| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08397023B2 |
System and method for handling IO to drives in a memory constrained environment
A system and method for handling IO to drives in a RAID system is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a multiple disk system with a predefined strip size. IO request with a logical block address is received for execution on the multiple disk system. A cache line size from a plurality of cache line sizes is allocated, based on the available memory for allocation to cache line. A plurality of sub-IO requests with a sub-strip size is generated, where the sub-strip size is smaller than the strip size, based on the allocated cache line size. The generated sub-IO commands are executed on the multiple disk system. |
| US08397016B2 |
Efficient use of hybrid media in cache architectures
A multi-tiered cache manager and methods for managing multi-tiered cache are described. Multi-tiered cache manager causes cached data to be initially stored in the RAM elements and selects portions of the cached data stored in the RAM elements to be moved to the flash elements. Each flash element is organized as a plurality of write blocks having a block size and wherein a predefined maximum number of writes is permitted to each write block. The portions of the cached data may be selected based on a maximum write rate calculated from the maximum number of writes allowed for the flash device and a specified lifetime of the cache system. |
| US08397015B2 |
Memory controller, semiconductor recording device, and method for notifying the number of times of rewriting
User data transferred from a host apparatus and a first information table 35 indicating correspondence between a logical address and a physical address are recorded in a first region of a flash memory 20. A second information table 38 composed of the physical block address storing the first information table 35 and the number of times of update of the physical block for recording the first information table from the time of manufacturing is recorded in a second region of the flash memory 20. The physical blocks of the first and the second regions are recorded independently from each other in a rotational manner. According to the recording of the second information table, the total number of times of rewriting of the first region is converted. This can suppress the number of times of rewriting of the second region and improve reliability of the number of times of update of the first information table from the time of manufacturing, the number being recorded in the second region. |
| US08397014B2 |
Memory mapping restore and garbage collection operations
Memory mapping techniques for non-volatile memory are disclosed where logical sectors are mapped into physical pages using data structures in volatile and non-volatile memory. In some implementations, a first lookup table in non-volatile memory maps logical sectors directly into physical pages. A second lookup table in volatile memory holds the physical address of the first lookup table in non-volatile memory. In some implementations, a cache in volatile memory holds the physical addresses of the most recently written logical sectors. Also disclosed is a block TOC describing block content which can be used for garbage collection and restore operations. |
| US08397010B1 |
Convenient, flexible, and efficient management of memory space and bandwidth
A device may receive a request to read data from or write data to a memory that includes a number of memory banks. The request may include an address. The device may perform a mapping operation on the address to map the address from a first address space to a second address space, identify one of the memory banks based on the address in the second address space, and send the request to the identified memory bank. |
| US08397007B2 |
Interrupt moderation
A technique for interrupt moderation allows coalescing interrupts from a device into groups to be processed as a batch by a host processor. Receive and send completions may be processed differently. When the host is interrupted for receive completions, it may check for send completions, reducing the need for interrupts related to send completions. Timers and a counter allow coalescing interrupts into a single interrupt that can be used to signal the host to process multiple completions. The technique is suitable for both dedicated interrupt line and message-signaled interrupts. |
| US08397005B2 |
Masked register write method and apparatus
A hardware device register is written without transferring the register content from the hardware device to a host device over an interface bus for modification. The hardware device receives an address identifying the target register included in the hardware device and bit information associated with a write operation involving the target register from the host device over the interface bus. The address is stored in a first register included in the hardware device and dedicated for supporting write operations. The bit information is stored in a second register included in the hardware device and also dedicated for supporting write operations. The target register is accessed based on the address stored in the first register dedicated for supporting write operations and one or more bits of the target register are written based on the bit information without first transferring the register content to the host device over the interface bus. |
| US08397003B2 |
CPU connection circuit, data processing apparatus, arithmetic processing device, portable communication terminal using these modules and data transfer
There are provided a CPU connection circuit and a method by two CPUs by alternately conducting a changeover between two buffers disposed there between to prevent an event that data processing cannot be fully executed by the CPU on the receiving side. There is included a memory controller which monitors whether or not an amount of data stored by a CCPU 1 in either one of buffers 301 and 302 reaches a predetermined threshold value; when the amount of data stored by the CCPU 1 in the buffer 301, 302 reaches the threshold value, the memory controller requests an ACPU 2 to acquire the data stored in the buffer and changes the storage destination of data from the CCPU to the other one of the buffers; the threshold value is a value more than a unit quantity of data which the CCPU 1 sends to the buffer 301, 302. |
| US08397001B2 |
Techniques for data storage configuration
Described are techniques for storage configuration. Defined are one or more initiator groups each including one or more initiator ports, one or more target groups each including one or more target ports, and one or more storage groups each including one or more devices. A masking view is created where the masking view includes a first of the initiator groups, a first of the target groups, and a first of the storage groups. The masking view indicates which devices of the first storage group are accessible using one or more paths. Each of the one or more paths is specified using an initiator port from the first initiator group and a target port from the first target group. |
| US08397000B2 |
System core for transferring data between an external device and memory
Details of a highly cost effective and efficient implementation of a manifold array (ManArray) architecture and instruction syntax for use therewith are described herein. Various aspects of this approach include the regularity of the syntax, the relative ease with which the instruction set can be represented in database form, the ready ability with which tools can be created, the ready generation of self-checking codes and parameterized test cases. Parameterizations can be fairly easily mapped and system maintenance is significantly simplified. |
| US08396999B2 |
Input/output hot spot tracking
A system having input/output hot spot tracking is disclosed. The storage system includes a storage device, a host controller coupled to the storage device, and a tracking engine coupled to the host controller and the storage device. The host controller is configured to managed input/output of the storage device. The tracking engine includes a storage map cycling between active status and passive status. Input/output commands are stored in the storage map during the active status. Like input/output commands in the storage map during active status are counted and compared to a number. Counts greater than the number are reported as input/output hot spots. |
| US08396992B2 |
System and method for virtualizing the peripherals in a terminal device to enable remote management via removable portable media with processing capability
Systems and methods for virtualizing the peripherals in a wireless device to enable remote management via removable portable media with processing capability are described. One aspect may include a system for virtualizing a peripheral device of a wireless device from a media device, the system comprising a media device, including a first memory; a processor coupled to said first memory; and a virtualization device controller interface remote layer adapted to run on said processor and first memory, wherein said virtualization device controller interface remote layer is adapted to communicate with a peripheral device of the wireless device. |
| US08396988B2 |
Method and system for survival of data plane through a total control plane failure
A system and method for retaining routes in a control plane learned by an inter-domain routing protocol in the event of a connectivity failure between routers. Routers are classified as either route reflectors or originators. A connectivity failure between two routers is determined. A determination is then made whether to propagate a withdrawal of learned routes based on whether the connectivity failure occurred between a route reflector and an originator, two originators, or two route reflectors. A withdrawal of learned routes is propagated to neighboring routers if the connectivity failure occurred between two originators, or between a route reflector and an originator that is inaccessible via an intra-domain routing protocol. No withdrawal of learned routes is propagated if the connectivity failure occurred between two route reflectors, or between a route reflector and an originator that is accessible via an intra-domain routing protocol. |
| US08396984B2 |
Peer-to-peer relay network with decentralized control
Methods and apparatus for implementing peer-to-peer relay. In one implementation, a peer-to-peer relay network includes: a plurality of N peer systems; wherein each peer system is connected to a number of other peer systems that is less than or equal to a connection limit, said connection limit is greater than or equal to 2, said connection limit is less than or equal to N-2, and each peer system is configured to relay data to peer systems connected to that peer system according to a set of one or more relay rules. |
| US08396983B1 |
Predictive adaptive media streaming
A method and corresponding apparatus for controlling streaming of media content from a server to a client. A computing device predicts the bit rate of an upcoming portion of the media content for each of a plurality of variable bit-rate versions of the media content, and uses the predicted bit rates, as well as a measure of network bandwidth, as a basis to select one of the variable bit-rate versions to be streamed to the client. By repeating this prediction and selection function on a sliding window basis over the course of the media content, the selection of variable bit-rate version can dynamically change, to help accommodate variations in bit rate throughout the media content as well as variations in network bandwidth. |
| US08396980B2 |
Origin request with peer fulfillment
A method, apparatus and system for data transfer is disclosed. For example, settings from multiple entities arranged in a multi-tier control plane are used to set data transfer policies. The policies are use to govern data transfers such as between end users or from an origin server. |
| US08396974B2 |
End-user notification updates of session events
A method for controlling sessions between an IP Multimedia Subsystem network, IMS network, and at least two communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306), and a communication system connectable to an IP Multimedia Subsystem network, IMS network, and at least two communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306) each associated with a user, the users of the communication terminals sharing a common IP Multimedia Public Identity, IMPU. A control device (210, 310) for controlling sessions between the IMS network and the communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306), and an identity database (212, 312) containing information about the identities of the users and/or the communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306) sharing the common IMPU are provided. Data provision means for providing data, when one of the users/communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306) accepts the session invitation, about which users/communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306) are alerted based on said session invitation are provided. Notification means (222, 322) for sending a notification containing information about the identity of the user/communication terminal (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306) accepting the session invitation to the other alerted users/communication terminals (202, 204, 206, 208 302, 304, 306) is provided. |
| US08396966B2 |
Method and an apparatus for creating visual representations of farms that enables connecting farms securely
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for creating visual representations of farms that enables connecting farms securely. In one embodiment, a visual representation of a first farm and a visual representation of a second farm are created. A visual representation of a secure connection is created. The visual representation of the first farm is associated with a first end of the visual representation of the secure connection. The visual representation of the second farm is associated with the second end of the visual representation of the secure connection. |
| US08396965B2 |
System and method to enhance user presence management to enable the federation of rich media sessions
A method and system is provided to enhance user presence management to enable the federation of rich media sessions. The method is implemented on a system and includes a presence manager server receiving a notification of user activity of one or more users taking place on one or more participating ecosystem sites in a participant ecosystem. The method further includes processing the user activity of the one or more users based on preferences of the one or more participating ecosystem sites established during a registration process and stored in a preference repository. The method further includes sending a notification of the user activity of the one or more users to the one or more participating ecosystem sites in the participant ecosystem to enable the participating ecosystem sites to at least one of communicate the user activity of the one or more users to one or more users and maintain a session of the one or more users. |
| US08396962B2 |
Game grammar-based packet capture and analysis apparatus and method for conducting game test
A game grammar-based packet capture and analysis apparatus for conducting game test, includes: a packet capture unit for capturing packets of game data transmitted and received between a game client and a game server; a packet analysis unit for analyzing the packets captured by the packet capture unit to generate a game grammar based on analyzed results. Further, the game grammar-based packet capture and analysis apparatus includes a load generation unit for generating packets in compliance with the game grammar to apply the packets to the game server as a load. |
| US08396961B2 |
Dynamic control of transaction timeout periods
A processing device receives a request to initiate a new transaction. The processing device identifies one or more components of that will be used by the new transaction. The components may include hardware components and software components that operate on the hardware components. A timeout period is determined to apply to the new transaction based on properties of the one or more components and a current resource utilization of the one or more components. The new transaction is then initiated, wherein the determined timeout period is assigned to the new transaction. |
| US08396959B2 |
Method and system for monitoring messages passed over a network
A method for performing a monitoring function for an application that passes messages between two or more endpoints, comprising: receiving a message including transaction data, the transaction data including data relating to transport of the transaction data; storing the message and transaction data in respective message data and transaction data buffers in a data store; storing status and semantic information associated with the message in the data store; receiving a signal selecting one or more module instances to define the monitoring function, each module instance for independently performing a respective aspect of the monitoring function, each module instance having related module instance data stored in a respective module instance data buffer in the data store, each module instance having a respective service access point for accessing the data store, each service access point having related service access point data stored in a respective service access point data buffer in the data store, each module instance independently accessing one or more of the message, transaction, module instance, and service access point data buffers to process data contained therein to perform its aspect of the monitoring function; and, initiating operation of the one or more module instances in accordance with a schedule defined by one or more routing rules, the one or more routing rules for routing a pointer to the message, as stored in the message data buffer, between the one or more module instances to thereby perform the monitoring function. |
| US08396958B1 |
Computer-automated logbook of condition-based data for machinery management
Multiple personal computers are each situated aboard its own ship and are each communicatively connected to an electronic depository of information for purposes of effecting real time management of engines and other shipboard machinery. Information is electronically communicated back and forth between each onboard computer and the electronic depository, such as via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), e-mail or compact disk (CD). The electronic depository takes information from all of the onboard computers, and each onboard computer records information including that which is entered therein by a user and that which derives from the electronic depository. Each onboard computer executes import and export routines for communicating with the electronic depository, and executes start-up routines for displaying user-interactive formal screens that are individually tailored for the user's input and viewing of particular types of information, such as involving maintenance, repair, logistics, inspection and/or operation of the machinery. |
| US08396957B2 |
System and method for routing service requests
Service requests may be routed to services in a service framework provided by a plurality of hosts. A candidate host zone including a plurality of service hosts may be selected to service the request. The candidate host zone may be selected based at least in part on an aggregation of service latencies associated with the service hosts associated with the candidate host zone. A service host belonging to the selected candidate host zone may be selected to service the request. |
| US08396955B2 |
Systems and methods for discovery of network topology using service OAM
According to one embodiment, a method may include instantiating a first maintenance end point on a first port of a first network element. The first maintenance end point may determine whether a heartbeat message has been received from a second maintenance end point instantiated on a second port of a second network element. In response to determining that the heartbeat message has been received, the maintenance end point may analyze the heartbeat message to determine an identifier for the second network element and an identifier for the second port. Based on the determination of the identifier of the second network element and the identifier of the second port, the network element may store information to an adjacency list, the information indicating at least one of an adjacency of the first port to the second port and an adjacency of the first network element to the second network element. |
| US08396954B2 |
Routing and service performance management in an application acceleration environment
Disclosed are a system, a method and an apparatus of reduction of routing and service performance management in an application acceleration environment. In one embodiment, a system includes a branch site that includes a branch client. In addition, the system includes a headquarters site that includes a headquarters server. The headquarters site including a headquarters server includes the branch site. The headquarters site is communicatively coupled over a link via transmission media. The link is identified through a link identifier. The headquarters site including a headquarters server also includes the branch client and the headquarters server being communicatively coupled over a network connection via the transmission media. The network connection is identified through a connection identifier. The system also includes a first point of presence (POP) communicatively coupled with the branch site over a first segment of the link. |
| US08396951B2 |
Method and system for populating a content repository for an internet radio service based on a recommendation network
A computer-implemented method and system are provided for populating the content repository of the media service based on real-time media recommendation network comprising a plurality of peer devices. Aspects of the method and system include receiving by a server a recommendation from one of the plurality of peer devices for a media item that is intended for a recipient; determining if the media item is present in the content repository; in response to determining that the media item is not present in the content repository, requesting that the peer device upload the media item; and in response to the media item being uploaded, storing the media item in the content repository. |
| US08396947B2 |
Active monitoring system for serial monitoring device and method thereof
An active monitoring system for serial monitoring devices and the method thereof are provided. By receiving serial data from a serial monitoring device on a triggering device and analyzing the serial data to generate a device tag, the mechanism transmits the packed device tag actively to a server through a network. The server automatically generates a tag compliant with the Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control (OPC) according to the device tag for monitoring. The mechanism improves the compatibility and efficiency of monitoring and bandwidth usage. |
| US08396946B1 |
Managing integration of external nodes into provided computer networks
Techniques are described for managing communications for a managed virtual computer network overlaid on a distinct substrate computer network, including for communications between computing nodes of the managed virtual computer network connected to the substrate network and other network nodes external to the substrate network. The managed virtual computer network may have multiple associated virtual network addresses, with each of the computing nodes being associated with at least one of the virtual network addresses, and with one or more external network nodes being integrated into the managed virtual computer network based at least in part by associating one or more other of the virtual network addresses with the external network nodes. The managing of the communications may further include using one or more translation manager modules that interconnect the substrate network with one or more external networks or other external connections via which the external network nodes are accessible. |
| US08396945B2 |
Network management system with adaptive sampled proactive diagnostic capabilities
An operation is performed for executing a plurality of first-level queries. Execution of each first level query determines if a respective type of operational condition exists within a network. If needed due to the quantity of first-level queries, the first-level queries are executed in a sampled manner such that less than all of the first-level queries are applied to a specified collection of network elements of the network during each one of a plurality of instances of executing the first-level queries being performed and such that all of the first-level queries are applied to the specified collection of network elements in accordance with a prescribed query execution timeframe. An operation is performed for executing a second-level query in response to one of the first-level queries determining that the respective type of operational condition exists within the network. Executing the second-level query results in determination of diagnostic information specific to the determined type of operational condition. |
