identifier to the return destination address using the electronic communication device. Thereafter, when a caller calls the unified call center system and communicates the unique identifier of the service provider to the unified call center system, the unified call center system operates to establish a call with the service provider by way of one of the at least one electronic voice communication devices and, if able to establish said call, link the caller through to the service provider. |
| US08315370B2 |
System for scheduling routing rules in a contact center based on forcasted and actual interaction load and staffing requirements
A system for scheduling resources and rules for routing includes a server connected to a network, a scheduling application executable from the server, and at least one programmable software agent for scheduling routing rules. The scheduling application receives statistics about forecast arrival rates for incoming interactions and current resource availability data and schedules resources and routing rules according to the forecast requirements the software agent propagating the portion of scheduling relative to the routing rules. |
| US08315369B2 |
Method and system for a multitenancy telephone network
A method and system for operating a multitenancy telephony system including a call queue that stores call requests received from a plurality of users; an expandable and contractible telephony resource cluster that establishes call sessions for call requests; a analysis system that calculates capacity requirements of the system; a resource allocator that manages the scaling and operation of the telephony resource cluster; and a plurality of telephony network channels that are used as telephony communication channels for call sessions. |
| US08315368B2 |
System and method for real-time blocking of a telephone call
A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a call blocking service to which a user subscribes. The preferred call blocking service includes maintaining an updateable list of calling parties that the user wishes to block from being able to complete telephone calls to the user, maintaining a buffer for storing information associated with the most recent calling party placing a telephone call to the user, and recognizing a signal that the user activates to automatically add the most recent calling party to the list of calling parties blocked from being able to complete telephone calls to the user. |
| US08315367B2 |
Systems and methods for RFID-based access management of electronic devices
Disclosed are systems and methods for preventing unauthorized persons from using an electronic device within a facility. In such an embodiment, the system may include a RFID tag having unique identification information associated with a wearer of the RFID tag. The RFID tag may be comprised in a non-removable item worn by the wearer, such as a bracelet. This system may also include an RFID reader associated with the electronic device and having an RFID coverage zone for detecting RFID tags within the coverage zone. A device management system may be connected to the reader and configured to determine whether a wearer in the coverage zone is authorized to use the electronic device based at least in part on detected RFID tag's unique identification information. In such an embodiment, the device management system is configured to activate the electronic device if it determines the authorized wearer is detected in the coverage zone. |
| US08315366B2 |
Speaker identification and representation for a phone
A system and method for determining a speaker's position and a generating a display showing the position of the speaker. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first speakerphone system and a second speakerphone system communicatively coupled to send and receive data. The speakerphone system comprises a display, an input device, a microphone array, a speaker, and a position processing module. The position processing module is coupled to receive acoustic signals from the microphone array. The position processing module uses these acoustic signals to determine a position of the speaker. The position information is then sent to other speakerphone system for presentation on the display. In one embodiment, the position processing module comprises an auto-detection module, a position analysis module, a tracking module and an identity matching module for the detection of sound, the determination of position and transmission of position information over the network. The position processing module comprises a position display module and a position translation module for receiving position information from the network and generating a user interface for display. The present invention also includes a method for determining speaker position and presenting position information. |
| US08315359B2 |
Method and system for enabling emergency calling from nomadic VoIP extension telephones
A method and system for handling calls to emergency telephone numbers by a VoIP telephone that is configured as an extension to a home telephone. The VoIP telephone is provided with a home telephone number that is different than the home telephone number. The location of the VoIP telephone is maintained in a caller ID location database and is regularly updated when necessary. Location updates are made at least when the VoIP telephone registers using a different IP address than was used for the most recent communication. The system is configured to enable the VoIP telephone to ring when a call is placed to the home telephone number. In addition, non-emergency calls from the VoIP telephone are accompanied by caller ID information associated with home telephone. In this way, VoIP telephones may be configured as extension telephones and used to make emergency calls, even when being used nomadically. |
| US08315354B2 |
Dynamic radiographing system
A dynamic radiographing system enables determination of an evaluation value of the heart function of a subject by plain radiography. The dynamic radiographing system comprises a radiographing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a console for diagnosis. The radiographing apparatus dynamically radiographs the heart of a subject and creates radiographs in plural time phases (Step S1). The image processing apparatus calculates an evaluation value of the heart function by using the radiographs in plural time phases (Step S4). The console for diagnosis displays information on the calculated evaluation value on the display section (Step S5). |
| US08315353B1 |
System and method of prior image constrained image reconstruction using short scan image data and objective function minimization
A computerized tomographic system configured to acquire short scan data of an object within a single revolution of a detector array about the object over a first angular range of rotation of the detector array about the object, define a temporal subset of the acquired short scan data over a second angular range of rotation of the detector that is less than the first angular range of rotation, generate a mathematical function that is based on the acquired short scan data and the defined temporal subset of data, minimize the mathematical function, and generate an image of the object using the minimized mathematical function and the data acquired over the second angular range of rotation of the detector. |
| US08315351B2 |
System and method for tomographic reconstruction utilizing circular trajectory and scanogram to reduce artifacts
A computed tomography apparatus and method using line data estimated from circle data and scanogram data. An image of a subject is reconstructed using the circle data and the estimated line data. The circle data and scanogram data may be weighted in estimating the line data. The apparatus and method are useful in diminishing or eliminating streak artifacts in reconstructed images such as images including the spine. |
| US08315349B2 |
Bang-bang phase detector with sub-rate clock
The present invention describes methods and circuitry for a sub-rate bang-bang phase detector, in which the reference clock has frequency that is a fraction of the bit rate of the received data stream. The sub-rate bang-bang phase detector is enabled by multiple phases of the reference clock. |
| US08315346B2 |
Method for transmitting/receiving feedback information in a multi-antenna system supporting multiple users, and feedback system supporting the same
A method for transmitting/receiving feedback information in a multi-antenna system using a closed-loop scheme supporting multiple users, and a feedback system supporting the same. Multiple feedback protocol scenarios are predefined on the basis of communication environments affecting feedback information configurations. The feedback information is transmitted in a feedback protocol scenario determined by a communication environment. The feedback information is constructed with information required by the communication environment. |
| US08315345B2 |
Closed loop power normalized timing recovery for 8 VSB modulated signals
A timing recovery loop includes a sampler, a narrow band filter, an RMS normalize, a timing error detector, and a sample controller. The sampler samples a received signal. The narrow band filter filters the sampled received signal so as to pass an upper band edge of the received signal and not a lower band edge of the received signal. The RMS normalize sets an average power level of an output of the filter to a substantially constant value. The timing error detector detects a timing error with respect to an output of the RMS normalize. The sample controller controls the sampler in response to the detected timing error. |
| US08315343B2 |
Multi-antenna receiver interference cancellation method and apparatus
A composite signal including a plurality of component signal streams is processed using QR-decomposition to detect symbols and calculate a decision metric for each of the signal streams (202). Soft serial interference cancellation is performed on the composite signal based on the symbols detected for different ones of the signal streams and a ranking of the signal streams (204). The symbols are re-detected and the decision metric re-calculated for each signal stream based on soft serial interference cancellation results (206). The different decision metric calculations for at least one of the signal streams are compared to determine whether symbol detection is more accurate with or without soft serial interference cancellation (208). The signal streams are decoded using symbols detected based on soft serial interference cancellation results when symbol detection is determined to be more accurate with soft serial interference cancellation (210). Otherwise, the streams are decoded based on the symbols detected using QR-decomposition (210). |
| US08315337B2 |
Broadcast receiving system and method for processing broadcast signals
A broadcast receiving system capable of receiving mobile broadcast data and a method for processing broadcast signals are disclosed. The broadcast receiving system includes N number of antenna elements, a demodulator, a transmission parameter detector, and a block decoder. The N number of antenna elements receives each of the broadcast signals. The demodulator demodulates the broadcast signal having greater signal strength among each of the received broadcast signals. The transmission parameter detector detects the transmission parameter. The block decoder symbol-decodes the mobile broadcast service data included in the received broadcast signal in block units, based upon the detected transmission parameter. |
| US08315333B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signal
The disclosed method of processing a digital broadcast signal comprises generating one RS frame or two RS frames for a data group, forming the data group being divided to 5 data regions, wherein the 5 data regions include a first data region which is located at central of the data group, a second data region which is concentric about the first data region, a third data region which is concentric about the first and second data region, a fourth data region which is concentric about the first, second and third data region and a fifth data region which includes scalable amount of the mobile service data, wherein the fifth data region includes 5 extended data blocks, and wherein data in one of the 5 extended data blocks are merged into the data blocks of the first data region when the one RS frame is generated for the data group. |
| US08315332B2 |
System and method for transmitting data using quantized channel rates
A quantized channel rate and corresponding rate multiplier is determined on a transmitter-side of a communication system based on a measured minimum required bandwidth. In certain embodiments, the quantized data rate may be an integer multiple of the system's reference clock. The determined rate multiplier is then transmitted to the receiver-side at a default data rate prior to or near the beginning of a data transmission session, such as upon initialization. Prior to transmission, the data stream may be padded with some determined amount of null data such that the actual transmitted data rate is approximately equal to the quantized channel rate, and the receiver-side can readily recover the data clock using its known reference clock and the previously-provided rate multiplier. |
| US08315329B2 |
Low-rate feedback to enhance transmission using multi-rank beamforming
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for applying successive multi-rank beamforming strategies (e.g., successive precoding strategies) for the design of precoders over a set of parallel channels. Successive beamforming is applied to a narrow band channel model and is also applied for finer quantization of a single beamforming vector (e.g., recursive beamforming). A first embodiment provides the optimal approach with high complexity. An alternative embodiment provides successive beamforming for near optimal precoding selection with medium complexity. A low complexity method for precoder selection is also provided wherein a channel representative matrix for the set of parallel channels is determined and successive beamforming on the calculated channel representative is applied. |
| US08315324B2 |
Method for transmitting and receiving downlink control information
A method for efficiently transmitting and receiving downlink control information is disclosed. The method includes, at a base station, receiving feedback information including a precoding matrix index (PMI) from a user equipment (UE) and transmitting precoding information having a predetermined bit number according to the number of antenna ports and a transmission mode of the base station. The precoding information of a predetermined transmission mode in the precoding information includes confirmation information indicating that the base station uses a PMI which is recently received from the UE. |
