| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08353335B2 |
Heat exchanger tube and method of forming the same
Flat heat exchanger tubes having two narrow and two broad sides are shown and described, wherein the flat tubes can be manufactured from two continuous strips having a relatively large curve on one longitudinal edge of the strips and having a relatively small curve on the other longitudinal edge of the strips. The two strips can be arranged laterally transposed with respect to one another to form the wall of the flat tubes, so that the relatively large curve of the longitudinal edge of one strip holds in itself the relatively small curve of the longitudinal edge of the other strip to form the narrow sides of the flat tubes. The strips can be formed with at least one further contoured portion which extends in the longitudinal direction of the flat tubes and which improves cohesion of the flat tube. |
| US08353334B2 |
Nano tube lattice wick system
A lattice wick system that has a plurality of nano tube wicking walls configured to transport liquid through capillary action in a first direction, each set of the plurality of granular wicking walls forming respective vapor vents between them to transport vapor. A plurality of nano tube interconnect wicks embedded between respective pairs of the plurality of nano tube wicking walls transport liquid through capillary action in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The nano tube interconnect wicks have substantially the same height as the nano tube wicking walls so that the plurality of nano tube wicking walls and the plurality of nano tube interconnect wicks enable transport of liquid through capillary action in two directions and the plurality of vapor vents transport vapor in a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. |
| US08353333B2 |
Board-shaped heat dissipating device and method of manufacturing the same
A board-shaped heat dissipating device includes a board body having a plane face with a recess formed thereon, a heat conducting element fitted in the recess, at least one groove formed on any one of the board body and the heat conducting element, and at least one heat pipe pressed into the groove to flush with an open side of the groove. After the heat pipe is pressed into the groove and the heat conducting element is firmly fitted in the recess, portions of the heat conducting element that are higher than the plane face are removed through a cut operation, so that the heat conducting element is flush with the plane face of the board body to reduce the space occupied by the heat dissipating device. With the above arrangements, the problem of thermal resistance can be avoided and upgraded overall heat dissipation efficiency can be achieved. |
| US08353331B2 |
Heat dissipation apparatus with coarse surface capable of intensifying heat transfer
A heat dissipation apparatus with coarse surface capable of intensifying heat transfer comprises a base plate, a plurality of plate members, a flow passage, and a heat transfer reinforced unit; the plate members each extend upright from the base plate in parallel; the flow passage is formed between any two adjacent plate members; the heat transfer reinforced unit is provided at the first surface and/or the second surface and further comprises at least a raised part being disposed slightly upright from the respective surface and spacing apart a distance from each other, and a plurality of fish-scale-like parts each being disposed on the respective surface next to the respective raised part, providing a recess toward said surface with an inclining angle to the surface and having an edge such that a sharp end is formed by every two adjacent fish-scale-like parts and disposed at an intersection of the respective edge of the two adjacent fish-scale-like parts, wherein the raised part and the fish-scale-like parts allow fluid near the surface creating eddy flows and secondary flows and breaking boundary layers of the fluid. |
| US08353319B2 |
Liquid delivery system for supplying liquid from a portable container to at least one selected remote destination and removing vapour from the at least one selected remote destination
A liquid delivery system for supplying liquid from a portable container to a destination and removing vapor from the destination comprises a portable container, an elongate flexible liquid delivery hose, and an elongate flexible vapor recovery hose. The liquid delivery hose receives liquid from the portable container, and delivers the received liquid to a remote destination. The vapor recovery hose receives vapor from the remote destination, and delivers the received vapor to the substantially hollow interior of the portable container. The liquid delivery hose and the vapor recovery hose permit the movement of the liquid outlet of the liquid delivery hose to more than one selected remote destination while the container remains substantially stationary. Reduced air pressure in the portable container resulting from the removal of the liquid therefrom, causes vapor to be suctioned via the vapor recovery hose into the portable container. |
| US08353316B2 |
Flexible pipe for conveying hydrocarbons in deep water
A subsea flexible pipe, including an internal sealing sheath (18), at least one tensile pressure armor layer (14, 16) wound around the internal sealing sheath, a retaining layer (12) having at least one reinforcing strip (34), the reinforcing strip having filamentary strands (36) directed substantially longitudinally. The filamentary strands (36) having polymer fibers (38). The polymer fibers have, at room temperature, an elastic modulus in excess of 55 GPa so that the reinforcing strip is able to prevent radial expansion of the armor layer, when the armor layer experiences radial force; and the polymer fibers furthermore have an elongation at break in excess of 4% such that the reinforcing strip is able to undergo deformation without breaking. |
| US08353314B2 |
Gas container assemblies and couplings therefor
A modular coupling system allows a combined gas canister and integral regulator to be used with a wide range of different utilizer devices such as flow meter, conservor or delivery apparatus. A first coupling part is secured to the pressurized gas canister permanently, and carries a combined main delivery valve and venting valve to allow connection of the gas utilizer to the canister by means of a second coupling part formed integrally with or attached to the gas utilizer device by a simple push and twist action which, upon fitting, closes the venting valve; and opens the main delivery valve in sequence. |
| US08353305B1 |
Pressure vessel for treating dentures
A denture treating apparatus employs a receptacle base with a chamber closed by a rotatable cover. A denture and an effervescing denture treating composition, such as a denture cleaning tablet is place in water in the chamber. When the chamber is closed, the pressure created by the effervescing tablet causes the active ingredients to penetrate small spaces in the denture. A seal is compressed between relative thick peripheral lips on the cover and receptacle base. Thinner sections of the receptacle base can bow under pressure to show that pressure is building up. A shiftable handle on the cover makes it easier for a user to close the cover and compress the seal. |
| US08353303B2 |
Portable folding type hairstyling tool
Disclosed herein is a portable folding type hairstyling tool. The hairstyling tool includes a casing unit which also serves as a handle, and a hairstyling unit which is inserted into or unfolded from the casing unit to be used by pivoting. The hairstyling unit includes an electric heating part for applying heat to the hair, and the casing unit includes a power source. The hairstyling unit has a rotary switch around a hinge part, thus allowing power to be supplied to the electric heating part by a power source only when the hairstyling unit is unfolded from the casing unit. |
| US08353302B2 |
Smoking articles with restrictor and aerosol former
Provided is a smoking article including a smokeable filler with a high aerosol former content and a filter. Preferably, the smokeable filler includes about 4 wt % glycerin to about 35 wt % glycerin. The filter includes a cylindrical tube attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper, a first filter segment at a location along said cylindrical tube adjacent and in a downstream relation to said tobacco rod, and a flow restricting filter segment at a location adjacent and in a downstream relation to the first filter segment. In an embodiment, the filter also includes a cavity adjacent and in a downstream relation to the flow restricting filter segment, and a ventilation zone at a location along the cavity including perforations that extend through the tipping paper and the cylindrical tube. Preferably, the ventilation zone is in a downstream relation to the flow restricting filter segment. |
| US08353299B2 |
Tobacco flavor applicator
A system of applying liquid flavor to cut tobacco material includes a first tank of concentrated liquid flavor and a second tank of water. A venturi device is constructed and arranged to receive and meter concentrated liquid flavor and water from the first and second tanks and to discharge mixed flavor and water from an outlet end. A first line is connected between the first tank and a suction port on the venturi device, and a second line is connected between the second tank and an intake port on the venturi device. A spray assembly is in fluid communication with the discharge outlet of the venturi device for applying mixed flavor and water to cut tobacco. |
| US08353295B2 |
Branching unit and arrangement for delivering a respiratory gas of a subject
A branching unit for delivering a respiratory gas of a subject is disclosed herein. The branching unit includes a first limb for delivering an expiratory gas during an expiratory phase and a second limb for delivering an inspiratory gas during an inspiratory phase. The branching unit also includes a third limb for delivering both the expiratory gas and the inspiratory gas and a common branching point for the first limb, the second limb and the third limb. The first limb, the second limb and the third limb include a volume for the respiratory gas and which volume includes both an active volume with the gas exchanging between the inspiratory phase and the expiratory phase and a dead volume for the respiratory gas with insufficient gas exchange from the inspiratory phase to the expiratory phase and the dead volume being less than 1 ml. |
| US08353288B2 |
Patient care unit with a reclining surface
A patient care unit (1) with a reclining surface has one or more docking devices designed as inductive coupling sites (7) for medical technical devices (10, 11, 12), which consume electrical energy and can be connected to the patient care unit. The inductive coupling sites (7) also supply the patient care unit (1) with electrical energy by means of an external line connection, which is likewise coupled inductively with the patient care unit (1). |
| US08353286B2 |
Solar water heater and method
A solar water heater includes a number of elongate water heating units which can be interconnected in series. The solar water heater can be installed vertically or inclined to have maximum solar exposure. Each water heating unit can utilize inner and outer glass tubes, which may or may not be a twin glass tube, to collect and conserve solar thermal energy inside. An inner metal water container extends through an opening in the inner and outer glass tubes. Heat transfer elements can be inserted between the inner tube and the metal water container. The solar water heater can work on natural convection and city water pressure. |
| US08353285B2 |
Solar collector and method
An apparatus and method for collecting solar energy are provided. The apparatus is a trough-type solar collector having one or more mirrors and lenses for directing solar radiation toward a receiver configured to receive a heat transfer fluid therein. The amount of solar radiation directed toward the receiver can be controlled by adjusting one or more of the mirrors and/or lenses or by adjusting a shade. Thus, the collector can direct different amounts or solar radiation toward the receiver, thereby selectively heating the receiver at different rates, e.g., to preheat the receiver, to heat fluid in the receiver for power generation, or to thaw solidified fluid in the receiver. Subsequently, the heated fluid can be used to generate steam and/or electricity. |
| US08353281B2 |
Control arrangement for a gas stove
A control arrangement for a gas stove, wherein the control arrangement includes a gas burner; a control element to switch the gas burner on and off; a signal transducer to generate a first signal that depends on a position of the control element; a first control apparatus to control, depending on the first signal of the signal transducer, igniting or extinguishing a flame on the gas burner; and a second control apparatus that is arranged between the signal transducer and the first control apparatus. In at least one position of the control element, a second signal is fed to the first control apparatus that simulates continuous switching on and off of the gas burner. |
| US08353275B2 |
Dual throttle for improved tip-out stability in boosted engine system
A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle includes forming a mixture of fresh air and treated exhaust, and compressing the mixture upstream of a first throttle valve coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The method further includes, during a higher engine-load condition, admitting the mixture to the intake manifold via the first throttle valve, and, during a lower engine-load condition, admitting fresh air to the intake manifold via a second throttle valve. |
| US08353269B2 |
Spark ignition engine that uses intake port injection of alcohol to extend knock limits
Internal combustion engine system. The system includes a source of gasoline for direct injection into cylinders of a spark ignition engine along with a source of an antiknock fuel for injection into the intake ports of the engine as needed to prevent knock. A preferred antiknock fuel is ethanol or an ethanol/gasoline blend having an ethanol content of 20% by volume or more. Other suitable antiknock fuels are methanol, a combination of ethanol and methanol, and a blend of gasoline with either ethanol, methanol, or an ethanol/methanol mixture. |
| US08353267B2 |
Piston for engine having stable behavior of piston ring
Disclosed is a piston for an engine having a stable behavior of a piston ring. The piston for the engine includes: an upper ring, a middle ring, and an oil ring, provided in an outer circumferential portion; and a ring-shaped groove formed between the upper ring, and the middle ring, wherein the ring-shaped groove has a deep portion which has a concave shape, a straight-line shaped first gap is formed between a liner of a cylinder, and an area from the ring-shaped groove to the middle ring, and the first gap is larger than a gap between the liner of the cylinder, and an area from a portion provided with the upper ring to the ring-shaped groove. In the disclosed piston, a blow-by gas, which is a mixed gas flowed into a crank case from a combustion chamber by passing through a gap between the cylinder and the piston, formed below the ring-shaped groove, is stabilized, thereby stabilizing the behavior of the upper ring and the middle ring. Also, the amount of oil scraped off toward the combustion chamber is reduced, and the oil can be smoothly scraped off toward the crank case, which reduces the consumption of oil remaining and evaporating on an inner wall of the cylinder. |
| US08353266B2 |
Engine throttle control with brake booster
Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. |
| US08353265B2 |
Efficient vehicle component heating
Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device. |
| US08353262B2 |
Two-stroke internal combustion engine
A reverse scavenged two-stroke internal combustion engine is capable of effectively suppressing the short-circuiting of fresh charge (unburnt air-fuel mixture), while at the same time being capable of further improving scavenging efficiency, combustion efficiency, etc. The horizontal sectional shape of at least one pair of scavenging passages is closer to a triangle than a parallelogram along substantially the entire lengths of the at least one pair of scavenging passages, where a cylinder outer circumferential side of the horizontal sectional shape is narrowest and a cylinder bore wall surface side of the horizontal sectional shape is wide. Further, horizontal scavenging angles, which are angles of intersection formed between lines extended towards an intake port from guide wall surfaces that define the scavenging passages, are acute. |
| US08353261B2 |
Water heater base
A method of making a circular support base for a water heater in which a sheet of material having two ends is formed with corrugations such that the corrugations are progressively more pronounced towards one longitudinal edge thereby creating a generally circular shape out of the formerly straight sheet material, the two ends are connected to form an unbroken circular shape, the corrugated material is shaped to form a lip at an inner circumferential region, and the circular lip intersects with an outer circumferential region of the support base to form a circular trough for supporting and positioning a water tank of the water heater. |
| US08353259B2 |
Masking fixture for a coating process
A masking fixture for use in a coating process includes a first fixture plate for supporting a first work piece, a second fixture plate spaced from the first fixture plate for supporting a second work piece, and at least one spacer secured between the first fixture plate and the second fixture plate. |
| US08353258B2 |
Roll support and roll coating apparatus
A roll support apparatus suitable for use in a roll coating machine is described. The roll support apparatus includes a roll support frame for rotatably supporting a roll coating head roll associated with the roll support frame, the roll support frame adapted for pivoting movement relative to a roll support frame mounting base. Furthermore, a roll carriage suitable for use in a roll coating machine is described. The roll carriage includes a roll support frame for rotatably supporting a respective roll and further includes a roll support frame mounting for movably mounting the roll support frame so that it moves between a coating position and an idle position, wherein the roll support frame mounting in use is mounted substantially above the respective roll to inhibit contamination of the roll support frame mounting. |
| US08353257B2 |
Deposition apparatus with guide roller for long superconducting tape
Disclosed herein is a deposition apparatus with a guide roller for a long superconducting tape. The deposition apparatus has a supply reel which is provided in a vacuum chamber and rotated to supply the tape, a feed and deposition unit which is spaced apart from the supply reel and vacuum deposits a superconducting layer on the tape while feeding the tape, and a collection reel which is spaced apart from the feed and deposition unit and is rotated to collect the vacuum-deposited tape. The feed and deposition unit includes a drum which is rotated to wind the tape on a predetermined portion of an outer circumference of the drum several times, thus feeding the tape, and a guide roller which is spaced apart from the drum, includes a plurality of rollers each having on an outer circumference thereof grooves and protrusions at regular intervals, and is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a rotating shaft of the drum by a sum of a width of the tape and a thickness of each of the protrusions, with the tape passing over an outer circumference of the guide roller. The invention deposits a superconducting layer while maintaining constant tension when the tape is thermally deposited, thus preventing the tape from being deformed because of the difference in the thermal expansion and contraction of the tape resulting from non-uniform tension. |
| US08353254B2 |
Mounting structure of an indicating needle for an instrument system
An instrument system includes a speedometer as an indicating instrument. The speedometer includes a disk-like dial, a movement element, and an indicating needle. The dial includes an indication element indicative of vehicle's speed. The movement element has an output shaft connected to a measurement device measuring the vehicle's speed and configured to rotate based on measurements obtained by the measurement device. The needle is attached to the output shaft by a mounting structure. The needle includes a skirt attached to the output shaft of the movement element, and a pointer extending radially from the skirt, so as to be rotated by the output shaft and indicate a value of interest of the indication element of the dial. The skirt includes a hole into which the output shaft is press-fit. The hole has an elliptical cross section. |
| US08353253B2 |
Fasteners, cover systems, and related methods
Fasteners, cover systems, and related methods are provided. A fastener for fastening an item in place on an object can include a bottom member having a first cross-sectional shape and a top member having a second cross-sectional shape that is securable to the bottom member. The top member can be rotatable relative to the bottom member once the top member is secured to the bottom member. The fastener can also include a securement device for fastening the bottom member to an object. The fasteners can be part of a cover system that also includes a cover. The cover system can be used in conjunction with a window, such as a boat hatch. |
| US08353248B2 |
Track-guided vehicle wheel track
In a track-guided vehicle wheel truck, a guide frame can be turned relative to a steering axle of a running wheel. A support shaft is adjustably provided on the guide frame. A receiving member is provided projecting toward the vehicle end side. A link lever capable of interlocking the turning of the guide frame and the steering of the running wheel, is provided along the vehicle front and rear direction. A center-side end part of the link lever is rotatably mounted to the receiving member. A vehicle end-side end part of the link lever is rotatably mounted to a connecting rod that enables the steering of the running wheel. A long hole extending in the vehicle front and rear direction, is provided in an intermediate part of the link lever. The long hole and the support shaft are rotatably engaged with each other at a given position. |
| US08353247B2 |
Gas generator
An inflator has an elongate outer housing (110) which has at least one discharge opening (126) and which contains a compressed gas container (112) and an igniting unit (116) provided at a first axial end (114) of the compressed gas container (112). The igniting of said igniting unit generates a shock wave which, in a shock wave direction (S), enters the compressed gas container (112) at the first axial end thereof and which passes at least through some sections of the compressed gas container (112). The discharge opening (126) is arranged away from the first axial end of the compressed gas container (112) and is closed by a bursting membrane (128) which can be destroyed by the shock wave, wherein the bursting membrane (128) is not oriented perpendicularly to the shock wave direction (S). The compressed gas container (112) has a deflecting device (138; 338; 438) which deflects the shock wave running through the compressed gas container (112) from the shock wave direction (S) in the direction of the bursting membrane (128). |
| US08353239B1 |
Apparatus and method for directing the launch of a projectile
An apparatus for directing the launch of a projectile from a canister includes a pusher plate disposed in the canister, the pusher plate having a sliding, sealing engagement with the canister to define a closed volume, the projectile being disposed in the canister and resting on the pusher plate; and means for generating exhaust gas into the closed volume to urge the pusher plate and the projectile toward an opening of the canister. The apparatus further includes means for directing exhaust gas to affect the trajectory of the projectile. |
| US08353235B2 |
Counter-die for the cylinders of rotary die cutting machines
A counter-die includes a tubular body, divided into several parts (1-1′-1″) and joined to each other by tongue and groove joints using twisted edges (2) at the ends, preferentially three parts, these having an inner sector (3) which is the largest, of injected plastic, very resistant and light, over the exterior surface of which there is a coating (4) of polyurethane. The parts are joined to each other by orifices (7) and grooves (8) in their ends, more specifically in the area made of injected plastic, through which respective rods or pins (11) pass. |
| US08353234B2 |
Food dough cutting method and cutting apparatus
A food dough cutting method and cutting device thereof capable of forming conveyed food dough strips that have nearly identical weight per unit time when dividing band shaped food dough into multiple food dough strips in the conveyance direction, and is further capable of performing the same number of cuts for each food dough strip when cutting each food dough strip along the width direction into food dough pieces having a specified weight are provided. The conveyed food dough is aligned to a position that is displaced by just an alignment displacement amount with respect to a reference position that is based on the installation position of cutting members. The alignment displacement amount is calculated based on the ratio of the width dimension of the food dough and the lengths of food dough pieces that are cut from food dough strips on both sides. |
| US08353231B2 |
Bar feeder
A feed rod vibration prevention support of a material feeder includes a guide device for guiding a feed rod moving to feed a material to a working machine, and a vibration attenuation mechanism for preventing the feed rod from being vibrated. The guide device further includes a guide and a bush supported by the guide having a feed rod placed thereon. The vibration attenuation mechanism includes a first elastic material located between the bush and the guide. The bush is provided with a flanged portion. |
| US08353227B2 |
Fastening device
A structure for sufficiently spacing a steering handle from a top bridge, thereby greatly improving design flexibility. A relief portion for allowing the deformation of a washer is formed to overlap a second contact surface and adjacent to a first contact surface as viewed in the axial direction of each bolt member. The first contact surface is located so as not to overlap the second contact surface as viewed in the axial direction of each bolt member. Therefore, a bending force acts on the washer to allow the deformation of the washer. That is, the washer can exhibit a spring function to relax the effect of the bending force. As a result, the steering handle can be sufficiently spaced from the top bridge to thereby greatly improve design flexibility. |
| US08353224B1 |
Electrical substation and animal mitigation system therefor
An electrical substation is shown and described. The electrical substation has a plurality of substation components selected from a group consisting of circuit breakers, transformers, voltage regulators, switchgear, control houses, and structural members. Each of the plurality of substation components is supported above ground-level. An animal mitigation system surrounds each of the plurality of substation components. The animal mitigation system is a shroud constructed around a substation component or a portion of a substation component to provide a barrier to entry to an internal volume of the shroud in which the component or portion of the component is housed. |
| US08353223B2 |
Trace particle collection system
A trace particle collection system accumulates trace particles of those materials that are adhering to target surfaces. The particles are removed from the surface, transported and collected in a particle collection medium, and then provided to a detection instrument. Trace particles are often bound tenaciously to the target surface, and simple techniques, such as blowing air, will either remove only the largest particles or none at all. The removal of trace particles is described which utilizes an aerosol mixture of frozen carbon dioxide aerosol particles in a gas stream to impact and more efficiently remove the target particles from the surface. |
| US08353221B2 |
Mass flow meter
A mass flow meter comprising a housing including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing defines a chamber and a rotatable member is arranged in the chamber so as to be rotatable about an axis. A momentum device is also arranged in the chamber and connected to the rotatable member via a biasing element so as to be rotatable about the axis and rotatable relative to the rotatable member. A fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is provided. The fluid path passes through both the rotatable member and the momentum device. The fluid path enters the momentum device at a radial distance r1 from the axis and exits the momentum device at a different radial distance r2 from the axis. A torque provider may be coupled to the rotatable member via a shaft or gear member. |
| US08353214B2 |
Pressure sensor for side-impact sensing and method for forming a surface of a protective material for a pressure sensor
A pressure sensor for side-impact sensing and a method for forming a surface of a protective material for a pressure sensor are provided. In this context, at least one integrated circuit is completely surrounded in a protective material, and the protective material has a cavity into which at least one pressure sensor element is installed, a surface of the protective material being formed such that a pressure-entry channel is formed by the interaction of the surface with at least one housing part. The pressure-entry channel allows for a lateral access to the at least one pressure sensor element. |
| US08353210B2 |
System for measuring a physical variable
The invention relates to a system for measuring a physical variable using a plurality of measuring sensors (20). Said system is characterized in that an inverting measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) is connected downstream of every measuring sensor (20), one output of a sensor (20) each being connected to an inverting input of the measuring signal amplifier (17; 17.1, 17.2) connected downstream of the measuring sensor (20). |
| US08353208B2 |
Housing made of fiber-reinforced plastic
Plastic housings that are subjected to internal pressure and comprise a housing upper part, a housing lower part and a closure which connects both parts to one another. At the connecting point, the housing upper and lower part have a plurality of comb-like retaining columns shaped in a complementary manner with respect to one another such that the housing parts can be plugged together. The retaining columns are oriented in a direction in which tensile force between the housing upper part and the housing lower part is oriented when the housing is subjected to internal pressure. Retaining grooves which are oriented transversely to the effective direction of the tensile force are formed in two opposite surfaces of the retaining columns in each case. Retaining bodies which at least partially touch the areas formed by the retaining grooves and thus establish the connection can be introduced into the retaining grooves. |
| US08353206B2 |
Resin weathervane system
A resin weathervane having a weathervane tube mounted within a resin weathervane figurine with a stabilizing support structure coupled to an exterior portion of the weathervane tube and a belt of flexible material wrapped at least partially around the tube and the stabilizing support structure wherein a resin mixture poured into a mold forms a resin weathervane of a desired configuration with the resin bonding the tube, the stabilizing support structure and the flexible wrap. |
| US08353203B2 |
Brake position sensor unit
A brake position sensor unit includes a unitary brake shaft that transmits braking torque to a article to be slowed, connects directly to a brake unit, connects to a resolver and has a plurality of planetary gears rotating thereabout to activate a sensor when the brake unit is set. |
| US08353190B2 |
Method and device for winding metal strips onto a coiling mandrel
A method and a device for winding metal strip onto a mandrel to which the metal strip is fed by a driver encompassing a bottom and a top drive roller in a driver frame. In order to regulate the driver in such a way by measuring the strip tension, the longitudinal tensile strength applied to the metal strip by the driver to control the strip run through the driver is determined by means of a strip tension measuring device which is mounted on the driver frame, in a pivot located shortly behind the bottom drive roller, and can be swiveled into the metal strip from below. The strip tension measuring device is composed of a first lever arm and a second lever arm which is hingedly mounted at the front of the first lever arm and the forward end of which is provided with a roller. |
| US08353187B2 |
Padlock device using an electromagnetic switch actuated system with fingerprint identification system
A keyless padlock system includes an electromagnetic switch system and a fingerprint process system. The electromagnetic switch system operates the padlock with a mechanical actuated mechanism. The system also secures the padlock against the force and vibration. The fingerprint process system provides the padlock device an easy operation as the key system. The buttons and LED's manage using both fingerprint and the combination code. A changeable battery system without losing the memory provides the padlock device a reliable and easy application. |
| US08353186B2 |
Hoop lock
The invention relates to a hoop lock having a lock body and a hoop which is movable relative to the lock body between an open position and a closed position. The lock body has a lock housing and a closing mechanism which is fastened in the lock housing and has a driver. The driver is selectively movable into an unlatched position or into a latched position. A latching device is furthermore provided in the lock body and acts between the driver of the locking mechanism, the hoop and the lock housing. The latching device latches the hoop to the lock housing when the hoop is in the closed position and the driver of the locking mechanism is in the latched position. At least a part of the latching device is movable together with the hoop between the open position and the closed position of the hoop. |
| US08353185B2 |
Vehicle handle locking apparatus
In a vehicle handle locking apparatus, a locking member that can operate between a locked position and an unlocked position and a holding member that operates together with the locking member are resiliently urged toward the unlocked position side; and an engaging member that engages with a holding member in the locked position and holds the locking member in the locked position is operated by operation of an electric actuator toward the side to release the engagement with the holding member. Forced unlocking drive device forcibly drives the holding member toward the unlocked position side in response to the operation of the electric actuator in a state in which the locking member is in the locked position. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a vehicle handle locking apparatus that releases, even when a force in a rotating direction is applied to a steering handle, engagement of a locking member with the steering handle or a linkage member so that an unlocked state is reliably achieved. |
| US08353182B2 |
Safety lockout hasp
This invention relates to a safety lockout hasp 1 which includes a body 2 and a moveable member 3. The moveable member 3 includes a plurality of apertures 7 which are each capable of accommodating the shackle 16 of a lock means 8. The apertures 7 are only accessible when the moveable member is in a closed position. The moveable member 3 can only be moved to an open condition when the locking means 8 is detached from the hasp 1. |
| US08353181B2 |
Heart shaped diamond cut having hearts and arrows pattern
A heart shaped diamond possessing a hearts and arrows pattern characteristic comprising: six main crown facets symmetrically aligned relative to one another, with each of the six main crown facets having a straight edge in parallel alignment with a straight edge of another main crown facet disposed opposite thereto; six main pavilion facets aligned at a fixed given angle of approximately 60° to each other and having a symmetrical number of pavilion half facets such that the six main pavilion facets meet at a point corresponding to the symmetrical central of the diamond and a multiple number of crown star facets spaced apart from one another on the surface of the diamond. The pavilion half facets are arranged in pairs polished on the main pavilion facet with a first pavilion half facet in each pair lying at a first angle of preferably 26.25° relative to a second pavilion half facet in the same pair and with the second pavilion half facet in each pair cut at a second angle of preferably 33.75° relative to the first pavilion half facet in an adjacent pair with which it shares a common boundary. |
| US08353178B2 |
Ice making tray for refrigerator
An ice making housing which is mounted in a refrigerator door and forms an ice making chamber including an ice making tray which has a rotational shaft to be rotatably accommodated in the ice making housing, and an ice generating unit to freeze supplied water; an ice separating unit which is mounted in the ice making housing and separates ice cubes from the ice making tray; an overflow preventing member which is rotatably coupled to the ice making housing along a lengthwise direction of the ice making tray and prevents overflow of water accommodated in the ice making tray; and a driving unit which is provided in the ice making tray and the overflow preventing member and allows the overflow preventing member to reciprocate between an ice separating position separating ice cubes from the ice generating unit and a cover position covering the ice generating unit. |
| US08353177B2 |
Apparatus and method for dispensing ice from a bottom mount refrigerator
A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment. |
| US08353175B2 |
Roof top air conditioning units having a centralized refrigeration system
A system comprising a plurality of rooftop HVAC units having a centralized refrigeration unit is described along with a method for retrofitting existing independent HVAC units into the described system. The resulting multi-unit system offers increased efficiency and reliability over independently operating HVAC units. |
| US08353173B2 |
Refrigerating cycle apparatus and operation control method therefor
In a refrigerating cycle apparatus and control method thereof, a controller sets a high-pressure pressure target value from thermal load and temperature conditions based on refrigerant information that has been obtained from detectors, and controls at least one of a rotational frequency of a compressor, a degree of opening of an electronic expansion valve, a rotational frequency of an outdoor fan, or a rotational frequency of an indoor fan to match a high-pressure pressure to the high-pressure pressure target value that has been set. Here, a threshold value is set when the high-pressure pressure target value is set, and a method for setting the high-pressure pressure target value is modified depending on whether the high-pressure pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold value or less than the threshold value when the high-pressure pressure target value is decided. |
| US08353171B2 |
Refrigerating appliance comprising an ice-making machine
A refrigerating appliance is provided that includes an inner compartment for storing refrigerated or frozen goods, a cold generator, a refrigerating appliance control system for operating the cold generator, a mains connection for supplying the cold generator and the refrigerating appliance control system with an electrical voltage, and an ice-making machine arranged in the inner compartment. The ice-making machine includes its own control system for its own operation, which controls all functions of the ice-making machine independently of the refrigerating appliance control system. A connection is also provided from the ice-making machine and the ice-making machine control system to the mains connection of the refrigerating appliance. |
| US08353167B2 |
Solar-powered refrigerated container
A portable, solar assisted, temperature controlled container comprises: a body with a cavity; a lid sealable thereon; a detachable solar panel producing electric power; a thermoelectric cooling unit; an interior heat sink secured in the cavity proximate to an interior side of the thermoelectric cooling unit with an interior fan to direct cavity air thereon; an exterior heat sink secured proximate to an exterior-facing side of the thermoelectric cooling unit with an exterior fan to direct exterior air thereon. The thermoelectric cooling unit transports heat to maintain a thermostat-controlled temperature in the cavity. The interior and exterior fans and the interior and exterior heat sinks increase efficiency of the heat transport. One or more wheels rotatably attached to the body are coupled to a faraday generator to generate electrical power to replace/supplement the solar power. A rechargeable battery may also replace/supplement solar power during periods of inadequate solar power generation. |
| US08353163B2 |
Fuel injector sans support/stem
A fuel nozzle is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a heat shield, a fuel tube and a plurality of support members. The support members are radially interposed between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The support members are preferably cylindrical tubes, thus creating voids or pockets between the heat shield and the fuel tube. The cylindrical tubes are connected to one another at a first end are free at an opposed end. As such, the tubes can move or slide relative to one another. Further, the tubes preferably only contact one another with at most line contacts. The fuel nozzle may also include a tip portion that includes a tip heat shield that extends radially outward from the primary heat shield. The tip heat shield defines a cavity that connects with the central cavity of the heat shield. The fuel tube extends through the tip heat shield. |
| US08353156B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08353152B2 |
Exhaust emission control device
An exhaust emission control device, which can absorb thermal expansion difference between a particulate filter and a selective reduction catalyst without causing urea deposition, has the filter and the catalyst arranged in parallel with each other with their entry ends facing the same direction. An S-shaped communication passage is provided to introduce the exhaust gas from a discharge end of the filter into an entry end of the catalyst through turndown, urea water being added upstream of the communication passage. A mixing pipe providing a straight section of the communication passage at an intermediate portion thereof, with a double-pipe portion constituted by overlapped stretchable/retractable inner and outer pipes, the outer pipe having a terminal end secured to an outer periphery of the inner pipe and being provided with an axially expansible and contractible bellows, a sealing ring fitted over an outer periphery of a terminal end of the inner pipe. |
| US08353151B2 |
Exhaust gas control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas control apparatus includes an oxidation catalyst, a compact oxidation catalyst having a smaller cross section than that of an engine exhaust passage, a fuel supply valve, a glow plug, and an electronic control unit. The control modes for the exhaust gas control apparatus include a first control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve, heated by the glow plug, and ignited, a second control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve, and heated by the glow plug but is not ignited, and a third control mode where the fuel is supplied from the fuel supply valve and the glow plug does not provide heating. The electronic control unit selects the first or third control mode in the operation region where ignition is possible, and selects the second or third control mode in the operation region where ignition is not possible. |
| US08353147B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacture of a top opening reclosable bag having a tape formed reclosable seal
A vertical form, fill and seal machine in conjunction with a product supply apparatus provides a continuous, heat sealable plastic film and zipper tape and provides separate, product filled, reclosable, top opening sealed bags. The apparatus includes a means for supplying the continuous plastic film, a means for supplying zipper tape, a means for sealing the zipper tape sections to the film, a vertical fill tube assembly, a feeding means including a film drive roll upstream, film pull belts adjacent the vertical fill tube, a vertical sealing means for sealing the edges of the continuous film to the edges of the continuous zippered cap strip, a horizontal sealing, perforating, and severing means for severing the plastic tube between the first and second horizontal seals, and a tensioning means for horizontally elongating the flexible plastic tube transverse to its length prior to formation of the horizontal seals. |
| US08353146B1 |
Ice bagging assembly
Ice bagging assemblies comprising an ice bag merchandiser, an ice bag diverter positionable between first and second positions to drop ice bags into different first and second regions within the ice bag merchandiser. Methods of stacking ice bags in an ice bag merchandiser comprising receiving an ice bag in an ice bag diverter and dropping the ice bag to a first region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a first position and dropping the ice bag to a second region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a second position. |
| US08353143B2 |
Lateral seismic brace
A sway brace fitting clamp is used for lateral bracing of sprinkler or other types of pipe (designated the service pipe) to a structure, to prevent movement of the service pipe perpendicular to the axis of the pipe relative to the structure to which it is attached. The sway brace fitting clamp includes a U-bolt which fits around the service pipe, and a pair of hooks that are coupled to straight ends of the U-bolt, for hooking the sway brace pipe. A pair of nuts engages threaded portions of the U-bolt ends. The nuts may be tightened to pull the sway brace pipe into contact with the service pipe, firmly clamping the sway brace pipe and the service pipe together. |
| US08353141B2 |
Method and service for assembling a modular structure such as a wind power plant
A method and a device for assembling a structure that is formed from several modules that are disposed on top of each other, e.g. a wind power plant. An auxiliary mast of modular construction is erected parallel to and laterally of the structure to be erected, wherein the length of an auxiliary mast module approximately corresponds to the length of a structural module. A respective auxiliary mast module is previously detachably connected to a respective structural module to form an overall module, such that the auxiliary mast module can accept the weight of the structural module. The overall modules that are each formed from one auxiliary mast module and one structural module are moved by means of the lifting gondola in an upward direction along the auxiliary mast of previously erected structural modules to the level of the assembly position. |
| US08353137B2 |
Compression mounted window assembly
A compression mounted window assembly is disclosed that includes a circular window having opposed front and rear planar surfaces and an outer periphery having forward and rearward chamfered edge surfaces, a compressible gasket circumscribing the outer periphery of the window, a housing with a portal having an annular seat for accommodating the window circumscribed by the gasket, wherein the annular seat has a first chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the forward chamfered edge surface of the window, an annular bezel operatively associated with the housing for compressively retaining the window assembly within the annular seat of the portal, and structure for securing the bezel to the housing, wherein the bezel has a second chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the rearward chamfered edge surface of the window. |
| US08353134B2 |
Grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit
The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient. |
| US08353133B2 |
Anchor for handling construction elements comprising fixed divergent arms
