Document Document Title
US08381308B2 Computer-implemented multi-resource shared lock
In one embodiment of a computer-implemented system, comprising a plurality of computer entities and multiple resources, one of the computer entities may request a multi-resource lock to one of the multiple resources; the one resource determines whether a resource lock is available at the one resource and, if so, the one resource communicates with all peer resources to determine whether a resource lock is available; if the peer resources indicate a resource lock is available, lock all of the resources to the requesting computer entity, and the one resource communicates the lock of the resources to the requesting computer entity; and if any the resource indicates contention for the multi-resource lock, the one resource communicates the contention to the requesting computer entity, and the requesting computer entity backs off the multi-resource lock request and, after a random time interval, repeats the request.
US08381303B2 System and method for attack and malware prevention
The present invention is a system and method for detecting and preventing attacks and malware on mobile devices such as a cell phones, smartphones or PDAs, which are significantly limited in power consumption, computational power, and memory. The invention enables mobile devices to analyze network data, executable data files, and non-executable data files in order to detect and prevent both known and unknown attacks and malware over vectors that are not typically protected by desktop and server security systems. Security analysis is performed by a combination of “known good,” “known bad,” and decision components. The invention identifies known good executables and/or known characteristics of network data or data files that must be present in order for the data to be considered good. Furthermore, known good and known bad identifier databases may be stored on a server which may be queried by a mobile device.
US08381299B2 Systems, methods, and media for outputting a dataset based upon anomaly detection
Systems, methods, and media for outputting a dataset based upon anomaly detection are provided. In some embodiments, methods for outputting a dataset based upon anomaly detection: receive a training dataset having a plurality of n-grams, which plurality includes a first plurality of distinct training n-grams each being a first size; compute a first plurality of appearance frequencies, each for a corresponding one of the first plurality of distinct training n-grams; receive an input dataset including first input n-grams each being the first size; define a first window in the input dataset; identify as being first matching n-grams, the first input n-grams in the first window that correspond to the first plurality of distinct training n-grams; compute a first anomaly detection score for the input dataset using the first matching n-grams and the first plurality of appearance frequencies; and output the input dataset based on the first anomaly detection score.
US08381296B2 Method and system for detecting and removing hidden pestware files
A method and system for detecting and removing a hidden pestware file is described. One illustrative embodiment detects, using direct drive access, a file on a computer storage device; determines whether the file is also detectable by the operating system by attempting to access the file using a standard file Application-Program-Interface (API) function call of the operating system; identifies the file as a potential hidden pestware file, when the file is undetectable by the operating system; confirms through an automated pestware-signature scan of the potential hidden pestware file that the potential hidden pestware file is a hidden pestware file; and removes automatically, using direct drive access, the hidden pestware file from the storage device.
US08381293B2 Identity theft countermeasures
In some embodiments, techniques for computer security comprise preventing and/or mitigating identity theft such as phishing.
US08381283B2 Information processing apparatus and method of controlling program execution of same
A CPU contained in an information processing apparatus in accordance an exemplary embodiment of the present invention outputs an access request including first access destination address information by a first program, and outputs a check request including second access destination address information when the execution program is switched from the first program to a second program as a result of a program call from the first program to the second program. A protection setting check portion contained in the information processing apparatus checks whether or not the check request including the second access destination address information conforms to protection setting for the first program based on memory protection information that is established in a memory protection information storage portion to detect a violation by a memory access request by the first program.
US08381280B1 Systems and methods for deployment of secure shell devices
A shell device with minimal software and/or hardware resources can download from a server configuration information and/or user data in order to allow the shell device to communicate with other computing devices (whether cell phones, personal digital assistants, laptops, and the like). Various security features can also be used herein, including a shell device password and a server network access password. In another aspect, any time code and/or data is downloaded from the server to the shell device, such code and/or data resides on the shell device during the time of a communication between the server and the shell device; thereafter, it can be deleted, thereby returning the shell device to its minimalistic resource state. When the shell device contacts the server again and attempts to establish another communication, such code and/or data can be downloaded anew, and after the communication it can be deleted again.
US08381276B2 Safe URL shortening
A safe URL shortening service creates a short URL from any valid long URL. At resolution time, the service determines if the resulting URL points to a known bad, known good, or unknown site. Depending on the determination results, the service may redirect a user to the target site, block redirection, or present a warning page that allows the user to manually activate the target link.
US08381275B2 Staged user deletion
A method, system, and computer program product for staged user identifier deletion are provided. The method includes checking a status of a user identifier in response to a triggering event. In response to determining that the status of the user identifier indicates a marked for deletion status, a notification action is performed. The method also includes monitoring a time value to determine whether a time for deletion associated with the user identifier with the marked for deletion status has been reached, and automatically deleting the user identifier with the marked for deletion status in response to determining that the time for deletion has been reached.
US08381273B2 System and method for providing a secure connection between networked computers
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a system, method, and computer program product for obtaining secure connectivity between networked computing devices. The invention comprises utilizing a network protocol inherent to an operating system on a client device to automatically set up and establish a transient secure network connection endpoint on the client device. The act of utilizing can be a result of a server device responding to a connection request from the client device. The act of establishing the transient secure network connection endpoint on the client device creates a transient secure network connection between the server device and the transient secure network connection endpoint on the client device without manual intervention or configuration by a user at the client device. Secured access by the client device to one or more network devices is permitted until the transient secure network connection between the server device and the client device is severed.
US08381271B2 Method and system for providing user access to a secure application
A method and system for providing remote user access to secure financial applications by deployment of SSO software (126) to client workstations (120), including receiving a password for collaborating access to a secure server (110); navigating to the secure server (110) using a web browser (124) on a remote workstation (120); providing user authorization details and the received password to the secure server (120); generating a subsequent password at the secure server (110) upon validation of the user authorization details and received password; downloading an SSO deployment file (122) to the remote workstation (120), said deployment file (122) including the subsequent password; executing the SSO deployment file (122) to install an SSO client application (126) on the remote workstation; reading workstation settings and user credentials from a secure file or data store; and running the SSO client application (126) on the workstation to employ the user credentials and subsequent password to logon to the secure application.
US08381268B2 Network authorization status notification
A system that enables network authorization status to be conveyed to the device requesting network services within or outside the scope of an authentication exchange is provided. The authorization status notification or information can be automatically generated or otherwise triggered by a request from the user or device. For instance, a query can be employed to solicit device authorization status related to a particular service or group of services. Additionally, authorization status notification can be automatically triggered based upon a change in the device authorization state.
US08381265B2 Member registration method, community service system, portable terminal, and member invitation processing program
A community member registration method is for registering a member in a community service system in which a community service server, and authentication server and a plurality of portable terminals are connected via a network. The community service server provides community service, the authentication server determines whether or not a member has authority to receive services provided by the community service server, and the portable terminals are capable of direct communication to each other. The method includes: sending a terminal identifier obtained from a portable terminal of an invitee together with a registration request from a portable terminal of an inviter to the authentication server; issuing an account of the invitee in response to the registration request in the authentication server; notifying the account to the portable terminal of the inviter from the authentication server; and sending the account from the portable terminal of the inviter to the portable terminal of the invitee.
US08381256B2 Television receiver, method of controlling the receiver, and network construction device
According to one embodiment, the present invention is designed to automatically determine the language of the content distributed when connecting to the Web server so as to agree with the language configured at the initial setup. The present invention has following elements. An initial setup module maintains initial setup information that indicates at least a menu language. A setup information association process module which determines a language request signal to request a language the same as the menu language indicated in the initial setup information. And a network control module which accesses the World Wide Web while transmitting the language request signal to determine a browser language.
US08381255B2 Device for sending image data from camera to CCTV network
An integrated Internet camera includes, as embedded components contained within the camera body and controlled by a microcontroller, at least a network interface device for connecting to the Internet, a transport control device for packetizing according to Internet protocols, a file transfer device for communicating with a destination user directory on the Internet, and a transmission initiating device for initiating the connection and transfer operations of the file transfer device and transport control device. The network interface device may be a modem, network adapter, or adapter for connection to the Internet. Upon capturing the digital image, the camera initiates a connection to the Internet, connects to the destination user directory, and uploads the digital images. Thereafter, the digital images are available to authorized (or any) user having access to the Internet.
US08381247B2 Schedule-table presenting apparatus and schedule-table presenting method
A schedule-table presenting apparatus including: a schedule acquisition section configured to acquire a schedule including the broadcasting start time and a descriptive text describing each of the events; a schedule-table generation section configured to assign a specific one of the events to a first program frame and assign a plurality of events other than the specific event to a second program frame in order to generate a schedule table including the first program frame allocated to the specific event as a frame showing the broadcasting start time of the specific event as well as the descriptive text describing the specific event and the second program frame allocated to the other events as a frame showing the broadcasting start time of each of the other events; and a display control section configured to display the schedule table generated by the schedule-table generation section on a display section determined in advance.
US08381243B2 Broadcast receiving device
A broadcast receiving device includes a table storage component, a viewing control acquisition component, a first determination component, a table acquisition component and a table updating component. The first determination component determines whether or not one of a following is satisfied: a column determination condition that a column number of a program viewing control information is greater than a first specific number of a first viewing control table, and a row determination condition that a row number of the program viewing control information is greater than a second specific number of the first viewing control table. The table acquisition component acquires a second viewing control table via a television broadcast when the first determination component determines that one of the column determination condition and the row determination condition is satisfied. The table updating component replaces the first viewing control table with the second viewing control table.
US08381242B2 Static analysis for verification of software program access to secure resources for computer systems
A method includes, using a static analysis, analyzing a software program to determine whether the software program accesses a secure resource for a computer system without verification that the secure resource can be accessed by the software program. The method also includes, in response to an access by the software program to the secure resource without verification that the secure resource can be accessed by the software program, outputting a result indicative of the analyzing. Computer program products and apparatus are also disclosed. An apparatus is disclosed that includes a user interface providing a security report to a user, the security report indicating a result of an analysis of whether or not a software program accesses a secure resource for a computer system without verification that the secure resource can be accessed by the software program.
US08381237B2 Optical disc drive with positioning structure of main shaft motor
A traverse for an optical disc drive comprising a base, a main shaft motor, a pick-up motor and a pick-up head module is provided. The base includes a bottom plate and a plurality of raised mesas. The bottom plate has an opening and the raised mesas connect with the bottom plate. The main shaft motor is disposed on the raised mesas. The pick-up motor is disposed on the bottom plate and the pick-up head module connects with the pick-up motor. The pick-up motor enables the pick-up head module to move inside the opening. Additionally, the present invention also provides an optical disc drive with the said traverse.
US08381236B2 Framework for enhanced production of personalized documents
In a document personalization production system, an application framework is provided between a production manager and one or more machines to enable new hardware and/or new functions for the creation, production, printing, attachment, and delivery of personalized documents. The application framework provides the application program interfaces, the graphical user interfaces, and the plugins required to implement the new hardware and/or new function into an existing document personalization production system without having to reprogram the production manager. The application framework may comprise or connect a number of service modules so that production manager applications are compatible across multiple machines or stations of the document personalization production system.
US08381227B2 System and method of inter-connection between components using software bus
A method for inter-connection between components using a software bus, which may analyze whether a port in which at least one component is connected with each other is a data transmission port or a function interface calling port in accordance with an application of the port, determine an execution attribute of the port based on an analyzed result, and control the port in accordance with the execution attribute of the port. The function interface calling port may be divided into any one of a thread generation-connection port for each request using an attribute of an on-demand function calling port, or a recursive server connection port using an attribute of an on load function calling port in accordance with a type of the called port.
US08381226B2 System and method for monotonic partial order reduction
A system and method for analyzing concurrent programs that guarantees optimality in the number of thread inter-leavings to be explored. Optimality is ensured by globally constraining the inter-leavings of the local operations of its threads so that only quasi-monotonic sequences of threads operations are explored. For efficiency, a SAT/SMT solver is used to explore the quasi-monotonic computations of the given concurrent program. Constraints are added dynamically during exploration of the concurrent program via a SAT/SMT solver to ensure quasi-montonicity for model checking.
US08381219B2 Monitoring performance on workload scheduling systems
The present invention relates to the field of enterprise network computing. In particular, it relates to a method and respective system for monitoring workload of a workload scheduler. Information defining a plurality of test jobs of low priority is received. The test jobs have respective launch times, and the test jobs are launched for execution in a data processing system in accordance with said launch times and said low execution priority. It is evaluated how many of said test jobs are executed within a pre-defined analysis time range. A performance decrease warning is issued, if the number of executed test jobs is lower than a predetermined threshold number. The workload scheduler discards launching of jobs having a low priority when estimating that a volume of jobs submitted with higher priority is sufficient to keep said scheduling system busy.
US08381212B2 Dynamic allocation and partitioning of compute nodes in hierarchical job scheduling
The present invention employs a master node for each job to be scheduled and in turn the master node distributes job start information and executable tasks to a plurality of nodes configured in a hierarchical node tree of a multinode job scheduling system. The status of the various tasks executing at the leaf nodes and other nodes of the tree report status back up the same hierarchical tree structure used to start the job, not to a scheduling agent but rather to the master node which has been established by the scheduling agent as the focal point, not only for job starting, but also for the reporting of status information from the leaf and other nodes in the tree.
US08381211B2 Virtual image overloading for solution deployment
At least one master overloaded virtual image is deployed, by a virtual image configuration device, to a hypervisor cloud that includes a group of servers, each of the group of servers configured based upon a hypervisor platform to support at least one virtual machine. A service solution is instantiated as a group of virtual machines associated with at least one of the group of servers, based upon at least one master overloaded virtual image, where the service solution includes a platform agnostic pattern independent of the hypervisor platform. Startup is initiated for each of the instantiated group of virtual machines.
US08381209B2 Moveable access control list (ACL) mechanisms for hypervisors and virtual machines and virtual port firewalls
A method (and system) which provides virtual machine migration with filtered network connectivity and control of network security of a virtual machine by enforcing network security and routing at a hypervisor layer at which the virtual machine partition is executed, and which is independent of guest operating systems.
US08381206B2 System and method for extending computerized applications
The subject matter discloses a method for enabling computerized extensions, comprising receiving data concerning an extension required to a computerized application utilizing a process model, detecting an event received from the external entity and executing the computerized extension according to the event. The extension may be activated before after or during operation of the computerized application.
US08381205B2 Co-resident software performance tracking
A method for determining the operating status of a proposed application configuration on a first client including receiving updates from a plurality of clients, each update including a client identification, a previous state indication, a current state indication, and an indication of the operating status of the current state. The method also includes storing the updates in a database, the updates being stored such that the performance of a current state may be identified at two different times; receiving a proposed state change from the first client, the proposed state change including a current state of the first client and a proposed application to be added to the first client; querying the database to identify instances of the proposed state change; determining risks associated with adding the proposed application based on the results of querying the database; and transmitting to the first client a description of the risks associated with adding the proposed application.
US08381204B2 Compiler driven mechanism for registration and deregistration of memory pages
A method, system and article of manufacture are disclosed for registering and deregistering memory pages in a computer system. The method comprises the steps of hoisting register and deregister calls in a given routine where temporal locality is present to overlap computation and communication; using software pipelined registration and deregistration where spatial locality is observed; and using intra-procedural and inter-procedural analysis by a compiler of the computer system to deregister dynamically allocated buffers. The preferred embodiment of the invention is based on an optimizing compiler. The compiler is used to extract information such as addresses of buffers which are being reused repeatedly (temporal locality), preferably in a loop. The compiler may also find information about spatial locality, such as arrays whose indexes are used in a well-defined manner in a series of messages, for example, array pages being accessed in a pre-defined pattern in a loop.
US08381202B2 Runtime system for executing an application in a parallel-processing computer system
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
US08381194B2 Methods and apparatuses for selective code coverage
Methods and apparatuses that collect code coverage information for selected code locations when executing executable code are described. Source code in one or more files may be annotated at the selected code locations. The executable code may be compiled from the annotated source code using standard compilers. The code coverage information may be collected into a run time data store accessible by other applications. In response to receiving a code coverage request, the code coverage information can be retrieved from the data store to compare with annotations identified from the source code. A code coverage report can be generated to indicate whether one or more of the selected code locations are not covered when executing the executable code.
US08381193B2 Apparatus, system, and method for visual log analysis
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for visual log analysis. The apparatus for visual log analysis is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the necessary steps of retrieving log entries from a plurality of devices on a network, parsing the log entries to determine an execution flow of commands executed of the network, and displaying a graphical representation of such execution on the network. These modules in the described embodiments include a log consolidation module, a parsing module, and a display module.
US08381187B2 Graphical user interface for job output retrieval based on errors
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for retrieving portions of a job output. A graphical representation of the job output is displayed in a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface contains a set of controls used to select a portion of the job output. The portion of the job output is displayed in response to a user manipulating the set of controls to select the portion of the job output.
US08381184B2 Dynamic test coverage
Dynamic test coverage to evaluate an artifact code is provided. Code of an artifact to be tested is identified. The code coverage of the test code is analyzed. The current coverage information is stored. Code coverage information for one or more prior versions of the test code is retrieved. The current coverage information is compared with the prior coverage information. Responsive to a determination that a difference between the current coverage information and the prior coverage information exists, the difference is collected. Responsive to a determination that test cases are to be generated automatically, generating, automatically, new test cases based on the difference. The new test cases are stored. Code coverage of the test code is analyzed based on the new test case. The new coverage information is stored. The new coverage information is sent to the user.
US08381181B2 Updating a workflow when a user reaches an impasse in the workflow
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for updating a workflow when a user reaches an impasse in the workflow. A workflow program processes user input at a current node in a workflow comprised of nodes and workflow paths connecting the nodes, and wherein the user provides user input to traverse through at least one workflow path to reach the current node. The workflow program processes user input at the current node to determine whether there is a next node in the workflow for the processed user input. The workflow program transmits information on the current node to an analyzer in response to determining that there is no next node in the workflow. The analyzer processes the information on the current node to determine whether there are modifications to the current node. The analyzer transmits to the workflow program an update including the determined modifications to the current node in response to determining the modification.
US08381180B2 Visually exposing data services to analysts
The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and software of modifying, configuring, adapting, or otherwise developing one or more pre-constructed applications and business process components to meet a user's needs or requirements of a particular business application. Each component or application includes one or more pre-constructed user interfaces and performs one or more predetermined functions, services, or queries. A non-technical user or business analyst may obtain an application and, thereafter, adapt or reconfigure the application to perform desired functions, thus creating a custom application. In some cases, the user may custom build a new application utilizing multiple components or applications. The creation, adaptation, and configuration of the application may be performed in an intuitive manner without exposing the user to the programming code or application model. Thus, the user can often easily create, adapt, and configure the application without the need for specialized information technology skills.
US08381179B2 System and method for identifying opportunities for refactoring in an object-oriented program
There is described a technique for rearranging entities in an object oriented program. The proposed technique includes computing a property set for an entity, in a set of entities belonging to classes in said object-oriented program. The next step comprises identifying an entity having a maximum cardinality of the computed property set. From the set of entities, all such entities are identified that satisfy a condition that the ratio of the number of elements in the property set of the identified entity that are in common with the property set of said entity having maximum cardinality to the number of elements in the property set of the identified entity that are not in common with the property set of said entity having maximum cardinality is greater than or equal to a threshold value. A sub-group is formed comprising said entity having maximum cardinality of the computed property along with any identified entity that satisfies said condition.
US08381171B2 Customized networked-based commerce system packages
A method for building a client commerce system for a client networked environment can include the steps of: collecting one or more business requirements for the client commerce system, gathering one or more characteristics of the client networked environment, retrieving an initial client commerce system, and modifying the initial client commerce system to operate in the client networked environment and to provide the collected business requirements for the client commerce system. In the method, the initial client commerce system provides at least a portion of the collected business requirements and is configured for operating a network environment most closely matching the gathered characteristics of the client networked environment.
US08381170B2 Test driven architecture enabled process for open collaboration in global
A method for developing a software project includes identifying business cases and goals for the software project, defining a common interface architecture through which components of the software project are to be integrated, identifying software project components to be integrated over the common interface, defining high level requirements of the project components, elaborating the component interfaces and defining detailed component requirements, implementing the project components, testing the project components individually, defining integration tests for testing integrated components, and executing the integration tests on a set of integrated components.
US08381169B2 Extending unified process and method content to include dynamic and collaborative content
The present invention discloses a unified process system that includes placeholders for editable content that extends unified process methods. The unified process system can store, manage, organize, and present information and artifacts associated with a unified process. The unified process system can include a placeholder defining tool configured to permit an authorized process engineer to associate placeholders with base methods of the unified process. Unified process consumers can input content to the placeholders, where the input content is thereafter automatically stored by the unified process system and is accessible to other unified process consumers having access to the unified process system. More specifically, placeholders can include a collaborative section for guidance content concerning a related base method and a dynamic section, dynamically built in response to received requests, which includes items to assist consumers to conduct a task for an associated base method.
US08381168B2 Computer system and method of adapting a computer system to support a register window architecture
A target computing system 10 is adapted to support a register window architecture, particularly for use when converting non-native subject code 17 instead into target code 21 executed by a target processor 13. A subject register stack data structure (an “SR stack”) 400 in memory has a plurality of frames 410 each containing a set of entries 401 corresponding to a subset of subject registers 502 of one register window 510 in a subject processor 3. The SR stack 400 is accessed by the target code 21 executing on the target processor 13. The SR stack 400 stores a large plurality of such frames 410 and thereby avoids overhead such as modelling automatic spill and fill operations from the windowed register file of the subject architecture. In one embodiment, a target computing system 10 having sixteen general purpose working registers is adapted to support a register window architecture reliant upon a register file containing tens or hundreds of subject registers 502.
US08381166B2 Method of managing application definitions used in a computer program
A uniform strategy for the general problem of providing customer editors and initialization strings for beans (all “dynabeans” inherit from a common bean class that incorporates this strategy). This is then extended to allow the initialization strings to be stored in a relational database. With this approach, many changes to the application can be handled by adjusting the database version of the bean definition, without a need to touch the underlying code. This reduces down time for the application, and also improves application stability.
US08381165B2 Method for producing software modules for field devices of process automation technology
In a method for producing software modules for field devices for process automation technology (PROFIBUS), wherein the software modules serve as device descriptions and have defined interfaces, in accordance with the FDT/DTM, for application programs in process control systems, syntactically and semantically correct, standard device descriptions are produced in EDD 1.1 from PDM, HCF or company-specific device descriptions for field devices, and the EDD 1.1 versions are then converted into corresponding software modules by means of a compiler C.
US08381164B2 Method and system of intelligent interactive graphics electrical plug map to analyze text and distances between electrical contacts and physical layout file builder
The Intelligent Graphics Plug Map System automatically converts plug maps into Intelligent Graphics with intelligent behaviors. The electronic trouble shooting system enables users to easily navigate large quantities of interrelated data and accurately analyze how each plug is used. The system automatically integrates additional information such as the function of each contact, what signals are connected to the contact, and what tools and processes are required to repair or test electrical circuitry. The system provides an Intelligent Plug Map Recognizer that associates a correct contact label for each contact associated with a plug map file defining a plug map; an HTML Generator that generates an HTML file for the plug map; a CGM4 File Builder that generates an intelligent plug map file from the plug map file; and a technical data system application that synchronizes plug map views when a contact associated with the plug map is identified.
US08381163B2 Power-gated retention flops
A power-gated retention flop circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a retention flop includes a first latch coupled to a first global voltage node and a virtual voltage node and configured to receive a data input signal, and a second latch coupled to receive the data input signal from the first latch, wherein the second latch is coupled to the first global voltage node and a second global voltage node. The second latch is configured to provide a data output signal based on the data input signal. A power-gating circuit is coupled between the virtual voltage node and the second global voltage node, wherein the power-gating circuit is configured to, when active, couple the virtual voltage node to the second global voltage node. Thus, the first latch may be powered down while the second latch remains powered on.
US08381162B2 Method of adapting a layout of a standard cell of an integrated circuit
A method of adapting a layout of a standard cell of an integrated circuit is provided. A current collection path in the standard cell is selected which connects components within the standard cell to an output connection, wherein the current collection path is arranged to collect current from the components at a plurality of current collection points arranged along its length. A maximum current location on the current collection path is determined at which a maximum possible current flow in the current collection path will occur if the output connection is connected there, the maximum possible current flow being a sum of current contributions from the current collection points. A maximum width of the current collection path at the maximum current location is determined such that the maximum width satisfies a minimum path width requirement with respect to the maximum possible current flow. Then a local width of the current collection path at a selected distance from the maximum current location is determined, the local width being less than or equal to the maximum width, such that the local width satisfies the minimum path width requirement with respect to a maximum local current that will occur at the selected distance, the maximum local current being a sum of the current contributions from those current collection points which contribute to the local current.
US08381154B2 Method of making apparatus for computing multiple sum of products
A hardware circuit component for executing multiple sum-of-products operations is manufactured as follows. A set of multiplexed sum-of-products functions of a plurality of operands (a, b, c, . . . ), any one of which functions can be selected in dependence upon a select value (sel) by multiplex operations, is received. The sum-of-products functions are then rearranged in a particular manner. The rearranged set of sum-of-products functions is merged into a single merged sum-of-products function containing one or more multiplexing operations. From this a layout design can be generated, and a hardware circuit component such as an integrated circuit manufactured from the layout design. The step of re-arranging the multiple sum-of-products functions involves aligning the elements of the set of sum-of-products functions in such a manner that the amount of multiplexing in the single merged sum-of-products function is less than in the input set of sum-of-products functions.
US08381152B2 Method and system for model-based design and layout of an integrated circuit
A approach is described for allowing electronic design, verification, and optimization tools to implement very efficient approaches to allow the tools to directly address the effects of manufacturing processes, e.g., to identify and prevent problems caused by lithography processing. Fast models and pattern checking are employed to integrate lithography and manufacturing aware processes within EDA tools such as routers.
US08381151B1 Method and system for power distribution analysis
Disclosed are systems and methods for electrical verification of integrated circuits. Methodologies are described for verification of the power and ground distribution systems (PDS) for system-on-a-chip (SoC) and the verification of the interaction of the PDS with the behavior of integrated circuits.
US08381150B2 Method for performing a parallel static timing analysis using thread-specific sub-graphs
A method for efficient multithreaded analysis of a timing graph is described. The method is applicable to multithreaded common path pessimism removal, critical path traversing for timing report generation, and other types of analysis requiring traversal of sub-graphs of timing graph. In order to achieve high efficiency and scalability for parallel multithreaded execution, the number of access locks is minimized. One parent computation thread and multiple child threads are employed. The parent computational thread identifies the tasks for analysis and distributes them among child threads. Each child thread identifies a sub-graph to be analyzed, creates a thread-specific replica of the identified sub-graph, and performs the analysis required. After completing the analysis, the child thread transfers the results back to the main timing graph and waits for next task. As all data structures of each child thread are accessed only by the child thread owing them, no access locks are required for construction and processing of thread specific graph replica of the timing sub-graph. The construction of each thread specific graph replica is performed by the child thread without locking the main timing graph data structures. Access locks are used only for transferring results of the analysis back to the main timing graph where the results computed by all child threads are combined together.
US08381148B1 Formal verification of deadlock property
A verification system determines proof of the absence of a deadlock condition or other data-transport property in a multi-system SoC using helper assertions derived from a transaction definition. The verification system receives the circuit design information along with a transaction definition for one or more ports of the SoC. Once specified, the transaction definition is instantiated into the full system or subsystem RTL, generating an expanded RTL and a deadlock property. Data flow through the RTL is analyzed to extract helper assertions describing how the data flowed through the RTL. Helper assertions are automatically extracted to aid in the verification of the absence of a deadlock condition. Using the helper assertions, the formal engine applies one or more techniques to formally analyze the circuit design to prove the absence of a deadlock condition.
US08381144B2 System and method of test mode gate operation
A system and method to select a gate to be modified as a test isolation gate is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method includes, after a layout phase of generating a design of a circuit, receiving timing information related to the design of the circuit. The method also includes selectively identifying at least one gate of a combinational logic portion of the design of the circuit to be modified to respond to a test enable signal, the at least one gate identified at least partially based on the timing information. The method also includes modifying the at least one gate. The at least one modified gate is fixed at a constant level during a test mode and is dynamically changeable during a functional mode of operation of the circuit.
US08381143B2 Structure for a duty cycle correction circuit
A design structure for a Duty Cycle Correction (DCC) circuit is provide in which pairs of field effect transistors (FETs) in known DCC circuit topologies are replaced with linear resistors coupled to switches of the DCC circuit such that when the switch is open, the input signal is routed through the linear resistors. The linear resistors are more tolerant of process, voltage and temperature (PVT) fluctuations than FETs and thus, the resulting DCC circuit provides a relatively smaller change in DCC correction range with PVT fluctuations than the known DCC circuit topology that employs FETs. The linear resistors may be provided in parallel with the switches and in series with a pair of FETs having relatively large resistance values. The linear resistors provide resistance that pulls-up or pulls-down the pulse width of the input signal so as to provide correction to the duty cycle of the input signal.
US08381140B2 Wide process range library for metrology
Methods of generating wide process range libraries for metrology are described. For example, a method includes generating a first library having a first process range for a first parameter. A second library is generated having a second process range for the first parameter. The second process range is overlapping with the first process range. The second library is stitched to the first library to generate a third library having a third process range for the first parameter. The third process range is wider than each of the first and second process ranges.
US08381138B2 Simulation model creating method, computer program product, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
According to a simulation model creating method of an embodiment, a resist pattern is formed by transferring a mask pattern on a first substrate with an exposing amount and a focus value being changed, and a line width of the resist pattern is measured. Next, measurement results which are not within an allowable change range due to an irregularity of the exposing amount, an irregularity of the focus value or pattern feature amount are removed. In addition, measurement results which are not with in an allowable change range due to an irregularity of the line width of the mask pattern are removed. Next, a simulation model is created by using measurement results which are not removed.
US08381136B2 Handheld electronic device supporting multiple display mechanisms
A method for independently supporting at least two display mechanisms in a handheld electronic device and a handheld electronic device implementing the method includes a primary display window, a secondary display window and a display manager coupled to the primary and secondary display windows. According to the present invention, the display manager allows the primary display window to display a first set of objects and allows the secondary display window to display a second set of objects independently, whereby the first set and second set of objects include at least one common object.
US08381132B2 DVD menu navigation with reduced input button count
A method of the interactive features on a DVD utilizing restricted user inputs e.g. reduced number of key pad buttons. The DVD menu may be collapsed to form an indexed linear list of the menu buttons. A user then sequentially navigates through the menu using a one or two directional input to find the desired menu choice, which is then selected using a predetermined user input.
US08381131B1 System, method, and computer program for displaying tasks as interactive thumbnails for interaction therewith by a user
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for displaying tasks as interactive thumbnails for interaction therewith by a user. In use, a plurality of tasks are identified. Additionally, for each of the tasks, an interactive thumbnail is generated which is representative of the task. Furthermore, the thumbnails are displayed for interaction therewith by a user.
US08381130B2 Method and user interface tool for navigation through grid of scheduled items
Methods and software tools are described for allowing users to navigate through a time schedule quickly and easily. The time schedule interface facilitates a user viewing multiple time periods on an information schedule on a client device quickly without having to completely remake or redraw the entire interface. A user of a computer or similar device is presented with a time schedule interface. This schedule interface may resemble a schedule such as program guide or a train schedule. The schedule typically is composed of a grid or blocks of information defined by two parameters. One parameter is almost always time, while the other parameter depends on the type of schedule. The interface in this invention includes a moveable virtual slider. The slider rests on or is attached to a time scale axis. This time scale axis may be implemented as a horizontal or vertical bar and in addition may contain markings corresponding to time intervals much like a ruler. A user may select and control this slider along the time scale axis. The position of the slider along the time scale axis controls the time periods displayed in the schedule.
US08381129B2 User interface for selecting options
Icons can be combined to form toolbars such as those appearing on computer desktops and within application windows such as web browsers. Small icons are desired because desktop real estate is expensive. Small icons can be difficult to select or open because it can be hard to confirm which icon is indicated. An icon is indicated when the desktop cursor hovers over it. Altering the indicated icon provides good user feedback. Icons can be changed varying their size. Non-indicated icons can revert to a minimum size while an indicated one grows to a maximum size. Different images can be displayed for different sized icons, producing a more pleasing appearance. Alternatively, icons can be presented as display images produced by morphing two images together using morphing functions and icon weights. Morphing includes growing and shrinking as well as color changes, animating, and so forth.
US08381128B2 Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a display, an operation unit that allows a user to input commands, a storage unit that stores a plurality of setting items and setting values of the setting items required for carrying out a function of the apparatus, and a controller that is operable to control the display to display on a setting item display region of the display the setting items, accept a command for changing the setting values of one of the plurality of setting items while controlling the display to display on the setting item display region the plurality of setting items, and change the setting values in accordance with the command for changing the setting values of the setting items.
US08381126B2 Computer user interface with non-salience deemphasis
A relativity controller is a scroll bar/window combination that provides a way to see data in relation to both the context of its wholeness and the salience of its contents. To accomplish this, the linear density or other appearance of the scroll bar (acting as a ruler or scale) varies with the density of the document salience (as indicated by different kinds of annotations or marks). It also provides a way to zoom between perspectives. This is usable on many different data types: including sound, video, graphics, calendars and word processors.
US08381125B2 Device and method for resizing user interface content while maintaining an aspect ratio via snapping a perimeter to a gridline
Heuristics for resizing displayed objects within an electronic document are disclosed. The heuristics include resizing displayed objects to predefined ratios, resizing displayed objects by predefined increments, relating resizing of displayed objects to a global reference grid, and resizing a plurality of displayed objects aligned to an axis.