| US08315321B2 |
Method and mobile communication station for communicating OFDM symbols using two or more antennas
A method and mobile communication station for communicating orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols uses two or more antennas. The antenna parameters are set for beamforming, a transmit power level is initially set, and subcarrier modulation assignments are selected after the antenna parameters and the transmit power level are set to achieve a quality-of-service level for a particular application and data type of a service flow. The transmit power level may also be set based on a desired cell size. |
| US08315317B2 |
Radio communication system, transmitter, receiver and radio communicating method
A radio communication system having a radio transmitter and a radio receiver and adopting multiple carrier modulation and code spreading modulation methods is disclosed. The radio communication system comprises a selecting unit provided in the radio transmitter or the radio receiver, for selecting an interleaving mode out of plural interleaving modes depending on radio propagation path conditions; a symbol configuration unit provided in the radio transmitter; and a symbol reconfiguration unit provided in the radio receiver. The symbol configuration unit configures information symbols to be transmitted by the radio transmitter in both time and frequency directions in a pattern according to the interleaving mode selected by the selecting unit, and the symbol reconfiguration unit reconfigures information symbols received by the radio receiver in both time and frequency directions in an inverse pattern of the pattern. |
| US08315316B2 |
Digital broadcasting transmission/reception system utilizing mull packet and TRS code to improve receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcasting transmission and/or reception system having an improved reception performance and a signal-processing method thereof. A digital broadcasting transmitter comprises a TRS encoder for to TRS-encode a MPEG-2 transmission stream having null data for inserting a Known data and a TRS parity at predetermined positions, randomizer to input and randomize data stream from the TRS encoder, a null packet exchanger to replace the null data for inserting the Known data to the known data, and an encoder for encoding a data streams to which the Known data is inserted. Accordingly, the present invention detects the known data from a signal received from a reception side and uses the detected known data for synchronization and equalization and further uses the TRS parity for correcting error of the received signal, so that the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved at poor multipath channels. |
| US08315315B2 |
Device and method for scalably encoding and decoding an image data stream, a signal, computer program and an adaptation module for a corresponding image quality
A method is provided for encoding a sequence of images generating a data stream in the form of a structure of embedded data layers of n successive levels each of which corresponds to the predetermined resolution of said images. Said method comprises an encoding stage, which encodes at least one of said layers of an n+1 level by prediction on the basis of said level n layer and encodes each data layer of the level n in the form of a base sub-stream and, optionally, in the form of at least one enhancement sub-stream enabling to obtain at least one version of the enhanced quality of said images. The method also encodes, for at least one data layer of the n level, at least one single sub-stream enabling to reconstruct the version of said images at said level n resolution with a quality higher than said enhanced qualities, wherein said single sub-steam of the level n layer is not used during the prediction encoding of the layers of a level other than the level n. |
| US08315314B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting data
An implementation provides a transmitter that separates sequential portions of data in a first set of data by time intervals allowing a power saving mode (1005). The transmitter transmits the sequential portions of data separated by respective time intervals having lengths configured to allow a receiver to enter and exit a power saving mode between receiving sequentially transmitted portions of data from the first set of data (1010). The transmitter separates sequential portions of data in a second set by time intervals that are not of sufficient length to allow a receiver to enter and exit a power saving mode during the time intervals (1015). The second set of data is then transmitted (1020). |
| US08315313B2 |
Encoding device and method, decoding device and method, edition device and method, recording medium, and program
The present invention relates to an encoding device and a method, a decoding device and a method, an editing device and a method, a storage medium, and a program which can perform encoding and decoding so that buffer failure does not occur. Information, such as a minimum bit rate, a minimum buffer size, and a minimum initial delay time, is contained in a random access point header contained in an accessible point in a bitstream. A bitstream analyzing unit 72 analyzes an input bitstream, sets the above-mentioned information, and outputs the resulting information to a buffer-information adding unit 73. The buffer-information adding unit 73 adds the input information to the input bitstream and outputs the resulting bitstream. The present invention is applicable to an encoding device and a decoding device which process bitstreams. |
| US08315312B2 |
IP stream communicating system, IP stream receiving apparatus and reception processing timing sync method for use in IP stream receiving apparatus
The invention provides an IP stream communicating system having a receiving apparatus which, when a reception IP (Internet Protocol) stream is inputted, performs at a reception processing timing at least FEC (Forward Error Correction) decoding processing that takes place immediately after reception of the reception IP stream, the IP stream receiving apparatus including: a PCR extracting circuit which extracts a PCR (Program Clock Reference) that has been periodically added into the reception IP stream; an RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) information extracting circuit which extracts RTP information from an RTP header in the reception IP stream; and a sync calculating circuit which generates block sync of the FEC decoding processing based on PCR information extracted by the PCR extracting circuit and the RTP information extracted by the RTP information extracting circuit. |
| US08315304B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding transform coefficients
A method of encoding transform coefficients and a transform coefficient encoding apparatus, and a method of decoding transform coefficients and a transform coefficient decoding apparatus are provided. The method of encoding the transform coefficients includes reading transform coefficients in a current block, determining whether a first transform coefficient having an absolute value greater than a predetermined threshold value exists in the transform coefficients in the current block, generating first flag information indicating whether the first transform coefficient exists, dividing the first transform coefficient from information of a second transform coefficient that is remaining transform coefficients excluding the first transform coefficient, and encoding the first transform coefficients and the second transform coefficients separately, thereby more efficiently using a correlation between each of the transform coefficients. |
| US08315302B2 |
Pulse width modulator using interpolator
A modulator using a polynomial interpolator is described herein. In a simple circuit implementation of the modulator, coefficients of a representative polynomial are generated with interpolation filters in the polynomial interpolator. Crossing points may be identified for each sampling period by incorporating a virtual carrier waveform with the representative polynomial to generate a switching output control. Among other applications, the described modulator may be used in a Class-D amplifier. The described implementations may further confer benefits such as micro-power low voltage operation, low sampling rate, and low harmonic distortion. |
| US08315297B2 |
Method, device and computer program for classifying a received signal
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for classifying a received signal. The method includes determining a covariance matrix of signal values of the received signal, and determining an eigenvalue matrix of the covariance matrix. The eigenvalue matrix includes the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix. A first function is determined from at least one eigenvalue of the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix. A second function is determined from at least one eigenvalue of the eigenvalues of the covariance matrix, wherein the second function is different from the first function. Dependent from a comparison between a value of the first function and a value of the second function, the received signal is classified into a signal comprising data or into a noise signal. |
| US08315294B2 |
Method for searching pilot signals to synchronize a CDMA receiver with an associated transmitter
A method for synchronizing a CDMA receiver to a transmitter when an adaptive antenna is utilized to receive transmitted data, wherein a receiving antenna system is adapted between a 360° reception angle pattern (i.e., an omni-directional pattern) and a fixed reception angle (i.e., a directional pattern) by permitting the receiver to identify a pilot signal having the largest magnitude. The receiver minimizes interference from other pilot signals by steering antenna pattern nulls toward other transmitters. As a result, the time required for the receiver to acquire a valid pilot signal is significantly reduced. |
| US08315291B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating scrambling codes
Wireless transmission techniques are described, including techniques used to generate scrambling codes for use in wireless transmissions, such as spread spectrum transmissions. In some embodiments, scrambling codes may be iteratively generated using multiplicative factors. The multiplicative factors may be predetermined and stored in advance, reducing processing time when the codes are needed. The multiplicative factor iterations may involve predetermined algorithms, such as squaring and powers of two iterations. |
| US08315287B1 |
Surface-emitting semiconductor laser device in which an edge-emitting laser is integrated with a diffractive lens, and a method for making the device
A surface-emitting semiconductor laser device is provided that includes an edge-emitting laser integrated in a semiconductor material with various reflectors and a diffractive lens. The edge-emitting laser has a first section comprising an active MQW region, a second section comprising a passive region and a third section comprising a semi-insulating or un-doped semiconductor bulk layer. This configuration ensures that the injection current will pass through all of the layers of the active region, thereby preventing the occurrence of optical losses due to un-injected areas of the MQW active region. In addition, the inclusion of the passive region ensures that there is no current passing through the interface between the active MQW region and the regrown semiconductor bulk layer. The latter feature improves performance and device reliability. |
| US08315286B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes: a single crystal substrate having a plane tilted from a low-index plane and first and second cladding layers sandwiching an active layer, wherein the active layer includes first and second parallel side surfaces, part of the active layer constitutes first and second gain regions, a first side surface reflectance is higher than a second side surface reflectance, each of the first and second gain regions is disposed from a first side surface end surface to a second side surface end surface, the first gain region end surface partially overlaps the second gain region end surface so the end surfaces do not overlap each other in the first and second gain regions, a perpendicular of the first side surface is parallel to an off-direction of the substrate, and the first and second gain regions have equal lengths. |
| US08315282B2 |
Fourier domain mode locking: method and apparatus for control and improved performance
A control system for improving and stabilizing Fourier domain mode locking (FDML) operation. The control system may also provide regulation of FDML operational parameters such as filter tuning, laser gain, polarization, polarization chromaticity, elliptical polarization retardance, and/or dispersion. The control system may be located internal to or external from the FDML laser cavity. |
| US08315281B2 |
Fiber ring laser system and the operation method thereof
A wavelength-tunable directly modulated fiber ring laser is provided. Generally speaking, the wavelength-tunable directly modulated fiber ring laser employs an RSOA (reflective semiconductor optical amplifier) and an OTF (optical tunable filter) to construct a novel ring resonant cavity. Additionally, a signal generator can be further employed to transmit modulated signals to the RSOA, whereby generating light wave with the modulated signals, so as to provide tunable wave-length and direct modulation at the same time. |
| US08315277B2 |
Integrated access device, associated modem box and splitting module
The present invention concerns a modem box, a splitting module, and an integrated access device. The modem box comprises upside communication means for coupling with central equipments through central signals, the latter being modulated for at least one of the central equipments, downside communication means coupling the modem box with terminal equipments through terminal signals, transfer means between the upside and downside communication means, and modem means for doing transformation between the modulated central signals and demodulated signals among the terminal signals. The modem box comprises an outer contact surface receiving a splitting module, which does transformation between the central signals and grouped signals formed with a multiplexing of the latter, and the upside communication means comprise at least one connection element arranged with that contact surface, in contact with at least one respective connection element of the splitting module. |