An anchor for construction elements, such as concrete panels, and including at least one flat part, an upper part for hanging on a handling engine and extending along a principal plane and a lower part for anchoring in the construction element. The lower part has two arms diverging in the direction of the lower end of the anchor, extending outside the principal plane, and forming, between them, an angle. |
| US08353130B2 |
Door weather strip
A door weather strip includes an attaching base part that is attached along an outer periphery of a door frame and a hollow seal part that is extended in an outer peripheral direction of a door from the attaching base part. The attaching base part 11 includes a base bottom part, a vehicle inner side wall part and a vehicle outer side wall part and a partition wall. Both the attaching base part and the seal part are made of the same EPDM sponge rubber material by an extrusion process. The door weather strip satisfies conditions that a specific gravity is 0.36 or higher and 0.44 or lower, a low stretch stress is 200 kPa or higher and 230 kPa or lower and an average foaming cell diameter is 180 μm or larger and 220 μm or smaller. |
| US08353129B2 |
Window interlock
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a window regulator for a vehicle window on a sliding vehicle door. The window regulator includes a ratchet that is positionable in a first position and a second position and a pawl that is positionable in a ratchet release position and a ratchet locking position. The position of the ratchet determines the position of a door interlock member for controlling whether the vehicle door is fully openable or not. The window regulator includes a mechanism for separating the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of at least one of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions. The mechanism preferably separates the ratchet and pawl from each other prior to movement of each of the ratchet and pawl from one of its associated positions to the other of its associated positions. |
| US08353128B2 |
Wrapper with decorative extension and method
A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may have one or more additional overlapping extensions. |
| US08353127B2 |
Plant package and methods of forming same using a thermoplastic flower pot
A flower pot in combination with a retaining medium for holding and retaining a floral grouping is disclosed. The flower pot includes a base portion defining a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of the retaining medium so as to hold and retain the retaining medium. The base portion is constructed of a thermoformed plastic material, and has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper end and the lower end. The sidewall is substantially devoid of overlapping folds and has decorative ornamentation associated with at least a portion of the sidewall. |
| US08353126B2 |
Bee smoker
An improved bee smoker is provided for producing smoke on demand for use in controlling bees that includes a housing, a power source, a heating element, a fan, and switches. |
| US08353121B2 |
Processes and systems for monitoring usage of projectile weapons
Processes and systems for detecting a shot by a projectile weapon are disclosed. Data is obtained along at least two different axes for use in determining whether a shot has taken place based on an evaluation by a processor. In certain embodiments, multiple detection systems are positioned on a weapons platform mounting multiple projectile weapons, and each is configured to detect only a shot by a respective one of the projectile weapons. |
| US08353115B2 |
Exhaust air dryer with a heat exchanger
An exhaust air dryer includes a process airflow entering from outside as supply air, which removes moisture from laundry introduced in a treatment compartment and which emerges to the outside as exhaust air through an air outlet, a heat exchanger between the treatment compartment and the air outlet, seen in the airflow direction, which removes heat from the process airflow, while forming condensate, a dispersal device arranged downstream of the treatment compartment in the airflow direction and in front of the air outlet, which adds at least part of the formed condensate to the exhaust air, and a hydrophilic body belonging to the dispersal device, which projects into the process airflow and is impinged upon by condensate. |
| US08353114B2 |
Apparatus and method for refrigeration cycle with auxiliary heating
An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement in turn including an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected. A drum is provided to receive clothes to be dried. An auxiliary heater is included, as is a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the condenser and the heater, and through the drum. A sensor is located to sense high side temperature and/or high side pressure of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement. A controller is coupled to the sensor and the auxiliary heater, and is operative to: activate the auxiliary heater during a startup transient of the mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement; monitor the high side temperature and/or high side pressure, during the startup transient; and de-activate the auxiliary heater in response to the high side temperature and/or high side pressure reaching a first predetermined value. |
| US08353112B2 |
Signal emitting or receiving pointer
A signal emitting or receiving pointer and method for its use to enable the determination of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. The pointer has emitters or receivers installed on the pointer and the signals sent or received as the gantry is rotated allow the calculation of the geometrical center of a rotating gantry. |
| US08353111B2 |
Handle control provided with an angular position sensor
A handle control provided with: a supporting body, which is provided with a central through hole and is adapted to be fitted about a handlebar to be rigidly fixed to the handlebar; a twist grip, which has a tubular shape, is rotationally carried by the supporting body and is centrally perforated to be fitted about the handlebar so as to rotate with respect to the handlebar; and an angular position sensor, which is adapted to read the angular position of the twist grip; the angular position sensor has at least one rotor, which is supported by the twist grip to rotate along with the twist grip and is adapted to influence an electric field; and at least one reader, which is carried in a stationary position by the supporting body, is arranged close to the rotor, and is suitable for a contactless and remote reading of the orientation of the rotor. |
| US08353102B2 |
Wiring board connection method
A wiring board connection method comprising: arranging a continuous conductive joint body on adjacent connection terminals of one of the wiring boards in a space between the adjacent connection terminals on one of the wiring boards; aligning the wiring boards so that the connection terminals face each other with the conductive joint body interposed therebetween; and bonding the connection terminals with each other by heating and then cooling the conductive joint body, wherein: the conductive joint body is a material that generates air bubbles upon being heated; and a recessed portion is formed on a surface of at least one of the connection terminals, the surface being opposite to the connection terminal of another wiring board. When the connection terminals are bonded with each other, the conductive joint body is allowed to move so as to gather on the surfaces of the connection terminals where no recessed portions are formed. |
| US08353098B2 |
Method of manufacturing perpendicular magnetic write head
A method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head capable of easily and accurately forming a main magnetic-pole layer having a shape suitable for concentrating a magnetic flux is provided. A nonmagnetic layer having a recessed section (a first recessed section and a second recessed section) is formed, and then an additional nonmagnetic layer is formed on an inner surface of the recessed section. Then, a magnetic layer is formed in the recessed section formed with the additional nonmagnetic layer, and then the magnetic layer is cut to form an air bearing surface, so as to form the main magnetic-pole layer. |
| US08353097B2 |
Method for fabricating antenna device of mobile communication terminal
A method for fabricating an antenna device of a mobile communication terminal, the method including selecting radiation patterns according to a usable frequency band, selecting and fabricating magneto dielectric modules for adjusting resonance frequencies of the selected radiation patterns, selecting and fabricating dielectric modules for adjusting resonance frequency of the selected radiation patterns, selecting and fabricating a radiation pattern having a number of resonance frequencies required for the terminal from among the radiation patterns selected in the pattern selection step, and selecting at least one of the magneto dielectric modules and the dielectric modules and installing it in the radiation pattern to tune a resonance frequency of the radiation pattern to the resonance frequency required for the terminal. |
| US08353092B2 |
Multiple bias surgical fastener
A surgical fastener comprising a clip movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and a biasing member contacting the clip and biasing the dip to its open configuration when the biasing member is actuated. The biasing member and clip both tend to assume the closed configuration when no external forces are applied to them. A needle may be releasably attached to the clip. Methods for making the fasteners are also disclosed, in which both the clip and the biasing member are set in the closed position. |
| US08353087B2 |
Closure device
A closure device includes a knob. A ratchet member is mounted on a bottom of the knob. An engaging member is movably received in a cavity of the ratchet member. A spool is mounted on a bottom of the engaging member. A stopper is mounted around the spool. A base is proved for receiving the stopper, the spool, the engaging member, and the ratchet member. |
| US08353085B2 |
Sanitary handle cover
Provided is a sanitary handle cover configured to store and dispense sanitary fluid in response to pressure being applied to the handle cover, such as when an individual grabs the handle cover to open the door. The handle cover may additionally be adapted to be quickly and easily placed over the handle and substantially conform to the shape of the handle to remain on the handle during use. |
| US08353077B2 |
Attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance
A grooming device includes a head and a handle. A first end of the handle is connected to the head, and a second end of the handle is connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance. The head includes a bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles, and a bristle cover having a plurality of apertures. The device includes an actuator manually operable by a user to effect relative movement between the bristle carrier and the bristle cover from a stowed configuration in which the bristles are retracted relative to the bristle cover to a deployed configuration in which the bristles protrude from the bristle cover through the apertures. The handle includes a conduit for conveying an air flow from the head to the second end of the handle. Resilient members are provided for returning the head to the stowed configuration automatically when the actuator is released by the user. In addition to enabling hair or other matter collected between the bristles of the bristle carrier to be readily dislodged from the device, the automatic retraction of the bristles can ensure that the bristles are not exposed when the device is not in use. |
| US08353076B1 |
Hair brush with slideable brush head
A hair brush with a slideable brush head that allows the brush head to be positioned on either end of the elongated handle to thereby providing ease of use by both right handed or left handed users. The elongated handle has different ways thereon to arrest the brush head in any desired position. The brush head may also be removed from the handle, if so desired, so that a brush head of a different circumference but the same inner diameter may be used. |
| US08353072B2 |
Fire-resistant mattress having combustible material compartmentalized between fire-resistant layers
A mattress is disclosed that includes a sleeping side, a cushioning layer, an inner support compartment, and a fire-containing compartment disposed between the sleeping side and the inner support compartment and including first and second layers of fire-resistant material. The cushioning layer is disposed between the first and second layers of fire-resistant material. |
| US08353068B1 |
Rotatably positionable hand rail
The present invention provides an adjustable hand rail including a wall-mounted base member that includes a circular plate with an inward facing side and an outward facing side. The circular plate includes a circular track. The circular track has a bottom, an inside rail member extending from the bottom and an outside rail member extending from the bottom. The two rail members define a C-shaped channel. The bottom of the track member also includes a plurality of lock apertures. A rotatable insert is rotatably disposed within the circular track. The insert has a first insert opening and a diametrically opposed second insert opening. First and second shoulder members are disposed within the insert openings. The first shoulder member has a first locking pin biased to extend into one of the lock apertures. A bar having a first end and a second end is provided attached to the shoulder members. |
| US08353067B2 |
Umpire chest protector
An umpire chest protector for use in a baseball game is disclosed to include a body member, a sternum plate, first left and right side plates, second left and right side plates, two shoulder plates, a shoulder strap assembly and a rear padding system. The rear padding system has an air channel defined therein, saving material, reducing the weight and enhancing wearing comfort. The left and right paddings, upper padding, outer left padding and outer right padding of the rear padding system are detachable, easy on and off and washable, material-saving and capable of dispersing impact force. The sternum plate is attached to one side of each of the shoulder plates and affixed thereto with rivets, and side flaps and bottom flaps of the sternum plate are respectively affixed to the upper portions and lower portions of the first left and right side plates with rivets, providing warp around feel and making the protector still and strong. |
| US08353064B2 |
Salon cape with adjustable magnetic channel closure
The present invention is an adjustable magnetic channel closure for a salon cape. The channel closure has a reinforced tab located at or near each of the ends of the channel. Each reinforced tab has a pair of magnetic components that grip the channel when the reinforced tab is bent. The channel closure is tightened by pulling a gripping component located at each end of the channel closure. A cord located at the top of the channel prevents the reinforced tabs and magnetic components from sliding off the channel when the gripping components are pulled. |
| US08353062B2 |
Human limb/joint protective pad and method of making
A protective pad includes a pre-tensioned resilient padded membrane resiliently suspended to a semi-rigid shell. A cavity is defined between the pre-tensioned padded membrane and the shell. In use, the pad is attached to the limb or joint to be protected with the tensioned membrane engaging the limb or joint to be protected. The pre-tensioned membrane and air cushion in the cavity absorb the energy of an impact transferred by the shell during a sporting event or other activity. |
| US08356356B2 |
Anti-debugger comprising spatially and temporally separate detection and response portions
An anti-debugger comprises spatially and temporally separate detection and response portions. In an example configuration, the anti-debugger is implemented into a game system for detecting and responding to a debugger attached to a game application. The detection portion is implemented on one thread of the system and the response portion is implemented on another thread of the system. When a debugger is detected, a message indicative of the detection is provided to a thread interface. The thread interface provides the message to the response portion. After a period of time has elapsed, the response portion disables the functionality of the game application, such as by halting the game execution and/or obfuscating game performance. |
| US08356353B2 |
System and method for simulating computer network attacks
The present invention provides a system and method for providing computer network attack simulation. The method includes the steps of: receiving a network configuration and setup description; simulating the network configuration based on the received network configuration; receiving at least one confirmed vulnerability of at least one computer, machine, or network device in the simulated network; receiving a method for compromising the confirmed vulnerability of the at least one computer, machine, or network device; and virtually installing a network agent on the at least one computer, machine, or network device, wherein the network agent allows a penetration tester to execute arbitrary operating system calls on the at least one computer, machine, or network device. |
| US08356349B2 |
Method and system for intrusion prevention and deflection
A method of preventing intrusion in communication traffic with a set of machines in a network is provided, the traffic including communication entities, including the steps of: providing a test system comprising test facilities replicating at least one of the machines in the set; directing at least part of the communication entities in the traffic toward the test system; running the communication entities directed toward the test system on the test facilities to detect possibly adverse effects on the test system, and i) in the presence of an adverse effect, blocking, by the test system, the communication entities leading to the adverse effect, and ii) in the absence of an adverse effect, allowing, by the test system, the communication entities not having the adverse effect to communicate with the set of machines. |
| US08356348B2 |
Computer system with electronic lock
A computer system with an electronic lock includes an end-user unit and a mobile unit. The end-user unit has a communication port and an identification database coupling with the communication port and storing at least one identification code. The mobile unit has an identifying module with a logging code, with the mobile unit able to connect with the end-user unit through the communication port to connect the identifying module with the identification database of the end-user unit. When the mobile unit is coupled with the end-user unit, the end-user unit catches the logging code and executes an identifying process to determine whether the logging code is one of the at least one identification code in the identification database. |
| US08356346B2 |
VPN secure sessions with dynamic IP addresses
To help maintain secure and convenient connectivity for users when IP addresses change, devices connected between sites by using multiple virtual private network security associations update one another when the security association IP addresses change. The device whose WAN interface IP address changed transmits an address change notification message to the other device over a WAN interface whose IP address did not change. The message indicates which IP address(es) changed and new value(s) to use. The devices can then continue the same secure virtual private network session (from a user point of view above the security association level) by using the new value(s) for the changed IP address(es). Use of the new value for the changed IP address is transparent to (unseen by) VPN applications that are running in the LANs. IPSec sessions and load balancing may be provided. |
| US08356325B2 |
System and method for transferring a session across domains and subscriptions
A system and method for transferring a session between IPTV Control Servers, or between IMS subscriptions, allows the IPTV Control Servers involved in the transfer to connect to each other and facilitate a transfer of session transfer information. This session transfer information allows the recipient of the transfer to connect to the same content distribution network and resume the session using the same content servers where appropriate. |
| US08356322B2 |
Passive multi-port entry adapter and method for preserving downstream CATV signal strength within in-home network
A cable television (CATV) entry adapter interfaces to a CATV network and serves as a hub in an in-home network for passively communicating multimedia content or information from the CATV network and between subscriber devices connected to the ports of the CATV entry adapter, using CATV signals in a CATV frequency band and network signals in a different in-home network band. |
| US08356320B2 |
Transmitting/receiving system and method of processing data in the transmitting/receiving system
A receiving system and a method for processing data in the receiving system are disclosed. The receiving system includes a receiving unit, a first handler, and a second handler. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal through a mobile broadcast network. Herein, the broadcast signal includes mobile service data and a first signaling table. And, the first signaling table includes service guide transmission information and service guide bootstrapping information on the mobile service data. The first handler acquires the service guide bootstrapping information based upon the service guide transmission information included in the first signaling table. And, the second handler accesses a service guide by using the acquired service guide bootstrapping information. |
| US08356319B2 |
Screen saver trigger using partial still picture detection
A method of determining when to activate a screen saver for a display device comprises selecting as a sample set a sparse subset of pixels which collectively form a display frame. An evaluation is performed of only the pixels in the sample set, to determine over a plurality of display frames whether pixels within the sample set have undergone a sufficient amount of change so that burn-in is unlikely. A determination is then made of whether to activate the screen saver based on a result of the evaluation. |
| US08356316B2 |
Method, system and computer program product for an emergency alert system for audio announcement
A method is disclosed for distributing emergency alert audio data, the method including but not limited to receiving emergency alert message (EAM) data at an encoder/decoder in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system; sending the EAM to an emergency alert control (EAC) server in the IPTV system; verifying at the EAC that a valid audio message is received in the EAM; if the EAM contains an audio file, creating a MP3 audio file from or another acceptable format for the audio file; and if the received EAM is a state/local alert, placing the EAM in first-in-first-out order in a message delivery queue for delivery to end user devices in the order of the message delivery queue, else, if a streaming playback of state/local alert message is in progress, suspending the streaming playback of the state/local alert message, and continuously streaming the received EAM to end user device in the IPTV system. |
| US08356315B2 |
Setting television default channel
A television device is provided which is configured so that it will automatically cause a first predetermined television channel to be displayed on a television monitor when a television viewer sends a request signal to the television device to turn the television monitor off. The television device may be configured so that it will cause the television monitor to shut off after the first predetermined channel has been on for a dwell period of time after the request signal has been received. The dwell period of time may be approximately two seconds. |
| US08356312B2 |
Cartridge drive apparatus for a disc cartridge that holds a disc
A cartridge drive apparatus for a disc cartridge having upper and lower shells which are separatably joined to each other to form a cartridge body is disclosed, in which a accommodated disc is able to be inserted or ejected by separating the upper and lower shells vertically. The cartridge drive apparatus includes a cartridge holder which, by inserting the cartridge body, has an upper holder supporting the upper shell and a lower holder supporting the lower shell, and a holder moving mechanism which separates the upper holder and the lower holder of the cartridge holder to separate the upper shell and the lower shell and thus is able to allow the disc to be inserted or ejected. |
| US08356305B2 |
Thread boundaries comprising functionalities for an event by a single thread and tasks associated with the thread boundaries configured in a defined relationship
Each of a plurality of thread boundaries comprises functionality to be performed for a given event by a single thread. A plurality of queues through which events may be routed may be coupled to the thread boundaries. A plurality of tasks may be configured in a defined relationship, each task being associated with a thread boundary and comprising a unit of code for performing a specific function. Resources may be allocated to thread boundaries based on queue depth. |
| US08356302B1 |
Persistent display of trajectory of rate of resource consumption for use in monitoring resource consumption
Systems, methods and consumer-readable media for self-monitoring of resource consumption are provided. A system according to the invention may include a computer, a resource-consuming output device—e.g., a printer—coupled to the computer, and a goal storage device that stores a pre-set resource consumption goal. The computer may be configured to receive a print command, estimate resource consumption associated with the print command, and tally a total user resource consumption amount. The total user resource consumption amount may include the estimated resource consumption for the print command. The computer may also be configured to compare the total user resource consumption amount with the pre-set goal and to display a visual indication of the comparison of the total user resource consumption with the pre-set goal. |
| US08356295B2 |
Post-signing modification of software
A technique for making post-signing modifications to a digitally-signed software application without invalidating the signature can be used to enhance a user experience when downloading the software application. An extension module extends the length of a signature section at the end of an executable file for the digitally-signed software application to form a storage section. A header adjustment module adjusts the header to indicate size of the storage section appended at the end of the executable file. A data insertion module inserts post-signing data into the storage section, and the validity of the digital signature is maintained without requiring the file to be re-signed after insertion of the post-signing data. Thus, a software vendor can add into the software user-specific data after the file has been signed, while still maintaining the signature's validity, so the software can be downloaded with minimal interruption to the user. |
| US08356294B2 |
Controlling and extending programmable network functions using a declarative approach
In an embodiment, a computer apparatus comprises a network interface; a processor; a packet forwarding unit; and instructions which when executed cause storing a first executable software module in computer storage; receiving and storing, in association with the first software module, a first human-readable declaration of one or more available extension points within the first software module; receiving and storing an extension software module that implements a particular one or more of the extension points; installing and executing the first software module and the extension software module; and invoking the extension software module when the particular extension point is reached during execution of the first software module. In an embodiment, a declaration of extension points enables extending a software module while running in a host, by registering an extension matching the extension points, yet the author of the extension does not need to access any code of the extended module. |
| US08356292B2 |
Method for updating control program of physical storage device in storage virtualization system and storage virtualization controller and system thereof
Method for updating control program of physical storage devices including the steps of: selecting PSD(s) to be updated with the control program; making the PSD(s) in an off-line state; and updating the control program of the PSD(s), wherein if it needs to issue a write request to the selected PSD(s) before completion of updating the control program, unmodified data segment(s) corresponding to the write request is marked as modified data segment(s). the selected PSD(s) performs partial rebuilding after completion of updating the control program, and if it needs to read out from or write to an unmodified data segment of the selected PSD(s) before completion of the partial rebuilding, a R/W request can be issued to the PSD directly without waiting for completion of the partial rebuilding of the PSD. Multipe parity data chunks can also be provided in the same data stripe in another embodiment. |
| US08356291B2 |
Profile normalization in an autonomic software system
There is provided an autonomic software system and method for normalizing a profile collected for an executing application to account for one or more actions applied to the executing application after the profile was collected, comprising: predicting an impact of applying the one or more actions to the executing application by utilizing the profile and the one or more actions; and adjusting the profile to form a normalized profile according to the predicted impact. A plurality of different a profile consumers, such as, a phase shift detector, an action evaluator as well as a normalizing controller, may utilize the normalized profile to improve the behavior of the executing application. In addition, online visualization tools may be implemented to graphically depict the normalized profiles, as well as differences between the collected profiles and the normalized profiles. |
| US08356290B2 |
Conversion of a class oriented data flow program with inheritance to a structure oriented data flow program
System and method for converting a class oriented data flow program to a structure oriented data flow program. A first data flow program is received, where the first data flow program is an object oriented program comprising instances of one or more classes, and wherein the first data flow program is executable to perform a first function. The first data flow program is automatically converted to a second data flow program, where the second data flow program does not include the instances of the one or more classes, and where the second data flow program is executable to perform the first function. The second data flow program is stored on a computer memory, where the second data flow program is configured to be deployed to a device, e.g., a programmable hardware element, and where the second data flow program is executable on the device to perform the first function. |
| US08356289B2 |
Efficient encoding of instrumented data in real-time concurrent systems
A mechanism for encoding and reporting instrumented data is disclosed that requires less storage space and incurs less processor overhead than other methods of the prior art. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a bit vector in shared memory corresponds to nodes of a program's control-flow graph that have been instrumented, and the contents of the vector indicate which of these nodes have executed; in addition, character strings in shared memory indicate what file, class, and method each node belongs to. A process that executes concurrently with those of the program under test transmits instrumented data from the shared memory to a database. The illustrative embodiment enables efficient, rapid reporting and storage of instrumented data, and is therefore especially well-suited for run-time analysis of real-time concurrent systems. |
| US08356284B2 |
Threading model analysis system and method
A method and computer program product for detecting an attempt by a first thread to engage a synchronization object. A determination is made as to whether an earlier thread has already engaged the synchronization object. In response to determining that the earlier thread has already engaged the synchronization object, a determination is made as to whether the number of threads waiting to engage the synchronization object is greater than a highwater mark. |
| US08356278B2 |
Method, system and program product for detecting deviation from software development best practice resource in a code sharing system
Under the present invention, a best practice violation (BPV) engine resource is first built. This typically occurs by: receiving sets of source code from a plurality of sources; detecting a programming language of each of the sets of source code; extracting code patterns from the sets of source code; defining meta data for each code pattern that indicates a quality thereof, classifying each code pattern; and assigning a rank to each of the code pattern based on it's corresponding meta data as well as a skill level and an experience level of the developer thereof. Once the BPV engine resource is built, it will be used to detect best practice violations in other sets of source code. |
| US08356275B2 |
Program and method for displaying relationships between objects
A computer program that provides users with an easy-to-understand overall view of relationships between objects. A data loader reads relationship information out of an object descriptor database and loads view-related object descriptors into a working memory, where the relationship information describes relationships between objects. A data sorter sorts the view-related object descriptors in the working memory into groups, based on their absorption, dependence, and exclusion relationships described in the relationship information. This sorting process yields a hierarchy of view-related object descriptors according to their absorption relationships. A hierarchy view data builder retrieves view-related object descriptors, along with link descriptors, from the working memory according to a structure tree that represents inter-object relationships. The hierarchy view data builder saves the retrieved view-related object descriptors in a tree hierarchy database. |
| US08356273B2 |
Method and devices to assist in determining the feasibility of an electronic assembly
The invention concerns a method and devices for analyzing the feasibility of a computer system composed of subsystems, each having functions. After having determined the functional architecture of the computer system comprising at least one subsystem and at least one function, the characteristics of the functions implemented are imported from a database. The user determines the number of subsystems and the number of connectors per subsystem. He then distributes the functions to the subsystems and enters the characteristics of the connectors and the characteristics of the subsystems. The computer system is analyzed in light of the information provided by the user and the characteristics of the functions implemented in order to determine the feasibility of the computer system. |
| US08356272B2 |
Logic verification module apparatus to serve as a hyper prototype for debugging an electronic design that exceeds the capacity of a single FPGA
A apparatus and a system and method to operate the above provide a reconfigurable platform for emulating and debugging a user design which exceeds the capacity of a single field programmable logic device (FPGA). The method and system facilitates design and emulation of a system-on-a-chip type user design. The netlist of a user design may be included with logic value tunneling circuits in an emulation using a platform including a number of field programmable devices. A verification module apparatus provides a hyper prototype for debugging an electronic design that exceeds the capacity of a single FPGA. A verification module provides access to a plurality of attached FPGAs by means of Logic Value Tunneling Transmitters and Receivers which deliver many signals over few pins. |
| US08356271B2 |
Layout testing method and wafer manufacturing method
A product layout testing method includes testing and correcting one or more patterns of a product layout, detecting and correcting electrical characteristic changes of transistors of the product layout, and testing whether a product characteristic predicted from the product layout is equal to that predicted from a designed circuit view. Weak points with respect to the pattern may be detected and corrected, electrical characteristic changes depending on layout parameters may be detected and corrected, and whether a circuit operation depending on parasitic components is normal may be checked. |
| US08356270B2 |
Interconnect and transistor reliability analysis for deep sub-micron designs
A system and method for providing a statistical budgeting approach to modeling reliability effects such as interconnect electromigration (EM), transistor time-dependant dielectric breakdown (TDDB), hot-carrier injection effects (HCI) and bias temperature instability (BTI) is disclosed. A static analysis flow captures the effects of design topology, switching constraints, interactions between signal nets and supply rails as well as thermal gradients due to interconnect and transistor self as well as mutual heating, and was used to verify successive iterations of deep sub-micron integrated circuit designs. |
| US08356268B2 |
Integrated circuit device including dynamic array section with gate level having linear conductive features on at least three side-by-side lines and uniform line end spacings
An integrated circuit device includes a dynamic array section that includes a gate electrode level region that has linear conductive features defined in accordance with a gate level virtual grate. Each of at least three consecutively positioned virtual lines of the gate level virtual grate has at least one linear conductive feature defined thereon. A first virtual line of the at least three virtual lines has two linear conductive segments defined thereon and separated by a first end-to-end spacing. A second virtual line of the at least three virtual lines has another two linear conductive segments defined thereon and separated by a second end-to-end spacing. A size of the first end-to-end spacing as measured along the first virtual line is substantially equal to a size of the second end-to-end spacing as measured along the second virtual line. |
| US08356264B2 |
Implementing enhanced clock tree distributions to decouple across N-level hierarchical entities
A method, system and computer program product for implementing enhanced clock tree distributions to decouple across N-level hierarchical entities of an integrated circuit chip. Local clock tree distributions are constructed. Top clock tree distributions are constructed. Then constructing and routing a top clock tree is provided. The local clock tree distributions and the top clock tree distributions are independently constructed, each using an equivalent local clock distribution of high performance buffers to balance the clock block regions. |
| US08356259B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and information recording medium
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of improving the operability of an installation screen. The information processing apparatus of the present invention starts up an application on an operating system to perform information processing. This information processing apparatus includes: installation means for installing the application; display means for displaying, when the application is installed, an installation screen on which a plurality of buttons, each associated with each of a plurality of setting items and operated by a user, are arranged; detection means for detecting a use environment of the information processing apparatus; and display control means for allowing, among the buttons arranged on the installation screen, the button relevant to the use environment detected by the detection means to be displayed on the display means so as to be relatively increased in display level with respect to the other buttons. |
| US08356256B2 |
Presentation scratch spaces
Implementing scratch spaces to display one or more windows or slides previously streamed while displaying a currently streamed window or slide. A method includes using at least one of a plurality of screens, displaying a source window or slide. A first scratch space location is identified. The first scratch space location is a special window intended to contain a copy of pixels taken from a source window. The method further includes determining that the source window or slide should be copied to the first scratch space location either by detecting user input selecting an accelerator or by identifying a trigger image. As a result of determining that the source window or slide should be copied to the first scratch space location, pixels of the source window or slide are copied to the first scratch space location. |
| US08356253B2 |
Multimedia communication system and method
Systems and methods are disclosed for creating, editing, sharing and distributing high-quality, media-rich web-based communications. The communications are created in a layered fashion that integrates user-selected text, colors, background patterns, images, sound, music, video, or other media. The systems and methods are used to generate, edit, broadcast, and track electronic presentations, brochures, advertisements (such as banner advertisements on highly trafficked media websites), announcements, and interactive web pages, without the need for the user to understand complex programming languages. |
| US08356249B2 |
Intelligent video tours
Intelligently crafting a dynamic video tour using a plurality of video devices selected in real time is provided. A list of attributes is received, the list of attributes describing at least one characteristic of a video device. A list of factors is continuously received, the list of factors describing one or more events, an event occurring at a point in time. A subset of the plurality of video devices is selected, based upon the received list of attributes and the received list of factors. The subset changes over time due to one or more changes in the list of factors. Video is displayed from the selected subset of the plurality of video devices as a tour, the displayed video changing over time as the selected subset changes over time. |
| US08356247B2 |
Content rendering control system and method
A system and method for controlling of rendering of content via electronic networks, whereby content is rendered at a content page only when and to the extent that a pre-defined area of the content page is within the viewer's browser window dimensions and scrolling position, or within a pre-defined distance outside of said browser window dimensions and scrolling position. When a viewer accesses a content page and as the viewer scrolls up or down or left or right on the page, or increases or decreases the dimensions of the viewer's browser window, content that has been designated to render in the content page area corresponding to the viewer's then current browser window dimensions and scrolling position is rendered. Content relating to areas of the content page that are not within (or within such pre-defined distance from) the viewer's browser window dimensions and scrolling position is not rendered unless or until such area is within such browser window dimensions and scrolling position or said pre-defined distance outside of same. |
| US08356240B2 |
Data transfering apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a data transmitting apparatus that transmits data of an N-bit width; a data receiving apparatus that receives the data of the N-bit width from the data transmitting apparatus; and a data bus of the N-bit width connecting the data transmitting apparatus and the data receiving apparatus. The data transmitting apparatus includes a first error-detection-code-attached data generation circuit, a second error-detection-code-attached data generation circuit, a first degeneration correspondence register, and a transmission-side selection circuit. The data receiving apparatus includes a first error checking circuit, a second error checking circuit, and a second degeneration correspondence register. |
| US08356237B2 |
Controller with error correction function, storage device with error correction function, and system with error correction function
The invention is intended to curtail the circuit scale of the error correction circuit of a flash memory. The invention relates to a controller with error correction function capable of controlling writing and reading of data in a plurality of memories, including a buffer memory, an error correction circuit, and a plurality of interface modules provided individually corresponding to each one of the plurality of memories, for exchanging data with the memories, in which the plurality of interface modules have a plurality of syndrome generation function parts for receiving sector data from the memories and error correction codes corresponding to the sector data, and generating syndromes on the basis of the received sector data and error correction codes, the buffer memory temporarily stores the plurality of sector data, and the error correction circuit determines the address having an error corresponding to each one of the syndromes generated by the plurality of syndrome generation function parts, and corrects the bit corresponding to such address in the sector data stored in the buffer memory. |
| US08356236B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a method of processing data is disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system may include receiving system may include a signal receiving unit, a demodulating unit, a deinterleaver, and a decoder. The signal receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data. The mobile service data may construct a code block, the code block including at least one data packet for the mobile service data, an RS parity generated based on the at least one data packet, and a CRC checksum generated based on the at least one data packet and the RS parity. The demodulating unit performs demodulation on the received mobile service data. The deinterleaver deinterleaves the demodulated mobile service data. The decoder corrects error generated from the mobile service data by performing CRC decoding and RS decoding on the code block of the deinterleaved mobile service data. |
| US08356234B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data in a mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving symbols in a mobile communication system, in which a multiplexer and burst mapper divides each of first and second group data blocks into a plurality of sub-blocks, the symbols including the first group data block and the second group data block, the second group data block having a different priority level from the first group data block, and maps a combination of one of the first group data sub-blocks and one of the second group data sub-blocks to each burst. A modulator maps a bit of the first group data sub-block and a bit of the second group data sub-block to a symbol according to a bit reliability pattern of modulation symbols in each burst. |
| US08356232B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding data
A method and apparatus for turbo coding and decoding is provided herein. During operation, a concatenated transport block (CTB) of length X is received and a forward error correction (FEC) block size KI is determined from a group of available non-contiguous FEC block sizes between Kmin and Kmax, and wherein Kmin≦KI |
| US08356227B2 |
Method of encoding/decoding using low density check code matrix
A method of encoding data using a parity check matrix, a method of decoding encoded data, and a data retransmission method using the same are disclosed. A data retransmission method in a communication system includes transmitting a codeword encoded by a first parity check matrix corresponding to a first coding rate, among at least two parity check matrixes corresponding to different coding rates, receiving NACK from the receiver in response to the codeword, and transmitting parity bits encoded by some of the second parity check matrix corresponding to a second coding rate, among the at least two parity check matrixes, to the receiver. |
| US08356222B2 |