US08381123B2 Positioning and realizing of virtualized visible content within a viewport
A method and medium are provided for presenting virtualized visible content within a viewport in a user interface. An anchor is received that represents a point on a line of virtualized visible content and a target value is received that represents a location in a viewport of a user interface. The anchor and target values can be received from user input devices or by analyzing the position of a scroll thumb relative to a scroll trough in the user interface. A first line of virtualized visible content that corresponds to the anchor value is realized by loading the line into memory from another source. The line is then positioned in the viewport based on the target value. Additional lines surrounding the first line are realized until the viewport is full. Lines that are not visible in the viewport can be unrealized, thus conserving computing resources.
US08381110B2 Automated media delivery system
An automatic graphics delivery system that operates in parallel with an existing Web site infrastructure is provided. The system streamlines the post-production process by automating the production of media through content generation procedures controlled by proprietary tags placed by an author within URLs embedded within Web documents.
US08381106B2 Touch gesture for detailed display
In general, the present disclosure is directed to techniques for displaying, e.g., events of multiple calendars or annotations in a word processor in a single view. In one example, a method includes, providing a first calendar and a second calendar, wherein the first calendar includes a first group of calendar events at least some of which have corresponding textual event details, and wherein the second calendar includes a second group of calendar events at least some of which have corresponding textual event details; receiving a user input to select one of the first calendar or the second calendar; displaying the one or more corresponding textual event details of the first group of calendar events for the first calendar; and displaying visual representations of the second group of calendar events for the second calendar without displaying the corresponding textual event details.
US08381105B2 Presenting video as a background on a search engine home page
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for presenting video as at least a portion of the background of search engine home pages are provided. Upon receiving a request for presentation of a search engine home page, a static image is transmitted for presentation as at least a portion of the background for the search engine home page. Also transmitted is a video file. The static image may or may not be associated with the video file. After a predetermined amount of time, play of the video file is initiated without user action, the video file replacing the static image as at least a portion of the background of the search engine home page. In this way, the user receives a seamless transition from a static image to a video presentation and is provided a rich, immersive experience at the search engine home page.
US08381104B2 Systems and methods for providing context recognition
Systems and methods are disclosed for launching a child application to perform functions on a document created by a parent application without the need for integration of the child application within the parent application. In one implementation, a system detects a child application available for activation by a processor of a computer and determines what functions the child application can perform. The system then determines that the function can operate on an open file, and once the system receives a selection of the function, the system launches the child application and performs the function on the open file. In another implementation, the system determines that the function may operate on a plurality of open files, creates an interface that allows selection of one of the plurality of open files, and launches the child application and performs the function on a selected file.
US08381102B1 Systems and methods for visually scrolling through a stack of items displayed on a device
Computer-implemented methods for visually scrolling through a stack of items displayed on a device by tilting the device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes determining a neutral reference point for a device, and receiving input indicating a tilting motion from the neutral reference point encountered by the device. The method also includes determining an angular displacement value of the device and a bias factor based on the tilting motion. The angular displacement value is indicative of an angular displacement of the device based on the tilting motion. The method also includes visually scrolling through the stack of items based on the angular displacement value and the bias factor. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08381098B2 Webpage request handling
A method, computer program product, and system for webpage request handling is described. A method may comprise recording, in a memory, a change time for each of a plurality of elements of a website available from an origin server, each time a change to any one of the plurality of elements occurs. The method may further comprise updating a system-last-modified time of the website to a latest change time.
US08381094B1 Incremental visual comparison of web browser screens
A method, media, and systems for performing incremental visual comparison of web browser screens are provided. Structured representations of a current state of an event-driven application are accessed, one with respect to a plurality of client-tier environments. Where the current state is not an initial state of the event-driven application, structured representations of a prior state of the event-driven application are accessed, with respect to each client-tier environment. A set of one or more pairwise equivalences between the current state and the prior state of the event-driven application are determined with respect to each client-tier environment. A set of one or more matched portions between the first and second sets of pairwise equivalences is determined. Finally, one or more differences in a first end-user experience in the first client-tier environment are determined with respect to a second end-user experience in the second client-tier environment.
US08381093B2 Editing web pages via a web browser
A browser-based web authoring tool that enables locally editing and rendering web pages comprising style sheets. One illustrative embodiment is directed to a browser-based web authoring tool that may edit a style sheet to convert it to an inline style block. The inline style block is then inserted into a web page, replacing a reference to the style sheet. In this way, as the page is edited the web page may be rendered via the browser without repeatedly transferring a style sheet from the web server.
US08381091B2 Real-time method, system and program product for collecting web form data
The present invention allows a web form submitted by a web user to be routed to an analysis system in real-time. Specifically, once a requested web page has been fully loaded and parsed, any existing submit methods and/or on-submit handlers attached to web forms within the web page are replaced with a new submit method and on-submit handler. When a valid web form is submitted by the user, the destination of the web form is changed to the analysis system, by the new submit method, for a fixed period of time. After the period of time has expired, the original destination is reinstated and the web form is routed thereto.
US08381088B2 Flagging, capturing and generating task list items
Generation of a task or reminder in an electronic task list authoring surface from a variety of data or information locations or media without the need for launching a separate task or reminder application and without the need for moving focus away from an information location or media presently in use is provided. Generation of a task or task reminder may be accomplished from a variety of information locations or media. When an information item is flagged or captured and a task/reminder is generated, one or more pieces of metadata may be applied to the flagged information item for enhancing the subsequent use of the associated generated task or reminder.
US08381083B2 Error control coding for single error correction and double error detection
An error correction coding is provided that generates P bits of check data from K M-bit words of payload data. The P bits of check data include an address field A, a bit error indicating field E and an auxiliary field P−(E+A). The address field encodes a set of error addresses which has a cardinality equal to the bit size K of the payload data and providing a one-to-one mapping between values of the address field and the locations of a single bit error within the payload data. The bit error indicating field indicates if a bit error is present. The auxiliary field is a minimum size bit vector such that together with the address field and the bit area indicating field it provides a checksum for a systematic code for the payload data with a minimum Hamming distance serving to provide either single error correction capability or single error correction and double error detection capability.
US08381082B1 Power-saving area-efficient hybrid BCH coding system
Power-saving and area-efficient BCH coding systems are provided that employ hybrid decoder architectures. The BCH decoder architectures comprise both special-purpose hardware and firmware, thereby taking advantage of both the speed of special-purpose hardware and the energy-efficiency of firmware. In particular, the error correction capabilities of the BCH decoders provided herein are split between a hardware component designed to correct a single error and a firmware component designed to correct the remaining errors. In this manner, firmware operation is bypassed in situations where only one error is present and the complexity of the necessary hardware is significantly reduced.
US08381081B1 Data loss protection switch system and method
Systems and methods for data loss protection are presented. In one embodiment, a data loss protection switch includes a first port, a second port, an error threshold management component and a multiplexer. Components of the data loss protection switch cooperatively operate to efficiently protect data. The first port receives information from a first data stream. The second port receives data from a second data stream. The error threshold management component analyzes errors in the first data stream and the second data stream. The multiplexer is controlled by the error threshold management component and selects among the first and second data streams based on the analysis.
US08381080B2 Reducing a degree of a polynomial in a polynomial division calculation
An apparatus generally having a lookup table and a circuit is disclosed. The lookup table may be configured to store a plurality of results including remainders of divisions by a particular polynomial. The circuit may be configured to (i) parse a first polynomial into a plurality of data blocks and an end block, (ii) fetch a plurality of results from the lookup table by indexing the lookup table with each of the data blocks and (iii) generate a second polynomial by adding the results fetched from the lookup table to the end block. The second polynomial generally has a second degree that is lower that a first degree of the first polynomial.
US08381079B2 Simplified LDPC encoding for digital communications
Encoder circuitry for applying a low-density parity check (LDPC) code to information words is disclosed. The encoder circuitry takes advantage of a macro matrix arrangement of the LDPC parity check matrix in which the parity portion of the parity check matrix is arranged as a macro matrix in which all block columns but one define a recursion path. The parity check matrix is factored so that the last block column of the parity portion includes an invertible cyclic matrix as its entry in a selected block row, with all other parity portion columns in that selected block row being zero-valued, thus permitting solution of the parity bits for that block column from the information portion of the parity check matrix and the information word to be encoded. Solution of the other parity bits can then be readily performed, from the original (non-factored) parity portion of the parity check matrix, following the recursion path.
US08381078B2 Multi-channel statistical multiplexing of FEC decoders
A method for dividing a total number of decoders among decoder queues of codewords of different sizes, the codewords transmitted on return communication links from data terminals to a gateway of a satellite communications system, includes for each of K groups, allocating a respective number of decoders dedicated to decoding codewords of a particular size, where K is a number of different sizes of codewords, and the respective number of decoders is allocated from the total number of decoders and allocated in proportion to current offered load of codewords of the particular size.
US08381074B1 Systems and methods for utilizing a centralized queue based data processing circuit
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a method for data processing is disclosed that includes: providing a data detection circuit including a first detection processing circuit, a second detection processing circuit, a decoder processing circuit, and a memory circuit; performing a data detection algorithm on an input data set by the first detection processing circuit to yield a first detected output; writing a derivative of the first detected output to the memory circuit; accessing the derivative of the first detected output from the memory circuit; performing a decoder algorithm on the derivative of the first detected output using the decoder processing circuit to yield a decoded output; writing the decoded output to the memory circuit; accessing the decoded output from the memory circuit; and performing the data detection algorithm on a combination of the input data set and the decoded output to yield a second detected output.
US08381073B2 System-on-a-chip storing chip data and/or security data and method of processing chip data and/or security data for a device
A system-on-a-chip (SOC) includes a memory system, a data processor and a read only memory (ROM). The memory system includes random access memory and a memory controller. The data processor includes at least one functional block that communicates data with the memory system via the memory controller. The ROM stores data and one or more parity bits for detecting and correcting errors in the data. The data includes chip information and/or security information for the SOC. A method of using the SOC includes storing data in the ROM that includes chip information and/or security information for the SOC; storing in the ROM the one or more parity bits for the data; reading the data and the one or more parity bits from the ROM; detecting and correcting errors in the data using the one or more parity bits; and outputting the corrected data.
US08381070B2 Semiconductor memory device and control method thereof
To provide a memory array for information bit that stores information bits, a memory array for check bit that stores check bits, a correction circuit that, in response to a write request, reads the information bit and the check bit corresponding to a write address from the respective memory arrays and corrects an error included in the information bit, and a mixer temporarily holding information bit corrected by the correction circuit. The mixer overwrites only a part of bytes of the held information bits with write data according to a byte mask signal. Accordingly, a capacity required for the memory array for check bit can be reduced while the byte mask function is maintained.
US08381063B2 Decoding apparatus and method based on variable error correction value
Provided is a decoding apparatus and method based on a variable error correction value. The decoding method includes setting an initial normalized factor and a normalized factor correction value, initially updating a check node based on the initial normalized factor, and updating the check node based on a variable error correction value acquired by adding the initial normalized factor and the normalized factor correction value.
US08381058B2 Wireless transmission method and apparatus
A method of transmitting a data sequence between a sender and a receiver over a wireless link. The method comprises, at the sender, segmenting the data sequence into a plurality of data segments and, for each segment, constructing a frame containing as payload the data segment, transmitting the frame across the wireless link, and receiving an acknowledgement or non-acknowledgement from said receiver for the frame, and only upon receipt of such acknowledgement or non-acknowledgement, retransmitting the frame or transmitting a further frame containing as payload the next data segment.
US08381056B2 Apparatus and method for handling data error in data transmission system including relay station
A method and apparatus for handling data error in a data transmission system including a relay station which receives a data from a transmission apparatus and transmits the data to a receiving apparatus is provided. A relay station which transmits, to a receiving apparatus, a data received from a transmission apparatus, the relay station including: a data receiver to receive the data from the transmission apparatus; an error detector to detect whether an error of the received data is generated; and a data transmitter to transmit the received data and an error generation indicator for the received data to the receiving apparatus when the error is generated. According to the present invention, it is possible to combine transmitted data with retransmitted data and decode error-free data by transmitting data including a generated error to a receiving apparatus when error is again generated in the retransmitted data.
US08381051B2 Testing of multi-clock domains
A system for testing multi-clock domains in an integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of clock sources coupled to a plurality of clock controllers. Each of the clock sources generates a fast clock associated with one of the multi-clock domains. Each of the clock controllers is configured to provide capture pulses to test one clock domain. The capture pulses provided to a clock domain are at a frequency of a fast clock associated with the clock domain. The clock controllers operate sequentially to provide the capture pulses to test the clock domains.
US08381050B2 Method and apparatus for increased effectiveness of delay and transition fault testing
The invention disclosed herein provides increased effectiveness of delay and transition fault testing. The method of delay fault testing integrated circuits comprises the steps of creating a plurality of test clock gating groups. The plurality of test clock gating groups comprising elements defining inter-element signal paths within the integrated circuit. Each of the elements of the plurality of test clock gating groups share clock frequency and additional shared characteristics. At least one test signal is commonly and selectively connected through at least one low-speed gate transistor to each of the elements comprising each of the plurality of test clock gating groups based on membership in the test clock gating group. This invention can also be practiced using scan-enable gating groups for the same purposes.
US08381049B2 Apparatus and method for testing shadow logic
A system for testing faults in shadow logic includes a sequential block coupled to a shadow logic block and a delaying block to receive test patterns for testing the shadow logic block. The delaying block delays the test patterns by an access time of the sequential block to generate delayed test patterns. The delayed test patterns are passed to the shadow logic block for testing faults.
US08381044B2 Systems and methods for network information collection
A network device may include logic configured to receive a problem report from a second network device, store and analyze data included in the problem report, filter data in the problem report to determine when the problem report is to be transmitted to a third network device, and transmit the problem report to the third network device when the filtering determines that the problem report is to be transmitted.
US08381039B1 Storage of mass data for monitoring
Disclosed in various embodiments are systems and methods providing for storage of mass data such as metrics. A plurality of data models are generated in the server from a stream of metrics describing a state of a system. Each of the metrics is associated with one of a plurality of consecutive periods of time, and each data model represents the metrics associated with a corresponding one of the consecutive periods of time. The data models are stored in a data store and each of the metrics is discarded after use in generating at least one of the data models.
US08381038B2 Management server and management system
An operation management system 12 alleviates the burden on an administrator 103 who carries out reappearance monitoring of a failure that occurred in a computer system 11. The operation management system 12 detects one or more detected events occurring in the computer system 11, and selects a first causal laws code 180 included in a causal laws information 168 based on the causal laws information 168 and the detected event. The operation management system 12, in a case where the composition of the computer system 11 has been changed to eliminate the cause of generation of the detected event, selects a second causal laws code 180 included in a post-change causal laws information 168 based on the post-change causal laws information 168 and the first causal laws code 180, and notifies the administrator 103 of information related to the selected second causal laws code 180.
US08381037B2 Method and system for autonomic execution path selection in an application
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product in a data processing system are presented for using hardware assistance for gathering performance information that significantly reduces the overhead in gathering such information. Performance indicators are associated with instructions or memory locations, and processing of the performance indicators enables counting of events associated with execution of those instructions or events associated with accesses to those memory locations. The performance information that has been dynamically gathered from the assisting hardware is available to the software application during runtime in order to autonomically affect the behavior of the software application, particularly to enhance its performance. For example, the counted events may be used to autonomically control an execution-path selection within the software application.
US08381034B2 Method for testing server supporting intelligent platform management interface
A testing method for a server supporting an intelligent platform management interface (IPMI) is applied to test a server before an operating system (OS) of the server operates. The test method includes the following steps. A baseboard management controller (BMC) of the server is activated. The server is activated, and a monitoring module is operated. Real-time status data of the server stored in the BMC of the server is obtained. The monitoring module executes a pre-test procedure according to the real-time status data of the server before the OS operates. A test result of the pre-test procedure is stored.
US08381020B1 Method and apparatus for facilitating control interface failover in a removable media storage device
A method and apparatus for facilitating control interface failover in a media storage device is described. In one embodiment, the method couples a media changer device to a plurality of removable media storage drives, where each removable media storage drive comprises a first port having a first port name and assigns a second port name to either the first port or to a second port of a first removable media storage drive in the plurality of removable media storage drives, where the second port name comprises at least a portion of portable identity data. The method preserves the portable identity data to be utilized during a control interface failover process to transfer the second port name from the first removable media storage drive to a second removable media storage drive in the plurality of removable media storage drives.
US08381018B2 Method for data recovery for flash devices
The invention provides a method for data recovery. In one embodiment, a memory comprises a plurality of pages for data storage. First, first data is obtained from a host. A first page for storing the first data is then selected from the pages of the memory. A start page link indicating the first page is then stored in the memory. The first data, a first page link indicating a next page, and first FTL fragment data corresponding to the first page are then written into the first page. Next data is then obtained from the host. The next data, a next page link indicating a subsequent page, and FTL fragment data corresponding to the next page are written into the next page.
US08381017B2 Automated node fencing integrated within a quorum service of a cluster infrastructure
A quorum service within a cluster infrastructure layer of a cluster environment comprising a plurality of nodes automatically triggers at least one automated fencing operation integrated within the quorum service, to reliably maintain a node usability state of each node of the plurality of nodes indicating an availability of each node to control and access at least one shared resource of the cluster. The quorum service reports the node usability state of each node as a cluster health status to at least one distributed application within an application layer of the cluster environment, to provide a reliable cluster health status of the plurality of nodes to the at least one distributed application for a failover of said at least one shared resource from control by a failed node from among the plurality of nodes to another node from among the plurality of nodes.
US08381015B2 Fault tolerance for map/reduce computing
Embodiments of the invention include a method for fault tolerance management of workers nodes during map/reduce computing in a computing cluster. The method includes subdividing a computational problem into a set of sub-problems, mapping a selection of the sub-problems in the set to respective nodes in the cluster, directing processing of the sub-problems in the respective nodes, and collecting results from completion of processing of the sub-problems. During a first early temporal portion of processing the computational problem, failed nodes are detected and the sub-problems currently being processed by the failed nodes are re-processed. Conversely, during a second later temporal portion of processing the computational problem, sub-problems in nodes not yet completely processed are replicated into other nodes, processing of the replicated sub-problems directed, and the results from completion of processing of sub-problems collected. Finally, duplicate results are removed and remaining results reduced into a result set for the problem.
US08381014B2 Node controller first failure error management for a distributed system
A distributed system provides error handling wherein the system includes multiple nodes, each node being coupled to multiple node controllers for control redundancy. Multiple system controllers couple to the node controllers via a network bus. A particular node controller may detect an error of that particular node controller. The particular node controller may store error information relating to the detected error in respective nonvolatile memory stores in the system controllers and node controllers according to a particular priority order. In accordance with the particular priority order, for example, the particular node controller may first attempt to store the error information to a primary system controller memory store, then to a secondary system controller memory store, and then to sibling and non-sibling node controller memory stores. The primary system controller organizes available error information for use by system administrators and other resources of the distributed system.
US08381013B2 Method and apparatus for detecting and handling peer faults in peer-to-peer network
A method and apparatus for detecting and handling peer faults in a Peer-to-Peer network are disclosed. A peer in the P2P network receives a diagnosis request message; then detects whether a peer is faulty according to a preset fault detection method; and sends a diagnosis response message to a source peer that constructs the diagnosis request message or a peer specified by the diagnosis request message, where the diagnosis response message carries a detection result, and the detection result carries information about the faulty peer if the peer is detected as faulty. Through the technical solution under the present invention, the faults of the peers on the forwarding path in the P2P network can be detected.
US08381012B2 Apparatus and method for redundant and spread spectrum clocking
An apparatus and method for fault-tolerant and spread spectrum clocking. In one embodiment a master clock synthesizer circuit generates an output clock signal of varying frequency within a predetermined range of frequencies. A slave clock synthesizer circuit is provided to track the output clock signal generated by the master clock synthesizer circuit. If the master clock synthesizer circuit fails or generates an invalid output clock signal, the slave clock synthesizer circuit takes over and functions as the master clock synthesizer circuit. In one embodiment a method of fault-tolerant spread spectrum clocking includes generating a first digital data stream; receiving the first digital data stream, a first input reference signal and a first clock signal in a master clock synthesizer circuit; generating an first output clock signal of varying frequency by the master clock synthesizer circuit in response to the first digital data stream and the first clock signal.
US08381011B2 Adjusting period of clock interruption that triggers processing of processes in run queue at plural threshold depth levels
The present application relates to a method and an apparatus for adjusting a period of clock interruption. The method comprises: determining a number of processes in a run-queue of a processor; and determining the period of clock interruption for use in a run state of the processor such that the period of clock interruption for use when the number of the processes is greater than a reference threshold is less than the period of clock interruption for use when the number of the processes is not greater than the reference threshold. The apparatus comprises a first determination block and a second determination block. With the method and apparatus according to the embodiment of the application, it is possible to dynamically adjust the period of clock interruption such that the period of clock interruption for use in the run state of the processor can be changed according to needs with flexibility.
US08381010B2 Glitch-free clock switching circuit
A circuit for switching clocks includes a first input intended to receive a first clock signal at a frequency alternately equal to a first value or a second value, a second input intended to receive a second clock signal, synchronous with the first clock signal, at a third frequency and an output intended to deliver a third clock signal at a frequency alternately equal to the first value or the third value.
US08381005B2 Processor and memory folding for managing power consumption in information processing systems
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing power consumption in information processing systems. Processing resources are successively folded, allowing them to be placed into deeper and deeper power saving states while maintaining the ability to respond to new processing loads without exposing the latency of the deeper power saving states as they are unfolded. Before a deeper power saving state can be used, there must be sufficient processing resources in the prior power saving state to mask the latency of bringing a processing resource out of the deeper power saving state.
US08381003B2 Memory relocation in computer for power saving
A computer system comprises a computer that includes a plurality of CPU sockets including one or more CPU cores, a crossbar switch, and a memory controller each, and memories connected under the respective plurality of CPU sockets, the plurality of CPU sockets being connected to each other. When all the CPU cores in a CPU socket enter a power saving state and a total amount of memory use falls below a predetermined threshold, the computer relocates contents of the memory connected under the CPU socket to a memory under another CPU socket, thereby eliminating an access to the memory connected under the CPU socket and bringing a whole of the CPU socket into the power saving state.
US08381000B2 Demand based power allocation
A demand based power re-allocation system includes one or more subsystems to assign a power allocation level to a plurality of servers, wherein the power allocation level is assigned by priority of the server. The system may throttle power for one or more of the plurality of servers approaching the power allocation level, wherein throttling includes limiting performance of a processor, track server power throttling for the plurality of servers. The method compares power throttling for a first server with power throttling for remaining servers in the plurality of servers and adjusts throttling of the plurality of servers, wherein throttled servers receive excess power from unthrottled servers.
US08380999B1 Power management for electronic devices
An electronic user device can provide intelligent power management. The device can monitor information such as charge level and rate of power consumption, and determine an appropriate time to charge the device. If a device is placed on a charger at a time when the device does not require charging, and the charging could potentially shorten the life of the device battery, the device might activate an internal switch or communicate with the charger to prevent the device from being charged. The device can be configured to notify the user when the device should be charged using any number of notification approaches. If the device is unable to be charged during a certain period, or the rate of power consumption exceeds at least one set value, the device can adjust functionality of various components and/or applications in order to conserve power until the device is able to be charged.
US08380998B2 Inductive receivers for electrical devices
A power providing system for an electrical device includes a secondary inductor, wired to the electrical device, for inductively coupling with a primary inductor hardwired to a power supply. The secondary inductor is incorporated into an accessory of the electrical device.
US08380996B2 Copy-protected software cartridge
A cartridge preferably for use with a game console. The cartridge comprises a ROM, a non-volatile memory, a processor and an encryption unit. An application running on the console may read data from the ROM, read data from the non-volatile memory, and write data in the non-volatile memory. Data to be written in the non-volatile memory is encrypted by the encryption unit, but data to be read is returned in encrypted form for decryption by a decryption function of the game application. Data may also be received encrypted to be decrypted and returned. The encryption or decryption unit may also receive data from the non-volatile memory and send it to the interface. The invention improves on the prior art copy protection as a hacker must reverse engineer the game application in order to copy it, if the encryption unit is unknown. The invention also provides an optical medium equipped with a RFID circuit.
US08380995B1 Process for login of a computing device with a touchscreen
A method, a system, and a computer-readable medium are provided for identifying a user on a computing device using biometric hand data. An indication is received that a hand of a user has been placed on a touchscreen of a computing device. The locations of a plurality of user contact points made between the hand of the user and the touchscreen that define a user hand framework are determined. The user hand framework is matched with a corresponding stored hand framework, defined by a plurality of stored contact points, from a data repository. Finally, the user is identified based on the corresponding hand framework.
US08380989B2 System and method for second factor authentication
As individuals increasingly engage in different types of transactions they face a growing threat from, possibly among other things, identity theft, financial fraud, information misuse, etc. and the serious consequences or repercussions of same. Leveraging the ubiquitous nature of wireless devices and the popularity of (Short Message Service, Multimedia Message Service, etc.) messaging, an infrastructure that enhances the security of the different types of transactions within which a wireless device user may participate through a Second Factor Authentication facility. The infrastructure may optionally leverage the capabilities of a centrally-located Messaging Inter-Carrier Vendor.
US08380985B2 Certificate validation method and certificate validation server and storage medium
A certificate validation method for causing a certificate validation server to receive a certificate validation request from a given terminal device, build a certification path of from a first certificate authority (CA) to a second CA, perform validation of the certification path, and send a validation result to the terminal which issued the certificate validation request is disclosed. The validation server detects either a key update of any given CA or a compromise of the given CA, acquires a certificate of relevant CA and first certificate status information and second certificate status information, stores the acquired information in a storage unit or, alternatively, updates the information stored in the storage based on the acquired information, and performs the building of a certification path and validation of the certification path by use of the information of the storage unit.
US08380983B2 File encryption system and method
An electronic document comparison system and method converts a test file into a compressed file having a specific format. A public key of the CA certificate of a user is obtained and a random key is generated using a random function. Furthermore, the compressed file is symmetrically encrypted using the random key, and the random key is asymmetrically encrypted using the public key to generate an asymmetric encryption key. A header of the compressed file is attached with the asymmetric encryption key and data length of the asymmetric encryption key.
US08380982B2 Communication device and communication method
A communication device for performing communication by employing first and second communication units, includes: a reception unit for receiving a communication packet including a random number generated for every connection with another communication device, a certificate calculated with the random number, and authentication method information indicating whether or not an authentication method at the second communication unit is compatible with the public key system, through the first communication unit; and a method determining unit for determining whether or not an originator of the communication packet accepts public key encryption based on the authentication method information included in the communication packet; wherein in a case of the method determining unit determining that the originator of the communication packet does not accept the public key system, the random number included in the communication packet is replied to the originator as the identification information of the device itself.
US08380977B2 Peer-to-peer communication method for near field communication
A peer-to-peer communication method for NFC is provided. A link-level security is started by exchanging a link-level security request and a link-level security response between an initiator terminal and a target terminal, then transmission data are encrypted at link-level security layers of the initiator terminal and the target terminal, and the encrypted data are exchanged between the initiator terminal and the target terminal. The link-level security is released by exchanging a link-level security release request and a link-level security release response between the initiator terminal and the target terminal.
US08380976B2 System, server, method, and computer program for relaying electronic mail
A system, a server, a method, and a computer program are described for relaying an electronic mail without a leak of secret information included in a quoted electronic mail to an unintended recipient without impairing the usability of the electronic mail system. The server receives an electronic mail that is newly created by one of the clients with quotation from one or a plurality of electronic mails received in the past. The server determines, for each quoted electronic mail quoted in the received electronic mail, whether a destination designated in the received electronic mail is included in an originator and a destination set in each quoted electronic mail. The server edits the content of each quoted electronic mail that is determined not to include the destination designated in the received electronic mail. The server transfers the electronic mail including the edited quoted electronic mail to the designated destination. The server stores edition information for returning the edited quoted electronic mail to a state before the editing in association with information that identifies the received electronic mail.
US08380974B2 Virtual appliance pre-boot authentication
A system for pre-boot authentication of a virtual appliance includes one or more subsystems to receive a command to power-on an information handling system (IHS). After receiving the command to power-on the IHS, the system initializes a power-on self test (POST), passes control of the IHS to a hypervisor, loads a concurrent service environment (CSE), requests user credentials, receives user credentials, authenticates user credentials using the CSE and authorizes a specific operating system image from a plurality of images to run on the IHS via the virtual appliance after the user credentials are authenticated.
US08380971B2 Information handling systems including network adapters and methods of booting the information handling systems using boot configuration information from remote sources
A system can be operable to receive boot configuration information from a remote source independent of the type of initiator (e.g., software or hardware) used by an information handling system. The information handling system having the initiator can be coupled to the remote source, which includes the boot configuration information, and a storage array that includes a boot image. While operating within a pre-operating system (pre-OS) environment, the information handling system can create a boot configuration table and populate the boot configuration table with the boot configuration information. The boot configuration information can include an address for the boot image and information for configuring an OS initiator to be used when loading the OS.
US08380967B2 Electronic device, power-on method for an electronic device, and program
An information processing unit and a storage unit are connected to each other through any one of a first interface, which is capable of interconnection in which the storage unit is powered on first, and after the storage unit is put into operation, the information processing unit is powered on, and a second interface, which is incapable of interconnection. The information processing unit has a PROM storing information on type of interface. The management unit reads out the type from the PROM upon reception of an instruction to power on the information processing unit. When the information processing unit is connected to the storage unit through the first interface, power-on is performed by predetermined control. When the information processing unit is not connected to the storage unit through the first interface, the storage unit is powered on, and then, the information processing unit is powered on.
US08380965B2 Channel-based runtime engine for stream processing
An apparatus to facilitate design of a stream processing flow that satisfies an objective, wherein the flow includes at least three processing groups, wherein a first processing group includes a data source and an operator, a second processing group includes a data source and an operator and a third processing group includes a join operator at its input and another operator, wherein data inside each group is organized by channels and each channel is a sequence of data, wherein an operator producing a data channel does not generate new data for the channel until old data of the channel is received by all other operators in the same group, and wherein data that flows from the first and second groups to the third group is done asynchronously and is stored in a queue if not ready for processing by an operator of the third group.
US08380963B2 Apparatus and method for enabling inter-sequencer communication following lock competition and accelerator registration
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for communicating an assertion signal from a first instruction sequencer to a plurality of accelerators coupled to the first instruction sequencer, detecting the assertion signal in the accelerators and communicating a request for a lock, and registering an accelerator that achieves the lock by communication of a registration message for the accelerator to the first instruction sequencer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08380961B2 Methods and systems for formatting storage volumes
Methods, systems, and computer storage mediums including a computer program product method for formatting storage volumes are provided. One method includes creating a storage volume including a global counter and partitioned into multiple storage segments including a segment counter and partitioned into multiple stripes, wherein the global counter and each segment counter match at an initial time. The method further includes releasing the storage segments prior to completely reformatting the storage volume and subsequently incrementing the global counter such that the global counter and each segment counter no longer match at a subsequent time. The method further includes enabling a user to write data to the storage segments prior to completely reformatting the storage volume in response to incrementing the global counter. One system includes a processor for performing the above method and one computer storage medium includes a computer program product configured to perform the above method.
US08380954B1 Failover method and system
Method and system is provided for performing a failover operation during which a second storage system takes over the management of a storage volume managed by a first storage system. The first storage system may also manage a plurality of replicated copies of the storage volume and maintain metadata for storing information regarding the replicated copies. The failover operation is completed without having the second storage system read all the metadata.
US08380949B2 Managing write operations to an extent of tracks migrated between storage devices
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for managing write operations to an extent of tracks migrated between storage device. An operation is processed to migrate an extent of tracks from the second storage to the first storage. A determination is made as to whether an extent object exists for the extent to migrate. The extent object exists if the extent was previously migrated from the first storage to the second storage at a previous time. The extent object includes for each track a write indicator indicating whether the track was updated in the second storage since the previous time when the extent was previously migrated to the second storage. In response to determining that the extent object exists, a determination is made of the tracks in the extent having the write indicator indicating that the track was updated in the second storage since the previous time. The data for the determined tracks is copied from the second storage to free locations in the first storage. For each determined track, the entry for the determined track in the extent object is updated to indicate the free location to which the data for the track was copied as an active address for the track.
US08380941B2 Dynamic nest level determination for nested transactional memory rollback
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to nested transaction rollback and provide a method, system and computer program product for dynamic nest level determination for nested transaction rollback. In an embodiment of the invention, a nested transaction rollback method can be provided. The method can include detecting a violation of a block of memory accessed within a set of nested transactions, retrieving a tentative rollback level for the violation, discarding a speculative state for the block of memory at each level of the set of nested transactions up to and including the tentative rollback level, refining the tentative rollback level to a lower level in the set of nested transactions, and additionally discarding a speculative state for the block of memory at additional levels in the set of nested transactions up to and including the refined rollback level.
US08380940B2 Multi-channel multi-port memory
A multi-channel multi-port memory is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the multi-channel memory includes a plurality of channels responsive to a plurality of memory controllers. The multi-channel memory may also include a first multi-port multi-bank structure accessible to a first set of the plurality of channels and a second multi-port multi-bank structure accessible to a second set of the plurality of channels.
US08380936B2 Multi-core processor system and multi-core processor
According to one embodiment, a state manager classifies an area allocated to the multi-core processor in a first memory area into one of a first state in which allocation to processor cores is not performed, a second state in which allocation to one of the processor cores is performed and read and write are performed, and a third state in which allocation to one or more of the processor cores is performed and read and write are prohibited, and further performs a transition from one of the first state, the second state, and the third state to another. A cache/memory manager writes back a corresponding cache when the state manager performs the transition from the second state to the third state.