| US08315268B1 |
Method and system for communication with an adapter
A machine implemented method and system for communication between a computing system and an adapter is provided. An application from among a plurality of applications sends a message to the adapter with a value V. The adapter queues the message at the first storage location and writes the value V at a second storage location after the message is successfully queued at the first storage location. To determine if the message was successfully queued, the computing system reads the written value at the second storage location and compares it to the value V that was sent with the message. |
| US08315261B2 |
Techniques for integrated routing of call circuit signaling and the internet protocol
Techniques for processing an IP packet at a router that supports SS7 signaling include receiving IP routing data that associates a network link and a destination IP address for a node in a signaling network that includes a plurality of signaling nodes. When an ingress IP data packet is received, it is determined whether conditions are satisfied for locally processing an SS7 payload within the ingress IP data packet. If it is determined that conditions are satisfied for locally processing the SS7 payload, then the SS7 payload is processed locally, i.e., without sending the SS7 payload over a network link to a different node in the signaling network. If it is determined that conditions are not satisfied for locally processing the SS7 payload, then the ingress IP data packet is routed normally. These techniques allow reduced numbers of expensive STP devices and expanded routing options in a signaling network. |
| US08315252B2 |
Mass multimedia messaging
A method and system of mass multimedia messaging in a system having a service provider and a plurality of subscriber communication terminals supported by the service provider, wherein at least some of the subscriber terminals have different messaging capabilities and different message format requirements. The method includes adaptation and handling of a mass multimedia message, and mass multimedia message notification. The system uses a retrieval platform and a processing platform. The retrieval platform generates a unique message identifier for the mass multimedia message, and pre-adapts the message into adapted content messages for the terminal types supported by the service provider. The processing platform formats message notifications for the subscriber terminals based on each terminal's messaging capabilities, with each notification containing the unique message identifier. |
| US08315251B2 |
Multi-mode endpoint in a communication network system and methods thereof
A method, apparatus, and communication network system that allows an endpoint to be simultaneously registered with more than one communications server is described. In one embodiment, the communication network system includes a network, a plurality of communications servers that are coupled to the network, and a plurality of endpoints coupled to the network. Each endpoint is capable of being simultaneously registered with more than one communications server. A communication method for an endpoint involves registering a first logical line of the endpoint with a first communications server, and registering a second logical line of the endpoint with a second communications server. Consequently, flexibility is obtained by allowing an endpoint to choose the registering communications server for each logical line of the endpoint. |
| US08315249B2 |
Integration of voice chat services
A communication system provides a user with the ability to redirect telephone calls to a voice chat account and vice versa. In one example, a voice chat gateway may receive communication requests and determine whether communications directed to a first party is to be redirected. If so, the voice chat gateway may reroute the communication request to an appropriate destination. For instance, a user may request that all communications such as telephone calls be rerouted as a voice chat to the user's voice chat account. Alternatively, a user may request that all communications including voice chats be redirected to a telephone number. Users may further be allowed to call a voice chat account through a telephone network and initiate a voice chat with a telephone number through a data network. |
| US08315248B2 |
Protocol for remote user interface for portable media device with database navigation history
Remote user interfaces for portable media devices provided improved access by accessories to media assets and metadata stored in a database of a portable media device, enhancing a user's ability to control operation of the portable media device using a remote user interface provided by the accessory. In one example, an accessory can determine whether the database of the portable media device was updated while the portable media device was disconnected from the accessory. In a second example, an accessory can create and manage a playlist for the portable media device and can incorporate into the playlist tracks already queued for playback when the accessory connects to the portable media device. In a third example, an accessory can obtain database navigation history and initialize a database navigation interface to match the database navigation history. |
| US08315246B2 |
System and method employing strategic communications between a network controller and a security gateway
A system for enhancing functionality of a network. In a specific embodiment, the system employs strategic communications between a network controller and a security gateway. The strategic communications occur via a feedback communications channel between the network controller and the security gateway. The feedback communications channel facilitates transferring security information, such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and other information, between the network controller and the security gateway. The security information may facilitate enabling the SGW to make intelligent decisions as to how to treat a client communications session. In the specific embodiment, the feedback communications channel includes an intervening Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) server that is coupled between the UMA and the network controller. |
| US08315239B2 |
Apparatus and method for allocating resource in broadband wireless communication system
Provided is an apparatus and method for allocating radio resources in a broadband wireless communication system by adaptively grouping the radio resources. In the method, the amount of resources necessary for a transmission of data to a user terminal and the amount of the remaining allocable resources are detected. A resource allocation scheme is selected in consideration of the amount of resources necessary for the transmission of the data to the user terminal and the amount of the remaining resources. A group index of radio resources for the user terminal is determined according to the selected resource allocation scheme. Radio resources corresponding to the determined group index are allocated to the user terminal. |
| US08315237B2 |
Managing and monitoring emergency services sector resources
A system includes one or more wireless islands, one or more incident management applications, and one or more message management and routing (MMR) systems. Each MMR systems is configured to act as an intermediary for communication between one of the wireless islands and one or more of the incident management applications. One of the wireless islands includes a radio network. The radio network includes a plurality of remote sensor nodes (RSNs), and a gateway controller. An RSN of the plurality of RSNs is worn by ESS personnel, the gateway controller is mounted to an ESS vehicle, and the RSN is configured to wirelessly communicate with the gateway controller. |
| US08315236B2 |
Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating radio control system operation with an ICS-capable wireless device
An apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating communication operations with a wireless device that is ICS or DTM capable. A message generator is provided, configured to generate a network-terminated message, the network-terminated message including a media feature tag that identifies support of ICS. When transmitted to a network node, the message is detected. And, a wireless-device-terminated message that provides for mapping of a SIP URI into a calling name presentation. |
| US08315233B2 |
System and method of gathering WLAN packet samples to improve position estimates of WLAN positioning device
Systems and methods of gathering WLAN packet samples to improve position estimates of WLAN positioning device. A device estimates the position of itself in response to gathering wireless signal information from WLAN access points (APs). The device includes a WLAN radio module for receiving WLAN signals transmitted by WLAN APs in range of said device, extraction logic for extracting information from said received WLAN signals to identify the WLAN APs, and logic to cooperate with a WLAN-based positioning system to estimate the position of the device based at least in part on the extracted information identifying the WLAN APs in the range of said device. |
| US08315232B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying availability of wireless LAN
An apparatus and a method to display the availability of a wireless LAN, in which information about an area supporting a wireless local area network (LAN) is provided to a user carrying a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone through a mobile phone network in the form of text, voice or images. The apparatus includes: an input unit to receive a command to request a search for a wireless LAN available in a designated location from a user; a packet generating unit to generate an information request packet according to the received command; a communicating unit to transmit the generated information request packet and to receive a result of the requested search for the available wireless LAN, in response to the transmitted information request packet; and a display unit to display the received result of the search. |
| US08315229B2 |
Methods and apparatus for wireless communication
One method of wireless communication involves acknowledging that an anchor base station received a handover indication signal. Another method involves: receiving, from base stations of an active set, offset signals identifying a respective differences in time between a reference time and respective times when the base station received a ranging signal from a mobile station; and transmitting, to the mobile station, a ranging control signal in response to the respective offset signals. Another method involves transmitting, to a mobile station in response to an active set signal, a system configuration information signal including system configuration information of a base station in an active set. Another method involves determining an uplink control channel power parameter in response to channel condition signals received from base stations in an active set. Another method involves transmitting a control signal to base stations in an active set on respective control channels. Apparatuses are also disclosed. |
| US08315226B2 |
Power control and handoff with power control commands and erasure indications
Techniques for performing power control and handoff are described. In an aspect, power control (PC) is supported with multiple PC modes such as an up-down PC mode and an erasure-based PC mode. One PC mode may be selected for use. Signaling may be sent to indicate the selected PC mode. If the up-down PC mode is selected, then a base station estimates the received signal quality for a terminal and sends PC commands to direct the terminal to adjust its transmit power. If the erasure-based PC mode is selected, then the base station sends erasure indications that indicate whether codewords received from the terminal are erased or non-erased. For both PC modes, the terminal adjusts its transmit power based on the power control feedback (e.g., PC commands and/or erasure indications) to achieve a target level of performance (e.g., a target erasure rate for the codewords). The erasure indications may also be used for handoff. |
| US08315225B2 |
Aspects to support LTE-A downlink hi-order MIMO
A method of operation of a MIMO transmitter, in a cellular network supporting both legacy standard-compliant mobile terminals and next generation standard-compliant mobile terminals, the method comprising defining a matrix of resource blocks within an information channel of the cellular network, wherein each resource block corresponds to a region of subcarriers of a transmission timeslot at a given frequency subband; assigning a first set of reference signals (RSs) for the legacy standard-compliant mobile terminals to resource blocks at specific locations within the matrix to be transmitted by the MIMO transmitter, the specific locations being defined by, the legacy standard; and assigning a second set of RSs for the next-generation standard-compliant mobile terminals to other resource blocks within the matrix to be transmitted by the MIMO transmitter. |
| US08315224B2 |
Methods and systems for reuse of radio resources in medical telemetry networks
Methods and systems and computer program products for reusing radio resources in a medical telemetry networks are provided. The method receives at a server, traffic information for a plurality of mobile transceivers, from a plurality of distributed receivers. The method identifies time slot assignments and frequency channel assignments of the plurality of mobile transceivers based on traffic information. The method then updates one or more time slot assignments and/or one or more frequency channel assignments based, at least in part, on traffic information. Finally, the method broadcasts updated instances of the time slot assignments and updated instances of frequency channel assignments. |
| US08315223B2 |
Mobile station, base station and radio communication method