Fault diagnosis for non-volatile memories
Fault diagnosis techniques for non-volatile memories are disclosed. The techniques are based on deterministic partitioning of rows and/or columns of cells in a memory array. Through deterministic partitioning, signatures are generated for identification of failing rows, columns and single memory cells. A row/column selector or a combined row and column selector may be built on chip to implement the process of deterministic partitioning. An optional shadow register may be used to transfer obtained signatures to an automated test equipment (ATE). |
| US08356221B2 |
Transition delay test function logic
A method and apparatus for conducting transition testing using scan elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a scan chain having first and second subsets of scannable flops, the first subset having respective data inputs coupled to a memory array. The scannable flops of the second subset may each have a respective data input coupled to circuitry other than the memory array (e.g., to a logic circuit). The scannable flops of the first subset may be enabled for scan shifting during a transition test mode. The scannable flops of the second subset are inhibited from scanning during the transition test mode. The transition test mode may include at least two functional clock cycles in which the scannable flops of the first subset provide complementary first and second logic values to logic circuits coupled to respective data outputs. |
| US08356219B2 |
Taps and hierarchical TLM with shift register, and state machine
An integrated circuit can have plural core circuits, each having a test access port that is defined in IEEE standard 1149.1. Access to and control of these ports is though a test linking module. The test access ports on an integrated circuit can be arranged in a hierarchy with one test linking module controlling access to plural secondary test linking modules and test access ports. Each secondary test linking module in turn can also control access to tertiary test linking modules and test access ports. The test linking modules can also be used for emulation. |
| US08356218B2 |
Fault location estimation device, fault location estimation method, and program
A fault location estimation device includes: a faulty scan chain identification unit that identifies a faulty scan chain and its fault type based on result of operation verification test; a faulty scan FF narrowing unit that compares test result of the faulty scan chain with simulation result for determining a faulty scan FF range beginning at the location of a scan FF where both results differ; and a path trace narrowing unit that references logic circuit configuration information, signal line expected value, a failure-observed scan FF, and test result of a defective circuit to extract a scan FF on the faulty scan chain, which may be reached from a failure-observed scan FF observed on a normal scan chain by tracing back a failure propagation path while performing implication procedure for an input side, and thereby further narrows the faulty scan FF range determined by the faulty scan FF narrowing unit. |
| US08356213B2 |
Operations management apparatus, operations management system, data processing method, and operations management program
An operations management apparatus which acquires performance information for each of a plurality of performance items from a plurality of controlled units and manages operation of the controlled units includes a correlation model generation unit which derives a correlation function between a first element and a second element of the performance information, generates a correlation model between the first element and the second element based on the correlation function, and obtains the correlation model for each element pair of the performance information, and a model searching unit which searches for the correlation model for each element between an input element and an output element among elements of the performance information in series, and predicts a value of the output element from a value of the input element based on the searched correlation model. |
| US08356212B2 |
Memory repair
A memory chip having a memory with a plurality of non-redundant memory lines and a plurality of redundant memory lines, and a controller configured to allocate dynamically a redundant memory line to a failed memory line during runtime. |
| US08356210B2 |
Programming in a simultaneous multi-threaded processor environment including permitting apparently exclusive access to multiple threads and disabling processor features during thread testing
A system, method, and product are disclosed for testing multiple threads simultaneously. The threads share a real memory space. A first portion of the real memory space is designated as exclusive memory such that the first portion appears to be reserved for use by only one of the threads. The threads are simultaneously executed. The threads access the first portion during execution. Apparent exclusive use of the first portion of the real memory space is permitted by a first one of the threads. Simultaneously with permitting apparent exclusive use of the first portion by the first one of the threads, apparent exclusive use of the first portion of the real memory space is also permitted by a second one of the threads. The threads simultaneously appear to have exclusive use of the first portion and may simultaneously access the first portion. |
| US08356206B2 |
Method and system for repairing damaged disk file systems
The present principles include methods and apparatus for repairing corrupted files systems of storage devices. In accordance with aspects of the present principles, a listing of sectors to which data is most recently written is retrieved upon interruption of writing operations on a storage medium. The listing is employed to implement a targeted search for sectors that are most likely to be corrupted. The sectors providing in the listing are examined and sectors including errors are identified. Thereafter, the errors are corrected. |
| US08356205B2 |
Disk array device, disk control device and load distribution method in disk array device
Degree of freedom of a device structure is increased to equalize processor loads by separating the function of executing data read and write processing from the host interface and the disk interface. A disk array device including a disk enclosure and a disk control unit, wherein the disk control unit includes a host interface connected to a host computer which accesses the disk array device, a disk interface connected to the disk enclosure, a plurality of processors that execute data read and write processing between the host computer and the disk enclosure, and a switch which connects the host interface and the disk interface, and the plurality of processors, wherein the switch having a function of selecting a processor which executes the data read and write processing. |
| US08356204B2 |
Method and system for error correction of a storage media
A data file on a storage media is processed during playback or execution to identify unreadable data. Replacement data corresponding to the unreadable data is obtained over a communications network, and the replacement data is used to playback or execute the data file as if the data file does not contain any unreadable data. |
| US08356203B2 |
Asynchronous interface circuit and data transfer method
An asynchronous interface circuit for transferring a data stream between different clock domains, the asynchronous interface circuits includes a data holding circuit for sequentially receiving and transferring data of the data stream in synchronism with a first clock signal, and holding the received data until an input of a next data, an asynchronous memory for sequentially receiving the data held in the data holding circuit in synchronism with the first clock signal and for outputting the data in the order of inputting in synchronism with a second clock signal. The asynchronous interface circuit further includes a monitor for detecting an operating state of the asynchronous memory, and a selector for selecting one of the data output from the asynchronous memory and the data output from the data holding circuit on the basis of a detecting result of the monitor. |
| US08356200B2 |
Negotiation between multiple processing units for switch mitigation
A method for maintaining data and clock line synchronization, which may include a clock line that may be driven high after a clock line falling edge to mitigate a clock error. Additionally, the clock error may be mitigated by maintaining a saturated state of a device. Furthermore, a register may be connected to a microcontroller and/or a graphical processing unit to negotiate control of a switch and a bus. |
| US08356198B2 |
Performing power management based on information regarding zones of devices in a system
One or more target components of a system that are not associated with an active initiator are identified, where the identifying is based on information regarding zones of devices in the system. The devices in each of the zones include at least one initiator and at least one target component accessible by the initiator. The information describes accessibility of devices between the zones. A power management procedure is performed with respect to the identified one or more target components that are not associated with an active initiator to place the identified one or more target components in a reduced power state. |
| US08356197B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for optimizing frequency and performance in a multidie microprocessor
With the progress toward multi-core processors, each core is can not readily ascertain the status of the other dies with respect to an idle or active status. A proposal for utilizing an interface to transmit core status among multiple cores in a multi-die microprocessor is discussed. Consequently, this facilitates thermal management by allowing an optimal setting for setting performance and frequency based on utilizing each core status. |
| US08356196B2 |
Display apparatus and method for saving power thereof
A display apparatus includes: a command receiver configured to receive power on or off command from an exterior, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the display apparatus and a control unit coupled to the command receiver and the power supply unit, determining whether auxiliary power exists when the power off command is received, wherein the control unit is configured for two power saving modes. |
| US08356195B2 |
Architecture verifying apparatus, method for verifying architecture, and computer readable medium comprising computer program code for verifying architecture
An architecture verifying apparatus includes an input unit receiving a time limit of a semiconductor integrated circuit including modules and buses, and performance specifications of the modules, a bus monitor acquiring bus transactions issued to the buses by the modules, a module monitor acquiring input transactions used when the module inputs data, processing information indicating processing contents and processing time used when the module processes the data, and output transactions used when the module outputs the processed data, a first architecture generator associating the processing information with the bus transaction, the input transaction, the processing information, and the output transaction, to generate a first architecture fulfilling the time limit, a second architecture generator changing the processing time of the first architecture, to generate a second architecture fulfilling the time limit and having power consumption lower than power consumption of the first architecture, and an output unit outputting the second architecture. |
| US08356185B2 |
Apparatus and method for local operand bypassing for cryptographic instructions
A processor may include a hardware instruction fetch unit configured to issue instructions for execution, and a hardware functional unit configured to receive instructions for execution, where the instructions include cryptographic instruction(s) and non-cryptographic instruction(s). The functional unit may include a cryptographic execution pipeline configured to execute the cryptographic instructions with a corresponding cryptographic execution latency, and a non-cryptographic execution pipeline configured to execute the non-cryptographic instructions with a corresponding non-cryptographic execution latency that is longer than the cryptographic execution latency. The functional unit may further include a local bypass network configured to bypass results produced by the cryptographic execution pipeline to dependent cryptographic instructions executing within the cryptographic execution pipeline, such that each instruction within a sequence of dependent cryptographic instructions is executable with the cryptographic execution latency, and where the results of the cryptographic execution pipeline are not bypassed to any other functional unit within the processor. |
| US08356184B1 |
Data storage device comprising a secure processor for maintaining plaintext access to an LBA table
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory, a logical block address (LBA) table for storing plaintext data used to access the non-volatile memory, and control circuitry including a secure processor and a device processor. The secure processor is operable to initialize the LBA table with at least one authentication code over the plaintext data, and verify the authentication code over the plaintext data. The device processor is operable to receive an access command from a host, evaluate the plaintext data in the LBA table to determine whether to allow the access command, and when the access command is allowed, execute the access command. |
| US08356183B2 |
Biometric authentication method and computer system
A biometric authentication method for a computer system, the computer system comprising: a computer; and an authentication server, the biometric authentication method including steps of: extracting a first feature from the captured biometric information; generating a template polynomial for enrollment; extracting a second feature from the captured biometric information; generating a template polynomial for authentication; generating a correlation function for calculating a correlation between the template polynomial for authentication and the enrolled template polynomial; calculating a correlation value between the template polynomial for authentication and the enrolled template polynomial by using the generated correlation function, and determining based on the calculated correlation value whether or not the biometric information at the time of authentication coincides with the biometric information enrolled. |
| US08356182B2 |
Electronic signature system and electronic signature verifying method
A key creating device creates a first public key and a first secret key of the electronic signature method satisfying the noncounterfeitability and a second public key and the first secret key of the chameleon commitment method. The signature device generates a commitment, a first random number according to the Com algorithm, and a first signature by using the first secret key. The signature device further generates a second random number according to the Cam algorithm by using the message written by adding a first signature to an object message, and creates an electronic signature by combining the first signature and the second random number. A verifying device receives the signed message written by adding the first signature included in the electronic signature to the object message, creates a commitment according to the ComVer algorithm, and performs verification by using the commitment and the first signature. |
| US08356176B2 |
Method and system for authenticating peer devices using EAP
A system and method for authenticating a peer device onto a network using Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). The key lifetime associated with the keying material generated in the peer device and the authentication server is communicated from the authenticator to the peer device within the EAP Success message. The peer device, having been provided with the key lifetime, can anticipate the termination of its authenticated session and initiate re-authentication prior to expiry of the key lifetime. |
| US08356175B2 |
Methods and apparatus to perform associated security protocol extensions
Methods and apparatus to perform associated extensions for negotiated channel security protocols are disclosed. A disclosed method to extend a security protocol comprises exchanging identifying information between a first and a second endpoint, determining a secret based on the exchanged identifying information, determining a first master secret based on the determined secret and a second master secret determined in a prior protocol exchange block, and deriving a session key based on the first master secret. |
| US08356174B2 |
System for automatically shadowing encrypted data and file directory structures for a plurality of network-connected computers using a network-attached memory with single instance storage
The Secure Networked Data Shadowing System is connected to a plurality of monitored computer systems via an existing communication medium to store the shadowed data. The data is encrypted by the monitored computer system using a cryptokey, and the data file is processed using a hash function prior to encryption, so the contents of this file are uniquely identified. Thus, the encrypted file is stored in its encrypted form and the hash index is used to identify the encrypted file. A “data de-duplication” process avoids storing multiple copies of the same files by identifying instances of duplication via the hash index. Files that have the same hash index can be reduced to a single copy without any loss of data as long as the file structure information for each instance of the file is maintained. |
| US08356171B2 |
System and method for implementing fast reauthentication
A system for efficiently reauthenticating a client of a network. In a specific embodiment, the system includes an authentication server and a Security GateWay (SGW) in communication with the client. The SGW includes reauthentication information associated with the client. In a more specific embodiment, the authentication server includes an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) server. The SGW further includes one or more routines for employing the reauthentication information to reauthenticate the client. The AAA server performs initial authentication of the client to enable client access to the network, which yields the reauthentication information. The reauthentication information includes one or more keys and/or counters, such as an authorization key, an encryption key, and a master key, which is/are predetermined by the AAA server. |
| US08356169B2 |
Encryption communication system, apparatus and method for allowing direct encryption communication with a plurality of nodes
If the communication partner of a client node (A1a) is an encryption communication target node (C1), a DNS Proxy unit (A12a) in the client node rewrites a response to a name resolution request for the communication partner node of an application from the actual IP address of the communication partner node to a loopback address that changes depending on the communication partner. On the basis of the destination loopback address of a data packet transmitted from the application, a communication encryption module (A13a) in the client node identifies the communication partner and the encryption communication path to be used for communication with the communication partner. Hence, encryption communication can simultaneously be executed directly with a plurality of communication partner nodes by using the communication encryption module that operates as an independent process. |
| US08356168B2 |
Non-blocking UEFI I/O channel enhancements
A method and apparatus for providing platform initialization enhancements is discussed herein. In one embodiment, buses, activities, devices, and/or nodes to be processed during boot, are processed in a non-blocking fashion, which potentially results in faster boot times. Moreover, some devices/nodes, such as root nodes, may be boot in an early phase of initialization to enhance both available resources and initialization times. Furthermore, early connects in an early phase of initialization may be performed to construct partial or entire device paths, which also potentially results in faster boot times. |
| US08356167B2 |
Information device, storing predetermined state restoration software
An information device has a storage medium storing information items which includes a first program provided on a first partition, a second program and data provided on a second partition to restore the first program on the first partition to a predetermined state, a boot block which causes system activation from one of the first partition and the second partition, and an active-partition switching program which indicates, to the boot block, one of the first and second partitions. An input/output system activates the active-partition switching program when a specific operation is performed. The active-partition switching program indicates to the boot block that system activation is to be executed from the second partition. |
| US08356165B2 |
Selecting regions of hot code in a dynamic binary rewriter
An approach to region selection which extends beyond traces and selects super-regions. A super-region (SR) contains arbitrary control flow, such as interprocedural nested loops, that provides a larger scope for transformation (e.g. optimization) than traces. Hardware samples are used to identify SRs that contain the hot code of a client process without requiring any static program information. |
| US08356162B2 |
Execution unit with data dependent conditional write instructions
An execution unit supports data dependent conditional write instructions that write data to a target only when a particular condition is met. In one implementation, a data dependent conditional write instruction identifies a condition as well as data to be tested against that condition. The data is tested against that condition, and the result of the test is used to selectively enable or disable a write to a target associated with the data dependent conditional write instruction. Then, a write is attempted while the write to the target is enabled or disabled such that the write will update the contents of the target only when the write is selectively enabled as a result of the test. By doing so, dependencies are typically avoided, as is use of an architected condition register that might otherwise introduce branch prediction mispredict penalties, enabling improved performance with z-buffer test and similar types of algorithms. |
| US08356159B2 |
Break, pre-break, and remaining instructions for processing vectors
The described embodiments provide a system that sets elements in a result vector based on an input vector. During operation, the system determines a location of a key element within the input vector. Next, the system generates a result vector. When generating the result vector, the system sets one or more elements of the result vector based on the location of the key element in the input vector. |
| US08356155B2 |
Dynamic RAM Phy interface with configurable power states
A physical memory interface (Phy) and method of operating is disclosed. The Phy interface includes command and status registers (CSRs) configured to receive a first power context and second power context. Selection circuitry is configured to switch between the first and second power contexts. A plurality of adjustable delay elements are provided, each having a delay time responsive to the selected power context. A first set of CSRs configured may store the first power context and a second set of CSRs configured may store the second power context. The Phy interface may also include a plurality of drivers each having a selectable drive strength responsive to the selected power context. The Phy interface may also include a plurality of receivers each having a selectable termination impedance responsive to the selected power context. Switching between power contexts may result in adjusting of the delay elements, drive strength and/or termination impedance of one or more drivers/receivers. |
| US08356153B2 |
Adaptive wear leveling via monitoring the properties of memory reference stream
Adaptive write leveling in a memory system that includes a memory that has one or more limited lifetime memory devices and an adaptive write leveling module connected to the memory. The adaptive write leveling module is operative for monitoring a write data stream that includes write line addresses. A property of the write data stream is detected and a write leveling process is adapted in response to the detected property. The write leveling process is applied to the write data stream to generate physical addresses from the write line addresses. |
| US08356150B2 |
Systems and methods for providing nonlinear journaling
In one embodiment, systems and methods are provided for nonlinear journaling. In one embodiment, groups of data designated for storage in a data storage unit are journaled into persistent storage. In one embodiment, the journal data is recorded nonlinearly. In one embodiment, a linked data structure records data and data descriptors in persistent storage. |
| US08356149B2 |
Memory migration
A source system comprises memory and a processor executing code to cause at least some of the memory to be migrated over a network to a target system. The processor causes the memory to be migrated by migrating some of the memory while a guest continues to write the memory, halts execution of the guest, and completes a remainder of the memory migration. |
| US08356144B2 |
Vector processor system
A vector processing system provides high performance vector processing using a System-On-a-Chip (SOC) implementation technique. One or more scalar processors (or cores) operate in conjunction with a vector processor, and the processors collectively share access to a plurality of memory interfaces coupled to Dynamic Random Access read/write Memories (DRAMs). In typical embodiments the vector processor operates as a slave to the scalar processors, executing computationally intensive Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) codes in response to commands received from the scalar processors. The vector processor implements a vector processing Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) including machine state, instruction set, exception model, and memory model. |
| US08356143B1 |
Prefetch mechanism for bus master memory access
A system and method for optimizing memory bus bandwidth, is achieved by utilization of the memory bus, either by utilizing the idle time of the memory bus, or by prioritizing prefetch requests to exploit the bank structure of the external memory. When a bus master of the memory bus makes a request to access a particular line in a memory device, the memory controller generates a request for accessing a line next to the current line that is requested by the bus master. Data corresponding to the next line is retrieved from the memory device and stored in the memory-controller when the memory bus is idle. The stored data may be served to a bus master upon request for the data. However, the memory bus is not engaged when the data stored in the memory controller is served. Therefore idle time of the memory bus is utilized. |
| US08356141B2 |
Identifying replacement memory pages from three page record lists
A replacement memory page is identified by accessing a first list of page records, and if the first list is not empty, identifying a replacement page from a next page record indicator of the first list. A second list of page records is accessed if the first list is empty, and if the second list is not empty, the replacement page is identified from a next page record indicator of the second list. A third list of page records is accessed if the first and second lists are empty, and the replacement page is identified from a next page record indicator of the third list. |
| US08356137B2 |
Data storage scheme for non-volatile memories based on data priority
Systems and methods are disclosed for partitioning data for storage in a non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as flash memory. In some embodiments, a priority may be assigned to data being stored, and the data may be logically partitioned based on the priority. For example, a file system may identify a logical address within a first predetermined range for higher priority data and within a second predetermined range for lower priority data, such using a union file system. Using the logical address, a NVM driver can determine the priority of data being stored and can process (e.g., encode) the data based on the priority. The NVM driver can store an identifier in the NVM along with the data, and the identifier can indicate the processing techniques used on the associated data. |
| US08356135B2 |
Memory device and control method
A memory device includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller receives a first command from a host and stores the first command in a first command queue, and transmits the first command to the second controller relating to the first command stored in the first command queue. The second controller transmits the first command stored in the second command queue to a flash memory. |
| US08356134B2 |
Memory device with non-volatile memory buffer
A memory device includes a nonvolatile memory and a controller. The nonvolatile memory includes a storage area having a plurality of memory blocks each including a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells, and a buffer including a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells and configured to temporarily store data, and in which data is erased for each block. If a size of write data related to one write command is not more than a predetermined size, the controller writes the write data to the buffer. |
| US08356132B2 |
Position sensing system for a KVM switch
A position sensing system controls selection of channels in a KVM switch having a plurality of channels. The system has a sensor interface for receiving a sensor reading indicating a current position of a position movable component. Each position of the movable component is associated with one of the plurality of channels. The position sensing system also includes a position component for selecting channels of the KVM switch according to the sensor reading. The position component comprises a position definition component and a translation component. The definition component identifies one of the channels corresponding to the sensor reading based on one of a position definition. Each position definition provides sensor readings corresponding to the positions associated with one of the channels. The translation component generates a signal for selecting the determined channel at the KVM switch. This signal is provided to the KVM switch to switch the KVM channel. |
| US08356131B2 |
System and method for controlling interruption of a process in electronic equipment based on priority of the process, and program
System, method, and program to determine whether to interrupt a process, e.g., a write function, to carry out another process, e.g., a high priority read function, in a device that uses memory devices, e.g., eMMC devices, that use a single channel to carry out two different processes, e.g., write and read processes. |
| US08356129B2 |
Request arbitration apparatus and request arbitration method
There is provided a request arbitration apparatus for arbitrating a plurality of request holding sections which hold requests having priorities when the requests are output from the plurality of request holding sections to the output device. The request arbitration apparatus includes: a setting section that sets the request holding section, which holds the highest priority request among all the requests held by the plurality of request holding sections, as a highest priority request holding section; and a control section that controls the highest priority request holding section so that the request held first among all the requests held by the highest priority request holding section is output to the output device. |
| US08356127B2 |
Memory interface with workload adaptive encode/decode
A communication interface (e.g., a memory interface) includes a data processing channel adapted to be coupled to a data source and having multiple data processing stages. A bypass network or pipeline is coupled to the data processing channel and configurable to bypass at least one stage in the data processing channel. A controller is coupled to the bypass network for configuring the bypass network to bypass at least one stage of the data processing channel based on performance criteria. In some embodiments or modes of operation, the bypass network is configured to bypass at least one stage of the data processing channel to reduce idle latency after an idle period. In an alternative embodiment or mode of operation, the bypass channel is configured to include at least one stage of the data processing channel to increase data throughput. |
| US08356126B2 |
Command-coalescing RAID controller
A RAID controller is disclosed. The controller controls at least one redundant array of physical disks, receives I/O requests for the array from host computers, and responsively generates disk commands for each of the disks. Some commands specify host computer user data, and others specify internally generated redundancy data. The controller executes coalescer code that maintains the commands on a queue for each disk. Whenever a disk completes a command, the coalescer determines whether there are two or more commands on the disk's queue that have the same read/write type and specify adjacent locations on the disk, and if so, coalesces them into a single command, and issues the coalesced command to the disk. The coalescer immediately issues a received command, rather than queuing it, if the number of pending commands to the disk is less than a maximum command depth, which may be different for each disk. |
| US08356115B2 |
System and method for preserving consumer choice
Methods and systems for preserving user attribute data by way of managing and synchronizing redundant storage locations. |
| US08356114B2 |
Region of interest-based image transfer
Image data of an image is transmitted from a first computer to a second computer over a network. A region of interest in the image is identified by a first computer by calculations using image data. Coordinates for the region of interest are transmitted from the first computer to the second computer. Image data for the region of interest is encoded. Encoded image data for the region of interest is transmitted from the first computer to the second computer for decoding and display at a position corresponding to the transmitted coordinates. A region surrounding the region of interest is identified by the first computer. Coordinates for the region surrounding the region of interest are transmitted. Image data for the region surrounding the region of interest is encoded. Encoded image data for the region surrounding the region of interest is transmitted for display at a position corresponding to the transmitted coordinates. |
| US08356113B2 |
UPnP AV demux
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a container containing media content such as a video file, one or more resources created from the media content such as audio and video components of the video file, and a content directory server (CDS) of an UPnP network to present the one or more resources to sink devices and to de-multiplex the audio component from the video file on demand and on the fly when the resources match a specified device description from a sink device. |
| US08356105B2 |
Enterprise device policy management
Methods and systems for managing policies of portable data storage devices in conjunction with a third-party service are disclosed. One or more candidates of a plurality of members in an enterprise may be identifying via the third-party service. Each of the plurality of members may be associated with a respective portable data storage device. An indication provided by the third-party service of one or more candidate devices may be obtained. The one or more candidate devices may each be a portable data storage device associated with a respective candidate. Policies of the one or more candidate devices may be modified. |
| US08356104B2 |
Secure messaging facility system
A secure message facility transfers authentication data between various applications, operating systems, and authentication devices and software in the form of messages. These messages comprise a data structure with a standard header with fields that describe the class, length, and type of message, and routing information. This header information is used to route the message to the appropriate handler. The messages are transferred between applications via the messaging facility DLL and the messaging facility Service. The messaging facility DLL is intended to be loaded by an application. The messaging facility DLL forms the messages, directs them to the appropriate messaging facility service (local or remote) and interprets the responses. The messages sent between the messaging facility DLL and messaging facility Service are extremely flexible and can be used to send any type of data or content of messages. |
| US08356103B2 |
NAT traversal for media conferencing
Methods for establishing a direct peer-to-peer (“P2P”) connection between two computers are disclosed. In particular, the methods are designed to work in cases where one or both of the computers are connected to a private network, such private networks being interconnected via a public network, such as the Internet. The connections between the private network and the public network are facilitated by network address translation (“NAT”). |
| US08356102B2 |
Selective connection between corresponding communication components involved in a teleconference
A client device selectively establishes connections between selected client communication components and corresponding server communication components. The client device receives data from the corresponding server communication components via the connections between the selected client communication components and the server communication components. The data received via different ones of the connections is associated with a different content stream of a teleconference. During the teleconference, a given connection is suspended. When the given connection is suspended, the client computing device continues to receive data via connections other than the given connection. |
| US08356101B2 |
Systems and methods for managing a plurality of user sessions in a virtual private network environment
Methods for establishing an SSL/VPN session on behalf of a user of a client where the user has a previously existing session are described. Methods include receiving, by an appliance, a request from a first client operated by a user to establish a virtual private network session; creating, by the appliance, a temporary virtual private network session with the client; identifying, by the appliance, an existing virtual private network session previously established on behalf of the user; terminating the previous session; and creating a new virtual private network session with the client using the temporary session. Other methods may further include transmitting a request to a user corresponding to whether to terminate one or more previous sessions, and transferring session data from a previously existing session to a current session. Corresponding systems are also described. |
| US08356098B2 |
Dynamic management of workloads in clusters
Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamic management of workloads in clusters. In one embodiment, the system comprises a first cluster comprising a first plurality of nodes, each node of the first plurality of nodes including a first application, and a first load balancer to route transactions for the first application to one of the first plurality of nodes. The system also comprises a second cluster comprising a second plurality of nodes, each node of the second plurality of nodes including a second application, and a second load balancer to route transactions for the second application to one of the second plurality of nodes. One or more intersecting nodes are included in the first and second plurality of nodes, each intersecting node including one or more workload managers to dynamically allocate one or more computer resources to the first application and the second application. |
| US08356096B2 |
Apparatuses, method and system for network performance metric statistics from traffic link data, identifying, violating network elements associated with threshold violation using visual cue
The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A REAL-TIME MULTI-HOP ROUTE REPORTER (“REPORTER”) facilitates generation and provision of relevant and descriptive network performance reports that are efficient, economical and useful to executives, managers and other non-IT professionals and/or personnel. The REPORTER may be implemented as a multi-tiered web application that may collect, analyze and update database records which facilitate generation of the descriptive report. The REPORTER may include facilities for establishing correlations between various devices in the same network in order to evaluate and report the network performance. |
| US08356088B2 |
Configuration management utility
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for managing the configuration settings of one or more servers within a business. The configuration management apparatuses and methods generally relate to creating a configuration schema; creating configuration items to assign to the configuration schema; assigning the configuration schema to one or more servers in the business; capturing a snapshot of the configuration settings for a server based on the configuration schema and assigning it to the configuration schema as the reference snapshot; capturing a current snapshot of the actual configuration settings for one or more servers; and comparing the reference snapshot with the current snapshot to determine the differences in the configuration settings. Embodiments of the present invention also allow a report to be generated that displays the differences between the reference snapshot and the current snapshot, such as the new settings, changed settings, and missing settings. |
| US08356083B2 |
System and method for transmitting and receiving a call on a home network
A system and method for transmitting/receiving a call on a home network. When a request for call transmission/reception is made, a CP selects a target electronic device to/from which to transmit/receive a call from among at least one electronic device, establishes a connection for call transmission/reception between a terminal and the selected target electronic device, and controls the call transmission/reception between the terminal and the selected target electronic device. |
| US08356082B2 |
Data communication system for vehicle, on-vehicle terminal device, and center
A controller of a navigation device judges whether or not there are data for which reception has been interrupted, based on data stored in a memory. When there are data for which reception has been interrupted, a distribution request of remaining data of the interrupted reception is transmitted to a center (50) through a data updating unit (310). A memory (55) of the center (50) stores the distribution request of the remaining data for which reception has been interrupted, which is transmitted from the navigation device (110). A controller (57) extracts the remaining data from the memory (55) based on the distribution request stored in the memory (55), and transmits the remaining data to the navigation device (110) through the data updating unit (310). After energy such as fuel is refilled, the user does not need to wait until the completion of the data communication. |
| US08356080B2 |
System and method for a mobile device to use physical storage of another device for caching
Systems and methods for a mobile device to use physical storage of another device for caching are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile device is able to receive over a cellular or IP network a response or content to be cached and wirelessly access the physical storage of the other device via a wireless network to cache the response or content for the mobile device. |
| US08356079B2 |
Schema annotations for cache management
The challenge of communicating document caching policies from document servers to client processes in the most generally applicable manner is solved by enabling the application of caching policies to classes of documents, rather than single instances of documents. Caching policies are applied to a given class of documents by specifying caching policies in metadata that describes the structure of the class of documents that conform to the metadata. In the context of XML data documents and document fragments, an XML schema can be annotated to include a representation of a caching policy, thereby specifying the caching policy for XML data documents and fragments that conform to the corresponding XML schema. |
| US08356077B2 |
Linking users into live social networking interactions based on the users' actions relative to similar content
A system and method that uses interne content and/or content metadata as a means to establish social networks. Examples include linking internet users, searchers, viewers and/or listeners of the same and/or similar internet content to each other via a platform that enables any of the following in n-dimensional environments: social networking, communications, sharing, e-commerce, advertising, search, hosting and registry services, push and pull applications, anonymous communications, and rich presence. |
| US08356071B2 |
Presentational system and method for IP telephones and other devices
A system and method for providing a presentation to a display client. In one illustrative embodiment, the display client can be an IP phone. The presentation can be provided over a network from a central location without requiring end user action at the IP phone. The presentation can be modified for optimal display based on the capabilities of the specific IP phone without affecting the quality of the presentation for other device types. The devices capable of viewing the presentation can include desk display telephones, cellular telephones, smart phones, portable computers, PCs, and possibly other appropriate network-enabled devices. Centrally controlled presentations can be pushed to an individual device, group of devices, and/or all devices site-wide. In some applications, the display client can be used to provide user selections in response to the provided presentation. |
| US08356069B2 |
Communication apparatus and storage medium storing program
A communication apparatus which obtains a content on the basis of a content URL associated with image data displayed on a display portion, including: a feed information obtaining section which obtains feed information including content informations each including a title, an image URL, and the content URL and which stores the obtained feed information into a storage device; an image data obtaining section which obtains the image data on the basis of the image URL; a display controller which displays the obtained image data in association with the content URL; an obtainment judging section which judges whether the image data has been obtained on the basis of the image URL or not, wherein the display controller displays, where the obtainment judging section has judged that the image data has not been obtained on the basis of the image URL, alternative image data in association with the content URL. |
| US08356064B1 |
Discrete Fourier transform calculation method and apparatus
A discrete Fourier transform calculation apparatus includes a plurality of multiplier units, and a plurality of butterfly calculation units. Each butterfly calculation unit is configured to perform simultaneous calculations for at least two stages of a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm by using shared resources of the butterfly calculation unit. Each butterfly calculation unit includes a respective memory device to store input data for the corresponding at least two stages of the FFT algorithm, and a respective butterfly calculator coupled to the respective memory device. Each butterfly calculation unit also includes a respective controller coupled to the respective memory device and the respective butterfly calculator. The respective controller is configured to control the corresponding butterfly calculation unit to calculate the corresponding at least two stages of the FFT algorithm. The plurality of butterfly calculation units and the plurality of multiplier units are coupled in series. |
| US08356062B2 |
Memory system for portable telephone