US08380934B2 Cache device
A cache device interposed between a processor and a memory device, including: a cache memory storing data from the memory device; a buffer holding output data output from the processor; a control circuit determining, on the basis of a request to access the memory device, whether a cache hit has occurred or not and, if a cache miss has occurred, storing the output data in the buffer in response to the access request, outputting a read request for reading the data in a line containing data requested by the access request from the memory device, storing data output from the line of the memory device into the cache memory, and storing the output data from the buffer into the cache memory.
US08380933B2 Multiprocessor system including processor cores and a shared memory
A multiprocessor system includes cache memories each of which is provided in correspondence with one of processor cores and includes a tag storage unit configured to store validity information representing whether a cache line as a unit to store data is valid, update information representing whether data in the cache line has been rewritten, and address information of the data in the cache line, a shared memory shared by the processor cores, and an arbitration circuit configured to arbitrate access requests from the processor cores to the shared memory and send the arbitrated access request to the cache memories. Each cache memory includes a violation detection circuit configured to detect a violation access by comparing the information in the tag storage unit with the access request from the arbitration circuit.
US08380932B1 Contextual regeneration of pages for web-based applications
Systems and methods for invalidating and regenerating pages. In one embodiment, a method can include detecting content changes in a content database including various objects. The method can include causing an invalidation generator to generate an invalidation based on the modification and communicating the invalidation to a dependency manager. A cache manager can be notified that pages in a cache might be invalidated based on the modification via a page invalidation notice. In some embodiments, the content change can affect a set of objects which can be defined by an attribute of the objects. The content change can be the creation or deletion of some object(s) in the content database. The cached page can be regenerated during which various dependencies of the regenerated page can be discovered.
US08380921B2 Searching a content addressable memory with modifiable comparands
A method includes searching a content addressable memory based on a comparand. The comparand includes a collection of bits. A modified comparand is generated by modifying the comparand. The modified comparand is based at least in part on a comparand overlay data value. The content addressable memory is also searched with the modified comparand.
US08380920B2 Flash storage device and data access method of flash memory
The invention provides a data access method of a flash memory. First, a write command, a write address, and target data are received from a host. A target block corresponding to the write address is then determined from the flash memory. Whether a storage space corresponding to the write address in the target block has stored data therein is then determined. When the storage space of the target block does not have stored data therein, the target data is written into the storage space of the target block. When the storage space of the target block does have stored data therein, whether a child block mapped to the target block exists in the flash memory is determined. When the child block exists in the flash memory, the target data is written into the child block.
US08380917B2 Command control for synchronous memory device
Systems, methods, and circuits for command control for synchronous memory device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory device comprises a first synchronous memory controlled by a second group of commands which includes a first command receiving section for receiving a first group of commands, and a second command receiving section for receiving a command that is unique to the first synchronous memory and different from the first group of commands during execution of the first group of commands received by the first command receiving section. The synchronous memory further comprises a second synchronous memory controlled by the first group of commands, where the first synchronous memory and the second synchronous memory are coupled to a same data bus, and where the second group of commands is different from the first group of commands.
US08380912B2 Transparent repeater device for handling displayport configuration data (DPCD)
Consistent with an example embodiment a repeater device is provided for handling signal transmissions, in particular in a DisplayPort environment. The repeater is to be coupled with an upstream device and a downstream device, the repeater being adapted for transmitting signals received from the upstream device to the downstream device and for conditioning the signals before transmission. The repeater is configured to provide a transparent communication path between the upstream device and the downstream device for DPCD access transactions belonging to a second group of DPCD access transactions. For DPCD access transactions belonging to a first group of DPCD access transaction, the repeater is configured to process the DPCD access transactions by accessing one or more DPCD registers included in the repeater.
US08380906B2 Method and system for implementing interrupt service routines
Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for interrupt handling in Java™ are provided. In some illustrative embodiments, a method for interrupt handling in Java software that executes on a processor comprising creating a Java representation of an interrupt vector table, instantiating a first Java object comprising a first Java method for handling an interrupt, inserting a reference to the first Java object in the Java representation of the interrupt vector table at a location corresponding to a level of the interrupt, and updating a location in the system level interrupt vector table corresponding to the level of the interrupt using the contents of the location in the Java representation.
US08380900B2 Systems and methods for compressing files for storage and operation on compressed files
Methods and systems for creating, reading, and writing compressed files in a computer system comprising a file system coupled with storage medium and at least one application program interface (API) configured to communicate with the file system by means of file access-related requests are provided. The file access-related requests are intercepted in order to provide at least one of the following: a) to derive and compress data corresponding to the intercepted file access request and to facilitate storing the compressed data at the storage medium as a compressed file; b) to facilitate restoring at least part of compressed data corresponding to the intercepted file request and communicating the resulting data through the API. The compressed files comprise plurality of compressed units. One or more corresponding compressed units may be read and/or updated with no need of restoring the entire file while maintaining de-fragmented structure of the compressed file.
US08380897B2 Host computer, computer terminal, and card access method
According to one embodiment, the host controller includes a transmission circuit that encodes transmission data, according to a serial transfer format, a reception circuit that decodes received data, according to the serial transfer format, a variable frequency clock generator that generates a card clock and a transfer clock, a card clock output unit that outputs the card clock to the memory card, an interface unit that includes both a transmission interface that transfers the transmission data from the transmission circuit to the memory card in synchronization with the transfer clock and a reception interface that transfers received data from the memory card to the reception circuit in synchronization with the transfer clock, and a setting register circuit that holds setting information for an input/output method of the memory card, and controls frequency of the transfer clock generated by the variable frequency clock generator, based on the setting information.
US08380895B2 Data packer for packing and aligning write data
A data packer of an input/output hub of a computer system packs and formats write data that is supplied to it before the write data is written into a memory unit of the computer system. More particularly, the data packer accumulates write data received from lower bandwidth clients for delivery to a high bandwidth memory interface. Also, the data packer aligns the write data, so that when the write data is read out from the write data packer, no further alignment is needed.
US08380888B2 System and method for determining printer health
A system and method for determining whether a printing device is operating properly may include determining, by a computing device, whether a protocol is supported by a printing device. Using the supported protocol, implementation information may be transmitted to the printing device. Response information may be received from the printing device. A result based on the response information may be reported. The result may be indicative of the operation of the protocol on the printing device.
US08380879B2 Interface devices for facilitating communications between devices and communications networks
Interface devices for facilitating communications between devices and communications networks are provided. According to one aspect, a destination interface device for providing communications between a first device and a second device comprises one or more inputs, one or more outputs, and logic. The one or more inputs of the destination interface device receive data in a first format from a source interface device. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second device. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the one or more outputs. The destination interface device may subscribe to the source interface device for access to enhanced features as well as for access to data associated with communications networks and devices.
US08380876B2 Communication apparatus
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus comprises a first communication module, a terminal, a second communication module and an address management module. The first communication module is configured to communicate with at least one device in accordance with a first communication scheme. The second communication module is configured to communicate with at least one device in accordance with a second communication scheme via the terminal. Lastly, the address management module is configured to assign a first physical address value to said at least one device via the second communication module based on an identification (ID) value of the apparatus, wherein the first physical address value is information associated with the second communication scheme and the ID value is information associated with the first communication scheme and is assigned based on an assignment scheme defined by the first communication scheme.
US08380875B1 Method and system for addressing a communication document for transmission over a network based on the content thereof
A method of addressing a communication, such as an e-mail, for transmission over a network is disclosed. A knowledge server accesses a descriptive profile for each of a number of potential recipients of the communication. A subset of the potential recipients is identified as suggested recipients based on detected correspondences between the content of the communication and the contents of the respective descriptive profiles for the potential recipients. The subset of suggested recipients is then presented to the sender of the communication, in conjunction with an indication of the correspondence between the content of the communication and the contents of the respective descriptive profiles. The indication of the correspondence may, for example, include highlighting terms within the communication that match published terms within the descriptive profiles of the suggested recipients.
US08380871B1 Efficient delayed overhead processing techniques
Techniques for processing overhead bytes in SONET or SDH frames are provided. Memory stores overhead bytes from the SONET (or SDH) frames. One or more processors load the overhead bytes from the memory. The one or more processors can process the overhead bytes away from the data path at a slower data rate than the data rate of data on the data path. By processing the overhead bytes at a slower data rate, less circuitry is needed to process the overhead bytes. Bytes on the data path are stored in a first-in-first-out delay buffer, while the overhead bytes are processed away from the data path, to maintain alignment between output signals of the processors and bytes on the data path.
US08380869B2 Method and device for processing simultaneous media streams
A method for processing simultaneous media streams includes receiving an indication at a user terminal. The indication is related to a manner for processing simultaneous media streams. The user terminal processes the simultaneous media streams according to the indication when receiving the simultaneous media streams.
US08380868B2 Method and system for data transmission
A method, program and system for transmitting a data stream to a group of recipient nodes from a source node via an intermediate node over a communication network, wherein the data stream is associated with a first unique identifier to identify the content of the data stream. The method includes the source node generating a second identifier, the second identifier distinct from the first unique identifier, and associating the second identifier with the data stream to identify that the data stream is to be received by the group of recipient nodes; transmitting routing information comprising the second identifier to the intermediate node; transmitting the data stream from the source node to the intermediate node; and responsive to receiving the data stream at the intermediate node, reading the second identifier and routing the data stream to the group of recipient nodes in accordance with the routing information.
US08380862B2 Method and apparatus for user-specific website claiming
A system and method for claiming a user-specific website associated to a user's telephone number is disclosed. The present invention provides for user identity verification through telephone number detection. The user-specific website requested is associated to the telephone number of the requesting user. This prevents the potential for anonymity, which is found in present methods. Potential users must “authenticate” that they have access to the phone number of the website that they are attempting to claim. Website claiming can be done by first requesting a user-specific website online and then accessing the system's telephone service for phone number verification. In the alternative, website claiming can be performed by first calling the system phone number for phone verification, followed by online website claim completion.
US08380861B2 End-to-end (E2E) service level agreement (SLA) compliance across both managed and unmanaged network segments
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to e2e SLA support in a network of both manageable and unmanageable portions and provide a method, system and computer program product for e2e SLA compliance across both managed and unmanaged network segments. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for e2e SLA compliance across both managed and unmanaged network segments can be provided. The method can include identifying both a managed segment and an unmanaged segment of an e2e network for a communications path implicated by an SLA, determining an observed delay for the unmanaged segment of the e2e network, computing from a desired delay for the communications path and the observed delay a differential delay, and constraining the managed segment to meet the differential delay in order to assure meeting the desired delay for the communications path implicated by the SLA.
US08380858B2 System and method for telecommunication with a web-based network, such as a social network
A system and method is described for establishing a communications session between a telecommunications device and one or more registered users on web-based networks, such as social networks. Further details and features are described herein.
US08380855B2 HTTP header intermediary for enabling session-based dynamic site searches
In a computer network environment, a content-based session request issued by a search engine agent is modified to enable the search engine to index information from a server to maintain a state connection where the search engine agent cannot maintain session identification. The content-based session request is modified by a header intermediary module which then directs the request to target servers. The response from the web server is again modified by the header intermediary module prior to being sent to the client that issued the request. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US08380851B2 Domain name resolution resource allocation
A content delivery network (CDN) for delivering content over the Internet is disclosed in one embodiment. The CDN includes a domain resolution service (DNS) server, caching servers and an Internet interface. The caching servers correspond to a plurality of addresses. The DNS server receives two domain resolution requests corresponding to a same domain and produces two different DNS solutions, each corresponding to a subset of caching servers. The interface receives domain resolution requests, including the two domain resolution requests, and transmits DNS solutions, including the two DNS solutions. The processing power is generally matched between the two DNS solutions.
US08380844B2 Monitoring digital images
Digital images are monitored by enabling access to a digital image, receiving a notification associated with the digital image from a first user, and regulating access of the first user to the digital image based on the notification received from the first user.
US08380843B2 System and method for determining affinity groups and co-locating the affinity groups in a distributing network
In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for determining one or more affinity groups in a distributed network is provided. A first distributed computing device is operably coupled to a plurality of clients for enabling electronic interactive activities therebetween. The first distributed computing device is configured to detect at least one network interaction among the plurality of clients. The first distributed computing device is further configured to generate at least one weighted value based on the number of detected network interactions. The first distributed computing device is further configured to establish an affinity group comprising at least one client from the plurality of clients based on the at least one weighted value.
US08380842B2 System and methods for the universal integration of plant floor assets and a computerized management system
A server platform and a method to integrate a plurality of diverse plant floor equipment with at least one computerized management system in a manufacturing operational or maintenance system. The server platform includes a plurality of plant floor drivers adapted to communicatively interface with a plurality of diverse plant floor data sources. The server platform further includes at least one computerized management system driver adapted to communicatively interface with the at least one computerized management system. The server platform also includes a message translator adapted to broker communication between the plant floor data sources and the at least one computerized management system using an open standard. The server platform, using the open standard, enables a universal enterprise type taxonomy across the plant floor data sources and the at least one computerized management system.
US08380841B2 Strategies for investigating and mitigating vulnerabilities caused by the acquisition of credentials
A strategy is described for assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities within a data processing environment. The strategy collects access data that reflects actual log-in behavior exhibited by users in the environment. The strategy also collects rights data that reflects the rights possessed by one or more administrators within the environment. Based on the access data and rights data, the strategy identifies how a user or other entity that gains access to one part of the environment can potentially compromise additional parts of the environment. The strategy can recommend and implement steps aimed at reducing any identified vulnerabilities.
US08380838B2 Reduction of alerts in information technology systems
Aspects of the present invention dynamically reduce a frequency at which IT infrastructure automatically generates alerts. Historical data across a plurality of data sources in the IT infrastructure is analyzed. An opportunity to reduce the frequency at which the IT infrastructure automatically generates the alerts is identified. A new alert policy addressing the opportunity to reduce alert frequency is generated. An impact of the new alert policy on a set of predefined service level objectives (SLOs) and service level agreements (SLAs) is evaluated. The new alert policy is deployed in the IT infrastructure.
US08380837B2 Software license management within a cloud computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide a solution to manage software licenses within a cloud computing environment. Specifically, aspects of the present invention (among other things): determine a requester's/customer's needs; identify a set (at least one) of providers capable of addressing the requester's licensing needs; and match the customer with the most appropriate provider. The embodiments of the present invention will also analyze current licensing configurations/models of the requesters, providers, and software vendors to identify areas of potential improvement. This provides the functionality necessary to adjust software license level in a dynamic fashion so as to best meet the customer's needs.
US08380836B2 Method and system for leasing of network services and applications based on a usage pattern
Aspects of a method and system for predictive leasing of network services and applications based on a usage pattern may comprise a management entity that coordinates operation of one or more endpoint devices. A user profile associated with the one or more endpoint devices may be received by the management entity, wherein the management entity may utilize the user profile associated with the one or more endpoint devices and a usage pattern associated with the one or more endpoint devices to determine leasing information for the one or more endpoint devices. The management entity may be operable to communicate the determined leasing information to the one or more endpoint devices. The leasing information may comprise leasing services and/or applications to the one or more endpoint devices.
US08380829B2 Method and system for improving the efficiency of state information transfer over a wireless communications network
A system and method for managing state information related to an interactive application to accommodate one or more users participating in an interactive application session. The state information can include local state information specific to each of the one or more user's unique view of the interactive application and global state information. The system can include a telecommunications network; an application server in communication with the telecommunications network for managing the global state information relative to all of the users participating in the interactive application session; and at least one mobile client device in communication with the application server over the telecommunications network for managing the local state information for each of the one or more users. The method can include structuring the state information for optimized delivery over the telecommunications network and transferring the state information over the telecommunications network.
US08380826B2 Migrating port-specific operating parameters during blade server failover
Migrating port-specific operating parameters during blade server failover including querying, by a system management server of a data center, a switch for port-specific operating parameters of a first port, the data center comprising blade servers coupled for data communications to one another and to the system management server by a network, the system management server comprising a computer subsystem that automates server management processes in the data center, the switch comprising a data communications component of the network, the switch comprising ports, the ports comprising physical points of connection between the switch and blade servers, each port having associated port-specific operating parameters, the switch connected at the first port to a failing blade server; and assigning, by the system management server, the port-specific operating parameters to a second port in a same switch or another switch connected at the second port to a replacement blade server.
US08380824B1 System and method of implementing disk ownership in networked storage
A method and apparatus for identifying ownership by a computer of a storage device connected to a computer network is described. A first ownership information is written into a selected sector of the storage device by a computer having ownership of the device as a first indicia of ownership. A second ownership information is written into a storage device label of the storage device by the computer having ownership as a second indicia of ownership, the storage device label visible to a plurality of computers connected to the computer network. In the event that at a future time the first indicia of ownership does not match the second indicia of ownership, the first indicia of ownership is taken as definitive of ownership of the storage device.
US08380817B2 Information processing system, information processing method, and computer program used therewith
Information processing system, information processing method, and computer program used therewith are provided. An information processing system includes information processing apparatuses connected to a network. The apparatuses are mutually linked to operate as a virtual information processing apparatus. The system includes a monitoring unit for monitoring the system state of the virtual information processing apparatus which includes the surplus capability of the virtual information processing apparatus and the configuration of the information processing apparatuses connected to the network, a start-condition setting unit for setting a relationship between the system state of the virtual information processing apparatus and an executable function, a function executing unit for, when the system state satisfies predetermined start conditions, executing a corresponding function, and a function-utilization-history-information storing unit for storing utilization history information obtained when the corresponding function is executed by said function executing unit.
US08380814B2 Method and system for registering favorites automatically
An automatic favorites registration method and system which can automatically register a website address of a particular website when a local computer accesses the particular website, and also can adjustably determine whether to add the website address to favorites by avoiding an unconditional automatic registration of the website address to the favorites and considering a user's access trend. According to the present disclosure, there is provided an automatic favorites registration method and system which can automatically register a website which a local computer accesses, and also can register only an additional website which is determined to be optimal for a user's convenience, or maintain a favorites registration of the website according to the user's recent search trend.
US08380809B2 Providing a number of web services for imaging optional medical applications
A system and a computer-implemented method are disclosed, as well as a computer readable medium, for providing a number of web services for at least one medical viewing application, so as to provide the application with application-exceeding basic functionalities with regard to a transfer management service, a data management service, a workflow management service, a report management service, a protocol management service, an operating management service and an enterprise application integration management service. A web service of at least one embodiment, in that case, includes at least one remote service component, at least one business object and at least one service component.
US08380807B2 Network repository for metadata
A method and apparatus for a network repository for metadata. Embodiments of a data repository include a memory to store data including one or more data content items, where each data content item is associated with zero or more metadata items, and where each data content item is associated with a handle and each metadata item is associated with an attribute name. The data repository further includes a network interface configured to communicate with a client device, and a control unit configured to control the storage of data in the memory, where the control unit provides functions for writing data to and reading data from the memory and where the control unit is to transfer the data without interpretation.
US08380803B1 Method and system for directly targeting and blasting messages to automatically identified entities on social media
Some embodiments provide a communication tool that directly sends messages to accounts of different entities across different social media sites by automatically identifying and associating the accounts of the entities when the entities are referenced in the contents of the messages. Such identification and association is performed without the message originator manually specifying the accounts as intended recipients for the messages. The communication tool also automatically sends messages to different social media accounts of the message originator. The communication tool also blasts messages to an information aggregator that aggregates messages to develop a database from which the messages that target a particular entity can be presented irrespective of whether the particular entity has registered an account with any social media site, irrespective of which social media site the messages are originally destined for, and irrespective of whether a recipient is explicitly specified for the messages by the message originator.
US08380799B2 Topic-based messaging using consumer address and pool
In a multicast publisher-subscriber environment, a configurator machine manages a consumer pool of multiple receiver machines. The consumer pool is dedicated to a topic. Each receiver machine has a unique consumer address within the consumer pool allocated by the configurator machine. The configurator machine receives registration data from a receiver machine to be added to the consumer pool and provides a consumer address to the receiver machine. The receiver machine transmits a multicast communication to advertise its availability to receive messages on the topic. The multicast communication includes the consumer address. A transmitter machine may publish a message on the topic. The message may be a multicast communication directed to any receiver machine in to the consumer pool, or the message may be a point-to-point communication directed to the receiver machine with the consumer address.
US08380794B2 Generating context aware data and conversation's mood level to determine the best method of communication
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing information related to a user address as used in a communication session. A tag processing module is implemented for processing tags related to a user. A first user selects a second user to receive a message to initiate a communication session. The message recipient's tags, along with their preferred communication method(s) are displayed within the message sender's messaging client. The message sender then composes and sends a message to the message recipient, using the message recipient's preferred method of communication. The message is received by the message recipient and the message sender's tags are displayed within the message recipient's messaging client. If the message recipient decides to respond to the message, then a communication session is conducted. Once the communications session is ended, a linguistic analysis of the communication session is performed by the tag processing module. The message sender's tags are then updated.
US08380787B2 Federation of master data management systems
Federating master data management systems may include a network-aware adapter configured with a host master data management node. The network-aware adapter may establish one or more links with other master data management systems to allow the system to work together and leverage each other's data.
US08380781B2 Sampling filter and radio communication apparatus
There are provided a sampling filter that enables a filter characteristic to be adjusted flexibly, and a radio communication apparatus equipped with this sampling filter. A sampling filter apparatus (100) is equipped with four integration units (150-1 through 150-4) corresponding to the number of filter taps, and some of the integration units (150-1 through 150-4) include an integrator having an MEMS structure. By this means, a charge amount (accumulated charge amount) of a received signal integrated by an integrator can be adjusted by adjusting the capacity of an integrator having an MEMS structure. A received signal amount emitted from an integration unit can also be adjusted by adjustment of the integration amount of a received signal, enabling the filter characteristic of the sampling filter apparatus (100) to be adjusted flexibly.
US08380779B2 Technique for determining if a logical sum of a first operand and a second operand is the same as a third operand
A system is used to determine if a sum of a first operand and a second operand is the same as a third operand wherein a comparison to the third operand is of variable length. This is particularly useful in a content addressable memory (CAM) where the likelihood of hit is commonly improved over a set associative cache and allows for the CAM to identify different things. For example, an entry can be one length to identify a page of a memory and another entry be a different length to identify a page of memory. This is better understood by reference to the following description and the drawings.
US08380774B2 Coefficient memory for least mean square finite impulse response filter
A read channel of a magnetic recording apparatus includes a filter that uses filter coefficients to process the data detected by a read head from the magnetic recordable media. The coefficients change with time and circumstances. When data is read and found to pass error detection, the filter coefficient set used for the data is stored in a memory as a last good coefficient set. Upon failure of the filtering process, the coefficient set used is replaced with a coefficient set stored in the memory as the last good coefficient set.
US08380771B2 Filter shaping using a signal cancellation function
A signal filter and accompanying methods. In one embodiment, the filter includes a first mechanism for receiving a first signal. A second mechanism employs one or more modified representations of the first signal to cancel one or more frequency components of the first signal, yielding an output signal in response thereto. In a more specific embodiment, the first mechanism includes a splitter for receiving the first signal and splitting the first signal onto a first path and a second path. The second mechanism further includes one or more delay modules and one or more phase shifters in the first path and/or the second path. One or more controllable amplifiers are optionally included in the first path and/or the second path. The one or more delay modules, phase shifters, or amplifiers are responsive to one or more control signals from a controller. The controller is adapted to modify behavior of the second mechanism so that the filter is characterized by a desired frequency response.
US08380770B1 Mismatched filters for long binary codes
A method for determining filter coefficients for a mismatched filter is disclosed. The method includes generating a code sequence having a code length, determining a length of the filter, and performing a modified least mean squares (LMS) algorithm. The length of the filter corresponds to coefficients of a transfer function of the filter, and the length of the filter is not equal to the code length. The filter coefficients are iteratively adjusted in the LMS algorithm until an error signal for each of the filter coefficients is below a threshold value.
US08380767B2 Polynomial-basis to normal-basis transformation for binary Galois-Fields GF(2m)
Basis conversion from polynomial-basis form to normal-basis form is provided for both generic polynomials and special irreducible polynomials in the form of “all ones”, referred to as “all-ones-polynomials” (AOP). Generation and storing of large matrices is minimized by creating matrices on the fly, or by providing an alternate means of computing a result with minimal hardware extensions.
US08380765B2 Collective operations in a file system based execution model
A mechanism is provided for group communications using a MULTI-PIPE synthetic file system. A master application creates a multi-pipe synthetic file in the MULTI-PIPE synthetic file system, the master application indicating a multi-pipe operation to be performed. The master application then writes a header-control block of the multi-pipe synthetic file specifying at least one of a multi-pipe synthetic file system name, a message type, a message size, a specific destination, or a specification of the multi-pipe operation. Any other application participating in the group communications then opens the same multi-pipe synthetic file. A MULTI-PIPE file system module then implements the multi-pipe operation as identified by the master application. The master application and the other applications then either read or write operation messages to the multi-pipe synthetic file and the MULTI-PIPE synthetic file system module performs appropriate actions.
US08380764B2 File control system and file control computer for use in said system
A situation where, even though a file system set with an additional function has been expanded, the additional function is unable to operate is prevented from occurring. Provided are a file control computer and its system having a main computer including a file system for managing reading and writing of data between the client computer and the storage device, a control circuit for controlling the file system, and a memory circuit for storing management information of the file system. The memory circuit stores setting information which is set with an additional function that is set to the file system, and a condition necessary for operating the additional function. Upon expanding the file system based on the management information, the control circuit determines a status of fulfillment of the condition in the expanded file system, and outputs warning information if the determination result denies fulfillment of the condition.
US08380763B2 Method and system for managing cookies in web communications
A system and method which may allow a Web application to manage cookies and prevent important data in cookies from being arbitrarily deleted. Cookie data may be separated into a number of tiers according to their importance. When a request to write new data to a cookie is received, the tier to which the new data belongs may be determined and compared to the tier(s) of existing data in the cookie, and existing data may be deleted from the cookie to free room for the new data only when the existing data is not more important than the new data.
US08380759B2 Type projection query of an instance space
Technologies are described herein for applying type projection queries to instance space graphs. Through the utilization of the technologies and concepts presented herein, a type projection may be used to describe the hierarchy of instance types connected by relationships within an instance space graph. A type projection query based on the type projection may be dynamically generated to query instances and relationships within the instance store. Filter criteria for the query can be expressed using a path notation. Results from of the type projection query may be provided as graphs of instances and relationships which are subgraphs of the queried instance space graph. Programmatic traversal of the resultant subgraph can navigate to each instance node within the result space.
US08380757B1 Techniques for providing a consolidated system configuration view using database change tracking and configuration files
Described are techniques for providing a consolidated logical view of a system. A plurality of database tables associated with a plurality of processing nodes of a data storage system is provided. The plurality of database tables provides a plurality of individual views of the data storage system and each of the individual views represents a view of the data storage system for a different processing node. A notification is received regarding a modification to one or more of the database tables. The notification identifies an operation performed causing the modification and providing data associated with the modification. A merge database table is modified that provides a consolidated view of said plurality of individual views. The modifying is performed in accordance with the notification and a configuration file including logic describing processing performed to merge the plurality of individual views.
US08380756B2 Method and system for creating messages including image information
Storing image data and related information for sharing via a URL includes receiving image data uploaded from a client computer via a user interface and receiving, separate from the receiving of the image data, related information uploaded via the user interface. The uploaded image data and related information are stored. A uniform resource locator (URL) configured for retrieving a display that includes the stored image data and the related information is generated. The URL is provided in a message.
US08380755B2 Electronic reader capable of recording comments and amendments and method thereof
An electronic reader includes a storage unit configured for storing files and a processor. The processor includes a file display control module, a first file creating module and a second file creating module. The file display control module is configured for obtaining and displaying the files opened by user input. The first file creating module is configured for creating temporary files recording the comments and the amended sections of the opened files in response to user input. Each of the temporary files corresponds to one of the opened files. The second file creating module is configured for combining contents of the temporary files into a file. The contents of the temporary files are arranged in the file according to a predetermined rule if the formats of the temporary files are the same.
US08380745B1 Natural language search for audience
A facility for defining a group of people is described. The facility provides a visual user interface containing a control for receiving a query string. The facility receives a query string via the control, and uses an index on a body of documents to identify documents of the body that satisfy the received query string. The facility accesses a record indicating which documents of the body were accessed by each of a population of people during a foregoing time period to identify people among the population that accessed at least a threshold number of the identified documents during the foregoing time period. The facility displays within the visual user interface, in conjunction with the control, information characterizing the people identified.
US08380744B2 Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for generating a report indicating job availability
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for generating a report indicating job availability. According to embodiments, a method for generating a report indicating job availability is provided. According to the method, a selected assignment group is displayed. A number of status messages received by a technician in the selected assignment group is displayed. The status messages indicate that no jobs are available for the technician. An amount of lost time associated with the technician in the selected assignment group is determined. The lost time includes a difference between a time at which the technician received one of the status messages and a time at which the technician is dispatched to a next job. The amount of lost time associated with the technician in the selected assignment group is displayed.
US08380739B2 Shareability utility
A shareable utility that provides quality information to users in a given subject area. The utility maintains a quality database of information on the subject area on a local computing device. The quality database has links to objects of interest residing on the Internet and on the local device. All of the information in the quality database has been recommended for inclusion by an expert in the field. The present utility provides for dual searching of the local computing device and the Internet. A primary screen with multiple secondary windows is used as the starting point. The primary screen is designed to provide structure and direction to the search, but may also be customized to include a user/predefined template representing a broad level of interest. Subsequent display screens are used to display more detailed levels of interest in the given subject area. The present utility is well suited for applications in education, and knowledge transfer applications (e.g. specific code routines, best practices, lessons learned, etc.). The present utility architecture is highly adaptable, reusable and supports searches of all kinds (e.g. financial statements 2004, branch info, etc.). By aggregating expert knowledge (of “where” to look), other vendors search capabilities and the digitized resources available, one can leverage this utility to maximum advantage.
US08380737B2 Computing intersection of sets of numbers
First and second sets of numbers are received in an input range, which is separated into sub ranges. A first sub range is processed by initializing bits of a memory to a first logical state and by changing the initial state of each of the bits corresponding to a received number of the first set that is within the first sub range. Each number received in the second set is compared to a bit in the memory to identify a set of received numbers that are in the first sub range and that are in both the first set and the second set. The comparing is responsive to detecting a change of initial state of any bit in the memory during the processing of the first sub range. The processing and comparing is repeated for remaining sub ranges to identify received numbers that are in both the sets.
US08380735B2 System and method for efficient control and capture of dynamic database content
A system and method for efficient control and capture of dynamic database content for rapidly providing a user with a highly relevant collection of documents related to a query. The system and method for efficient control and capture of dynamic database content includes a computer system with a storage means for facilitating the retention and recall of dynamic database content and a communications means for facilitating bi-directional communication of the computer system with local or distributed networks; an executory module operationally coupled to the computer system for controlling the storage means and the communications means as well as directing the system for the efficient control and capture of dynamic database content to a plurality of pre-selected Internet sites; and a capture module which is in communication with the executory module and facilitates selection of the plurality of Internet sites associated with a query submitted by a user of the system.
US08380734B2 Word decompounder
A word is split into one or more first substrings. A morpheme is applied to the one or more first substrings to create one or more second substrings. The one or more first and second substrings are selected as one or more splittings, and a score is generated for each of the one or more splittings. One of the one or more splittings with a score higher than the other one or more splittings is selected as a keyword.
US08380733B2 Methods and apparatuses for dynamically displaying search suggestions
In one embodiment, an original search input entered by a user is detected. An excluded term is deleted from the original search input to create a modified search input. The modified search input is matched against a plurality of stored terms. In response to there being a match between the modified search input and one or more of the plurality of stored terms, a suggestion of a search term to replace the original search input is displayed, based on the match between the modified search input and one or more stored terms. In response to there not being a match between the modified search input and one or more of the plurality of stored terms, a suggestion of a search term to replace the original search input is displayed, based on a match between the original search input and one or more of the plurality of stored terms.
US08380730B2 Program invocation from a query interface to parallel computing system
Techniques are disclosed for invoking an analysis routine running on a parallel computer system to analyze query results. An interface used to build and execute a database query may be used to invoke a complex analysis routine on a parallel computer system to analyze query results obtained by executing the database query. Alternatively, a user may build a query that includes specific conditions evaluated by an analysis routine on the parallel computer system (as opposed to selecting an analysis routine after receiving query results).
US08380729B2 Systems and methods for first data capture through generic message monitoring
In one embodiment, a method for handling an error message includes interrogating an error message issued by a computing system to determine that the error message includes more than an alarm message, determining a message identifier relating to the error message, comparing the message identifier to entries in a database to determine an entry in the database that includes the message identifier, and outputting a set of documentation referenced by the entry in the database which includes the message identifier. In another embodiment, the database includes a plurality of searchable entries, each entry including: a message identifier, a product identifier, a set of documentation, and a set of actions. The set of documentation includes documents for the computing system to output and the set of actions includes actions for the computing system to perform. Other methods, systems, and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments.
US08380726B2 Methods and systems for selecting and presenting content based on a comparison of preference signatures from multiple users
A method of selecting and presenting content based on a comparison of preference signatures from multiple users is provided. The method includes providing a set of content items and presenting a subset of these content items in response to search input received from users. The method further includes receiving content selection actions and learning users' preferences, wherein the preferences are weighted based on user activity. The method further includes identifying users with similar preferences by comparing sets of learned user preferences and using this information to select and present content items to a user.