A mobile station that receives multibeam data in precoding Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) from a base station, using a plurality of antennas, includes: a code book that includes contents identical to contents of a code book installed in the base station and that includes information of beam selection for precoding; and a control unit that determines a weight for carrying out optimum beam selection for precoding at time of searching information in the code book, based on a state of a beam in each resource block of received data that is divided into a plurality of resource blocks in a radio communication band, to transmit the weight as feedback information to the base station. |
| US08315221B2 |
Reducing feedback overhead for multiple component carriers
A wireless communication device configured for reducing feedback overhead for multiple component carriers is described. The wireless communication device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory. The wireless communication device receives signals on a plurality of component carriers and determines at least one feedback value based on the signals. The wireless communication device also generates at least one reduced overhead feedback message for the plurality of component carriers based on the at least one feedback value and sends the at least one reduced overhead feedback message. |
| US08315219B2 |
Method for supporting mobility of a mobile node in a multi-hop IP network and a network system therefor
A method is provided for supporting mobility of a Mobile Node (MN) in a multi-hop Internet Protocol (IP) network, in which an MN that has moved from a source Personal Area Network (PAN) to a target PAN, sends a Router Solicitation (RS) message with an option for requesting its profile to a gateway of the target PAN, and receives a Router Advertisement (RA) message from the gateway in response to the RS message. The RA message includes a home prefix of the MN as the requested profile. The method supports mobility of MNs, enables unicast communication, and facilitates efficient use of the network. |
| US08315212B2 |
Energy based communication path selection
A system and method for determining an information communication path based on energy requirements. Various aspects of the present invention provide a method that comprises identifying a plurality of information communication paths that may be utilized to communicate information (e.g., one or more units of information). A communication path identification module may perform such identification. Respective amounts of energy to communicate the information may be estimated for at least a portion of the identified plurality of information communication paths. A communication energy estimation module may perform such estimation. An information communication path may be selected from the identified plurality of information communication paths based, at least in part, on the estimated respective amounts of energy. A communication path selection module may perform such selection. |
| US08315210B2 |
ARQ system with status and packet acknowledgement
A communication system includes a downlink indicator channel for the transmission of an indicator signal indicating that a data packet is scheduled to be transmitted on a downlink data channel from a primary station to a secondary station. In response to detection of the indicator signal, the secondary station transmits a status signal, for example a negative acknowledgement signal, on an uplink channel to the primary station immediately before transmission of a positive or negative acknowledgement signal to indicate the status of the received data packet. By providing the primary station with two chances to detect the case where the secondary station fails to detect the indicator signal, peak power requirements of the uplink channel can be reduced, thereby reducing system interference levels. |
| US08315209B1 |
VoIP application for a loyalty program
A method and system for providing voice based host services with CRM data without an end user's phone number for loyalty program is disclosed herein. A VoIP application is resident on a mobile communication device of an end user. The VoIP application allows the end user to control how the loyalty program will identify the end user (without the end user's phone number) when the end user requests loyalty program services from the loyalty program using the end user's mobile communication device. |
| US08315205B2 |
Wireless star networks with dual adaptive central nodes
A wireless network with a star topology has a first and second central node. The first central node starts up first and initiates the network. The second central node starts up second and synchronizes to the first central node, and wherein one node is in active mode and the other node is in standby mode, and a set of leaf nodes configured to communicate only with the active node. |
| US08315204B2 |
Beamforming using base and differential codebooks
Embodiments of methods and apparatus for determining and/or quantizing a beamforming matrix are disclosed. In some embodiments, the determining and/or quantizing of the beamforming matrix may include the use of a base codebook and a differential codebook. Additional variants and embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08315201B2 |
Channel synchronization for wireless systems
In some embodiments, a method for mitigating interference between wireless networks is disclosed. A network communications controller, such as a piconet controller that is new to an area, can monitor for and receive inter-network transmission from adjacent networks and the controller can monitor the received transmission and detect a synchronization parameter of the adjacent networks. The parameter can be an inter-network synchronization beacon that is transmitter on a narrowband channel. The controller can select an unoccupied narrowband channel to transmit inter-network synchronization information and the selected an unoccupied wideband channel to conduct intra-network transmissions. The wideband channel can be associated with the narrowband channel. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08315200B2 |
Transmission device, transmission method, reception device, and communication system
A communication system includes: a transmission device configured to transmit predetermined information; and a reception device configured to receive the predetermined information; wherein the transmission device includes an encoding unit configured to encode the information such that the error rate of the information in the case of a signal-to-noise ratio being greater than a first signal-to-noise ratio is at or below a predetermined value, and the error rate in the case of a signal-to-noise ratio being smaller than a second signal-to-noise ratio becomes 1/2; and wherein the reception device includes a decoding unit configured to decode the information subjected to encoding by the encoding unit. |
| US08315199B2 |
Adaptive use of satellite uplink bands
A method is presented for transmitting data in a satellite system having multiple spot beams comprising (1) sending a broadband signal in a forward direction from a gateway terminal to a communications satellite for relay to at least one subscriber terminal, (2) receiving the broadband signal at the communications satellite, wherein the communications satellite comprises a bent pipe repeater having a plurality of satellite-based transmission amplifiers, (3) using one of the plurality of satellite-based transmission amplifiers to amplify the broadband signal and no other broadband signal from the gateway terminal, to produce an amplified broadband signal, (4) sending the amplified broadband signal as one of a plurality of service spot beams to the at least one subscriber terminal, and (5) receiving and retrieving data from the amplified broadband signal at the at least one subscriber terminal. |
| US08315197B2 |
Bridging wireless and wired media in a computer network
In one embodiment, a transmitting node may be configured to transmit a wireless advertisement frame over a computer network, wherein the frame includes a source address of a reachable node being advertised, a destination address to which the reachable node is to be advertised, a transmitter address of the transmitting node, and a receiver address of a wireless access point to which the wireless advertisement frame is to be received. Also, the wireless access point may be configured to receive the wireless advertisement frame from the network, and in response, transmit a reflected wireless advertisement frame having the source address of the reachable node, the destination address to which the reachable node is to be advertised, a transmitter address of the access point, and a receiver address that indicates the reflected frame is to be accepted by any appropriate receiver excluding the transmitting node. |
| US08315194B2 |
Method and user equipment apparatus for radio resource management in a mobile communication system
A method and a UE apparatus for radio resource management in a mobile communication system. When a discontinuous reception period or an inactivity period of a UE exceeds a threshold, an ENB releases resources for uplink control information transmission allocated to the UE, and the UE recognizes the release of the resources and stops transmitting the uplink control information through the resources. This reduces the explicit reconfiguration procedure through an RRC message, which is otherwise necessary whenever the UE enters a new discontinuous reception mode. |
| US08315193B2 |
AD-HOC network power save system and method
Symmetrical and asymmetrical ad-hoc, wireless networks and a method for saving power in the same may include causing a first station to determine whether a second station has a master capability to buffer data traffic for the first station. A first station requests the second station to buffer the data traffic intended for the first station for a first predetermined period. The first station enters a first power save mode, and the second station buffers the data traffic for the first station for the first predetermined period. The first station exits the first power save mode after the first predetermined period and the second station sends the buffered data traffic to the first station. Both the first and second stations may have master capabilities, or only one of the first and second stations may have a master capability. |
| US08315189B2 |
System and method for detecting a target cell in a cellular network
A method for detecting a target cell by a mobile device, the method comprising storing traversed paths of the mobile device, the stored traversed paths each comprising information to identify cells in a sequence of cells traversed by the mobile device referenced to the target cell, compiling information identifying cells traversed by the device in real time to produce current path information, comparing the current path information to the stored traversed paths and inferring from the comparison a relative proximity of the mobile device to the target cell and adapting a search for the target cell based on the relative proximity. |
| US08315188B2 |
Topology database synchronization
A network comprises a plurality of interconnected switches that implement a topology database synchronization technique in which each switch determines whether its topology database has already been transmitted to a neighboring switch when a new link is formed to the neighboring switch. When a new electrical connection is detected, the local switch determines whether any of its other ports have already been connected to the same neighboring switch. If no other port on the local switch has been connected to the neighboring switch, the local switch transmits its topology database to the neighboring switch. If the local switch determines that it has already been connected to the neighboring switch via another one of its ports, the local switch does not yet again copy of the database to the neighboring switch. Also, link state record updates are propagated via only one inter-switch link to a neighboring switch, not all possible links. |
| US08315185B2 |
ACK/NACK detection in LTE PUSCH
The present invention relates to ACK-NACK detection in an LTE wireless communication system. To determine a threshold value for an ACK-NACK transmission, an SC-FDMA signal is received from user equipment. Then, a power estimate of soft data bits is used to establish a threshold value for determining the presence of an ACK-NACK signal. Using this threshold value, a signal from the user equipment is analyzed to determine if it contains an ACK or NACK transmission. |
| US08315183B2 |
Channel quality indexing and reverse indexing
Channel quality indexing and reverse indexing is described. In one example, a quality value for subbands of a radio communications system are measured. An index for each quality measurement is then determined and a combinatorial index is generated to reflect the indices and the selected subbands. The combinatorial index is then sent to a radio station using a radio communications channel. |
| US08315178B2 |
Method and system for wireless message-based advertising
Systems and methods for message-based advertising in a wireless communications network are described. A digital message is contained in a data packet set in transit from a terminal of a sender to a terminal of a recipient. At least one of the terminals is implemented as a mobile telephone. The digital message is received through a network connection. A processor determines a context for the digital message and matches the message context to content of advertisements stored in an advertisement database in order to identify at least one relevant advertisement. The data packet set is transmitted to the terminal of the recipient. A processor retrieves the relevant advertisement(s) from the advertisement database and generates a confirmation message containing a delivery status of the data packet set. The confirmation message includes the relevant advertisement and is transmitted to the terminal of the sender. |
| US08315175B2 |
Router switch fabric protection using forward error correction
Instead of alternatively utilizing only one fabric or the other fabric of a redundant pair, both fabrics simultaneously transmit duplicate information, such that each packet forwarding module (PFM) receives the output of both fabrics simultaneously. In real time, an internal optics module (IOM) analyzes each information chunk coming out of a working zero switch fabric; simultaneously examines a parallel output of a working one duplicate switch fabric; and compares on a chunk-by-chunk basis the validity of each and every chunk from both switch fabrics. The IOM does this by examining forward error correction (FEC) check symbols encapsulated into each chunk. FEC check symbols allow correcting a predetermined number of bit errors within a chunk. If the chunk cannot be corrected, then the IOM provides indication to all PFMs downstream that the chunk is defective. Under such conditions, the PFMs select a chunk from the non-defective switch fabric. Under error-free normal conditions, however, the PFMs select a chunk arbitrarily from a default switch fabric. In this way, each chunk in real time is selected from a non-defective source and is thus guaranteed to be error free. Accordingly, if a switch fabric fails, no information chunks are lost anywhere in the system. |