| US08396944B2 |
Rich media file format and delivery methods
A rich media file is a self-contained file, including both the information to be viewed by a user and the viewer that displays the information to the user. The information can be formatted however the client likes: for example, the information can be split across several pages, and can include text and still and animated images. There can also be web links to pages on a network, and e-mail forms to simplify sending an e-mail message to the client. The rich media file can include viewing limitations, so that only the proper password can unlock the file, or that the rich media file will automatically expire after a specified condition occurs. The rich media file also assists the user in obtaining the latest version of the rich media file, by offering to retrieve a newer version for the user. |
| US08396942B2 |
Web browser operation method and operation apparatus
There is provided a web browser operation method and operation apparatus capable of preferably setting an access restriction function for restricting access of a web browser to be used by an unspecified number of users. First, content acquired from a web server is displayed on a display based on a format described in the content. An operation tool for performing operations related to processing of the content is also displayed on the screen. When an operation instruction is inputted by a user with the use of the operation tool, processing related to the displayed content is performed based on the operation instruction. In this case, restrictions are set on operation instructions by the user among operation instructions, and selection by the user of tool portions corresponding to the set restrictions, among tool portions which can be specified by the operation tool, are set as disabled. |
| US08396941B2 |
Digital living network alliance (DLNA) server that serves contents from IVL services
Audio and video (A/V) content information is acquired from each of a group of web-based servers located outside of a home network. The A/V content information identifies A/V content stored in association with each of the group of web-based servers. The A/V content information acquired from each of the group of web-based servers is aggregated. The aggregated A/V content information is provided to a DLNA client device within the home network. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08396936B2 |
Computer system with cooperative cache
A server receives information that identifies which chunks are stored in local caches at client computers and receives a request to evict a chunk from a local cache of a first one of the client computers. The server determines whether the chunk stored at the local cache of the first one of the client computers is globally oldest among the chunks stored in the local caches at the client computers, and authorizes the first one of the client computers to evict the chunk when the chunk is the globally oldest among the chunks stored in the local caches at the client computers. |
| US08396931B2 |
Interactive, multi-user media delivery system
An interactive, multi-user media delivery system having a number of media storage mediums, each of containing a particular media selection, and a number of media players structured to selectively deliver the media selection to users. Each of the media players includes a control assembly structured to selectively control and regulate delivery of the media selection to the user, and at least one of the media players is selectively designatable as a slave unit. A master control assembly is further provided and is operatively associated with the media players, a connectivity assembly being included to establish a communicative link at least between the slave unit(s) and the master control assembly. The master control assembly is further structured to receive synchronization data from each of the media players, and to simultaneously and uniformly control the delivery of the media selection by the media players. |
| US08396928B2 |
Methods and systems for handling electronic message content for electronic communications devices
Methods and systems for handling electronic message content for electronic communications device are presented. An exemplary method for handling electronic message content for an electronic communications device includes receiving an electronic message that includes default message content at the communications device, and determining at the communications device whether alternate message content is available for the received message. Additionally, the method includes: if alternate message content is available, automatically transmitting a request from the communications device to an alternate content provider for the alternate message content in accordance with data extracted from the received message; receiving the alternate message content at the communications device; and automatically providing the received alternate message content instead of the default message content, in response to a user using the communications device to open the received message for which the alternate message content is available. |
| US08396922B2 |
Promoting interoperability of presence-based systems through the use of ubiquitous online identities
A client system is configured to submit a request to a first instant messaging system for access to the first instant messaging service The request includes an online identity that is currently being used to access a second instant messaging service associated with the second instant messaging system. The second instant messaging system is configured to send a message to the first instant messaging system that indicates the online identity is currently being used to access a second instant messaging service associated with the second instant messaging system. The first instant messaging system maintains a profile that is updated to indicate that the online identity is currently being used to access the first instant messaging service and, in response to the message, the profile is also updated to indicate that the online identity is currently begin used to access the second instant messaging service. |
| US08396916B2 |
Fast DCT algorithm for DSP with VLIW architecture
A single stage computation method to perform a discrete cosine transform operation is provided. The discrete cosine transform operation is performed by executing a plurality of very large instruction words (VLIW) using a digital signal processor. The plurality of very large instruction words includes a first number of multiplications and a second number of additions, where the first number of multiplications is greater than the second number of additions. |
| US08396913B2 |
Fast fourier transform architecture
A last fourier transform architecture has parallel data processing paths. Input data is applied to the parallel data processing paths in a repeating sequence, and processed in those paths. Data sequencers are used to combine the outputs from the data processing paths into the required sequence. |
| US08396912B1 |
Infinite impulse response resonator digital filter
The IIR resonator digital filter which is the subject of this patent invention comprises a first register having a plurality of inputs and outputs, a multiplexer/demultiplexer having a plurality of inputs and outputs, a first multiplier having a plurality of inputs and an output, a second multiplier having a plurality of inputs and an output, a third multiplier having a plurality of inputs and an output, an adder having a plurality of inputs and an output, a subtractor having a plurality of inputs and an output, and a second register having an input and a plurality of outputs. The IIR resonator digital filter features a multiplexer/demultiplexer that has five logical states. |
| US08396910B2 |
Efficient compression and handling of model library waveforms
A system and method for waveform compression includes preprocessing a collection of waveforms representing cell and/or interconnect response waveforms and constructing a representative waveform basis using linear algebra to create basis waveforms for a larger set of waveforms. The collection waveforms are represented as linear combination coefficients of an adaptive subset of the basis waveforms to compress an amount of stored information needed to reproduce the collection of waveforms. The representation of coefficients may be further compressed by, e.g., analytic representation. |
| US08396909B1 |
Electronic file management hierarchical structure
Based on received data descriptive of an event, a hierarchical data structure is constructed comprising structural elements associated with components of an event. A file folder hierarchy corresponding to the hierarchical data structure is created. User interfaces facilitate user access to files and folders in the hierarchies. Certain documents may be designated as documents of record and access to those documents is limited to processes that will not modify the original electronic document, thereby preserving it. Facilities for creating working copies of documents of records and associating them within the hierarchies are provided. A scanning information sheet that may have an electronically readable data imprint containing information about a document to be scanned is described for facilitating the migration of paper documents into an electronic file management system. |
| US08396903B2 |
Method and system for organizing and retrieving energy information
A method and a system for organizing and retrieving energy related information for a plurality of real world objects, wherein a number of information types are defined, each information type representing different kind of energy related information. The method includes providing one or more predefined interfaces adapted for retrieval of information of the information types, providing software objects, representing the real world objects, having at least one interface for retrieval of information of at least one of the types, based on the one or more predefined interfaces, arranging the software objects in a hierarchal structure including more than one level, so that the software objects obtain a parent-child relation, receiving and storing information about where to find the source of the information to be retrieved via the interfaces of the software objects. |
| US08396901B2 |
Mapping of data from XML to SQL
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for converting an XML encoded dataset into a minimal set of SQL tables and provided. In the method, a hierarchical structure in the XML encoded dataset is identified. A node element set for the XML encoded dataset is determined, wherein each node element in the node element set is a discrete level of the hierarchical structure of the dataset. One or more nodes of the XML encoded dataset are determined, each node being an instance of a node element. A unique node identifier is allocated to each node. Then, an SQL node table containing one or more records is generated, each record corresponding to a respective one of the allocated node identifiers. An SQL ancestry table is optionally generated to define the inter-relationships among nodes of the identified hierarchical structure of the XML encoded dataset. |
| US08396900B1 |
System and method for editing an item list in electronic content
In various embodiments, a computerized method includes creating a first item of a list having at least two items that form a portion of electronic content. The computerized method can include creating a second item of the list within the electronic content, as well as converting the second item to a separate paragraph below the first item, wherein the separate paragraph is part of the first item. The computerized method may include creating another item of the list below the separate paragraph, wherein a continuity is maintained between the first item and the another item of the list. The computerized method includes storing the electronic content in a machine-readable medium. |
| US08396899B2 |
Efficient segment detection for deduplication
Mechanisms are provided for efficiently detecting segments for deduplication. Data is analyzed to determine file types and file components. File types such as images may have optimal data segment boundaries set at the file boundaries. Other file types such as container files are delayered to extract objects to set optimal data segment boundaries based on file type or based on the boundaries of the individual objects. Storage of unnecessary information is minimized in a deduplication dictionary while allowing for effective deduplication. |
| US08396898B2 |
Method for providing or operating a framework for the realization of independently developed programs
A method for providing a framework to provide a basis for the realization of independently developed programs. The framework comprises at least one database table specification, each said database table specification being centrally provided and comprising a list of table fields, any selection of which can be selected by a program developer to derive an application specific database table including selected table fields taken from said database table specification and optionally one or more further application specific table fields. The framework automatically creates a basic database table and a program developer only concerns himself with said application specific database table and not with said basic database table. The method involves the use of inclusive and selective inheritance of database tables resulting in great flexibility and substantial benefits in practice. |
| US08396896B2 |
Assigning resources to a binary tree structure
Embodiments of this disclosure relate to binary tree structures, and more specifically to assigning resources to a binary tree structure, such as for content protection. In embodiments, a total number of resources in a first category of resources is identified. The resources may be devices that play encryption protected content such as a CD, a DVD, an HD DVD, a BD, and a Secure Digital card, for example. In embodiments, a minimum number of dummy resources are assigned to a corresponding number of leaf nodes of the binary tree structure before resources in the first category of resources are assigned to leaf nodes in the binary tree structure. Generally, the minimum number of dummy resources is greater than or equal to 1+floor(2^floor(log2(N)−1)), wherein N is greater than or equal to the total number of resources in the first category of resources. |
| US08396895B2 |
Directory aggregation for files distributed over a plurality of servers in a switched file system
A file switch, logically positioned between client computers and file servers in a computer network, distributes user files among multiple file servers using an aggregated directory mechanism. A hierarchical directory structure is created on the file servers and used to store metadata files, which store metadata for each user file to indicate where data files, containing portions of the user file, are stored. The file switch automatically spreads the data files and metadata files over a large number of distinct directories on multiple file servers, preventing large number of data files from being stored in a single directory on a single file server. In response to a directory enumeration request from a client computer, one or more directories of metadata files on one or more of the file servers are enumerated, instead of enumerating the data file that store the user file portions. |
| US08396894B2 |
Integrated repository of structured and unstructured data
Methods, program products, and systems implementing integrated repository of structured and unstructured data are disclosed. An integrated environment is provided for accessing, structured data (e.g., data of a relational database) and unstructured data (e.g., data stored in a text or binary file), including creating, managing, modifying, and searching the structured data and unstructured data. The integrated environment can include an integrated user interface, a set of commands and application programming interface (API), and storage for a relational database and a document repository. The integrated environment can include a database abstraction layer that allows database operations on both the structured data and the unstructured data. |
| US08396893B2 |
Unified configuration of multiple applications
Various embodiments herein provide systems, methods, and software for unified configuration of multiple computer applications. Some embodiments include receiving input configuring a set of distinct computer applications in an application configuration environment. The application configuration environment may include a configuration repository that stores the settings of each distinct computer application. Such embodiments may further deploy the configuration settings from the configuration repository of the application configuration environment to at least one application execution environment including an instance of at least one of the set of distinct computer applications. |
| US08396884B2 |
Graph querying, graph motif mining and the discovery of clusters
A method for analyzing, querying, and mining graph databases using subgraph and similarity querying. An index structure, known as a closure tree, is defined for topological summarization of a set of graphs. In addition, a significance model is created in which the graphs are transformed into histograms of primitive components. Finally, connected substructures or clusters, comprising paths or trees, are detected in networks found in the graph databases using a random walk technique and a repeated random walk technique. |
| US08396882B2 |
Systems and methods for generating issue libraries within a document corpus
A computer-implemented method of generating an issue library from a corpus of documents defining a citation network includes semantically linking, by a computing device, electronic documents within the corpus of documents by pairing reasons-for-citing in citing documents with cited-text-areas in cited documents and storing citation entries associated with the semantically-linked electronic documents in a citation-pairing metadata file. The method may further include searching the citation-pairing metadata file for reasons-for-citing and cited-text-areas that are semantically similar to at least one issue to thereby group similar documents and reasons-for-citing by issue, and storing information regarding groups of semantically-similar reasons-for-citing and cited-text-areas in a plurality of issue library metadata entities. Each issue library metadata entity is associated with an individual issue. |
| US08396880B2 |
Systems and methods for generating an optimized output range for a data distribution in a hierarchical database
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating an optimized output range for a data distribution in a hierarchical database. A data store can store data in a hierarchical format, for instance, in a tree. Higher-level data, such as yearly profit, may be desired to be spread from parent nodes to lower nodes, such as nodes representing quarters. A spreading tool can insert child nodes representing quarters, months, or other at insertion point(s) represented or encoded by a set of placeholder nodes, dividing quantities appropriately. In aspects, the spreading tool can access multiple sets of spreading rules which govern the distribution of data from higher level nodes to lower level nodes. In aspects, the spreading tool can conduct multiple passes of data distribution using different sets of spreading rules, capturing the outputs expressed in the child nodes and selecting rule sets which produce a desired deviation, range, or other characteristics. |
| US08396879B1 |
Ranking authors and their content in the same framework
One or more server devices may simultaneously calculate first ranking scores for a group of users and second ranking scores for a group of comments authored by the group of users. The calculating may occur during a same process. The one or more server devices may further provide one of a first ranked list that includes information identifying the group of users, the information identifying the group of users being ordered based on the first ranking scores, or a second group of comments of the group of comments, the comments in the second group of comments being ordered based on the second ranking scores. |
| US08396876B2 |
Identifying reliable and authoritative sources of multimedia content
Embodiments are directed towards identifying authoritative sources of multimedia content useable in rank ordering class-dependent search-query results of multimedia content. In one embodiment, a citation model is employed for measuring or otherwise determining a strength of an authority to a content source. In one embodiment, a directed graph is constructed over a network of sources based on a propensity of one source to “cite” content provided by another source. In one embodiment, a random walk may be conducted across the network of sources to arrive at authority scores for each source in the network. In another embodiment, a machine-learning algorithm may be used to arrive at authority scores. The authority scores may then be applied for ranking, for example, search-query results, and/or retrieval purposes. |
| US08396871B2 |
Document classification and characterization
Data is received that characterizes each of a plurality of documents within a document set. Based on this data, the plurality of documents are grouped into a plurality of stacks using one or more grouping algorithms. A prime document is identified for each stack that includes attributes representative of the entire stack. Subsequently, provision of data is provided that characterizes documents for each stack including at least the identified prime document to at least one human reviewer. User-generated input from the human reviewer is later received that categorized each provided document and data characterizing the user-generated input can then be provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US08396870B2 |
Method and apparatus for predicting object properties and events using similarity-based information retrieval and modeling
Method and apparatus for predicting properties of a target object comprise application of a search manager for analyzing parameters of a plurality of databases for a plurality of objects, the databases comprising an electrical, electromagnetic, acoustic spectral database (ESD), a micro-body assemblage database (MAD) and a database of image data whereby the databases store data objects containing identifying features, source information and information on site properties and context including time and frequency varying data. The method comprises application of multivariate statistical analysis and principal component analysis in combination with content-based image retrieval for providing two-dimensional attributes of three dimensional objects, for example, via preferential image segmentation using a tree of shapes and to predict further properties of objects by means of k-means clustering and related methods. By way of example, a fire event and residual objects may be located and qualified such that, for example, properties of the residual objects may be qualified, for example, via black body radiation and micro-body databases including charcoal assemblages. |
| US08396861B2 |
Determining a density of a key value referenced in a database query over a range of rows
A method, apparatus and program product that determine a density of a key value referenced in a database query over at least one range of rows, and utilize the determined density to optimize the database query. By doing so, the density of various key values may be determined and compared, and a bit map may be generated over the range of rows of the key value that is denser, resulting in a reduction of resources to build and use the bit map. Moreover, from the bit map over the range of rows to be selected after using the determined density, dense regions may be identified that can be used to optimize block I/O's according to the number of rows to be selected based on the query. |
| US08396856B2 |
Database system and method for data acquisition and perusal
A data acquisition and perusal system and method including a database selection module, a database index generator module and a search module. The database selection module enables selection of a plurality of files for inclusion into at least one selectable database. The database index generator module enables generation of a searchable index of the data contained in the selectable database. The search module enables a search to be performed of the searchable index according to search criteria. The system allows for the capture of HTML data which is automatically indexed without human intervention and has the ability to automatically and accurately locate or “pinpoint,” and highlight specific text or groups of text designated by the user within the resulting database. |