US08380721B2 System and method for context-based knowledge search, tagging, collaboration, management, and advertisement
Comprehensive methods and systems are described for creating, managing, searching, personalizing, and monetizing a knowledge system defined over a corpus of digital content. Systems and methods are described in which a user can initiate in-depth searches of subject matter and can browse, navigate, pinpoint, and select relevant contexts, concepts, and documents to gain knowledge. Systems and methods are described in which knowledge can be personalized through tagged, personalized context, and personalized context can be shared within social and professional networks, securely and confidentially and with the desired access control. Systems and methods are described in which products and services can be advertised in context and advertising can be selected through a bidding process. Systems and methods are described by which a user can navigate contexts and concepts to obtain relevant information, products and services.
US08380719B2 Semantic content searching
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed that provide for document retrieval where a user can identify key attributes of potential target documents that are desirable (e.g., have a particular semantic content for the user). Further, relevant documents that comprise the desired semantic content can be retrieved. Additionally, the user can provide feedback on the retrieved documents, for example, based on key semantic concepts found in the documents, and the input can be used to update the classification. For example, this process can be iterated to improve the retrieval and precision of documents found through machine learning techniques.
US08380717B2 Method and equipment for improving communication confidentiality
The present invention relates to a method for improving communication confidentiality including the following steps: storing (101) in a data repository data about authorized and non-authorized confidential subjects for users of a telecommunication network, receiving (103) a request with identity information of a first and a second users from a user telecommunication device 3 of said first user, determining (104) the identities of said first and second users, comparing (105) data about authorized and non-authorized confidential subjects for said first and second users in said data repository, selecting (106) a first type of data about confidential subjects authorized to both users, selecting (107) a second type of data about confidential subjects authorized to said first user and non-authorized to said second user, sending (109) selected data about confidential subjects of said first and second type to said first user telecommunication device 3.
US08380715B2 System, method and computer program product for managing and organizing pieces of content
A system for managing and organizing content includes a source capable of operating at least one application (i.e., content manager, taxonomy manager, etc.). The application(s) are capable of providing a plurality of pieces of content and a plurality of master taxonomies, each master taxonomy including at least one piece of content placed at one or more locations. After providing the pieces of content and the master taxonomies, the application(s) can identify a subset of the pieces of content and at least one master taxonomy, where the subset includes at least one piece of content. The application(s) can then generate at least one client taxonomy based upon the identified subset and the master taxonom(ies) such that the subset of the pieces of content can thereafter be organized in the client taxonom(ies). The system can also include a client capable of organizing the subset in the client taxonom(ies).
US08380714B2 Method, computer system, and computer program for searching document data using search keyword
Techniques provide for searching pieces of document data using a search keyword. The technique includes: calculating, as a first vector, respective first scores at which or respective probabilities that each of the pieces of document data belongs to clusters or classes; calculating, as a second vector, respective second scores at which or respective probabilities that the search keyword or a relevant keyword associated with the search keyword belongs to the clusters or the classes; calculating an inner product of each of the first vectors and the second vector, the calculated inner product being a third score of the corresponding piece of document data regarding the search keyword; and acquiring a correlation value from document data containing each keyword in a classification keyword set and document data with the third score that is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold or is included in a predetermined high-ranking proportion.
US08380709B1 Method and system for ranking users
A method of and system for ranking users by reputation enables better searching for a service provider. Service providers are also forced to conform to reputation requirements since they are published. The reputation requirements include reviews, earnings, duration on a site, recent visits and other components that are able to establish a user's reputation. The components are also weighted so that more important factors count more towards a user's reputation. By combining a search score and a reputation score, a total score is determined which is used to generate a list of results ordered based on the total score.
US08380701B1 Using a partially built index in a computer database system
A partially built index is used in a computer database system. When a database index is being built, or rebuilt, the database manager keeps track of the records processed using a relative row number (RRN) to track what part of the partially built index is complete. Queries are optimized by a query optimizer associated with the database manager that uses the portion of the index that is complete with reference to the RRN. The remainder of the database table beyond the RRN can be estimated or implemented using the completed data or can be determined by searching the relevant portion of the database table.
US08380700B2 Ad hoc geospatial directory of users based on optimizing non-Turing complete executable application
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving from a user interface, by a computing device, a request for execution of at least one lambda function in an operation of a geospatial application, the geospatial application having lambda functions for operating on one or more entities of an ad hoc geospatial directory accessible by the computing device, the lambda functions having strongly typed definitions according to a prescribed symbol manipulation language that is a non-Turing complete language, that does not permit partial functions, and that is independent of any attribute of any computing system; optimizing execution by the computing device of the operation on the ad hoc geospatial directory; and the computing device returning to the user interface a response to the request based on the optimizing execution of the operation, the response including a data structure including at least one of the lambda functions for a corresponding at least one of generating a query of the ad hoc geospatial directory, modifying a state of at least a first of the entities, or accessing the first of the entities.
US08380692B2 Fast index with supplemental store
A hardware and/or software search facility for searching and retrieving data stored on a mobile device. An index to the data is stored in fast memory (e.g., RAM) on the mobile device. The index contains a minimal amount of information necessary to present search results to a user. A supplemental data file is stored in storage that is local to or remote from the mobile device. The supplemental data files contain additional organized data that may be used to enhance the search results. In response to a search query, the facility uses the index to identify results that are responsive to the search query. The results are presented by the facility in accordance with predetermined rules. The facility may use the supplemental data file to perform further processing and present additional information. In some embodiments, the facility may mount or unmount indices and supplemental files from a device.
US08380687B1 Method and apparatus for providing a message trail of conversationally related messages
A method and apparatus for providing a message trail of conversationally related messages is described. In one embodiment, the method for providing a message trail of conversationally related messages includes processing a plurality of messages in a message database and identifying at least two conversationally related messages of the plurality of messages.
US08380686B2 Transferring data from a primary data replication appliance in a primary data facility to a secondary data replication appliance in a secondary data facility
Methods and apparatus are provided for copying data from a primary storage facility to a secondary storage facility which reduce the workload on the storage controller in the primary facility and minimize bandwidth usage. The primary storage facility includes a primary data replication appliance which transfers data to a secondary replication appliance. Updated data from a host is both stored through a storage controller in the primary facility and also received by the primary replication appliance. Logic in the primary replication appliance determines whether the immediately previous version of the data is in a buffer from a previous storage operation. If so, the current (updated) version of the data is compared with the previous version and the difference, such as calculated through a bit-wise exclusive-OR operation, is transferred to the secondary replication appliance. The process is reversed in the secondary replication appliance and the recreated updated version of the data stored in the secondary facility.
US08380685B2 Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, computer program, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises an association unit configured to divide input image data into regions and to associate each region with one or more types of objects; an addition unit configured to add metadata to each object based on the type of each object; and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not a specific object that associates a first one of the regions with a second one of the regions different from the first one is present among the objects. In the case where the determination unit has determined that the specific object is present, the addition unit is configured to further add, to a first object that is present in the first one of the regions, metadata for associating the second one of the regions with the first one of the regions.
US08380683B2 Data conversion device, data conversion method, and program
There is realized a data conversion device that performs generation of a hash value with improved analysis resistance and a high degree of safety. There are provided a stirring processing section performing a data stirring process on input data; and a compression processing section performing a data compression process on input data including data segments which are divisions of message data, the message data being a target of a data conversion. Part of multi-stage compression subsections is configured to perform a data compression process based on both of output of the stirring processing section and the data segments in the message data. There is provided such a configuration that the stirring process is executed at least on fixed timing of a compression processing round of plural rounds and thus, there is realized a data conversion device that performs generation of a hash value with improved analysis resistance and a high degree of safety.
US08380676B1 Automatic deletion of temporary files
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products feature selecting a file in a distributed file system. The file is associated with a time to live derived from a path name for the file. The file is divided into a plurality of chunks that are distributed among a plurality of servers. Each chunk has a respective modification time indicating when the chunk was last modified. A latest respective modification time among the respective modification times of each of the plurality of chunks is selected. A determination is made as to whether an elapsed time based on the latest modification time is equal to or exceeds the time to live. Each of the chunks of the file is deleted responsive to the determination. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
US08380672B2 Backup control apparatus and method eliminating duplication of information resources
A backup control apparatus which references duplication management information which includes first stored location information indicating the stored location of first information resource and second stored location information indicating the stored location of a second information resource which duplicates the first information resource, and identifies, from among a plurality of information resources belonging to a backup region. The first information resource stored in the location indicated by the first stored location information, and a second information resource stored in the location indicated by the second stored location information corresponding to the first stored location information. The backup control apparatus replaces the identified second information resource with linked information indicating a link to the identified first information resource, and backs up the backup region in which the second information resource is replaced with the linked information.
US08380668B2 Automatic discovery of cache mirror partners in an N-node cluster
Partner mirroring is provided with tray loss protection in an N node storage cluster architecture. A master proxy receives and records broadcasts of nodes in a cluster and selects mirror partners in a round robin fashion, so that even numbered nodes are mirrored with other even numbered nodes and odd numbered nodes are mirrored with other odd numbered nodes. In an N node storage cluster architecture which includes a cluster of dual controllers, tray loss protection is provided using such an odd numbered and even numbered mirror pairing process.
US08380665B2 Application workload capture and replay system
An application workload capture and replay system with a transactionally consistent application workload replay feature is provided. More particularly, the feature includes capture-phase components for capturing and recording a real application workload submitted to a production web application system and includes replay-phase components for replaying the captured application workload against a test web application system in a transactionally consistent manner. The feature provides guarantees about the order of database transactions that are caused when the workload is replayed such that there is a consistency between the replay-phase order of the database transactions and the order of those transactions that occurred when the workload was captured. These consistency guarantees facilitate a faithful reproduction of database changes observed in the production web application system in the test web application system using a captured real application workload. Significantly, this faithful reproduction may be accomplished without having to create a synthetic application workload that approximates or emulates the transactional behavior of the real application workload. Instead, a real application workload may be used as or substantially as it is captured.
US08380663B2 Data integrity in a database environment through background synchronization
Systems, methods and computer program products for maintaining data integrity in a database environment are described. In operation, a synchronization process is initiated in a remote database system for synchronization of remote data from the remote database system with consolidated data of a consolidated database. Metadata for each row of the remote data is utilized to allow transactional access to the remote data while the synchronization process occurs.
US08380661B2 Data migration using communications and collaboration platform
Data migration using communications and collaboration platform provides an efficient and flexible method for migrating data from an existing system to a new system. In particular, the method includes extracting data, cleansing the extracted data based on a master record, receiving approval for the cleansed data, and migrating the approved data into the new system.
US08380659B2 Method and system for efficiently replicating data in non-relational databases
A method replicates data between instances of a distributed database. The method identifies at least two instances of the database at distinct geographic locations. The method tracks changes to the database by storing deltas. Each delta has a row identifier that identifies the piece of data modified, a sequence identifier that specifies the order in which the deltas are applied to the data, and an instance identifier that specifies where the delta was created. The method determines which deltas to send using an egress map that specifies which combinations of row identifier and sequence identifier have been acknowledged as received at other instances. The method builds a transmission matrix that identifies deltas that have not yet been acknowledged as received. The method then transmits deltas identified in the transmission matrix. After receiving acknowledgement that transmitted deltas have been incorporated into databases at other instances, the method updates the egress map.
US08380658B2 Determination of extent of congruity between observation of authoring user and observation of receiving user
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: acquiring a result of an observation of an authoring user; acquiring a result of an observation of a receiving user; comparing the result of the observation of the authoring user with the result of the observation of the receiving user; and presenting data indicative of an extent of congruity between the result of the observation of the authoring user and the result of the observation of the receiving user based at least in part on said comparing. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08380656B2 Technique for fast power estimation using probabilistic analysis of combinational logic
A method for computing power consumption includes querying a software database for a key node and a gate comprising an input port, connected to the key node, and an output port. The software database is created from a net list associated with a design. The method includes calculating a probability of activity level at the output port based on a predetermined activity level at the key node, and querying the software database for next gate comprising a next input port, connected to the previous output port, and a next output port. The method includes calculating a probability of activity level at the next output port based on the probability of activity level at the previous output port. The method includes computing a sub-circuit gate power by sum of power of all the gates based on the probability of activity level at output ports of the gates.
US08380650B2 Information extraction rule making support system, information extraction rule making support method, and information extraction rule making support program
A information extraction rule making support system comprises: a storage section for storing an extraction object document, which is an electronic document of an information extraction object; an input unit for inputting a plurality of extraction rules, which are rules used to extract information from said extraction object document; an information extraction section for respectively deriving extraction results matching each of said extraction rules from said extraction object document stored by said storage section, using each of said extraction rules inputted by said input means; and a rule relation creating section for creating a rule relation network indicating a relation between each of said extraction rules by analyzing an overlapping relation or including relation between extraction results derived by said information extraction section and linking each of said extraction rules based on the result of the analysis.
US08380648B2 Analytic model and systems for business activity monitoring
Methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring, aggregating, and correlating business events in real time and acting on the results with near zero latency, wherein each event is processed in the first order relative to the event density, are described herein. In an embodiment, the method operates by receiving historical values comprising keys and data fields at an analytic model. Rules associated with actions are applied to the historical values. Actions including updating data are executed pursuant to the rules, and then the method determines whether additional rules are to be applied; and performs actions associated with these additional rules until there are no remaining rules to apply. The method stores updated data in a database.
US08380647B2 Training a classifier by dimension-wise embedding of training data
A classifier training method and apparatus for training, a linear classifier trained by the method, and its use, are disclosed. In training the linear classifier, signatures for a set of training samples, such as images, in the form of multi-dimension vectors in a first multi-dimensional space, are converted to a second multi-dimension space, of the same or higher dimensionality than the first multi-dimension space, by applying a set of embedding functions, one for each dimension of the vector space. A linear classifier is trained in the second multi-dimension space. The linear classifier can approximate the accuracy of a non-linear classifier in the original space when predicting labels for new samples, but with lower computation cost in the learning phase.
US08380645B2 Method and system to enable inferencing for natural language queries of configuration management databases
Disclosed are embodiments of systems and methods to derive a semantic network from a CMDB relationship graph which can then be queried in a natural way from a linguistic standpoint (i.e., using natural language queries). Because disclosed embodiments combine natural language queries with an inferencing engine the disclosed systems and methods automatically “connect the dots” between disparate pieces of information and can allow for a richer user experience. In general, CMDB graph relationships can be converted into semantic networks. Once a semantic network is created, queries can be phrased to leverage the inferential relationships between objects in the semantic network.
US08380629B2 Seeding challenges for payment transactions
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for authenticating a consumer using challenge questions. A response to a challenge question is verified via seeding the challenge question, receiving response, and deductively determining the answer. The verified response and challenge question may then be used to authenticate a consumer as part of an authorization process.
US08380628B1 System and method for verifying commercial transactions
A system and method is disclosed for verifying a commercial transaction between a card-holder, a merchant, and a credit card company. The card-holder makes a purchase with the merchant using a full credit card number. The merchant submits a transaction approval request for approval with the credit card company. The credit card company executes conventional credit approval of the transaction approval request, as well as verifies the transaction approval request with the card-holder. An approval is sent to the merchant only after the transaction approval request is both conventionally approved by the credit card company and verified by the card-holder. The card-holder, or the credit card company, may initiate verification of the transaction approval request.
US08380626B2 Processing images associated with the remote capture of multiple deposit items
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for processing an image that shows multiple deposit items, where the image was captured by a remote capture device. For example, some embodiments provide a method that includes: (a) receiving an image that shows multiple deposit items, where the image was captured by a remote capture device; (b) determining that a first portion of the image is satisfactory for identifying deposit item information therein; (c) determining that a second portion of the image is unsatisfactory for identifying deposit item information therein; and (d) performing a function based at least partially on the determining that the second portion of the image is unsatisfactory for identifying deposit item information therein. In some embodiments, the function includes enhancing the second portion of the image. In other embodiments, the function includes prompting a user of the remote capture device to capture a second image to replace the second portion of the image.
US08380624B2 Person-to-person payments: contextual spending
A computerized method and a system for contextual spending in person-to-person payments are provided. In example embodiments, a payment system may receive a request from a first party for making a payment to a second party. The payment system may send a recommendation for utilization of the payment to the second party. The payment system may also request and receive from the first party an instruction related to charging a transaction fee associated with the payment.
US08380623B1 Systems and methods for enabling financial savings
A computer-assisted method for facilitating financial savings. The method includes accepting a funds transfer request by the user of an amount of funds between a funding account and at least one receiving account and accepting, from a user, a designation of an intended purpose of use of the amount of funds and a date of intended use of the amount of funds. The method also includes transferring the amount of funds from the funding account to the at least one receiving account and generating, for display on a graphical banking interface, a graphical representation of the designation of the intended purpose of use of the amount of funds. The method further includes transferring the amount of funds from the at least one receiving account to the funding account on the date of intended use.
US08380620B2 Income curtailment protection
A method includes enrolling a borrower in income curtailment protection associated with a loan, where the loan requires periodic payments. If income curtailment has occurred, a determination is made as to what portion of the periodic payment is to be covered on behalf of the borrower. The determined portion of the periodic payment is covered by an entity other than the borrower on behalf of the borrower.
US08380619B2 Methods and systems for proactive loan modification
Embodiments of the invention include a computer implemented method for automatically modifying the terms of a plurality of mortgages within a portfolio of mortgages, such that, monthly payments for the plurality of mortgages are reduced. The method includes calculating a current net present value for each of the mortgages in the portfolio of mortgages. The method also includes calculating a plurality of future net present values for each of the mortgages in the portfolio, each future net present value corresponding to one set of modified loan terms. The method also includes selecting the largest calculated future net present value. The method also includes automatically modifying the loan terms of each of the plurality of mortgages where the largest future net present value is greater than the current net present value. Loan terms are modified to correspond to the modified loan terms resulting in the largest net present value.
US08380618B1 Systems and methods for issuing credit for unused interest free grace periods
A system for issuing credit for unused interest free grace periods may comprise at least one subsystem that electronically calculates a number of unused interest free grace period days, and at least one subsystem that electronically calculates an amount of an award to a borrower based on the calculated number of unused grace period days and a statement balance paid by the borrower.
US08380616B2 System and method for price-based annotations in an electronic trading environment
A system and method for generating and displaying annotations in relation to one or more prices corresponding to trader-related or market related events are described. In one embodiment, a trader may enter an annotation to be displayed in relation to one or more price levels. Alternatively, a trader may configure a dynamic annotation to be dynamically displayed in relation to some price level(s) upon detecting a predetermined event related to one or more tradeable objects. Also, a trader may configure one or more alarms to be displayed or played in combination with the annotations.
US08380615B2 System and method for estimating order position
A system and method for providing order queue position information are disclosed. In this application, market updates are received for a tradeable object from at least one exchange. To the extent that the market updates do not include enough details to compute the queue position of a trader's working orders, estimation may be used. As a result, an order queue is generated to approximate a trader's order position in an exchange price order queue. An interface may be used to display the generated order queue estimation to the trader which provides valuable trading information.
US08380614B1 Dynamic price improvement
A system and method is provided to enable traders to price improve on an item at an amount less than a predetermined pricing increment. Traders can improve on the price of the item using different price improvement levels (e.g., four different levels). Dynamic price improvement enables a dynamic order to maintain a predetermined position in a trading stack relative to other orders in the stack. The dynamic order may maintain its position in the trading stack by adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) its price improvement level depending on market conditions. For example, a dynamic order may increases its price improvement level such that it stays at least one level ahead of the next best order in the trading stack. If the level cannot be further increased, the dynamic order may use its timestamp to maintain its position in the stack.
US08380611B2 Graphical order entry user interface for trading system
On a display terminal of an electronic trading system, a graph is displayed having a first axis and a second axis, wherein the graph includes a curve corresponding to a range of values of a financial instrument. A user is allowed to select a portion of the graph. In response to the user selection of the portion of the graph, a trading dialog box is displayed on the display of the workstation, the dialog box being automatically populated with values for trading, the values based on the values of the selected portion of the graph.
US08380610B1 System and method for processing trading orders
A data processing system for implementing transaction management of auction-based trading is disclosed. The disclosed data processing system provides a structured trading protocol implemented through a sequence of trading paradigms. The system employs a distributed computer processing network linking together a matching engine and a plurality of workstations. The protocol and its programmed controlling logic enhances trading efficiency, rewards market makers, and fairly distributes market opportunity to system users. In some preferred embodiments, the structured trading protocol permits traders to enter hidden bids or offers during a clearing period that may be converted to transactable bids and offers when the clearing period terminates. In addition, in some preferred embodiments, the structured protocol permits traders to enter orders that specify an initial price and a better, hidden price. The system is programmed to improve the price of a trader's order within the cap established by the hidden price in particular circumstances in order to permit the trader to maintain priority in the order book when a better-priced order enters the market.
US08380609B2 Trading system with ELFs and umpires
Price setting for a security occurs by automatically engaging in a price discovery procedure before responding to a request for a current buy or sell price of the security to provide an automatically discovered price that is better than a book price. The book price is the best price in an order book including orders to buy or sell specified quantities of the security at respective prices, the lowest sell order price of the booked orders being the book sell price, the highest buy order price of the booked orders being the book buy order price. The price discovery procedure includes providing the book buy or sell price to at least one entity registered to participate in the price discovery procedure. The entity automatically provides an improved price relative to the book price based on a predetermined strategy that is determined independently of the strategies for other entities. The temporal duration of the price discovery procedure can be predetermined or based on an amount of activity occurring during the price discovery procedure.
US08380608B2 System and method for creating a spot market
A system and method for soliciting and receiving bids for goods or services necessary to satisfy a spot need of a buyer. The system receives a request to procure goods or services that are required to satisfy the spot need of the buyer. The request includes information identifying the type of goods or services being procured by the buyer. Next, the system automatically selects a plurality of suppliers to invite to the on-line auction by querying a supplier database with information from the request. The supplier database includes records identifying suppliers capable of supplying a plurality of different goods and services to a spot marketplace. For each supplier represented in the supplier database, a record is stored in the supplier database, which includes information representing the capabilities of the supplier to deliver at least one good or service. The system automatically invites the suppliers selected from the supplier database to offer bids by sending an electronic communication to each of the selected suppliers. Each of the suppliers is electronically coupled on-line to the spot marketplace. Finally, a winner bidder is selected to satisfy the spot need of the buyer.
US08380603B2 Guaranteed principal investment system, product and method
A computer-implemented investment system and methods provide a guaranteed principal amount such as a fixed annuity while offering a possibility of higher returns found in a broad equity index fund to investors. A sum certain guaranteed principal investment calculation system and a calculate investor profile command that is customizable by a user can provide an investment strategy tailored to the user based on his profile data and scope of investment. The investment system allows a customizable application system to interface with investment clients, to correlate data with metadata and other criteria, and to display queried data. In one aspect, the investment system can provide a relational database management system that has a relational data repository for storing investment fact data, an aggregation module to present at least a non-guaranteed principal portion and a guaranteed principal portion per investment portfolio product, and a query servicing module to a user.
US08380600B1 System, method and computer program product for a product catalog/pricing engine framework
A system, method and computer program product are provided including a catalog database with a plurality of product definitions. The product definitions includes a plurality of rules and attributes associated with a plurality of products. Further included is a pricing engine in communication with the catalog database. The pricing engine is adapted for charging for the products based on the rules and the attributes.
US08380598B2 System and method for regulating order entry in an electronic trading environment
A system and method are provided for defining slop parameters to an individual spread order or a customized group of orders. The system and method may be used to, for example, define inside slop, outside slop, and/or adjustable range parameters to one or more orders. The inside slop, outside slop, and/or adjustable range parameters may be input by a trader, and, among other things, allow a trader to prioritize orders, set parameters so that some orders are re-priced more aggressively than other spread orders. Alternatively, slop parameters associated with a spread order may also apply more restrictive slop parameters to orders within the same adjustable range. Slop parameters associated with a spread order can also be configured and modified by a trader based on the trader's preferences. Other features and advantages are described herein.
US08380583B1 System for extrapolating item characteristics
A system is provided that extrapolates item characteristics from items considered to possess a characteristic to items not known to possess the characteristic. The system may include an item data repository that stores data representing physical items. These items can include first items having a characteristic and second items not known to have the characteristic. A characteristic extrapolation module can extrapolate the characteristic from at least some of the first items to at least some of the second items based at least in part on the strength of associations between the plurality of items. A recommendations module may provide item recommendations based at least partly on the characteristic of the items.
US08380582B2 Annotating content
Content can be annotated with indications that contextually-related content associated with the annotation is available to a user in order to allow a user to more easily locate and access contextually-related content, particularly where hypertext links are unsuitable, such as for graphic and/or audio content. The location of the annotation within the content can indicate the portion of the content to which the contextually-related content pertains, and can be associated with a summary of the contextually-related content, such as a summary of the content, a brief explanation of the relatedness of the related content, and/or an indication of the source or the contextually-related content.
US08380577B2 Methods, systems, computer products, and website for progressive E-commerce
An e-commerce system where progressive incentives are displayed to entice shoppers to purchase goods is disclosed. The e-commerce system includes a database with a region of memory having data related to a first inventory of physical goods and a second inventory of digital goods. The e-commerce system also includes a website configured to facilitate an event, where the website is coupled to the database for accessing the first inventory in response to the event. The event may be a purchase of one or more physical goods. The e-commerce system further includes a webpage configured to display at least a portion of the first inventory that is available for sale, and to display one or more digital goods, where the webpage presents a locked digital good before the event occurs, and in response to one or more events occurring, the webpage presents an unlocked digital good.
US08380575B2 System and methods for risk-based prioritized transaction message flow
Various systems and methods are provided for prioritized sending of transaction messages to an electronic exchange. According to one embodiment, a system determines a priority level for each transaction message based on a potential monetary reward or risk associated with sending or delaying the message. Once the priority levels are determined, the messages may be sent based on the priority levels. Additionally, each priority level may be associated with a predetermined threshold level. If a message threshold is reached, a new message corresponding to that priority level is queued until the message may be transmitted without exceeding the threshold limit.
US08380569B2 Method and system for advanced warning alerts using advanced identification system for identifying fraud detection and reporting
The present invention is directed to a system, method and server to assist account issuers in managing risk, fraud and unauthorized use. A system, method and server for use in pushing advanced warning alerts to issuers based on consumer data element level triggering events and fraud and unauthorized use reports is disclosed. The ability to the push the alerts to issuers with a permissible purpose for receiving the information in the alerts provides a real-time, online and cost effective way of providing issuers with valuable risk management tools.
US08380568B2 Distributing consumer demand upstream in a supply chain
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for distributing consumer demand upstream in a supply chain includes receiving, at a current time, an indication of consumer demand for a product that a consumer may be willing to receive at a future date rather than the current date in exchange for an incentive. The method also includes determining a particular incentive based on an order lead time for the product and conveying the particular incentive to allow the consumer to choose whether to receive the product at the particular future date rather than the current date in exchange for the particular incentive. If the consumer chooses to receive the product at the particular future date rather than the current date in exchange for the particular incentive, an order for the product is communicated to the upstream supply chain entity to allow the consumer to receive the product at the particular future date from current inventory of the upstream supply chain entity rather than from current inventory of the downstream supply chain entity in exchange for the particular incentive.
US08380564B2 System and method for internet protocol television product placement data
A system, computer program product and method are disclosed for sending advertising data to an end user device. The system includes but is not limited to a processor in data communication with a computer readable medium; and a computer program embedded in the computer readable medium, the computer program comprising instructions to monitor video data for advertising key data, instructions to monitor end user data exchanged between end user devices for the advertising key data, instructions to receive data from an end user device indicating a product selected from a selected data segment in the video data and instructions to send advertising data relating to key data in the selected data segment to the end user device. The computer program product executes a computer program to perform the method.
US08380563B2 Using previous user search query to target advertisements
A system and method to target advertisements to a user search query using a previously entered user search query as well as the current search query. The previously entered search query can accompanying the current search query in a query referrer, or can be determined separately from the current search query. The relevance of the previous search query is determined with respect to the current search query, and if found relevant a combination of the two query terms is used to find a set of advertising keywords from which candidate advertisements to be targeted and served to the user with search results are found. The process can be extended to additional search queries.
US08380551B2 Method and system for processing work requests
The disclosure is directed to a method and system for processing work requests, preferably prototype operations work requests (POWR). In one of the embodiments the method is an automated method to be performed in a computing environment for processing a work request. The method comprises the steps of receiving the work request, inputting the work request into an electronic database, creating electronic work request instructions, linking the electronic work request instructions to multiple networked computers, transmitting between the networked computers electronic notifications relating to the work request instructions, and providing service reports filtered on specific data of interest relating to history and completion of the work request.
US08380550B2 Method and computer program product for maintenance and modernization backlogging
According to one embodiment, a computer program product for determining future facility conditions includes a computer readable medium having computer readable program code stored therein. The computer readable program code includes computer readable program code for calculating a time period specific maintenance cost, for calculating a time period specific modernization factor, and for calculating a time period specific backlog factor. Future facility conditions equal the time period specific maintenance cost plus the time period specific modernization factor plus the time period specific backlog factor. In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method for calculating future facility conditions includes calculating a time period specific maintenance cost, calculating a time period specific modernization factor, and calculating a time period specific backlog factor. Future facility conditions equal the time period specific maintenance cost plus the time period specific modernization factor plus the time period specific backlog factor. Other embodiments are also presented.
US08380549B2 Architectural design for embedded support application software
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing embedded support. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include, for example, a Support Request Processing process component that handles a request reflecting the initial inquiry to clarify and solve an incident during the operations of an IT system and a Software Problem Reporting process component that handles the collection and reporting of context data in the IT system.
US08380547B2 System and method for complaint tracking, imaging and processing
The present invention relates to an insurance complaint document management and processing system that interfaces with a state Department of Insurance. According to some embodiments, an insurance complaint document is received at a document conversion system. The received document may be converted to a document image may be automatically matched to insurance policy information. It may then be arranged to provide the document image and the insurance policy information for resolution.
US08380544B1 Systems and methods for providing a legacy life insurance policy benefit to a beneficiary
A “legacy life” component to a life insurance policy. An insured may protect his/her descendents by applying for a life insurance policy that provides for subsequent life insurance for the descendents as part of the death benefit provided by the life insurance policy. The “legacy life” policy may have different underwriting procedures in place and/or a lower premium than comparable coverage policies as a portion of the policy death benefit payout would be withheld to fund the descendent life insurance policy. As such, the legacy life insurance policy may produce the subsequent life insurance policy as a fully-funded derivative policy at payout. Because the original policy does not payout the full face value as a cash death benefit, the derivative policy maximizes a float for the insurance provider.
US08380539B2 Personalized medicine management software
The invention provides personalized medicine management software for determining a series of recommended doses of a medication for a patient. The software contains code to receive information regarding a combination of at least one genetic factor and personal attributes for the patient that are predictive of the patient's reaction to a series of doses of the medication. Using a predictive mathematical model specific to the medication, the code calculates the series of recommended doses specific to the patient's genetic factor and personal attributes and specific to the medication. The series of recommended doses is outputted. In preferred embodiments, the output is the form of an interactive display. The interactive display permits a user, typically a health care professional, to input actual doses and actual patient responses. The subsequent series of recommended doses is preferably then adjusted, in real time, to account for the actual doses and actual patient responses.
US08380538B2 Fraction sequence concept for radiation therapy planning
The present invention relates generally to a method of displaying which treatment plan is administered at each fraction of a complete radiotherapy treatment, comprising displaying treatment plans P1 through Pn, receiving an input that designates which plan or multiple plans from plans P1 through Pn will be administered for each treatment day T1 through Tm, and receiving an input that designates an order of administration of the treatment plans for each treatment day T1 through Tm. This method also includes linking the designated treatment plans with the designated treatment days T1 through Tm, displaying the links as treatment fractions, displaying the treatment fractions in a sequential order, providing a function that sums the designated treatment plans for each treatment day T1 through Tm, providing a component for exchanging the designated treatment plans, providing a component for removing or changing the order of administration, providing a component for approving the fractions and the order of administration, and preventing changes of the fractions and changes of the order of administration after an approval is received.
US08380537B2 System for communication of health care data
An apparatus for communicating health care data from a sender to a receiver is provided. The apparatus has a first computer system, a second computer system, and a rules engine. The first computer system has health care data stored therein. The second computer system is in operable communication with, and is configured to extract the health care data from, the first computer system. The rules engine normalizes the extracted health care data to a predefined format.
US08380535B2 Automated will call system
A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.
US08380533B2 System and method of providing dynamic and customizable medical examination forms
A system and method of providing dynamic and customizable medical forms is disclosed. In certain specific embodiments, these dynamic and customizable medical forms may be automatically presented to users based on a predefined series of rules which allow multiple users having different roles in the clinical process to collaborate and contribute to a medical examination report, while at the same time maintaining an independent record of what was contributed and by whom it was contributed.
US08380531B2 Clinical trial endpoint development process
A system for developing and producing clinical endpoints based on patient reported outcome data utilizing algorithms to generate decision rules to evaluate patient reported outcome type questionnaire is provided. The questionnaires can include health-related quality of life questionnaires and can predict the reliability of endpoints in supporting one or more medical labeling claims.
US08380530B2 Personalized health records with associative relationships
A method for processing a personal health record (PHR) which includes a plurality of events each having a time stamp. The method includes creating a plurality of event-concept pairs by mapping each of the plurality of events in the PHR to a corresponding health concept, assigning to each of the plurality of event-concept pairs the time stamp of the event corresponding to the event-concept pair, identifying associations among the plurality of event-concept pairs, identifying an associative subset of event-concept pairs among the plurality of event-concept pairs, and linking a plurality of members of the associative subset of event-concept pairs to form a thread, in which the thread presents a relationship among the plurality of members of the associative subset of event-concept pairs.