| US08315174B2 |
Systems and methods for generating a push-up alert of fault conditions in the distribution of data in a hierarchical database
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a push-up alert of fault conditions in the distribution of data in a hierarchical database. Higher-level data, such as yearly profit, may be desired to be spread from parent nodes to lower nodes, such as quarters, in a hierarchical data store. Parent nodes can be associated with a set of programmatic placeholder nodes. A spreading tool can insert child nodes representing quarters, months, or other insertion point(s) encoded by a placeholder nodes, dividing quantities appropriately. The spreading tool can access or host logic to ensure that data is spread in an order that takes dependencies, formatting, or other factors into account. The spreading tool can also be configured to detect numerical errors, logical errors, or other faults and attempt to identify conflicting rules or other sources of error. Those rules can be automatically removed and/or removed via user selection. |
| US08315172B2 |
Monitoring access nodes in a distributed radio access network
A mobile communication network includes a plurality of access nodes that can serve different roles in support of a communication session with a mobile station. An access node can serve as a connecting node that receives access requests the mobile station, as an anchor node to anchor a radio packet connection with a core network for the communication session; or as a primary node to store session information for the communication session. One or more monitoring entities monitor the availability of the access nodes and broadcast notification messages to other access nodes when an access node failure is detected. The broadcast message includes the identity of the failed access node. Other access nodes may take action to restore connections and recover session information maintained by the failed access node. |
| US08315171B2 |
Adaptive management of computing resources
A method of managing a plurality of computing resources including obtaining a first load threshold and a second load threshold, obtaining a first load value and a second load value, comparing the first load threshold and the second load threshold with the first load value and the second load value, and changing an operating mode of a resource of the plurality of computing resources when both the first load threshold and the second load threshold are between the first load value and the second load value. |
| US08315170B2 |
System and method for signaling information in order to enable and disable distributed billing in a network environment
An apparatus for signaling information in a network environment is provided that includes an access gateway operable to establish one or more packet data protocol (PDP) links on behalf of an end user. The access gateway is operable to communicate a message associated with a change in quality of service, locale, or policy enforcement relating to a selected one of the PDP links to a client services packet gateway (CSPG). The CSPG responds to the message by providing an accounting command for the selected PDP link such that synchronization is achieved between accounting information and a state associated with the selected PDP link. |
| US08315167B2 |
Multiplexing of DS1 traffic across wired and wireless Ethernet devices
Apparatuses and methods for multiplexing of DS1 traffic across wired and wireless Ethernet devices. A transmitter sends data packets to a receiver through an Ethernet system. The transmitter includes a modeling module that constructs a modeled jitter buffer corresponding to a receiver jitter buffer located at the receiver. The transmitter also includes a packetizing buffer that collects data to form data packets, that inserts buffer pointers into the data packets, and that sends the data packets through the Ethernet system. A buffer pointer is determined from the modeled jitter buffer. The receiver includes an Ethernet interface module that obtains the data packets from the Ethernet system, a jitter buffer, and a depacketizer that reads a buffer pointer in the data packet and that places the data packet into a position within the receiver jitter buffer in accordance with the buffer pointer. |
| US08315160B2 |
Method and apparatus for network imposed packet data flow control
A method and apparatus provide network-based flow control for mobile station having data connections to the network. In an exemplary embodiment, a Packet Control Function (PCF) in a Radio Access Network (RAN) requests that a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) in a Packet Core Network (PCN) turn flow control on and off as needed for mobile station data connections. That is, if the PCF receives data from the PDSN for delivery to a mobile station that the PCF determines to be unavailable, the PCF requests that data transfers from the PDSN be suspended for that mobile station. Such suspension avoids needless continued transfer of undeliverable data to the PCF. The PCF monitors or otherwise determines whether a flow-controlled mobile station has become available again and, if so, notifies the PDSN so that it can lift the suspension and resume data transfers as needed. |
| US08315157B2 |
Graceful removal and/or insertion of a network element
In one embodiment, when a network element is to be removed from or inserted into a network a Graceful Operations Manager schedules graceful shut-down and/or start-up routines for different protocols and/or components on the network element in an optimal order based on dependencies between the different protocols and components. The Graceful Operations Manager communicates with the different components at different stages of their shut-down or start-up process and communicates information on the standby topology across components and/or protocols to enable the synchronization of the standby topology computation on all components and/or protocols that are affected by the removal or insertion. |
| US08315154B2 |
Time reduction for multiple link recovery
Apparatuses, systems, and methods that reduce the amount of time for recovering multiple beam-formed links in a wireless network are disclosed. An embodiment may, e.g., be a mobile computing device with wireless beamforming communications capabilities. Upon establishing links with multiple stations, the mobile computing device may sense that the link quality or strength is degrading for several of the links. The laptop may transmit a single forward-transmission sector sweep (FWD-TXSS) to initiate recovery of the links. The other stations previously linked to the laptop may detect the degradation the links and start monitoring for the single FWD-TXSS. The receiving devices may each perform reverse-transmission sector sweeps (REV-TXSS), in sequence, to reestablish beam-formed links with the laptop without requiring multiple forward-transmission sector sweeps. |
| US08315153B2 |
Wireless communications equipments with function of detecting random access signal, wireless communications systems with function of detecting random access signal and method of random access signal detection
A wireless communication equipment includes receive processing and transmit processing. The receive processing includes a Fourier transform unit that transforms all received signals to frequency region signals by Fourier transform. A demodulation unit demodulates the received signals from the Fourier-transformed frequency region signals. A random access detection unit that monitors signals in frequency regions of random access signals of the Fourier-transformed frequency region signals, and detects that the random access signals are received, by a change pattern of the signals in the frequency regions of random access signals in one transmission time interval. |
| US08315147B2 |
Multilayer optical recording medium having three or more recording layers with reduced interlayer crosstalk
In a multilayer optical recording medium having at least three recording layers, an influence of interlayer crosstalk due to unnecessary light is suppressed. Each of the recording layers includes an information recording area, and the recording layers other than the nearest recording layer and the farthest recording layer when viewed from a light incident side include a first annular area having uneven patterns formed thereon, and a second annular area having uneven patterns formed thereon, the first annular area being adjacent to an inner side of the information recording area, the second annular area being adjacent to an outer side of the information recording area. |
| US08315145B2 |
Adaptive writing method for high-density optical recording apparatus and circuit thereof
An optical recording medium is provided, the optical recording medium including a plurality of zones configured to store data corresponding to an adaptive write pulse, the adaptive write pulse including a first pulse, a last pulse, and a multi-pulse train, the adaptive write pulse being different for each of the plurality of zones, the plurality of zones being reflected by a grouping table, the grouping table being configured to generate an adaptive write pulse waveform by varying a position of a rising edge of a first pulse of a mark to be written according to a length of the mark to be written and a leading space, the adaptive write pulse waveform being generated without regard for a trailing space of a present mark being written using the adaptive write pulse waveform, the adaptive write pulse being configured to correspond to the adaptive write pulse waveform, and store rising edge data of the first pulse of the adaptive write pulse waveform varying according to corresponding stored values of lengths of marks to be written. A width of the first pulse is varied by varying the position of the rising edge. |
| US08315144B2 |
Small form factor optical disc drive for use in mobile electronic device
A small form factor disc drive is structured to hold and play an optical data storage disc measuring approximately 32 mm in diameter and containing 1 GB of data per layer. The disc drive contains a blue wavelength laser, an objective lens having a numerical aperture in the range of 0.70-0.78 and conventional DVD-compatible controller electronics. This unique combination of elements allows a full-length movie or a video game to be displayed with DVD-quality on a cell phone or other portable hand held device. |
| US08315143B2 |
Vinyl record turntable having integrated docking station for a portable media player
An improved disc jockey turntable is disclosed. The turntable includes a housing having an I/O circuit, an audio output electrically connected to the I/O circuit, a rotatable platter configured and arranged to received a vinyl record thereon, an electric motor is configured to selectively rotate the platter, a movable tonearm with a pickup cartridge is electrically connected to the I/O circuit whereby the tonearm may be moved over the platter and placed on a vinyl record rotating on the platter to play audio out through the audio output. A dock is located on the housing and is configured to cradle a portable music player. The dock has a communication port for connecting to the portable music player. A control circuit is electrically connected to the communication port and the I/O circuit, and is configured to selectively recording audio from the I/O circuit to the portable music player. |
| US08315140B2 |
Optical pickup apparatus
An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a laser light source configured to emit a laser beam; an objective lens configured to apply the laser beam to an optical recording medium; and a beam splitter including a first reflective film configured to reflect the laser beam so as to be directed to the objective lens, the beam splitter interposed in an optical path between the laser light source and the objective lens, an incidence polarization angle of the laser beam relative to the first reflective film being set such that a P-polarization component is greater than an S-polarization component in linear polarization components of the laser beam incident on the first reflective film. |
| US08315136B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting wobble defects in optical recording system
Aspects of the disclosure provide an apparatus. The apparatus includes a pick-up unit, such as an optical pick-up unit, a wobble channel and a defect detector. The pick-up unit generates a push-pull signal corresponding to a wobbled track of a storage medium. The wobble channel includes circuits to receive the push-pull signal, obtain a wobble signal from the push-pull signal, and calculate a wobble amplitude metric based on the wobble signal. The defect detector compares the wobble amplitude metric to a threshold to detect wobble defects. |
| US08315135B1 |
Offset loop for wobble
An offset correction is automatically determined and routinely updated to reduce or eliminate data retrieval errors that may be caused by low level distortion in optical disc data storage recording, re-recording and retrieval system. An offset control loop is provided for reading information from a modulated wobble signal with which the data is recorded to an optical disc data storage medium to provide detection of an offset and correction of that offset to facilitate implementation of precise timing synchronization and/or encoded information contact in the system. The offset detector measures a wobble signal and mathematically converts detected information regarding the measured wobble signal to an offset correction by integrating the wobble signal over a specific time interval and comparing the integrated value to an expected integrated value. The integration may be performed over at least one period of the sinusoidal wobble signal, and the correction added to the wobble signal. |
| US08315133B2 |
Controlling an optical-disc reader using surface marks