A memory system is constituted of a file storage flash memory storing a control program required for a control portion and a large amount of data, and a random access memory storing a program used by the control portion and functioning as a buffer memory for received data. Thus, a memory system for a portable telephone capable of storing a large amount of received data at high-speed and allowing reading of the stored data at high-speed is provided. |
| US08356061B2 |
Maximizing throughput for a garbage collector
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that executes a garbage collector in a computing system. During operation, the system obtains a throughput model for the garbage collector and estimates a set of characteristics associated with the garbage collector. Next, the system applies the characteristics to the throughput model to estimate a throughput of the garbage collector. The system then determines a level of performance for the garbage collector based on the estimated throughput. Finally, the system adjusts a tunable parameter for the garbage collector based on the level of performance to increase the throughput of the garbage collector. |
| US08356059B2 |
Method and system for rapid and cost-effective development of user generated content
An express content metadata system (“ECM”) may provide functionality for uploading, querying and downloading game content without heavy coding requirements on the part of the developers. The ECM may provide fast indexing, searching and data retrieval of content. The ECM may manage evolving changes to content definitions by providing flexible and efficient versioning control over content definitions that allows multiple versions of game content to coexist and be independently searchable. |
| US08356057B2 |
Crowd-sourcing for gap filling in social networks
A method, system, and computer program product for gap filling in a social network are provided. The method includes providing details of one or more current online users in a game in which users are scored for their input. A person is selected from candidates for whom additional information is required in a social network, including: weighting candidates who have a strong relationship with a current online user in the game; and weighting candidates for whom there is little existing data in the social network. The method includes identifying the selected person to a current online user; receiving information input by a current online user relating to the selected person; and scoring the information input by a current online user. |
| US08356052B2 |
Analysis of third party networks
A method of analyzing customer behavior, where customers are engaged in customer-to-customer transactions in a third-party network, includes a transformation of data representing the customer-to-customer transactions from a data representation to a network representation, and then analyzing the network representation. The network representation includes a set of nodes and a set of links where each node represents a customer and each link represents a transaction between two of the customers. |
| US08356050B1 |
Method or system for spilling in query environments
Methods and systems are provided that may be utilized for spilling in query processing environments. |
| US08356047B2 |
Intelligent event-based data mining of unstructured information
A method, system and computer program product is disclosed for intelligent data mining. The method comprises receiving an event from an application, assigning property weights to properties of the event, and building a query from these properties based on the property weights. The method further comprises assigning search engine weights to a group of search engines, selecting at least some of the search engines based on the search engine weights, and sending the built query to the selected search engines. Results from the selected search engines are stored in a knowledge repository and used to adjust the property weights and the search engine weights. The invention may be used to provide an analysis with information about a problem, and to manage a solutions database which can be used for problem determination. The invention provides a low cost solution for collecting relevant information from online sources. |
| US08356046B2 |
Context-based user interface, search, and navigation
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for providing context-based user interfaces, searches, and navigation in business processes. One process includes operations for identifying a data field on an electronic page to be populated by a user for a business process and a data object associated with the business process. A particular data object field in the data object is selected for additional searching, and a suggested entry for populating the data field is determined based on a search for additional information associated with the business process using the particular data object field and a particular type of the data object. |
| US08356042B1 |
Business constructs
Various systems, processes, tools and techniques are provided for managing and processing data within a computing environment including a data warehouse component. Certain embodiments of the business construct of the invention can provide an interim stage for mapping data prior to loading the data into the data warehouse. When embodied as standard interface files, each of the business constructs can represent a business object that is of importance to a corporate entity or other enterprise. |
| US08356037B2 |
Processes to learn enterprise data matching
A system and method for managing media advertising enterprise data including a process for learning enterprise data matching. An EDM (Enterprise Data Management) application module can be configured to include a set of rules at an enterprise level to manage disparate and disconnected records associated with an entity. A number of unmatched and enterprise entities that matches with respect to an active entity can be returned based on a fuzzy logic associated with various matching options stored in an EDM database. A matching process can then be performed to accurately match similar records regardless of manual input, location, and format of the records in a distributed system. Each unmatched record can then be assigned with a parent enterprise entity. Such an optimization mechanism can interactively manage and report records at the enterprise level in a simple and efficient manner. |
| US08356034B2 |
Image management apparatus, control method thereof and storage medium storing program
The attribution information of a plurality of pieces of image data photographed by a plurality of photographing apparatus is obtained. The image data is classified into a predetermined time period on the basis of a photographing date and time obtained from the attribution information. The number of the photographing apparatus photographing the image data classified every predetermined time period is discriminated, and the image data classified into the time period in which the number of the pieces of image data is larger than a threshold value is extracted. The extracted image data is discriminated from the other image data to be displayed. Thereby, even if a plurality of pieces of still image data and moving image data photographed by a plurality of digital cameras and video cameras exists, a candidate of the image data relatively significant among them can be extracted easily. |
| US08356031B2 |
System and method of generating a playlist based on a frequency ratio
Several methods and systems to generate a playlist based on a frequency ratio are disclosed. In one aspect a method includes, presenting a list of a seed data to a user of a music device, selecting a portion of the seed data based on a preference of a user, and determining an identity of a primary song based on a match between the primary song and the preference of the user. The method also includes providing the user streaming access to the primary song in a database and determining a secondary song based on the primary song. A correlation between the secondary song and the primary song is determined based on an algorithm and the user is provided streaming access to the secondary song. A frequency ratio of the primary song and the secondary song is automatically adjusted in responsive to a selection through a selection tool. |
| US08356030B2 |
Domain-specific sentiment classification
A domain-specific sentiment classifier that can be used to score the polarity and magnitude of sentiment expressed by domain-specific documents is created. A domain-independent sentiment lexicon is established and a classifier uses the lexicon to score sentiment of domain-specific documents. Sets of high-sentiment documents having positive and negative polarities are identified. The n-grams within the high-sentiment documents are filtered to remove extremely common n-grams. The filtered n-grams are saved as a domain-specific sentiment lexicon and are used as features in a model. The model is trained using a set of training documents which may be manually or automatically labeled as to their overall sentiment to produce sentiment scores for the n-grams in the domain-specific sentiment lexicon. This lexicon is used by the domain-specific sentiment classifier. |
| US08356026B2 |
Predictive data caching
A predictive model is employed to schedule preemptive queries based on frequently utilized query paths in hierarchically structured data. The predictive model determining queries likely to be executed by a user or organization is generated and dynamically modified based on user or organization profiles, usage history, and similar factors. Queries are then executed according to a predefined schedule based on the predictive model and results cached. Cached results are provided to a requesting user more rapidly saving network and computing resources. |
| US08356025B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting sentiment-based topics
A method for analyzing sentiment comprising: collecting an object from an external content repository, the collected objects forming a content database; extracting a snippet related to the subject from the content database; calculating a sentiment score for the snippet; classifying the snippet into a sentiment category; creating sentiment taxonomy using the sentiment categories, the sentiment taxonomy classifying the snippets as positive, negative or neutral; identifying topic words within the sentiment taxonomy; classifying the topic words as a sentiment topic word candidates or a non-sentiment topic word candidate, filtering the non-sentiment topic word candidates; identifying the frequency of the non-sentiment topic words in each of the sentiment categories; identifying the importance of the non-sentiment topic word for each of the sentiment categories; and, ranking the topic word, wherein the rank is calculated by combining the frequency of the topic words in each of the categories with its importance. |
| US08356022B2 |
Approximate representation and processing of arbitrary correlation structures for correlation handling in databases
Implementations of the present disclosure include receiving user input, the user input indicating a distribution type and a correlation factor, providing the distribution type and correlation factor for identifying an approximate correlation representation (ACR) histogram from a plurality of ACR histograms based on the distribution type and the correlation factor, receiving the ACR histogram, retrieving a first distribution associated with a first uncertain value and a second distribution associated with a second uncertain value from computer-readable memory, processing the ACR histogram, the first distribution and the second distribution to generate a correlation histogram that represents a correlation between the first uncertain value and the second uncertain value, and displaying the correlation histogram on a display. |
| US08356020B2 |
Multi-level compressed look-up tables formed by logical operations to compress selected index bits
A lookup is performed using multiple levels of compressed stride tables in a multi-bit Trie structure. An input lookup key is divided into several strides including a current stride of S bits. A valid entry in a current stride table is located by compressing the S bits to form a compressed index of D bits into the current stride table. A compression function logically combines the S bits to generate the D compressed index bits. An entry in a prior-level table points to the current stride table and has a field indicating which compression function and mask to use. Compression functions can include XOR, shifts, rotates, and multi-bit averaging. Rather than store all 2S entries, the current stride table is compressed to store only 2D entries. Ideally, the number of valid entries in the current stride table is between 2D−1 and 2D for maximum compression. Storage requirements are reduced. |
| US08356012B2 |
Management of multimedia content
Disclosed are method and apparatus for managing multimedia content. The uniform resource locators of multimedia content accessed via the Internet are saved in collections stored in the database of a multimedia access system, which is shared by multiple users via individual user accounts. Collections may be copied from one user account to another user account, e-mailed, and posted on a website. Collections in the database may be searched by keywords associated with the collections. |
| US08356007B2 |
Distributed transaction management for database systems with multiversioning
The subject disclosure relates to a distributed transaction management technique that ensures synchronization between participating nodes in a global or distributed database transaction. The technique leverages a commit protocol that uses local clocks at the respective participating nodes. Participants in a global transaction are configured to utilize the same commit timestamp and logical read time and can advance their respective local clocks to establish this synchronization. In one embodiment, distributed commit utilizes a modified version of two-phase commit that includes an extra phase to collect commit timestamp votes from participants. Additionally, a heartbeat mechanism can be used to establish loose synchronization between nodes. In another embodiment, a node can respond to a remote transaction request by returning a list of nodes involved in generating the result of the transaction and the types of access used by such nodes in addition to the transaction result itself. |
| US08356006B2 |
Method of effectively managing database system for mobile number portability
A method of effectively managing a database system for mobile number portability (MNP) including constructing a database associated with the MNP of a neutral organization including a first database connected to number portability management systems of a plurality of wired or wireless telecommunications service providers and a second database connected to subscriber managements systems of the wireless telecommunications service providers; transmitting data required for number portability call processing to the first database after the number portability processing for the wired telecommunications service providers has been completed by the second database; and allocating associated information to the wired or wireless telecommunications service providers requiring the number portability call processing by the first database based on the data. Accordingly, a conventional database management system can be modified, and a specific packet structure can be employed to detect errors that occur during transmission and reception of customer information for the number portability processing. Therefore, it is possible to construct effective subscriber management systems for mobile number portability. |
| US08356004B2 |
Methods and systems for comparing media content
Avatars, methods, apparatuses, computer program products, devices and systems are described that carry out presenting to at least one member of a population a plurality of avatars associated with at least one instance of media content; measuring at least one physiologic activity of the at least one member of the population, the at least one physiologic activity proximate to at least one presented avatar among the plurality of avatars associated with at least one instance of media content; associating the at least one physiologic activity with at least one mental state; and identifying at least one preferred instance of media content based on the at least one mental state. |
| US08356001B2 |
Systems and methods for application-level security
A system and method for application-level security is disclosed. Application-level security refers to detecting security threats from functional user behavior. Information about functional user behavior is transformed into a behavior session. The behavior session is transformed into a behavior pattern. The behavior pattern is correlated with evaluation patterns to detect potential security threats. Behavior patterns are collected over time to improve analysis. |
| US08355992B1 |
System and method for verifying the age of a controlled substance purchaser
A system and method for verifying the age of a controlled substance purchaser are disclosed. The system and method in an example embodiment include receiving biometric data corresponding to a consumer who has presented an age-restricted product for purchase at a point of sale location; generating an age verification request including the biometric data; sending the age verification request to a central computer via a data network; receiving a response message from the central computer via the data network, the response message including information for determining whether the consumer is of sufficient age to purchase the age-restricted product; and denying purchase of the age-restricted product if the consumer is determined to not be of sufficient age to purchase the age-restricted product. |
| US08355989B2 |
Method and apparatus for importing content
A method and apparatus for protecting digital content in a digital rights management (DRM) system are provided. The method includes: determining a usage rule for content included in a first content file based on usage constraint information included in the first content file; and generating a second content file complying with this usage rule. According to the method and apparatus, the security requirement of content creators and content providers can be satisfied and at the same time the requirement of content consumers for freer usage can be satisfied. |
| US08355988B2 |
Methods and systems for cardholder initiated transactions
A cardholder-initiated financial transaction using a cardholder controlled input device in communication with a payment card network and a database is disclosed. The cardholder uses a payment card issued to the cardholder by an issuer bank. An exemplary method includes the steps of storing merchant data within the database including data identifying the merchants registered to utilize the card network and receiving from the input device transaction data relating to the financial transaction. The transaction data includes an authorization request and merchant identifying data that identifies the merchant involved in the transaction. The method further includes determining that the identified merchant is registered to utilize the card network by comparing the transaction data with the merchant data stored in the database, forwarding the authorization request to the issuer bank, receiving a response to the request from the issuer bank, and automatically forwarding the response to the input device. |
| US08355984B1 |
Computerized extension of credit to existing demand deposit accounts, prepaid cards and lines of credit based on expected tax refund proceeds, associated systems and computer program products
Systems, computer programs encoded on non-transitory memory, and computer-implemented methods to make available new credit or additional credit to demand deposit accounts, prepaid cards, and existing lines of credit of a customer based on expected tax refund amounts. The new or additional credit being, for example, based on a computerized estimate of the tax refund of the customer. The existing line of credit, for example, is adjusted based on the expected refund and/or actual tax refund determined to be available, which can serve as an additional source of repayment for the line of credit. One or more of several adjustments may then be made to an existing line of credit: the line of credit may be increased; fees reduced; or the terms of payment adjusted. |
| US08355983B1 |
Method and system for vehicle finance credit analysis
Assimilating data and applying reasoning mechanisms for matching a vehicle buyer's credit history, vehicle details, and vehicle deal structure details, to the purchasing guidelines of the most suitable finance sources is described. The system aids the dealership agent in quickly locating the finance sources that best fit the specific criteria of the customer, the vehicle, and the proposed financial structure of the deal. The system also enables the finance sources to increase the quality of the fit of those applications reviewed for potential contract purchase, to see the specific details that are integral in making purchasing decisions in advance of reviewing the entire application, to actively manage the risk level of its auto finance portfolio, and to automate its purchasing decisions. The system allows the vehicle buyer, vehicle dealership, and finance source to match on a near instantaneous basis, thereby reducing the time involved in the vehicle sales process to a fraction of its current burden. |
| US08355979B2 |
Systems and methods for maintaining anonymity in a gaming or other environment
The present application provides methods and systems for maintaining anonymity in a gaming environment that include or perform the step or steps of receiving a user preference from a first user for maintaining an identity of the first user anonymous during at least one game; tracking game play involving the first user and at least one other user; receiving a request from the at least one other user to initiate at least one game with the first user; retrieving game history data specific to the first user and the at least one other user; retrieving at least one rule for controlling interactions between anonymous users and the at least one other user in the gaming environment; and disposing the request to initiate the at least one game with the first user based at least on the game history data and the at least one rule for controlling interactions between anonymous users and the at least one other user. The game may be a casino-type game, such as poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. |
| US08355974B2 |
Account level liquidity charge determination
Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for measuring, calculating, analyzing, and using account level effectiveness metrics are presented. Various statistics may be collected and compiled into a table, and effectiveness of one or more financial accounts may be determined at the account level. A prediction model may be created and used to determine the probability of an early balance payoff. An account-level liquidity additional fee may be imposed in anticipation of or as a result of an early balance payoff. Financial accounts may be classified on a variety of bases, and the results may be presented in a report. |
| US08355971B2 |
System and method for processing payroll related insurance premiums
A computer process for determining an insurance premium comprises: validating username/passwords; receiving payroll data asynchronously or scheduled in real time; extracting payroll data required for premium determination; detecting the presence or absence of fraud related to the payroll data; applying state jurisdictional inclusion and exclusion rules applicable to workers' compensation premiums; transferring premium to a billing system for debiting the customer account. The structural elements to the system are: a payroll system configured with an accounting/bookkeeping software where regular payroll data resides; a utility that permits reading payroll accounts residing in the accounting/bookkeeping software; an Internet connection having a browser; a filter to allow extraction of payroll data exclusive of other payroll deductions; a rules engine customized to a particular remote payroll system that includes a mechanism to separate different occupations and a billing system. |
| US08355963B2 |
Method for controlling a supply chain
The present document describes a method, a processor platform and a processor readable medium for controlling a supply chain for moving goods by agents according to orders. The method comprises: updating a knowledge base populated with statuses of the goods; statuses of the agents; rules for establishing expected behaviors of the goods and of the agents; and the orders. The method further comprises: determining, based on the knowledge base, instructions to be executed by the agents for moving the goods to achieve the orders wherein each elapsed time between each agent sending the status of a good or its own status to the knowledge base and the same agent receiving an instruction is smaller that the expected completion duration of the same instruction. |
| US08355959B2 |
Payment service capable of being integrated with merchant sites
A computer-implemented service integrates with merchant sites to enable registered users of the service to perform purchase transactions on the merchant sites. In one embodiment, a merchant can incorporate a reference to a display object served by the service into coding of a page of the merchant's site. When the page is loaded by a user's browser, the reference causes the browser to request the display object from the service for display on the page. If the user is recognized by the service, the service may return a personalized display object that includes functionality for the user to perform a purchase transaction using the service. Also disclosed are embodiments that enable users to initiate transfers of personal account information to the merchant sites. |
| US08355957B2 |
System and method for personalizing articles in real-time
A system and method for personalizing an article in real-time is provided. A selection of an article for personalization is accepted from a user. A model of the selected article is displayed. At least one personalization attribute is accepted from the user. The model is modified and displayed, based on the at least one accepted personalization attribute, as the at least one personalization attribute is accepted, thereby enabling the user to personalize the article in real-time. The article may be an article of jewelry, such as a ring, a necklace, or a watch. |
| US08355955B1 |
Method, medium, and system for adjusting a selectable element based on social networking usage
Systems and methods are disclosed that use social networking profiles of users to generate personalized content of display pages. The personalized content may be generated using profile data retrieved via an application program interface of a social networking system, and may be presented on the display pages of a distinct system, such as a site that hosts an electronic catalog of items. The personalized content may include features that allow a user to indicate a like or preference for an item and that can be customized based on, e.g., the extent of the user's social network or the influence the user has over other potential users of the catalog system. Systems and methods are also disclosed that use the social networking profiles to generate personalized messages that can be posted to social network contacts of the user to provide information about items for which the contacts may be interested. |
| US08355954B1 |
Generating and updating recommendations for merchants
Disclosed are various embodiments for generating and updating recommendations for merchants. A plurality of recommendations for a plurality of merchants in an electronic marketplace are evaluated in at least one computing device for validity. An indication of which of the recommendations are valid is stored in a data store. It may be determined that one of the merchants has potentially invalidated one or more of the recommendations. The potentially invalidated recommendations for the merchant are evaluated for validity in response to a recommendation query for the merchant. A list of valid ones of the recommendations for the merchant is generated. |
| US08355952B2 |
Data processing system for pricing, costing and billing of financial transactions
The present invention provides methods and systems for pricing financial transactions by defining product rules, providing links to appropriate price tables, and calculating a price for a financial transaction. A data processing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, creates a product rule corresponding to a financial transaction. The product rule contains mandatory attributes and optional attributes. Optional attributes may be looked up using identifiers constructed from said mandatory attributes. Optional attributes include a link to a price table which contains further attributes, including a pricing method. A price is then calculated in accordance with the pricing method. Billing is completed according to the billing method for the particular financial transaction. |
| US08355948B2 |
System and methods for discount retailing
A system and methods to mutually satisfy a consumer with a discount and a vendor with a minimum number of sales by establishing a tipping point associated with an offer for a good or service. If the tipping point is met, the sale of the good or service is executed and the consumer is charged and receives an indication of the discounted sale, such as a certificate. If the tipping point is not met, the discount offer is abandoned and the consumer is not charged. Once the tipping point is established, the vendor receives a payment, even before the consumer uses the certificate. The system and methods also include a reward or loyalty program, an exchange or secondary market for the purchased deals, and a matching algorithm that matches customers to relevant goods or services. |
| US08355947B2 |
Methods and systems for processing rebates
The invention provides efficient and convenient rebate systems and methods which facilitate application of the value of a rebate redeemed by a purchaser to additional purchases by the purchaser prior to termination of a rebate redemption session. |
| US08355945B1 |
Identifying and ranking high-impact churn sectors
An embodiment of the invention is directed toward identifying a number of high-ranking sectors requiring additional communication resources in a network composed of a number of sectors. A set of wireless-service subscribers that have churned are identified. Various sector profile data is captured for sectors serving the churners. The sectors are ranked based on the sector profile data that is collected. A number of high-ranking sectors are identified, based on the ranking. |
| US08355938B2 |
Capacity management index system and method
A system and method is provided that generates an index, providing predictive and actionable intelligence to ensure that a Technology Infrastructure Group (TIG) makes tactical and strategic decisions in support of needs of customers. The invention measures overall health of an infrastructure, specifically with respect to how efficiently various services meet demand placed upon capacity by various Lines of Business. The invention provides an overall assessment of infrastructure capacity management and drills down to various services, components, subcomponents, etc. The invention provides a forecasting tool in which estimates made are not based only upon business forecasts provided by each Line of Business, but also upon forecasts developed by correlating external indicators with historical business volumes. Historical forecasts are compared to actual values to derive a confidence factor used for weighting future Line of Business forecasts. The combined, weighted forecasts obtained are more robust than any individual forecasts on their own. |
| US08355935B2 |
Third party information transfer
A method allowing a professional service provider to access client data stored in an online account without storing confidential account information by the professional service provider. In particular, the service provider may register the relationship with the client in a third party information transfer framework where the client approves such registration and download the data from the online account using the confidential account information in a temporary manner. The client data may be stored in a repository available to the service provider based on the relationship registration. In an example, a professional tax preparation software may include functionality to check for newly downloaded client data within the third party information transfer framework, notifying a tax accountant (i.e., the service provider), and may provide a one click access to import the client data directly into the client tax return. |
| US08355934B2 |
Systems and methods for prospecting business insurance customers
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for identifying potential insurance prospects. The potential customers or prospects are identified by determining prospect underwriting affinity scores, prospect affinity scores, and prospect context scores with predictive models. The scores are then combined into a combined prospect score, which is used to adjust insurance underwriting, workflow, and premium determination processes for the prospects. |
| US08355932B2 |
System and method for managing intellectual property-based risks
Presented herein are methods and systems for managing an entity's risks of patent coverage. More specifically, the present invention is directed to methods and system for insuring an entity against damage awards in patent litigation. The presented methods and systems allow a manufacturer to minimize their exposure to damage awards in patent litigation by conducting pre-emptive analyses and properly allocating funds for royalty payments and/or damage awards. An insurance captive is also established as a risk management tool to insure the manufacturer against excessive damage awards. |
| US08355928B2 |
Medical user interface and workflow management system
A medical user interface and workflow management system for use in X-ray imaging related procedures includes at least one repository. The at least one repository stores data indicating X-ray imaging related characteristics of a current medical procedure being performed including data identifying a type of procedure, comprising at least one of, (a) a current medical procedure is a cardiac related procedure and (b) a current medical procedure is an Angiography procedure. A workflow processor manages and tracks tasks being performed in a current medical procedure and adaptively selects a next task for performance following completion of a current task by selecting the next task based on the current task and in response to the X-ray imaging related characteristics. A user interface generates data representing at least one display image for presentation to a user. The at least one display image includes image elements associated with the selected next task enabling performance of the selected next task. |
| US08355926B1 |
Health and life sciences medicaid high performance capability assessment
A high-performance capability assessment model helps a Medicaid program meet the challenges of the health market. As a result, the Medicaid program can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high-performance capability assessment model helps the Medicaid program to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made, to understand how to make said improvements, and to establish levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal. |
| US08355925B2 |
Methods of assessing risk based on medical data and uses thereof
Methods of assessing risk based on medical data are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a method of assessing risk associated with medical data includes creating a dataset representing a plurality of patients, the dataset comprising (x,y) pairs for each patient, wherein x represents the medical data collected at a first time, and wherein y is an outcome measurement collected at a second time; binning the (x,y) pairs to form a plurality of binned data sets; computing an average value for x and an average value for y for each binned data set; determining a minimum average value of y based on all of the average values of y; subtracting the minimum average value of y from each average value of y to get a new average value of y for each binned data set; and deriving a function for assessing risk associated with the medical data. |
| US08355923B2 |
Systems and methods for de-identification of personal data
According to some embodiments, supplemental data may be retrieved from a supplemental data source. It may be automatically detected that a first personal insurance information value in the supplemental data source is correlated with a first personal insurance information value in the original insurance claim records source. A second personal insurance information value that was previously used to replace the first personal insurance information value in the original insurance claim records source may then be retrieved, and the first personal insurance information value in the supplemental data source may be automatically replaced with that same second personal insurance information value to provide referential integrity. |
| US08355921B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing improved audio processing
An apparatus for performing improved audio processing may include a processor. The processor may be configured to divide respective signals of each channel of a multi-channel audio input signal into one or more spectral bands corresponding to respective analysis frames, select a leading channel from among channels of the multi-channel audio input signal for at least one spectral band, determine a time shift value for at least one spectral band of at least one channel, and time align the channels based at least in part on the time shift value. |
| US08355918B2 |
Method and arrangement for managing grammar options in a graphical callflow builder
A method (10) in a speech recognition application callflow can include the steps of assigning (11) an individual option and a pre-built grammar to a same prompt, treating (15) the individual option as a valid output of the pre-built grammar if the individual option is a potential valid match to a recognition phrase (12) or an annotation (13) in the pre-built grammar, and treating (14) the individual option as an independent grammar from the pre-built grammar if the individual option fails to be a potential valid match to the recognition phrase or the annotation in the pre-built grammar. |
| US08355917B2 |
Position-dependent phonetic models for reliable pronunciation identification
A representation of a speech signal is received and is decoded to identify a sequence of position-dependent phonetic tokens wherein each token comprises a phone and a position indicator that indicates the position of the phone within a syllable. |
| US08355912B1 |
Technique for providing continuous speech recognition as an alternate input device to limited processing power devices
A technique for data entry at a device is provided. Initially, voice data is received at the device. The voice data and a device identifier are transmitted to a computer. At the computer, the voice data is translated to text. Next, it is determined whether to filter the translated text. When it is determined that the translated text is to be filtered, a filter is applied to the translated text. |
| US08355911B2 |
Method of lost frame concealment and device
A device for lost frame concealment comprises: a lost frame detector for detecting whether a voice frame is lost, a decoding module for decoding the current voice frame, a low band delay module for delaying the low band signal, a low band signal recovering module for recovering the lost low band signal, a high band lost frame concealment module for processing the lost frame concealment for the high band signal, and a QMF synthesis filter for synthetically filtering the low band signal and the high band signal. The invention makes full use of the delay of the coding/decoding device itself, enhances the effect of lost frame concealment for the low band signal and the high band signal, and introduces no nearby delay during the process of lost frame concealment. |
| US08355905B2 |
Mapping of relationship entities between ontologies
Methods, apparatus and systems, including computer program products, for reducing an error rate when mapping entities between a first ontology and a second ontology. One or more of a general language dictionary and an industry-specific dictionary are provided. Natural language processing of the first ontology is performed to identify one or more candidate relationship entities in the first ontology. Each candidate relationship entity includes a compound name having two or more semantic labels, and each candidate relationship entity has a name that neither exists in the general language dictionary or the industry-specific dictionary. Each of the one or more candidate relationship entities in the first ontology is mapped to one or more entities in the second ontology using one or more configurable computer-implemented mapping algorithms. |
| US08355902B1 |
Semantic unit recognition
A semantic locator determines whether input sequences form semantically meaningful units. The semantic locator includes a coherence component that calculates a coherence of the terms in the sequence and a variation component that calculates the variation in terms that surround the sequence. A heuristics component may additionally refine results of the coherence component and the variation component. A decision component may make the determination of whether the sequence is a semantic unit based on the results of the coherence component, variation component, and heuristics component. |
| US08355900B2 |
Method and apparatus for analyzing panicle structure
An analysis apparatus that analyzes a branching structure of a panicle includes an image capturing unit that captures a panicle image; a portion extracting unit that extracts branches and seed grains from the panicle image; a branching-state determination unit that determines a branching state of the branches; and a data file that has a tree structure corresponding to the branching state of the branches, wherein the branching-state determination unit stores the branching state of the branches in the data file. |
| US08355899B2 |
Anesthesia apparatus or respirator with integrated simulation functionality
An anesthesia apparatus or respirator (1) enables the user (21) to simulate functions of the device and to carry out suitable operating steps depending on the situation, the device interactively responding to interventions by the user. The anesthesia apparatus or respirator (1) is equipped with at least one control and regulating unit (6), with at least one associated actuator (7, 8) and with internal and/or external sensors (9, 10) as well as with an interface unit (15) with an associated input and output unit (2, 3), respectively, for the operation, data input and output, and with an external data interface (4), wherein simulation components (12, 13) simulating the properties of the internal and/or external sensors (9, 10) with an associated simulation control (14) are present, so that the control and regulating unit (6) uses data of the simulation components (12, 13) for controlling the at least one actuator (7, 8) via the input and output unit (2, 3) and via the simulation control (14). |
| US08355898B2 |
System and method for modeling flow events responsible for the formation of a geological reservoir
A system configured to model geometric architectures of flow events in geological reservoirs. In one embodiment, the system comprises a geological control input, a rules module, and a modeling module. The geological control input is configured to receive a set of environmental conditions that act as geological controls impacting a geometric architecture of a geological reservoir at a point in geologic time. The rules module is configured to apply a set of rules to the set of environmental conditions present at the point in geologic time to determine geometric flow parameters of the geometric architecture, wherein the set of rules comprise one or more empirical rules. The modeling module is configured to model the geometric architecture based on the geometric flow parameters determined for the flow event by the rules module. |
| US08355896B2 |
Co-occurrence consistency analysis method and apparatus for finding predictive variable groups
A method of modeling includes quantifying a co-operative strength value for a plurality of pairs of variables, and identifying a clique of at least three variables based on a graph of the co-operative strength values of a plurality of pairs of variables. The method also includes selecting a first pair of variables of the plurality of pairs of variables having a high co-operative strength value. A second clique may also be identified. A model of the first clique and a model of the second clique are made. The outputs of these models are combined to form a combined model which is used to make various decisions with respect to real time data. |
| US08355891B2 |
Method of replacing the catalyst tubes of a hydrocarbon reformer
A method for the maintenance of a furnace for the catalytic reforming of a hydrocarbon reaction mixture, equipped with tubes filled with catalyst and for which one portion of the tubes is provided with thermocouples, the method comprising a monitoring of the temperature of the tubes is provided. |
| US08355889B2 |
Electronic balance
An electronic balance 1 having a switching function for selecting and setting one measurement mode from among a number of measurement modes corresponding to the type of object to be measured and/or the type of measuring work and/or the situation in terms of the work environment, an applied function for selecting and setting one display method from among a number of display methods for the weight of an object to be measured, and a basic function for gaining results of measurement of an object to be measured on the basis of the set measurement mode and display method is provided with: a number of menu operation keys 72a to 72e with which an input operation for selecting and setting one measurement mode from among a number of measurement modes and an input operation for selecting and setting one display method from among a number of display methods are carried out; and a number of basic operation keys 71a to 71d with which an input operation for gaining results of measurement for an object to be measured on the basis of the set measurement mode and display method is carried out, characterized in that the location where the above described number of basic operation keys 71a to 71d are arranged and the location where the above described number of menu operation keys 72a to 72e are arranged are at a distance from each other. |
| US08355886B2 |
Method for determining the clearance and/or mismatch of an opening for a vehicle without referencing the opening
A method to determine the misalignment and/or clearance of a door relative to its frame includes a phase to determine a law of variation of the clearance and/or misalignment values for the different inspection points, in relation to various opening positions of the door taken with respect to a reference position in which the door occupies its closed position, a measurement phase in which the door occupies any position relative to the frame, and during which the clearance and/or misalignment values are measured, and a phase to take into account the measured clearance and/or misalignment values and the law of variation so as to determine the true values of clearance and/or misalignment at the different inspection points corresponding to the door in its reference closed position. |
| US08355884B2 |
Signal quality measurement device, spectrum measurement circuit, and program
Spectrum measurement circuit (101) includes: N-(where N is integer equal or greater than 2) phase clock generation circuit (304) for supplying phase-modulated signals in which the phase of a clock signal is shifted by a phase modulation amount each time the settings of the phase modulation amount are switched; mixer circuit (303) for taking the product of a measured signal supplied from a transmitter and the phase-modulated signals supplied from N-phase clock generation circuit (304); average value output circuit (305) for supplying an average voltage value of the output signal of mixer circuit (303); memory (307) for storing the average voltage value supplied from average value output circuit (305) for each phase modulation amount of N-phase clock generation circuit (304); and arithmetic unit (308) for using the average voltage value for each phase modulation amount of N-phase clock generation circuit (304) to calculate the signal strength of the measured signal. |