US08380528B2 Controlling service provided by a packet switched network based on bids from consumer equipment
Service that is provided by a packet switched network is controlled based on bids from a plurality of consumer equipment. Bids are requested from the consumer equipment. The bids are compared, and service by the packet switched network is controlled based the comparison. Access to the packet switched network may be selectively allowed or denied based on the comparison of the bids. The quality of service that is provided for information packets that are associated with at least some of the consumer equipment and communicated through the packet switched network may be controlled based on the bids.
US08380526B2 Method, device and system for enhancement layer signal encoding and decoding
A method, device and system for signal encoding and decoding are disclosed. The method includes: encoding a core layer signal to obtain a core layer signal code; selecting an enhancement sample point that requires enhancement layer signal encoding according to the core layer signal code and the number of bits that can be used by an enhancement layer; obtaining an enhancement layer signal code of the enhancement sample point; and outputting a bit stream, where the bit stream includes the core layer signal code and the enhancement layer signal code. In embodiments of the present invention, according to the number of bits that can be used by the enhancement layer, the enhancement sample point that requires enhancement layer signal encoding is selected; the enhancement layer signal of the selected enhancement sample point is encoded and decoded; when no sufficient bits are available for the enhancement layer, the enhancement quality of the core layer can be improved.
US08380525B2 Continued telecommunication with weak links
According to the invention a receiving end terminal (RET) enters a delay mode based on the detecting of the quality of the link being lower than a threshold. In this delay mode, the receiving end terminal provides a reception delay indicator (RDI) for a sending end terminal (SET). The sending end terminal (SET) receives the reception delay indicator (RDI) and provides an end of speech indicator (ESI) for the receiving end terminal (RET) at an end of a speech coding interval (SC). The receiving end terminal (RET) uses the reception delay indicator (RDI) and end of speech indicator (ESI) to define a first time interval (AL1) during which a speech decoder is disabled. The speech decoder is again activated after the first time interval (AL1).
US08380523B2 Method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal
The present invention includes receiving a plurality of frame data including first frame data and second frame data encoded by at least one coding schemes, obtaining first flag information indicating whether the first frame data and the second frame data are encoded by frequency domain transform coding scheme, respectively, decoding the first frame data by frequency domain transform coding scheme based on the first flag information when the first frame data is encoded by frequency domain transform coding scheme, obtaining second flag information indicating whether subframe data is encoded by time domain transform coding scheme or time-frequency domain coding scheme when the second frame data is not encoded by frequency domain transform coding scheme, the at least two subframe data being included in the second frame data, decoding the subframe data by time domain transform coding scheme or time-frequency domain transform coding scheme based on the second flag information, and compensating for discontinuity existing between the first frame data decoded by frequency domain transform coding scheme and the subframe data decoded by time domain transform coding scheme, wherein the time-frequency domain coding scheme is time domain coding scheme including frequency domain transform.
US08380519B2 Systems and techniques for producing spoken voice prompts with dialog-context-optimized speech parameters
Methods and systems are described in which spoken voice prompts can be produced in a manner such that they will most likely have the desired effect, for example to indicate empathy, or produce a desired follow-up action from a call recipient. The prompts can be produced with specific optimized speech parameters, including duration, gender of speaker, and pitch, so as to encourage participation and promote comprehension among a wide range of patients or listeners. Upon hearing such voice prompts, patients/listeners can know immediately when they are being asked questions that they are expected to answer, and when they are being given information, as well as the information that considered sensitive.
US08380518B2 Device, method, and medium for generating audio fingerprint and retrieving audio data
Provided are device, method, and medium for generating an audio fingerprint and retrieving audio data. The device for generating an audio fingerprint includes: a coefficient extracting section partially decoding audio data in a compression area and extracting MDCT (Modified Discrete Cosine Transform) coefficients; a coefficient selecting section selecting an MDCT coefficient robust to noises from the extracted MDCT coefficients; a modulation spectrum generating section transforming the selected MDCT coefficient by the use of a Fourier transform method and generating a modulation spectrum; and a bit conversion section quantizing the generated modulation spectrum and generating an audio fingerprint. As a result, it is possible to accurately and rapidly retrieve the audio data recorded in a variety of environments. Since elements based on MP3 are used, it is possible to apply to MP3 applications in various manners. In addition, it is possible to apply to classification of audio data such as classification of music moods and classification of music genres and various other fields such as extraction of a specific event from moving images of sports.
US08380517B2 Multi-layered speech recognition apparatus and method
A multi-layered speech recognition apparatus and method, the apparatus includes a client checking whether the client recognizes the speech using a characteristic of speech to be recognized and recognizing the speech or transmitting the characteristic of the speech according to a checked result; and first through N-th servers, wherein the first server checks whether the first server recognizes the speech using the characteristic of the speech transmitted from the client, and recognizes the speech or transmits the characteristic according to a checked result, and wherein an n-th (2≦n≦N) server checks whether the n-th server recognizes the speech using the characteristic of the speech transmitted from an (n−1)-th server, and recognizes the speech or transmits the characteristic according to a checked result.
US08380516B2 Retrieval and presentation of network service results for mobile device using a multimodal browser
A method of obtaining information using a mobile device can include receiving a request including speech data from the mobile device, and querying a network service using query information extracted from the speech data, whereby search results are received from the network service. The search results can be formatted for presentation on a display of the mobile device. The search results further can be sent, along with a voice grammar generated from the search results, to the mobile device. The mobile device then can render the search results.
US08380512B2 Navigation using a search engine and phonetic voice recognition
A method and apparatus for incorporating voice recognition into a search engine is provided. The phonetic voice recognition system lacking grammar and spell checking is used. The output of the phonetic voice recognition system is forwarded to a search engine. The search engine performs disambiguation and relevancy analysis based on past similar queries. Search engine user behavior is recorded to improve the accuracy. Recorded statistics are used to rank results pages.
US08380502B1 Voice interface for a search engine
A system receives a voice search query from a user, derives recognition hypotheses from the voice search query, and determines scores associated with the recognition hypotheses, the scores being based on a comparison of the recognition hypotheses to previously received search queries. The system discards at least one of the recognition hypotheses that is associated with a first score that is less than a threshold value, and constructs a first query using at least one non-discarded recognition hypothesis, where the at least one first non-discarded recognition hypothesis is associated with a second score that at least meets the threshold value. The system forwards the first query to a search system, receives first results associated with the first query, and provides the first results to the user.
US08380500B2 Apparatus, method, and computer program product for judging speech/non-speech
A spectrum calculating unit calculates, for each of the frames, a spectrum by performing a frequency analysis on an acoustic signal. An estimating unit estimates a noise spectrum. An energy calculating unit calculates an energy characteristic amount. An entropy calculating unit calculates a normalized spectral entropy value. A generating unit generates a characteristic vector based on the energy characteristic amounts and the normalized spectral entropy values that have been calculated for a plurality of frames. A likelihood calculating unit calculates a speech likelihood value of a target frame that corresponds to the characteristic vector. In a case where the speech likelihood value is larger than a threshold value, a judging unit judges that the target frame is a speech frame.
US08380499B2 Speech recognition adjustment based on manual interaction
A method of operating a speech recognition system on a vehicle having a visual display and manually-operated input device that includes initiating a speech recognition system, controlling menu selections on a visual display using a manually-operated input device, receiving a notification from the manually-operated input device indicating that the user is manipulating the device in conjunction with the menu selections on the visual display, and adjusting operation of the speech recognition system based on input received by the manually-operated input device.
US08380498B2 Temporal envelope coding of energy attack signal by using attack point location
A method of transceiving an audio signal is disclosed. An input audio signal is provided. It is determined whether an energy attack signal exists within the input audio signal and a decision flag is set if the energy attack signal exists. A temporal location of the energy attack point in the input audio signal is detected. Energy variations before and after the temporal location of an energy attack point are determined. The energy variations to produce quantized energy variations and a peak area energy of the input audio signal to produce a quantized peak area energy are quantized. The decision flag, the temporal location of the energy attack point, the quantized energy variations, and the quantized peak energy are transmitted.
US08380493B2 Association of semantic meaning with data elements using data definition tags
Technology is described for associating semantic meaning with data elements. The system can include a messaging module configured to receive a message having data elements. A storage module can store the data elements from the message in a structured format. A message dictionary can be configured to identify a type of the message received and to lexically identify data elements of the message using the message dictionary and the type of message. In addition, a taxonomy module can be configured to provide a semantic meaning for the data elements of the lexically identified portions of the message. Further, a data definition tag repository can store data definition tags and link the message dictionary, the taxonomy, and storage location of the data elements in the storage module. The data definition tags can enable the semantic meaning of data elements to be queried.
US08380491B2 System for rating constructed responses based on concepts and a model answer
A concept rater module is utilized to automatically grade or score constructed responses based on a model answer. The concept rater module may be configured to accept a model answer as input. The model answer may be used as a grading key by the concept rater module. The concept rater module may be further configured to accept student responses in a file format. The file format may be ASCII text, a formatted word processing (e.g., WORDPERFECT, MICROSOFT WORD, etc.) and the like. The concept rater module may be further configured to process a student response into a canonical representation of the student response. The canonical representation of the student response is compared against the model answer by the concept rater module. From the comparison, a score is generated which represents that student's ability to cover all the key concepts.
US08380489B1 System, methods, and data structure for quantitative assessment of symbolic associations in natural language
A method for quantitatively assessing associations between different terms in a natural language includes obtaining a first group of sentences, at least some of which comprise an object name, parsing each of the first group of sentences to identify a subject and a predicate, assigning a sentence type to each of the first group of sentences according to the location of the object name in the sentence, tokenizing each of the first group of sentences to produce a plurality of tokens that includes a jth token, and adding a weighting coefficient to a parameter token_j_count for each sentence that includes the jth token, wherein the weighting coefficient is dependent on the sentence type. A cumulative value of the parameter token_j_count obtained from the first group of sentences is divided by the total number of sentences in the first group to produce an internal association strength for the jth token.
US08380483B2 Inter-procedural dataflow analysis of parameterized concurrent software
A system and method for computing dataflow in concurrent programs of a computer system, includes, given a family of threads (U1, . . . , Um) and a Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) property, f, for a concurrent program, computing a cutoff for the LTL property, f, where c is called the cutoff if for all n greater than or equal to c, Un satisfies f if Uc satisfies f. The cutoff is computed using weighted multi-automata for internal transitions of the threads. Model checking a cutoff number of processes is performed to verify race freedom in the concurrent program.
US08380473B2 Method of modeling dynamic characteristics of a flight vehicle
The present invention models dynamic behavior of flight vehicles for simulation, analysis, and design. The present invention allows a user to define the complexity of a flight vehicle model, and such models may be simple rigid body models, models of medium complexity, or very complex models including high order dynamics comprising hundreds of structural flexibility modes and variables related to aero-elasticity, fuel sloshing, various types of effectors, tail-wags-dog dynamics, complex actuator models, load-torque feedback, wind gusts, and other parameters impacting flight vehicles. The present invention accommodates and analyzes multiple vehicle and actuator concepts and configurations as defined in flight vehicle input data, which specifies flight vehicle parameters at a steady-state condition for modeling flight vehicle response to dynamic forces and flight control commands with respect to steady state operation.
US08380469B2 Controlling the number of iterations in image reconstruction
An iterative reconstruction method to reconstruct an object includes determining, in a series of iteration steps, updated objects, wherein each iteration step includes determining a data model from an input object, and determining a stop-criterion of the data model on the basis of a chi-square-gamma statistic. The method further includes determining that the stop-criterion of the data model has transitioned from being outside the limitation of a preset threshold value to being inside the limitation, ending the iterations, and selecting one of the updated objects to be the reconstructed object.
US08380465B2 Method and apparatus for computer-aided design of three-dimensional objects to be fabricated
A computer-aided design apparatus generates a tree structure of coordinate systems defining the topology of a three-dimensional object to be fabricated. Coordinate systems are positioned and orientated in accordance with mathematical functions. The mathematical function positioning child coordinate systems has the identity of the parent coordinate systems as a variable, and the positions of the child coordinate systems vary relative to their parent coordinate systems according to the identity of the parent coordinate systems. Data defining the coordinate systems and connections is stored in a graph. Bases having a defined relationship are identified and three-dimensional content objects are added. Content objects are added using the same mathematical function, generating three-dimensional content objects in each of a plurality of coordinate systems. The function for generating the content objects has the identity of the coordinate systems as a variable, generating the content object in each coordinate system with a different shape.
US08380464B2 Moving physical objects from original physical site to user-specified locations at destination physical site
Dimensions of each physical object to be moved from an original physical site to a destination physical site are at least approximately determined. Each physical object is tagged with an identifier. A virtual layout of the destination physical site and the dimensions and the identifier of each physical object are input into a computer program. A user-specified location of where within the destination physical site each physical object is to be placed when moved to the destination physical site is input using the computer program, based on the virtual layout of the destination physical site and the dimensions and the identifier of each physical object. At the destination physical site, each physical object is looked up using the identifier of the physical object to determine the user-specified location of where to place the physical object within the destination physical site.
US08380463B2 Apparatus having a modularly constructed, measuring transducer circuit
An apparatus having at least one sensor for registering at least one chemical and/or physical, process variable, and at least one modularly constructed, measuring transducer circuit, which has at least one sensor unit, which ascertains a measured variable from the process variable registered by the sensor and supplies the sensor with energy as needed, and at least one application specific, signal processing unit for ascertaining a measured value of the measured variable, wherein a conditioned output signal is provided between the sensor unit and the application specific, signal processing unit, wherein the application specific, signal processing unit is exchangeably embodied, and wherein, as a function of a predeterminable accuracy of measurement with which the apparatus ascertains the measured values, a plurality of different types of application specific, signal processing units are provided.
US08380458B2 In flight detection
An apparatus and method for detecting whether a mobile device is in flight based on sensor measurements from a 3-dimensional accelerometer are presented. For example, embodiments estimate a direction of gravity and non-gravity acceleration, separate this non-gravity acceleration into a vertical and horizontal components, then test the estimated accelerations to determine whether the mobile device is experiencing sufficient vertical acceleration to warrant an in-flight determination.
US08380452B2 Control device of secondary battery and map correction method
A two-dimensional map for calculating an SOC of a secondary battery is corrected. A battery ECU obtains a voltage index of a secondary battery. The voltage index is, for example, a no-load voltage of the secondary battery. When an amount of change of the calculated no-load voltage from an initial state falls outside a predefined range, the battery ECU corrects the two-dimensional map of initial state which is stored in advance in a storage unit using data obtained by statistically processing a plurality of two-dimensional maps obtained from a plurality of vehicles.
US08380451B2 System and method for monitoring the state of health of a power electronic system
A system and method for monitoring the state of health of a power electronic system. Data representing an initial expected temperature of the circuit element and an initial value of an electrical parameter of the circuit element is obtained. An electrical pulse is applied to the circuit element to heat the circuit element. After the electrical pulse decays to a predetermined value, the electrical parameter of the circuit element is sensed and a subsequent value of the electrical parameter is obtained. A subsequent temperature of the circuit element is estimated based on the initial expected temperature of the circuit element, the initial and subsequent values of the electrical parameter, and the predetermined value of the electrical pulse. Based on the subsequent temperature, the signal that indicates whether the circuit element is operating as expected is generated.
US08380449B2 Segment-based signal processing
An electronics module for a filling-level measuring device is stated which evaluates a newly acquired data point on the basis of an expectation funnel and, if this data point is situated within the expectation funnel, replaces a preceding data point by this newly acquired data point. Otherwise a new expectation funnel is generated. As a result of this the presentation of echo signal waveforms can be created in a more efficient manner.
US08380446B2 System and method for determining the phase envelope of a gas condensate
A system for determining the phase envelope of a gas condensate includes a microfluidic device defining an entrance passageway, an exit passageway, and a microchannel in fluid communication with the passageways. The system includes an input sample bottle in fluid communication with the entrance passageway and a first pump associated with the input sample bottle for urging the gas condensate, in the input sample bottle, into the entrance passageway. The system further includes an output sample bottle in fluid communication with the exit passageway and a second pump associated with the output sample bottle for pressurizing the gas condensate, in the output sample bottle, into the exit passageway in opposition to the first pump. The system includes a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the gas condensate in the microchannel. The first pump and the second pump operate to provide a desired pressure drop across the microchannel.
US08380442B2 Secondary structure defining database and methods for determining identity and geographic origin of an unknown bioagent thereby
The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
US08380438B2 Wideband mud pump noise cancelation method for wellbore telemetry
A method for attenuating pump noise in a wellbore drilling telemetry system includes spectrally analyzing measurements of a parameter related to operation of a pump used to move drilling fluid through the drilling system. Synthetic spectra of the parameter are generated based on a number of pumps in the pump system and a selected number of harmonic frequencies for each pump. Which of the synthetic spectra most closely matches the spectrally analyzed parameter output is determined. The most closely matching synthetic spectrum is used to reduce noise in a signal detected proximate the Earth's surface transmitted from a part of the drilling system disposed in a wellbore.
US08380437B2 Method of predicting mechanical properties of rocks using mineral compositions provided by in-situ logging tools
A method for predicting mechanical properties of a transverse isotropic region of a rock formation traversed by a well bore including running a logging tool in the well bore; the mass percentages of minerals present in the rock formation surrounding the well bore are measured with the logging tool. The density of the minerals present in the rock formation surrounding the well bore is determined. The porosity of the rock formation surrounding the well bore is measured. From the porosity and the measured mass percentages and density of the minerals, all the transverse isotropic elastic coefficients of the rock formation are determined in real time.
US08380436B2 Blasting method
Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.
US08380427B2 Showing realistic horizons on mobile computing devices
In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing a user of a computing device with the ability to view a realistic map of the sky based on information associated with the current location of the user. The information may be geographical information, orientation or directionality of the computing device, time and date, and zoom settings of the computing device. The computing device may use built-in capabilities (e.g., compass) and applications (e.g., maps and GPS) to determine the current location information. The computing device then uses the current location information to obtain celestial and topographical information. Using the celestial information, the computing device displays a map of the sky with the appropriate celestial bodies. Additionally, the computing device uses the topographical information to display a realistic rendering of the horizon, such that objects in the horizon may be displayed to render a realistic representation of the sky from the current location.
US08380418B2 Method for maintaining a brake rotor
A disc braking system of a vehicle determines the actual temperature of a brake rotor. The disc braking system compares the actual temperature of the brake rotor to a critical temperature of the brake rotor. The critical temperature of the brake rotor is a temperature above which damage and/or warping to the brake rotor may occur. The disc braking system applies a corrective measure to prevent damage to the brake rotor when the actual temperature of the brake rotor is greater than the critical temperature of the brake rotor. The corrective measure may include, but is not limited to: displaying a warning, adjusting a fraction control system of the vehicle, scheduling maintenance for the vehicle.
US08380412B2 Control devices for a booster brake system of a vehicle and method for operating a booster brake system of a vehicle
A control device (10) for a brake-power-assisted brake system of a vehicle having a first input device (26) for a supplied first information item (28) relating to a supplied assistance force (Fu) of a brake booster (14) of the brake-power-assisted brake system, a second input device (30) for a supplied second information item (32) relating to a total force (Fg) comprising the assistance force (Fu) and a driver braking force (FI) supplied by activation of an activation element (12) of the brake-power-assisted brake system, an evaluation device (36) which is configured to define a third information item relating to a proportional relationship between the total force (Fg) and the assistance force (Fu) taking into account the first information item (28) and the second information item (32), and an output device (44, 50) which is configured to supply at least one control signal (46, 52) to at least one component (14, 54) of the brake-power-assisted brake system taking into account the defined third information item relating to the proportional relationship between the total force (Fg) and the assistance force (Fu).
US08380409B2 Vehicle power transmission system
A vehicle power transmission system has a first electric motor, a differential section, a power interruption element forming part of a power transmission path, a second electric motor connected to a power transmission path, and a control device that maintains the output rotational speed of the differential section at a predetermined constant value or at a value within a predetermined range until the engagement of the power interruption element is completed, so as to control a rotational speed of a primary power source by the first electric motor during the period when the state of the vehicle power transmission system is being switched front a non-drive mode to a drive mode.
US08380408B2 Speed change control system for industrial vehicle
A speed change control system for an industrial vehicle includes: a speed ratio detecting unit that detects a speed ratio of speeds of an input shaft and of an output shaft of a torque converter; a torque converter speed ratio-based speed changer that shifts up or shifts down a speed stage of a transmission 3 in response to the detected speed ratio; a vehicle speed detection unit that detects a speed of the vehicle; a mode selection unit that selects any one of an L-mode and an H-mode; and a speed change control unit that permits an upshift provided that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value when the L-mode is selected whereas permits the upshift provided that the vehicle speed is higher than another predetermined value which is larger that the predetermined value when the H-mode is selected.
US08380406B2 Using driving behavior to determine gear changes of an automatic transmission
A method for changing the timing of gear changes of an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle including repetitively updating a current value of a count whose value is a measure of driving behavior, performing an evaluation of driving behavior and updating the current value by a value determined from the evaluation, determining shift schedules that define the occurrence of a gear change to be produced by the transmission, and using the updated current value to establish from among the shift schedules a shift schedule that defines a gear change to be produced by the transmission.
US08380398B2 Motor control unit and motor control unit for vehicle steering apparatus
A steering assist operation is performed, which includes a motor control unit that controls a motor, and the steering assist operation does not require a rotational angle sensor. A current drive unit drives the motor at an axis current value of a rotating coordinate system that rotates in accordance with a control angle, which is calculated by a control angle calculation unit. The control angle calculation unit obtains, at every predetermined calculation cycle, a present value of the control angle by adding an addition angle to an immediately preceding value of the control angle. An addition angle calculation unit calculates the addition angle to be added to the control angle through a proportional-integral control based on a torque deviation from a command torque set by a command torque setting unit.
US08380389B2 Health monitoring systems and methods with vehicle identification
A health monitoring system is provided for a vehicle with an identity configured to travel on a surface. The system includes a body positioned on the surface and configured to stimulate a dynamic response from the vehicle as the vehicle travels over the body; a response sensor associated with the body and configured to measure the dynamic response from the vehicle; and an identification sensor associated with the body and configured to collect data corresponding to the identity of the vehicle.
US08380388B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring a starter motor for an internal combustion engine
A method for monitoring a starter motor for an internal combustion engine includes calculating a first engine power during a starting event based on an electric power flow from the battery to the starter motor, calculating a second engine power during the starting event based on an engine kinetic energy, and detecting a fault associated with the starter motor as a function of the difference between the first engine power and the second engine power.
US08380382B2 Unmanned transport apparatus and operating method thereof
An unmanned transport apparatus, includes: a call unit for providing destination information corresponding to a call location according to a call signal of a communication device; a navigation guide unit for recognizing a current location using an electronic map and searching an optimum route from the current location to a destination location of the destination information; and an image recognition unit for determining a travelling route and recognizing landmarks, stop lines, and intersections on the determined travelling route. Further, the unmanned transport apparatus includes an image capture unit for capturing input images to produce image; and a control unit for controlling a steering angle by determining a steering value from the current location to the destination location based on the travelling route and landmarks, and controlling velocity and brakes by determining velocity and brake values based on the stop lines and intersections.
US08380381B2 Electric vehicle with pitch control device
An electric vehicle includes a pitching state quantity detector for detecting quantity of a pitching-motion of the vehicle, a vehicle weight determiner, a pitching target quantity calculator for calculating a target quantity of a pitching motion at least from the determined vehicle weight, and a torque correction calculator for increasing/reducing a driving torque output, according to a particular differential between the detected pitching-motion state quantity and the calculated target quantity.
US08380378B2 Control method of electronic brake
Disclosed herein is a method of controlling an Anti-lock Brake system (ABS) of an electronic brake, which is driven using an electric motor. In ABS braking in which braking and braking-release motions are repeated according to a wheel slip value, the electric motor is controlled in a re-braking section to link a position of a brake pad with a change in wheel speed, to enhance ABS control responsiveness and to reduce stopping distance with maximized brake force.
US08380376B2 Power output apparatus, hybrid vehicle provided with power output apparatus, and control method of power output apparatus
An apparatus includes an engine; an exhaust gas control apparatus; a first and second electric motors; a power distributing portion that is connected to an engine shaft, a rotating shaft of the first electric motor, and a drive shaft that inputs/outputs power to/from the second electric motor; a power storage device that supplies/receives electric power to/from the two motors; a setting portion that sets a required torque of the drive shaft; and a control portion that, when there is a demand to decelerate the drive shaft while a fuel-supply to the engine is being prohibited, controls the engine and the two motors such that torque based on the required torque is output to the drive shaft and an engine speed is decreased to a self-sustaining speed with the fuel-supply and an adjustment that increases the intake air amount of the engine as the temperature of the power storage device increases.
US08380374B2 Method for navigating an undersea vehicle
In a method for navigating an undersea vehicle (12), navigation data about position, orientation, and absolute vehicle speed of the undersea vehicle (12) are determined from measurement data delivered by navigation sensors (17) via a navigation filter (18) which incorporates the measurement values of a Doppler log (14). To achieve a highly accurate tracking of the course taken by the undersea vehicle (12), particularly during submerging and surfacing phases, the stretch of water (10) traversed by the undersea vehicle (12) is divided into regions (13) which at least in the vertically oriented z-axis have a finite dimension within a Cartesian coordinate system (11). During the voyage of the undersea vehicle (12), the flow rates in the stretch of water (10) in relation to the individual spatial layers (13) are determined and stored from the relative vehicle speeds measured by the Doppler log (14) in successive measurement processes, and from the absolute vehicle speeds issued continuously by the navigation filter (18). The stored flow rates are input into the navigation filter (18) (FIG. 1) in accordance with the respective spatial layer (13) reached by the undersea vehicle (12).
US08380368B2 Radio controlled aircraft, remote controller and methods for use therewith
A radio controlled (RC) aircraft includes a receiver that is coupled to receive an RF signal from a remote control device, the RF signal containing command data in accordance with a first coordinate system, wherein the first coordinate system is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensing module generates motion data based on the motion of the RC aircraft. A processing module transforms the command data into control data in accordance with a second coordinate system, wherein the second coordinate system is from a perspective of the RC aircraft. A plurality of control devices control the motion of the RC aircraft based on the control data. In an embodiment, a remote control device commands the RC helicopter to substantially a hovering state when no force is applied to each of a plurality of spring-loaded interface devices.
US08380360B2 Temperature control method, method of obtaining a temperature correction value, method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and substrate treatment apparatus
In a temperature control method in which a target temperature is given in a thermal treatment furnace and plural heaters are controlled according to the target temperature, the correlation of the each heater and plural profile temperature sensors provided in the thermal treatment furnace is determined, a virtual temperature is calculated on the basis of the detection temperature of each profile temperature sensor and a weighting factor calculated from the correlation, and the each heater is controlled so that the virtual temperature is coincident with the target temperature.
US08380359B2 Method of operating a home automation system
Method of operating a home automation system comprising: at least one home automation equipment item of a building, the home automation equipment item being associated with a specific equipment control means, a device for controlling this home automation equipment item, comprising a display and control screen on which a portion of the screen is assigned to the display of a first graphic representation, associated with this equipment item, the control device being separate from the specific control means, which system comprises a step for setting at least one value of a parameter of the home automation equipment item involved in the definition of a scenario, this setting step being able to be both implemented by action on the specific control means so as to cause a phase for modification of the state of the home automation equipment item and by action on the control device so as to cause a phase for modification of the appearance of the first graphic representation of the home automation equipment item.
US08380358B2 Switchgear data system
A switchgear assembly provides on-board documentation and includes a switchgear adapted to distribute electrical power to a plurality of loads. An industrial computer includes storage, a web server service and a wireless broadcasting device. The storage stores switchgear specific documentation. A mobile computing device wirelessly communicates with the industrial computer through the wireless broadcasting device. The mobile computing device includes a web browser and the documentation is provided to the mobile computing device by the web server service.
US08380356B1 Seeder downforce section control
A control system for a seeder implement with a plurality of row units grouped into one or more sections, is provided. The control system includes an intelligent control, a plurality of down force sensors electrically connected to the intelligent control, each of the one or more sections having at least one down force sensor associated therewith. The system further includes a plurality of down force actuators electrically connected to the intelligent control, each of the row units associated with at least one of the plurality of down force actuators. The intelligent control is configured to determine whether each of the one or more sections is in a plant zone or a no plant zone and to control down force applied by the plurality of down force actuators differently when one or more of the plurality of sections is in a no plant zone.
US08380351B2 Manipulator, manipulator collision detecting method and manipulator control method
A manipulator is provided with a first link, a second link, first and second differential input shafts rotatably supported on the first link, a differential output shaft rotatably supported on the second link, a differential gear mechanism for rotating the differential output shaft about two axes orthogonal to each other in accordance with the sum or difference of rotating speeds of the first and second differential input shafts, a first shaft rotational angle sensor for detecting rotational angle information of the first differential input shaft, a second shaft rotational angle sensor for detecting rotational angle information of the second differential input shaft, and a controller for detecting the reception of an external force by the first or second link based on an output signal of the first or second shaft rotational angle sensor.
US08380345B2 Method for controlling longwall operations with incorporation of air-technology and climate-technology resources
A method for controlling the extraction capacity of longwall operations in underground coal mining, including ascertaining the respective demand of the longwall operations, for air-technology and climate-technology resources, as influencing variables for a projected delivery quantity on the basis of data applicable to equipment of the longwall operations and to mineral deposit parameters, and storing the ascertained influencing variables in a computer as target data. Actual data for a raw coal delivery quantity, for air flowing through, for the supplied cooling capacity, and for the exhaust gas during running operation is detected and conveyed to the computer. If an increased demand for resources is recognized, coverage is initiated via a changeover of excess resources available at other longwall operations or, if a reduced demand for resources is recognized, excess resources are rerouted to other longwall operations experiencing corresponding demand deficiencies.
US08380344B2 Method and system for tamping media during transportation
A method for tamping media during transportation is disclosed. Multiple parallel beltsets lie between an inlet station(s) and a delivery station(s). The multiple parallel beltsets have one or more parallel belts, a motor connected to drive the beltsets, and multiple pushers attached to the belts of the beltset with the pushers of one beltset placed between the pushers of the adjacent beltset. A control module coupled to the motors accepts a set of instructions and controls tamping of the media stack during transportation. The control module varies the velocity of one of the beltsets relative to the adjacent beltset and adjusts the distance between successive pushers on the beltsets to accept media or to tamp media during transportation.
US08380341B2 NC program generating device and NC program generating method
In an NC program generating device that extracts shaping sites that are process areas of a workpiece based on the three-dimensional geometrical data of the unprocessed workpiece and the three-dimensional geometrical data of the processed workpiece and generates an NC program in accordance with the extracted shaping sites, the process attribute information setting unit sets up workpiece attribute information, based on related information of process operations feasible on the processing machine for the workpiece and the features, position, and direction of a shaping site of the three-dimensional shape of the processed workpiece that is configurable in the process attribute information.
US08380338B2 Method and apparatus for stripping holes in a metal substrate
A method and apparatus for stripping foreign matter from holes in a substrate, such as a turbine component, which includes using a scanner to locate the hole and operating a water jet apparatus to direct a water jet or an abrasive water jet into the hole for stripping. A CAD model of the original turbine component may be used in the control system of the water jet apparatus to initially locate the scanner at the general or theoretical location of the hole. A reverse flow of low pressure water may be provided to further clear foreign matter from the hole.
US08380336B2 Method for individual tracking of metallic hollow bodies
The invention relates to a method for the individual tracking of metallic hollow bodies, in particular hot-fabricated steel tubes, wherein following a final step of hot-work the individual tube is provided with a distinctive identification on the tube circumference, which is read in the feed region to the subsequent manufacturing or test stations automatically as a video image during transport and independently from the direction of transport. According to the invention, the labeling of the tube circumference is carried out in at least two segment-like sections, the tube circumference being divided, wherein the labeling is carried out in segments with a rotation of less than 360 DEG of the numbering unit and the segments comprise an axial offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, which is greater than the width of the data matrix code.
US08380335B2 Limit repository limit model and related system and method
An apparatus includes at least one memory configured to store application information associated with multiple process control applications used to control an industrial process. The application information includes multiple boundaries associated with the process control applications. Each boundary is associated with at least one of multiple hierarchical levels. The apparatus also includes at least one processing device configured to alter the association of the boundaries with the hierarchical levels independent of the process control applications. The hierarchical levels associated with different levels of criticality regarding the industrial process. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one interface configured to receive data from and transmit data to the process control applications.
US08380334B2 Carrying auxiliary data within audio signals
A system for inserting auxiliary data into an audio channel that carries an audio signal includes a modulator configured to convert an auxiliary data signal into a modulated auxiliary data signal that has a passband within the audio channel's passband. The system for inserting auxiliary data into an audio channel that carries an audio signal further includes summing means configured to combine the modulated auxiliary data signal and the audio signal into a combination signal to be carried in the audio channel.
US08380332B2 Audio signal processing device, speaker device, video display device, and control method
In an audio signal processing device, an acquisition unit acquires an audio signal. A signal processing unit applies predetermined signal processing to the audio signal acquired by the acquisition unit when the signal processing unit is supplied with power, and outputs the audio signal. A communication unit establishes wireless communication with a communication device for connection to the communication device. A communication controller controls the communication unit to commence the connection to the communication device by the wireless communication when a predetermined connection condition is satisfied, and to sever the connection to the communication device when a predetermined disconnection condition is satisfied. A power control unit starts supply of power to the signal processing unit when the connection to the communication device is commenced, and stops the supply of power to the signal processing unit when the connection to the communication device is severed.