An optical-disc player having a reader and a controller. The reader derives out-of-band information from surface marks of an optical disc, where the controller controls operations of the reader based on the derived information. The controlled operations may involve the reading and rendering of embedded data of the optical disc. For example, a person writes the words “Spanish” and “widescreen” on the surface of a DVD with a marker and inserts the DVD in a DVD player. The DVD player scans the surface of the DVD and sends the resulting image data to an optical character recognition (OCR) module. The OCR module outputs a text file containing the words “Spanish” and “widescreen” to a controller (e.g., Microsoft HDi runtime). In response, the controller sets the playback language to Spanish and the screen format to widescreen. |
| US08315131B2 |
Optical disc apparatus and back off control method for objective lens
In an optical disc apparatus, when a signal to be generated corresponding to an amount of reflected light from an optical disc has a signal level below a threshold level for a period exceeding a reference period, a controller controls an actuator to move an objective lens in a direction such that a distance from the optical disc surface to the objective lens increases. The reference period may be set based on a type of the optical disc and a recording or reproducing speed of the optical disc, or based on a surface deflection of the optical disc. |
| US08315129B1 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head, head gimbal assembly and magnetic recording device
A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head that allows even steeper magnetization reversal between adjacent magnetic domains of a magnetic recording medium and that satisfies the demands of high SN ratio and high recording density is provided. A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a pole that generates a writing magnetic field, a waveguide through which light for exciting surface plasmon propagates, and a plasmon generator that generates near-field light. The waveguide is arranged on a back side of the pole, the plasmon generator has a plane part and a projection part that is projected from the plane part to the waveguide side and that opposes the pole and the waveguide with a predetermined gap, and a projection part opposing surface that opposes the projection part in the pole is configured so as to be distant from the projection part as approaching toward the back side. |
| US08315127B2 |
Reaction, performance and response time testing system
An athletic performance measurement system determines the reaction time, performance time and response time for an athlete to perform an event. A timing processor is in communication with two spaced-apart switches and when the athlete activates the first switch, it sets in motion a system for randomly activating a transducer that alerts the athlete to start the test. The athlete manipulates the first switch in response to detecting the activated transducer while the device measures the time it takes for this activity, thereby defining the athlete's reaction time. Then, the athlete manipulates the spaced apart second switch while the system monitors the time it takes to perform this task, thereby defining the athlete's performance time. The total response time is then calculated by adding the reaction time to the performance time. A testing protocol for performing a plurality of timed tests and averaging the scores is also disclosed. |
| US08315124B2 |
System and method for suppression of seismic multiple reflection signals
A method of modeling seismic wave-field data in order to suppress near-surface and sub-surface related multiple reflection signals is provided. The reflection signals include main primary reflection signals, main random noise signals, main multiple reflection signals, residual primary reflection signals, residual random noise signals, and residual multiple reflection signals. Main random noise signals are separated from the reflection signals using a frequency-wavenumber domain method to provide data having suppressed main random noise. Main primary reflection signals are separated from the data having suppressed main random noise using frequency-wavenumber filtering and weighted median filtering to provide data having suppressed main random noise and main primary reflections. Multiple reflection signals are modeled using parabolic path summation on the data having suppressed main random noise and main primary reflections. |
| US08315123B2 |
Wordline voltage control within a memory
A memory circuit 2 includes bit cells 4 selected for reading with a word line voltage upon a word line 20. Word line voltage control circuitry 26 generates a two-step word line voltage signal. The word line voltage first increases to an intermediate level at which word line transistors 12 weakly couple the bit cell 4 to the bit lines 8. This intermediate level is maintained for a first delay period. After the first delay period, the word line voltage is increased to a full rail value and this full rail value maintained for a second delay period. The word line voltage is then returned to a low level at the end of the read operation. This two-step word line voltage signal provides a better access disturb margin for the bit cell 4. |
| US08315120B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of driving the same
A semiconductor memory device can include a first driver configured to generate a pair of first sense amplifier driving signals having an activation period at a predetermined level during command execution; and a second driver that can be configured to generate a pair of second sense amplifier driving signals for increasing a driving strength of a pair of sense amplifiers when logic values of a pair of bit lines are constant during the command execution and decreasing the driving strength of the pair of sense amplifiers when the logic values of the pair of bit lines change. |
| US08315117B2 |
Integrated circuit memory having assisted access and method therefor
A memory and method for access the memory are provided. A first test is used to test memory elements to determine a lowest power supply voltage at which all the memory elements will operate to determine a weak memory element. Redundancy is used to substitute a redundant memory element for the weak memory element. The weak memory element is designated as a test element. In response to receiving a request to change a power supply voltage provided to the memory elements, a second test is used to test the test element to determine if the test element will function correctly at a new power supply voltage. If the test element passes the second test, the memory elements are accessed at the new power supply voltage. If the test element fails the second test, the memory elements are accessed using an access assist operation. |
| US08315115B2 |
Method for testing a main memory
A method for testing a primary memory of control and regulation electronics of a frequency converter is described. The primary memory includes (i) at least one matrix of memory cells, (ii) means for addressing the at least one memory cell matrix, and (iii) a write/read circuit The method includes examining at least a part of the means for addressing with regard to address errors and examining at least a part of the memory cells with regard to cell errors. The examining steps are performed independently of one another. The examining at least a part of the means for addressing includes examining individual address bits of an n-bit wide address bus in steps that are performed independently of one another. The examining is dependent on use of the primary memory for operation of the frequency converter. |
| US08315114B2 |
Memory controllers
Techniques pertaining the designs of memory controller are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a memory controller reduces delays in a data strobe signal of a DDR memory relative to a clock signal of a memory controller thereof. In one embodiment, the memory controller employs four IO ports, two inverters, six edge triggers and a multiplexer. By feeding back an inverted clock signal and utilizing the rising and filing edges of the clock signal, the delays in a data strobe signal of a DDR memory relative to a clock signal of a memory controller are considerably reduced or minimized. |
| US08315105B2 |
Method of erasing in non-volatile memory device
An erasing method of post-programming in a nonvolatile memory device. The method includes post-programming dummy memory cells; verifying whether threshold voltages of the dummy memory cells are greater than or equal to a first voltage; post-programming normal memory cells; and verifying whether threshold voltages of the normal memory cells are greater than or equal to a second voltage. The first voltage is different from the second voltage. |
| US08315102B2 |
Multi-bit flash memory devices and methods of programming and erasing the same
A non-volatile memory device includes an array of non-volatile memory cells configured to support single bit and multi-bit programming states. A control circuit is provided, which is configured to program a first page of non-volatile memory cells in the array as M-bit cells during a first programming operation and further configured to program the first page of non-volatile memory cells as N-bit cells during a second programming operation. The first and second programming operations are separated in time by at least one operation to erase the first page of non-volatile memory cells. M and N are unequal integers greater than zero. |
| US08315101B2 |
Non-volatile memory and semiconductor device
There is provided a non-volatile memory which enables high accuracy threshold control in a writing operation. In the present invention, a drain voltage and a drain current of a memory transistor are controlled to carry out a writing operation of a hot electron injection system, which is wherein a charge injection speed does not depend on a threshold voltage. FIGS. 1A and 1B are views of a circuit structure for controlling the writing. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, an output of an operational amplifier 103 is connected to a control gate of a memory transistor 101, a constant current source 102 is connected to a drain electrode, and a source electrode is grounded. The constant current source 102 and a voltage Vpgm are respectively connected to two input terminals of the operational amplifier 103. |
| US08315098B2 |
Memory system
A memory system includes a NAND flash memory having a page buffer capable of holding a page of data and a cell array having a plurality of pages. The system also includes a plurality of memory portions electrically connected to the NAND flash memory via a data bus, and a controller for controlling the NAND flash memory and the plurality of memory portions. A width of the data bus is less than a size of the page of data. When any one of a write operation and a read operation is performed on the NAND flash memory, the controller exchanges data held in the page buffer and data held in one memory portion of the plurality of memory portions. |
| US08315096B2 |
Method and apparatus to implement a reset function in a non-volatile static random access memory
The state of a volatile memory cell is set by grounding a power supply to the volatile memory cell and driving a first bit line to the volatile memory cell to a first defined state. The first defined state of the first bit line is controllable independently of a defined state of a second bit line to the volatile memory cell. A word line of the volatile memory cell is driven to a word line state, and the power supply to the volatile memory cell is ungrounded. |
| US08315094B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
Provided is a semiconductor memory device including: multiple bit lines arranged in parallel to one another; multiple sense-amplifier bit lines arranged away from end portions of the bit lines; a fourth sense-amplifier bit line formed with a wire of a first layer arranged below the bit lines; selection transistors with a pair of gate electrodes arranged in a direction normal to the first to sixth bit lines; a first wire arranged below the bit lines and the sense-amplifier bit lines, and having an end portion extending to below the third bit line and connected to the bit line; a third wire formed with a layer of the gate electrode used as a wire, the third wire including a first end portion positioned below the fourth sense-amplifier bit line and connected to the fourth sense-amplifier bit line, and a second end portion positioned below the second sense-amplifier bit line; and a fourth wire formed with a wire of the first layer and arranged between the third wire and the second sense-amplifier bit line to connect the third wire to the second sense-amplifier bit line. |
| US08315093B2 |
Selective memory cell program and erase
Techniques are disclosed herein for programming memory arrays to achieve high program/erase cycle endurance. In some aspects, only selected word lines (WL) are programmed with other WLs remaining unprogrammed. As an example, only the even word lines are programmed with the odd WLs left unprogrammed. After all of the even word lines are programmed and the data block is to be programmed with new data, the block is erased. Later, only the odd word lines are programmed. The data may be transferred to a block that stores multiple bit per memory cell prior to the erase. In one aspect, the data is programmed in a checkerboard pattern with some memory cells programmed and others left unprogrammed. Later, after erasing the data, the previously unprogrammed part of the checkerboard pattern is programmed with remaining cells unprogrammed. |
| US08315092B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for determining a read voltage threshold for solid-state storage media
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining a read voltage threshold for solid-state storage media. A data set read module reads a data set from storage cells of solid-state storage media. The data set is originally stored in the storage cells with a known bias. A deviation module determines that a read bias for the data set deviates from the known bias. A direction module determines a direction of deviation for the data set. The direction of deviation is based on a difference between the read bias of the data set and the known bias. An adjustment module adjusts a read voltage threshold for the storage cells of the solid-state storage media based on the direction of deviation. |
| US08315089B2 |
Phase change memory device with improved performance that minimizes cell degradation