| US08396855B2 |
Identifying communities in an information network
Techniques for identifying one or more communities in an information network are provided. The techniques include collecting one or more nodes and one or more edges from an information network, performing a random walk on the one or more nodes to produce a sequence of one or more nodes, creating a sequence database from one or more sequences produced via random walk, and mining the sequence database to determine one or more patterns in the network, wherein the one or more patterns identify one or more communities in the information network. |
| US08396853B2 |
Inverse search systems and methods
Inverse search systems and methods operate on identifiers of content items in a corpus such as the World Wide Web In an inverse search, the user submits a query that includes an identifier of a target content item in the corpus and receives information (metadata) about the target content item being returned to the user. Many types of metadata can be returned, including ratings or other metadata related to the target content item obtained from users, popularity data specific to the target content item, information about previously submitted forward search queries that led to the target content item being identified as a hit, and metadata extracted from the target content item. |
| US08396848B2 |
Customizable parameter user interface
A customized form is provided for entering parameters associated with a query. A user may desire to modify a report resulting from a query to a database. To enter the parameters for modification, a customized form is displayed to the user. The customized form allows for entry of the parameters according to prompts that are related by their presentation to the form being generated. |
| US08396846B2 |
Database trigger modification system and method
A method, apparatus and program product modify the behavior of a database trigger. An attribute desired by a user for a database trigger may be received. The attribute may relate to a change in the functionality of the trigger, such as a restriction on trigger behavior. An object that includes the attribute may be generated. The attribute may be associated with and applied to the trigger. In this manner, the attribute may be selectively applied to multiple triggers. |
| US08396845B2 |
Data-tier application component
Data-tier application components (DACs) and methods for managing database applications are disclosed. According to one particular embodiment, a DAC includes a single unit of management that packages metadata related to a database object. The metadata related to the database object includes an identifier of the database object, a database runtime resource identifier of a database runtime resource operable to manipulate the database object, and a policy related to execution of the database runtime resource. |
| US08396843B2 |
Active file instant cloning
Techniques and mechanisms are provided to instantly clone active files including active optimized files. When a new instance of an active file is created, a new stub is generated in the user namespace and a block map file is cloned. The block map file includes the same offsets and location pointers that existed in the original block map file. No user file data needs to be copied. If the cloned file is later modified, the behavior can be same as what happens when a de-duplicated file is modified. |
| US08396840B1 |
System and method for targeted consistency improvement in a distributed storage system
Embodiments may include a consistency measurement component that utilizes memory-efficient sets (e.g., Bloom filters) to generate consistency metrics for read operations performed on different replicated data objects of distributed storage system. Based on the consistency metrics, the consistency measurement component may identify a subset of replicated data objects associated with low levels of consistency. The consistency measurement component may target this subset for consistency improvement by generating instructions to improve the consistency of the subset. In other cases, the consistency measurement component may notify a consistency improvement component about the targeted subset. In response, the consistency improvement component may generate instructions to improve the consistency of the targeted subset. |
| US08396839B1 |
Representing de-duplicated file data
A subset of de-duplicated is outputted. In some embodiments, the output includes a subset of data stored in de-duplicated form in a plurality of containers each including a plurality of data segments comprising the data. For each container that includes one or more data segments comprising the subset, a corresponding container data is included in the output. Each container may include one or more segments not included in the subset. For each container the corresponding container data of which is included in the output, a corresponding value in a data structure including for each container stored on the de-duplicated storage system a data value indicating whether or not the corresponding container data has been included in the output is updated. |
| US08396837B2 |
Information processing apparatus
When accepting a write request including a data, an apparatus 100A acquires a first hash value based on a first hash function and, meanwhile, acquires a second hash value based on a second hash function. When a storage device 110A has not stored the acquired first hash value and second hash value in correlation with each other, the apparatus correlates the data, the first hash value, the second hash value, and information of referenced times, and then stores the correlated items into the storage device. On the other hand, when the storage device has stored the acquired first hash value and second hash value in correlation with each other, the apparatus changes the information of referenced times stored in correlation with the first hash value and the second hash value so as to add one to the number of times denoted by the information of referenced times. |
| US08396832B2 |
Independent fileset generations in a clustered redirect-on-write filesystem
Maintaining a generation value for each fileset that is distinct from a corresponding fileset manager preserves the independence of nodes while also allowing distributed fileset management. A fileset manager can maintain a value that reflects consistency snapshots for that node (“node generation”) separately from a value that reflects consistency snapshots for a particular fileset (“fileset generation”). |
| US08396830B2 |
Data control method for duplicating data between computer systems
An application processing system including a database server and a storage device which is connected with a standby application processing system including a secondary database server and a secondary storage device to continue to carry out application processing in the case of a fault, disaster, etc. or for maintenance. The storage device of the application processing system issues a log disk update request to the secondary database server of the standby system to update a log disk of the standby system and thereby create a duplicate of the log disk for the DBMS of the application processing system. This allows the DBMS of the standby system to roll forward the log data in the duplicated log to update duplicated data on the secondary storage device. |
| US08396823B2 |
Automatic designing system, automatic designing method and automatic designing program for automatically designing architecture for system components
An automatic designing system includes: a rule storage unit storing sets of rewrite rules for rewriting variable nodes of a hierarchically structured graph in a design architecture for the system; a search unit sequentially determining variable nodes as application targets for the rewrite rules by searching the graph, including components in the design architecture for the system to be designed, using a search tree; a judgment unit judging whether the rewrite rule is applicable to the determined variable node; and a rule application unit replacing the determined variable node with a partial graph, including at least one of fixed and variable nodes, according to the rewrite rule, in response to a judgment that the rewrite rule is applicable. The search unit performs the searching until an undefined variable node no longer exists in the graph to be designed, and performs backtracking on condition that no variable node is found. |
| US08396821B2 |
Utility monitoring systems and methods of use
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and devices for monitoring one or more utilities consumed within a monitored area. At least certain disclosed methods include detecting an amount of a first utility consumed by a load associated with a device. An amount of a second utility consumed by a load associated with the device is detected. The identity of the device is determined based on the amount of the first and second utility consumed. In further disclosed methods, a utility monitoring method is disclosed that includes measuring an amount of a utility consumed by a first device at a first time and an amount of a utility consumed by a second device at a second time. The identity of the first device is determined based on the measured consumption of the first and second devices at the first and second time. In certain implementations, the electricity meter uses an effective variance analysis of the conductance waveform on an electrical circuit to identify specific appliances. |
| US08396817B2 |
Learning apparatus, learning method, recognition apparatus, recognition method, and program
A learning apparatus includes a feature extractor for extracting a feature at a feature point in a plurality of training images including training images that contains a target object to be recognized and that does not contain the target object, a tentative learner generator for generating a tentative learner for detecting the target object in an image, where the tentative learner is formed from a plurality of weak learners through statistical learning using the training images and the feature obtained from the training images, and a learner generator for generating a final learner that is formed from at least one of the weak learners and that detects the target object in an image by substituting the feature into a feature function formed from some of the weak learners of the tentative learner so as to obtain a new feature and performing statistical learning using the new feature and training images. |
| US08396813B2 |
Knowledge-based method for using social networking site content in variable data applications
A method and system automatically obtain user page data from at least one social networking site, using at least one computerized device and automatically monitor the social networking site using the computerized device to detect an event. Upon the detection of an event, the method and system automatically identify a variable information document from a repository based on the topical content of the event using the computerized device. The method and system automatically select data from the user page data that matches the topical content of the event using the computerized device; automatically generate a variable data print instance by combining the images and text from the user page with the variable information document using the computerized device; and automatically output the variable data print instance to a user of the social networking site using the computerized device. |
| US08396810B1 |
Centralized authorization and fraud-prevention system including virtual wallet for network-based transactions
A system and method for authorizing certain aspects of network based transactions between a customer and a merchant is disclosed. |
| US08396806B2 |
End user license agreements associated with messages
A message that includes an end user license agreement is received at a client from a service in a distributed computing system. The client determines whether to accept the end user license agreement. The message is processed if the end user license agreement is accepted. |
| US08396804B1 |
System for remote review of clinical data
A system for remotely reviewing medical data allows medical data to be transmitted to a nurse's mobile handheld device from medical equipment or data storage. The system includes a console, a data server and mobile handheld devices; the data server may be a software component within the console. The system may further include medical imaging equipment, medical records databases, and other sensors and servers. Medical data is routed through the console to the data server to reach the mobile handheld device via a wireless network. After reviewing the data, nurses may transmit their comments from their mobile handheld device to the requester by going through the same system. The data server may further include a resident messaging system that communicates to the mobile handheld device such that the user is notified of messages or data awaiting review along with the urgency of the required review are also described. |
| US08396802B2 |
System for remote review of clinical data over a vulnerable system
A system for remotely reviewing medical data allows medical data to be transmitted over a vulnerable network to a physician's mobile device. The system includes a console, a data server and mobile devices. The system may include medical imaging equipment, medical records databases, and other sensors. Medical data is routed through the console to the data server to reach the mobile device via a wireless network. Patient's medical file may be separated into a demographics layer and a data layer, and separately encrypted using different encryption keys for the demographic layer and the data layer. Servers in the communication and processing system are provided with a decryption key for the layer processed by such server. Physicians may transmit comments to the requestor through the same system. A resident messaging system may notify users of messages or data awaiting review along with the urgency of the required review are also described. |
| US08396801B1 |
Method for remote review of clinical data over a vulnerable system
A method for remotely reviewing medical data allows medical data to be transmitted over a vulnerable network to a physician's mobile device. The method sends data to be transmitted through a console, and a data server to reach the mobile device. The method includes separating patient's medical file into a demographics layer and a data layer, separately encrypting the demographic layer and data layer using different encryption keys, and providing servers in a communication and processing system with a decryption key for the layer processed by such server. Medical file data may be separated into more than two layers. After reviewing the data, physicians may transmit their comments from their mobile device to the requestor by going through the same system. Separately encrypting different parts of a patient medical record enables processing and communication of patient medical files by intermediary servers without risking disclosure of sensitive patient information. |
| US08396788B2 |
Cost-based deployment of components in smart item environments
One or more distributions, to service execution environments, of component services associated with a composite service associated with an analysis of data generated by one or more sensors, may be determined, the composite service including an ordering of execution of the associated component services for the analysis of the data, at least one of the service execution environments located at a first network node associated with a device layer and at least one other one of the service execution environments located at a second network node associated with a middleware layer. An evaluation of each of the distributions of the component services may be determined based on a metric associating weighted values with a consumption by each distribution of respective resources associated with each of the first and second network nodes. A recommendation including one or more of the distributions may be determined based on the evaluation. |
| US08396787B2 |
Simplified quote sharing calculation
Presented is a method for calculating and distributing quoting share revenue to exchange members that contribute quote data to market data feeds. First, the method reads in trading data chronologically for a particular day. Using an object oriented framework, the method divides the symbols and orders into groups of objects to facilitate the tracking of the total price, quantity, and seconds displayed for each symbol. The timestamp of each message is read and the seconds field is parsed ignoring fractional seconds. Credits are awarded for each second the quote is displayed at the National Best Bid/Offer (“NBBO”) by multiplying the price, quantity, and elapsed whole seconds. These quote credits are stored by the system for each member and symbol. Members are eligible to earn quote credits on either the bid or the offer or both at the same time. |
| US08396786B2 |
System and method for exchanging institutional research and trade order execution services
An embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for creating an electronic marketplace, utilizing an electronic non-currency unit of exchange, that provides for and facilitates the cost effective exchange of institutional research and trade order execution services between asset management firms and executing brokers in such manner as to substantially lower trading costs and improve investment performance on a recurring basis for the shareholders and beneficiaries investing in mutual funds and other investment portfolios. |
| US08396782B2 |
Client-oriented, on-demand trading system
A client-oriented, on-demand automated trading system that facilitates client-oriented automated trading with suppliers. A client transaction agent is adapted to provide trading requirements for notification to one or more supplier transaction agents, and to discover automated services provided by or on behalf of one or more suppliers that conform to the trading requirements. A broker is adapted to notify the one or more supplier transaction agents of trading requirements specified by the client transaction agent, and to advise the client transaction agent of automated services that conform to the trading requirements. The supplier transaction agents are adapted to process the trading requirements and register automated services that conform to the trading requirements with the broker. |
| US08396778B2 |
System and method for determining the liquidity of a credit
The present invention relates to a credit index, a system and method for structuring a credit index, a system and method for operating a credit index, and a system and method for determining the liquidity of a credit. |
| US08396777B1 |
Prediction market database, related methods, devices and systems
This disclosure provides a database, methods and associated software to implement and manage a prediction market. By collecting individual predictions as a set of predicted outcomes, such as a range of outcomes, the principles presented herein permit aggregation of overlapping predictions to generate a cumulative probability distribution, effectively using “crowd wisdom” to build a probability model of an event. Through the use of “roll-up” and “roll-down” techniques, this disclosure provides a way of applying new information not only to an event being predicted, but also to the outcomes of other, related events. Conversion to a common probability distribution format may be used to simplify and accelerate mathematical operations, easing the burden in quickly calculating and updating a cumulative probability model for events in each affected dimension in the predicted market. These teachings may be applied to a wide variety of applications, including gaming, blog and opinion sites, spreadsheet programs, and date, logistics, accounting and other forecasting tools. |
| US08396773B2 |
Method for structuring an obligation
A method for structuring an obligation. More particularly, a method for structuring an interest-bearing obligation which is convertible into stock. |
| US08396770B2 |
System for creating, issuing, managing and redeeming annuity-based retirement funding instruments
A method for administering an annuity-based retirement funding in which an investor's funds or current income is used to make incremental purchases of immediate annuity benefits at market rates, with the annuity payments received from previous purchases being applied purchase additional annuity benefits. The investor allocates a first allocated portion of each received benefit into an account and the reinvested funds are thereafter available in combination with new investment payments from the investor for the purchase of additional immediate annuity benefits. At the direction of the investor, typically after retirement, all or part of the received annuity payments can be received for the use of the investor. |
| US08396769B1 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for a fund engine
The disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods and systems for a Fund Engine which, in various embodiments, may provide dynamic management, analysis and/or control of investments utilizing multiple asset classes and strategies. In particular, this disclosure discusses the application of the Fund Engine to investments including structured notes utilizing constant proportion portfolio protection. In one embodiment, the Fund Engine may construct, facilitate, assist and/or manage one or more multi-strategy master funds by investing assets of the funds in principal protected notes, the value of which may be determined by reference to the performance of a multi-strategy reference portfolio fund. In one implementation, Notes may include senior unsecured debt obligations. In one implementation, the Fund Engine may achieve the reference portfolio fund's objectives by employing a constant proportion portfolio protection tool that allocates the reference portfolio fund's assets, net of any fees and expenses, between investments that are actively managed and exposed to market risks and fixed income investments. |
| US08396768B1 |
Managing consistent interfaces for human resources business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate consistent interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. Messages are generated in a consistent format to take advantage of the consistent interfaces. Specifically, messages include a hierarchically organized message package that allow receiving interfaces to process the received message according to the message package's the hierarchical structure. The receiving application can then generate an appropriate response according to the hierarchical organization of the received message package. |
| US08396767B2 |
Displaying values specified in a number of offers for a number of offer variables with respect to price
A method for displaying values specified in a number of offers for a number of offer variables with respect to price includes receiving data for multiple offers that reflects values specified in the offers for multiple offer variables and generating a display of the received data. The display includes multiple offer variable windows that are each associated with an offer variable. Each offer variable window includes an offer price axis representing a range of offer prices and an offer variable axis substantially perpendicular to the offer price axis that represents a range of values for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window. Each offer variable window includes multiple bars. Each bar represents a value specified in offer for the offer variable associated with the offer variable window and is positioned with respect to the offer price axis according to an offer price specified in the offers. |
| US08396766B1 |
Automated banking machine system and method
A system and method captures image data in association with the operation of an automated banking machine. Image data associated with users and documents may be acquired, analyzed and transferred. Images may be captured responsive to programmed sequences. The sequences may be performed on a periodic basis as well as in response to inputs corresponding to alarm conditions and transactions conducted at automated banking machines or other devices. Image data may also be captured in response to image conditions including the sensing of motion or the loss of usable video from selected cameras. Image data may be stored in connection with data corresponding to circumstances associated with each triggering event. Stored image data may be searched by one or more parameters. Parameters may include data stored in association with each image, types of events causing image data to be stored, as well as other image conditions and properties. |
| US08396765B2 |
System and method for the automated distribution, management and service of court-related documents