| US08355876B2 |
Microfluidic assay for selection and optimization of drug delivery vehicles to tumors
An apparatus and method for assaying a tumor drug delivery vehicle comprises a synthetic microvascular network of interconnected flow channels in fluid communication through a porous wall with a tissue space containing animal cells and means for quantifying drug delivery from the microvascular network to the animal cells. |
| US08355874B2 |
Method for identifying predictive biomarkers from patient data
The invention relates to a method for developing a biomarker for the prognosis of the result of a therapeutical treatment based on data obtained in clinical studies, data remaining unchanged by therapy being subdivided into diagnostic and genomic parameters and the marker being defined by a combination of parameters. The method according to the invention is characterized by specifying the maximum number of parameters for defining the marker and thus the maximum complexity of the system from the beginning and by carrying out the search for defining parameters by sequential combination of clinical parameters (=z parameters) and/or genomic parameters (=x parameters). |
| US08355872B2 |
System and method for reservoir analysis background
A system for and method of automatically evaluating similarity between a target geological region of interest and a plurality of known geological regions of interest includes selecting a plurality of quantitative parameters describing reservoir characteristics of the target geological region of interest and defining a graphical target line based on values of the selected parameters. Comparison lines are graphically constructed for at least some of the plurality of known geological regions of interest, respective comparison lines representing respective values of the quantitative parameters describing corresponding characteristics of respective regions among the known geological regions of interest. A similarity factor between each of the comparison lines and the target line is calculated based on the plotted target and comparison lines. The comparison lines are ranked based on the calculated similarity factors, and similarity factor versus similarity rank are graphically displayed. |
| US08355871B2 |
Vehicle navigation system and method
An efficient route-defining method includes determining a route to a destination. The exemplary method also includes determining a wireless device to server connection type and assigning a tolerance in accordance with a connection type. The tolerance is usable to determine if a vehicle is off-route, and the tolerance is increased or decreased inversely corresponding to the speed of the connection type. According to the illustrative method, the assigned tolerance is used to determine points defining the route, such that the roads comprising the route are within a bounded area. The bounded area may be defined by the tolerance in conjunction with a plurality of lines connecting successive points along the route. Finally, the method includes delivering the determined points to a vehicle computing system in communication with the server. |
| US08355868B2 |
Method and system for spectral image celestial navigation
A method and system for a multi-spectrum celestial navigation system includes a first sensor responsive to at least a first and a second wavelength band of electromagnetic radiation. The sensor is configured to generate a first output related to the first wavelength band of electromagnetic radiation and to generate a second output related to the second wavelength band of electromagnetic radiation. The system also includes a processor programmed to receive the first and second outputs, determine a position of the sensor with respect to one or more stars using a stored star catalog and the received first and second outputs, and output the determined position. |
| US08355864B2 |
Map matching system, map matching method and program
Provided is a general-purpose map matching system enabling high-speed map matching while maintaining a precision of an analysis based on a map matching result even when event data is transmitted from numerous vehicles.The grid road generation unit 8 generates each grid obtained by the division of a region in which a road network exists into a latitude direction and a longitude direction by equal spaces based on data stored in the road network storage unit. Then, combine grids whose sets of roads passing are the same. The event grid matching unit correlates event data collected from a vehicle and a grid. When the number of pieces of event data correlated with the grid is large, the event processing priority determination unit selects a part of the data. The event road matching unit correlates the selected event data and a road in the grid. |
| US08355863B2 |
Navigation device and navigation method
Provided is a technology of a navigation device which is capable of identifying an intersection or the like based on designation of an incomplete name of a street in which an input of a first keyword and an input of a second keyword are received, and a connection point of a first street having a street name which includes at least in part the first keyword and a second street having a street name which includes at least in part the second keyword is identified, to thereby save the user, who is not always familiar with the geography of a search target area, from the inconvenience of inputting a complete name of the first street, based on which the second street is retrieved and selected and an intersection point of the first street and the second street is identified. |
| US08355861B2 |
Avoidance manoeuvre generator for an aircraft
A method for automatically determining an avoidance maneuver in an automatic collision avoidance system of an aircraft. A maximum kinematic acceleration envelope is determined by determining a multitude of avoidance maneuver angle kinematic acceleration pairs in a kinematic acceleration plane, and interpolating gaps between points, thus creating a curve. The curve is called maximum kinematic acceleration envelope. The curve may also be approximated by an analytical expression. An adjusted kinematic acceleration envelope is formed in the plane by forming a new envelope. The new envelope at each point laying closer to or at the same distance from an origin as the points of the maximum kinematic acceleration envelope and such that there is only one value of the kinematic acceleration a for a given avoidance maneuver angle. An avoidance maneuver angle is received for which a suitable bank angle and a suitable normal load is to be determined. Determining The magnitude of the kinematic acceleration a corresponding to the adjusted kinematic acceleration envelope for the avoidance maneuver angle is determined by reading the envelope curve, or if the curve is an analytical expression, calculating the curve by using the analytical expression. The normal load is determined based on the kinematic acceleration, and the avoidance maneuver angle. The bank angle is determined based on the kinematic acceleration and the avoidance maneuver angle. |
| US08355854B2 |
Methods relating to gas turbine control and operation
A method of controlling variable extraction flow in a combustion turbine engine, wherein extraction flow comprises a supply of compressed air extracted from the compressor and supplied to the turbine through extraction conduits, and wherein the extraction conduits includes a variable extraction orifice, the method comprising the steps of: measuring a plurality of turbine engine operating parameters; monitoring, by a control unit, the measured operating parameters of the combustion turbine engine; setting the variable extraction orifices to a setting that allows an approximate maximum level of extraction flow; calculating, by the control unit, at least one calculated operating parameter based upon model-based control and the measured operating parameters, including at least a current turbine inlet temperature and a maximum turbine inlet temperature; and manipulating the setting for the supply of fuel to the combustor such that an increased and/or maximum level of engine output is determined by comparing the values for the current turbine inlet temperature and the maximum turbine inlet temperature. |
| US08355852B2 |
Slow or stopped vehicle ahead advisor with digital map integration
A driver assistance or collision avoidance system is adapted for use with trailing and preceding host vehicles, and in a preferred embodiment includes a preceding vehicle speed sensor for determining the current speed of the preceding vehicle at a point; a vehicle-to-vehicle communication sub-system; a normal speed determining sub-system operable to determine the normally expected speed of the preceding vehicle at the point, and including an exterior remote vehicle sensor or digital map-indicia database; and a controller configured to compare the current and normally expected speeds, and the discrepancy there-between to a threshold, and cause an alert to be generated only when the discrepancy exceeds the threshold or an otherwise stalled condition is determined. |
| US08355850B2 |
Method and device of calculating aircraft braking friction and other relating landing performance parameters based on the data received from aircraft's on board flight data management system
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the calculation of aircraft braking friction and other relating landing parameters, including but not limited to aircraft braking action, aircraft takeoff distance, aircraft landing distance, runway surface conditions and runway surface friction based on the data collected by and available in the aircraft Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or other flight data management system, for example, the Quick Access Recorder (QAR), to provide all involved personnel in the ground operations of an airport and airline operations, including but not limited to aircraft pilots, airline operation officers and airline managers as well as airport operators, managers and maintenance crews, with the most accurate and most recent information on the true aircraft landing performance parameters to help better and more accurate safety and economical decision making. |
| US08355849B2 |
Safe clutch position
A procedure for monitoring a clutch position of a clutch which is arranged in a double clutch transmission of an automotive vehicle, wherein the clutch position is determined to be a safe position or a non-safe position. |
| US08355848B2 |
Hydraulic control device and method for automatic transmission
There is provided a hydraulic control device for controlling a hydraulic pressure supplied to a vehicle start-up engagement element in an automatic transmission when a shift lever is moved from a non-drive range position to a drive range position. The hydraulic control device has a target pressure setting section that sets, based on an input torque of the automatic transmission, a target value of hydraulic pressure supplied to the vehicle start-up engagement element at the completion of engagement of the vehicle start-up engagement element and corrects the target value periodically based on the transmission input torque until the completion of engagement of the vehicle start-up engagement element and a hydraulic pressure control section that controls the hydraulic pressure in such a manner that the hydraulic pressure supplied to the vehicle start-up engagement element reaches the corrected target value at the completion of engagement of the vehicle start-up engagement element. |
| US08355847B2 |
Controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine
Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper and a crowd drive. A method includes determining an acceleration associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd retract factor based on the acceleration, comparing the crowd retract factor to a threshold crowd retract factor, setting a crowd speed reference and a crowd retract torque for the crowd drive for a period of time based on the comparison of the crowd retract factor to the threshold crowd retract factor. |
| US08355837B2 |
System and method for testing the integrity of a vehicle testing/diagnostic system
A system and method for testing the integrity of a vehicle testing/diagnostic system is provided. Examples of vehicle testing/diagnostic systems may include any equipment (portable or stationary) found in an automotive maintenance and/or testing environment (or other environment) that is capable of communicating with vehicle on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. Prior to conducting an OBD test on one or more vehicles, an integrity testing system interfaces with a vehicle testing/diagnostic system to determine whether the vehicle testing/diagnostic system is capable of communicating via one or more predetermined communications protocols. |
| US08355835B2 |
System for demarcating an area
A system for demarcating an area comprises a first vehicle, an attachment point, a demarcating element, a motor and a vehicle control unit. The demarcating element extends from the first vehicle to the attachment point. The system furthermore comprises a camera, which camera is operatively connected to the vehicle control unit. |
| US08355834B2 |
Multi-sensor autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicles
Multi-sensor autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicles systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a variable autonomy control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle include a variable autonomy processing unit. The variable autonomy processing unit illustratively receives inputs from multiple sensors. It utilizes the inputs to generate commands to control the unmanned aerial vehicle at variable autonomy levels. |
| US08355831B2 |
Method and device for assisting in the piloting of an aircraft during a landing
Method and device for assisting in the piloting of an aircraft during a landing.The device (1) contains means (10, 11) for calculating turnaround times depending on the use of thrust reversers upon landing, as well as means (11) to display these turnaround times. |
| US08355829B2 |
Wind-power generation system and operation control method therefor
An object is to improve the accuracy of power factor adjustment. Power-factor command values corresponding to individual wind turbines are determined by correcting a predetermined power-factor command value for an interconnection node using power factor correction levels set for the individual wind turbines. |
| US08355827B2 |
Energy-saving measurement, adjustment and monetization system and method
System and method include precisely modeling of a facility's energy usage over time based on historic data, and precisely predicting or measuring its actual, reduced energy usage over time after a redesign, retrofit, or renovation, or other positive change to the facility. The energy cost savings, whether over a time point of view (POV) of predicted, real-time, or historic, are creditable to the intervening remediation or renovation of the facility's energy footprint. In accordance with one embodiment, multiple-variable inputs are modeled using arithmetic regression and steepest-descent convergence arithmetic solutions based in large part on building-science (construction) data versus outside average temperature (t) that simplifies the modeling and measurements. Additionality is thus addressed along with a system and method that is more accurate, more repeatable, more reliable, and thus more credible and more readily monetized. |
| US08355824B2 |
Wind turbine generator and method of controlling the same
In a case where a request for changing a maximum value of active power and a newly defined maximum value of active power are received from the utility grid side, a maximum value of an active power demand value set to a rated value is changed to the newly defined maximum value of active power at a predetermined change rate or less. |
| US08355822B2 |
Method of controlling a valve
A proximity sensor may be incorporated as part of a water delivery device. A holder may align an optical source and sensor of the proximity sensor. |
| US08355821B2 |
Method and apparatus for disabling ports in a motor control system
A motor control host includes a plurality of ports, a memory, and a processing device. The memory is operable to store an enable mask defining an enablement state for each of the ports. The processing device is operable to send a first message over those selected ports having an affirmative enablement state to maintain a communication link over the selected ports and inhibit the first message for those ports having a negative enablement state. A method for configuring a motor control system including a motor control host having a plurality of ports includes storing an enable mask defining an enablement state for each of the ports. A first message is sent over those selected ports having an affirmative enablement state to maintain a communication link over the selected ports. The first message is inhibited for those ports having a negative enablement state. |
| US08355816B2 |
Action teaching system and action teaching method
To make it possible to teach a grasping action for a work object whose shape and 3D position are unknown to a robot by an intuitive and simple input operation by an operator. a captured image of the working space is displayed on a display device; (b) an operation in which a recognition area including a part of a work object to be grasped by a hand is specified in two dimensions on an image of the work object displayed on the display device is received; (c) an operation in which a primitive shape model to be applied to the part to be grasped is specified from among a plurality of primitive shape models; (d) a parameter group to specify the shape, position, and posture of the primitive shape model is determined by fitting the specified primitive shape model onto 3D position data of a space corresponding to the recognition area; (e) a grasping pattern applicable to grasping of the work object is selected by searching a database in which grasping patterns applicable by a hand to primitive shape models are stored. |
| US08355813B2 |
Machining status monitoring method and machining status monitoring apparatus
A machining status monitoring apparatus is provided on a machine tool, and has a plurality of actual CCD cameras for imaging the tool and workpiece from different view points and generating actual two-dimensional image data thereof, a virtual image generating section having a plurality of virtual CCD cameras corresponding to the actual CCD cameras, in which the tool and workpiece of three-dimensional model are imaged by the virtual CCD cameras from each point and virtual two-dimensional image data thereof are generated, and a display control section for selecting one virtual CCD camera corresponding to the virtual two-dimensional image data in which the distal end of the tool is not hidden by the workpiece among the generated two-dimensional image data, and displaying the actual two-dimensional image data generated by the actual CCD camera corresponding to the selected virtual CCD camera on a display device. |
| US08355811B2 |
Clothing simulation apparatus, clothing simulation program, and clothing simulation method
A clothing simulation apparatus precisely determines clothing pressure for bringing a clothing into tight contact with a human body. A fitting part 22 divides a paper pattern model into a plurality of elements, imparts dynamic characteristics shown by a fabric model to each element, deforms the paper pattern model by solving the motion equation of each element using a finite element method, and then fits the clothing virtually to a human body model. The fitting part 22 sets a temporary model to cover a predetermined section of the human body model, deforms the paper pattern model to bring the paper pattern model into contact with the temporary model, and thereafter deforms the paper pattern model to bring the paper pattern model into contact with the human body model. |
| US08355808B2 |
Server device of group management system having function of performing fault detection and program
It is possible to compose a chart by filtering measurement information using a product wafer number in a server device including: an instruction receiving unit for storing therein plural measurement information, which is time sequential information measured in a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses and has a product wafer number and time information, and for receiving an output instruction of a chart containing the product wafer number; a fault detection unit for, when the instruction receiving unit receives the output instruction, reading a multiplicity of measurement information satisfying a product wafer number condition contained in the output instruction, and determining whether the read multiplicity of measurement information satisfies the condition information; an output information composing unit for composing the output information according to a determination result of the fault detection unit; and an output unit for outputting the output information composed by the output information composing unit. |
| US08355806B2 |
Information control system and information control method
An information control system capable of precisely defining and executing a condition for stipulating a state of an apparatus to be controlled. A storage unit stores an object definition table storing data items of a structure and a state of an object constituting a controlled system, and an actor definition table storing a monitor condition of an object state, an object monitor item and a setting value, as an actor as a control element for monitoring and controlling the object. A processing unit receives an object state from the controlled system, and when the state changes, transmits changed state value to the actor. The actor then refers to the actor definition table to judge whether the monitor condition is satisfied, and if satisfied, changes the setting value of the monitor condition and transmits a control command for setting value change to the object corresponding to the monitor item. |
| US08355801B2 |
System and method for measuring esophagus proximity
A system and method for determining on a continuous, real-time basis the proximity of the esophagus to an endocardial catheter during mapping, ablation or other endocardial catheter-based procedures, comprising an esophagus probe catheter and an endocardial catheter adapted for proximal signal transmission between each other. A signal processing unit is included to process and compare a characteristic of the proximity signal that is changes or attenuates with distance between the two catheters, such as impedance, amplitude and/or phase. Audio and/or optical outputs are provided to alert an operator when the distance between the catheters changes or is below a baseline measurement to avoid damage to the esophagus by the endocardial catheter. The system and method may include adaptations of the catheters with location sensor, and a mapping/navigational system for nonfluoroscopic location determination of the catheters. |
| US08355798B2 |
System and method for increasing relative intensity between cathodes and anodes of neurostimulation system using pulse slicing
A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. A plurality of first electrical pulses is delivered to a first set of the electrodes, at least a second electrical pulse is delivered to a second set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses, and at least a third electrical pulse is delivered to a third set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses. The first electrical pulses have a first polarity, and each of the second electrical pulse(s) and third electrical pulses(s) has a second a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second and third electrical pulses are temporarily offset from each other. |
| US08355792B2 |
Selective high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects, and associated systems and methods
Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. |
| US08355791B2 |
System and method for computationally determining migration of neurostimulation leads
A tissue stimulation system and computer software and method of monitoring a neurostimulation lead having a plurality of electrodes implanted within a patient (e.g., adjacent the spinal cord) is provided. Neurostimulation lead models are provided, each of which includes estimated electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) corresponding to a predetermined position of the neurostimulation lead. Electrical energy is transmitted to or from the electrodes, and electrical parameter data (e.g., electrical field potential data) is measured in response to the transmitted electrical energy. The measured electrical parameter data is compared with the estimated electrical parameter data of each of the neurostimulation lead models, and a position of the neurostimulation lead is determined based on the comparison. |
| US08355790B2 |
Transcutaneous electrical therapeutic device
An apparatus and method for locating therapeutically active points and applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation thereto are disclosed.The apparatus includes patient applied therapeutic module, consisting of a fixture and a plurality of probes, and an actuating controlling module. The method including the steps of measuring local electrical impedances of a given skin surface area, identifying the points characterized by lower impedances, selecting the desired point/s and applying transcutaneous electrical stimulation thereto. |
| US08355788B2 |
Vestibular stimulation system and method
An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient. |
| US08355785B1 |
Implantable pulse generator including an integrated block feedthru and header assembly
An implantable pulse generator is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the implantable pulse generator includes a housing, a feedthru, and a header. The housing includes an electronic component housed within the housing. The feedthru is mounted on the housing and includes an electrical insulator and a lead connector block. The electrical insulator includes a header face and a housing face opposite the header face. The lead connector block extends from the header face of the electrical insulator. The housing face faces in the general direction of the electronic component. The lead connector block is in electrical communication with the electronic component. The header includes an electrically insulative barrier and an outer covering. The electrically insulative barrier includes a feedthru face and a cavity. The feedthru face abuts the header face and the lead connector block resides in the cavity. The outer covering extends over the electrically insulative barrier. |
| US08355782B2 |
Implantable heart stimulator for measuring dyssynchrony using impedance
Implantable heart stimulator connectable to an electrode arrangement has a pulse generator adapted to deliver stimulation pulses to a heart of a subject; an impedance measurement unit adapted monitor at least one heart chamber of the heart of the subject to measure the impedance in the at least one monitored heart chamber for generating an impedance signal corresponding to the measured impedance. The impedance signal is applied to a processor where the signal is processed, according to specified criteria, and a fractionation index value is determined represented by the curve length of the impedance signal during a predetermined measurement period. The fractionation index value is a measure of different degrees of mechanical dyssynchrony of the heart. |
| US08355781B2 |
Biventricular heart stimulator
An implantable heart stimulator (10), which has a right-atrial sensing unit (62), which is connected or is to be connected to a right-atrial electrode for recording electrical potentials of the myocardium of a right atrium, and is implemented to process electrical signals recorded via the right-atrial electrode, and to detect signal features characterizing a right-atrial stimulation and contraction in the electrical signal recorded via the right-atrial electrode. The heart stimulator (10) additionally has a left-ventricular sensing unit (66), which is connected or is to be connected to a left-ventricular electrode for recording electrical potentials of the myocardium of a left ventricle of a heart and is implemented to process electrical signals recorded via the left-ventricular electrode. The left-ventricular sensing unit (66) is implemented to detect signal features in the electrical signal recorded via the left-ventricular electrode which characterize a left-atrial contraction. |
| US08355775B2 |
Image diagnosing support method and image diagnosing support apparatus
This is an image diagnosing support method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of images obtained by imaging the same region of the same object with one or more medical imaging apparatuses and having positional information at the time each of the images was picked up; a selecting step of selecting a first image and a second image out of the plurality of images; a displaying step of displaying the first image and the second image; a step of designating one or more of first reference points on the first image; a step of figuring out second reference points, on the second image, each matching one or another of the first reference points; a first step of extracting for each of the first reference points a first region containing that point within it; and a second step of extracting for each of the second reference points a second region containing that point within it, characterized in that either one of the first step and the second step is performed earlier or both are at the same time. |
| US08355772B2 |
Cross-fiber diffusion MRI
A method for processing MRI data in which a reference direction and a first voxel are selected. A first transverse orientation vector associated with the first voxel is determined. This first transverse orientation vector is normal to the reference direction. On the basis of the first transverse orientation vector, a second voxel is selected. A second transverse orientation vector associated with the second voxel is also selected. This second transverse orientation vector is likewise normal to the reference direction. The method also includes determining whether a relationship between the first and second transverse orientation vectors is consistent with a track normal to the reference direction and extending between the first and second voxels. |
| US08355771B2 |
Method of determining a spatial distribution of magnetic particles
The invention relates to a method of determining a spatial distribution of magnetic particles in an examination zone, in which a magnetic field is generated that has a first sub-zone of lower magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone of higher magnetic field strength. The positions of the two sub-zones are changed, as a result of which the magnetization in the examination zone changes. Measured values that depend on the change in magnetization are acquired. A reference response function by means of which measured values can be determined mathematically from a spatial distribution of magnetic particles is then determined by means of at least extensive magnetic specimen distribution. Finally, the spatial distribution of magnetic particles is reconstructed from the measured values by means of the reference response function. |
| US08355768B2 |
Micromachined neural probes
A neural probe includes at least one shaft, at least one first electrode disposed on a first side of the at least one shaft, and at least one second electrode disposed on a second side of the at least one shaft. The at least one second electrode is separately addressable from the at least first electrode. |
| US08355764B2 |
Sliding module for slide-type portable communication apparatus
A sliding module for a slide-type portable communication apparatus including a main body and a sliding body which slides on the main body along a sliding distance provided from a start position to an end position. The sliding module includes a fixed plate engaged with the main body, a moving plate being engaged with the sliding body and sliding along the sliding distance. A sliding module is provided between the fixed plate and the moving plate and provides a dead point position between the start position and a center position of the sliding distance, or closer to the start position to slide the moving plate. The dead position prevents the accidental closing of the sliding body and loss of communication if a user's hand slips during the opening of the sliding body to expose a portion of the main body. |
| US08355761B2 |
Folding/sliding mobile terminal with separate antennas in two separate casings
A mobile terminal comprises at last a first casing (7) and a second casing (8). First casing (7) and second casing (8) are coupled together in a manner such that the combined configuration of the first and second casings can be varied. First casing (7) has at least a radio circuit (5) and a first antenna (1) connected to the radio circuit, and second casing (8) has at least a second antenna (3). First casing (7) has a feed element (2) connected to the radio circuit. When the combined configuration of the first and second casings is a predetermined configuration, feed element (2) of the first casing and the second antenna of second casing (8) are close to each other to be capacitively coupled together, so that second antenna is connected with radio circuit through feed element via high-frequency waves. |
| US08355756B2 |
Service processing method, communication system and relevant devices
Embodiments of the present prevention disclose a service processing method, a communication system, and relevant devices to enable the user to more conveniently set ring tones and improve system security. The method includes: a management client located in a user terminal obtains a ring tone setting processing request of a user; and the management client sends the ring tone setting processing request to a service server through a mobile network so that the service server can perform corresponding processing according to the ring tone setting processing request. A communication system and the relevant devices are also disclosed in the embodiments of the present prevention. The embodiments of the present invention can enable the user to conveniently set the tone, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and improve system security. |
| US08355754B1 |
Operating a computing device with an operating system and a wireless data access on a mobile device
A method, system, and medium are provided for operating a computing device using an operating system (OS) installed on a mobile device, or operating the computing device using the OS installed on the mobile device and accessing the Internet through the mobile device. An OS is pre-installed on a mobile device. A computing device that is connected to the mobile device may initialize and operate the OS installed on the mobile device. In another embodiment, the computing device may operate the OS and access the Internet through the mobile device. |
| US08355751B2 |
Automatic activation of speed measurement in mobile device based on available motion indicia
A system and method for speed measurement of a mobile device, using an speed sensor such as a satellite navigation system or an accelerometer, does not need such speed sensor to be continually activated. The system and method make use of a monitor for monitoring at least one motion indicium for indicating that the speed of the mobile device is above an initial threshold, including but not limited to: monitoring the Doppler shift measurements of a timing signal; monitoring the timing advance of a cellular radio signal; monitoring the number of base stations visible to the mobile device; monitoring the frequency of base station handover, however determined; monitoring the level crossings and/or the autocorrelation of an RSSI signal; and/or triangulation of the position of the mobile device. When the monitor determines that the mobile device may be travelling in excess of a threshold speed, a speed sensor is activated to confirm the indication. If the speed sensor determines that the mobile device is travelling at a speed below a second threshold, the speed sensor is deactivated. |
| US08355750B2 |
Portable media processing unit in a media exchange network
A method for communication includes performing by one or more circuits integrated within a single chip in a first communication device, functions that include storing media and meta-data corresponding to the stored media. The storing may occur at a first location of the first communication device. A channel guide including representations of the stored media that can be selected for presentation on a television in a second location, may be caused based on the meta-data corresponding to the stored media when the first communication device is communicatively coupled to a second communication device at the second location. In response to receiving a selection via the presented channel guide, at least one media file corresponding to the received selection may be displayed based on the meta-data corresponding to the stored media, on one or both of the television and/or a media player in the second location. |
| US08355748B2 |
Multi-mode control station, radio communication system, radio station, and radio communication control method
The overall throughput of the radio communication traffic in a radio communication area in a radio communication environment where a plurality of types of radio communication systems are mixedly used in a neighboring radio communication area is improved. When a multi-mode control station (101) performs communication with a terminal station in a network through a plurality of types of communication systems, a communication link parameter collecting section (10141) collects parameters indicating the states of the communication links. A resource allocation determining section (10143) determines communication resource allocation for which the throughput is the greatest for each resource allocation period according to the parameters. A communication control section (1015) controls a multi-mode communication unit (1012) according to the result of the determination. |
| US08355746B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving group resource deallocation information in a communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving group resource deallocation information in a communication system are provided. The method in a base station includes transmitting group resource deallocation information, which includes information indicating a group including a plurality of Mobile Stations (MSs) receiving the group resource deallocation information, and information indicating whether a resource is allocated to each of the MSs. |
| US08355742B2 |
Adaptive distributed frequency planning
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate employing distributed frequency planning and reuse factor optimization based upon forward link and/or reverse link interference management techniques. An optimal reuse factor for a base station can be determined based upon a metric that evaluates levels of service associated with neighboring base stations. Moreover, a subset of available resource sets can be selected for use by the base station; thus, a base station specific collection of resource sets can be formed through such selection. Further, mappings of each resource set to a set of physical resources can be disseminated in a network or portion thereof. According to another example, frequency hopping can be constrained to use of resources within a resource set (rather than across more than one resource set) as provided in a base station specific hopping pattern. |
| US08355738B1 |
Location-based and group-based operations on a data processing device
A system and method are described for location-based and group-based operations on a data processing device. For example, a computer-implemented method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: establishing a buddy group containing identities of a plurality of users within the group and notification data indicating when other users are to be notified about current locations of the users in the group; determining whether wireless data processing devices of two or more users of the buddy group are at the same location or within a particular distance of the location; identifying the users and the location; and notifying other users in the group of the identity of the users and the location. |
| US08355736B2 |
Resource allocation
A method of communicating control information performed by a communication device in a mobile telecommunication system in which each of a plurality of communication devices are allocated plural orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) resource allocations, the method including receiving, in a control channel, from a base station and over an E-UTRA air interface, control information identifying a frequency resource allocation in a shared data channel, and receiving, in the identified frequency resource allocation in the shared data channel, from a base station and over an E-UTRA air interface, control information identifying a further frequency resource allocation. |
| US08355723B2 |
Mobile communication method and exchange station
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes step of causing a mobile station 300 standing by in a cell under a control of a radio base station 202 to send identification information of the mobile station and special identification information; step of, upon receipt of the special identification information, determining whether or not the mobile station 300 has access permission to a radio base station 200 based on the received identification information of the mobile station 300 and identification information of a second radio base station; and step of, when it is determined that the mobile station 300 has access authorization to the radio base station 200, instructing the mobile station 300 to change a radio communication parameter used by the mobile station 300. |
| US08355720B2 |
Application and transport adaptation for a wireless communication prior to a reselection
A system [100] includes a wireless entity [115] to provide wireless data, and a mobile station [105] in communication with the wireless entity [115] to receive the wireless data. The mobile station [105] includes a detection element [230] to detect a time interval between a current time and an occurrence of at least one of a reselection, a service interruption, and a seamless transition. A processing element [225] performs at least one of: (a) a full update of a data frame prior the at least one of the reselection and the service interruption; (b) a synchronization of a mobile station application prior to the at least one of the reselection and the service interruption; and (c) a temporary modification of at least one of a network application and the mobile station application prior to at least one of the reselection and the seamless transition. |
| US08355714B2 |
Route optimization using network enforced, mobile implemented policy
Route optimization is based on a network enforced, and mobile implemented, policy. A communication session between a mobile device and an access router is established. First and second IP addresses to be assigned to the mobile device are received by the mobile device via the established communication session, as is a set of rules. The mobile device evaluates at least one parameter of the communication session against the set of rules to determine which of the IP addresses to use to communicate with an external device, and proceeds to communicate with the external device using the selected IP address based upon the evaluation result. |
| US08355713B1 |
Use of femtocell to control wireless communication device priorities
Methods and systems are provided for determining relative priorities of wireless communication devices with respect to controlling controllable devices. A femtocell receiving a registration request and a device identifier from a first wireless communication device may responsively (i) provide the first wireless communication device with wireless service and (ii) use the device identifier to determine at least one respective relative priority of the first wireless communication device compared to a second wireless communication device with respect to controlling at least one controllable device. The femtocell may then transmit at least one message to at least one of (i) the first wireless communication device, (ii) the second wireless communication device, and (iii) at least one controllable device in accordance with the determination, the at least one message reflecting the determined at least one relative priority. In this way, conflicts between multiple controlling devices may be avoided. |
| US08355708B2 |
Method for announcing a calling party from a communication device
A system and method are disclosed for announcing a calling party from a communication device. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a call processing system can have a controller for processing calls in a communication system. The controller can be programmed to detect an incoming call initiated by a third party communication device over a first voice channel, transmit to a communication device over a control channel a notification signal associated with the incoming call, detect a connection made by the communication device to a second voice channel, transmit to the communication device over the second voice channel audio signals that identify a calling party, and link the first and second voice channels upon detecting over the control channel a call acceptance action by the communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08355707B2 |
Methods and systems for monitoring computer systems using wireless devices
Methods and systems for providing information regarding monitored computer systems to wireless devices are provided. Information may be requested by a wireless device and displayed on the wireless device in a browser. The web server application may detect the wireless device, and may also then specially format the response, including the requested information formatted for optimized delivery and/or display on a wireless device. The web server application may also send a message to a wireless device about events associated with the monitored computer systems. |
| US08355706B2 |
Method and system for utilizing context data tags to catalog data in wireless system
A Wireless mobile communication (WMC) device may maintain user preference information, which is unique to the WMC device capabilities and the device user. The WMC device may modify and/or update the user preference information based on device use and information ascertained from applications running on the WMC device itself; for example scheduling applications. The user preference information may be utilized to create context data tags for generated data on the WMC device. Context data tags may comprise such information as time/date stamping, subject information, and/or location information. The context data tags may be utilized to tag the generated data, enabling continuous and improved cataloging. Improved cataloging may enable improved searchability of tagged data. Tagged data alternatively and/or additionally may be transferred and stored in a remote device for improved and secure back-up storage. The remote device may utilize context data tags for cataloging and storing received data. |
| US08355705B2 |
Mobile information apparatus and manner mode shifting program
Memory 42 stores conditions (schedule, position, and travel condition) for triggering switching to a manner mode. When any of the conditions is met, a CPU 33 requests a user for an instruction as to whether or not to switch to the manner mode according to the condition stored in the memory 42. In response to a user instruction for approvable of the switching to the manner mode, the CPU 33 executes control to switch the mobile phone to the manner mode. |
| US08355698B2 |
Unlock screen
Unlock screen and notification techniques are described. In an implementation, an unlock screen is displayed by a mobile communications device that indicates that one or more keys of the mobile communications device are locked. If an input is detected at the mobile communications device to remove the lock, an animation is displayed that gives an appearance that the unlock screen is a page that is being turned and removing the lock of the one or more keys. |
| US08355696B1 |
Automated device activation
Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for automated device activation are described. In embodiments, an activation message is received from a non-provisioned mobile device identifying a user account. In various embodiments, it is determined whether activation is authorized and, if it is determined that activation is authorized, the non-provisioned mobile device is activated. In various other embodiments, it is determined whether activation is authorized by sending a confirmation message to a provisioned mobile device and receiving an authorization message from the provisioned mobile device. |