US08380331B1 Method and apparatus for relative pitch tracking of multiple arbitrary sounds
Methods and apparatus for relative pitch tracking of multiple arbitrary sounds. A probabilistic method for pitch tracking may be implemented as or in a pitch tracking module. A constant-Q transform of an input signal may be decomposed to estimate one or more kernel distributions and one or more impulse distributions. Each kernel distribution represents a spectrum of a particular source, and each impulse distribution represents a relative pitch track for a particular source. The decomposition of the constant-Q transform may be performed according to shift-invariant probabilistic latent component analysis, and may include applying an expectation maximization algorithm to estimate the kernel distributions and the impulse distributions. When decomposing, a prior, e.g. a sliding-Gaussian Dirichlet prior or an entropic prior, and/or a temporal continuity constraint may be imposed on each impulse distribution.
US08380327B2 Flexible electronic product having a shape change characteristic and method thereof
A flexible electronic product includes a flexible electronic assembled body and an actuator including a shape memory member. The actuator of the flexible electronic product deforms in response to an input. The flexible electronic assembled body includes a flexible display device, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a plastic liquid crystal display (LCD), a plastic plasma display panel (PDP), an electronic ink panel, an organic thin film transistor (OTFT).
US08380325B2 Systems and methods for coupling coiled conductors to conductive contacts of an electrical stimulation system
An implantable lead includes an elongated member. A plurality of electrodes are disposed on a distal end of the elongated member. A plurality of terminals are disposed on a proximal end of the elongated member. Each of a plurality of conductors electrically couples at least one of the electrodes to at least one of the terminals. The plurality of conductors are disposed in the elongated member in a coiled configuration and have an end portion. Each of a plurality of constraining elements is disposed over at least one of the plurality of conductors such that the underlying at least one of the plurality of conductors is maintained in the coiled configuration. At least one of the plurality of electrodes or terminals is disposed over the constraining element and electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of conductors.
US08380315B2 Devices, systems and methods for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders
The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
US08380314B2 Patient directed therapy control
A patient controls the delivery of therapy through volitional inputs that are detected by a biosignal within the brain. The volitional patient input may be directed towards performing a specific physical or mental activity, such as moving a muscle or performing a mathematical calculation. In one embodiment, a biosignal detection module monitors an electroencephalogram (EEG) signal from within the brain of the patient and determines whether the EEG signal includes the biosignal. In one embodiment, the biosignal detection module analyzes one or more frequency components of the EEG signal. In this manner, the patient may adjust therapy delivery by providing a volitional input that is detected by brain signals, wherein the volitional input may not require the interaction with another device, thereby eliminating the need for an external programmer to adjust therapy delivery. Example therapies include electrical stimulation, drug delivery, and delivery of sensory cues.
US08380312B2 Multi-zone stimulation implant system and method
Various embodiments of an implant system are provided. The implant, such as a mesh implant, can include a support structure, e.g., mesh sling or implant, one or more stimulation elements (e.g., leads), and an energizing element. Leads or electrodes can be positioned in desired stimulation zones of the implant. As such, the implant can include multiple electrically isolated mesh electrode pads or regions.
US08380309B2 Method and apparatus to optimize pacing heart rate
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method of optimizing a pacing heart rate. The method can include obtaining a preload-frequency relation and a force-frequency relation from histogram data for a patient condition and determining an optimal pacing heart rate for the patient condition. The optimal pacing heart rate can be substantially between a first heart rate corresponding to a minimum preload condition based on the preload-frequency relation and a second heart rate corresponding to a sustained ionotropic reserve condition based on the force-frequency relation.
US08380305B2 System and method for predicting successful defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest
A computer-assisted method for quantitative characterization and treatment of ventricular fibrillation includes acquiring a time series of a ventricular fibrillation (VF) signal using a probe from a patient experiencing VF, subtracting the mean from the time series of the VF signal, calculating a cumulative VF signal after the mean is subtracted from the time series of the VF signal, segmenting the cumulative VF signal by a plurality of sampling boxes, calculating the root-mean-square of the cumulative VF signal as a function of the sampling box size , extracting an exponent of the root-mean-square of the cumulative VF signal as a function of the sampling box size, applying electrical defibrillation to the patient if the exponent is below a predetermined value, and applying cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the patient if the exponent is above a predetermined value.
US08380303B2 Systems and methods for activating and controlling impedance-based detection systems of implantable medical devices
Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices for addressing encapsulation effects, particularly in the detection of cardiac decompensation events such as heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (PE.) In one example, during an acute interval following device implant, cardiac decompensation is detected using heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular evoked response (ER) or various other non-impedance-based parameters that are insensitive to component encapsulation effects. During the subsequent chronic interval, decompensation is detected using intracardiac or transthoracic impedance signals. In another example, the degree of maturation of encapsulation of implanted components is assessed using impedance frequency-response measurements or based on the frequency bandwidth of heart sounds or other physiological signals. In this manner, impedance-based HF/PE detection systems can be activated as soon as component encapsulation has matured, without necessarily waiting until completion of a preset post-implant maturation interval, often set to forty-five days or more.
US08380300B2 Efficacy visualization
The disclosure is directed to techniques for providing a visualization of efficacy ratings for a medical therapy. A graphical representation of weighted efficacy parameter values may be displayed to provide a visualization of efficacy for the patient. The graphical representation may include a boundary extending between the efficacy parameter values on multiple axes. If the representation includes three axes, the shape of the boundary may be substantially triangular. The graphical representation may simultaneously display multiple graphical representations. Each of the multiple multi-axis graphical representations corresponds to efficacy parameter values obtained for different sets of therapy parameters or to efficacy parameter values obtained at different times. The graphical representation may be modified so that the efficacy parameter values correspond to values relating to a time reference specified by a user. Multiple graphical representations for different time references may be displayed simultaneously, permitting the user to compare efficacy over time.
US08380298B2 Magnetic acupuncture needle
A magnetic acupuncture needle combining the treatments of magnetic therapy and acupuncture by affecting the natural magnetic bio-field of energy of the patient's body and attracting it to the target point of treatment.
US08380295B2 Detection of waveform artifact
An implantable medical device system including a physiological sensor detects signal artifact in a signal waveform acquired by the sensor. Features of individual waveforms in the sensor signal are extracted. Sample waveforms are classified by expert observation into at least two classes including an artifact class. A distribution range for each of the extracted features from the sample waveforms is determined for each of the classes. Waveform classification criteria are established in response to the determined distribution ranges.
US08380292B2 Method for checking ECG signals and ECG measuring device
The invention relates to a method for checking ECG signals measured by an ECG measuring device having at least three electrodes for the presence of interference errors. At least three voltages are measured on a closed circulation path across the electrodes of the ECG measuring device. A monitoring value is calculated from the three measured voltages. A presence of an error is checked by determining a deviation of the monitoring value from a reference value. An error signal is outputted if an error is presented. The ECG measuring device has a further processing unit for processing voltage signals between a different pair of electrodes and a monitoring unit for calculating the monitoring value.
US08380290B2 Implantable devices for dynamic monitoring of physiological and biological properties of tumors
Biocompatible sensors configured for implantation include a first body in communication with a plurality of remote sensor bodies to detect physiological parameters in vivo.
US08380289B2 Medical device location systems, devices and methods
Methods, devices and systems for one or both of two- or three-dimensional location of the disposition of a sensor coil in a subject including: an array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, each set having two or three dimensionally oriented drive coils; a sensor coil being electromagnetically communicative with the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets; and, a system controller communicative with and adapted to energize one or more of the electromagnetic coils in the array of electromagnetic drive coil sets, the energizing of the one or more of the electromagnetic coils including one or more of energizing the coils singly, or in pairs of x-y and y-z or x-z coils, or in triplets of x-y-z coils while measuring the response of the sensor coil; whereby the system uses the measurements of the responses of the sensor coil to calculate the location and orientation of the sensor coil relative to said drive coil sets.
US08380287B2 Method and visualization module for visualizing bumps of the inner surface of a hollow organ, image processing device and tomographic system
A method is disclosed for visualizing bumps of the inner surface of a hollow organ. In at least one embodiment, the method includes acquiring recorded image data of the hollow organ using an imaging system; drawing a cutting edge in the image data along the surface of the hollow organ in the longitudinal direction; preparing the image data to display the surface of the hollow organ along a plane on which the surface is plotted in an opened-up fashion; and changing a viewing angle and/or an illumination angle during a display of the hollow organ, a rotation of the plane along an axis running parallel to the cutting edge and/or along an axis running transversely to the cutting edge being carried out to change the viewing angle. A visualization module, an image processing device with such a visualization module and a tomographic system with such an image processing system.
US08380286B2 Compression device for enhancing normal/abnormal tissue contrast in MRI including devices and methods related thereto
Featured are a device for compression of target tissue while magnetic resonance imaging the target tissue and methods and systems related thereto. The method includes disposing target tissue between the fixed surface and the moveable member of a compression device and compressing the target tissue between the fixed surface and the moveable member. The method also includes acquiring one or more, more specifically a plurality, of sequences of image data of the compressed target tissue using an MRI imaging technique (MRI). In embodiments, the MRI technique is a SENC MRI technique, where tissue encoding is done prior to compressing the tissue and acquiring includes adding a gradient moment in the slice-selection direction to cause demodulation with a specific frequency, hi further embodiments, the sequences of image data are acquired during a single compression and prior to recovery of magnetization.
US08380284B2 Method and apparatus for automated tracking of vessel movement using MR imaging
A system and method is disclosed for tracking a moving object using magnetic resonance imaging. The technique includes acquiring a scout image scan having a number of image frames and extracting non-linear motion parameters from the number of image frames of the scout image scan. The technique includes prospectively shifting slice location using the non-linear motion parameters between slice locations while acquiring a series of MR images. The system and method are particularly useful in tracking coronary artery movement during the cardiac cycle to acquire the non-linear components of coronary artery movement during a diastolic portion of the R-R interval.
US08380283B2 Method for visually monitoring an irreversible electroporation treatment, and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with integrated electroporation treatment device
In a method for implementing an irreversible electroporation treatment with an electroporation device having at least two treatment electrodes, magnetic resonance exposures are acquired for visual monitoring of the treatment, and magnetic resonance-compatible electrodes are used as treatment electrodes. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has an electroporation device integrated therein, so as to be operable by co-use of at least some of the same components that arte used for image data acquisition.
US08380282B2 Method for acquiring electromagnetic signals and contrast product therefor
The invention concerns a system capable of generating a magnetic indication B0 comprising gradients (Gx, Gy, Gz) in certain directions, transmitting ratio frequency wave pulse sequences (RF) perpendicular to B0 in a range of adjustable frequencies, and detecting electromagnetic signals received from a body part (4). The method includes injecting a contrast product in said body part, capable of being temporarily fixed in an observed zone (1), and comprising an element capable of causing chemical displacement of a resonance frequency of water hydrogen protons; exciting said body part, using a radio wave pulse sequence; in a range of frequencies adjusted on the basis of the magnetic induction B0 and the chemical displacement for some of said waves; detecting the electromagnetic signals received in said body part, substantially corresponding to the magnetic resonance signals of the protons of the observed zone having undergone the chemical displacement.
US08380277B2 Electrical lead for an electronic device such as an implantable device
A lead for an electronic device which resists the induction of a current from an electromagnetic field external to said lead includes one or more pairs of adjacent segments of electrical wire, each of the pairs including a first segment of electrical wire and a second segment of electrical wire. The lead also includes one or more shielded RF chokes, wherein each of the shielded RF chokes is provided between the first segment of electrical wire and the second segment of electrical wire of a respective one of the one or more pairs of adjacent segments. Also, an implantable device that includes a generator for generating one or more electrical pulse and a lead as described for delivering the pulses to tissue within a patient's body. A method for making the described implantable device is also provided.
US08380273B2 Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08380265B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes: a terminal main body having a window formed on a front surface thereof; an interface disposed at the side of the main body and electrically connected with an external device; and a cap module configured to open and close the interface, wherein the cap module includes: a cover configured to cover the interface; and a movement mechanism configured to rotate the cover toward a front side or a rear side of the main body from the side of the main body and slidably moving a rotational center of the cover by interworking with a rotation of the cover.
US08380264B2 Case for electrical device and method of providing same
In some examples, a mobile media device case can include: (a) an enclosure with a cavity, the cavity sized to contain a mobile media device therein, the enclosure further having: (1) a top side; (2) a bottom side, the bottom side configured to receive the mobile media device; (3) a front side, the front side is configured to allow visual and tactile access to the mobile media device when the mobile media device is in the cavity; and (4) a back side. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08380263B2 Mobile terminal device with sliding display and method thereof
A mobile terminal device includes a display unit having a first engaging latch, a case having a slide groove that allows the first engaging latch to slide therein and a second engaging latch that engages the first engaging latch that slides in the slide groove, and a component located in a gap that appears between the case and the display unit as a result of sliding the first engaging latch in the slide groove.
US08380259B2 Wirelessly accessing broadband services using intelligent covers
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for wirelessly accessing broadband services using intelligent covers. In some implementations, a cover for a consumer device includes side surfaces, a rear surface, a physical interface, a circuit, and a broadband service card. The side surfaces and a rear surface form an opening that receives at least a portion of a consumer device. A first portion of at least one of the surfaces includes a connector for connecting to a port of the consumer device. The circuit connects the physical interface to the connector. The broadband service card connected to the physical interface and accesses a service foreign through the wireless broadband network independent of the consumer device.
US08380257B2 Swing-type mobile communication terminal and swing device thereof
A swing-type mobile communication terminal and a swing device for the mobile terminal are disclosed. The mobile communication terminal includes a main body housing having a plurality of first keys on its top face and a swing housing having a display unit on its top face. A swing device connects the main body housing with the swing housing so that the swing housing moves along a predetermined path while facing the main body housing to perform a first swing and a second, successive swing. After the first swing, the swing housing is positioned together with the main body housing in the shape of and covers an upper portion of the main body housing. After performing the second swing, the swing housing is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the main body housing.
US08380256B1 Failsafe protection system for a distributed telecommunications site
A failsafe protection system for a distributed telecommunications site ties power shut off to a network interface unit to power supply conditions at a base transceiver station. In one aspect, the system is integrated with circuitry at the distributed telecommunications site, and includes an electrical power supplying device, a low voltage disconnect and a relay coupled with a DC bus. Additionally, the failsafe protection system includes a first circuit pathway coupling the base transceiver station electronics to the low voltage disconnect and a second circuit pathway coupling the network interface unit to the DC bus through the relay. Both the low voltage disconnect and the relay selectively control the coupling of the base transceiver station and the network interface unit, respectively, with the DC bus.
US08380255B2 Power transmission network
A network for power transmission to a receiver that converts the power into current includes a first node for transmitting power wirelessly in a first area. The first area has a minimum electric or magnetic field strength. The network includes a second node for transmitting power wirelessly in a second area. The second area has a minimum electric or magnetic field strength and overlaps the first area to define an overlap area. In another embodiment, the network includes a source in communication with the first and second nodes which provides power to them. Also disclosed are methods for power transmission to a receiver that converts the power into current.
US08380254B2 Speaker device for a vehicle
In a speech device for a hands-free system in a vehicle, at least one microphone is arranged on a guide element encompassing a safety belt. The guide element is fixed to a free end of a holding element, along which there is arranged a first line section of a signal line and/or a supply line of the microphone. One attachable end of the holding element that is opposite the free end, can be fixed in particular to a vehicle seat associated with the safety belt by means of a detachable mechanical connection that comprises at least one electric contact for the microphone.
US08380246B2 Connecting mobile devices via interactive input medium
A mobile device connection system is provided. The system includes an input medium to detect a device position or location. An analysis component determines a device type and establishes a connection with the device. The input medium can include vision systems to detect device presence and location where connections are established via wireless technologies.
US08380245B2 Method and apparatus for communicating via virtual office telephone extensions
A system for (and a method of) selectively establishing communication with at least one wireless device associated with a single telephone number serving as a virtual office extension is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a wireless connect unit in communication with an enterprise private branch exchange (PBX) network. The wireless connect unit preferably serves as a gateway between the PBX and one or more remote communication devices, including at least one wireless device, associated with a virtual extension telephone number. The remote wireless device can be used as a standard PBX office telephone for both inbound and outbound telephone calls. Thus, features of the PBX network (e.g., voice mail, direct extension dialing, corporate calling plan, etc.) are available to the remote wireless device even though it is not physically connected to the PBX. When the system receives an incoming call, it can route the call to a remote wireless device associated with a virtual extension, or to combination of devices simultaneously, or as desired by the user.
US08380242B2 Methods and systems for audio and video communication
Systems for audio and video communication used in a mobile electronic device are provided. An embodiment of a system comprises a display object generation unit, an acoustic object generation unit and a transport unit. The display object generation unit repeatedly generates display objects corresponding to intensity of light sensed by an image sensor module of the mobile electronic device. The acoustic object generation unit repeatedly generates acoustic objects corresponding to sound signals detected by a microphone of the mobile electronic device. The transport unit simultaneously transports the generated display and acoustic objects to a computer host when the mobile electronic device operates as a webcam.
US08380241B2 Communication assistance system and method with prosperity marketing
A communication assistance system includes a database having a plurality of listings therein, each of the listings includes a least one contact name and a contact information. A means is provided for receiving incoming communications from a plurality of requesters seeking a listing. A table stores past requested listings of the requesters, where the system reviews the table for storing past requested listings and, based on contents contained in the past requested listing table, develops a list of requesters to target a promotion to, whereupon when a requester who is among the list of requesters contacts the system, they are provided with the promotion.
US08380237B2 System and methods for queueing and moderating group talk
Systems of methods for performing queued and moderated talk groups in a system featuring network provided half duplex communications talk group sessions. For queuing, rather than dropping a talk request from a user which is listening, the request is forwarded and maintained in a list which is the used to grant access to the talk channel. For moderated talk groups, a wireless device is designated to be a moderator network device. The requests for the talk channel are then forwarded to the moderator network device. The moderator network device is equipped with functionality allowing a user of the device to select the order in which devices are granted the talk channel.
US08380234B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting available radio access possibilities in a communications area
The technology described in this application provides a wide-area radio access information transmission scheme where the wide-area radio access information transmitter shares its radio resources with local radio access information transmitters. The radio resources may be divided for example in one or more of the time, frequency, space, and/or code domains. The wide-area radio access information transmitter sets aside and does not use some portions or “chunks” of its radio resources and allocates those unused portions or chunks for use by local radio access information transmitters to transmit local radio access information signals. In one non-limiting example embodiment, the radio resources include time slots, and during those time slots allocated to the local radio access information transmitters, the wide-area radio access information transmitter does not transmit, and thus, is quiet. Hence, those allocated time slots are referred to as “quiet periods” from the perspective of the wide-area radio access information transmitter. The wide-area radio access information transmitter can optionally explicitly signal what those resources are to simplify for the local radio access information transmitters who otherwise have to detect those resources themselves.
US08380232B2 Selective service method in multicast system
A multicast service of a 3GPP Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is disclosed. A multicast service stream identifier is provided so that each multicast area can receive different information for one service or one multicast service can be provided with different QoSs to areas. In addition, the multicast service stream identifier is provided which can selectively receive diverse menus or channels for one multicast service provided in the same area. Thus, by providing the multicast service stream identifier, users' desires for various services can be satisfied.
US08380229B1 Saving power in wireless communication devices
Apparatus and methods for reducing the amount of time a mobile wireless device needs to be in a wake mode in order to determine whether a particular paging message is or is not directed to the mobile wireless device. The method includes: receiving, by a mobile device of a wireless network, a first paging message; processing, by the mobile device, a portion of the first paging message including comparing the processed portion of the first paging message with a processed portion of a second paging message previously received by the mobile device; and determining, by the mobile device, whether to process other portions of the first paging message based at least in part on the comparison.
US08380228B2 Method for managing power consumption of a pager on a trunked network
Systems and methods for managing power consumption on a trunked network include listening to a control channel on a trunked system with a trunked pager, and receiving a voice channel assignment. The trunked pager listens for voice traffic on the assigned voice channel while in a standby mode. Voice traffic is detected and the trunked pager determines whether the voice traffic is for a communication group that includes the trunked pager. If so, the trunked pager unmutes and listens to the voice traffic. Upon termination of the voice traffic, the trunked pager returns to the control channel to listen for a different voice channel assignment. Otherwise, the trunked pager directly returns to the control channel to listen for a different voice channel assignment.
US08380226B2 Location based reminders
Location based reminders are described. A mobile computing device may comprise a location based reminder application to set a target location for a reminder item. The location based reminder application may provide a location based reminder for the reminder item when a current location matches the target location. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08380225B2 Content transfer involving a gesture
Content transfer involving a gesture is described. In an implementation, a method is implemented by a mobile communications device that includes recognizing a gesture input via a touchscreen of the mobile communications device that is indicative of a direction, the touchscreen including a display of content. One or more other mobile communications devices are located that are positioned, approximately, along the indicated direction of the gesture. A communication is formed to transfer the content to the located one or more other mobile communications devices.
US08380223B2 System and method for providing centralized positioning determination for multiple radio access networks
An apparatus and method are provided for processing requests by a stand-alone serving mobile location center (SAS), shared by multiple radio access networks in a wireless network, for determining locations of mobile devices within the wireless network. A positioning request message for a mobile device is received from a radio network controller (RNC) in a radio access network (RAN) of the multiple radio access networks. An originating point code (OPC) and a cell identifier are retrieved from the positioning request message. A mobile country code (MCC) and a mobile network code (MNC) corresponding to the RAN are determined based on the retrieved OPC. A serving network node communicating with the mobile device is identified using the cell identifier and the determined MCC and MNC.
US08380220B2 System and method for generating a location estimate using a method of intersections
The location of a wireless mobile device may be estimated using, at least in part, one or more pre-existing Network Measurement Reports (“NMRs”) which include calibration data for a number of locations within a geographic region. The calibration data for these locations is gathered and analyzed so that particular grid points within the geographic region can be determined and associated with a particular set or sets of calibration data from, for example, one or more NMRs. Regions may be defined as a function of any number of parameters and respective predetermined ranges thereof in the NMRs. An intersection of these defined regions may be determined and the location of a mobile device may be estimated as a function of the intersection.
US08380216B2 Allocating radio resources in mobile communications system
Transmitting information using a preamble of a Random Access Channel (RACH) in an Evolved Universal mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) is provided. A preamble transmission is used to inform a base station of specific information when a terminal uses a RACH and the base station efficiently allocates radio resources for data transmission to the terminal according to the specific information. Delay time before the terminal transmits data is reduced and unnecessary consumption of radio resources is minimized.
US08380215B2 Method and apparatus of scheduling in multi-cell cooperative wireless communication system
A method and an apparatus of scheduling in a multi-cell cooperative wireless communication system is provided. Scheduling is performed, and scheduling results are transmitted to a neighbor base station (BS). The scheduling results comprise certain information for scheduling to be sequentially performed among base stations. Inter-cell interference can be reduced and scheduling can be performed simply by exchanging signals without a central scheduler.
US08380214B2 Handling identifiers for enhanced dedicated channels in cell forward access channel states
A device (124) receives information regarding allocation of an enhanced dedicated channel radio network temporary identifier (E-RNTI) (460) to user equipment (110) in a cell forward access channel (Cell_FACH) state, and receives information regarding a state change (520) associated with the user equipment (110). The device (124) determines that the E-RNTI (460) can be released based on the state change (520), and provides, to another device (122), a request (530) to release the E-RNTI (460) in response to the state change (520) and so that the E-RNTI (460) can be used by other user equipment (110).
US08380207B2 Long term evolution to universal mobile telecommunications system femto mobility
A system and methodology that resolves complex mobility handling issues in Long Term evolution (LTE) networks, overlaid with Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) macro and UMTS femtocells that share a common UMTS Absolute Radio Frequency Number (UARFCN), is provided. Moreover, an LTE user equipment (UE) includes a femto identification component that differentiates between the UMTS macro and UMTS femtocells by employing Location Area Code (LAC) data. In an aspect, the femto identification component ensures that the LTE UE connects to the UMTS femtocell as soon as the LTE UE enters the UMTS femtocell coverage area, even when the LTE radio frequency (RF) signal is deemed sufficient for communication. Further, the femto identification component ensures that the LTE UE stays connected to the LTE network, as long as possible, while outside of the UMTS femtocell coverage area.
US08380204B2 Computed-aided mapping of system information medium access control protocol messages
A method for computer-aided mapping of system information medium access control protocol messages onto a plurality of transport channels for transmission using an orthogonal frequency division multiple access method, wherein a scheduling of system information data packets information in the context of the mapping on a transport channel of the plurality of transport channels is carried out dependent on the type of the system information.
US08380203B1 Enhanced WLAN association for roaming
A communication device using a current wireless network via a first access point confirms availability of a second access point before breaking the current connection. To confirm availability of the second access point, the communication device sends a power management message that causes the first access point to store packets during the power management period. After the connection to the second access point is confirmed, the second session may be put on hold using the same technique while the connection to the first access point is restored, the stored packets processed and the connection closed. Then the connection to the second access point may be reactivated and further communication made through the second access point.
US08380200B1 Methods and systems for facilitating multi-technology handovers
A mobile station has a transmitter, a first receiver, and a second receiver, each of which can be configured to use a first radio access technology and a second radio access technology. The mobile station uses the transmitter and the first receiver to engage in a communication session via a serving base station that uses the first radio access technology. When a degradation in quality of the communication session is detected, the mobile station evaluates a target base station by transmitting a trial communication to the serving base station and receiving, through the second receiver, a trial response from a target base station. The target base station uses the second radio access technology. If the trial response is acceptable, the mobile station requests a handover of the communication session to the target base station. The mobile station may select the target base station from a multi-technology neighbor list.
US08380199B2 Mobile communication system
A wireless base station connected together with another base station to a superior apparatus, comprises, a forwarding controller to forward data received from the superior apparatus to the mobile station in a case of receiving none of a handover request message from the mobile station connected to the wireless base station, and to forward a part or the whole of the data received from the superior apparatus to the another wireless base station after receiving the handover request message from the mobile station, and a notifying unit to notify the another wireless base station of information used for the another wireless base station determining a reception allowable period of the data forwarded from the wireless-base station.
US08380196B2 Handover using dedicated resources reserved for a limited time interval
A method and arrangement for handover wherein the handover resource (the dedicated random access preamble) is reserved by the target radio base station (RBS) for a limited period of time, thus increasing the handover efficiency and thereby allowing random access preambles to be used for initial access to a larger extent. The information about the reserved time interval is sent to the UE in the handover command message by means of a frame number offset between the source RBS and the target RBS. The UE uses the information to calculate when to send its synchronization message to the target RBS. The frame number offset is calculated either by source RBS or by target RBS.
US08380195B2 Method of conducting rate control, scheduling and acknowledgement in wireless communication system
A method for transmitting control information from multiple base stations in an active set to a mobile device in a wireless communication system reduces resource consumption by routing information originating from a plurality of active base stations through a single serving base station. The serving base station pools and resolves the information from the active base stations and sends the resolution of the pooled information over a downlink control channel for evaluation and response by the mobile device.
US08380193B2 Mobile station assisted seamless handover to a femto base station
According to an embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes identifying a femto base station of a wireless network as the home femto base station for a mobile station served by the wireless network. The connection parameters for the home femto base station may be stored at the mobile station. A home macro base station may be identified and associated with the home femto base station. Identification information for the home macro base station may be stored at the mobile station. Association information of the home femto base station with the home macro base station may be stored at the mobile station.
US08380192B2 Method and apparatus for managing profile information of mobile terminal in mobile communications system
A method for managing profile information of a mobile terminal in a mobile communications system includes: registering profile information of the mobile terminal at a central system via a local system, the profile information having dynamic profile information and static profile information; and registering DB (database) information of an external local system using a same profile format as that used in the central system to thereby manage the dynamic profile information and the static profile information of the mobile terminal. The method further includes registering DB information of another external local system using a profile format different from that used in the central system to thereby manage the dynamic profile information and the static profile information of the mobile terminal.
US08380191B2 Temporary data service in wireless networks
A wireless network and method are disclosed that provide temporary data service to a party. For the invention, a temporary data service system receives a request from a first party to establish temporary data service for a second party. The temporary data service system then configures the wireless network to establish temporary data service for the second party, such as by setting up a temporary subscriber profile or temporary account for the second party in the wireless network. A notification system then generates a notification message indicating that the temporary data service has been established for the second party, and transmits the notification message to the second party. The second party may use the temporary data service to access some type of data message or data file, such as a picture message sent by the first party.
US08380190B2 Location-based tuning services for wireless LAN devices
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for location-based tuning for a mobile wireless platform. A current geographic location of the mobile wireless platform is determined on a route being traveled by the mobile wireless platform. Radio frequency conditions are sensed in a path of the mobile wireless platform. Radio frequency conditions are detected at the current geographic location of the mobile wireless platform as the mobile wireless platform travels along the route. An optimal channel is determined for the current geographic location. The optimal channel maximizes communications of the mobile wireless platform based on the radio frequency conditions. The mobile wireless platform transitions channels to the optimal channel in response to determining the optimal channel. One or more wireless devices transition to the optimal channel to communicate with the mobile wireless platform.
US08380187B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal determines, if a communication request is input, whether a connection destination mobile communication network system is a first mobile communication network system as a subscription mobile communication network system, or a second mobile communication network system as a roaming destination mobile communication network system. When it is determined that the connection destination mobile communication network system is the second mobile communication network system, a mobile terminal user is notified of information indicating a roaming state. When an input of a connection destination change request is received, a mobile communication network system reselection process is performed for changing the connection determination mobile communication network system from the second mobile communication network system to the first mobile communication network system.
US08380186B2 Satellite with different size service link antennas and radioterminal communication methods using same
A space segment for a radioterminal communications system includes a satellite having service link antennas of different sizes that are configured to communicate with at least one radioterminal. The service link antennas of different size may serve different sized geographic areas, which may at least partially overlap. Analogous radioterminal communications methods also are provided.
US08380172B1 Enhanced search user interface
A method of communication is provided. The method comprises receiving a voice call and, based on receiving the voice call, accessing a plurality of stored messages transmitted by an originator of the voice call. The method further comprises presenting the identity of the originator of the voice call and at least part of one of the stored messages.
US08380171B2 Methods and apparatus of over-the-air programming of a wireless unit
Systems, methods, and apparatus for facilitating secure over-the-air (OTA) programming are presented herein. A device can store a key, which can be based on a key algorithm (K-algorithm) and an identifier associated with the device. The device can receive information such as parameter(s) and a verification number from a communications system. The verification number can be generated by using an authorization algorithm (A-algorithm) based on the parameter(s) and a K-algorithm input. The device can generate a trial verification number by using the A-algorithm with the parameter(s) and the key as trial inputs. The device can compare the verification number to the trial verification number, and in response to the verification number being at least similar to the trial verification number, the device can use the parameter(s) for programming of the device.
US08380169B2 System and method for enabling transaction of femto cell information from a host terminal device to a guest terminal device
A method for managing access to a macro mobile operator core network (250) by a guest terminal device (225) through a femto cell (210), and more particularly through a femto cell (210) connected to the Internet (240). When a guest terminal seeks guest access to network services at a site for example while a guest at a person's home, or a customer in a shop, or a traveler in a transportation station, access may be granted by information exchange between the proprietor of the site and the macro mobile operator core network (250). Access may be granted via the proprietor via a terminal device (220) connected wirelessly to the core network, or by any device connected to the Internet. Once access is granted, the guest terminal device (225) receives sufficient information to initiate communication with femto cells (210) in the proximity of the site, and thereby begin using Internet-based communication.
US08380162B2 Extended emergency notification systems and methods
Systems and methods are provided for notifying an extended group of persons that a person has requested assistance from a private response center. In one example, an electronic communication is received from the first person, requesting assistance. One or more potential assisting persons are automatically identified as being in position to render assistance to the first person. An electronic message is sent to the one or more potential assisting persons indicating that the first person has requested assistance. The potential assisting persons may be identified based at least in part on their proximity to the first person, for example based on their interaction with the same cell of a cellular communications network, or based on global positioning system data. The electronic message may contain other information, such as information about the first person. In this way, the original caller may be assisted more quickly than would otherwise occur.
US08380161B2 Apparatus, system, and method for disabling a mobile communicator
Provided is a mobile communicator apparatus comprising a locational tracking unit and a disabling circuit. The locational tracking unit determines the location of the mobile communicator. The disabling circuit is configured to change the state of the mobile communicator from an enabled state, wherein the audible receiving and transmitting functions of the mobile communicator are enabled, to a disabled state, wherein the audible receiving and transmitting functions of the mobile communicator are disabled when the location of the mobile communicator as determined by the locational tracking unit satisfies the at least one condition. Also provided is a corresponding mobile communicator disabling system comprised of a mobile communicator apparatus and a network of signal transceivers and a corresponding method for disabling a mobile communicator apparatus.
US08380159B2 Provision of an emergency alert system alert message via a personal area network compatible accessory
A wireless communication device receives a message. If the message is an emergency alert message, such as an EAS alert message, the wireless communication device issues a notification to an accessory device using a personal area network, which may be established using Bluetooth or another personal area network protocol. The notification is distinct from a notification that is issued to the accessory device when a standard communication, such as a voice call or a non-emergency message, is received by the wireless communication device.
US08380157B2 Up-conversion mixer with signal processing
Systems and methods for implementing an up-conversion mixer with signal processing are disclosed.
US08380154B2 Method and arrangement for interference mitigation
In a method of mitigating interference for received signals in a communication system, receiving S10 a transmitted signal via at least two antenna elements, estimating S20 a channel for the received signals, and estimating S30 a disturbance covariance matrix based on the channel estimate, which estimated disturbance covariance matrix represents received interference plus noise of the received signals. Subsequently, adapting S40 the estimated covariance matrix by enhancing the diagonal elements of the covariance matrix to provide an enhanced covariance matrix, to reduce the spread in eigenvalues of the covariance matrix, and thereby improve the robustness of the covariance matrix. Finally, selectively S50 using IRC and/or MRC to mitigate interference of the received signals, based on at least the channel estimate and on the enhanced covariance matrix, to provide a received signal with improved quality on channels with Doppler frequency.