Disclosed is a system and method for managing, distributing, and serving court-related documents. The system is operated by a host and utilized by a number of different entities that are involved in effecting service of court-related documents such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, petitions and warrants. By way of the system, these court-related documents can be electronically distributed and ultimately served in an efficient manner. The system also permits the automated invoicing and billing for service related activities. The archiving of data related to effecting service can also be carried out by the present system. |
| US08396764B1 |
Transmitting mobile device data
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for transmitting mobile device data are described. A method includes querying a first mobile device for data residing on the first mobile device; wirelessly transmitting, to a computer system, a specification of the data residing on the first mobile device; determining suitability of data for a second mobile device; and receiving, at the second mobile device, a specification of data for the second mobile device that is based on the specification of the data residing on the first mobile device. Another method includes wirelessly receiving, at a computer system, a specification of data residing on the first mobile device; and wirelessly transmitting, to the second mobile device, a specification of data for the second mobile device that is based on the specification of the data residing on the first mobile device. |
| US08396763B2 |
Credit authorization in a core network
A node for a telecommunications system, comprising a PCEF and interfaces towards a BERF, a PCRF, and an OCS, an Online Charging System. The node is equipped with a function for sending a credit authorization request and event information to the OCS, and for receiving, in reply, a credit authorization trigger from the OCS. The node also comprises a function for forwarding such credit authorization triggers to the PCRF and for receiving from the PCRF acknowledgment of installation in the BBERF and information regarding the events for which credit is sought. The node comprises a function for receiving the result of a comparison between the event information that was sent to the OCS and the event information that was received from the BBERF; if those two are not similar, the credit authorization is not considered completed. |
| US08396760B1 |
Behavioral filter for personalized recommendations
This disclosure describes systems and associated methods that can selectively filter seed behavior, e.g., user activity used to generate item recommendations. In some embodiments, seed behaviors and catalog items are associated with categories in an electronic catalog, and a particular seed behavior is used to generate user recommendations if it is more recent than a user's last purchase in the category of the seed behavior. For example, a user's activity in the TV category, e.g., viewing various TV models, may not be used to generate recommendations if the activity occurred prior to the user's purchase of a TV. As a result, in certain embodiments, additional TVs may not appear in the user's recommendations following her purchase, reflecting that the user has fulfilled her desire to purchase a TV. |
| US08396758B2 |
Systems and methods for confirming purchases of products from a retail establishment using a mobile device
Techniques for confirming purchases of products from a retail establishment using a mobile device allow for loss prevention personnel at a retail establishment to confirm that users exiting the retail establishment in possession of physical products have legitimately purchased those products via their mobile devices while within the retail establishment. When a purchase facilitating server, in communication with a user's mobile device, transacts the user's purchase of one or more products within the retail establishment, the purchase facilitating server may generate a purchase confirmation as a receipt of the transaction. The receipt may include a purchase confirmation code and/or one or more visual indicators of an estimated likelihood of theft associated with the corresponding transaction. The receipt may be transmitted to a loss prevention device at the retail establishment, for use by loss prevention personnel in matching against the user's physical cart before the user exits the retail establishment. |
| US08396756B1 |
System and method for processing product orders
A method of processing a product order is disclosed. The method includes receiving a product order from a consumer and selecting a fulfiller to fulfill the product order. A system for processing a product order is also disclosed. |
| US08396751B2 |
Managing consistent interfaces for merchandising business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to merchandise and point-of-sale transaction business objects. |
| US08396748B2 |
Activating licensable component of consumer electronic device at point of sale
A purchaser of a CE device informs a retail clerk, at the point of sale (POS) of features of the CE device the purchaser wishes to employ, some of which require a license. The CE device is vended without the licenses but the clerk can upload the desired features to a server, which correlates the features to licensable components and which returns to the POS the license codes needed to enable the components. The codes can be provided to the CE device using RFID at the POS, or storing the codes on a removable storage at the POS and giving the storage to the purchaser, or by printing the codes as bar codes in the sales receipt at the POS and giving the receipt to the purchaser, who later scans the codes past a camera of the CE device to enable the associated licensable components. |
| US08396746B1 |
Privacy preserving personalized advertisement delivery system and method
A user is associated with profile information indicating a level of interest in a plurality of topic categories. To obtain an advertisement for a preferred category, the client requests advertisements data from two servers. A request to one of the ad servers includes a user preferred category and a number of other categories. A request to the other ad server includes only the other categories. After the servers send advertisements corresponding to the categories in the requests, a difference is determined between the received advertisements, which produces the advertisement for the preferred category. In some embodiments, a single request is made to a server for a number of advertisements, those advertisements corresponding to the user's profile information are provided a higher likelihood of display in accordance with the advertisement's similarity to the user's profile. |
| US08396739B2 |
Quotation system and method
A quotation system and method are provided (see FIG. 1). A relational database (10) allows various departments (14, 16, 18, 20) to prepare a quotation. The relational database centralizes data to increase efficiency, and the data may be modified as needed, for particular quotation solutions. |
| US08396735B2 |
Method and system to connect consumers to information
This invention provides for a method of (or apparatus for) facilitating the delivery of advice to consumers using a server unit which can store and display the names and characteristics of experts and then rapidly assist in connecting the expert and consumer for real-time communication. The server can also have the ability to receive keywords from the consumer, match those keywords to one or more experts, and tell the consumer how to contact an expert. |
| US08396732B1 |
System and method for integrated workforce and analytics
Systems and methods of integrating workforce management and contacts analysis are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises receiving content data derived from classification of a plurality of recorded agent contacts. The contact content data is correlated with past time period. The method also comprises identifying at least one pattern in the contact content data. The pattern is based on the contact classifications. The method also comprises receiving historical workload data from a contact router, and generating a workload forecast based on the historical workload data and the identified pattern. |
| US08396727B2 |
Assigning and managing patron reservations for distributed services using wireless personal communication devices
A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching. |
| US08396726B2 |
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for building a risk evaluation product
The present disclosure describes an approach to constructing and implementing risk rating products that provides a number of advantages. Instead of hard-coding attributes of a risk rating scheme, which requires the assistance of a trained programming specialist for any modifications, adjustments, or new products, the present invention provides a set of modular tools that assist non-specialists in on-the-fly generation and implementation of risk rating products. The modularity of this approach facilitates the modification and/or updating of a system component without affecting the operation of other components. Described herein are embodiments of a risk rater data-structure, which comprises an abstracted representation of a risk rating scheme that may be loaded into and/or interpreted by other system components to generate a user interface for processing risk information and generating insurance quotes. |
| US08396724B2 |
Product and processes for managing life instruments
Product and processes that comprise receiving a query for a settlement contract that is available for sale. The query is based on at least one field. The settlement contract comprises a sale of a policyholder's death benefit in a life insurance policy in exchange for money. A first settlement contract that comprises information matching the at least one queried field is retrieved. A plurality of potential purchasers received communication that the first settlement contract is available for purchase. During a pre-determined period of time, a plurality of bids for the first settlement contract is received. Each of the plurality of bids comprises a bid price. It is determined that a first bidder has submitted a best bid price for the settlement contract. The first bidder and the policyholder are notified of an agreement to sell the first settlement contract at the best bid price. |
| US08396721B2 |
Community health system
A system of machines, databases, user interfaces, graphical displays and data input systems produces comparisons of community health conditions, recommendations to achieve community health improvements and other tangible outputs. The creation, selection and evolution of promising health practices and best health practices is facilitated and continuously reported. |
| US08396715B2 |
Confidence threshold tuning
An expected dialog-turn (ED) value is estimated for evaluating a speech application. Parameters such as a confidence threshold setting can be adjusted based on the expected dialog-turn value. In a particular example, recognition results and corresponding confidence scores are used to estimate the expected dialog-turn value. The recognition results can be associated with a possible outcome for the speech application and a cost for the possible outcome can be used to estimate the expected dialog-turn value. |
| US08396714B2 |
Systems and methods for concatenation of words in text to speech synthesis
Algorithms for synthesizing speech used to identify media assets are provided. Speech may be selectively synthesized form text strings associated with media assets. A text string may be normalized and its native language determined for obtaining a target phoneme for providing human-sounding speech in a language (e.g., dialect or accent) that is familiar to a user. The algorithms may be implemented on a system including several dedicated render engines. The system may be part of a back end coupled to a front end including storage for media assets and associated synthesized speech, and a request processor for receiving and processing requests that result in providing the synthesized speech. The front end may communicate media assets and associated synthesized speech content over a network to host devices coupled to portable electronic devices on which the media assets and synthesized speech are played back. |
| US08396706B2 |
Speech coding
A method, system and program for encoding and decoding speech according to a source-filter model whereby speech is modeled to comprise a source signal filtered by a time-varying filter. The method comprises: receiving a speech signal; and from the speech signal, deriving a spectral envelope signal representing the modeled filter and a remaining signal representing the modeled source. At intervals during the encoding, the method further comprises determining a period between portions of the remaining signal having a degree of repetition and determining a correlation between said portions based on that period, thus producing a respective vector of the correlation for each interval. Once every number of said intervals, the method further comprises selecting a codebook from a plurality of codebooks for quantizing the vectors, quantizing the vectors of that number of intervals according to the selected codebook, and transmitting the quantized vectors along with an indication of the selected codebook. |
| US08396702B2 |
Analyzing apparatus and data storage method
An analyzing apparatus includes a result-data storing unit that determines whether result data that is calculated as a result of analysis is restorable by linear interpolation. If the result data is determined to be unrestorable by the linear interpolation, the result-data storing unit stores the result data in a predetermined storage unit. Moreover, the analyzing apparatus includes a data restoring unit that reads the result data from the storage unit. The data restoring unit performs the linear interpolation using the result data acquired, thereby restoring the result data. |
| US08396701B2 |
Software systems for development, control, programming, simulation, and emulation of fixed and reconfigurable lab-on-a-chip devices
A software system for development, control, programming, simulation, and emulation of fixed, software-configurable, software-reconfigurable, and software-controlled Lab-on-a-chip (“LoC”) devices. Files may be used to specify LoC configurations for models, emulation, and fabrication, and scripts can be implemented to control numerical simulations as well as physical emulations of modeled LoC devices. Other features include a control software design tool, fabrication design systems, and an authoring/editing tool for specification files. In some cases, an active data visualization system provides visualizations of real-time data generated by past and current simulations and emulations. |
| US08396696B1 |
Using multiple processors to simulate electronic circuits
A circuit is simulated by using distributed computing to obtain a real solution. The circuit may be an entire integrated circuit, portion of an integrated circuit, or a circuit block. A circuit simulation technique of the invention generates a system graph, finds a tree, and partitions the tree into two or more subtrees. The technique identifies global links and local links in the graph. Each subtree may be solved individually using distributed, parallel computing. Using the results for the subtrees, the technique obtains a real solution, branch voltages and currents, for the circuit. |
| US08396695B2 |
Reference model for production plants and related system and method
Systems and methods that include selecting a physical model and a procedural model associated with an industrial plant, projecting a cross-product of the physical model and the procedural model into a unit-operation association set using a projection matrix, the unit-operation association set associating units representing equipment in the industrial plant and operations representing processes performed in the industrial plant, and establishing internal and external adjacency sets within structures, the internal adjacency set identifying connections between inputs and outputs of individual units and operations, the external adjacency set identifying connections between outputs of some units and operation and inputs of other units and operations. These systems and methods may also include generating a hyperstructure representing the industrial plant using the association and adjacency sets. |
| US08396694B2 |
Method of forecasting the electrical production of a photovoltaic device
A method of forecasting the electrical production of a photovoltaic device comprising photovoltaic modules (1), comprising a first part of estimating the lighting that will be received in the plane of the photovoltaic modules (1) and a second part of estimating the electrical production of the photovoltaic device, characterized in that it comprises the following first step: (E1)—determination of whether a period concerned is sunny or cloudy, and characterized in that it comprises the following second step (E2) of implementing at least one of the following two steps: (E2)—correction of the second part of the method of forecasting the electrical production based on the measurement of the true electrical production of the photovoltaic modules if the period concerned is sunny; and/or correction of the first part of the method of forecasting the electrical production based on the measurement of the true electrical production of the photovoltaic modules if the period concerned is cloudy. |
| US08396691B2 |
Position detector, position detecting method, data determination apparatus, data determination method, computer program, and storage medium
A controller of a cell phone serving as the position detector reads time-sequentially anteroposterior positional information Pi−1, Pi+1, together with interest positional information Pi that is an object of determination (S103), and calculates, for example, vectors V1 and V2 showing a shift from Pi−1, to Pi and a shift from Pi to Pi+1, respectively (S104, S105), in order to calculate an amplitude of fluctuation representing a direction of change. The amplitude of fluctuation representing a direction of change is expressed by a value of dot product of the calculated vectors V1 and V2 (S106). When the value of dot product is lower than a predetermined value (S107: YES), a position is shown to greatly deviate in the vicinity of the interest positional information Pi. Therefore, the amplitude of fluctuation representing a direction of change is judged to be large, and the positional information is determined to be error (S108). |
| US08396689B2 |
Method for analysis of the operation of a gas turbine
A method for analyzing the operation of a gas turbine is provided. A neural network based upon a normal operation of the gas turbine is learned. A dynamic pressure signal is read by a pressure sensor in or on the compressor of the turbine, and an operating parameter is read by a further sensor. The dynamic pressure signal is subjected to a frequency analysis, a parameter of a frequency spectrum of the pressure signal being determined. Based upon the measured operating parameter and the parameter of the frequency spectrum of the pressure signal, the neural network is learned. The measured operating parameter and the parameter of the frequency spectrum are input parameters, and a diagnostic characteristic value representing a probability of a presence of normal operation of the gas turbine as a function of the input parameters is output. |
| US08396687B2 |
Machine logic airtime sensor for board sports
An airtime sensor for board sports includes a detector for generating signals representative of vibration associated with motion of a board sports vehicle along a surface. State machine logic filters the signals through a first low pass filter, filters the signals through a second low pass filter, and combines filtered signals from the first and second low pass filters to determine airtime. |
| US08396683B2 |
Cable circuit with digital signal conditioning
A cable circuit for connecting a sensor module to a measurement transmitter. The cable circuit includes a contactless interface for signal transmission between the cable circuit and the sensor module, wherein the sensor module is galvanically isolated from the cable circuit, and wherein signal transmission between the cable circuit and the sensor module occurs on an optical, inductive or capacitive path. Additionally, the cable circuit includes a signal processing unit, as well as a cable interface for connecting a cable, which connects the cable circuit with the measurement transmitter. The signal processing unit is integrated into the signal path. The signal processing unit is embodied to receive, via the cable interface, signals from the measurement transmitter, to condition them and to transmit them via the contactless interface to the sensor module, and to receive, via the contactless interface, signals from the sensor module, to condition them and to transmit them via the cable interface to the measurement transmitter. |
| US08396679B2 |
Secondary cell degradation state judgment system
A secondary cell degradation state judgment system which includes: operation information measurement means (5) measuring operations information on a secondary cell (3) such as a temperature, an elapse time, a discharge depth, and a discharge capacitance of the secondary cell; degradation value calculation means (7) which calculates degradation values (15) respectively corresponding to the measurement values according to the measurement values; degradation accumulation value storage means (8) which stores degradation accumulation values (14) accumulated for each of the calculated degradation values; main accumulation value selection means (9) which selects the greatest degradation value as a main accumulation value (16) from the degradation accumulation values; and overall degradation value calculation means (10) which calculates an overall degradation value (18) according to the selected main accumulation value and a degradation value corresponding to the degradation accumulation values which have not been selected as the main accumulation value. |
| US08396676B2 |
Method and device for measuring visco-elastic fluid parameters
The invention relates to measuring visco-elastic fluid parameters, in particular, in the oil production industry, for defining heavy oil parameters during field development.The method involves the excitation of a hollow resonance device oscillations by sending a continuous variable-frequency signal to two transmitting transducers located on the outer surface the said resonance device. Oscillations are recorded by a receiving transducer. Amplitude-vs-frequency response curve is plotted and effective resonance frequency ωr is determined. Thereafter, a cavity of the said resonance device is filled with a medium under examination, and oscillations are excited to obtain associated amplitude-vs-frequency response values. An axially symmetric capacity placed in a thermostabilized chamber is used as the resonance device. While implementing the method, the attenuation factor α is also determined for the empty and test medium-filled resonance device as well as the resonance frequency shift Δωr and the attenuation variance Δα re determined in relation to the hollow resonance device. |
| US08396673B2 |
Gene assaying method, gene assaying program, and gene assaying device
A gene assaying method includes the steps of: acquiring two or more data which should be compared and represents expression levels of a plurality of target genes; converting the expression levels represented by the acquired two or more data into ratios based on the expression level of one of the two or more data; extracting a minimum ratio and a maximum ratio of each target gene; and classifying the plurality of target genes using as a classification border at least one of a first ratio with the peak in a frequency distribution of the minimum ratios and a second ratio with the peak in a frequency distribution of reciprocals of the maximum ratios. |
| US08396672B2 |
Food content detector
A system may include utensil means for portioning a foodstuff into a first portion and a second portion, a means for detecting a first portion size for the first portion with the utensil means, a means for detecting a second portion size for the second portion with the utensil means, and a means for determining a cumulative amount of portioned foodstuff based upon the first portion size and the second portion size. |
| US08396654B1 |
Sensor positioning in handheld image translation device
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for an image translation device are described herein. The image translation device may include a navigation sensor defining a sensor coordinate system askew to a body coordinate system defined by a body of the image translation device. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08396651B2 |
Traffic data services without navigation systems