| US08355693B2 |
Determining application usage relative to a particular location
A mobile device collects information about application usage and associates collected application information with a location of the mobile device and/or a time that the application is accessed. The application is stored on the mobile device or on an external device and accessed via a network. The application information, location of the mobile device and time the application is accessed are communicated to another device and stored in a storage device which may be operated or managed by a service provider or another entity. The application information may comprise identification of a website, a network device or URL, the application and/or data that is input and/or output from the application. The location of the mobile device and/or the time, are determined utilizing a GNSS receiver and/or utilizing information from a network device. The application information, the location of the mobile device and/or the time may be utilized for targeted advertizing. |
| US08355690B2 |
Electrical and mechanical connector adaptor system for media devices
An electrical connector adaptor system for connecting a base media device having at least one integral electrical connector with one or more detachable second media devices. The integral connector is located within a mechanical adaptor for protecting a second media device from mechanical damage and/or to prevent lateral movement of the second media device. Each second media device has a connector that may differ from a connector of other second media devices, or the second media device may have a different form factor from other second media devices. The system includes a detachable electrical connector adaptor module which has a first electrical connector for mating with the base media device integral connector and a second electrical connector for mating with the second media device. |
| US08355687B2 |
Receiver gain control
A gain controller for controlling the gain of at least one amplifier in a receiver, the gain controller being arranged to, when the receiver is receiving a signal: for a first period of time, repeatedly determine an indication of the strength of the received signal and adjust the gain of the at least one amplifier in dependence on each indication of signal strength and following the expiry of the first period of time: determine a subsequent indication of the strength of the received signal and make a single adjustment of the gain of the at least one amplifier in dependence on the subsequent indication of signal strength. |
| US08355681B2 |
Sequence generation method and sequence generation device
Disclosed are a sequence report method and a sequence report device for reducing a signaling amount for reporting a Zadoff-Chu sequence or a GCL sequence allocated for a cell. Indexes starting at 1 are correlated to different ZC sequences and are allocated for cells so that the indexes are continuous. When such ZC sequences are reported from BS to UE, a start index indicating the start of the continuous indexes is combined with the number of allocated sequences and they are reported as allocation sequence information by a report channel. The UE and the BS share the correlation between the ZC sequences and the indexes and the UE identifies a usable sequence number according to the correlation and the allocation sequence information reported from the BS. |
| US08355678B2 |
System and method for controlling communications during an E-reader session
A gatekeeper function is employed to control communications intended for a target user, who is associated with an electronic reader (e-reader) device. The gatekeeper function detects an attempt for an originating user to communicate with the target user. Upon detecting the attempt to communicate with the target user, the gatekeeper function determines a communication processing action that controls how to handle the communication attempt based on e-reader session information that is collected while the target user is engaged in an e-reader session. The gatekeeper function will then effect the communication processing action to control how the communication attempt is to be handled. |
| US08355675B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling frequency in mobile communication system
An apparatus and a method for mitigating interference between uplink signals of a user equipment in a mobile communication system are provided. The apparatus includes a frequency regulator for, when fast movement of a user equipment is confirmed, changing a transmit frequency by calculating a frequency offset compensation value which compensates for a frequency required for a transmit frequency band. |
| US08355674B2 |
Multi-channel transmitter
A radio transmission method and a radio transmitter device for radio transmission of an audio signal from an audio device to a radio receiver wherein an audio signal is received from the audio device, and an RF signal is transmitted simultaneously which is modulated with the audio signal on each of a set of at least two different RF channels. Within each of the transmitted RF signals, information identifying at least the other RF channels in the set of RF channels is included. |
| US08355669B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating moving network in a mobile communication system
A method and an apparatus for operating a moving network in a mobile communication system are provided. A method of a Base Station (BS) for operating a Moving Network (MN) includes determining an operation mode of the MN in a cell by collecting information of the cell, and transmitting the determined operation mode to the MN. The operation mode includes at least one of an Operation ON mode in which the MN maintains links to Mobile Stations (MSs) in a service coverage area of the MN, and an Operation OFF mode in which the MN turns off the links to the MSs in the service coverage area of the MN. |
| US08355663B2 |
Photosensitive cartridge and image forming apparatus with swingable cleaning roller mechanism
A photosensitive cartridge includes a frame; a photosensitive drum; a drum gear; a cleaning roller; and a cleaning gear, which is provided at one end portion of the cleaning roller, which meshes with the drum gear, and which rotates integrally with the cleaning roller by a force from the drum gear. The cleaning roller is swingable around a swing axis extending parallel to a rotation axis of the cleaning roller. The swing axis is provided at a side that is opposite to the photosensitive drum with respect to a straight line extending in an input direction of a force from a tooth surface of the drum gear through a meshing position between the cleaning gear and the drum gear. The frame includes a restricting face, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the input direction, and which restricts movement of the cleaning gear in the input direction. |
| US08355654B2 |
Wet type electrophotographic printer comprising a carrier liquid removing unit
To remove a surplus carrier liquid after development on the surface of a photoconductor drum to obtain homogeneous printed images without being affected by an error in rotational accuracy of such as a carrier liquid removing roller, there is provided a wet type electrophotographic printer in which the carrier liquid removing roller 14 of a carrier liquid removing unit 8 is caused to come in rotational contact with the photoconductor drum 1 to remove a carrier liquid from the liquid toner image, thereby making a toner image for transfer onto a recording medium 7, the wet type electrophotographic printer being so configured that the carrier liquid removing roller in rotational contact with the photoconductor drum is urged against the latter under an urging force made adjustable; and a scraping blade 23 is brought into contact with the carrier liquid removing roller while being urged against the latter under an urging force made adjustable. |
| US08355653B2 |
Development cartridge
A cartridge attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus main body includes a rotating member, a supporting member configured to rotatably support the rotating member, a regulating portion configured to abut against an end surface of the rotating member in a rotational axis direction to regulate movement in the rotational axis direction, a hole portion configured to expose a portion of the end surface so as to enable a contact portion provided on the image forming apparatus main body to contact the end surface, a concave portion configured to retain grease, and a wall surface in the concave portion located at a downstream side in a rotation direction and provided such that an area of the wall surface that is farther from the hole portion than an area thereof that is closer to the hole portion is located at the downstream side of the rotation direction. |
| US08355648B2 |
Cartridge
A cartridge includes: a first frame member which has an opening through which a developer accommodated therein is fed; a sealing member which seals the opening and which is pulled out to unseal the opening; a second frame member which sandwiches the sealing member with the first frame member; a welding portion which is formed on one of the first frame member and the second frame member and adapted to weld the first frame member and the second frame member at an area outside the opening; and a sandwiching portion which is formed on one of the first frame member and the second frame member and which is melted with the welding of the welding portion at an area outside the opening and inside the welding portion to sandwich the sealing member between the first frame member and the second frame member. |
| US08355646B2 |
Operations-unit angle adjusting device and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an operations-unit angle adjusting device having an operations unit supported so as to freely move in a vertical direction and an adjusting mechanism that changes the vertical angle of the operations unit. The adjusting mechanism has a shaft part that supports the operations unit so as to freely move in the vertical direction, an operating lever that is supported so as to freely move in the vertical direction, and an opening/closing piece that operates simultaneously with vertical movements of the operating lever to perform an opening/closing operation. The opening/closing piece has an engaging part that is engaged with an engaged part provided in the apparatus main body to restrict vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is closed and that is disengaged from the engaged part to allow the vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is opened. |
| US08355644B2 |
Toner-remaining-amount detection sensor and toner storage container provided therewith
A toner-remaining-amount detection sensor includes a rubber member, an actuator, a transmission sensor, and a holder member which integrally holds the rubber member, the actuator, and the transmission sensor. The actuator is supported by the holder member so as to move to a first position at which the transmission sensor detects that a toner remaining amount in a toner storage container is a predetermined amount or more when a toner pressure in the toner storage container acts on the rubber member, and to move to a second position at which the transmission sensor detects that the toner remaining amount in the toner storage container falls below the predetermined amount when the toner pressure in the toner storage container does not act on the rubber member. When the actuator is at the second position, the actuator partially comes into contact with the holder member so that a gap is formed between the actuator and the rubber member. |
| US08355639B2 |
Method for color stability diagnostics based on correlation analysis
A diagnostic method for color stability in an image printing system includes printing a test pattern onto output media; measuring, during the printing of the test pattern, an image of the test pattern on an image transfer surface using one or more image transfer surface sensors to obtain one or more image transfer surface signals; measuring a printed image of the test pattern on the output media using a printed image sensor to obtain a printed image signal; calculating correlation functions for the one or more image transfer surface signals and the printed image signal; and analyzing the correlation functions for the one or more image transfer surface signals and the printed image signal to identify a subsystem in the image printing system that causes variations in color within the plurality of prints of the test pattern. |
| US08355637B2 |
Optical OFDM receiver, optical transmission system, subcarrier separation circuit, and subcarrier separation method
A high-performance optical OFDM receiver is realized. A subcarrier separation circuit receives an optical OFDM signal consisting of two subcarriers A and B and separates a subcarrier component, signal light and first local oscillator light are input to the subcarrier separation circuit, the subcarrier separation circuit converts the signal light and the first local oscillator into a baseband electrical signal, the subcarrier separation circuit converts the baseband electrical signal into a digital signal, the subcarrier separation circuit shifts the frequency of the converted digital signal so that a center frequency of the subcarrier A becomes zero, and the subcarrier separation circuit adds a frequency shifted signal to a signal obtained by delaying the frequency shifted signal by ½ of a symbol time to separate a component of the subcarrier A. |
| US08355634B2 |
Optical network unit having automatic shutdown
An optical network unit useful in a passive optical network has capability for automatic shutdown upon detection of a malfunction, thereby protecting the integrity of upstream data transmitted in the network. The unit detects the generation of upstream light during intervals in which transmission is not authorized. In response, the light source of the unit is deactivated to prevent collisions with upstream data from other optical network units in the network. |
| US08355631B2 |
Reducing optical service channel interference in phase modulated wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) communication systems
A system for transmitting a plurality of data channels and an optical service channel through an optical fiber link of a Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) optical communications system. The system comprises a first transmitter at a first end of the optical fiber link, for transmitting the data channels as a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal through the optical fiber link in a first direction. A second transmitter is connected at a second end of the optical fiber link, for transmitting the optical service channel through the optical fiber link in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08355630B1 |
Polarity inversion detection for an optical circuit switch
A system and method of detecting polarity inversion in an optical switching circuit is disclosed. The method includes performing a first round of a port verification process on at least two optical ports, transmitting a payload from at least one optical port in the at least two optical ports, determining if the payload was received at a second optical port in the at least two optical ports, assigning a pair of ports to a first group in the case that the predetermined payload was communicated between the pair of ports, and assigning a pair of ports to a second group in the case that the predetermined payload was not communicated between the pair of ports. The method also includes determining that either the first group of ports or the second group of ports has inverted polarity. |
| US08355627B2 |
3D camera with foreground object distance sensing
A stereographic camera system and a method of operating a stereographic camera system. The stereoscopic camera system may include a left camera and a right camera having respective left and right lenses, a zoom mechanism to set a focal length of the left and right lenses, a focus mechanism to set a focus distance of the left and right lenses, and an IOD mechanism to set an interocular distance between the left and right cameras. A foreground distance sensor may sense, in near-real time, a distance to a closest foreground object. A controller may cause the IOD mechanism to set the interocular distance based on, in part, the focal length, the focus distance, and the distance to the closest foreground object. |
| US08355624B2 |
Susceptor for heat treatment and heat treatment apparatus
A susceptor for holding a semiconductor wafer to be flash-heated by a flash of light emitted from flash lamps is formed of transparent quartz. The susceptor has a backside surface only which is roughened by shot blasting to provide a ground-glass-like surface. When a flash of light is emitted, part of the flash of light emitted from the flash lamps and passing by a peripheral portion of the semiconductor wafer held by the susceptor into the susceptor reaches the ground-glass-like backside surface and is diffusely reflected therefrom. Part of the diffusely reflected light impinges on the peripheral portion of the semiconductor wafer held by the susceptor to thereby heat the low temperature regions which have appeared in the peripheral portion of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08355621B2 |
Content management for a video signal
A high definition television video content management and/or copy protection method and apparatus are achieved by modifying portions of one or more channels of an HDTV (high definition television) signal. These modifications are generally in the blanking intervals but can extend into the overscanned portions. In one version, the signal modification defines tags or trigger bits for a content control system. This modification may follow the HDTV tri-level sync (synchronization) pulses for example, and it may occur in at least one of the HDTV video channels. In another version, portions of the tri-level sync pulse are modified to cause a reference sensing circuit such an AGC system (in a receiving device such as a video recorder) to produce an erroneous output. Optionally, a signal may be added or inserted following the modified tri-level sync pulses. In another version, tri-level pseudo sync pulses are added in blanking or overscanned intervals. These tri-level pseudo sync pulses may be asymmetrical and may be followed by a signal. Further, any of the above modifications or signals or sync signals may be modulated (e.g., amplitude, position, pulse-width). Also these modifications may be provided to a generic television system. |
| US08355620B2 |
Method and device for recording
The invention relates to a method and device for recording coded digital audio-visual data. On recording coded digital audio-visual data a problem occurred that predictions about the remaining available recording time on a mass storage medium being used were not possible because the applied coding causes the data rate of the digital audio-visual data to vary considerably. According to the invention, the problem may be avoided, by determining mean data rates for program sections which enables a prediction of the amount of data storage capacity to be expected for each program section. |
| US08355619B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, recorded medium, and program
In DVRVolume( ), there is stated the information pertinent to the totality of the information recorded in a disc. The information recorded in the disc can be confirmed on the basis of this description. In TableOfPlayList( ), there is stated the information usable in reproducing the information recorded in the disc. Using this description, the desired information can be retrieved extremely readily. So, the information recorded in the disc or desired information can be confirmed extremely readily. |
| US08355618B2 |
Image recording system, image recording apparatus, and image recording method
The image recording system is a system configured of first and second image recording apparatuses. The first image recording apparatus includes a device ID obtainment unit, a time information obtainment unit, a first channel information input unit, an identification information creation unit, a first image input unit, a first identification information addition unit, a first image recording unit, and an identification information sending unit. The second image recording apparatus includes an identification information receiving unit, a second channel information input unit, an identification information change unit, a second image input unit, a second identification information addition unit, and a second image recording unit. |
| US08355616B2 |
Optical fiber communication conversion device and installing method thereof
An installing method of an optical fiber communication conversion device is provided. The installing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a housing is provided. An opto-electronic converting module with a first cable winding structure is selectively accommodated and installed within the housing. An optical fiber wiring process is performed. If the opto-electronic converting module is provided and installed within the housing, an optical fiber cable managing function is implemented by the first cable winding structure. If the opto-electronic converting module is not installed within the housing, the optical fiber cable managing function is implemented by a second cable winding structure within the housing. The optical fiber communication conversion device using the installing method is also provided. |
| US08355615B2 |
Splice closure and fibre organiser device
A splice closure and fiber organizer device (10) comprises a substantially elongate body 5 member (12), closure member (16) and a foldable organizer tray (14) for accommodating at least one fiber splice and/or length(s) of excess fiber. The organizer tray which includes a plurality of fold lines (21) provided by respective living hinges is capable of being wrapped around part of the bodymember, into a generally cylindrical or part cylindrical shape, to close or partially close the closure. The fold lines enable the organizer tray to be folded into an extra 10 dimension, from a flat planar structure into a generally cylindrical or part cylindrical shape. This enables the closure to be more compact without compromising the bend control radius characteristics of the organizer tray. By restricting the minimum bend radius of the organizer to that of the fiber to be used bend control of installed fiber can be readily achieved. The device is particularly suitable for use in FTTX applications. |
| US08355612B2 |
Active alignment method for multi-channel optical transmitter and receiver, which has an optical signal generator with an optical multiplexer, which has an optical signal generator with an optical multiplexer
An active alignment method for a multi-channel optical transmitter and receiver is disclosed. The active alignment method for a multi-channel optical transmitter includes actively aligning an optical signal generator with an optical multiplexer based on optical outputs of a plurality of wavelengths from the optical signal generator and an optical output of the optical multiplexer, and actively aligning the optical multiplexer with a fiber optic coupler based on an optical output of the optical multiplexer and an optical output of the fiber optic coupler. |
| US08355610B2 |
Display systems
A primary waveguide and a coupling waveguide are arranged so a user can view light from a forward scene through the primary waveguide. An image source generates an image which is diffractively coupled into the primary waveguide and internally reflected to an exit area for diffraction towards the user. Light from the forward looking scene is diffracted into the primary waveguide to be internally reflected and coupled to a image intensifier tube assembly. The image intensifier tube assembly enhances light from the forward looking scene and drives the image source such that an image of the enhanced light is overlaid on light from a forward scene at exit area. |
| US08355608B2 |
Method and apparatus for in-line fiber-cladding-light dissipation
Apparatus and method for in-line cladding-light dissipation including forming a light-scattering surface on the optical fiber such that the light-scattering surface scatters cladding light away from the optical fiber. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an optical fiber having a core and a first cladding layer that surrounds the core, wherein a first portion of the optical fiber has a light-scattering exterior surface. Some embodiments further include a transparent enclosure, wherein the transparent enclosure includes an opening that extends from a first end of the transparent enclosure to a second end of the transparent enclosure, and wherein at least the first portion of the optical fiber is located within the opening of the transparent enclosure. Some embodiments include a light-absorbing housing that surrounds the optical fiber and the transparent enclosure and is configured to absorb the light scattered away from the optical fiber by the light-scattering exterior surface. |
| US08355604B2 |
Integrated optical polarizer for silicon-on-insulator waveguides
A silicon-on-insulator device has a waveguide having a carrier wafer layer, a buffer layer, a guiding layer, and a cladding layer. The silicon-on-insulator is additionally provided with a polarizing arrangement deposited on a predetermined portion of the waveguide, the polarizing arrangement being provided with a bottom metal layer, a dielectric gap, and a top metal layer, the bottom metal layer being deposited on the cladding layer. A protection layer formed of SiO2 overlies the top metal layer. The polarizing arrangement attenuates preferentially the electromagnetic energy that is propagated in the waveguide in the TM transmission mode. There is formed a gap plasmon-polariton (GPP) confined to the dielectric gap, the dielectric gap having a high optical loss characteristic. In accordance with a method aspect, there are provided the steps of forming a silicon-on-insulator waveguide arrangement and depositing a polarizer structure that absorbs the electromagnetic energy in the TM transmission mode. |
| US08355603B2 |
Data converting apparatus and data converting method, learning device and learning method, and recording medium
The present invention relates to a data conversion apparatus and a learning device in which an image can be converted into a higher-quality image. A class-tap generating circuit (2) and a predictive-tap generating circuit (3) respectively generate from an SD image a class tap for classifying a specified pixel of an HD image and a predictive tap for determining the specified pixel. A classification circuit (4) classifies the specified pixel based on the class tap. A coefficient RAM (5) obtains a tap coefficient for the class of the specified pixel from tap coefficients obtained by using supervisor pixels and learner pixels and by learning the relationship between the supervisor pixels and the learner pixels for each of at least one class while applying weighting to the supervisor pixels and the learner pixels based on the activity of the predictive tap generated from the learner pixels. A predictive-computation circuit (6) determines the specified pixel by using the tap coefficient and the predictive tap. |
| US08355602B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image processing program
An image processing apparatus includes a face direction estimating unit that estimates the direction and the degree of turn of a face with the front direction of the face included in a face image used as a reference for a target image that includes the face image, and an area setting unit that changes a first area based on the direction and the degree of turn of the face and sets a correction target area with the changed first area used as a reference when an area that includes the first area is set as the correction target area with the first area that includes predetermined facial organs of the face image used as a reference. |
| US08355599B2 |
Methods and devices for detecting changes in background of images using multiple binary images thereof and hough transformation
The invention relates to a device and method for detecting changes in background of successive images. More particularly, the invention relates to a device and method for detecting changes in background of successive images by obtaining vertically accumulated values and horizontally accumulated values from multiple binary images of previous image and current image, obtaining pairs of rows and pairs of columns based on the vertically accumulated values and horizontally accumulated values, and transforming pairs of rows and pairs of columns using Hough transformation.Also, the invention relates to an interface system including background changes detecting device and display device connected to the background changes detecting device. |
| US08355597B2 |
Image processing device including gradation conversion processor, noise reduction processor, and combining-raio calculator, and method and storage device storing progam for same
A gradation conversion processor performs gradation conversion processing on image data on the basis of a predetermined gradation conversion characteristic, and a noise reduction processor performs noise reduction processing on the image data. Subsequently, a combining-ratio calculator calculates a combining ratio between the image data before the noise reduction processing performed by the noise reduction processor and the image data after the noise reduction processing on the basis of the gradation conversion characteristic, and a combiner combines the image data before the noise reduction processing performed by the noise reduction processor and the image data after the noise reduction processing on the basis of the combining ratio. |
| US08355595B2 |
Contrast enhancement methods and apparatuses
Image contrast enhancement includes (i) computing a contrast measure incorporating an adjustable tone transformation function and one or more statistical measures of selected spatial arrangements of pixel or voxel intensities in an analysis image or image portion, (ii) adjusting the adjustable tone transformation function to increase contrast as indicated by the contrast measure, and (iii) enhancing contrast of a target image or image portion using the adjusted tone transformation function. |
| US08355588B2 |
Moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method
According to a picture coding method, a coded picture is stored, as a reference picture, into a storage unit; commands indicating correspondence between reference pictures and reference indices for designating reference pictures and coefficients used for generation of predictive images are generated; a reference picture being used when motion compensation is performed on a current block in a current picture to be coded is designated by a reference index; a predictive image is generated by performing linear prediction on a block being obtained by motion estimation within the designated reference picture, by use of a coefficient corresponding to the reference index; a coded image signal including a coded signal obtained by coding a prediction error being a difference between the current block in the current picture to be coded and the predictive image, the commands, the reference index and the coefficient is outputted. |
| US08355586B2 |
Decoding apparatus, dequantizing method, distribution determining method, and program thereof
A decoding apparatus includes a random number generating section and a decoding section. The random number generating section generates random numbers according to distribution of original data corresponding to respective quantization indexes. The decoding section generates decoded data on a basis of the random numbers generated by the random number generating section. |
| US08355585B2 |
Data compression of images using a shared dictionary
A method and system for data compression of images using a shared dictionary are described herein. According to one embodiment, a server identifies a current images that is part of a stream of images generated by an application hosted by the server. The stream of images includes images previously transmitted to the client. For each segment of pixels in the current image, the server searches a dictionary containing data for the stream of images. If the dictionary includes data corresponding to the segment of pixels in the current image, the server determines metadata for the segment of pixels in the current image using the corresponding data from the dictionary, and transmits the metadata to the client without transmitting the segment of pixels from the current image. |
| US08355582B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
For each pixel of interest in a local region of an input image, an edge intensity in each of a plurality of predetermined directions is calculated. All directions in which the edge intensities are larger than an average value of the edge intensities are selected. For all pixels of interest in the local region, the edge intensities calculated for each of the selected directions are accumulated and output as an edge feature amount. |
| US08355581B2 |
System and method for detecting the contour of an object on a moving conveyor belt
A system detects an object contour with an image acquisition assembly, the object moving relative to the assembly. A line detector scans the surface line by line during a scan cycle, the line being transverse to the relative motion direction. During active periods, a light source emits light synchronized with the scan cycle, allowing the line detector to acquire a first group of at least one lit scan line. A second group of unlit scan line(s) is acquired during non-emitting idle periods. The object passes between the line detector and the light source. A processor receives and analyzes acquired scan lines. For each lit scan line group and a successive second unlit scan line group, the processor identifies a token pattern with a lit segment adjoining an unlit segment. The processor searches the first and second groups for the token pattern ending or reappearing to produce an object contour. |
| US08355579B2 |
Automatic extraction of planetary image features
A method for the extraction of Lunar data and/or planetary features is provided. The feature extraction method can include one or more image processing techniques, including, but not limited to, a watershed segmentation and/or the generalized Hough Transform. According to some embodiments, the feature extraction method can include extracting features, such as, small rocks. According to some embodiments, small rocks can be extracted by applying a watershed segmentation algorithm to the Canny gradient. According to some embodiments, applying a watershed segmentation algorithm to the Canny gradient can allow regions that appear as close contours in the gradient to be segmented. |
| US08355574B2 |
Determination of main object on image and improvement of image quality according to main object
A CPU 411 splits selected image data GD into a plurality of areas (pixel data groups), analyzing the image data GD in terms of area units, and determining the color range of the areas of the image data GD. The CPU 411 determines color range areas by associating adjacent areas of the same color range when determining the color range for the areas of the image data GD. The CPU 411 acquires position data for the color range areas that have been determined. The CPU 411 acquires position conditions (main object conditions) from ROM/HDD 413, and narrows the main object candidates to “sky, green, or people.” The CPU 411 finally determines the main object by comparing the position data of the color range color areas and the position conditions corresponding to the narrowed main object. |
| US08355572B2 |
Mapping an out of gamut RGB color to a gamut surface
What is disclosed is a system and method for mapping an out of gamut RGB color to a surface of a color gamut in RGB space. A point xc having {Rc Gc Bc} values in RGB space is identified which is outside a surface of a color gamut of a target device. A lightness value γ and a chroma vector {right arrow over (C)}=[Cr, Cg, Cb] are determined from the {Rc Gc Bc} values of the identified point. A minimum and a maximum saturation are determined for point xc. A new lightness value γ′ and a new chroma vector {right arrow over (C)} are calculated based on the minimum and maximum saturation values, in a manner as is described herein in detail. The new lightness γ′ and the new chroma vector {right arrow over (C)} are converted back into {R′c G′c B′c} values. The {R′c G′c B′c} values are provided to a gamut mapping function. |
| US08355567B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing moving image color appearance model for video quality ratings prediction
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for predicting video quality through human vision perceptual color response and associated perceptual differences of video relative to a reference. Embodiments include a model of the human vision system developed as an extension to CIECAM02 to predict the macro-behavioral response to light stimuli with the following varying parameters, in addition to the parameters relevant to CIECAM02: spatial frequency, temporal frequency, angular extent, temporal extent, and surround. |
| US08355565B1 |
Producing high quality depth maps
Producing high quality depth maps. A time of flight camera and stereo cameras of a stereo camera arrangement are mapped into a common coordinate system. A correspondence between an RGB image taken from the time of flight camera and an RGB image taken from a reference stereo camera of the stereo camera arrangement is established. Intensity values of the plurality of pixels of a stereo camera left of the reference stereo camera, a stereo camera right of the reference stereo camera and the reference stereo camera are determined. These intensity values of the stereo camera left of the reference stereo camera and the stereo camera right of the reference stereo camera are compared to the reference camera. Based on the comparing, matching intensity values are determined. |
| US08355563B2 |
Photovoltaic devices inspection apparatus and method of determining defects in photovoltaic device
A photovoltaic devices inspection apparatus and method of determining defects in photovoltaic devices that uses electroluminescence can find both the quality of the photovoltaic devices from the state of electroluminescence and the possibility of the photovoltaic devices becoming defective in the future by applying constant electric current to the photovoltaic devices causing electroluminescence of the photovoltaic devices (S7), photographing the light emitted from each photovoltaic cell of the photovoltaic devices (S10), dividing the photographed image of the photovoltaic cell into a bright region and dark region by using a threshold value and displayed as an enhanced image by binarization, analyzing as classifying each photovoltaic cell defect according to defect types and comparing a shape of the dark region with the defect types (S50), determining the existence of the defect to perform a positive-negative quality judgment on the photovoltaic devices, and displaying images of the problematic regions for visual inspection (S16). |
| US08355561B2 |
Method for screening of multi-junction solar cells
A method for screening of multi-junction solar cells to be operated in a high sun intensity and high temperature (HIHT) environment. An electroluminescence image of a homogeneous pn-junction at a predefined bias current is acquired for each of the solar cells. The spatial intensity distribution in the electroluminescence image is analyzed to determine whether there are local intensity variations that possibly dissipate power in a HIHT environment. The solar cells are sorted such that solar cells having no local intensity variations in their electroluminescence image are put into a first group and solar cells having at least one local intensity variation in their electroluminescence image are put into a second group cells for further screening. The solar cells of the first group are suitable for a HIHT environment and solar cells of the second group are assumed to be potentially critical in a HIHT environment. |
| US08355560B2 |
Pattern evaluation system, pattern evaluation method and semiconductor device manufacturing method
In accordance with an embodiment, a pattern evaluation system includes an image acquisition unit, a plurality of image processing units, and a control unit which controls the plurality of image processing units. The image acquisition unit loads a series of images of a pattern to be evaluated. The images are acquired at a first speed. The plurality of image processing units process the series of images at a second speed and then output a result of the evaluation of the pattern to be evaluated. The control unit acquires the first and second speeds, estimates the number of the image processing units which allow the time for acquiring the series of images to be substantially the same as the time for processing the series of images, and allocates the estimated image processing units to the processing of the series of images. |
| US08355553B2 |
Systems, apparatus and processes for automated medical image segmentation using a statistical model
A system and process for analyzing multidimensional data characterizing a least a portion of a subject is described. An input module accepts at least one multidimensional dataset which is derived from any of several types of data sources. A registration module accepts the dataset from the input module and registers the dataset from the input module to a selected anatomical model to provide a registered dataset. A processing module is coupled to the registration module and uses this in determining a core region and associated core region information, and computes threshold characteristics of the registered dataset. A segmentation module accepts the registered dataset and the core region information from the processing module, and segments the registered dataset to provide a segmented description of an organ from the registered dataset and core region information, where the segmented, registered dataset describes characteristics of the organ of the subject. |
| US08355552B2 |
Automated determination of lymph nodes in scanned images
Techniques include automatically detecting a lymph node in a scanned image of a body without human intervention, using one or more of three approaches. First, a subset of scanned images is determined, which belongs to one anatomical domain. A search region for lymph tissue is in a particular spatial relationship outside an anatomical object in the domain. Second, scanned images are segmented without human intervention to determine a boundary of a particular lymph node. The scanned images and outline data are received. Some of these embodiments automatically segment by determining an external marker, based on the outline data, and an internal marker, based on a geometric center of the outline data or thresholds determined automatically inside detected edges, or both, for a marker-controlled watershed algorithm. Third, based on lymph node data at a particular time, a second scanned image at a different time is segmented automatically, without human intervention. |
| US08355551B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing image artifacts
A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes determining an internal motion for of two regions of the object, each region having a different level of motion, scanning the first region using a first scan protocol based on the motion, scanning a second region using a second different scan protocol based on the motion, and generating an image of the object based on the first and second regions. |
| US08355550B2 |
Methods and apparatus for virtual coronary mapping
A virtual map of vessels of interest in medical procedures, such as coronary angioplasty is created so that doses of contrasting agent given to a patient may be reduced. A position of a coronary guidewire is determined and locations of vessel boundaries are found. When the contrast agent has dissipated, virtual maps of the vessels are created as new images. The locations of the determined vessel boundaries are imported to a mapping system and an image obtained without using a contrast agent is modified based on the imported locations of vessel boundaries. This creates a virtual map of the vessels. |
| US08355549B2 |
Method and medical device for controlling data acquisition or data processing therein
In a method to control the data acquisition and/or the data processing in at least one medical device, in particular to control the image data acquisition and/or the image data processing in a medical image data acquisition device, at least one work step already effected and/or still to be effected by an operator at a computer in the framework of controlling the data acquisition and/or the data processing is determined and/or analyzed by at least one program, and the operator is assisted dependent on the determination and/or analysis result. |
| US08355547B2 |
Ultrasonic imaging apparatus with adaptable spatial image combination
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus using a method for combining CMB images of the same object including a step of seeking representative contours CNT of an interface on the images to be combined IM,[I], IM[J] is disclosed. The step is intended to define interest areas IA[I], IA[J] in the vicinity of the representative contours. The method also includes analyzing the interest areas IA[I], IA[J] being intended to allocate weights W[I], W[J] to the points on the interest areas IA[I], IA[J] and to the points corresponding to the interest areas IA[I], IA[J] on the various images. The method also includes constructing a combination image IMC, a point on the combination image IMC corresponding to a point on at least one interest area IA being obtained from a weighting of the corresponding points on the images to be combined IM[I], IM[J] according to the weights W[I], W[J] allocated in the analysis step ANA. |
| US08355546B2 |
Method for identifying fingerprint image
A method for identifying a fingerprint image includes inputting a fingerprint image captured by an electronic device, calculating an amount of valid ridge pixels in an amount of total ridge pixels of the fingerprint image to generate a first ratio, calculating an amount of successive ridge pixels in an amount of total ridge pixels of the fingerprint image to generate a second ration when the first ratio is identified within a first predetermined range, and determining the fingerprint image as a valid fingerprint image when the second ratio is identified within a second predetermined range. |
| US08355545B2 |
Biometric detection using spatial, temporal, and/or spectral techniques
A biometric feature detection system is provided according to one embodiment. The system may include a target, an illumination source, a color filter array, a light detector, and a computational unit. The illumination source illuminates a portion of the target with monochromatic light at a large angle of incidence measured from the normal of the target surface. The light detector may be configured to receive light from the target through the color-filter array and provide an image of the target surface. Each pixel of the light detector may correspond to one of a plurality of color filter mosaics such that each pixel detects light associated with a corresponding color filter. The computational unit may be interfaced with at least the light detector. The computational unit may include instructions to monitor the levels of monochromatic light and make proximity, presence and segmentation determinations based on the detected levels of monochromatic light. |
| US08355538B2 |
System and method for overlaying computer generated highlights in a display of millimeter wave imagery
A system and method for overlaying computer-generated highlights in a display of millimeter wave imagery is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, visible spectrum and algorithmically created images are displayed adjacent to corresponding millimeter wave imagery on a graphical user interface (GUI). The millimeter wave imagery is used to detect a threat such as a concealed object. A computer generated highlight coinciding with a location of the detected concealed object is used to automatically overlay at least one or more of the visible spectrum images, algorithmically created images, and millimeter wave imagery. The computer generated highlight is encoded with information valuable for aiding the user when viewing and assessing the image date. |
| US08355532B2 |
System for communicating and method