US08380152B2 Asymmetric gain communication device and communication method thereof
An asymmetric gain communication device and the communication method thereof are provided. With at least one receiving antenna and a transmitting antenna with different antenna gains, the antenna gains of the receiving antennas being greater than the antenna gain of the transmitting antenna and different from each other, the invention detects the communication signals of the receiving antennas for recording communication quality thereof. The mechanism switches in real time to an appropriate receiving antenna according to the received communication quality. This mechanism optimizes the signal transmission distance and communication stability.
US08380151B2 Method and system for reducing the complexity of multi-frequency hypothesis testing using an iterative approach
Aspects of a method and system for reducing the complexity of multi-frequency hypothesis testing using an iterative approach may include estimating a frequency offset of a received signal via a plurality of iterative frequency offset hypotheses tests. The iterative frequency offset hypotheses may be adjusted for each iteration. A correlation may be done between a primary synchronization signal (PSS), and one or more frequency offset versions of a received signal to control the adjustment of the iterative frequency offset hypotheses. A frequency of the received local oscillator signal may be adjusted based on the estimated frequency offset. One or more frequency offset version of the received signal may be generated via one or more multiplication, and the multiplication may be achieved via a multiplication signal corresponding to one or more frequency offsets. The frequency offset of the received signal may be estimated via the correlation.
US08380146B2 Multi-band, multi-mode RF transmit amplifier system with separate signal paths for linear and saturated operation
A device includes: an input for receiving an RF input signal having a signal format selected among a plurality of signal formats, including at least one signal format to be linearly amplified, and at least another signal format be amplified in saturation; at least a first and a second output; a first amplification path from the input to the first output that includes a first amplifier that operates in a linear amplification mode with respect to the RF input signal; a second amplification path from the input port to the second output that includes the first amplifier, and a second amplifier that operates in saturated amplification with respect to the RF input signal; and a path selection device that selectively passes the RF input signal through the first amplification path or the second amplification path in response to the selected signal format of the RF input signal.
US08380142B2 Electronic device including a dual-function DC-to-DC converter
An electronic device, e. g. a measuring transducer, has an interface circuit for communicating with and receiving power from a two-wire line, said interface circuit has a modulator connected to the two-wire line and responsive to an information signal for modulating the current in the two-wire line according to the information signal, and further has a controllable switching type DC-to-DC converter for extracting power for the electronic device from the two-wire line. To reduce energy losses, the DC-to-DC converter is designed to be controlled by said information signal and to perform the function of the modulation means.
US08380140B2 Microwave/millimeter wave communication apparatus
A baseband signal processing unit changes the collector current of a transistor (20) formed by a bias control circuit (7) in accordance with a baseband transmission signal input from a baseband signal input terminal (18), changing the drain bias of a high-frequency transistor (1) to realize frequency modulation by changing the oscillation frequency, and the radiation wave thereof forms a transmit RF signal, whereby the transmission operation is performed. On the other hand, the oscillation signal is synchronized with a frequency modulated RF signal that arrives from outside, the change in frequency caused by the frequency modulation is generated as a change in the drain bias of the high-frequency transistor (1), and reception operation is performed by taking out that change as a voltage amplitude change from the baseband signal output terminal (14). As a result, it is possible to provide a microwave/millimeter wave communication apparatus that is simple in structure, low cost, and low power consumption.
US08380137B2 Circuit, process, and use of a memory for transmitting and/or receiving in a radio network
Circuit, process, and use of a memory for transmitting and/or receiving in a radio network, with a memory, which has a first interface for reading and writing and a second interface for reading and writing, with an arithmetic logic unit, which is connected to the first interface for reading and writing, with a control unit, which is connected to the second interface for reading and writing, and with a transmit/receive unit, which is connected to the control unit for writing received data via the second interface of the memory and for reading transmit data via the second interface of the memory.
US08380132B2 Self-structuring antenna with addressable switch controller
A self-structuring antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements, a plurality of switch elements arranged with the antenna elements to, when selectively closed, electrically couple ones of the antenna elements to one another, and a switch controller for opening and closing the switch elements. The switch controller is operatively associated with the plurality of switch elements via a plurality of addressable switch controllers.
US08380127B2 Plurality of mobile communication devices for performing locally collaborative operations
A plurality of mobile communication devices for performing one or more locally collaborative operations. In one embodiment, one of the mobile communication devices provides a first local energy emission and, related thereto, a local wireless transmission signal, while another of the mobile communication devices responds to the local wireless transmission signal by providing a second local energy emission related to the first local energy emission. In another embodiment, one of the mobile communication devices receives a local stimulus, exclusive of vocal energy emitted by a user, and in response thereto provides a local wireless transmission signal, while another of the mobile communication devices responds to the local wireless transmission signal by providing a local energy emission related to the local stimulus. In another embodiment, each of the mobile communication devices receives a respective portion of a local stimulus in response to which at least one of the mobile communication devices transmits a local wireless transmission signal in response to which a second one of the mobile communication devices provides a local energy emission related to responses to the local stimulus in addition to its own. In additional embodiments, each of the mobile communication devices receives a respective portion of a local stimulus and in response thereto transmits a wireless transmission signal for collaboratively providing, to a remotely located system, information about the various responses to the local stimulus.
US08380122B2 Signal blanking for improved frequency domain channel estimation
A wireless repeater includes a channel estimation block to estimate a feedback channel between the antennas of the repeater using frequency domain channel estimation. The repeater includes a pilot signal blanking circuit to blank out a selected number of samples of the pilot signal to improve the accuracy of the channel estimation. In another embodiment, the repeater replaces T samples of the pilot signal with a cyclic prefix.
US08380118B2 Apparatus and method for stripper finger operation
An apparatus and method that operates a stripper finger. The apparatus can include a media path configured to transport a media sheet. The apparatus can include a rotational member configured to contact the media sheet. The apparatus can include a stripper finger having a length along a longitudinal axis. The stripper finger can include tip at an end of the length. The stripper finger can be configured to selectively engage and disengage contact between the tip and the rotational member to selectively strip the media sheet from the rotational member.
US08380116B2 Cleaning edge modification for improved cleaning blade life and reliability
According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided an apparatus comprising a cleaning unit with a blade holder that rotates about a pivot point, the cleaning blade is coupled to the blade holder and is positioned to chisel excess toner from a photoreceptor surface. Geometrical changes produce a blade having a plurality of slanted surfaces at the working end of the blade one at an obtuse angle, in the range of 93 degrees to 97 degrees, and a second at an acute angle that forms an offset point between the cleaning edge and the intersection of the two angles. A double cut allows for improvement in the cleaning tip stiffness using the first cut, while the second cut increases the contact width and improves the pressure distribution at the working edge.
US08380114B2 Image forming apparatus and method
An image forming apparatus including a fixing device having a first nip to fix toner to a recording medium; a conveyance device provided at a position downstream from the fixing device in a direction of conveyance of the recording medium to convey the recording medium further downstream; a guide member provided along a conveyance path of the recording medium between the fixing device and the conveyance device to contact and convey the recording medium from the fixing device to the conveyance device, the guide member having multiple through-holes formed therein and penetrating from a front surface of the guide member facing the conveyance path of the recording medium to a back surface of the guide member; and an airflow generator to generate an airflow through the multiple through-holes.
US08380112B2 Image forming apparatus including a gripping unit
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier which carries an image and a transfer roller including a roller base material which faces the image carrier and rotates. A concave portion is positioned on a peripheral surface of the roller base material. A grip unit on the concave portion grips a recording medium. An elastic layer is disposed on a peripheral surface of the roller base material. The transfer roller passes the recording medium through a nip between the image carrier and the elastic layer which comes into contact with the image carrier via the image carrier and the recording medium to transfer the image carried on the image carrier onto the recording medium. A roller driving unit rotates the roller base material. A control unit controls the roller driving unit and causes the concave portion to face the image carrier to stop the transfer roller.
US08380111B2 Developer supply container and developer supplying system
With a structure in which gear trains 5, 6 of a developer supply container 1 are locked by a locking member 7, and the gear trains 5, 6 receive a drive from a gear 12 of a developer receiving apparatus 10, thus accomplishing automatic setting rotation of developer supply container 1, when the developer supply container 1 is once dismounted and then remounted, the locking member 7 is in a non-locking position, and therefore, the setting rotation of the developer supply container 1 cannot be effected automatically.With inserting operation of the developer supply container 1, an inducing portion 7c of the locking member 7 is pushed and raised by a guide portion 10j provided in a groove portion of the developer receiving apparatus 10, so that locking member 7 effects its locking operation. Therefore, upon completion of the insertion of the developer supply container 1, the gear trains 5, 6 are locked by the locking member 7, and therefore, the setting rotation of the developer supply container 1 can be properly effected.
US08380104B2 Replacement unit and image forming device
A replacement unit includes a bottom member and a guide groove. The bottom member is supported at one of plural support members. The guide groove provided at the bottom member, is guided by plural protrusions provided at the support member and disposed in a row, and extends in an installation direction along which the replacement unit is installed in a device body from sideward of the device body.
US08380100B2 Fusing device
Disclosed is a fusing device and more particularly, is a fusing device having an improved configuration to apply voltage to a press roller to achieve an enhanced image quality. The fusing device includes a first roller configured to produce heat and a second roller configured to apply pressure on the first roller. The first roller can include a shaft configured to rotate and having a conductive material, a first member configured to surround the shaft and having a non-conductive and elastic material, a second member configured to surround the first member and having a conductive film, and a third member having a conductive material and configured to electrically connect the shaft and the second member.
US08380097B2 Image forming apparatus that includes a transfer member that can be separated from an inner circumferential surface of a transfer belt when belt is rotating
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer roller that can be separated from an intermediate transfer belt. When an operational mode is switched from a multicolor mode to a mono-color mode, the image forming apparatus changes a rotational speed of the intermediate transfer belt to a level slower than a rotational speed of the intermediate transfer belt to be set in the multicolor mode to transfer a toner image to the intermediate transfer belt, then separates a first transfer member from the intermediate transfer belt, and after the first transfer member is separated from the intermediate transfer belt, the image forming apparatus increases the rotational speed of the intermediate transfer belt to a rotational speed to be set in the mono-color mode to transfer the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt.
US08380093B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus and image forming method capable of achieving both high-speed printing of less-than-full-color images and high quality printing of multicolor images. The apparatus includes a color shift pattern output unit, a correction amount acquisition unit, and a correction unit to correct at least one or more positions of an image in a sub-scanning direction on a recording medium when a first transfer member transfers an unfixed image and a second transfer member transfers an unfixed image.
US08380092B2 Toner concentration sensor and toner concentration control method
In this toner concentration sensor, as the magnetic permeability of a two-component developer 3 containing toner and carrier in a two-component developing unit 1 has changed with changing TC ratio of the two-component developer, the oscillation frequency of a first oscillation circuit 20 having a detection coil 5 changes, on the other hand the oscillation frequency of a second oscillation circuit 30 having a reference coil 6 does not change. While, changes in temperature conditions cause the oscillation frequency of the second oscillation circuit to change in the same way as the oscillation frequency of the first oscillation circuit. Therefore, utilizing a difference between the oscillation frequencies of the first and second oscillation circuits makes it possible to cancel out changes in the temperature conditions so that a value corresponding to only the magnetic permeability of the two-component developer can be obtained. Thus, detection errors of toner concentration due to temperature changes can be reliably prevented.
US08380088B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus detects whether a cover is opened or closed in each of a general power mode and a power saving mode. The image forming apparatus includes a cover opening/closing sensor to detect opening or closing of a cover, a cover opening/closing sensing power-supply input unit to provide or not to provide a voltage different from an operation voltage of the image forming apparatus, to the cover opening/closing sensor according to the opening or closing of the cover, and an interlock switch to connect or not to connect the cover opening/closing sensor to the cover opening/closing sensing power-supply unit according to the opening or closing of the cover.
US08380077B2 Chromatic dispersion compensation design system and chromatic dispersion compensation design method
A chromatic dispersion compensation design system includes: an input unit that inputs information of an optical network having a plurality of nodes optically coupled to each other via an optical transmission path; an allowable range determining unit that determines an allowable range of a residual chromatic dispersion with respect to every wavelength path of a plurality of signals from a starting node to a terminal node, based on the information of the optical network; and a calculation unit that calculates a wavelength path capacity in the allowable range of the residual chromatic dispersion, in view of a chromatic dispersion variability of each optical element in the optical network.
US08380076B2 Optical transmission system with optical chromatic dispersion compensator
An optical transmission system having an optical source, an optical dispersion compensation filter optically connected to the optical source, and a control system. The optical source generates a modulated optical signal having an optical spectrum and a value of dispersion robustness. The optical dispersion compensation filter has at least two cascaded optical resonators and a periodic transfer function rigidly translatable in the frequency spectrum to obtain translation in frequency of the transfer function without a substantial change in shape, and characterized by a free spectral range. The control system acts on the optical dispersion compensation filter in order to rigidly translate the transfer function along the frequency spectrum in first and second positions in the frequency spectrum. The translation of the transfer function between the first and the second positions is smaller than the free spectral range.
US08380075B2 Optical transceiver module
There are provided a downsized and low-cost optical module used as a terminal for wavelength multiplexing optical transmission and one-core bidirectional optical transmission which transmits lights of plural wavelengths through one optical fiber, and a method of manufacturing the optical module. A base on which plural optical elements are mounted, and an optical multiplexer and demultiplexer having wavelength selection filters and mirrors formed on both surfaces of a substrate are prepared. Those two parts are packed into a package so that an optical element mounted surface and a filter surface are substantially parallel to each other, and the optical elements are arranged to emit or receive lights obliquely to the base. With this configuration, because the optical multiplexer and demultiplexer can be mounted in parallel to an X-Y plane, a package can be easily machined by using a lathe, thereby enabling a reduction in the costs.
US08380071B2 Repeater surge coil and diode chain design
There are provided surge protection devices for undersea optical repeaters. An optical repeater drive circuit incorporating a diode chain design includes a diode array formed of a plurality of banks of two or more parallel forward-biased diodes, each diode in a given bank being in electrical contact with all the diodes in adjacent banks; and, optical repeater control circuitry connected in parallel with the diode array. A component for providing surge protection to an optical repeater incorporates a substrate formed of an insulating material and a first substantially planar conducting coil embedded within the substrate.
US08380070B2 Upgrading method, system and apparatus of low-density wavelength division multiplexing system
An upgrading method, a system, and an apparatus of a low-density wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system are provided. The method includes: detecting an output wavelength shift of a wavelength conversion unit, and adjusting an output wavelength of the wavelength conversion unit having the output wavelength shift higher than a threshold, so that the output wavelength shift of the wavelength conversion unit is lower than the threshold; adjusting an adjustable interleaved demultiplexer, until requirements for a demultiplexing parameter of a high-density WDM system are met. Thus, the problem that services are interrupted when a low-density MDM system is upgraded to a high-density MDM system is solved. A WDM system, and a wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing apparatus and method are also provided.
US08380067B2 Tunable chromatic dispersion compensation device and method
A tunable chromatic dispersion compensation device used to compensate chromatic dispersion of wavelength of at least one predetermined wavelength band of light signal is provided. The tunable chromatic dispersion compensation device comprises a chromatic dispersion compensator, and a controller. The chromatic dispersion compensator comprises at least a first chromatic dispersion compensation unit and a second chromatic dispersion compensation unit connected with the first chromatic dispersion compensation unit in series. The first chromatic dispersion compensation unit has a free spectral range, the second chromatic dispersion compensation unit has a free spectral range same as to that of the first chromatic dispersion compensation unit. Each chromatic dispersion compensation unit comprises an interference cavity. The controller comprises an inputting unit being configured for inputting a predetermined chromatic dispersion compensation information. The controller is configured for selectively adjusting refractive index of the interference cavity of a corresponding chromatic dispersion compensation unit so as to control chromatic dispersion. A tunable chromatic dispersion compensation is also provided.
US08380066B2 Network management system
A network including nodes configured to provide auto-discovery and those that do not are provided in a network. The nodes that do not provide auto-discovery may be provided as end points or terminating nodes in the network. A path or circuit identifier is entered into a database at those nodes and communicated to a network management system. The network management system compares the path identifiers, and, if the two match, the network management system designates the nodes associated with the path identifiers as terminating nodes. A path through the network connecting these nodes can then be determined and monitored. In addition, fiber connection information may further be stored at each node and communicated to the network management system, such that links along the path can also be identified by the network management system. Thus, path determination and monitoring in a network including non-auto-discovering nodes can thus be obtained.
US08380060B2 Methods and apparatus for full-resolution light-field capture and rendering
Method and apparatus for full-resolution light-field capture and rendering. A radiance camera is described in which the microlenses in a microlens array are focused on the image plane of the main lens instead of on the main lens, as in conventional plenoptic cameras. The microlens array may be located at distances greater than f from the photosensor, where f is the focal length of the microlenses. Radiance cameras in which the distance of the microlens array from the photosensor is adjustable, and in which other characteristics of the camera are adjustable, are described. Digital and film embodiments of the radiance camera are described. A full-resolution light-field rendering method may be applied to light-fields captured by a radiance camera to render higher-resolution output images than are possible with conventional plenoptic cameras and rendering methods.
US08380055B1 Anodes for water heater and storage tanks
A replacement anode assembly for a hot water heater or storage tank includes an anode body formed from an anode material, a magnet mechanically coupled to a first end of the anode body, and a grounding wire electrically coupled to the anode body.
US08380047B2 Video editing system, video editing server and communication terminal
There are provided a video editing system, a video editing server and a communication terminal which enable simultaneous editing operations for editing a video content to be performed by plural persons, without generating a file in which a content of the editing has been reflected in the video content. One of a plurality of editing terminals in a synchronized state generates an edit command for editing a video content with an edit command generating section, based on an editing operation by a user from a terminal operating section, and transmits the generated edit command to a video editing server via an information transmitting/receiving section. If the edit command is received via an information transmitting/receiving section, the video editing server transmits the received edit command to another editing terminal in the synchronized state, via an edit command synchronizing section. If the edit command is received via the information transmitting/receiving section, another editing terminal in the synchronized state displays a content of the edit command on a screen displaying section via an edit command displaying section.
US08380041B2 Transportable digital video recorder system
A transportable digital video recorder system provides a transportable DVR containing a processor and persistent storage device storing a plurality of digital streams and is inserted into an authorized receiving device or a docking station. The system allows a receiving device to select a specific digital stream from the persistent storage device which is output to the receiving device and displayed to a user. User control commands are accepted via the receiving device and sent through the system and allow the user to view and listen to stored digital streams with at least the following functions: variable rate fast forward and rewind, frame step, index, pause, variable rate reverse play, variable rate play, and play.
US08380039B2 Method for aligning different photo streams
A method for organizing individual collections of images or videos captured for the same event by different cameras into a master collection, wherein each individual collection forms a media stream in chronological order. A processor for extracting image features for each image or video of the media stream of each collection; constructing a graph based on the extracted features to link the images or videos from the two media streams; finding on the graph at least a pair of images or videos, each from one of the two media streams, that corresponds to correlated captured content; aligning the remaining images or videos in response to the aligned pair so that the all images or videos from the two media streams are aligned over a common timeline; and producing a master stream in chronological order of the event over a common timeline by merging the aligned individual.
US08380034B2 Splice holder device using downwardly-extending arms
A splice tray (100) to hold a splice holder device (180) configured hold both a mechanical splice and a fusion splice, each having a different shape. A splice holder device (180) includes a first splice channel and second splice channel. Each splice channel includes one or more flexible arms spaced along a length of the splice channel to provide a resistance against a housing of the splice. Also, each channel includes one or more base supports and one or more upper stops. The flexible arms extend from a channel wall at an angle to provide force components in orthogonal directions.
US08380030B2 Bend-insensitive optical cable
A bend-insensitive optical cable for transmitting optical signals includes an optical cable having a length, extending from an input end adapted to receive the optical signals, to an output end and including at least one single-mode optical fiber having a cable cut-off wavelength, of 1290 nm to 1650 nm. The at least one optical fiber is helically twisted around a longitudinal axis with a twisting pitch, for a twisted length, extending along at least a portion of the length, of the optical cable, wherein the twisted length and the twisting pitch are selected such that the optical cable exhibits a measured cut-off wavelength equal to or lower than 1260 nm. Preferably, the at least one fiber has a mode-field diameter of 8.6 μm to 9.5 μm. According to a preferred embodiment, the optical cable includes two optical fibers twisted together along the longitudinal axis, each of the two optical fibers having a cable cut-off wavelength of 1290 nm to 1650 nm.
US08380029B2 Fiber optic cable furcation methods and assemblies
Fiber optic cable furcation methods and assemblies are disclosed, wherein the method includes removing an end portion of the cable outer jacket from the fiber optic cable to expose end portions of the micromodules contained within. The method also includes helically stranding the exposed micromodule end portions to form a stranded section having a stranded configuration that includes at least three turns and that substantially immobilizes the optical fibers within their respective micromodules. The method also includes arranging a maintaining member on at least a portion of the stranded section to maintain the stranded configuration.
US08380027B2 Erasable ion implanted optical couplers
Erasable ion implanted optical couplers are described. In one example a method includes implanting ions into a substrate to form a grating in a waveguide of an optical device coupling optical signals into and out of the waveguide and through the grating, and annealing the substrate to remove the grating after coupling optical signals through the waveguide.
US08380021B2 High spatial resolution distributed temperature sensing system
A system for making temperature and pressure measurements distributed over a distance comprises a plurality of Bragg grating measurement points disposed in an optical fiber with a predetermined spacing between adjacent Bragg grating measurement points and a substrate with the optical fiber disposed thereon, at least a portion of the optical fiber being wrapped around the substrate with at least one predetermined wrap angle, wherein the predetermined wrap angle and predetermined spacing are selected to enable a temperature measurement signal to be distinguished from a bending measurement signal, wherein the substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical fiber and wherein the substrate comprises a hollow tube portion and a solid rod portion, each having optical fiber disposed thereon.
US08380019B2 Tunable dispersion compensator with minimum differential group delay
In a method and system for providing dispersion compensation in an optical system, there is coupled into the optical system at least one pathway into which there is connected a tunable chirped fiber Bragg grating, each such grating providing a respective tunable amount of dispersion. At least one respective DGD element is connected into the respective pathway for each such grating. The set of all such respective DGD elements in a given pathway introduces a bias differential group delay DGD(bias) having an absolute value that, for at least one tuning value of the grating, is substantially equal to differential group delay introduced by the grating.
US08380014B2 Bar-code ticket processing apparatus and method of controlling bar-code ticket processing apparatus
A burden of an operation of manually inputting identification information of an error bar-code ticket by using an external device can be reduced, and both image information and identification information of the error bar-code ticket can be transmitted to the external device. A bar-code ticket processing apparatus to be connected to an external device, the bar-code ticket processing apparatus includes: a taking unit configured to take thereinto a bar-code ticket; an image-information reading unit configured to read image information of the bar-code ticket taken by the taking unit; an identification-information reading unit configured to read identification information of the bar-code ticket taken by the taking unit; a control unit configured to judge, when the identification-information reading unit fails in reading of the identification information of the bar-code ticket, the bar-code ticket as an error bar-code ticket; an input unit configured to receive a manual input of the identification information of the bar-code ticket judged as the error bar-code ticket by the control unit; and a data transmitting unit configured to transmit, to the external device, the image information read by the image-information reading unit and the identification information received by the input unit.
US08380013B2 Case image search apparatus, method and computer-readable recording medium
A case image search apparatus according to the presently disclosed subject matter includes: an input unit for inputting a diagnostic object image group from an imaging apparatus; an estimation unit for estimating attributes of a diagnostic object image included in the diagnostic object image group on the basis of the diagnostic object image; a calculation unit for calculating a first feature amount which is a feature amount of the diagnostic object image corresponding to the attribute estimated by the estimation unit; and a search unit for searching a database for a similar case image group similar to the diagnostic object image group by comparing the first feature amount with a second feature amount which is a feature amount of a case image included in the case image group stored in the database corresponding to the attribute estimated by the estimation unit.
US08380011B2 Fast directional image interpolator with difference projection
Described is a technology in which a low resolution image is processed into a high-resolution image, including by a two interpolation passes. In the first pass, missing in-block pixels, which are the pixels within a block formed by four neighboring original pixels, are given values by gradient diffusion based upon interpolation of the surrounding original pixels. In the second interpolation pass, missing on-block pixels, which are the pixels on a block edge formed by two adjacent original pixels, are given values by gradient diffusion based upon interpolation of the values of those adjacent original pixels and the previously interpolated values of their adjacent in-block pixels. Also described is a difference projection process that varies the values of the interpolated pixels according to a computed difference projection.
US08380006B2 System and method for merging separated pixel blocks into an integral image of an object
A method for merging separated pixel blocks into an integral image of an object is provided. The method performs binary image processing on an obtained image to obtain a binary image, finds pixel blocks in the binary image whose area is greater than a first preset value, and stores a position and a size of each found pixel block in a data structure. The method further merges two pixel blocks in the data structure if a distance between the two pixel blocks is less than a second preset value, so as to generate the integral image of the object.
US08380004B1 Object image matching and applications thereof
Embodiments of this invention relate to matching object images, such as face images. In an embodiment, a method matches object images from a set of object images to a root object image. A set of object image lists ordered according to the relative similarity of the object images is received. Each face in the set of object images is at the origin of one of the object image lists. On a computing device, at least one element from each of the object image lists is applied to an object extraction data structure. Also on a computing device, a range of object images in the object image list is determined according to elements flagged within the object extraction data structure having a particular pattern. The range of object images matches the root object image.
US08380003B2 Image reconstruction with incomplete fourier-space magnitude data combined with real-space information
Image reconstruction is based on phase retrieval by combining incomplete Fourier-space magnitude data with real-space information. Phase retrieval is performed based on the Fourier-space magnitude data, where the real-space information is expressed in a form suitable to use as a phase retrieval constraint, preferably using a wavelet-space representation. The use of incomplete Fourier-space magnitude data advantageously reduces the amount of data required compared to approaches that need comprehensive Fourier-space magnitude data. The real space information can be regarded as partial information of the image being reconstructed. Depending on the application, more or less real space information may be available.
US08380000B2 Methods of deblurring image and recording mediums having the same recorded thereon
A method of deblurring an image by which blur can be easily and rapidly eliminated from one image and the quality of the image can be improved is provided. The method includes receiving a blurred image, an image estimation step of estimating a non-blurred image from the blurred image, a blur information estimation step of estimating blur information from the blurred image and the estimated non-blurred image, and a deblurring step of deblurring the blurred image based on the blurred image and the estimated blur information, wherein the image estimation step and the blur information estimation step are iteratively performed. Thus, blur can be rapidly and effectively eliminated from one image, thereby improving the quality of an image.
US08379995B2 In-picture prediction for video coding
A method of coding video content. The method can include, identifying a first plurality of image blocks within a picture based on at least a first image characteristic that is common to each of the first plurality of image blocks. A first image block group can be dynamically defined. At least one of the image blocks can be selected as a predictor block to predict other image blocks within the first image block group. In another arrangement, at least a first image block and a second image block can be identified within a picture. The second image block can be predicted from the first image block. A displacement vector can be defined to associate the second image block with the first image block. A value representing the displacement vector can be included within a header of the second image block.
US08379985B2 Dominant gradient method for finding focused objects
The dominant gradient method for finding focused objects determines focused objects within an image or video frame using a dominant gradient method. The method also uses a segmentation map of the image to determine parameters which are used in ranking the objects based on their focus. The ranking of the objects is able to be used to assist in enhancing the image, encoding the image and adjusting the lens while capturing the image.
US08379983B2 Dictionary creating apparatus, recognizing apparatus, and recognizing method
A dictionary creating apparatus registers probability distributions each including an average vector and a covariance matrix, in a dictionary. The dictionary creating apparatus organizes plural distribution profiles of character categories having similar feature vectors into one typical distribution profile, and registers the typical distribution profile and the character categories to be organized, associated with each other, in the dictionary, without registering eigenvalues and eigenvectors of all character categories, associated with each other, in the dictionary.
US08379978B2 Contact area measurement device and method for measuring contact area
A novel contact area measuring apparatus is provided. The contact area measuring apparatus includes a light transmissive substrate 6 in contact with a specimen 7, illumination means for illuminating the light transmissive substrate 6 with white light from the opposite side of the light transmissive substrate 6 to the specimen 7, interference image acquisition means 11 for acquiring an interference image produced by the light reflected off the specimen 7 and the light reflected off the light transmissive substrate 6, intensity histogram creation means for creating an intensity histogram from information on the intensity of the interference image, and contact area computation means for calculating a contact area from the intensity histogram. The interference image acquisition means 11 acquires an interference image and information on the intensity of the interference image. The intensity histogram creation means forms separate RGB intensity information from the information on the intensity of the interference image and creates a G-intensity histogram. The contact area computation means separates the intensity histogram into a plurality of normal distributions by using optimized approximation of complex normal distribution and calculates the contact area from the lowest-intensity normal distribution.
US08379976B2 Image processing apparatus and method and a computer-readable recording medium on which an image processing program is stored
An image processing apparatus converts an input data indicative of a fish-eye image into an output data indicative of a plane image. The apparatus includes an input data conversion unit that converts the fish-eye image into the input data including an input data pixel information and an input data color information; a fish-eye image corrected address generating unit that generates, based on the input data pixel information, an output data pixel information; an input data color information acquiring unit that acquires the input data color information based on a pattern of a color filter array; an output data color information calculating unit that calculates, based on the input data color information, an output data color information; an output data generating unit that generates the output data including the output data pixel information and the output data color information; and a storage unit that stores the input and output data.
US08379972B1 Color decontamination for image compositing
Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for removing unwanted background color from a border region surrounding a foreground object in an image in order to composite the foreground object of the image with a new background image are described. Embodiments of color decontamination for image compositing may accept an image and an alpha matte corresponding to the image as input. In some embodiments, estimated foreground colors are determined for pixels in a border region between the foreground and the background of the input image. In some embodiments, the input image may be created by down-sampling a higher resolution image and pixels with estimated foreground colors may be up-sampled. In some embodiments, a composite image may be created based on the input image, the alpha matte, the estimated foreground colors of pixels in the border region and a new background image. In some embodiments, a texture preserving luminance blending operation may be performed using the estimated foreground colors for pixels in the border region to create refined foreground colors for pixels in the border region. In some embodiments, a composite image may be created further based on the refined foreground colors for pixels in the border region. In some embodiments, parameters controlling the creation of a composite image may be set in response to user input.
US08379967B1 Swarm control systems and methods
A system for controlling a swarm that includes a plurality of autonomous objects may include a processing system and a controller. The processing system may compute the primitives to be applied to each pair of objects in the swarm, and may combine the primitives to generate higher-level primitives. The processing system may generate a graph of the computed primitives, and identify the cliques in the graph. The controller may cause the primitives to be applied between each pair of objects in the swarm, and cause each object to maximize its respective set of primitives so as to induce the desired group behavior. The controller may detect the desired group behavior in the swarm by monitoring the primitives computed by the processing system and the cliques identified by the processing system.
US08379966B2 Apparatus and method for recognizing position of mobile robot
Provided is an apparatus for recognizing the position of a mobile robot. The apparatus includes an image capturing unit which is loaded into a mobile robot and captures an image; an illuminance determining unit which determines illuminance at a position where an image is to be captured; a light-emitting unit which emits light toward the position; a light-emitting control unit which controls the light-emitting unit according to the determined illuminance; a driving control unit which controls the speed of the mobile robot according to the determined illuminance; and a position recognizing unit which recognizes the position of the mobile robot by comparing a pre-stored image to the captured image.
US08379963B2 Visual inspection system
This solution relates to machine vision computing environments, and more specifically relates to a system and method for selectively accelerating the execution of image processing applications using a cell computing system. The invention provides a high performance machine vision system over the prior art and provides a method for executing image processing applications on a Cell and BPE3 image processing system. Moreover, implementations of the invention provide a machine vision system and method for distributing and managing the execution of image processing applications at a fine-grained level via a PCIe connected system. The hybrid system is replaced with the BPE3 and the switch is also eliminated from the prior in order to meet over 1 GB processing requirement.
US08379961B2 Mitotic figure detector and counter system and method for detecting and counting mitotic figures
A method and system for detecting and counting mitotic figures in an image of a biopsy sample stained with at least one dye, includes color filtering the image in a computer process to identify pixels in the image that have a color which is indicative a mitotic figure; extracting the mitotic pixels in the image that are connected to one another in a computer process, thereby producing blobs of mitotic pixels; shape-filtering and clustering the blobs of mitotic pixels in a computer process to produce mitotic figure candidates; extracting sub-images of mitotic figures by cropping the biopsy sample image at the location of the blobs; extracting two sets of features from the mitotic figure candidates in two separate computer processes; determining which of the mitotic figure candidates are mitotic figures in a computer classification process based on the extracted sets of features; and counting the number of mitotic figures per square unit of biopsy sample tissue.
US08379953B2 Method for creating computed tomography recordings of a patient with metallic components
A method is disclosed for creating computed tomography recordings of a patient with metallic components. In at least one embodiment, the method includes scanning the patient by use of an x-ray tube detector system, with at least one sinogram being compiled; determining the detector signal data, which was attenuated by the metallic components in the patient; deleting the detector signal data, which was influenced by metallic components; determining the beam tracks in the sinogram at least of the volume elements, which are struck by beams which are attenuated by the metallic components and which cross the beam track of the deleted detector signal data in the sonogram; determining a minimal measurement value on each beam track respectively; adding together the minimal measurement values of the beam tracks to obtain the measurement points of the deleted detector signal data crossed by these beam tracks in the sonogram; and using this at least one sinogram determined in this manner to reconstruct computed tomography recordings of the patient without a metallic component, and displaying the reconstructed computed tomography recordings of the patient with metallic components.