A non-navigation data system for providing traffic data service in a mobile environment can include a data decoder for decoding a digital data stream from a digital audio radio transmission source, location determining means (such as GPS or cellular location determining schemes) for determining a current location of a mobile receiver receiving the digital data stream, a display for displaying traffic data corresponding to the current location, and a plurality of static maps wherein the traffic data corresponding to the current location is overlaid at least over a portion of the static maps. |
| US08396650B2 |
Method and apparatus generating estimates vehicular movement involving multiple input-output roadway nodes
A roadway information system is disclosed with components generating and using vehicle signatures for vehicles passing near sensor pods located on or near lanes in a multiple input-output roadway node. Means and/or processors for matching incoming and outgoing vehicle signatures are disclosed creating an in-out vehicle match table used to generate a vehicle movement estimate or its components including a travel time and/or vehicle count that may be created and/or used in response to a match tally exceeding a threshold or the stimulation of a timing signal. |
| US08396642B2 |
Adaptive cruise control system
An adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle includes a service brake comprising an electronic controller programmed/configured to detect driving data of the vehicle and distance data to a preceding vehicle, to calculate a movement prediction based on the driving and distance data, to influence the movement of the vehicle by influencing driving and braking, and to output a warning signal to the vehicle driver if the prediction indicates that, assuming a predetermined limiting braking retardation, a probability of an impact with another vehicle, with the adaptive cruise control system being activated, exceeds a predetermined impact probability threshold value without any intervention on the part of the driver. The controller is configured to detect braking parameters, based on which a maximum braking retardation that can be achieved with the service brakes can be calculated, and to reduce the limiting retardation, if the maximum retardation is below a predetermined value. |
| US08396641B2 |
Inter-vehicle distance control device
A preceding vehicle speed estimation unit estimates a preceding vehicle speed after a predetermined period of time based on a preceding vehicle speed and an acceleration of the preceding vehicle, and an ACC target vehicle speed setting unit sets a target vehicle speed for the vehicle following based on an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and preceding vehicle and the preceding vehicle speed after a predetermined period of time. Then, during the stop maintaining control, an ACC resetting acceptability determination unit compares the target vehicle speed and a reference threshold. When the target vehicle speed is greater than the reference threshold, it is determined to accept ACC resetting in response to the driver's input operation, and, when the target vehicle speed is equal to or less than the reference threshold, it is determined not to accept ACC resetting. |
| US08396630B2 |
System and method for monitoring driver fatigue
An apparatus and method for monitoring driver fatigue and inattention. A device introduces a controlled disturbance requiring driver compensation into a steering system of a vehicle and monitors for an expected driver compensation in response to the disturbance. When the actual compensation does not sufficiently match the expected compensation the driver is alerted and vehicle functions can automatically be activated or reduced. |
| US08396624B2 |
Remote processing of selected vehicle operating parameters
Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode. |
| US08396608B2 |
Computer based energy management
Computer based energy management including an adaptor having a server network interface and a control device interface. The adaptor transmitting the commands to the control device via a control device interface on the adaptor, and receiving energy usage data from the control device in response to a command including a request for energy usage. The adaptor transmitting the energy usage data to the energy management software in response to receiving the energy usage data from the control device, receiving sensor data from one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the adaptor, transmitting the sensor data to the energy management software in response to receiving the sensor data from the sensors, receiving control commands at the adaptor from the energy management host software and transmitting the control commands to the control device, the control commands altering the function of a device. |
| US08396605B2 |
System for simulating heat and power supply facility
A system, for simulating a heat and power supply facility, that is capable of easily constructing a heat and power supply facility, and that performs a simulation so as to approximate operating conditions including a load factor to an actual situation, by approximating, to a high accuracy, any item included in a total combined energy to a target value. |
| US08396602B2 |
Energy management system and method
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an energy management system and method includes managing energy use of a site comprising the steps of: acquiring a network device data from a network device joined to a wireless energy network; translating the network data into device report data comprised of at least one Java based object; detecting an interval to generate a site report of the wireless energy network; translating the device report data into site report data comprised of XML formatted data; and generating the site report including the site report data at the interval. A wireless energy network communication device is configured to communicate with a wireless energy network and a processor is operably coupled to the wireless energy communication device and configured to perform the steps of managing energy use of the site. |
| US08396601B2 |
Energy management apparatus for customers
A customer-dedicated energy management apparatus includes an air-conditioner partial-road characteristics identification unit for creating air-conditioning partial-road characteristics by using air-conditioning operation achievement data in the past, an intra-room heat-capacity characteristics identification unit for creating intra-room heat-capacity characteristics by using the air-conditioning operation achievement data in the past, and intra-room state value data, an air-conditioning setting temperature calculation unit for determining an air-conditioning setting temperature by using the air-conditioning partial-road characteristics and the intra-room heat-capacity characteristics, the setting temperature being appropriate for implementing an air-conditioning power-consumption-amount suppression target value determined, and an air-conditioner control unit for controlling an air conditioner so that the setting temperature determined will be implemented. |
| US08396599B2 |
Robot control apparatus and robot system
It is an object of the invention to provide a robot system including a graphics language capable of comprehensively and easily controlling operation of each robot in a robot system constituted by a plurality of pieces of robots.A robot system of the invention in order to achieve the above-described object is constituted by a plurality of pieces of robots, a robot control apparatus 10 for controlling based on a robot program, and a robot instruction apparatus 11 connected to the robot control apparatus 10 for displaying the robot program, the robot control apparatus 10 includes a unit registration portion 1 for arbitrarily combining one piece or more of robots to define one unit, a task registration portion 2 for allocating a task to each unit, and a graphics language processing portion 3 capable of forming the robot program for each task as a graphic program in the robot system for simultaneously controlling one piece or more of robots. |
| US08396598B2 |
Microsurgical robot system
A robot system for use in surgical procedures has two movable arms each carried on a wheeled base with each arm having a six of degrees of freedom of movement and an end effector which can be rolled about its axis and an actuator which can slide along the axis for operating different tools adapted to be supported by the effector. Each end effector including optical force sensors for detecting forces applied to the tool by engagement with the part of the patient. A microscope is located at a position for viewing the part of the patient. The position of the tool tip can be digitized relative to fiducial markers visible in an MRI experiment. The workstation and control system has a pair of hand-controllers simultaneously manipulated by an operator to control movement of a respective one or both of the arms. The image from the microscope is displayed on a monitor in 2D and stereoscopically on a microscope viewer. A second MRI display shows an image of the part of the patient the real-time location of the tool. The robot is MRI compatible and can be configured to operate within a closed magnet bore. The arms are driven about vertical and horizontal axes by piezoelectric motors. |
| US08396594B2 |
Robot, control device for robot, and control method of robot
A robot is provided with a multi-joint robot arm, an external force detection unit that is installed in the arm, and detects an external force, a joint movable-state calculation unit that calculates a movable state of a joint of the arm, an external force conversion unit which, based on the movable state calculated by the joint movable-state calculation unit, converts the external force detected by the external force detection unit to a converted external force, and a control unit that controls the arm based on the converted external force so as to regulate the operation of the arm. |
| US08396588B2 |
Conveyor safety control
A conveyor system has a plurality of sensors coupled to a computer system, the computer system being programmed to check a number of safety functions greater than the number of sensors. A method of controlling the safety function of the conveyor comprises providing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed in relation to the conveyor to a computer system; operating the conveyor in a learn mode; during operation in the learn mode determining in the computer system the relationship between the sensor output signals and pre-stored logic in the computer system which describes the physical geometry of the possible conveyor types and permissible operating characteristics thereof and determining the relationship between the sensor output signals to establish the safety integrity of the sensors, and storing sensor signal patterns as a reference pattern; and subsequently operating the conveyor in a run mode in which safety functions are monitored; and during the run mode comparing in the computer system the pattern of sensor signals with the reference pattern and with the pre-stored logic so as to establish the safety integrity of the sensors, of the computer system and of the operation of the conveyor. |
| US08396587B2 |
Conveyance control system and conveyance control method
Provided is a conveyance control system in which fast and smooth control is realized without causing a control delay by a processing delay of a control apparatus such as a PLC, and wiring between a control object and a central control unit is omitted. A conveyance control system according to the present invention includes a plurality of data processing slave stations connected through a common transmission line. The data processing slave station obtains information about a predetermined station from monitor/control data about a plurality of stations of the data processing slave station transmitted to the common transmission line, determines and adjusts control/monitoring of an own station and outputs information about an own station to the common transmission line. The information about an own station output to the common transmission line from the data processing slave station is obtained by a different station as part of the monitor/control data to become a control/monitor factor of the different station. |
| US08396586B2 |
System and method for processing batches of documents
A method of processing documents by receiving at least a batch of documents and a separator card in an input receptacle of a document processing device. The separator card includes a conductive material disposed on one side, and a barcode indicative of the source of the batch of documents. The documents and separator card are transported via a transport mechanism past an evaluation unit and a field-effect sensor, respectively. The document processing device evaluates each document, determines whether the document meets or fails predetermined criteria, and detects the presence of the conductive material when a separator card is transported past the sensor. The source identification information from each separator card is entered into a memory of the document processing device after all the documents from the corresponding batch of documents have met the predetermined criteria. Feeder operation is paused between each batch long enough to verify that the previous batch closed successfully. Pausing feeder operation to address document anomalies before subsequent batches are processed promotes batch integrity and reduces operator confusion. |
| US08396583B2 |
Method and system for implementing virtual metrology in semiconductor fabrication
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes collecting a plurality of manufacturing data sets from a plurality of semiconductor processes, respectively. The method includes normalizing each of the manufacturing data sets in a manner so that statistical differences among the manufacturing data sets are reduced. The method includes establishing a database that includes the normalized manufacturing data sets. The method includes normalizing the database in a manner so that the manufacturing data sets in the normalized database are statistically compatible with a selected one of the manufacturing data sets. The method includes predicting performance of a selected one of the semiconductor processes by using the normalized database. The selected semiconductor process corresponds to the selected manufacturing data set. The method includes controlling a semiconductor processing machine in response to the predicted performance. |
| US08396582B2 |
Method and apparatus for self-learning and self-improving a semiconductor manufacturing tool
System(s) and method(s) for optimizing performance of a manufacturing tool are provided. Optimization relies on recipe drifting and generation of knowledge that capture relationships among product output metrics and input material measurement(s) and recipe parameters. Optimized recipe parameters are extracted from a basis of learned functions that predict output metrics for a current state of the manufacturing tool and measurements of input material(s). Drifting and learning are related and lead to dynamic optimization of tool performance, which enables optimized output from the manufacturing tool as the operation conditions of the tool changes. Features of recipe drifting and associated learning can be autonomously or externally configured through suitable user interfaces, which also can be drifted to optimize end-user interaction. |
| US08396581B2 |
Customizable scheduling tool, manufacturing executing system containing the tool and method of using the tool
A customizable scheduling tool is used in a system for managing and controlling manufacturing processes planned by enterprise resource planning (ERP) and produced by a plant floor. A manufacturing executing system (MES) implements the planned manufacturing process and controls the corresponding production at the plant floor. The scheduling tool contains a set of built in data relating to the plant floor forming a data model and built in formula templates. The scheduling tool contains measures for defining new data, and the measures are operable to edit new fields to expand the built in set of data, and measures for modifying a built-in formula template. Ideally a manufacturing executing system (MES) contains such a tool and utilizes a method of using the tool. |
| US08396580B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
An information processing apparatus includes: a screen configuration unit 102 which configures a screen for receiving synchronization specifying information specifying whether each of the commands, of which a process sequence is specified, stored in a command storage unit 101 is executed in synchronization with or in asynchronization with other commands; a screen output unit 103 that outputs the configured screen; a specifying information receiving unit 104 that receives the synchronization specifying information through the outputted screen; and a command execution unit 106 which executes the commands stored in the command storage unit 101 according to the process sequence so as to execute a command specified to be synchronously executed after an execution end of an immediately previous command and a command specified to be asynchronously executed without waiting for an execution end of an immediately previous command with reference to the synchronization specifying information. |
| US08396578B2 |
Mixing signal processing apparatus and mixing signal processing integrated circuit
User is allowed to designate a desired mode defining the respective numbers of channels and mixing buses, and processing for mixing input signals of the number of channels corresponding to the designated mode is performed repetitively to generate signals for the individual buses. The time of arrival of the last step in the mixing processing for the number of channels, corresponding to the designated mode, is detected to output an accumulation result obtained at the last step, and new accumulation is started with a digital audio signal inputted at a step following the last step. Digital audio signals processed by a first signal processing circuit are stored into a memory and transmitted to a second signal processing circuit via a cascade-connection. The second signal processing circuit adds the audio signal, processed for each of the steps, to audio signals input via the cascade-connection and writes added signal into the memory. |
| US08396577B2 |
System for creating audio objects for streaming
Systems and methods for providing object-oriented audio are described. Audio objects can be created by associating sound sources with attributes of those sound sources, such as location, velocity, directivity, and the like. Audio objects can be used in place of or in addition to channels to distribute sound, for example, by streaming the audio objects over a network to a client device. The objects can define their locations in space with associated two or three dimensional coordinates. The objects can be adaptively streamed to the client device based on available network or client device resources. A renderer on the client device can use the attributes of the objects to determine how to render the objects. The renderer can further adapt the playback of the objects based on information about a rendering environment of the client device. Various examples of audio object creation techniques are also described. |
| US08396574B2 |
Audio processing using auditory scene analysis and spectral skewness
A method for controlling the loudness of auditory events in an audio signal. In an embodiment, the method includes weighting the auditory events (an auditory event having a spectrum and a loudness), using skewness in the spectra and controlling loudness of the auditory events, using the weights. Various embodiments of the invention are as follows: The weighting being proportionate to the measure of skewness in the spectra; the measure of skewness is a measure of smoothed skewness; the weighting is insensitive to amplitude of the audio signal; the weighting is insensitive to power; the weighting is insensitive to loudness; and any relationship between signal measure and absolute reproduction level is not known at the time of weighting; the weighting includes weighting auditory-event-boundary importance, using skewness in the spectra. |
| US08396571B2 |
Process and system for multi-objective global optimization of maintenance schedules
A process for optimizing maintenance work schedules for at least one engine includes the steps of retrieving at least one set of data for an engine from a computer readable storage medium; selecting at least one scheduling parameter for the engine; selecting a set of maintenance rules for the engine; selecting at least one maintenance work decision; selecting at least one objective for the engine; optimizing the at least one objective to generate at least one optimal maintenance work decision; and generating at least one optimal maintenance work schedule for the engine. |
| US08396566B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for pacing, resynchronization and defibrillation therapy
Devices, systems, and methods for leadlessly stimulating the heart. Through a magnetic signal generator positioned outside or inside the thoracic cavity, a magnetic signal is transmitted through the chest to stimulate electrical activity within the myocardial muscles. The magnetic signal may function as a pacemaker, cardioverter or defibrillator. Advantages of magnetic stimulation include, without limitation, non invasiveness, a reduction or even elimination in pain, and access to tissues covered by poorly conductive structures. |
| US08396565B2 |
Automatic therapy adjustments
A medical device detects a previously defined event, and controls delivery of therapy to a patient according to therapy information associated with the previously defined event. In exemplary embodiments, the medical device enters a learning mode in response to a command received from a user, e.g., the patient or a clinician. In such embodiments, the medical device defines the event, collects the therapy information, and associates the therapy information with the defined event while operating in the learning mode. In some embodiments, the medical device defines the event based on the output of a sensor that indicates a physiological parameter of the patient during the learning mode. The sensor may be an accelerometer, which generates an output that reflects motion and/or posture of the patient. The medical device may collect therapy information by recording therapy changes made by the user during the learning mode. |
| US08396556B2 |
Transcutaneous neurostimulator for treating hypertension
A neurostimulation device includes an external neurostimulator worn by a patient using a bracing element that braces a portion of the patient's body. The external neurostimulator delivers neurostimulation to modulate a cardiovascular function of the patient. In one embodiment, the external stimulator delivers the neurostimulation transcutaneously to a stimulation target in the patient's body using surface stimulation electrodes placed on the body approximately over the stimulation target. |
| US08396553B2 |
System and method for conditional biventricular pacing
A medical device having a plurality of electrodes sensing cardiac signals, and a microprocessor operably coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to determine a cumulative atrioventricular interval (AVI) burden in response to the sensed cardiac signals, and to switch operation of the device between a minimal biventricular pacing (MBVP) mode and a conditional triple chamber pacing (CTCP) mode in response to the determined AVI burden. |
| US08396552B2 |
Method and apparatus for initiating and delivering cardiac protection pacing
A pacing system delivers cardiac protection pacing to protect the heart from injuries associated with ischemic events. The pacing system detects an ischemic event and, in response, initiates one or more cardiac protection pacing sequences each including alternative pacing and non-pacing periods. In one embodiment, the pacing system initiates a cardiac protection pacing sequence in response to the detection of the onset of an ischemic event, such that a pacing concurrent conditioning therapy is applied during the detected ischemic event. |
| US08396546B2 |
Machine control device, machine system, machine control method, and recording medium storing machine control program