A system communicates a representation of a scene, which includes a plurality of objects disposed on a plane, to one or more client devices. The representation is generated from one or more video images of the scene captured by a video camera. The system comprises an image processing apparatus operable to receive the video images of the scene which includes a view of the objects on the plane, to process the captured video images so as to extract one or more image features from each object, to compare the one or more image features with sample image features from a predetermined set of possible example objects which the video images may contain, to identify the objects from the comparison of the image features with the predetermined image features of the possible example objects, and to generate object path data for each object which identifies the respective object; and provides a position of the identified object on a three dimensional model of the plane in the video images with respect to time. The image processing apparatus is further operable to calculate a projection matrix for projecting the position of each of the objects according to the object path data from the plane in the video image into the three dimensional model of the plane. A distribution server is operable to receive the object path data and the projection matrix generated by the image processing apparatus for distribution of the object path data and the projection matrix to one or more client devices. The system is arranged to generate a representation of an event, such as a sporting event, which provides a substantial data in an amount of information which must be communicated to represent the event. As such, the system can be used to communicate the representation of the event, via a bandwidth limited communications network, such as the internet, from the server to one or more client devices in real time. Furthermore, the system can be used to view one or more of the objects within the video images by extracting the objects from the video images. |
| US08355529B2 |
Motion capture apparatus and method, and motion capture program
A motion capture apparatus includes: generating means; predicting means; projecting means; evaluating means; and estimating means. The generating means generates a kinematics model having joints connected to one another. The predicting means hierarchically calculates predicted positions at a current time of the joints of the objective person, and predicts three-dimensional positions and postures of the joints and the limbs. The projecting means projects the three-dimensional positions and postures of the joints and the limbs of the objective person on a two-dimensional image plane, the three-dimensional positions and the postures being predicted by predicting means. The evaluating means evaluates reliability about projection positions projected by the projecting means based on the observation image of the objective person. The estimating means estimates the three-dimensional positions and postures of the joints and the limbs of the objective person at the current time based on an evaluation result about the reliability. |
| US08355526B2 |
Digitally watermarking holograms
The present invention relates generally to digital watermarking holographic structures. One method recites: creating a computer model; executing a transform domain iterative method to convert the computer model into a holographic structure; combining a digital watermark with the holographic structure; and conveying the combined digital watermark and holographic structure to a surface. Other combinations are provided and claimed as well. |
| US08355523B2 |
Speaker
A damper, which is an element of a speaker and suppresses the rolling of a voice coil unit, includes a corrugated structure portion at its inner periphery and a leaf spring at its outer periphery. By coupling the corrugated structure portion to the voice coil unit and coupling the leaf spring to the frame, the distortion of a speaker can be reduced and the driving efficiency can be improved. |
| US08355522B2 |
Earphone cushions
A cushion includes a first material and a second material and is formed into a first region and a second region. The first region defines an exterior surface shaped to fit the concha of a human ear. The second region defines an exterior surface shaped to fit the ear canal of a human ear. The first and second regions together define an interior surface shaped to couple the cushion to acoustic elements of an earphone. The first material occupies a first volume adjacent to the interior surface. The second material occupies a second volume between the first material and the first and second outer surfaces. The first and second materials are of different hardnesses. |
| US08355518B2 |
Hearing aid
A hearing aid includes at least two components joined together via an injection molding process. The injection molding process mitigates the need for a separate fastening means to join the components. |
| US08355517B1 |
Hearing aid circuit with feedback transition adjustment
A feedback transition threshold algorithm assesses and responds to feedback transition events in a hearing aid. The feedback transition threshold algorithm considers short duration trouble indicators, with the preferred primary short duration trouble indicators being the correlation witnessed between the incoming signal in a given frequency band and the same signal delayed by the estimated feedback loop time. If the short duration trouble indicators indicate that feedback squeal is likely and that the external feedback path is changing too quickly for accurate correction by the internal adaptive feedback reduction filter, when the signal level crosses the feedback transition threshold gain is reduced in that frequency band. |
| US08355516B2 |
Hearing apparatus with a special situation recognition unit and method for operating a hearing apparatus
A hearing apparatus and particularly a hearing aid intended to be able to recognize acoustic situations more reliably includes a microphone device for picking-up a sound signal, a reception device for picking-up an electrical or electromagnetic signal and a classification device for determining an acoustic situation from the signals of the microphone device and the reception device. A signal processing device processes the signals of the microphone device and the reception device as a function of an output signal of the classification device. In particular, the signals of the microphone device and the reception device are made available separately to the classification device for recognizing the situation. Thus, the individual input signals, or the correlation thereof, can be used for recognizing the situation. A method for operating a hearing apparatus is also provided. |
| US08355514B2 |
Audio encoding to convey auxiliary information, and media embodying same
Methods of processing audio to convey auxiliary information hidden therein are provided. Various arrangements are disclosed. One alters data representing audio to include a sequence of bits of auxiliary information. The altering is based on a carrier signal and corresponding to the sequence of bits, and is based on a perceptibility threshold that varies within the data representing audio. Other arrangements are provided as well. |
| US08355512B2 |
Active noise reduction adaptive filter leakage adjusting
A method for determining leakage factors or adaptation rates, or both, for adaptive filters in an active noise reduction system. The leakage factor or adaptation rate, or both, may vary depending on a parameter of an input reference signal. The parameter may include one or more of reference signal input frequency, rate of change of reference input signal frequency, if a predetermined triggering condition exits, or if a predetermined event has occurred. |
| US08355511B2 |
System and method for envelope-based acoustic echo cancellation
Systems and methods for envelope-based acoustic echo cancellation in a communication device are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a primary acoustic signal is received via a microphone of the communication device, and a far-end signal is received via a receiver. Frequency analysis is performed on the primary acoustic signal and the far-end acoustic signal to obtain frequency sub-bands. An echo gain mask based on magnitude envelopes of the primary and far-end acoustic signals for each frequency sub-band is generated. A noise gain mask based on at least the primary acoustic signal for each frequency sub-band may also be generated. A combination of the echo gain mask and noise gain mask may then be applied to the primary acoustic signal to generate a masked signal. The masked signal is then output. |
| US08355501B1 |
Method of collision-free hashing for near-match inputs
A method of collision-free hashing of near-match by selecting bit positions d that differ between a first input and a second input, selecting a degree of a first polynomial for a cyclic code proportional to d, selecting a bit length i of the first input and the second input, selecting a bit length cv of a check value greater than or equal to d, setting n>=i+cv, generating the first polynomial that divides xn+1, factoring the first polynomial into a second and a third polynomials, receiving the first input, dividing the first input by the second polynomial, dividing the first input by the third polynomial, and identifying the results of the last two steps as a hash of the first input. |
| US08355490B2 |
Computer program product and method to detect noisy connections on a telephonic conference bridge
A method and a computer program product for performing the method are disclosed for detecting a noise level on a conference bridge telephone call, the method including but not limited to establishing via a first conference server, a plurality of two-way telephonic communication end user device connections between a plurality of end user devices and a plurality of conference ports, wherein each of the plurality of conference ports are in data communication with the first conference server; measuring a noise level on each one of the end user device connections; detecting a noisy end user device connection having a noise level above a threshold level on at least one of the plurality of end user device connections; identifying the noisy end user device connection; and taking predetermined mitigation steps to reduce the noise from the noisy end user device connection. |
| US08355489B2 |
Teleconference scheduling and activity reporting method
A teleconference system that monitors the activity levels of one or more attendees of a teleconference and, based on that monitoring, provides information about attendees who are active participants and attendees who are passive listeners. The information includes evaluative feedback or a conference roster that is ordered based on the activity levels of the attendees, or both. Furthermore, the teleconference system takes into account that the potential invitees to a teleconference being scheduled can be different from one another in terms of their importance to a teleconference being scheduled, or in terms of the relevance of the teleconference to those invitees. The system is also able to consider the activity levels that are reported for a teleconference in progress when the system schedules a new teleconference. |
| US08355479B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method
There is provided a signal processing apparatus includes a sampling clock generator for generating a sampling clock by delaying, a phase of a driving clock having the same frequency as a carrier-wave; a logic data generator for generating logic data in synchronization with the driving clock, that the logic data are generated by using the driving clock generated to sample a modulation signal obtained by shifting a phase of the carrier-wave; a sampling bit-string generator for generating a sampling bit-string by shifting the logic data; a phase-error data generator for using a bit-string corresponding to one cycle of the carrier-wave extracted from the sampling bit-string to generate phase-error data between a phase of the bit-string and the phase of the carrier-wave; and an extraction position determination unit for determining, based on the phase-error data, an extraction position of the bit-string having a phase similar that of the carrier-wave. |
| US08355471B2 |
Joint demodulation and interference suppression using serial localization with indecision
A receiver includes a constellation processing module and a multi-stage demodulator having a plurality of non-final demodulation stages and a final demodulation stage. The constellation processing module derives a set of centroid-based values from subsets of constellation points associated with a plurality of transmitted signals for input to each of the non-final demodulation stages. Each of the non-final demodulation stages demodulates a group of signals input to the non-final demodulation stage using the set of centroid-based values as constellation points and suppresses residual interference associated with using the set of centroid-based values as constellation points for signal demodulation. The final demodulation stage demodulates a group of modified signals input to the final demodulation stage using the subset of constellation points input to the final demodulation stage to determine a final symbol decision for the plurality of transmitted signals. |
| US08355470B1 |
Digital polarization correction for DBS systems
A first linearly polarized component of a signal is received. A second linearly polarized component of a signal is received, wherein the second linearly polarized signal component of a signal is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized component of a signal. The first linearly polarized component of a signal and the second linearly polarized component of a signal are down-converted to a lower frequency. A polarization correction is performed on the down-converted linearly polarized components. |
| US08355469B2 |
Flexible timebase for eye diagram
A flexible timebase for eye diagrams uses a stable free running oscillator as a sample clock for equivalent time sampling of an input serial digital signal and of a reference signal, derived from a subdivided recovered clock of the input serial digital signal. The reference signal samples are provided to a digital phase-locked loop that provides the flexible timebase to an eye pattern generator. The eye pattern generator accumulates the input serial digital signal samples at times corresponding to the reference signal samples to produce the eye diagram. A linear phase detector in the digital phase locked loop converts the reference signal samples to a complex signal using a Hilbert transform and then to a linear ramp of phase values using a CORDIC algorithm with arctangent lookup table. A subtractor then subtracts the digital phase-locked loop feedback from the linear ramp to provide the input to the loop filter. |
| US08355468B2 |
Carrier frequency estimation method and apparatus in wireless communication system
A carrier frequency estimation method and apparatus is provided for improving frequency estimation performance in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication system. The frequency estimation method for a wireless communication system includes summing correlations of four pairs of reference symbols transmitted at different frequency-time resource blocks in a pattern, each pair including two closest reference symbols; calculating a statistical value (E) by accumulating the summed correlation in a frequency direction; and estimating a frequency offset using an angle extracted from the statistical value (E). |
| US08355465B2 |
Driver circuit for driving a power amplifier
A circuit for providing AM/PM modulation is described. The circuit includes a signal generator, which provides two phase modulated (PM) signals used to form two drive signals which are later combined in a constructive/destructive fashion. The combination of the two phase modulated signals form a signal for driving a load. When the load is driven, the resulting signal is AM/PM modulated. |
| US08355463B2 |
Radio transmission device and modulation method
A radio transmission device includes a modulation unit that maps a transmission bit sequence to a symbol corresponding to any one signal point by using a constellation in which a plurality of congruent equilateral triangles having a signal point as an apex are formed in each of four quadrants of an IQ plane representing an in-phase component and a quadrature component of a signal, two arbitrary neighboring equilateral triangles share one side, and signal points closest to an original point in the four quadrants form two neighboring equilateral triangles that share one side. The radio transmission device also includes a transmission unit that transmits the symbol obtained by mapping performed by the modulation unit. |
| US08355462B2 |
System and method for combined predistortion and interference cancellation in a satellite communications system
The present invention provides a communication system for use with a first source signal and a second source signal. The first source signal is on a first channel and includes M symbols, where M is an integer greater than 1. The second source signal is on a second channel and includes X symbols, where X is an integer greater than 1. The first channel is different from the second channel. The communication system includes a first modulator unit, a second modulator unit and an adder. The first modulator unit can generate a first modulated signal based on the first source signal and includes a first inter-symbol distortion estimating unit and a first stage predistortion unit. The second modulator unit can generate a second modulated signal based on the second source signal and includes a second inter-symbol distortion estimating unit and a predistortion unit. The adder can generate an added signal based on the first modulated signal and the second modulated signal. The first inter-symbol distortion estimating unit can generate a distorted symbol vector based on an estimate of a distortion of the first through (a−1)-th symbols and an estimate of a distortion of the (a+1)-th through M-th symbols, where 1≦a≦M. The first stage predistortion unit is operable to generate a predistorted symbol ã based on the symbol a of the first plurality of symbols and the distorted symbol vector. Further, a receiver unit can cancel interference in the received signals to account for adjacent channel interference. |
| US08355455B2 |
Using channel estimates associated with OFDM pilot symbols to estimate additional parameters
Channel estimates respectively associated with OFDM pilot symbols are used to estimate additional parameters such as change in channel phase over time, change in channel phase over frequency, and frequency selectivity. |
| US08355452B2 |
Selective frame dropping for initial buffer delay reduction
The embodiments of the present invention provide for methods, devices, and systems adapted to reduce initial buffering delay encountered at the client side by selectively dropping content elements of a source content within a drop interval prior to transmission to a client or receiver. The drop interval associated with the initial buffering delay value at the client. |
| US08355450B1 |
Buffer delay reduction
A system, method and computer program product, the method includes: locating within a media stream video of interest that starts at a random access point and ends at a packet associated with timing information that corresponds to a decoding time stamp of the random access point; modifying the video of interest to provide modified video of interest; wherein the modifying comprises modifying timing information associated with a beginning of the random access point to reflect a difference between the decoding time stamp and a transmission duration of the modified video of interest to a user; receiving a request, from the user, to perform a channel change and start receiving a channel that comprises the modified video of interest; and transmitting to the user the modified video of interest. |
| US08355441B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating motion compensated pictures
The present invention relates to a new method for generating motion compensated picture by interpolating two consecutive source pictures without using motion estimator. For a given pixel to be interpolated, all displacements within a given search range between former and next frame are considered and for each displacement the displaced block difference is calculated. The pixel value is then equal to the sum of each averaged pixel pair within the search range weighted by a correlation coefficient function of the corresponding displaced block difference. |
| US08355438B2 |
Predicted reference information generating method, video encoding and decoding methods, apparatuses therefor, programs therefor, and storage media which store the programs
When video images are processed by applying temporal or spatial interframe prediction encoding to each divided area, and generating a predicted image of a processing target area based on a reference frame of the processing target area and reference information which indicates a predicted target position of the processing target area in the reference frame, predicted reference information is generated as predicted information of the reference information. Reference information used when an area adjacent to the processing target area was processed is determined as predicted reference information prediction data used for predicting the reference information of the processing target area. Reference area reference information is generated using one or more pieces of reference information used when a reference area indicated by the prediction data was processed. The predicted reference information prediction data is updated using the reference area reference information. The predicted reference information is generated using one or more pieces of the updated predicted reference information prediction data. |
| US08355433B2 |
Encoding video streams for adaptive video streaming
One embodiment of the invention sets forth an encoding server including components configured to encode a video stream associated with a content title for adaptive streaming. The video stream is first processed by a VC1 encoder to generate an encoded video stream comprising a multiple GOPs, each GOP including a key frame and having a different playback offset. The encoded video stream is then packaged such that the GOPs are stored in data packets of the packaged encoded stream. An SHI generator generates an SHI associated with the packaged encoded stream that includes a switch point associated with each GOP. Each switch point includes the playback offset associated with the corresponding GOP and the data packet storing the key frame of the corresponding GOP. The SHI associated with multiple packaged encoded video streams associated with the same content title and encoded to different playback bit rates have corresponding switch points. |
| US08355426B2 |
Decoding data transmitted using space-time spreading in a wireless communication system
Examples are disclosed for determining a bit error rate (BER) associated with decoding data transmitted using space-time spreading (STS) in a wireless communication system. |
| US08355424B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-antenna transmission in uplink
Method and apparatus for uplink transmission using multiple antennas are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) performs space time transmit diversity (STTD) encoding on an input stream of a physical channel configured for STTD. Each physical channel may be mapped to either an in-phase (I) branch or a quadrature-phase (Q) branch. The WTRU may perform the STTD encoding either in a binary domain or in a complex domain. Additionally, the WTRU may perform pre-coding on at least one physical channel including the E-DPDCH with the pre-coding weights, and transmitting the pre-coded output streams via a plurality of antennas. The pre-coding may be performed either after or before spreading operation. |
| US08355422B2 |
Enhanced planarity in GaN edge emitting lasers
A GaN edge emitting laser is provided comprising a semi-polar GaN substrate, an active region, N-side and P-side waveguiding layers, and N-type and P-type cladding layers. The GaN substrate defines a 20 21 crystal growth plane and a glide plane. The N-side and P-side waveguiding layers comprise a GaInN/GaN or GaInN/GaInN superlattice (SL) waveguiding layers. The SL layers of the N-side and P-side SL waveguiding layers have layer thicknesses between approximately 1 nm and 5 nm that are optimized for waveguide planarity. In another embodiments, planarization is enhanced by ensuring that the N-side and P-side GaN-based waveguiding layers are grown at a growth rate that exceeds approximately 0.09 nm/s, regardless of whether the N-side and P-side GaN-based waveguiding layers are provided as a GaInN/GaN SL, GaInN/GaInN SL or as bulk layers. In further embodiments, planarization is enhanced by selecting optimal SL layer thicknesses and growth rates. |
| US08355421B2 |
Vertical-cavity surface emitting laser
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser element as described herein can suppress of any dislocation, when a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirror is formed on the onto a substrate (1). The vertical cavity surface emitting laser can be designed so that an average of strain in the DBR mirror (2) and a layer thickness of the DBR mirror (2) are in reference to a curvature of the substrate (1) in order to satisfy a predetermined condition, and then nitrogen can be added into the DBR mirror (2) with a composition that corresponds to a designed average of strain in the DBR mirror (2). For example, the average composition of nitrogen can be designed to be between 0.028% and 0.390%. |
| US08355419B2 |
Semiconductor optoelectronic device with improved beam quality
A tilted wave semiconductor diode laser containing additional structural elements that improve beam quality is provided. The tilted wave laser includes a narrow active waveguide coupled to a broad passive waveguide, and light generated in the active waveguide leaks to the broad waveguide and propagates in it in the form of a tilted optical wave. The device emits laser light coming out from the broad waveguide in the form of one or two narrow beams. The additional structural elements may include grooves intersecting the narrow waveguide and a stripe that suppress undesired emission from the narrow waveguide; grooves that extend parallel to the stripe that suppress parasitic lateral optical modes; unpumped sections of the stripe that suppress light emission from the narrow waveguide; and facet coatings having distinct reflectance for the light in the narrow and in the broad waveguides thus suppressing emission of light from the narrow waveguide. |
| US08355418B2 |
Growth structures and method for forming laser diodes on {20-21} or off cut gallium and nitrogen containing substrates
An optical device having a structured active region configured for one or more selected wavelengths of light emissions and formed on an off-cut m-plane gallium and nitrogen containing substrate. |
| US08355417B2 |
Vertical cavity surface emitting laser with improved mode-selectivity
It is an object of the invention to provide a VCSEL having both a high beam quality or a low M2-factor, respectively, and a reduced mirror thickness which improves the heat dissipation due to the reduced thickness and the production cost. It is suggested to employ a Bragg-reflector in combination with a metal reflector terminating the distal side of the Bragg-reflector as seen from the laser cavity, wherein the metal reflector layer is localized at the center around the optical axis. |
| US08355416B2 |
Wavelength stabilized multi-transverse optical mode laser diodes
A multi-transverse-optical-mode heterojunction diode laser characterized by wavelength control of its output. The wavelength control or the control of multi-transverse-optical-modes may be achieved by, for example, selectively etching a layer to partially remove it and possibly followed by epitaxial regrowth, or by selectively converting a layer to an insulating material of a different refractive index, or by selectively modifying the optical properties of a layer by ion implantation, or by selectively modifying the optical properties of a layer by impurity-induced vacancy disordering. |
| US08355415B2 |
Method for operating an ignition device, and an ignition device
In a method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, having a laser device which includes a laser-active solid having a passive Q-switching system as well as an optical amplifier connected downstream from the passive Q-switching system (46), the laser device generates a laser pulse for radiating into a combustion chamber, and the ignition device having a pump light source which provides a pump light for the laser-active solid and the optical amplifier (70) of the laser device. The energy of the laser pulse is controlled by varying a wavelength of the pump light. |
| US08355414B2 |
Systems and methods of measuring data transport utilization
The disclosure is generally directed to a system and method of measuring transport utilization of data that is to be multiplexed and transmitted over a digital transport facility. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a traffic management reporting device to provide a report including performance information. The performance information is determined based at least in part on a count of stuff bits included in a user data frame having a fixed size payload. |
| US08355413B2 |
Policy based procedure to modify or change granted QoS in real time for CDMA wireless networks
A policy based look up procedure enables a code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless network to modify a quality of service (QoS) level granted for an application packet flow in real time, e.g. in response to a customer service request, upon determination of a need to change network operations, periodically, or under other dynamic circumstances. The policy look up table identifies QoS levels and rules to identify an individual or group of users or types of applications and the associated packet flows that should be processed through a radio access network in accord with each applicable QoS level. In a typical implementation, a packet data serving node stores or has access to the carrier's QoS policy table to perform the look up and instruct a radio network controller or other element of the radio access network as to the applicable QoS level for each packet flow for a mobile station. |
| US08355412B2 |
Method and system for power saving in asynchronous communication system
A method for transmitting data from a second device to a first device in a communication system including at least two devices that enter a sleep mode and a wake-up mode in an alternative manner. The first device of which state is changed from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode broadcasts a message containing state change information to adjacent devices. The second device that receives the message containing the state change information informs the first device of the presence of data to be transmitted. The first device that is informed of the data to be transmitted sends a message permitting the data transfer. The second device upon receiving the message transmits the data to the first device. |
| US08355407B2 |
Methods and systems for interacting, via a hypermedium page, with a virtual machine executing in a terminal services session
A method for making a hypermedium page interactive, the hypermedium page displayed by a network browser, includes the step of selecting a hyperlink on the hypermedium page displayed on a client machine, the hyperlink identifying a desired computing resource. A hyperlink configuration file is retrieved, the hyperlink configuration file corresponding to the hyperlink and identifying a server machine. A client agent is started on the client machine. The client agent creates, via a terminal services session, a communication link to a virtual machine executing on the server identified by the hyperlink configuration file, the virtual machine executed by a hypervisor executing in the terminal services session provided by an operating system executing on the server. The client agent receives data from the virtual machine and displays, on the client machine, the received data without intervention by the network browser. |
| US08355406B1 |
Setting signal-power thresholds on nodes in a communications network
Systems and media for setting signal-power-received threshold values on nodes of a communications network. A segment on a route of a communications network transmission route is identified. A number of spans in the segment and a number of channels transmitted over a segment is determined. Based on design specifications, a signal-power-received threshold value is calculated. The signal-power-received threshold value may be adjusted to accommodate for segment performance. The signal-power-received threshold value is communicated to and set on one or more nodes on the segment. |
| US08355403B2 |
Stale data removal using latency count in a WiMAX scheduler
A system and method of removing items from a transmission scheduler queue includes assigning a latency count to each item indicating latency, i.e. time the item has remained in the system before being transmitted, adding a number of frames that have elapsed since a previous scheduler run to the latency count at each scheduler run to obtain a current latency count, comparing the current latency count to a removal period, which may be predetermined once or recalculated in each scheduler run, and removing the item if the comparison indicates that the current latency count exceeds the removal period before the item has been output from the queue. |
| US08355399B1 |
Communication method and system for a traffic shaper network
A network having traffic shapers or controllers to convey packets between a sender and receiver over first and second channels of a network. A compression and decompression module associated with the sending traffic shaper or controller compresses, marks, and forwards packets to the receiver over the second channel when the packet is compressible, as determined by size reduction. A compression and decompression module associated with the receiving traffic shaper identifies marked data packets sent over the second channel and, in response thereto, decompresses and forwards the packets to the receiver. |
| US08355398B2 |
Transporting real time video frames over an Ethernet network
Systems and methods for real time data processing using a switching network and multiple digital signal processors (DSPs). In an embodiment, the system includes a first digital signal processor having a video port interface, a first interface disposed between the video port interface of the first digital signal processor and a switching network, a second digital signal processor having a video port interface, and a second interface disposed between the video port interface of the second digital processor and the switching network. The first interface is configured to parse a VSYNC line of a video frame that is output from the first digital signal processor via its video port interface to generate a multiplexing table based upon which scan lines of the video frame are broken up into packets compatible with the switching network such that the packets can be transmitted over the switching network and be received by the second interface and the second digital signal processor via its video port interface. |
| US08355390B2 |
Reduced interframe spacing in a wireless transmission system
Providing wireless transmission, where in a first transmission mode, transmitting a plurality of frames using a first interframe spacing interval. When in a second transmission mode, transmitting the plurality of frames using a second interframe spacing interval, wherein the second interframe spacing is less than the first interframe spacing. |
| US08355389B2 |
Simultaneous transmissions during a transmission opportunity
Method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed to enhance capacity of a wireless communication network through spatial reuse of the shared communication medium, using an autonomous parallel operation without central coordination and header frames. Example embodiments of the invention include a signaling method that defines and sets up a Simultaneous Transmissions mode between two pairs of devices to reuse a transmission opportunity (TXOP). In example embodiments of the invention, an arrangement may be made between device pairs (each pair comprising a transmitter device and a receiver device) to allow selected pairs to communicate at a same time. The example signaling method defines example signaling for setting up simultaneous transmitter/receiver pairs in a network and operating the transmitter/receiver pairs in simultaneous transmission. If a device in a setup pair detects some other transmission than that is not allowed by one of its device pair arrangements, the device ceases its transmission. |
| US08355387B2 |
System and method for bandwidth reservation protocol for spatial reuse in a wireless communication network
A system and method for providing spatial reuse in a wireless network for communicating compressed and uncompressed audio/video is disclosed. A bandwidth reservation request for data communication with a receiver to a coordinator is transmitted. A first response indicating availability of the receiver for the data communication is received. A channel is listened to by a station for channel busy indication (CBI) messages transmitted by other stations in the wireless network. A local channel occupation report comprising data indicative of one or more time periods during which one or more other stations in the wireless network are scheduled to transmit data messages is transmitted to the coordinator. A second response comprising data indicative of one or more allocated channel time slots is received. Audio and/or video (A/V) data is transmitted to the receiver during the allocated channel time slots. |
| US08355384B2 |
System and method of handover in wireless network
A method of handover in a wireless network includes in response to a request for data from a user equipment connected to a first access point in the plurality of access points, determining whether the first access point is storing the requested data and if the first access point is storing the requested data, then serving the user equipment with the first access point, if it is determined that the first access point is not storing the requested data, then determining whether a second access point in the plurality of access points is storing the requested data, and if it is determined that the second access point is storing the requested data, then initiating a handover of the user equipment to the second access point. |
| US08355383B2 |
Method, system and devices for supporting handover in mobile communication networks
Handover of a mobile station (MS) from a serving base station (BS) to a target base station in a mobile communication system supporting both MS-initiated handover and BS-initiated handover, is coordinated by ensuring that, both in the case of BS-initiated handover and in the case of MS-initiated handover: the mobile station (MS) and the base station (BS) share information, either via a MO_BSHO-REQ message sent from the BS to the MS in the case of BS-initiated HO or via a MO_MSHO-RETQ message sent from the MS to the BS in the case of MS-initiated HO, indicating a target base station for the mobile station (MS) to attempt handover; and the mobile station (MS) sends an information message (M0B_H0-IND) indicating the base station to which handover was attempted. |
| US08355382B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) anchor mode service on a system with distributed forwarding planes
Transferring a mobile node from one ASN-GW (anchor access service network gateway) to another ASN-GW is referred to as a hand-over. To facilitate transfer of data for the hand-over, a GRE (generic routing encapsulation) tunnel is established between the two ASN-GWs. Traffic through the GRE tunnel arriving at a line card of an ASN-GW is redirected from the arrival line card to the one line card that contains information for the mobile node. The redirection is based on traversal of one or more tables on the line cards. These tables are indexed according to GRE keys corresponding to the mobile nodes. Therefore, the appropriate line card for the traffic can be identified quickly and efficiently using a distributed forwarding plane with minimal provisioning overhead, resulting in lower latency during the hand-over. |
| US08355379B2 |
Handover between radio networks
A communication system (100) comprises a core network (109) for routing data to and from radio networks. A first radio network supports a first air interface standard (e.g. UMTS) and comprises a first controller, such as an RNC (107), which can receive a handover preference message from the core network (109) and which can determine a handover in response to the handover preference message. The second radio network supporting a second air interface standard (e.g. GSM) and comprises a second controller, such as a BSC 111, which can receive the handover preference message from the core network (109) and which can determine a handover in response to the handover preference message. An interlayer handover controller sets a handover preference indication such that the first controller biases handover decisions towards a remote station being supported by the first radio network and the second controller biases handover decisions towards the remote station being supported by the second radio network. |
| US08355377B2 |
Method of signalling uplink information
A method of signaling on a downlink, information regarding scheduling resources allocated in uplink, is provided, wherein the information is contained in an uplink scheduling information message, which is formatted to contain a subset of content of any subsequent uplink scheduling information message in an ordered set of message formats. Each uplink scheduling information message selected from the set is punctured into a symbol of a downlink user data allocation. |
| US08355375B2 |
Mobile communications system, handover controlling method, radio network controller, and mobile terminal
A radio network controller constructed to divide a plurality of base stations into a group of base stations included in an E-DCH active set and a group of base stations included in an active set for soft handovers according to a status of reception of data in each of the plurality of base stations. |
| US08355358B2 |
Distributed MAC architecture for wireless repeater
A method and apparatus for communicating between devices is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises running two or more instances of a switch MAC sublayer on a switch and managing the two or more instances of the switch MAC sublayer as multiple logical access points inside the switch. |
| US08355356B2 |
Method for communicating in a mobile station and system with relay stations
A communication method of a mobile station through a relay and a communication method of a relay system are disclosed. The communication method of a mobile station through a relay station comprises adding candidate relay information to channel status information periodically transmitted to a base station if a downlink signal quality value between the mobile station and the base station is less than a threshold value and a downlink signal quality value between at least one candidate relay station and the mobile station is higher than the downlink signal quality value between the mobile station and the base station; receiving information of a relay station selected among the at least one candidate relay station by the base station in accordance with the candidate relay information from the base station through a relay path indicator; and receiving data from the selected relay station at a time when the relay path indicator indicates. It is advantageous in that service delay of the mobile station is minimized and resources are efficiently used as the mobile station requests relay through the relay station in accordance with the channel status. |
| US08355353B2 |
Efficient multicast service data provision in a mobile communication system
The invention relates to a method for efficiently setting up a bidirectional multicast service in a mobile communication system. The bidirectional service is provided to a user equipment located in a radio cell controlled by a control entity. For the downlink data of the bidirectional service a downlink multicast service framework is utilized. In case the control entity decides for a point-to-point radio link to the UE, the system resources of the downlink framework are configured so as to re-use the configured system resources of the bidirectional service. This includes radio resources in the radio access network and may include tunnels in the core network. The invention further relates to a network entity in the CN or in the RAN for configuring system resources and for forwarding the multicast service data to the UE. The invention also relates to a mobile terminal for receiving the bidirectional multicast service. |
| US08355350B2 |
Method and apparatus for power control in a radio communication system
Power control in a communication system (100) employing a Downlink Shared Control Channel (DSCH) and a Forward Access Control Channel (FACH) is described. The method includes, applying power control on the Downlink Shared Control Channel; deriving power control information from the power control on the Downlink Shared Control Channel; and applying to the Forward Access Control Channel the derived power control information from the power control on the Downlink Shared Control Channel in order to produce power control on the Forward Access Control Channel. The power control of the Forward Access Control Channel may be implemented by scheduling data in response to the derived power control information. |
| US08355349B2 |
Voice-over-IP enabled chat
A network-based system and method for providing anonymous voice communications using the telephone network and data communications links under the direction of a Call Broker and associated network elements. A user (the call initiator) present in a text chat room session establishes a data connection to Call Broker and, after qualifying for access (e.g., using credit card information) and providing a callback number, receives voice session information and participant access codes for each desired participant in a voice call. The initiator causes session information and participant codes to be passed to one or more selected chat participants in the current text chat room. When a selected participant uses the received session information, and enters the received participant code and a callback number, the Call Broker in cooperation with a Network Adjunct Processor (NAP) completes voice links to the initiator and the selected participant(s). |
| US08355344B1 |
Storage area network edge-core interswitch link optimization
Systems and methods for configuring a network are disclosed that comprise creating a list of functional elements of the network, determining the operational requirements of the functional elements, and determining an acceptable over subscription rate of the functional elements. These systems and methods may also comprise creating a list of interconnecting switches required to connect the functional elements, configuring the interconnecting elements, creating a list of core elements required to connect the interconnecting elements, and configuring the core elements. |
| US08355343B2 |
Determining associations in a mesh network
Determining associations in wireless mesh networks are provided. In a mesh network that includes a wired border node and multiple wireless nodes, each wireless node advertises a backhaul throughput approximating the throughput between that wireless node and the wired border node. Using the advertised backhaul throughput information and the stored local throughput information, a receiving node determines a node association from among various candidate nodes. |
| US08355342B2 |
Video quality estimation apparatus, method, and program
A packet loss frequency calculation unit (102) which counts, from an extracted packet loss pattern, packet losses generated in a predetermined interval representing the interval of a plurality of continuous IP packets as a packet loss of one time, thereby calculating the value as a packet loss frequency. The packet loss frequency calculation unit (102) also calculates a burst packet loss length representing the number of continuously lost packets from the packet loss pattern. An average burst packet loss length within a quality estimation interval is calculated from the burst packet loss length. A packet loss variation index calculation unit (106) derives a packet loss variation index from the average burst packet loss length. On the other hand, an encoding quality calculation unit (103) calculates an encoded video quality value based on the extracted encoding bit rate and frame rate. A video quality estimation unit (104) calculates a video quality value based on the encoded video quality value, packet loss frequency, and packet loss variation index. This allows to properly estimate the quality of a video in which a burst packet loss has occurred. |