A phase change memory device having an improved performance that minimizes cell degradation is presented. The phase change memory device includes: a cell array, a sense amplifier, a write driving unit, and a reference level selecting unit. The cell array has a phase change resistor is configured to read/write data. The sense amplifier is configured to compare a reference voltage with a sensing voltage received from the cell array. The write driving unit is configured to supply a driving voltage corresponding to write data to the cell array. The reference level selecting unit is configured to select a read reference voltage in a read mode so as to output the reference voltage, and to select a reference voltage corresponding to input data in a write verifying mode so as to output the reference voltage. |
| US08315087B2 |
Magnetic random access memory
An MRAM according to the present invention has a magnetoresistance element 1. The magnetoresistance element 1 has: a first magnetic layer 10 including a first region 11 whose magnetization direction is reversible; a second magnetic layer 30 whose magnetization direction is fixed parallel to a magnetization easy axis direction of the first region 11; and a non-magnetic layer 20 sandwiched between the first magnetic layer 10 and the second magnetic layer 30. A domain wall DW is formed at least one end of the first region 11 of the first magnetic layer 10. The second magnetic layer 30 is formed to overlap with the first region and the above-mentioned one end. At a time of data writing, a write current is applied between the first magnetic layer 10 and the second magnetic layer 30. |
| US08315084B2 |
Fully balanced dual-port memory cell
The present disclosure provides a dual port static random access memory (SRAM) cell. The dual-port SRAM cell includes four sets of cascaded n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (NMOSFETs), each set of cascaded NMOSFETs having a pull-down device and a pass-gate device; and a first and second pull-up devices (PU1 and PU2) configured with the four pull-down devices to form two cross-coupled inverters, wherein two of the pass-gate devices are configured to form a first port and another two of the pass-gate devices are configured to form a second port. |
| US08315083B2 |
Techniques for reducing a voltage swing
Techniques for reducing a voltage swing are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for reducing a voltage swing comprising: a plurality of dynamic random access memory cells arranged in arrays of rows and columns, each dynamic random access memory cell including one or more memory transistors. The one or more memory transistors of the apparatus for reducing a voltage swing may comprise: a first region coupled to a source line, a second region coupled to a bit line, a first body region disposed between the first region and the second region, wherein the first body region may be electrically floating, and a first gate coupled to a word line spaced apart from, and capacitively coupled to, the first body region. The apparatus for reducing a voltage swing may also comprise a first voltage supply coupled to the source line configured to supply a first voltage and a second voltage to the source line, wherein a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage may be less than 3.5V. |
| US08315080B2 |
Luminescence device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a luminescent device and a method of manufacturing the same. The luminescent device includes a charge trapping layer having bistable conductance and negative differential resistance (NDR) characteristics, and an organic luminescent layer electrically connected to the charge trapping layer. The charge trapping layer comprise a nanocrystal layer intervened in an organic layer, and the nanocrystal layer comprises a plurality of nanocrystals. |
| US08315078B2 |
Power saving static-based comparator circuits and methods and content-addressable memory (CAM) circuits employing same
Static-based comparators and methods for comparing data are disclosed. The static-based comparator is configured to selectively switch at least one comparator output in response to a comparison of corresponding data with compare data, and a validity indicator for the data. If the validity indicator indicates valid data, the static-based comparator switches to drive the comparator output indicating either a match or mismatch between corresponding compared data. If the validity indicator indicates invalid data, the static-based comparator provides a mismatch on the comparator output without switching the static-based comparator regardless of whether or not the data matches the compare data. In this manner, the static-based comparator does not dissipate power switching the comparator output for data marked invalid. The static-based comparator can be employed in content addressable memories (CAMs) for comparing one or more bits of tag data to corresponding bit(s) of compare data. |
| US08315077B2 |
Matrix converter space vector modulation method
[Object] The present invention provides a space vector modulation method for an AC-AC direct conversion device, which can convert input and output waveforms into sine waves and reduce the number of times of switching at an inter-sector shift.[Means to Solve] A vector state in which a line voltage of multi-phase AC output is expanded onto a two-phase static αβ coordinates is defined. Simple harmonic oscillation vector axes of a sector where an output voltage command value vector Vo* exists are defined as an X axis and a Y axis. Maximum/middle/minimum vectors in each axis, a zero vector that is an intermediate voltage of a phase voltage, and one rotation vector that is present in the sector, are set as base vectors. A switching selection pattern formed by a combination of four vectors among these vectors, which satisfies predetermined conditions, is determined by a selection means 15. On the basis of power source voltage information and output current information, an inverse matrix operation for the four vectors is executed by a duty operation means 14, and a duty solution of the four vectors is determined, then the input and output waveforms are simultaneously converted into the sine waves by the determined duties. |
| US08315075B2 |
DC/AC converter
A DC/AC converter includes: a resonant circuit including a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding and at least one capacitor, in which the capacitor is connected to at least one of the primary winding and secondary winding of the transformer, and an output terminal to which the load is to be connected is provided on the secondary winding side; a switching circuit connected to both ends of a direct current power supply and having a bridge configuration composed of switching elements for flowing a current through the primary winding of the transformer and the capacitor in the resonant circuit; and a control circuit that turns on/off the switching elements by a pair of drive signals, and flows a current through the load bidirectionally, thereby performs a PWM control for the current flowing through the load, wherein the control circuit includes step drive circuits which turn on the switching elements in steps, and the step drive circuits are provided so as to individually correspond to the switching elements. |
| US08315074B2 |
CMOS bandgap reference source circuit with low flicker noises
The present abstract discloses a CMOS bandgap reference source circuit, comprising a startup circuit, a power-off control circuit, a reference voltage generating circuit and an operational amplifier. The positive and a negative input terminal of the operational amplifier both consist of two same field effect transistors and both are provided with an input controlled switch; by doing so, two field effect transistors in the positive terminal and two field effect transistors in the negative terminal work alternately between their strong inversion and cut-off region so as to drastically reduce the noises of the reference circuit, which results originally from the flicker noises of two input transistors of the operational amplifier. |
| US08315067B2 |
Mounting apparatus for PCI card
A mounting apparatus is configured for securing a PCI card and includes a securing member and a latch member. The securing member extends along a first direction. A protrusion is located on the securing member. The latch member is capable of securing the other end of the PCI card and defines a securing slot. The protrusion is inserted in the secured slot along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. |
| US08315063B2 |
Solder pad structure with high bondability to solder ball
A solder pad structure with a high bondability to a solder ball is provided. The present invention provides a larger contact area with the solder ball so as to increase the bondability according to the principle that the bondability is positive proportional with the contact area therebetween. The solder pad structure includes a circuit board having a solder pad opening defined by a solder resist layer surrounding a circuit layer. The circuit layer within the solder pad opening is defined as a solder pad. In such a way, after filling the solder ball into the solder pad opening, besides walls of the solder pad opening, there is an extra contact area provided by a geometric shape of the solder pad for further improving the bondability of the solder pad and the solder ball. |
| US08315062B2 |
Electronic device and fixing mechanism
A electronic device includes a housing, a PCB, and a fixing mechanism. The PCB defines a mounting hole. The fixing mechanism includes a connecting member, a latch piece, and a screw. The connecting member is fixed to the housing, and it includes a contact portion contact the PCB and defines a cavity adjacent to the contact portion. The contact portion defines a positioning hole communicating with the cavity. The latch piece is slidably received in the cavity and defines a threaded hole. The screw has a diameter smaller than a width of the positioning hole and extends through the mounting hole and the positioning hole and engages in the threaded hole to fix the PCB to the housing. |
| US08315060B2 |
Electronic component module and method of manufacturing the electronic component module
An electronic component module includes a circuit substrate including surface mount components mounted thereon, a resin layer embedding the surface mount components, and a conductor layer provided on a surface of the resin layer, wherein a conductive post is provided on the surface mount component, and an external electrode having a ground potential provided on the surface mount component is conductively connected to the conductor layer through the conductive post, whereby the conductor layer defines a shielding layer. |
| US08315058B2 |
Capacitive touch interface assembly
A display assembly includes a transparent cover piece, a display shroud having a contact structure arranged to face the transparent cover piece, an interface subassembly mounted on the display shroud, an electronics board shroud having a support member and a connection feature, and a biasing member operably engaged between the display shroud and the electronics board shroud. The connection feature mechanically connects the electronics board shroud to the display shroud while permitting axial displacement and rotation therebetween. The biasing member rests on the support member of the electronics board shroud, and the biasing member is configured to urge the contact structure of the display shroud into physical contact with the transparent cover piece. The interface subassembly includes a display circuit for providing a digital display and a touch circuit for providing touch actuation at or near the digital display through the transparent cover piece. |
| US08315057B2 |
Embedded communication enclosure
Disclosed is an embedded communication enclosure for housing and supporting communication devices and communication cables, comprising: an enclosure body; a cable connecting member, provided within said enclosure body to connect communication cables, where an input cable from the exterior of the enclosure body is connected to a plurality of distribution cables to be brought out of the enclosure body; and a first door connected with the enclosure body, for opening and closing the front of the enclosure body, said first door comprising a second door embedded therein to provide access to the cable connecting member; wherein said cable connecting member is arranged to correspond to said second door in such a manner that said cable connecting member is exposed to outside when said second door is opened. With the embedded communication enclosure, a two-stage stage operating interface is achieved, so that communication devices and cables housed in the embedded communication enclosure will not be undesirably influenced or accessed during frequently changing and maintaining terminal jumpers. |
| US08315053B2 |
Aircraft electronics cooling apparatus for an aircraft having a liquid cooling system
The invention relates to an improved aircraft electronics cooling system for an aircraft having a liquid cooling system (2), the aircraft electronics cooling system providing a thermal coupling between an electronic device (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 42, 44) to be cooled and the liquid cooling system (2) of the aircraft. A coolant delivered by the liquid cooling system (2) may flow through a board of the electronic device (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d), through a heat sink on which the electronic device (42) is arranged and/or through a housing in which the electronic device (44) is arranged. The coolant may be permanently in the liquid state in a cooling circuit. The coolant may vaporize at least partially while cooling the electronic device. |
| US08315052B2 |
Server cabinet and server system utilizing the same
A server cabinet adapted for receiving servers therein includes a top plate, a bottom plate opposite to the top plate, a left side plate and a right side plate connecting with the top and bottom plates respectively, and a front side plate disposed between the top and bottom plates. The front side plate defines through holes therein. A total area of the through holes in an upper half portion of the front side plate is different from a total area of the through holes in a lower half portion of the front side plate. The front side plate is rotatable in a plane defined by the front side plate. |
| US08315050B2 |
Ornament attachment mechanism and electronic device using the same
An ornament attachment mechanism includes a base, a cover, and a post. The base defines a cavity, a first through hole, and a second through hole. The first through hole is coaxial with the second through hole, and the cavity communicates with the first through hole and the second through hole. The cover defines a recessed portion. The post includes a body and a head. The body passes through the second through hole and the second through hole. The head is received in the recessed portion and is retained by the base and the cover. An electronic device using the ornament attachment mechanism is also provided. |