A machine control device includes: first decoders for estimating, from brain signal information, which one of body movements a user performs or images, based on learning using pairs of movements performed by the user and brain signal information, the body movements going toward one of first to nth body postures; second decoders for estimating from the brain signal information, an correct rate on the body movement estimation, based on learning using pairs of correct rates of the estimation of body movements and the brain signal information; and electric prosthetic arm control section for controlling an electric prosthetic arm to change stepwise its posture between first to nth postures via at least one intermediate posture therebetween, the first to nth postures corresponding to the first to nth body postures. The first decoders perform the estimation only when the estimated correct rate exceeds a threshold. When the first decoders estimate that the body movements goes toward a body posture different from the current one, the electric prosthetic arm control section changes the posture of the machine by performing a part of substeps of change from one of the first to nth body postures toward the posture associated with the body posture toward which the estimated body movement goes. This configuration allows a user to control a brain-signal-based machine to perform a natural movement without a long-term training and much brain information. |
| US08396536B2 |
Self-interfering tomography system
Light is collected from a sample that is to be imaged, such as tissue or the like, and made to undergo self-interference, e.g., on a detector. An imaging system may include a low coherence light source arranged for illuminating the sample, and an interferometer arranged to receive the light collected from the sample and to pass it to a detector. The interferometer includes a beam divider that directs the radiation collected from the sample along two paths, phase-delaying one beam relative to another and then recombining the beams on a detector. A processor may be coordinated with the phase delay and in some embodiments with spatial scanning or detector array addresses, and operates on the signal from the detector to form a tomographic image of the sample illuminated tissue. By constructing an image based upon interference the interferometric signal from of the split and then recombined radiation collected from the sample signal, rather than interference of a source reference and a return signal, the invention is able to image with light naturally emitted by the sample, or with wavelength-shifted, delayed or induced light signals of different types, allowing new modalities of diagnostic and other imaging of the sample and its structure. A processor generates one or more images of the structure being viewed, and may create images in registry from different (for example, close but separable) wavelengths. Some systems may operate without an illumination source or may apply other stimuli to evoke emission from the sample. |
| US08396533B2 |
Method and system for catheter detection and tracking in a fluoroscopic image sequence
A method and system for detecting and tracking an ablation catheter tip in a fluoroscopic image sequence is disclosed. Catheter tip candidates are detected in each frame of the fluoroscopic image sequence using marginal space learning. The detected catheter tip candidates are then tracked over all the frames of the fluoroscopic image sequence in order to determine an ablation catheter tip location in each frame. |
| US08396531B2 |
System and method for quasi-real-time ventricular measurements from M-mode echocardiogram
A method for measuring ventricular dimensions from M-mode echocardiograms, includes providing a digitized M-mode echocardiogram image, running a plurality of local classifiers, where each local classifier trained to detect a landmark on either an end-diastole (ED) line or an end-systole (ES) line in the image, recording all possible landmarks detected by the classifiers, where a search range in an N-dimensional parameter space defined by the landmarks for each dimension is reduced to a union of subsets, where each dimension of the parameter space corresponds a landmark, for each combination of possible landmarks, checking if an order of the landmarks is consistent with a known ordering of the landmarks, and if the order is consistent, running a global detector on each consistent combination of landmarks to find a landmark combination with a highest detection probability as a confirmed landmark detection, where the landmarks are used for measuring ventricular dimensions. |
| US08396527B2 |
Medical sensor for reducing signal artifacts and technique for using the same
A sensor may be adapted to reduce motion artifacts by mitigating the effects of the tissue moving within the sensor. A sensor is provided with an elastomeric sensor body adapted to accommodate patient motion. Further, a sensor is provided in which the sensor cable is arranged to mitigate its pressure on a patient's tissue. |
| US08396524B2 |
Medical sensor and technique for using the same
A sensor is provided that is appropriate for optical detection of dissolved carbon dioxide. Such a sensor may be used for transcutaneous detection of carbon dioxide in the tissue. Alternatively, such sensors may be inserted into the tissue. Detection of dissolved carbon dioxide in the tissue may serve as a useful clinical marker for physicians. |
| US08396517B2 |
Mobile electronic device adaptively responsive to advanced motion
Providing an electronic device adaptively responsive to advance motion is disclosed. Displayed information on a multi-touch display is altered based on the electronic device detecting motion and user input. |
| US08396512B1 |
Enhanced virtual termination target mechanism
A method and system is disclosed for enhanced setpoint adjustment during extended frame decoding. In accordance with an example embodiment, upon determining that a frame transmission from an access terminal has not been successfully decoded during a nominal frame period, a base station will commence an extended decoding interval. The base station will also determine a transition point time that is within a range of times from the beginning to the end of the extended frame decoding interval. The determination of the transition point time will be based on the nominal setpoint in place during the preceding nominal frame period. Upon reaching the transition point time, the base station will increase the current (nominal) setpoint. Accordingly, the setpoint for the access terminal may be increased at a point in time that precedes the completion of the extended decoding interval. |
| US08396505B2 |
Radio communication system, network side device, small cell base station, and transmission power control method
A large cell base station 100 according to an embodiment is configured to form a large cell and includes: an upper-limit value determination unit 124 configured to determine an upper-limit value Icap of an amount of interference which is received by the large cell base station from each of the radio terminals based on a permissible value Itotal of a total amount of interference which is received by the large cell base station from the radio terminals and the number of the small cell base stations within the large cell; and a wired communication unit 140 configured to transmit upper-limit value information indicating the upper-limit value Icap determined by the upper-limit value determination unit 124 to the small cell base stations. |
| US08396503B2 |
Updating a signal quality target for uplink power control in a radio communication system responsive to estimated required signal quality for changing transmission formats
A method, an apparatus and a computer program for updating a signal quality target for power control of an ongoing radio transmission in a radio communication system. A change in transmission format from a first transmission format to a second transmission format is detected (301) for the radio transmission. The signal quality target is updated (302) to include a target offset component associated with the detected change in transmission format. |
| US08396499B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring state of plurality of channels and for selecting idle channel
A method of measuring a state of a plurality of channels is provided. The method includes transmitting to a second device test signal information needed to transmit/receive a test signal for measuring the state of the plurality of channels; receiving an information received response from the second device, indicating that the second device has received the test signal; if the information received response is received, transmitting the test signal to the second device, using the test signal information, via the plurality of channels; and receiving from the second device the state information regarding the plurality of channels which has been measured by using the test signal. |
| US08396497B2 |
Communication device and method for controlling communication device
When an instruction operation given by a user to start communication parameter setting is detected, an operation mode of a communication device is determined. According to the determined operation mode, it is determined whether to provide a communication parameter through another communication device operating in a base station mode, or provide a communication parameter directly by the communication device. |
| US08396490B2 |
Method and system for transmitting and receiving messages
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided to enable real-time communication with people, groups and devices in accordance with certain embodiments. Typically, a phone number, address, or login information (“traditional identification information”) is needed to initiate a communication with a specific person. However, there are many situations where this traditional identification information is not known, but individuals still wish to communicate with others whose traditional identification information they do not know. By selecting criteria such as geographical location information that is proximate to the device, a person can identify and communicate with others while not knowing their contact information. The criteria can also include attributes, visual information, or other characteristics of the target device. |
| US08396489B2 |
Method and system for transmitting and receiving messages
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided to enable real-time communication with people, groups and devices in accordance with certain embodiments. Typically, a phone number, address, or login information (“traditional identification information”) is needed to initiate a communication with a specific person. However, there are many situations where this traditional identification information is not known, but individuals still wish to communicate with others whose traditional identification information they do not know. By selecting criteria such as geographical location information that is proximate to the device, a person can identify and communicate with others while not knowing their contact information. The criteria can also include attributes, visual information, or other characteristics of the target device. |
| US08396488B2 |
Method and apparatus for interlocking communication and tracking applications in a wireless communication device
A wireless communication device transmits location information associated with a mobile worker, and provides an option to the mobile worker to disable such location transmissions. The use of the location transmission function is enhanced by interlocking the location tracking function with one or more other functions of the wireless communication device. When the tracking function is disabled, one or more other functions that the mobile worker finds valuable are also disabled, thus reducing the likelihood that the mobile worker will disable location tracking. Rules may be implemented to disable the other functions only in the event that disabling the tracking function violates a violated. Location monitoring for such workers is thereby enhanced. |
| US08396485B2 |
Beacon-based geofencing
A mobile device can monitor a current location using a multi-tier approach. A baseband subsystem can monitor a coarse location of the mobile device using various course location parameters, such as a mobile country code (MCC), a location area code (LAC), or a cell identifier (cell ID), as the mobile device moves closer to the geographic region. Upon determining that the mobile device is in a cell that intersects the geographic region, the baseband subsystem can transfer the monitoring to the application subsystem. The task can be performed when the application subsystem determines that the mobile device is currently located in the geographic region. A beacon network can provide more accurate estimates of mobile device location and advertise location based services available to the mobile device. |
| US08396479B2 |
Handover processing method and device
A handover processing method includes obtaining, by a relay station, information, where the information is used for determining whether a mobility management entity (MME) of a user equipment is in a mobility management entity pool (MME pool) to which a neighboring eNB belongs; and determining, by the relay station, that an X2 interface between a serving eNB of the relay station and the neighboring eNB cannot be used for handover if the MME of the user equipment is not in the MME pool to which the neighboring eNB belongs. The foregoing technical solutions may enable the relay station to initiate a correct handover procedure. |
| US08396475B1 |
Display caller ID on IPTV screen
A system that automatically delivers telephony network services from a dual mode service technology platform to an external entity. The system includes a sensing component that detects the presence of a mobile handset registered on a cellular network, and registers the mobile handset with a wireless access network. Further, a provisioning component identifies calls to subscribers that are provisioned for the requested telephony network service. Once the calls are identified, the provisioning component extracts the requested data from the incoming calls and routes the data to an external entity for display. |
| US08396474B2 |
Combined base transceiver station and base station controller optimized assignment of frame offsets
A system, method, and computer readable medium for managing an availability of a call agent, comprising acquiring a session identification by a basestation (BS) and a call agent (CA), wherein the BS is coupled to the CA, if the CA's state is changed from an active state to a standby state, requesting a new connection with the BS; and after the new connection is established between the CA and the BS, sending another session identification from the CA to the BS. |
| US08396467B2 |
Apparatus and method for event detection
An event detection apparatus for a cellular communication system comprises a video upload processor (203) which receives video upload activity indications. Each video upload activity indication comprises an indication of a video upload from a remote station of the cellular communication system as well as a remote station location indication for the remote station from which a video clip is uploaded. An event processor (205) generates an event indication in response to the video upload activity indications meeting a criterion where the event indication comprises an event location indication generated in response to the remote station location indications. The event detection criterion may specifically be that more than a given number of video upload activity indications are indicative of video uploads within a given time interval and geographic area. The invention may allow improved event detection. |
| US08396466B2 |
Content synchronization between electronic devices
A method is provided for transferring content between a first mobile device (10) and a second mobile device (20). The method includes: internally storing the content on the first mobile device (10) using a first data representation for the internally stored content on the first mobile device (10); establishing a common syntax and associated semantics for describing the content; creating a first external manifest (16) on the first mobile device (10) from the internally stored content on the first mobile (10), the first external manifest (16) employing the common syntax and associated semantics to describe the content; transferring the content from the first external manifest (16) to a second external manifest (26) created on the second mobile device (20), the second external manifest (26) also using the common syntax and associated semantic to describe the content; and, internally storing the content on the second mobile device (20) using a second data representation for the internally stored content on the second mobile device (20). |
| US08396464B2 |
Method and apparatus for software update of terminals in a mobile communication system
A method of updating software of terminals in a mobile broadcast system is provided. The method includes creating an update command for terminals of a particular model, the update command including update information; and broadcasting the created update command. The update information includes software version information and at least one of terminal manufacturer information and terminal model information. Further, the method may further include, before broadcasting the created update command, forcibly requiring terminals subscribe to an update service; and creating and broadcasting an update file for terminals of the particular model from among the forcibly subscribed terminals. The software of the terminals may be firmware. |
| US08396463B2 |
Managing notification service connections and displaying icon badges
A method and apparatus to manage notification service connections. In one embodiment of the invention, a mobile device schedules a notification service connection message transmission interval for each of a plurality of notification service connections. The mobile device also associates a notification service connection message transmission window with each notification service connection message transmission interval. The mobile device synchronizes transmission of notification service connection messages based on overlapping notification service connection message transmission windows. Responsive to receiving a notification message on one of the notification service connections, an icon badge is displayed on the mobile device for the appropriate application. |
| US08396462B2 |
Method of searching for lost child using two-dimensional bar code
Various embodiments of a searching method for a missing child using a two-dimensional bar code are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include photographing a two-dimensional bar code possessed by a missing child through a missing child prevention program and receiving current position information through a GPS module and stores the received position information. The method may also include transmitting the two-dimensional bar code and the stored position information to a two-dimensional bar-code server, receiving child and guardian information of the missing child from the two-dimensional bar code server, and displaying the received child and guardian information. The method may also include connecting a call to the missing child's guardian by inputting a call connection key. |
| US08396460B2 |
System and method for providing called party awareness information
A system and phone for providing called party awareness information to a calling party. As disclosed, a communication service provider can receive identification information associated with a called device from the keypad of the phone. The communication service provider can determine whether the called device is associated with the communication service provider or not. The communication service provider can use the identification information to determine the local time when the called device is not associated with the phone system. Alternatively, the communication service provider can use offsets to determine the local time generated by the called device when the called device is associated with the communication service provider. The offsets can be provided by fixed phone locations or non-fixed phone locations. Thereafter, the communication service provider can return the local time to the phone where it can be displayed. |
| US08396459B2 |
Cellular communications system for providing non-real time subscription data and related methods
A cellular communications system may include a plurality of mobile cellular communications devices each associated with a respective user, and at least one cellular base station for wirelessly communicating with the mobile cellular communications devices. The at least one cellular base station may have a capacity associated therewith. The system may also include a central station for determining available capacity of the at least one cellular base station based upon active wireless communications with the mobile cellular communications devices. Moreover, the system may also include a subscription server for cooperating with the central station to provide non-real time subscription data to users on respective mobile cellular communications devices via the at least one cellular base station when the determined available capacity thereof is greater than a threshold. |
| US08396454B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamic session placeholder for message collection user interface
A method and apparatus for representing a conversation of related messages is provided. In a message collection user interface for displaying messages sent and received by a communications device, a dynamic session placeholder is used for a respective conversation of related messages. The message collection user interface is displayed including any dynamic session placeholders in the list of messages. As messages from the conversation are occasioned, the dynamic session placeholder is updated. When the message collection is displayed, it is displayed in accordance with the updated session placeholder. |
| US08396453B2 |
Method and apparatus for surreptitiously triggering the collection of data from a lost wireless communications device equipped with audio and/or video collection means
A method for locating a wireless communications device WCD (102). The method includes the step of receiving at the WCD (102) a wireless transmission comprising a first auto-location trigger signal. The WCD (102), responsive to the first auto-location trigger signal, operates in an auto-location mode. The auto-location mode includes the automatic collection and communication of predetermined first data, such as audio, video, and GPS location data. After the automatic collection and communication step of the first data is complete, the WCD (102) enters into a standby mode. The standby mode continues until a state detection device (206) of the WCD (102) detects a change in the state of the WCD (102). These changes in state are exclusive of the wireless transmission comprising the first auto-location trigger signal. The change(s) in state produce a second auto-location trigger signal, which causes the automatic collection and communication of a second data that is the same or similar to the first data. |
| US08396451B1 |
Telecom fraud detection using social pattern
A method, system, and medium are provided for detecting fraud, the method comprising obtaining a plurality of communication records associated with a communications device associated with a user over a fixed period of time, calculating a fraud metric for said records, comparing said metric to a threshold, if said metric exceeds said threshold, generating a fraud alert for said user. |
| US08396441B1 |
Wideband mixer
A mixer circuit suitable for broadband RF applications is disclosed. A unique biasing scheme for a conventional Gilbert-cell type 4-quadrant multiplier is used, resulting in relatively good linearity, relatively low noise, and relatively low power consumption. Disclosed techniques provide programmability in gain for the mixer and a broadband frequency of operation. A non-linear feedback loop is wrapped around the circuit to stabilize the common-mode voltage shifts due to programming. In one embodiment, a non-linear switch as load-resistance is used to improve the linearity of the circuit. |
| US08396433B2 |
Radio communication apparatus and DC offset adjustment method
At a transmitting side, during carrier leak adjustment, quadrature modulation means uses a carrier wave having a frequency different from that at a receiving side to quadrature-modulate an outgoing signal. Feedback means feeds a modulated wave resulting from the quadrature modulation back to the receiving side. At the receiving side, quadrature demodulation means quadrature-demodulates the fed back modulated wave. Phase locking means locks the phase of the signal resulting from the quadrature demodulation to match the phase to the phase at the transmitting side. Offset detection means time-averages the phase-locked signal to detect a direct-current offset. At the transmitting side, based on the value of the direct-current offset detected at the receiving side, offset adjustment means corrects a direct-current offset of the outgoing signal to be quadrature-modulated. |
| US08396432B2 |
Transmitter circuit and communication apparatus