| US08355341B2 |
Delay time measurement apparatus, storage medium storing delay time measurement program and network system
A CPU executes a process including determining a core node among plural relay nodes on a basis of route information, acquiring a first and a second packets flowing between a server and a terminal apparatus, the second packet being transmitted on a basis of the first packet, calculating a first delay time on a basis of the first and the second packets, the first delay time relating to packet transmission between the server and the terminal apparatus, transmitting a third packet to the core node, receiving a response to the third packet from the core node, calculating a second delay time on a basis of the third packet and the response, the second delay time being a delay time of the core node, and calculating a third delay time being a delay time of an end node on a basis of the first and the second delay times. |
| US08355340B2 |
Method and base station for obtaining channel quality indicator information
Embodiments of the present invention include a method and base station for obtaining Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) information. One embodiment of the method includes: receiving, by a base station, quantized channel information, quantization error, Inter-Cell Interference (ICI) power and noise power fed back by each User Equipment (UE) after channel estimation; and estimating, by the base station, a CQI corresponding to each UE to obtain an estimated CQI value corresponding to each UE according to the quantized channel information, the quantization error, the ICI power and the noise power which are fed back by the UE as well as an instantaneous precoding vector or matrix of each UE. Through the embodiments, the base station can obtain more precise CQI information of each UE so as to select a precise modulation and coding scheme and to increase system throughput. |
| US08355339B2 |
Signal analyzer
A signal analyzer for facilitating observation of a relative value, i.e., the quantity of variation in power between slots, at the time of analyzing the power of a signal which is to be measured and subjected to power control in units of slot. An analyzing section detects the power value of every slot of a signal which is to be measured and received at a receiving section, and calculates the relative value of the power value between each slot and a slot separated therefrom by a predetermined number. A display control section displays the relative values thus calculated as a graph at a display section by arranging them continuously in time series. |
| US08355338B2 |
Method of processing sequential information in packets streamed over a network
A method of processing sequential information in near real-time data packets streamed over a network includes providing a process running according to a process clock. The process buffers and decodes the streamed data packets. The speed of the process clock is dynamically controlled in accordance with a receipt time value of a data packet. The speed of the process clock is run faster or slower than a system clock. |
| US08355335B2 |
Managing the audio-signal loss plan of a telecommunications network
A method is disclosed that enables the monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of a telecommunications network's audio-signal loss plan. The method can be implemented at a data-collection server, in which the server accumulates voice-quality measurement statistics from various nodes in the network. Such nodes include telecommunications endpoints, media gateways, private-branch exchanges, teleconference bridges, and so forth. The different types of statistics that can be acquired include voice activity detection, average speech level, average noise level, and so forth. The server accumulates the statistical data from the various nodes for multiple calls and over an extended period of time. The server is also able to compare the statistics against a theoretical model that is a function of the loss plan, at least in part. For example, the comparisons that the data-collection server performs can be used to determine why certain calls have been reported as having unsatisfactory quality. |
| US08355330B2 |
Band measurement method and storage medium
A band measurement method for measuring a band available for communication with a target device connected via a network includes: transmitting a first request having a first data size and requesting a response having a fixed size to the target device via the network; determining a first time between the transmitting of the first request and the receipt of the response upon receipt of the response; transmitting a second request having a second data size and requesting a response having the fixed size to the target device via the network; determining a second time between transmitting of the second request and the receipt of the response upon receipt of the response; and calculating a first communication band available for transmitting data to the target device by dividing the difference between the first and second data sizes by the difference between the first and second times. |
| US08355328B2 |
Dynamic load balancing
Methods and apparatus for dynamic load balancing are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, at a network device, a data packet to be sent via an aggregation group, where the aggregation group comprising a plurality of aggregate members. The example method further includes determining, based on the data packet, a flow identifier of a flow to which the data packet belongs and determining a state of the flow. The example method also includes determining, based on the flow identifier and the state of the flow, an assigned member of the plurality of aggregate members for the flow and communicating the packet via the assigned member. |
| US08355327B2 |
Methods and devices for daisy chain CE device power save modes
A daisy chain device including a first active mode of operation and a second low power mode of operation. In the first active mode of operation the daisy chain device supplies or receives multimedia data containing at least two types of data. In the second low power mode of operation the daisy chain device relays only predefined data types and consumes less power. Wherein the daisy chain connection includes wires and the transmissions in the different modes of operation are over the same wires. |
| US08355325B2 |
Control method, system and function entity for reporting bearer event of signaling IP flow
A control method, system and function entity for reporting a bearer event of a signaling IP flow are provided. A 5-tuple is generated for a signaling IP flow and a media IP flow so as to unify a mechanism for reporting a signaling path status and a mechanism for reporting a bearer event of a media IP flow, so that the mechanism for reporting a signaling path status is not limited by the parameter of Flow Usage, the PDP context with a signaling tag, thereby establishing corresponding PCC rules for signaling and the association between a signaling IP flow and a bearer. A method for reporting a signaling path status is further provided in the invention. In the method, for a default PDP context or a PDP context of a signaling IP flow, the predefined PCC rules are activated or signaling PCC rules generated in accordance with an Application Function address are installed, thereby an IP signaling path status is reported in accordance with rule names of the predefine PCC rules or the signaling PCC rules. |
| US08355318B2 |
Node apparatus interconnecting ring network
There is provided a node apparatus having a plurality of interface units for interfacing to a transmission line, switch units of a work system and a protection system for switching signals of the transmission line, and a service selector used to relieve a network failure over ring networks interconnected by node apparatuses, the node apparatus including a first controller for controlling the service selector in the switch units, and a second controller for controlling setting information of alarm detection in case of using the service selector in the interface units. |
| US08355317B1 |
Transaction-based coordination of data object modification for primary and backup control circuitry
Packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using primary control circuitry of the packet switch, receive a request to perform a transaction. In response to the receiving the request, the primary control circuitry forwards the request to backup control circuitry of the packet switch. Subsequent to forwarding the request, the primary control circuitry performs the transaction by modifying a plurality of first data objects stored in a memory of the primary control circuitry. The packet switch operating methods and packet switches, using the primary control circuitry, inform the backup control circuitry that the primary control circuitry has performed the transaction and, in response to the informing, the backup control circuitry performs the transaction by modifying a plurality of second data objects stored in a memory of the backup control circuitry. The first data objects correspond to the second data objects. |
| US08355313B2 |
MIMO system with multiple spatial multiplexing modes
A MIMO system supports multiple spatial multiplexing modes for improved performance and greater flexibility. These modes may include (1) a single-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams on orthogonal spatial channels to a single receiver, (2) a single-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas to a single receiver without spatial processing at a transmitter, (3) a multi-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams simultaneously to multiple receivers with spatial processing at a transmitter, and (4) a multi-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas (co-located or non co-located) without spatial processing at the transmitter(s) to receiver(s) having multiple antennas. For each set of user terminal(s) selected for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink, a spatial multiplexing mode is selected for the user terminal set from among the multiple spatial multiplexing modes supported by the system. |
| US08355311B2 |
Hybrid optical disc
An optical storage medium (20) comprises a first data layer (21), for example a Blu-ray (BD) data layer. In addition, the optical storage medium (20) comprises a second data layer (23), for example a DVD data layer. The second data layer (23) is bonded to a substrate (25) using a third layer (27). The third layer (27) comprises an adhesive layer combined with a reactive layer. A reactive agent contained in the reactive layer acts to provide a limited lifetime to the data contained in the second layer (23). The second data layer (23) (i.e. having a limited lifetime) contains access data for controlling access to at least some of the data contained on the first data layer (21). In this way, access to a BD layer can be controlled by a separate DVD layer having a limited lifetime. |
| US08355308B2 |
Optical recording medium and recording and reading method of optical recording medium
An optical recording and reading method capable of enhancing the design flexibility of recording layers of an optical recording medium and performing accurate optical recording and reading operations. A basic recording layer is arranged in a position that is in the range of 90 μm to 110 μm away from a light incident surface of an optical recording medium, and recording layers are arranged in parallel with the basic recording layer. At least the position information of the recording layers is recorded in one of the basic recording layer and the recording layers. |
| US08355303B2 |
Super-resolution optical disc reader and read method optimized through reflectivity measurement
The invention relates to the field of the optical recording of information on a medium, such as an optical disc. To read an optical disc in super-resolution mode, a procedure for optimizing the power of the read laser beam is implemented. This optimization is based on the observation that a correlation exists between the power allowing the disc to be read without risk in super-resolution mode and the reflectivity of the sensitive layer containing the information. The reflectivity of the optical disc is measured for several power levels of the read laser, a critical power is determined on the basis of the reflectivity measurements made, and a read power sufficiently above the critical power, so as to be well outside a range of power levels entailing risks, is selected according to the critical power. |
| US08355299B2 |
Heat-assisted magnetic recording head with convergent lens
A heat-assisted magnetic recording head includes a magnetic pole, a waveguide that allows light to propagate therethrough, a near-field light generating element that generates near-field light based on the light propagating through the waveguide, a convergent lens, and a laser diode disposed above the waveguide. The convergent lens transmits light that is emitted from the laser diode, so that the light transmitted through the convergent lens is incident on the waveguide. |
| US08355298B2 |
Magnetic recording head having a flexible heat-conductive member of predetermined curvature
A magnetic disk drive, comprising: a slider, which is provided at a position facing to a disk surface; an arm, which is configured to conduct rocking motion around a pivot; a base, which is configured to support a motor thereon, which rotates the disk; a semiconductor laser module, which is configured to be fixed on the arm and stores a semiconductor laser element therein; a light irradiation portion upon the disk surface; and a wave guide, which is configured to build up an optical path between the light irradiation portion and the semiconductor laser module, wherein the semiconductor laser module and a portion of the base are connected therebetween by a flexible heat-conductive member having a predetermined curvature. |
| US08355294B2 |
Synchronous data processing system for reliable transfer of data irrespective of propagation delays and process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations
A synchronous data processing system includes a memory module to store data and a memory controller coupled to the memory module. The memory controller includes a clock inverter to receive an input clock signal and to transmit an inverted clock signal to the memory module. The inverted clock signal incurs a first propagation delay prior to reaching the memory module as a memory clock signal. A write data buffer is coupled to the memory module. The write data buffer transmits data to the memory module in response to the input clock signal. An asynchronous first-in-first-out (ASYNC FIFO) buffer is coupled to the memory module. The ASYNC FIFO buffer reads data from the memory module in response to a feedback signal generated by feeding back the memory clock signal to the ASYNC FIFO buffer. |
| US08355293B2 |
Retention voltage generation
An integrated circuit and method includes retention voltage generation circuitry which receives a supply voltage from a supply voltage node and provides a retention voltage. Functional circuitry is connected between the retention voltage node and a reference voltage node and is held in a data retention state when at least a minimum voltage is provided between the retention voltage node and the reference voltage node. Each of the circuits includes at least one p-type threshold device and at least one n-type threshold device, both having a characteristic threshold voltage. The p-type and n-type threshold devices are connected in parallel between the supply voltage node and the retention voltage node. A variation in the characteristic threshold voltage of either of the at least one p-type or the at least one n-type device maintains at least the minimum voltage between the retention voltage node and the reference voltage node. |
| US08355274B2 |
Current steering element, storage element, storage device, and method for manufacturing current steering element
A current steering element which can prevent occurrence of write disturb even when electric pulses having different polarities are applied and can cause large current to flow through a variable resistance element, and with which data can be written without problem. In a storage element (3) including: a variable resistance element (1) whose electric resistance value changes in response to application of electric pulses having a positive polarity and a negative polarity and which maintains the changed electric resistance value; and the current steering element (2) that steers current flowing through the variable resistance element (1) when the electric pulses are applied, the current steering element (2) includes: a first electrode (32); a second electrode (31); and a current steering layer (33) interposed between the first electrode (32) and the second electrode (31). When the current steering layer (33) includes SiNx (0 |
| US08355270B2 |
Semiconductor device having open bit line architecture
When an I/O number is 8 bit, a semiconductor device includes a first memory mat that is selected when X13 is (0) and X11 and X12 are (0, 0), a second memory mat that is selected when X13 is (1) and X11 and X12 are (0, 0), and a third memory mat that is selected irrespective of a value of X13 when X11 and X12 are (0, 0). When the I/O number is 16 bit, X13 is ignored, and the first to third memory mats are selected when X11 and X12 are (0, 0). In this manner, because the third memory mat is shared between so-called upper side and lower side, control is prevented from becoming complicated and an area is prevented from increasing. |
| US08355263B2 |
Interlocking EMI shield
An electromagnetic interference shield system, is provided. Each EMI shield may include a frame providing the structure around the electronic device components to be shielded, and a cover operative to be placed over the frame to prevent electromagnetic radiation from passing over the frame. Each frame may be coupled to a circuit board, and enclose electronic components in need of shielding. Each cover may be coupled to its corresponding frame using at least one snap that extends from the periphery of the cover towards the frame and circuit board. To minimize the space taken by the EMI shields, the snaps of adjacent covers may be offset or staggered so that opposing snaps engage voids left between snaps of the opposing cover, thus reducing the space needed between adjacent EMI shields by up to the width of a snap. |
| US08355262B2 |
Electronic component built-in substrate and method of manufacturing electronic component built-in substrate
An electronic component is provided between at least two wiring boards. An electrode of the electronic component is electrically connected to at least one of the wiring boards. Also, the wiring boards and are electrically connected to each other. Additionally, the gap between the wiring boards and is sealed with a resin. The electronic component built-in substrate is featured in that a bonding pad formed on one of the wiring boards and is electrically connected to an electrode of the electronic component by a bonding wire, and that at least a connection portion between the electrode of the electronic component and the bonding wire is coated with a protection material. |
| US08355261B2 |
Systems and methods to secure a circuit board
In some embodiments, a device includes a first element to couple the device to a first portion of a computer chassis; and a first pliant portion coupled to the first element and to inhibit disconnection of a circuit board. In some embodiments, a system includes a chassis having a circuit board slot coupled thereto; a circuit board coupled to the circuit board slot; and a device coupled to the chassis, the device having a first pliant portion to inhibit disconnection of the circuit board from the circuit board slot. In some embodiments, a system includes a chassis having a circuit board slot coupled thereto; a SONET interface card coupled to the circuit board slot; and a device coupled to the chassis, the device having a first pliant portion to inhibit disconnection of the SONET interface card from the circuit board slot. |
| US08355257B2 |
Computer system
A computer system adapted to connect a plurality of external servers is provided. The computer system includes a motherboard module, a power supply module, a baseboard management controller (BMC), a control module and a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs). The motherboard module includes a plurality of first connectors and a plurality of second connectors, wherein the second connectors are respectively connected to the external servers. The power supply module is coupled to the motherboard module for supplying power to the computer system. The control module is disposed on the motherboard module, and the control module manages corresponding relations of the first connectors and the second connectors, and controls the power supply module to supply power to the first connectors. The GPUs are respectively coupled to the first connectors. Each of the GPUs correspondingly expands a computing capability of the external server through the corresponding second connector. |
| US08355256B2 |
Mounting apparatus for data storage device
A mounting apparatus is provided for holding a data storage device. The mounting apparatus includes a bracket to receive the data storage device, and a latching unit. The bracket includes a first side plate. The latching unit includes a fixing tray fixed to the first side plate, a sliding member slidably mounted in the fixing tray, and a pushing member pivotably mounted to the fixing tray. The pushing member includes a pressed portion operable of resisting against the sliding member, and a moving portion to abut against the data storage device. When the sliding member is slid in the fixing tray to move the pressed portion, the pushing member is rotated. Therefore, the moving portion is rotated to eject the data storage device from the bracket. |
| US08355253B2 |
Electronic apparatus with heat dissipation device
An exemplary electronic apparatus includes a casing, and an electronic component and a heat dissipation device received in the casing. The casing includes a bottom plate and an opposite top plate. The heat dissipation device includes a centrifugal fan defining an air outlet for airflow out, a heat sink arranged at the air outlet, and a heat pipe. A height of the heat sink along a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the centrifugal fan is less than that of the air outlet. The heat pipe includes an evaporation section thermally attached to the electronic component and a condensation section thermally attached to the heat sink. |
| US08355247B2 |
Screw lock assembly for a portable computing device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a screw lock assembly for a portable computing device. According to one example embodiment, the portable computing device includes a housing and a removable panel configured to attach to a portion of the housing. A screw lock assembly is coupled to the housing and includes pinion gear configured to mate with a rotatable screw attached to the removable panel. Furthermore, the removable panel is releasably attached to the housing via mating of the rotatable screw and pinion gear. |
| US08355246B2 |
Modular air management devices
The invention provides modular air management devices for directing or diverting air flow within an equipment cabinet or enclosure to provide adequate cooling for non-“front to back” breathing electronic devices, and include a scoop assembly, a tray assembly, a vertical mount assembly, and a shroud assembly. The air management devices are designed to direct air flow to and from “side to side” breathing and “side inlet, rear exhaust” electronic equipment. The assemblies may be mounted inside or outside enclosure rails and may be augmented with fan assemblies. |
| US08355231B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting battery pack by detecting destruction of sense resistor in battery pack
An apparatus for protecting a battery pack includes a fuse and a sense resistor, connected on a circuit path along which a charging or discharging current flows, and a fuse control switch for controlling the fuse. Also, the apparatus further includes a Schottky diode having one end connected to the sense resistor and the other end connected to the fuse control switch. Thus, destruction of a sense resistor serving an important role in the battery pack protecting apparatus is detected to melt and cut the fuse, thereby preventing any element from being damaged due to overcurrent and thus improving the safety of a battery pack at a low cost. |
| US08355229B2 |
Semiconductor device with an inductor
A semiconductor device including an electrostatic discharge element that protects the semiconductor device from electrostatic destruction is provided. The semiconductor device includes a first circuit, a second circuit, a connection node connecting the first node to the second node, and a first inductor connected between the connection node and a first power supply. The first inductor and the electrostatic discharge element are formed so that they vertically overlap each other. |
| US08355226B2 |
Ground fault sensing device
A ground fault sensing device for a drive system that converts direct current electrical power from a direct current power supply into alternating current electrical power and drives an electric motor with that alternating current electrical power, comprises: an extraction circuit that is connected to a power supply line of the direct current power supply via a coupling capacitor, that detects an amplitude wave that is generated when an alternating current side including the electric motor is suffering a ground fault, and that extracts the envelope of the amplitude wave; a measurement circuit that measures the voltage level of the envelope; and a determination circuit that makes a decision as to whether or not a ground fault has occurred on the alternating current side by comparing together the voltage level measured by the measurement circuit and a ground fault decision value. |
| US08355225B2 |
Apparatus and method for protecting overvoltage of high voltage inverter
Disclosed herein is an overvoltage protection apparatus and method of a high voltage inverter adapted to protect a load without any adverse effect from an overvoltage aroused by voltage fluctuation attributable to an impedance difference among an inverter, a load and a cable connected between the inverter and the load, wherein the apparatus and method converts a voltage command signal given as a digital signal into an analog reference signal by a main control unit, compares the analog reference voltage with a sawtooth wave having a predetermined voltage level and frequency in order to generate a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, determines the pulse width of the PWM signal, and converts the pulse width of the PWM signal to have a predetermined time interval in a case the pulse width of the PWM signal is less than a predetermined time interval. |
| US08355219B2 |
Tape cartridge formatted with predetermined error patterns for testing a tape head of a tape drive
A tape drive assembly for data storage on a magnetic tape includes a tape head, a cartridge receiver and a controller. The cartridge receiver selectively receives a cartridge having a test tape formatted at a predetermined location with data errors with predetermined type, size and distribution representative of data errors in tape drives. The test tape is able to measure the quality of heads in suspect tape drives by comparing the ratio of the error count successfully recovered by the suspect head to that recovered by the reference drive while reading the same error distributions. |
| US08355214B2 |
Light collection apparatus, system and method
An optical collector is disclosed which includes an imaging, aplanatic optical element having a front surface with a one-way light admitting portion, a back surface with a reflective portion, and an interior region of refractive material disposed between the front and backs surfaces. |
| US08355207B2 |
Angular adjustable variable beamsplitter
A beamsplitter includes a bifurcated frame, which rotates about a vertical axis, enabling the transmissive properties of an optical element, e.g. etalon, mounted on one arm of the frame, to be tuned as the angle of the optical element is rotated relative to an incoming optical beam. A mirror is mounted on the other arm of the frame intersecting light reflected from the optical element and redirecting the reflected light along a path, which is constant relative to the incoming optical beam. |
| US08355204B2 |
Light-extraction layer of light-emitting device and organic electroluminescence element employing the same
The present invention provides a highly efficient light-extraction layer and an organic electroluminescence element excellent in light-extraction efficiency. The light-extraction layer of the present invention comprises a reflecting layer and a three-dimensional diffraction layer formed thereon. The diffraction layer comprises fine particles having a variation coefficient of the particle diameter of 10% or less and of a matrix having a refractive index different from that of the fine particles. The particles have a volume fraction of 50% or more based on the volume of the diffraction layer. The particles are arranged to form first areas having short-distance periodicity, and the first areas are disposed and adjacent to each other in random directions to form second areas. The organic electroluminescence element of the present invention comprises the above light-extraction layer. |
| US08355200B2 |
Optical fiber transport devices and optical communication networks
PROBLEMSTo enable a single optical amplifier to function as a boost amplifier and a preamplifier.MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMSBy using a wavelength routing, a single optical amplifier can have the function of a boost amplifier and the function of a preamplifier. Moreover, by attenuating a transmission signal in advance, it is possible to adjust a gain difference required in the boost amplifier and the preamplifier. |
| US08355199B1 |
Optical RF filter wavelength locked to laser with fixed offset frequency
An optical filter is disclosed, including a first optical filter adapted to receive a first optical signal including an optical carrier frequency and a plurality of interference signal components. The first filter produces an output signal at the optical carrier frequency and a reflection signal. The output signal is split into a peak detection path signal and a re-insertion path signal. An optical power detector converts the peak detection path signal into an electrical control signal and aligns the optical carrier frequency to a resonance frequency of the first filter to maximize the power of the optical carrier frequency. A second optical filter receives the reflection signal and selects at least one spectral component while rejecting other spectral components and outputs a filtered signal that carries the selected spectral component. A signal combiner receives and combines the filtered signal and the re-insertion path signal. |
| US08355198B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation and detection of rogue waves
Methods and systems are provided for generation and detection of rogue waves, including hydrodynamic rogue waves and optical rogue waves. A method for generating an optical rogue wave comprises the steps of generating an input pulse into a nonlinear optical medium, and perturbing the input pulse by directing a narrow-band seed radiation into the input pulse. The seed radiation has a frequency and timing to generate broadband radiation within the nonlinear optical medium. |
| US08355194B2 |
Combined thermochromic and electrochromic optical device
An optical device (1) includes a first transparent substrate (10), a thermochromic device (20) covering a surface (11) of the first transparent substrate (10), a second transparent substrate (50), an electrochromic device (40) covering a surface (51) of the second transparent substrate (50) and a thermally insulating volume (30) separating the first transparent substrate (10) and the second transparent substrate (50). The thermally insulating volume (30) is preferably a vacuum volume or a volume (31) filled with gas. |
| US08355190B2 |
Method and device for reducing speckle
A method for reducing speckle patterns of a three-dimensional holographic reconstruction is disclosed. A controllable light modulator into which a hologram of a three-dimensional scene is coded is illuminated by coherent light, a reconstruction lens transforms the modulated light into an eye position and reconstructs the three-dimensional scene in a reconstruction space and a control means controls the illumination. This provides a holographic reproduction device in which the speckle patterns occurring during reconstruction of a three-dimensional scene are reduced. According to one embodiment, a next-to-real time method is presented using a carrier medium of conventional image refresh rate. |
| US08355186B2 |
Systems and methods for interactive semi-automatic document scanning
A semi-automatic system for scanning a document includes an image capture device, such as a digital or video camera, which records a sequence of images while a user waves a document in front of the device. The user can present multiple pages of a document to the image capture device, after which the total sequence of images are processed to identify a clear image of each page from the sequence of images. The system further includes image processing techniques to correct for motion blurring, acceleration and perspective errors. The system is capable of processing any size or shape of document without destroying the organization or format of the original. |
| US08355185B2 |
Exposure head and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an exposure head including a light emitting element array including light emitting elements disposed in a first direction, a light blocking member including an aperture stop through which lights emitted from the light emitting elements pass, and an image forming optical system that makes an image by using the lights having passed through the light blocking member. An absolute value of a magnification in the first direction of the image forming optical system is equal to or more than 0.7 times and is equal to or less than 0.8 times. |
| US08355183B2 |
Scanning speed control device and method
A control device and a method for controlling scanning speed of a scanner. The control device includes a decision device and a driving device. The decision device further includes an image buffer, an up-down counter and a comparator. The decision device receives the input image data and utilizes the up-down counter to compute data access volume inside the image buffer. The comparator decides whether to increase or decrease the scanning speed according to the data access volume and also outputs decision data to the driving device. |
| US08355181B2 |
Method for processing non-standard frames by T.38 gateways
A method for processing non-standard facilities frames by T.38 gateways, wherein the T.38 gateways includes at least one transmitting gateway and at least one receiving gateway, the transmitting gateway is connected with a transmitting facsimile machine, and the receiving gateway is connected with a receiving facsimile machine. The method includes: a) the transmitting gateway and the receiving gateway determining the types of all received V.21 frames; b) when the receiving gateway or the transmitting gateway receives a non-standard frame NSF, modifying the non-standard frame NSF, so that the corresponding receiving facsimile machine or transmitting facsimile machine is unable to receive a correct NSF frame; c) the receiving gateway encapsulating the modified NSF frame data, or the transmitting gateway modulating the modified NSF frame data and transmitting the modulated frame data. The method modifies the rate negotiation performed with proprietary frames as a negotiation performed with standard frames. |
| US08355180B2 |
Authenticable anti-copy document and method to produce an authenticable anti-copy document with a combined void pantograph and faux watermark security features
The present disclosure relates to a methodology, apparatus and product, of combining a void pantograph security feature with a faux watermark feature creating a resilient void pantograph digitally manipulated in an electronic format and printed through any digital platform from high resolution output devices such as but not limited to film/plate image setters used in standard offset printing, high speed commercial digital ink or toner based presses and printers, and low resolution output devices such as all ink/toner based desktop printers, multifunction printers, in which the amalgamation of the two features authenticate the other feature to produce a document security feature which is self authenticable. Such electronic format can conveniently be issued on-demand onto plain paper using any digital output device driven by an executable software, print driver and/or printer firmware application. |
| US08355179B2 |
Multi-tonal copy evident document methods and products
The present disclosure relates to a printed multi-tonal document with enhanced copy evident distortions security features and a method of printing such document. The document may include a multi-tonal background screen image area including a first set of halftone elements and a multi-tonal foreground hidden warning text and/or graphic screen image area including a second set of halftone elements, wherein the first set of halftone elements may be smaller in size than the second set of halftone elements. The multi-tonal foreground hidden warning text and/or graphic image area, when electronically copied, may appear different from the background of the copy of the document. |
| US08355177B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable storage medium containing image processing program
The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a bit number correction process section for converting tones of binary image data into a maximum tone and a minimum tone of multilevel image data; a spatial filter section for performing a smoothing process on image data resulting from the bit number conversion; and an enlarging/reducing section for performing an interpolation process on the image data subjected to the smoothing process so that smoothness of tones of the image data is maintained, the image data subjected to the interpolation process being supplied to the image display device.This allows an image display device for displaying multilevel image data to display a preview image of binary image data without deteriorating the quality of image data. |
| US08355172B2 |
Color printer system and printing method including plural data transmitting units connected to plural transmission paths
A color printer system includes plural data transmitting units that transmits image data of each color to an engine, and a printing control unit that controls the plural data transmitting units. The printing control unit and an image data generating apparatus are connected by a first transmission path, and the plural data transmitting units and the image data generating apparatus are connected by plural of second transmission paths allocated to each color. The image data generating apparatus includes: an image data generating unit that performs bitmap expansion on a print job for each color to generate image data; and a communication unit that sequentially allocates the image data of colors other than a color not used for the superimposed printing to the second transmission path, which is allocated to transmit the image data of the not used color, and transmits the image data in units of transmission. |
| US08355169B2 |
Synthesis of authenticable luminescent color halftone images
The present invention enables creating authenticable multi-ink luminescent continuous tone color halftone images offering means of verifying their authenticity. The invented luminescent color halftone image synthesizing techniques enable increasing the attractiveness and aesthetics of color images. The invention relies on daylight luminescent inks, color prediction models for daylight luminescent halftones, color gamuts of luminescent and non-luminescent inks, color separation into luminescent and non-luminescent ink layers, mapping of input gamuts into a luminescent target gamuts by gamut reduction and/or expansion strategies, and luminescent color halftone image generation. The basic authentication is performed by examining the excitation trace image of the synthesized luminescent color halftone image under an illuminant active within its excitation wavelength range. Further authentication means include hiding messages under one or several different illuminants as well as hiding message with different sets of luminescent inks. Hidden messages are recovered under illuminants different from their reference illuminant. |
| US08355167B2 |
Method and apparatus for using pattern color space in print job processing
A method for creating a pattern color space for use during print job processing may include: a) defining a variable portion of the pattern color space, b) defining a fixed portion of the pattern color space, c) defining a bounding shape for the pattern color space, d) defining a procedure for painting the variable and fixed portions within the bounding shape, and e) at least temporarily, saving the pattern color space to a storage device. The variable portion of the pattern color space may be based on variable data associated with the print job and an object within the print job may identify the pattern color space for a color parameter. A system using this method may include a storage device, a digital front end, a print controller, and a print engine. Various methods for using the pattern color space during print job processing are also provided. |
| US08355164B2 |
Imaging device, control method, and program for rendering data and performing color matching
A printing control method comprises a rendering step for rendering a description language document, a color matching step for converting color information specified in the description language document into color information for a printing device which is to print the description language document, and a control step for controlling whether to perform the conversion in the color matching step before the rendering or following the rendering. Appropriately controlling whether to perform color matching before rendering or following rendering enables color reproducibility to be improved. |
| US08355162B2 |
Imaging with helical and circular scans
A method for forming an image includes providing a media support comprising a cylindrical surface adapted to receive media; providing a recording head adapted to scan over the media; providing image data representative of the image; operating the recording head to form a first portion of the image in accordance with a first portion of the image data while helically scanning over the media; and operating the recording head to form a second portion of the image in accordance with a second portion of the image data while circularly scanning over the media. |
| US08355159B2 |
Print engine speed compensation
A method of synchronizing the timing of a plurality of physically coupled print engines wherein the receiving sheet is inverted between a first and a second print engine including determining any change in the speed of the master print engine relative to the speed at original set up and adjusting the timing parameters within the slave print engines based on the speed of the master engine. |
| US08355158B2 |
Method for map data output processing, apparatus for map data output processing, and recording medium having stored therein program for map data output processing
A computer-implemented method of map data output processing includes the operations of: extracting a plurality of map elements satisfying a predetermined condition from a map data storage unit storing map data including map elements; determining output frames of a minimum size each covering at least one of the extracted map elements, with a fixed scaling factor for all the extracted map elements, among a plurality of types of output frames predefined to constitute an entire available output area per page alone or in combination; clipping out map areas corresponding to the determined output frames from the map data stored in the map data storage unit; and generating output data by embedding the clipped-out map areas in the entire available output area per page. |
| US08355155B2 |
Image forming apparatus with high operability
A job including image data to be subjected to printing is transmitted from a user PC to an image forming apparatus. Upon execution of printing in the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus notifies the user PC of completion of printing. The image forming apparatus also saves the job subjected to printing after assigning an ID for saving to the job. A screen appears on the user PC to give notification of completion, with a button for giving an instruction for re-outputting. The user PC gives an instruction to re-output the job by pressing the button, so that the image forming apparatus does reprinting. |
| US08355154B2 |
Computer-readable recording medium having printer driver recorded thereon, copying machine, and multi-function peripheral
A computer-readable recording medium having a printer driver recorded thereon, the printer driver causing a computer to operate as a computer including: a setting reception unit that displays a first user interface and receives settings of print settings; and a print data generation unit that generates print data according to the set print settings, wherein, when settings of a plurality of print copies are received via the first user interface, the setting reception unit displays a second user interface and receives settings for dividing the number of print copies into groups per an arbitrary number of copies, wherein, when an instruction for settings print settings to one of the groups is received via the second user interface, the setting reception unit displays a third user interface and receives settings of the print settings of the corresponding group. |
| US08355153B2 |
Compact register mark
A register control mark for the detection of positional deviations between at least two color separations printed over one another on a printing material in multicolor printing. The control mark has a pattern with parallel lines of a first color separation and, printed in parallel over the pattern, at least two parallel lines of a second color separation. |
| US08355149B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program
Pieces of device information of a plurality of printing apparatuses, including about paper feed stages provided in the printing apparatuses, are acquired. On the basis of the acquired device information and print data to be processed which includes pages to be printed on different types of paper sheets, a printing apparatus capable of printing the print data without paper exchange during printing is selected. |
| US08355139B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus including alignment tool
Provided is a semiconductor apparatus. The semiconductor apparatus includes a reference grating and a plurality of detectors. The reference grating diffracts an optical signal generated by being reflected from the alignment grating of a substrate to diffraction beams with different orders. The plurality of detectors measure intensities of a plurality of diffraction beams selected from the diffraction beams, respectively. |
| US08355138B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing optical imaging using frequency-domain interferometry
An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state. The first and/or second electro-magnetic radiations may have a spectrum whose mean frequency changes substantially continuously over time at a tuning speed that is greater than 100 Tera Hertz per millisecond. |
| US08355133B2 |
Biological testing with sawtooth-shaped prisms
In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for testing for the presence of analytes in a sample. The apparatus comprises a source of light directed at the bottom surface of a substrate to achieve total internal reflection and to generate an evanescent field. An array of capture elements is immobilized on the top surface of the substrate. The bottom surface of the substrate is configured as a sawtooth (in cross section), the “teeth” aligned with the rows or the columns in the array. The outer faces of the sawtooth “prisms” are non-parallel to the substrate top surface, and specific requirements are imposed on the prism light-entrance face, and the substrate thickness and refractive index. |