US08379952B2 Method and device for displaying predicted volume of influence with patient-specific atlas of neural tissue
This document discusses, among other things, brain stimulation models, systems, devices, and methods, such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other electrical stimulation. In an example, volumetric imaging data representing an anatomical volume of a brain of a patient can be obtained and transformed to brain atlas data. A patient-specific brain atlas can be created using the inverse of the transformation to map the brain atlas data onto the volumetric imaging data and a volume of influence can be calculated using the patient-specific brain atlas. In certain examples, the volume of influence can include a predicted volume of tissue affected by an electrical stimulation delivered by an electrode at a corresponding at least one candidate electrode target location.
US08379951B2 Auto calibration parallel imaging reconstruction method from arbitrary k-space sampling
A method for obtaining an image by parallel acquisition magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is provided. Precessing nuclear spins are excited in a region of a subject. A plurality of response signals, representing magnetic resonance signals arising from the precessing nuclear spins, are simultaneously obtained from the region respectively with a plurality of RF reception coils, with each response signal representing a reduced data set of a totality of all of said response signals. Calibration data points are additionally obtained for each data set. A filter is synthesized using the calibration data points. The synthesizing filter is applied to the reduced data set to obtain a plurality of coupled simultaneous linear equations with a plurality of unknowns. The plurality of coupled simultaneously linear equations with the plurality of unknowns is solved to obtain a complete data set.
US08379950B2 Medical image processing
A computer-implemented method of detecting an object in a three-dimensional medical image comprises determining the values of a plurality of features at each voxel in at least a portion of the medical image. Each feature characterises a respective property of the medical image at a particular voxel. The likelihood probability distribution of each feature is calculated based on the values of the features and prior medical knowledge. A probability map is generated by using Bayes' law to combine the likelihood probability distributions, and the probability map is analysed to detect an object.
US08379939B1 Efficient and scalable face recognition in photo albums
Face detection is performed on a plurality of images to identify a plurality of faces. A subset of the plurality of faces is activated, including by loading into memory the subset of faces and/or data corresponding to the subset of faces. At least one of the plurality of faces is left un-activated. A distance for each pair of activated faces is calculated, wherein the distance is associated with a measure of a similarity between a first face and a second face. The activated faces are clustered into a plurality of groups based at least in part on the distances. A representative face is selected from each group resulting from the clustering and the representative faces are displayed.
US08379938B2 Gradation correction characteristics evaluation device, image processing device, gradation correction characteristics evaluation method, image processing method, and computer-readable computer program product
A gradation correction characteristics evaluation device includes: a histogram creation unit that creates a histogram based upon pixel values indicated at pixels constituting an input image; and an evaluation unit that evaluates gradation correction characteristics, which is used to correct gradation of the image, based upon the histogram of the image having been created by the histogram creation unit and the gradation correction characteristics.
US08379934B2 Estimating subject motion between image frames
A method for determining a motion estimate, comprising: capturing at least two digital images of a scene at different capture times; designating one of the digital images as a reference digital image; designating a plurality of image regions; determining motion estimates for each image region by shifting the image regions within the non-reference digital images according to each of a plurality of spatial offsets relative to the image region within the reference digital image, computing merit function values for each spatial offset providing an indication of a difference between the image region in the reference digital image and the shifted image regions, computing a fitting function that provides an estimated merit function value as a function of spatial offset; and determining the motion estimate responsive to the determined non-integer spatial offset. A combined motion estimate is determined using weighting coefficients determined responsive to the shapes of the fitting functions.
US08379932B2 Image processing apparatus, recording medium storing image processing program, and electronic apparatus
A motion vector measurement condition setting unit determines a measurement precision, which is used when measuring a motion vector between a plurality of images, on the basis of information indicating a distortion in an optical system and sets a plurality of motion vector measurement regions in which the motion vector is to be measured on an image. A motion vector calculation unit determines the motion vector between the plurality of images in each of the plurality of motion vector measurement regions at the determined measurement precision. A motion vector integration processing unit determines a positional displacement amount between the plurality of images on the basis of the motion vector determined in each of the plurality of motion vector measurement regions.
US08379930B2 Distance measuring system
A distance measuring system includes a light source module, an image capturing device, a signal processing unit, a selecting unit, and a distance calculating unit. The light source module is configured for emitting a first and a second infrared light beams in an asynchronous manner. The first infrared light beam has a same intensity with the second infrared light beam. The image capturing device is configured for capturing images of the first and second infrared light beams reflected by a measurement object. The signal processing unit is configured for analyzing the images of the first and second infrared light beams reflected by the measurement object to determine intensities thereof. The selecting unit is configured for selecting one of the first and second reflected infrared light beams whichever has a greater intensity. The distance calculating unit is configured for calculating a distance to the object from to the distance measuring system.
US08379929B2 Methods and apparatus for performing angular measurements
A method of determining an azimuth and elevation of a point in an image is provided. The method comprises positioning an imaging device at a first position and acquiring a first image. The method also comprises rotating the imaging device and acquiring a second image at the first position. The first image includes the point, and a portion of the first image overlaps a portion of the second image. The method also includes determining correspondences between features in overlapping portions of the images, determining a first transformation between coordinates of the first image and coordinates of the second image based on the correspondences, and determining a second transformation between the coordinates of the second image and a local coordinate frame. The method also includes computing the azimuth and elevation of the point based on the first transformation and the second transformation.
US08379928B2 Obstacle detection procedure for motor vehicle
An obstacle detection procedure and detection device within the area surrounding a motor vehicle featuring the following: to define at least one first region of interest by carrying out a first detection of an obstacle by shape recognition in an acquired image of this environment; to define at least one second region of interest by carrying out a second detection of an obstacle by movement detection in relation to the vehicle on a sequence of acquired images of this environment; to classify the detected obstacle with, respectively, a first and second index of confidence applied to the first and second regions of interest in relation to given characteristics; and to validate the classification of the object detected in relation to these indices of confidence and in relation to these regions of interest resulting in validated regions of interest.
US08379927B2 Railcar unloading system
A system for unloading a railcar includes an imaging system for generating a model of features of the railcar as the railcar enters an unloading station, and an actuation device in communication with the imaging system for identifying a capstan using model information and engaging the capstans to cause the discharge of material from the railcar.
US08379919B2 Multiple centroid condensation of probability distribution clouds
Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying objects captured by a depth camera by condensing classified image data into centroids of probability that captured objects are correctly identified entities. Output exemplars are processed to detect spatially localized clusters of non-zero probability pixels. For each cluster, a centroid is generated, generally resulting in multiple centroids for each differentiated object. Each centroid may be assigned a confidence value, indicating the likelihood that it corresponds to a true object, based on the size and shape of the cluster, as well as the probabilities of its constituent pixels.
US08379917B2 Face recognition performance using additional image features
A technique is provided for recognizing faces in an image stream using a digital image acquisition device. A first acquired image is received from an image stream. A first face region is detected within the first acquired image having a given size and a respective location within the first acquired image. First faceprint data uniquely identifying the first face region are extracted along with first peripheral region data around the first face region. The first faceprint and peripheral region data are stored, and the first peripheral region data are associated with the first face region. The first face region is tracked until a face lock is lost. A second face region is detected within a second acquired image from the image stream. Second peripheral region data around the second face region are extracted. The second face region is identified upon matching the first and second peripheral region data.
US08379916B2 Image display apparatus and control method thereof
When an area in a first image is specified, an amounts of characteristics of image data included in the area and a neighboring area are detected and it is determined based on the amount of the characteristics whether or not a notification display indicating that the area is likely not to be a target area needs to be presented. If it is determined that the notification display needs to be displayed, a notification image that enables the area to be identified is generated for the first image and is combined with a second image to generate a composite image and the composite image is displayed on a display unit. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specified area is likely to be a target area, the second image based on the image data included in the area is displayed over the full screen of the display unit.
US08379914B2 Systems and methods for mobile image capture and remittance processing
Systems and methods are provided for capturing and processing images of remittance coupons using a mobile device and obtaining data from the captured image which is used to set up or carry out payment of a bill that corresponds to the remittance coupon. Optimization and enhancement of image capture and image processing are provided on the mobile device to improve the initial quality of the captured image and provide a user with real time feedback. The image is then sent from the mobile device to a remote server, where additional image processing is performed to improve the quality of the image and then extract data from the image that is relevant to paying the bill. The extracted data may be verified through comparisons with databases which store information on billers, bill formats and other relevant content that will appear on the bill.
US08379913B1 Adaptive image acquisition and processing with image analysis feedback
Described are systems, methods, computer programs, and user interfaces for image location, acquisition, analysis, and data correlation that uses human-in-the-loop processing, Human Intelligence Tasks (HIT), and/or or automated image processing. Results obtained using image analysis are correlated to non-spatial information useful for commerce and trade. For example, images of regions of interest of the earth are used to count items (e.g., cars in a store parking lot to predict store revenues), detect events (e.g., unloading of a container ship, or evaluating the completion of a construction project), or quantify items (e.g., the water level in a reservoir, the area of a farming plot).
US08379912B2 Identifying establishments in images
Establishments are identified in geo-tagged images. According to one aspect, text regions are located in a geo-tagged image and text strings in the text regions are recognized using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) techniques. Text phrases are extracted from information associated with establishments known to be near the geographic location specified in the geo-tag of the image. The text strings recognized in the image are compared with the phrases for the establishments for approximate matches, and an establishment is selected as the establishment in the image based on the approximate matches. According to another aspect, text strings recognized in a collection of geo-tagged images are compared with phrases for establishments in the geographic area identified by the geo-tags to generate scores for image-establishment pairs. Establishments in each of the large collection of images as well as representative images showing each establishment are identified using the scores.
US08379907B2 Vibrating member and electroacoustic transducer having same
An electroacoustic transducer includes a frame defining a hollow space, and an elastic member mounted on the frame. The elastic member includes a circular plane lamina and a plurality of elastic arms extending outwardly from a circumference of the circular plane lamina. A diaphragm includes a vibrating film mounted with the circular plane lamina, and an edge damper integrally formed with an outer periphery of the vibrating film. A voice coil is attached below the vibrating film and electrically connected to the circular plane lamina. At least two through holes are formed between an outer periphery of the circular plane lamina and an inner side of the voice coil for balancing the air pressure of the air below the diaphragm.
US08379904B2 Electroacoustic vibrating transducer
An electroacoustic vibrating transducer is disclosed. The electroacoustic vibrating transducer includes a frame defines a hollow space, a yoke positioned in the hollow space, and a elastic member mounted on the frame. The elastic member includes a circular plane lamina and a plurality of elastic arms extending outwardly from the circumference of the circular plane lamina. The yoke includes a bottom wall and a sidewall extending vertically from the bottom wall, and the sidewall defines a plurality of gaps corresponding to the elastic arms. Each of the elastic arms is intermittently received in the gaps during the vibration of the elastic member.
US08379902B2 Audio output control device, audio output control method, and program
Attention can be effectively called to an advertisement, and the effect of calling attention can be known. A control device is connected to a super-directional speaker that outputs audio in a specific direction, and a speaker pedestal that adjusts the audio output direction of the super-directional speaker. The control device takes a picture of an area in front of an advertisement display surface by means of a camera, detects a person photographed in the image captured by the imaging unit as a target, adjusts the audio output direction of the super-directional speaker to the direction of the target by means of the speaker pedestal, and causes the super-directional speaker to output audio. After outputting the audio, the control device takes another picture by the camera, and again determines the direction in which the face of the target is looking based on this picture.
US08379896B2 Power supply device for a microphone
The present invention concerns a feed device for feeding a microphone with a dc voltage. The feed device has first, second and third terminals (a, b, c), a resistor arrangement having at least a one resistor (R1-R3) and a dc voltage source (11) for providing a feed voltage. In that case the resistor arrangement is disposed between the dc voltage source (11) and the first and second terminals (a, b). In addition the feed device has a measuring device and a control device (4). The measuring device detects a dc voltage between the first and second terminals and the third terminal, and the control device (4) reduces or increases the ohmic resistance of the resistor arrangement and the feed voltage of the dc voltage source (11).
US08379895B2 Hearing aid device
With a hearing aid device having a device element which can be worn on or behind the ear and an earmold which protrudes at least partially into the auditory canal of a user, in which earmold a receiver is arranged, the protection of the receiver from contamination is to be improved. To this end, a sound outlet opening in the earmold is covered with a membrane and a ventilation channel is provided for the rear ventilation of the membrane, with at least one segment of the ventilation channel running in a connecting piece, which connects the device element to the earmold.
US08379892B1 Array of high frequency loudspeakers
The present invention is an array of high-frequency loudspeakers with three or more closely coupled bodies. Linear widths of said bodies of loudspeakers along a linear array axis are 5 centimeters or less and adjacent loudspeakers are separated by 5 centimeters or less.
US08379888B2 Flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices
A sound-generating device comprises a first enclosure having at least one first electrode and a first piezoelectric layer, a first terminal of an audio signal output being coupled to the at least one first electrode of the first enclosure, a second enclosure having at least one first electrode and a first piezoelectric layer, and a first bendable element coupled between the first and second enclosures. The at least one first electrode is coupled with the first terminal of the audio signal output. The first piezoelectric layer of the first enclosure and the first piezoelectric layer of the second enclosure are configured to respond to the signal supplied by the audio signal output and to generate sound waves.
US08379887B2 Acoustic sensor
A vibrating electrode plate that senses a sound pressure faces a counter electrode plate to constitute a capacitance type acoustic sensor. In the counter electrode plate, acoustic perforations are opened in order to pass vibration, and plural projections are provided on a surface facing the vibrating electrode plate. An interval between the projections is decreased in a region where the vibrating electrode plate has high flexibility to easily generate local sticking with the counter electrode plate. The interval between the projections is increased in a region where the vibrating electrode plate has low flexibility to hardly generate local sticking with the counter electrode plate. The projections thus arranged prevent firm fixing of the vibrating electrode plate to the counter electrode plate and interruption of vibration of the vibrating electrode plate.
US08379884B2 Sound signal transmitter-receiver
A sound signal transmitter-receiver includes a differential microphone for receiving sounds respectively at first and second points to convert the receiving sounds into a transmission sound signal; a transmission-reception unit for receiving an incoming signal as a reception sound signal; an addition unit for adding the reception sound signal from the transmission-reception unit and the transmission sound signal to produce an addition signal; and a speaker outputting sound based on the addition signal.
US08379883B2 Audio mixer and parameter setting method therefor
In each of a plurality of input channels of an audio mixer, there are provided a fader operator for adjusting a tone volume level, and a send level adjustment section for adjusting a send level of an audio signal to be sent from the channel to individual mixing buses. On an operation panel of the mixer, there are provided a plurality of bus selection switches in corresponding relation to the mixing buses. Once any one of the bus selection switches is depressed once, the mixing bus corresponding to the operated bus selection switch is allocated to a selected send level operator. Activation/deactivation of a Sends On Fader (SOF) function may be instructed by a user depressing any one of the bus selection switches twice in succession.
US08379879B2 Active noise reduction system
An active noise reduction system is provided for receiving an audio input signal and a noise interference signal and calculating an audio broadcasting signal according to a Feedback Filtered-X Least-Mean-Square (FFXLMS) algorithm, wherein the FFXLMS algorithm optimizes a (convergence factor) μ so as to decrease the numbers of divisions operated by the active noise reduction system and increase the operation speed of the active noise reduction system.
US08379873B2 Adaptive headset connection status sensing
A controller of a personal audio device, on multiple occasions, monitors a conductor by which it is able to be coupled to another device for the end to an instance of signal activity, and following the end of signal activity, injects a current into the conductor and measures the resulting voltage to calculate an adaptive threshold voltage and to compare the measured voltage to the adaptive threshold to determine at least whether or not the conductor of the personal audio device is coupled to another device.
US08379872B2 Talk-through listening device channel switching
A talk-through system for hearing protectors such as headphones, helmets, earplugs and the like, in which separate left and right microphones are controlled by separate left and right switches. The microphones allow ambient sound to be heard by the wearer of the hearing protector, and normally the wearer hears audio from both microphones in the appropriate ears. Pushing a switch causes the audio from the ear on which the switch is mounted to be enhanced and, preferably, switched to both ears. Various arrangements of control logic are provided such that activation of a switch can cause changes in audio processing.
US08379869B2 Method and system for acoustic shock protection
An acoustic shock protection method and device are provided. A pattern analysis-based approach is taken to an input signal to perform feature extraction. A parameter space is identified, which is corresponding to, the signal space of the input signal. A rule-based decision approach is taken to the parameter space to detect an acoustic shock event. The device may be advantageously implemented using a weighted overlap-add approach to provide low group delay, high-fidelity and a high degree of protection from acoustic shock events.
US08379868B2 Spatial audio coding based on universal spatial cues
The present invention provides a frequency-domain spatial audio coding framework based on the perceived spatial audio scene rather than on the channel content. In one embodiment, time-frequency spatial direction vectors are used as cues to describe the input audio scene.
US08379867B2 Secure email communication system
The present invention provides a method and system for securing a digital data stream. A first key of a first asymmetric key pair from a key store remote from a host node is received at the host node. A dynamically generated key is received at the host node, which is used to encipher the digital data stream. The dynamically generated key is enciphered with the first key of the first asymmetric key pair. The enciphered digital data stream and the enciphered dynamically generated key are stored remotely from the host node and the key store.
US08379866B2 Method of distributing encoding/decoding program and symmetric key in security domain environment and data divider and data injector therefor
A method of distributing an encoding/decoding program and a symmetric key in a security domain environment, and a device divider and data injector therefor are provided. The method includes selecting, at a highest-level security domain, an encoding/decoding program and a symmetric key to be distributed to a plurality of lower-level security domains; dividing the selected encoding/decoding program and the symmetric key into pieces as many as the number of lower-level security domains; and distributing the divided encoding/decoding program pieces and the symmetric key pieces to devices belonging to the lower-level security domains.
US08379863B1 Enabling users to select between secure service providers using a central trusted service manager
Systems and methods are described herein for enabling users to select from available secure service providers (each having a Trusted Service Manager (“TSM”)) for provisioning applications and services on a secure element installed on a device of the user. The device includes a service provider selector (“SPS”) module that provides a user interface for selecting the secure service provider. In one embodiment, the SPS communicates with a key escrow service that maintains cryptographic keys for the secure element and distributes the keys to the user selected secure service provider. The key escrow service also revokes the keys from deselected secure service providers. In another embodiment, the SPS communicates with a central TSM that provisions applications and service on behalf of the user selected secure service provider. The central TSM serves as a proxy between the secure service providers and the secure element.
US08379860B2 System and method for establishing a secure communication link
An enterprise communication system adapted for establishing secure wireless communication sessions, the system comprising: an enterprise platform adapted for establishing communications sessions with one or more wireless devices, and for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the one or more wireless devices; an platform-side automatic synchronized random key generator associated with the enterprise platform for generating platform-generated synchronized random keys; the enterprise platform being adapted to: receive one or more signals representing a request to establish a communication session between the enterprise platform and at least one wireless device; receive a device-generated synchronized random key from the at least one wireless device; compare the device-generated synchronized random key to a platform-generated synchronized random key synchronized to the device-generated synchronized random key; and based on the comparison, output a signal representing a response to authorize or prohibit establishment of the communication session.
US08379857B1 Secure key distribution for private communication in an unsecured communication channel
A method to enable the secure distribution of encryption keys so as to facilitate private communication between users in an unsecured communication network is provided. Such a method may also provide a way to detect an unauthorized access of an encryption key so as to mitigate or prevent any loss of confidential information during communication.
US08379850B1 Method and integrated circuit for secure encryption and decryption
In one embodiment, a cryptographic device is provided. The cryptographic device includes a persistent memory and a decryption control circuit coupled to the persistent memory. The decryption control circuit is configured to receive an encrypted data stream and decrypt a first portion of the encrypted data stream using a first cryptographic key stored in the persistent memory, the first portion including a second cryptographic key. The decryption circuit is configured to decrypt a second portion of the encrypted data stream using the second cryptographic key, the second portion of the encrypted data stream including payload data.
US08379848B2 Method of providing a portable true random number generator based on the microstructure and noise found in digital images
A method of providing a portable true random number generator based on the microstructure and noise found in digital images is claimed and disclosed. Using the lowest significant bits of digitized images, strings of binary data are extracted. These raw strings are shown to pass the DIEHARD, NIST, and ENT tests for randomness for a robust selection of natural images. This information is available to, and may be processed by off-the-shelf technology including smartphones or other embedded devices without undue constraints on physical and environmental parameters. The method represents a significantly improved portable means of random number generation for all security, cryptographic, entertainment and PSI applications.
US08379845B2 Multilayer encryption of a transport stream data and modification of a transport header
Several methods and a system of multilayer encryption of a transport stream data and modification of a transport header are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a method of a multilayer encryption. The method includes further encrypting an initially encrypted transport stream data to generate a multilayer encrypted data using a processor and a memory. The method also includes determining a further encryption flag data. The encryption method modifies a transport header of the multilayer encrypted data. In addition, the encryption method includes the further encryption flag data in an adapted component of a modified transport header.
US08379843B2 Data converter, data conversion method, and computer program
A data conversion algorithm achieving efficient data diffusion is achieved. For example, in a configuration where a various processes are executed on two data segments which are resultants of dividing a rectangular matrix of data containing arranged one-byte data blocks into two parts to perform data conversion, efficient data scrambling with less operation cost is achieved by executing a linear conversion process on one of the data segments, an exclusive OR operation between the two data segments, a shift process on one of the data segments, and a swap process between the two data segments. Moreover, cryptographic processing with a high security level is achieved by including nonlinear conversion or key application operation on the data segments.
US08379842B2 Cryptographic methods including Montgomery power ladder algorithms
A cryptographic method for a cryptographic system may include receiving a basic point on an elliptic curve and a scalar k; initializing primary variables with the basic point; iterating through a plurality of operations using a repetitive operation variable; identifying a fault, in one or more of setting secondary variables corresponding to the primary variables, resetting the primary and secondary variables, and calculating a scalar product in a multiplier of the cryptographic system, the identifying of the fault using the primary and secondary variables based on a portion of the scalar k, the fault identified by one of determining that values of at least two of the secondary variables are different and determining that at least one of the secondary variables is different from at least one of the primary variables; and outputting the scalar product if there is no fault identified.
US08379839B2 Method and apparatus for controlling ringing voltage
A method for controlling power dissipated in a subscriber line interface circuit includes measuring a power parameter of the subscriber line interface circuit during a ringing cycle, comparing the measured power parameter to a target power parameter and adjusting at least one ringing parameter of a ringing signal generated by the subscriber line interface circuit based on the comparison. A line card includes a subscriber line interface circuit operable to generate a ringing signal, and a subscriber line audio-processing circuit operable to measure a power parameter of the subscriber line interface circuit during a ringing cycle, compare the measured power parameter to a target power parameter, and adjust at least one ringing parameter of the ringing signal based on the comparison.
US08379837B2 Method and system for providing and managing public telephone directory service
An apparatus for use in a directory service is disclosed. The apparatus may include a memory configured to store a local directory and a processor configured to manage the local directory, the local directory including a plurality of directory entries organized in a subdomain hierarchical structure, each directory entry being associated with an alias constructed using subdomain hierarchical information, each alias being linked to a user domain associated with a user, the user domain being linked to a record containing contact information for the user.
US08379836B2 Method, communication system and terminal for assigning a key and a display field of a terminal
There is described a method, a system and a terminal for occupying a key and a display field, which is associated with the key, of a first end device of a first subscriber. An address identifies the second end device of a second subscriber, following user input of the first subscriber. The detected address is assigned to the key as a target address for setting up a future connection. Associated subscriber information is determined for the detected address, and the determined subscriber information is assigned to the display field.
US08379833B2 System, method, and computer program product for detecting redundancies in information provided by customers in a customer service system
The present invention provides a system, method, and computer program product for automatically detecting any unnecessary repetition by customers of specific types of information in a multi-channel (e.g., self-service application, IVR system, live agent center) customer service session. For each channel used in the customer service session, the information provided by the customer in the channel is recorded in a log, transcription, or other record. The record(s) for the customer service session are subsequently parsed for specific types of information provided by the customer. From the parsed records, specific types of information provided by the customer in two or more channels during the customer service session are identified. In one embodiment, the results are analyzed to determine if providing such information in two or more channels is redundant, and, if so, this is counted as a redundancy.
US08379832B1 Universal queuing for inbound communications
Exemplary systems and methods for queuing an inbound communication are provided. In exemplary embodiments, the inbound communication is received by a communication server associated with a communication type of the inbound communication. Communication statuses of one or more agents over a plurality of communication types are reviewed to determine available agents. One or more profiles are reviewed to assess applicability of one or more agents to receive the inbound communication, whereby an agent may be applicable to handle more than one inbound communication concurrently as determined by their profile. An appropriate agent is then selected based on the availability and applicability of the one or more agents to which the inbound communication is forwarded.
US08379819B2 Indexing recordings of telephony sessions
Improved indexing of telephony sessions is achieved by:(a) receiving, during the recording of the telephony session or during a playback of the recording, an indication including parameters which identify a discrete segment of the recording as being of interest; and(b) storing, in an index associated with the recording of the session, an identifier which identifies that discrete segment of the recording.
US08379801B2 Methods and systems related to text caption error correction
Systems and methods related to providing error correction in a text caption are disclosed. A method may comprise displaying a text caption including one or more blocks of text on each of a first device and a second device remote from the first device. The method may also include generating another block of text and replacing a block of text of the text caption with the another block of text. Furthermore, the method may include displaying the text caption on the second device having the block of text of the first text caption replaced by the another block of text.
US08379800B2 Conference signal anomaly detection
Detecting at least one of an echo detector and a noise detector based on analysis of audio streams transmitted to and received from each endpoint of a conference. When certain characteristics of the respective audio streams for a given endpoint are classified as significant against certain criteria, a determination is made as to whether that endpoint is a source of echo and/or noise. Subsequent actions are taken to alert users and/or prevent broadcast of impaired signals.
US08379798B2 Moving high flux X-ray target and assembly
An X-ray tube anode target assembly having a support shaft connected to a pivot assembly and a movable anode target surface disposed at one end of the support shaft. A first drive assembly is operably arranged with respect to the support shaft to provide oscillatory motion to the anode target about a first axis substantially parallel to the support shaft and drive cylinder operably arranged with respect to the contact element to provide a pivoting motion to the support shaft. A second drive assembly is operably arranged with respect to the drive cylinder to provide an oscillatory motion to the drive cylinder, the second drive cylinder having a cam portion to provide linear motion to the support shaft parallel to the first axis. The target surface is maintained at a substantially constant angle of impingement and maintains a substantially fixed distance from a cathode during target motion.
US08379797B2 Power management of CT systems
One or more techniques and/or systems described herein implement, among other things, an energy storage component disposed in a stationary portion (e.g., non-rotating portion) of a CT scanning apparatus. The energy storage component receives electrical power from an external source, such as a power outlet, and stores the electrical power. The stored electrical power is provided for an operation on a rotating portion (e.g., non-stationary) of the CT scanning apparatus upon demand, and is sufficient to perform the operation alone or in combination with power from the external source.
US08379792B2 X-ray CT apparatus
According to the present invention, a subject is prompted to take breaths that are different at least in depth, and the subject's motion associated with respiration is captured. A timing when the subject is scanned is controlled according to the captured motion of the subject associated with respiration. A two-dimensional detector formed like a two-dimensional plane detects an X-ray beam having passed through the subject. Data is collected from the two-dimensional detector to acquire volume data on the subject.
US08379790B2 Shift register circuit
An object is to enhance the driving capability and improve the operating speed of a unit shift register applicable to a scanning line driving circuit having a partial display function. A unit shift register forming a gate line driving circuit includes a first transistor that supplies a first clock signal to a first output terminal, a second transistor that supplies a second clock signal to a second output terminal, a third transistor that charges the gate of the first transistor in response to activation of a shift signal of the previous stage, and a fourth transistor connected between the gate of the first transistor and the gate of the second transistor. The first clock signal and the second clock signal have the same phase, and only the second clock signal is activated in a particular period (a display ineffective period).
US08379786B2 Process, voltage, temperature independent switched delay compensation scheme
A delay compensation circuit for a delay locked loop which includes a main delay line having a fine delay line comprising fine delay elements and a coarse delay line comprising coarse delay elements, the main delay line being controlled by a controller, the delay compensation circuit comprising: an adjustable fine delay for modeling a coarse delay element, a counter for controlling the adjustable fine delay to a value which is substantially the same as that of a coarse delay element, a circuit for applying a representation of the system clock to the delay compensation circuit, and a circuit for applying the fine delay count from the counter to the controller for adjusting the fine delay line of the main delay line to a value which is substantially the same as that of a coarse delay element of the main delay line.
US08379785B2 Systems and methods for performing dynamic channel estimation
Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamic channel estimation in a digital receiver by performing a dynamic equalization on an incoming signal to compensate for channel distortion; independently estimating one or more channel parameters for the dynamic equalization, wherein the one or more channel parameters track channel change; determining a convolution of the channel parameters and updating the parameters for the dynamic equalization for subsequent processing of incoming signal; and providing an equalized output from the digital receiver.
US08379782B2 Mobile radio channel estimation
The described method characterizes scattering objects in a wireless channel. The present invention determines non-equally spaced path delays and Doppler parameters for a plurality of scattering objects in a wireless channel. More particularly, a frequency-to-time transform applied to a plurality of OFDM pilot samples received over a plurality of OFDM symbol periods generates a set of non-equally spaced path delays and a set of associated complex delay coefficients. Further, a time-to-frequency transform applied to the complex delay coefficients determined for one path delay over multiple OFDM symbol periods generates a set of Doppler parameters comprising a plurality of non-equally spaced Doppler frequencies and their corresponding scattering coefficients for that path delay.
US08379778B2 Bursty interference suppression for communications receivers
Techniques are provided for suppressing interference by taking into account the possible bursty nature of co-channel interference in a communication system. In an aspect, interference levels are separately computed for first and second data portions of a desired signal. The computed interference levels may be used to scale the corresponding data portions for subsequent processing.
US08379773B2 Method and apparatus for enhanced channel estimation in wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus for channel estimation based on extracting channel information, including noise spectral density, from a received signal, and advantageously exploiting that information for improved channel estimation accuracy. One embodiment is directed to a method of generating channel estimates in a wireless communication receiver, for processing a received communication signal. The method includes generating first channel estimates from a set of pilot observations obtained from the received communication signal, using a first channel estimation process that is not dependent on knowledge of channel statistics. The method further includes estimating channel statistics and a noise variance from the first channel estimates, and generating second channel estimates from the set of pilot observations, the estimated channel statistics, and the estimated noise variance, using a second channel estimation process that is dependent on knowledge of the channel statistics.
US08379771B1 System and method for formatting symbols in a data stream
A data receiver identifies an alignment symbol in a parallel data stream including encoded symbols, generates a bit order indicator indicating a bit order of the alignment symbol identified in the parallel data stream, and generates a symbol stream including the encoded symbols. Further, the data receiver decodes symbols in the symbol stream and generates a bit polarity indicator indicating a bit polarity of the parallel data stream based on the decoded symbols. Additionally, the data receiver generates a formatted symbol stream having a predetermined bit order and a predetermined bit polarity, based on the symbol stream, the bit order indicator, and the bit polarity indicator. In some embodiments, the data receives a serial data stream and generates the parallel data stream by deserializing data in the serial data stream.
US08379763B2 Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, signal processing device, signal processing method, and computer program
A wireless communication device includes: a channel matrix estimating unit estimating a channel matrix including channel response elements between antennas; a phase error estimating unit estimating a phase error in a received signal on the basis of a decoding result of encoded and transmitted information symbols of a preamble of a received packet; and a waveform equalizing unit equalizing a waveform of data symbols of the received packet using the channel matrix. Original channel response elements are derived by removing an error of an estimated channel value due to the phase error estimated by the phase error estimating unit from the channel response elements of the channel matrix supplied from the channel matrix estimating unit, and the waveform equalizing unit equalizes the waveform of the data symbols using the channel matrix including the original channel response elements.
US08379760B2 Hybrid heterodyne transmitters and receivers
Disclosed are hybrid heterodyne transmitters and receivers for use in communications systems, or other systems, and the corresponding methods for hybrid heterodyne transmitting and receiving. A heterodyne receiver for converting a continuous time modulated signal to a discrete time digital baseband signal includes a sigma-delta modulator. The sigma-delta modulator is a signal-delta analog-to-digital converter constructed and arranged to receive a modulated signal at an RF carrier frequency and provide a quantized output at a first intermediate frequency. The heterodyne receiver may also include a digital mixer constructed and arranged to receive a data stream quantized by the sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter and receive a signal at a second mixing frequency. The digital mixer then provides digital signals representative of a baseband signal suitable for digital signal processing.
US08379759B2 Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data
A digital broadcasting system and method of processing data are disclosed. Herein, a transmitting system within the digital broadcasting system includes a byte-symbol converter, an interleaving unit, a block formatter, and a trellis encoding module. Herein, the byte-symbol converter converts inputted mobile service data to symbol units. The interleaving unit is provided with (N−1) number of block interleavers in parallel, and interleaves the symbols outputted from the byte-symbol converter. The block formatter controls output orders of the mobile service data being inputted and data being outputted from each block interleaver within the interleaving unit. The trellis encoding module is provided with a plurality of trellis encoders in parallel, and enables each trellis encoder trellis-encode the mobile service data.