A transmitter circuit is provided which is capable of reducing modulation distortion even when an output power of a power amplifying section 141 is low. A signal generation section 11 generates an amplitude signal and a phase signal. A regulator 12 outputs a current based on the amplitude signal. A phase modulation section 13 phase-modulates the phase signal, and outputs a phase-modulated signal. The power amplifying section 141 receives the current which is based on the amplitude signal and supplied as a bias current from the regulator 12, and amplifies the phase-modulated signal by using the supplied current. Further, to the power amplifying section 141, a predetermined DC voltage is supplied as a collector voltage. |
| US08396431B2 |
Mobile station traffic state antenna tuning systems and methods
Wireless communication device antenna matching circuit tuning responsive to power control signals, and, optionally, responsive to received signal quality indicators in a traffic channel. Systems and methods are provided that increase the antenna efficiency in either the transmit frequency or the receive frequency as needed, based on fading and environmental conditions, non-ideal antenna efficiency balance, mobile station forward versus reverse link usage and system forward versus reverse link usage. The antenna efficiency may be changed incrementally or may be optimized completely for the transmit frequency or the receive frequency. The re-balancing is accomplished by tuning the antenna matching circuit. One way to tune the antenna matching circuit is to apply a voltage to a ferro-electric capacitor in the matching circuit, thereby changing the capacitance of the ferro-electric capacitor, thereby changing the impedance of the antenna system. |
| US08396430B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and wireless communication system
Disclosed are a semiconductor integrated circuit device and a wireless communication system that are capable of improving reception sensitivity. The wireless communication system includes, for instance, a first duplexer, a second duplexer, a first low-noise amplifier circuit, and a second low-noise amplifier circuit. A transmission band compliant with a communication standard is split into two segments for use, namely, low- and high-frequency transmission bands. A reception band compliant with the communication standard is split into two segments for use, namely, low- and high-frequency reception bands. The first duplexer uses the low-frequency transmission band and low-frequency reception band as passbands. The second duplexer uses the high-frequency transmission band and high-frequency reception band as passbands. A signal received from the first duplexer and a signal received from the second duplexer are respectively amplified by the first and the second low-noise amplifier circuits, which are respectively provided to handle such signals. |
| US08396426B2 |
Multicarrier mobile device
The invention relates to a multicarrier mobile device comprising a receiver (101) for receiving a first multicarrier signal being associated with a first communication cell and a second multicarrier signal being associated with a second communication cell, an extractor (103) for extracting a first signal portion from the first multicarrier signal and for extracting a second signal portion from the second multicarrier signal and a processor (105) for determining a first interference power on the first signal portion and the second interference power on the second signal portion. |
| US08396424B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing role management of short-range wireless connections
A first wireless device is operable to perform role management of short-range wireless connections with other wireless devices over short-range wireless links that utilize a short-range wireless protocol, such as the Bluetooth protocol. According to one embodiment, the first wireless device accepts a request from a second wireless device to establish a connection over a short-range wireless link such that the first wireless device temporarily performs a slave role with respect to the connection. Responsive to establishing the connection, the first wireless device initiates a disconnect of the connection and then communicates a new request to the second wireless device to establish a new connection. Upon receiving an acceptance of the new request from the second wireless device, the first wireless device establishes the new connection over the short-range wireless link such that the first device performs a master role with respect to the new connection. |
| US08396421B2 |
Communication processing apparatus, computer program product and data processing method
A communication processing apparatus, a computer program product, and a data processing method are provided. The communication processing apparatus includes a near-field communication unit configured to perform near-field communication; a control unit configured to acquire communication history data of near-field communication performed by using the near-field communication unit; and a storage unit configured to store the communication history data under control of the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to acquire the communication history data stored in the storage unit and transmit the acquired communication history data to a server that performs information management, when issuing an information registration request to the server. |
| US08396415B2 |
Single-port signal repeater
The invention relates to a single-port signal repeater. The repeater is connected in parallel to the communication means (3), on which only one access point (5) is needed. The repeater (4) comprises an amplifier, a hybrid circuit and a feedback and increases the range and transmission capacity for communications made on a conducted medium without the drawbacks of traditional repeaters, which have to interrupt the line and need two access points to the channel. |
| US08396414B2 |
Controlling of wireless connection of a portable device including an illumination component or switch
A portable media player that provides for wireless connectivity is disclosed. In some examples, the portable media player contains a button that causes the player to search for, connect with, and disconnect from wireless networks. In some examples, the button provides indicators of the connectivity of the player, such as different colors or modes of illumination. In some examples, the functionality of the button changes depending on the connectivity of the player or characteristics of the playback or navigation of media within the player. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08396407B2 |
Fusing device and image forming apparatus having the same
A fusing device to improve an amount of heat to a recording medium, and an image forming apparatus having the same, includes a heating unit having a heat source and a press roller arranged to come into contact with and to press an outer circumferential surface of the heating unit so as to define a fusing nip. The press roller includes an elastic layer and at least one heating element contained in the elastic layer to allow generation of heat from the interior of the elastic layer. The heating element may include heating particles dispersed in the elastic layer, or may be a sheet type heating element inserted in the elastic layer. |
| US08396395B2 |
Image forming apparatus with image bearing member speed and phase control
An image forming apparatus which is capable of suppressing damages to a plurality of photosensitive drums and an intermediate transfer belt, and reducing loads on drive sources of the photosensitive drums and the intermediate transfer belt, during control for making the respective rotational phases of the photosensitive drums in phase. The intermediate transfer belt is driven for rotation in a state in contact with the photosensitive drums. Sensors detect the rotational speeds of the photosensitive drums and the intermediate transfer belt. Control sections control the rotational speeds and rotational phases of the photosensitive drums based on the results of detections by the sensors. When each control section performs rotational phase control, a limiter thereof limits the speed difference between the associated photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer belt when the speed difference exceeds a predetermined range. |
| US08396394B2 |
Image forming apparatus employing an electrical charge removal device with an improved configuration
An image forming apparatus, including: a main body; an image carrying body disposed in the main body, a transfer unit and an electrical charge removal unit. The image forming apparatus forms a visible image on the image carrying body by carrying out charging, exposing and developing processes. The transfer unit transfers the visible image from the image carrying body to a printing medium. The electrical charge removal unit is configured to remove residual electrical charge from the printing medium, and is movable, in cooperation with at least one replaceable component part of the transfer unit, between an operable position at which the electrical charge removal unit is capable of removing the electrical charge from the printing medium and a non-interfering position at which the electrical charge removal unit does not interfere with the movement of the at least one replaceable component part of the transfer unit being received into or being removed from the main body for replacement. |
| US08396392B2 |
Image forming apparatus have a cover and a pressing mechanism for pressing a developing cartridge when closing the cover
An image forming apparatus includes a main body; a process unit configured to be attached to and removed from the main body, the process unit being configured to integrally hold a plurality of image carriers arranged in a first direction; a plurality of developing cartridges provided in corresponding association with the image carriers, the developing cartridges configured to be attached to and removed from the process unit, each of the developing cartridges including a corresponding developer carrier, each of the developing cartridges being configured to supply developer to a corresponding image carrier; and a pressing mechanism provided in the main body, the pressing mechanism configured to press the developing cartridges, when attached to the process unit, in a direction that the developer carriers contact the image carriers. |
| US08396389B2 |
Image forming apparatus having endless belt having abutting surface having specific mirror surface smoothness and pensile hardness
An image forming apparatus includes a belt including an abutting surface and a cleaning member disposed to abut against the abutting surface for removing a foreign substance on the abutting surface. The abutting surface has a mirror surface smoothness of 40 to 200, and a pensile hardness of 2H to 7H. |
| US08396386B2 |
Image forming apparatus which controls a transfer bias to a leading edge of a recording medium
An image forming apparatus including a latent image bearing member, a charger to evenly charge a surface of the latent image bearing member, an electrostatic latent image forming device to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the latent image bearing member, a developing device to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using toner, a transfer bias application device to apply a transfer bias to an image transfer area where the latent image bearing member faces a recording medium, a pre-transfer neutralizing device to reduce an electric potential at a portion on the surface of the latent image bearing member, a surface electric potential detector to detect an electric potential at the surface of the latent image bearing member, and a radiation amount control device to control an amount of radiation from the pre-transfer neutralizing device. |
| US08396377B2 |
Using multiple inputs from mobile devices to refine printing device location
Methods and printing devices herein establish a current physical position of a printing device and then receive current physical position readings from different portable computing devices (when the portable computing devices or its users are physically interacting with the printing device). The portable computing devices each have a physical position locator. The method then processes the current physical position readings to refine the current physical position of the printing device. |
| US08396375B2 |
Method and apparatus for bidirectional optical link using a single optical carrier and colorless demodulation and detection of optical frequency shift keyed data
A method for enabling bidirectional data communication using a single optical carrier and a single laser source with the aid of an integrated, colorless demodulator and detector for frequency modulated signals, and a reflective modulator. A receiving optical system holds a technique for demodulation and detection of optical frequency modulated signals, enabling remodulation of the incoming signal to establish bidirectional communication with the transmitting optical system, without introducing a high penalty. A colorless demodulator and detector, which provides the functionality of a periodic filtering device for demodulation of the downstream, and also detection capability. The principle of operation of the CDD relies on the introduction of a comb transfer function with the help of a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier, by providing a reflected feedback signal to the CDD's active element. This periodic transfer function is obtained by an optical cavity and allows for wavelength-independent operation on a given wavelength grid. |
| US08396374B2 |
Digital signal processing optical transmission apparatus
In a digital signal processing optical transmission apparatus such as a predistortion or OFDM type one, optical transmission at a stable S/N ratio is intended to be able to be made by controlling an output of an optical transmission signal with fixed average power, even if a peak to average power ratio of the optical transmission signal changes. The apparatus is provided with an average power calculation unit (30) that calculates the average power of a digital signal outputted from a digital signal processing circuit (2), and an optical power variable unit (31) that serves to make constant the average power of an optical transmission signal outputted from an optical vector modulator (5). |
| US08396372B2 |
Asymmetric long-haul transmission paths with optical phase conjugation
An apparatus includes a non-solitonic all-optical communication path having serially connected first and second segments. The first segment end-couples to a lumped optical transmitter. The second segment end-couples to a lumped optical receiver. Each segment has a series of spans of transmission optical fibers. The all-optical communication path has an optical phase conjugator that optically end-couples the first segment to the second segment. The optical phase conjugator is positioned away from the path's midpoint. |
| US08396368B2 |
Distributed antenna system for MIMO signals
A distributed antenna system (DAS) includes a multiple-input and multiple-output (“MIMO”) base station configured to output at least a first and second signal, and a hybrid coupler coupled thereto, the coupler configured to receive the first and second signal from the MIMO base station on respective first and second ports and provide an output signal on at least one output port, the output signal including at least a portion of the first signal and at least a portion of the second signal. The DAS further includes a master unit communicating with the coupler and configured to receive at least the output signal, and at least one remote unit communicating with the master unit and configured to communicate the output signal to a device. |
| US08396367B2 |
High frequency optical processing
This invention concerns a high frequency optical processor suitable for time-division demultiplexing and channel dropping data signals at bit rates of 80-160 Gb/s and beyond, and for carving high frequency pulse streams with low duty cycle from an unmodulated laser source. In further aspects the invention concerns methods for using the high frequency optical processor. In particular the invention comprises a high frequency optical processor, comprising a Mach-Zehnder amplitude modulator (MZM) embedded in a fiber mirror loop in which the loop input and output are joined by a polarization maintaining coupler. |
| US08396364B2 |
System and method for impairment-aware routing and wavelength assignment in wavelength switched optical networks
An apparatus comprising a path computation element (PCE) configured for at least partial impairment aware routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) and to communicate with a path computation client (PCC) based on a PCE protocol (PCEP) that supports path routing, wavelength assignment (WA), and impairment validation (IV). Also disclosed is a network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising establishing a PCEP session with a PCC, receiving path computation information comprising RWA information and constraints from the PCC, establishing impairment aware RWA (IA-RWA) based on the path computation information and a private impairment information for a vendor's equipment, and sending a path and an assigned wavelength based on the IA-RWA to the PCC. Disclosed is a method comprising establishing impairment aware routing and wavelength assignment for a plurality of network elements (NEs) in an optical network using routing and combined WA and IV. |
| US08396362B2 |
Light transmitting and receiving module, method for managing the same, light transmitting and receiving apparatus, and wavelength-multiplexing light transmitting and receiving apparatus
The light transmitting and receiving module includes a light outputting section; alight receiver which receives input light and which outputs an electric signal having an intensity corresponding to a light intensity of the input light; a first variably attenuation controller which variably attenuates the light output from the light outputting section; a second variably attenuation controller which variably attenuates the input light to the light receiver; a first switch which selectively switches a path through which the light from the first variably attenuation controller is output between a light transmitting path and an alternative path different from the light transmitting path; and a second switch which selectively switches light to be output to the second variably attenuation controller between light from an external entity and the light through the alternative path of the first switch. |
| US08396359B2 |
Method for engineering connections in a dynamically reconfigurable photonic switched network
A method for engineering of a connection in a WDM photonic network with a plurality of flexibility sites connected by links comprises calculating a physical end-to-end route between a source node and a destination node and setting-up a communication path along this end-to-end route. An operational parameter of the communication path is continuously tested and compared with a test threshold. The path is declared established whenever the operational parameter is above the margin tolerance. The established path is continuously monitored by comparing the operational parameter with a maintenance threshold. A regenerator is switched into the path whenever the operational parameter is under the respective threshold, or another path is assigned to the respective connection. An adaptive channel power turn-on procedure provides for increasing gradually the power level of the transmitters in the path while measuring an error quantifier at the destination receiver until a preset error quantifier value is reached. As the connection ages, the power is increased so as to maintain the error quantifier at, or under the preset value. The path operation is controlled using a plurality of optical power/gain control loops, each for monitoring and controlling a group of optical devices, according to a set of loop rules. |
| US08396354B2 |
Display apparatus, method, and computer system
A display apparatus and method of displaying an image, and a video signal processor and method of converting an input video signal into a displayable format compatible with the display, including an reproducing apparatus reading out data stored on a medium, a playback part converting the data read by the optical disk drive into a video signal compatible with the video signal processor, an interface transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device, e.g., a computer, and a switching part selectively enabling the reproducing apparatus to communicate with either the drive playback part or the external device. With this configuration, embodiments of the present invention provide a display apparatus, computer system, and methods, using a display apparatus to play back a medium, e.g., a DVD having multimedia functionality, without having to boot the computer system. |
| US08396351B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, information processing program and imaging apparatus
An apparatus includes a storage unit that stores object metadata created by associating object present time information indicating a time when an object is present in video of audio/video data with object identification information to identify the object, music metadata containing music present time information indicating the time when music is present in audio of the audio/video data, and object BGM correspondence information created by associating the object identification information with BGM identification information and a control unit that determines whether any time in the audio/video data satisfying conditions that the time matches a time indicated by the object present time information and does not match a time indicated by the music present time information is present and outputs BGM identified by the BGM identification information associated with the object identification information associated with the object present time information when reproduction advances to the time concerned. |
| US08396350B2 |
Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface. |
| US08396348B2 |
Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface. |
| US08396341B2 |
Optical filters based on polymer asymmetric bragg couplers and its method of fabrication
The present invention discloses a method for fabricating an optical filter based on polymer asymmetric bragg couplers using holographic interference techniques, soft lithography, and micro molding, which comprises following steps: prepare a UV polymer with gratings; coating photo-resister film on the UV polymer, and exposed by UV light to obtain a photo-resister mold with two grooves each having gratings; coating diluted PDMS film on the photo-resister mold, and baking the PDMS film to obtain a PDMS mold having two waveguides with gratings; placing glass substrate over the PDMS mold to form a first tunnel; injecting a precure UV polymer into the first tunnel to from a cladding layer with two grooves having gratings pattern at its bottom; placing glass slide over the cladding layer and injecting a mixed UV polymer into the grooves to form waveguide cores; placing a second glass substrate over the cladding layer, and injecting UV polymer to form an upper cladding layer laminated with the cladding layer to obtain the optical filter based on polymer asymmetric bragg couplers. |
| US08396340B2 |
Optical fiber and method for fabricating the same
An optical fiber includes: a core (1) having an outer diameter (D1) of greater than or equal to 8.2 μm and less than or equal to 10.2 μm; a first cladding (2) surrounding the core (1) and having an outer diameter (D2) of greater than or equal to 30 μm and less than or equal to 45 μm; a second cladding (3) surrounding the first cladding (2) and having a thickness (T) of greater than or equal to 7.4 μm; and a support layer (4) surrounding the second cladding (3). The relative refractive index difference which is the ratio of the difference between the refractive index of the support layer (4) and that of the second cladding (3) to the refractive index of the support layer (4) is greater than or equal to 0.5%. |
| US08396338B2 |
Opto-electric hybrid module and method of manufacturing the same
An opto-electric hybrid module capable of shortening the distance between a light-emitting section or a light-receiving section of a semiconductor chip and a reflecting surface formed in a core to reduce optical losses between an opto-electric conversion substrate section and an optical waveguide section, and a method of manufacturing the same. A recessed portion (3a) is formed in a surface of an over cladding layer (3) of the optical waveguide section (W1). At least part of the light-emitting section (7a) or the light-receiving section of the semiconductor chip (7) for opto-electric conversion and at least part of a loop portion (8a) of a bonding wire (8) in the opto-electric conversion substrate section (E1) are positioned within the recessed portion (3a). This brings the light-emitting section (7a) or the light-receiving section of the semiconductor chip (7) and the reflecting surface (2a) formed in the core (2) closer to each other. |
| US08396337B2 |
Ring resonator based optical isolator and circulator