| US08315049B2 |
Cover latch of a blade server
A cover latch is provided for coupling a blade server cover to a blade server when the cover latch is in a locked state. Embodiments include a locking surface at one end of the cover latch; a user interface at an end of the cover latch opposite from the end with the locking surface; wherein when the cover latch is in the locked state, the locking surface engages a locking surface enclosure of the blade server cover; wherein when the cover latch is in an unlocked state, the user interface is rotated into the blade server and the locking surface is rotated outward from the blade server, wherein when the locking surface is rotated outward from the blade server, the locking surface is disengaged from the locking surface enclosure of the blade server cover; and a rotational limiter hole in the cover latch that surrounds a peg of the blade server, wherein the rotation of the locking surface and the user interface is limited by the rotational limiter. |
| US08315046B2 |
Mid-keyboard-monitor computer-based audio I/O device
A system and device for placement between a keyboard and monitor on a work surface that routes cables and provides access to controls, where the system and device rest in a first position for use and a second position for access to ports and cables. |
| US08315045B2 |
Portable electronic device using slidable keypad
A portable electronic device includes a housing, a resisting member and a keypad. The housing has a receiving recess running through two sides of the housing. The resisting member is formed on the bottom of the receiving recess. The keypad has a plurality of receiving cavities formed at the bottom surface. The keypad is hold by engagement of a receiving cavity with the resisting member and can slid by pushing of the keypad until another receiving cavity receives the resisting member. |
| US08315042B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a first casing, a second casing, and a fastening assembly. The first casing has a first pivotal portion. The second casing has a second pivotal portion having a fastening groove, and a display unit pivotally connected with the first pivotal portion via the second pivotal portion to be capable of rotating relative to the first casing to be opened or closed. The second pivotal portion and the display unit form an angle. The fastening assembly is pivotally disposed in the first casing and includes a fastening element and a first elastic element. The fastening element is disposed corresponding to the fastening groove of the second pivotal portion. The first elastic element is connected with the fastening element. When the fastening element is fastened to the fastening groove, the first elastic element provides elastic force to allow the display unit to firmly cover the first casing. |
| US08315040B2 |
Protective enclosure for model vehicle
The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module. |
| US08315038B2 |
Thin-film capacitor and electronic circuit board
A thin-film capacitor has a high insulation resistance value with high reliability. The thin-film capacitor includes a dielectric thin film and electrodes opposing each other through the dielectric thin film, the dielectric thin film containing a perovskite-type composite oxide having a composition expressed by (1), Mn, and at least one kind of element M selected from V, Nb, and Ta; wherein the dielectric thin film has an Mn content of 0.05 to 0.45 mol with respect to 100 mol of the composite oxide; and wherein the dielectric thin film has a total element M content of 0.05 to 0.5 mol with respect to 100 mol of the composite oxide: AyBO3 (1) where A is at least one kind of element selected from Ba, Sr, Ca, and Pb, B is at least one kind of element selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, and Sn, and 0.97≦y≦0.995. |
| US08315034B2 |
Multilayer chip capacitor with improved equivalent series resistance
A multilayer chip capacitor includes a capacitor body including a first capacitor part and a second capacitor part, first and second external electrodes respectively formed on first and second longer side faces of the capacitor body, and third and fourth external electrodes respectively formed on first and second shorter side faces of the capacitor body. The first capacitor part includes first and second internal electrodes of opposite polarity, and the second capacitor part includes third and fourth internal electrodes of opposite polarity. The first to fourth internal electrodes each have one lead. The first to fourth external electrodes are respectively connected to the leads of the first to fourth internal electrodes. A series resonance frequency of the first capacitor part is different from that of the second capacitor part. Equivalent series resistance (ESR1) of the first capacitor part and the equivalent series resistance (ESR2) of the second capacitor part satisfy ERS1≧20 mΩ and 0.7(ESR1)≦ESR2≦1.3(ESR1). |
| US08315031B2 |
Case mold type capacitor
The case mold type capacitor has a capacitor element, a pair of terminals, and molding resin. Each terminal of the pair is connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of the capacitor element, respectively. The capacitor element is embedded in the molding resin in a manner that a terminal section disposed at an end of each of terminals are partially exposed to outside. The molding resin has epoxy resin containing inorganic filler and a moisture absorbent mixed in the epoxy resin. |
| US08315030B2 |
MEMS device and method of manufacturing the same
A MEMS device of an aspect of the present invention including a MEMS element includes a first lower electrode provided on a substrate, a first insulator which is provided on the upper surface of the first lower electrode, and has a first thickness, and a movable first upper electrode supported by an anchor in midair above the first lower electrode, and a capacitance element includes a second lower electrode provided on the substrate, a second insulator which is provided on the upper surface of the second lower electrode, and has a second thickness, and a second upper electrode provided on the second insulator, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness. |
| US08315029B2 |
ESC high voltage control and methods thereof
A plasma processing system for processing a wafer is provided. The system includes an electrostatic chuck (ESC) positioned inside a plasma processing chamber and configured to support the wafer. The ESC includes a positive terminal for providing a first force to the wafer and a negative terminal for providing a second force to the wafer. The system also includes a first circuit arrangement configured to measure at least a first voltage for determining a value of a positive load current applied to the positive terminal. The system further includes a second circuit arrangement configured to measure at least a second voltage for determining a value of a negative load current applied to the negative terminal. The system yet also includes circuitry configured to adjust a bias voltage using the values of the positive load current and the negative load current for balancing the first force and the second force. |
| US08315027B2 |
Switch circuit having overcurrent detection function
A first overcurrent detecting circuit outputs a first time-up signal when a time period, in which an electric current flowing into the wire harness is greater than the first threshold, reaches a first duration time, which corresponds to a first threshold. A second overcurrent detecting circuit outputs a second time-up signal when a time period, in which an electric current flowing into the wire harness is greater than the second threshold, reaches a second duration time, which corresponds to a second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold. The second duration time is longer than the first duration time. A determination circuit determines that an overcurrent flows into the wire harness and cause a control circuit to deactivate the switching element when inputting at least one of the first and second time-up signals. |
| US08315026B2 |
Semiconductor device and apparatus including semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a substrate on which an electronic circuit is provided. Two or more pads may be present which can connect the electronic circuit to an external device outside the substrate. A current meter is electrically in contact with at least a part of the substrate and/or the pad. The meter can measure a parameter forming a measure for an aggregate amount of a current flowing between the substrate and said pads. A control unit is connected to the current meter and the electronic circuit, for controlling the electronic circuit based on the measured parameter. |
| US08315022B2 |
Integral current transformer shunt resistor
An electrical power system may comprise a power source, an electrical load and an interconnection path between the power source and the electrical load. At least one power-source current transformer may be positioned at the power source. At least one remote current transformer may be positioned remotely from the power-source current transformer so that a portion of the interconnection path is between the power-source and the remote current transformer. A control circuit may be interposed between the power-source and remote current transformers and may be responsive to current imbalance between the power-source and remote current transformers to disconnect the power source from the electrical load in the event of such imbalance. The at least one power-source current transformer may comprise a secondary winding having first and second ends, and a resistor connected across the first and second ends. This resistor may provide a path for current transformer secondary current to flow in the event of an open circuit failure in the control circuit or the interconnection path between the current transformer and the control circuit. Consequently voltage across the current transformer secondary may be limited to a level that will not damage the secondary windings. The control circuit may detect the open circuit failure and act to isolate the power source from the load with the minimum of time delay. The current transformer is thereby protected from open circuit failures. |
| US08315018B2 |
Magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium capable of effectively and reliably removing foreign materials on the surface of a magnetic recording medium, preventing a mask layer from remaining on the surface of the magnetic recording medium, and forming the pattern of a magnetic layer with high productivity. The method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes: a step of forming a magnetic layer on a non-magnetic substrate; a step of forming a mask layer on the magnetic layer; a step of patterning the mask layer to form a mask pattern; a step of forming a magnetic recording pattern on the magnetic layer using the mask pattern; a step of burnishing the surface of the mask pattern with an abrasive; and a step of removing the mask pattern. |
| US08315014B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording head and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a perpendicular magnetic recording head and a method of manufacturing the same. The perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a main pole including a pole tip applying a recording magnetic field to a recording medium, a coil surrounding the main pole in a solenoid shape such that recording magnetic field for recording information to a recording medium is generated at the pole tip, and a return yoke forming a magnetic path for the recording magnetic field together with the main pole and surrounding a portion of the coil passing above the main pole. The number of times that the coil passes above the main pole is smaller than the number of times that the coil passes below the main pole. |
| US08315010B2 |
Spindle motor for disk drive with magnetic member and yoke fixed by adhesive agent
A hub includes first and second side surfaces respectively opposed to inner and outer circumferential surfaces of an upper portion of a magnetic member, and a ceiling surface arranged to interconnect an upper ends of the first and second side surfaces. The adhesive agent is interposed between the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the magnetic member and the first side surface of the hub and between the upper surface of the magnetic member and the ceiling surface of the hub. Radial distance between the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the magnetic member and the first side surface of the hub and axial distance between the upper surface of the magnetic member and the ceiling surface of the hub are smaller than radial distance between the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion of the magnetic member and the second side surface of the hub. |
| US08315006B1 |
Adaptive data writing mode based on drive environment
Systems and methods for writing data to a disk under write disturbance conditions are provided. In one embodiment, a disk drive comprises a disk and a detection system configured to detect a write disturbance condition. The disk drive further comprises a controller configured to alternately operate in a normal mode and a write disturbance mode, wherein, the controller is configured to write data to data tracks on the disk in the normal mode and to write data to data tracks on the disk that are spaced farther apart in the write disturbance mode, and the controller is configured to switch from the normal mode to the write disturbance mode when the detection system detects the write disturbance condition. |
| US08315002B2 |
Method for producing a color filter
A color filter including a transparent substrate; a light shielding part formed on the transparent substrate and contains at least a light shielding material and a resin; and a colored layer formed in the opening part of the light shielding part on the transparent substrate to cover a part of the light shielding part. The light shielding part has the width of the thick film region, 85% or more of the maximum film thickness of the light shielding part and disposed in the central part of the light shielding part; and the width of each of the thin film regions, 50% or less of the maximum film thickness of the light shielding part and disposed on the both side parts of the light shielding part. |