By introducing magneto-optical garnets with high Faraday rotation and low optical loss in a ring resonator, a nonreciprocal phase shift is generated to split the resonance wavelengths of clockwise and counter-clockwise modes under magnetic field. There are three main applications based on this nonreciprocal effect, optical isolators, optical circulators, and tunable optical filters. The concept of the tunable filters and the design of optical isolators for TE and TM modes are described in the paper. With proper optical ring isolator configurations, optical circulators can be realized. |
| US08396336B2 |
Optical phase modulator and optical phase modulating device
An optical phase modulator includes a main Mach-Zehnder interferometer having first and second main optical waveguide path arms, whose initial phase difference in the used wavelength is π, a first sub Mach-Zehnder interferometer having first and second sub optical waveguide path arms that are formed in the first main optical waveguide path arm, whose initial phase difference in the used wavelength is 0, and a second sub Mach-Zehnder interferometer having third and fourth sub optical waveguide path arms that are formed in the second main optical waveguide path arm, and whose initial phase difference in the used wavelength is 0. Of each of the main optical waveguide path arms and the sub optical waveguide path arms, at least the portions where high-frequency electrodes are formed are constructed using semiconductor waveguide paths, and reduce the effects of frequency chirping caused by an orthogonal component due to light absorption in the semiconductor. |
| US08396331B2 |
Generating a multi-use vocabulary based on image data
Functionality is described for generating a vocabulary from a source dataset of image items or other non-textual items. The vocabulary serves as a tool for retrieving items from a target dataset in response to queries. The vocabulary has at least one characteristic that allows it to be used to retrieve items from multiple different target datasets. A target dataset can have a different size than the source dataset and/or a different type than the source dataset. The enabling characteristic may correspond to a size of the source dataset above a prescribed minimum number of items and/or a size of the vocabulary above a prescribed minimum number of words. |
| US08396329B2 |
System and method for object measurement
A technique is provided for measuring an object based on multiple views. The technique includes registering each of the plurality of images and a first model of the object with one another and reconstructing a second model of the object based on the plurality of images and the first model registered with one another. |
| US08396328B2 |
Minimal artifact image sequence depth enhancement system and method
Motion picture scenes to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into separate elements, backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors and/or depths are automatically applied to masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects in a series of images may be partially or fully realistically drawn or rendered and applied to the occluded areas of the background and then automatically applied throughout the images to generate of minimal artifact or artifact-free secondary viewpoints when translating foreground objects horizontally during 2D->3D conversion. |
| US08396327B2 |
Device, system and method for automatic detection of contractile activity in an image frame
A device, system and method for automatic detection of contractile activity of a body lumen in an image frame is provided, wherein image frames during contractile activity are captured and/or image frames including contractile activity are automatically detected, such as through pattern recognition and/or feature extraction to trace image frames including contractions, e.g., with wrinkle patterns. A manual procedure of annotation of contractions, e.g. tonic contractions in capsule endoscopy, may consist of the visualization of the whole video by a specialist, and the labeling of the contraction frames. Embodiments of the present invention may be suitable for implementation in an in vivo imaging system. |
| US08396326B2 |
Systems and methods for creating photobooks
A method for producing a photo album includes providing a library of page layouts, selecting a first group of one or more images to be placed in the first page of the photo album, selecting a second group of one or more images to be placed in the second page of the photo album, graphically displaying the first group of one or more images within a first border that represents a first page, graphically displaying the second group of one or more images within a second border that represents a second page, automatically selecting a first page layout from the library of page layouts, and automatically placing the first group of one or more images into the one or more image receiving areas in the first page layout to produce the first page in the photo album. |
| US08396324B2 |
Image processing method and apparatus for correcting distortion caused by air particles as in fog
Provided are a method and apparatus for processing an image. The method includes receiving a first luminance image of an image including airlight, which is a type of light that occurs in a foggy environment, and generating an airtight map based on a ratio between an average luminance of the first luminance image, and a standard deviation; and removing the airtight by subtracting the airtight map from the first luminance image and outputting a second luminance image. According to the present invention, airlight components may be effectively removed. |
| US08396316B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing image
A method, apparatus, and computer readable recording medium for processing an image. The method includes detecting a face area and a blur area from an image; checking a degree of overlap between the face area and the blur area by comparing a location of the face area with a location of the blur area; and determining whether the image is an abnormal image according to the degree of overlap between the face area and the blur area. |
| US08396314B2 |
Method and apparatus for inverse quantizing image, and method and apparatus for decoding image
Provided are method and apparatus for inverse quantizing an image, the method including: determining a quantization step correction value for reducing a quantization error, which is a difference between an inverse quantization coefficient, obtained by inverse quantizing a quantization coefficient, and an original value of the transformation coefficient; and inverse quantizing the quantization coefficient using a second quantization step value, the second quantization step value being obtained by correcting a first quantization step value used for inverse quantizing the quantization coefficient using the determined quantization step correction value. |
| US08396313B2 |
Image compression and decompression using the PIXON method
A method is provided for decompressing an image originally compressed using a known compression technique. An original compressed image file is defined by a plurality of locations that correspond to image data. A set of smooth test images is created by iteratively applying a plurality of different size PIXON® kernels to each location of a starting image beginning with a smallest size kernel. Each smooth test image is compressed using the known compression technique, then compared against the original compressed image at each location of the image to determine a goodness-of-fit of the compressed smooth test image to each location of the original compressed image file. For each location, the smooth test image that has the largest size kernel that passes a pre-determined goodness-of-fit criterion is selected for a given location of the decompressed image. A compression method utilizes the PIXON® method for optimization of knot points within an image. The optimized knot points are used to interpolate image intensity between the knot points. |
| US08396311B2 |
Image encoding apparatus, image encoding method, and image encoding program
An image encoding apparatus, an image encoding method, and an image encoding program capable of minimizing image degradation, controlling a code amount in units smaller than a picture, and ensuring that encoding of the picture is completed within a certain time period is provided. A symbol number estimating device estimates the total bin number of a plurality of macro blocks constituting a picture. An entropy encoding selector outputs the entropy encoding mode selecting signal to an entropy encoder using the inputted bin number, in order to select one of a CABAC device or a VLC device. A CPU performs image encoding by executing a control program stored in a program storing portion. |
| US08396307B2 |
Image processing system, image processing method and program
There is provided an image processing system and an image processing method able to suppress block distortion in the case of decoding image data encoded in unit of blocks. A controlling unit selects a filtering content to be applied to the block image data based on the encoding types of the block image data to be filtered, and a filtering unit applies filtering to the block image data to be processed according to the filtering content selected by the controlling unit. |
| US08396305B2 |
Image compression utilizing ring-tree entropy coding and directional transforms
Image encoding for changing representation of zero coefficient clustering and for utilizing a novel directional transform for exploiting the directional properties of image energy. The apparatus and methods can be applied to numerous applications, such as within image codecs. A ring-tree method is taught for representing the grouping of zero transform coefficients as ring-trees into a new symbol for more efficiently coding images. Directional transforms are taught which provide enhanced energy compactness of coefficients, and which capture directional energy resulting in generating enhanced visual quality. |
| US08396299B2 |
Vanishing point detecting system, vanishing point detecting method, and vanishing point detecting program
Disclosed is a vanishing point detecting system that includes a straight line detecting unit, a vanishing point detecting unit, and a vanishing point outputting unit. In the vanishing point detecting unit, a vanishing point is detected with one evaluation index of vanishing point plausibility being whether or not angles of plural straight lines passing through a point in question or a vicinity thereof are sparsely distributed over a relatively wide range. |
| US08396298B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium with vectorization process for data from graphic areas
An image processing apparatus includes a separation unit which determines the attribute of data contained in input document image data and separates the document image data into areas by attributes, an extraction unit which extracts, from the separated areas, an area of a graphics image as a target of vectorization processing, a determination unit which determines whether the attribute of the area of the graphics image is a clipart area or a line drawing area including a line drawing, and a vector conversion unit which performs vectorization processing corresponding to the attribute of the graphics image based on the determination result of the determination unit. |
| US08396294B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method, and program and recording medium thereof
In an electronic document of drawing descriptions of a page image and a character, it is desired that although a font data necessary for drawing the character is held in the electronic document, the size of the electronic document is minimized. Furthermore, it is desired to ensure visibility at the time of highlighting of search. There is generated an electronic document in which a document image, a plurality of character codes obtained by executing a character recognition processing with respect to the document image, and a plurality of kinds of glyph data to be utilized in common with respect to the plurality of character codes when drawing characters corresponding to the plurality of character codes are stored. The plurality of kinds of glyph data are selectively used when characters corresponding to the character codes are drawn. It is desirable that the glyph data be the one in a simple form. |
| US08396292B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method and computer-readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a selecting unit, a boundary strength calculating unit and a color replacing unit. When M representative colors include first and second colors, and N intermediate color between the first and second colors, the selecting unit selects the first and second colors and the N intermediate color. M and N denote natural numbers, N≧1 and N |
| US08396291B2 |
Component extraction/correction device, component extraction/correction method, storage medium and electronic equipment
Provided is a component extraction/correction device, comprising: a decomposition unit that decomposes an original image signal into a plurality of frequency bands to generate a plurality of band signals; an extraction unit that extracts a skeleton component from among a plurality of components constituting the band signal; a first correction unit that corrects the extracted skeleton component by using the band signal and one component other than the skeleton component among the plurality of components; and a second correction unit that corrects the one component by using the corrected skeleton component and the band signal. |
| US08396287B2 |
Landmarks from digital photo collections
Methods and systems for automatic detection of landmarks in digital images and annotation of those images are disclosed. A method for detecting and annotating landmarks in digital images includes the steps of automatically assigning a tag descriptive of a landmark to one or more images in a plurality of text-associated digital images to generate a set of landmark-tagged images, learning an appearance model for the landmark from the set of landmark-tagged images, and detecting the landmark in a new digital image using the appearance model. The method can also include a step of annotating the new image with the tag descriptive of the landmark. |
| US08396283B2 |
Three-dimensional object detecting device
A three-dimensional-object can be effectively detected. A pair of image capture devices capture a three-dimensional-object and calculate disparity component data of subdivided-image regions, respectively. On a basis of the disparity component data, gray scale values indicative of distances from the image capture device are calculated and a gray scale image in which each region has its corresponding gray scale value is generated. A model of the three-dimensional-object is defined and correlation values is calculated to show the degree of a similarity between the model and the image subdivided regions in the gray scale image. The model is a two-dimensional image with a shaping characteristic when the three-dimensional object is viewed from positions of the image capture devices while each subdivided region of the two-dimensional image has a gray scale value indicative of a distance from the image capture device at a portion corresponding to the three-dimensional object. The correlation values are calculated on a basis of gray scale values of the model and those of the image region in the gray scale image. The model and an image region with the highest correlation value are detected in the gray scale image, so that a three-dimensional image is detected. |
| US08396279B1 |
Method and system for transaction decision making
According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for transaction decision making. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method and system for processing payment items involve receiving a payment item at a sorter device; extracting electronic data from the payment item from an electronic readable line of the payment item; imaging the payment item to obtain image data of the payment item; comparing the electronic data and the image data to verify payment data associated with the payment item; and determining an optimal settlement path for the payment item, at the sorter device. |
| US08396278B2 |
Document processing system using full image scanning
A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system. |
| US08396271B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing program recording medium, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes: a category area dividing unit that divides each image constituting the time-series images of an object to be examined, which are captured in time series, into category areas including an examined area and an abnormal candidate area, the examined area showing the object to be examined, the abnormal candidate area being possibly an abnormal area showing an abnormal site of the object to be examined; an optical flow calculator that calculates optical flows of the examined area and the abnormal candidate area from images constituting the time-series images; and an abnormal area detector that compares the optical flow of the examined area and the optical flow of the abnormal candidate area, and detects the abnormal candidate area as the abnormal area according to the result of the comparison. |
| US08396270B2 |
Method to estimate 3D abdominal and thoracic tumor position to submillimeter accuracy using sequential x-ray imaging and respiratory monitoring
A method of estimating target motion for image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) systems is provided. The method includes acquiring by a kV imaging system sequential images of a target motion, computing by the kV imaging system from the sequential images an image-based estimation of the target motion expressed in a patient coordinate system, transforming by the kV imaging system the image-based estimation in the patient coordinate system to an estimate in a projection coordinate system, reformulating by the kV imaging system the projection coordinate system in a converging iterative form to force a convergence of the projection coordinate system to output a resolved estimation of the target motion, and displaying by the kV imaging system the resolved estimation of the target motion. |
| US08396269B2 |
Image quality assessment including comparison of overlapped margins
Image quality is assessed for a digital image that is a composite of tiles or other image segments, especially focus accuracy for a microscopic pathology sample. An algorithm or combination of algorithms correlated to image quality is applied to pixel data at margins where adjacent image segments overlap and thus contain the same content in separately acquired images. The margins may be edges merged to join the image segments smoothly into a composite image, and typically occur on four sides of the image segments. The two versions of the same image content at each margin are processed by the quality algorithm, producing two assessment values. A sign and difference value are compared with other image segments, including by subsets selected for the orientation of the margins on sides on the image segments. The differences are mapped to displays. Selection criteria determine segments to be re-acquired. |
| US08396261B2 |
Method for red-eye detection
A method involving generating a pixel map of a digital image, scanning the pixel map and labeling a found red pixel, where each row of the pixel map is scanned for a red pixel, where a coordinate of each labeled red pixel is stored and compared to surrounding red pixels, arranging found labeled red pixels with previously found labeled red pixels that have a corresponding y-axis coordinate thereby creating a contiguous group, determining if the contiguous group is a red-eye artifact, and creating a list of coordinates that denote red-eye artifacts within the digital image. |
| US08396258B2 |
Finger vein pattern inputting device
The present invention is adapted to form a finger table for supporting and locating a finger to be authenticated by touching the front part of the finger in a case, make the case closed at parts corresponding to the tip and the base of the finger to be authenticated and parts corresponding to left and right sides of the finger, make the case opened at parts corresponding to the front part and the backside of the finger, and form an imaging range of imaging means such as an imaging element in the parts corresponding to the left and right sides of the finger. With the configuration, a finger vein pattern inputting device with high operability and authentication accuracy reserved is provided. |
| US08396256B2 |
Parallel computing of line of sight view-shed
Techniques are disclosed for parallel computing of a line of sight (LoS) map (e.g., view-shed) in a parallel computing system. For example, a method for computing an LoS map comprises the following steps. Data representing at least one image is obtained. An observation point in the at least one image is identified. A portion of the data that is associated with a given area in the image is partitioned into a plurality of sub-areas. The plurality of sub-areas are assigned to a plurality of processor elements of a parallel computing system, respectively, such that the data associated with each one of the plurality of sub-areas is processed independent from the data associated with each other of the plurality of sub-areas, wherein results of the processing by the processor elements represents the LoS map. The parallel computing system may be a multicore processor. |
| US08396254B1 |
Methods and systems for estimating a location of a robot
Methods and systems for estimating a location of a robot are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises a robot capturing range images indicating distances from the robot to a plurality of objects in an environment. The method further comprises transmitting to a server a query based on the range images, receiving from the server a mapping of the environment and, based on the distances and the mapping, estimating a location of the robot. In another embodiment, the method comprises receiving from a robot range images of an environment and, based on the range images, determining an inventory of objects in the environment. The method further comprises, based on the inventory, identifying the environment and transmitting to the robot a mapping of the environment. |
| US08396253B2 |
Method and apparatus for recognizing location of user
A method of recognizing a location of a user including detecting the user's two eyes and mouth of their face is provided, which includes calculating a ratio of a distance between the two eyes to a distance between a middle point of the two eyes and the mouth, calculating a rotation angle of the face according to the ratio, and detecting a distance between the face and the camera based on the rotation angle. |
| US08396249B1 |
Robot control based on saliency and invariant spatial representations using hierarchical spatial working memory
A method and apparatus for controlling robots based on prioritized targets extracted from fused visual and auditory saliency maps. The fused visual and auditory saliency map may extend beyond the immediate visual range of the robot yet the methods herein allow the robot to maintain an awareness of targets outside the immediate visual range. The fused saliency map may be derived in a bottom-up or top-down approach and may be feature based or object based. |
| US08396247B2 |
Recognizing actions of animate objects in video
A system that facilitates automatically determining an action of an animate object is described herein. The system includes a receiver component that receives video data that includes images of an animate object. The system additionally includes a determiner component that accesses a data store that includes an action graph and automatically determines an action undertaken by the animate object in the received video data based at least in part upon the action graph. The action graph comprises a plurality of nodes that are representative of multiple possible postures of the animate object. At least one node in the action graph is shared amongst multiple actions represented in the action graph. |
| US08396244B2 |
Electromagnetic vibrator and producing method
An electromagnetic vibrator includes an upper basin frame, an induction coil, and a lower basin frame, wherein the upper basin frame includes a supporting frame, a vibration sheet, and a suspension edge element. The vibration sheet and the suspension edge are integrally formed together via mold injecting, so as to achieve variety of style and colors of the speaker. The manufacturing method of the electromagnetic vibrator improves the traditional producing process of a speaker by minimizing the gluing procedure thereof. The machinery equipments replace the traditional manual process. The special coupling structure and unique process of the electromagnetic vibrator also reduce the amount of using glue, so that the manufacturing cost is minimized, the un-stability of manually operation process is minimized, the quality and production rate is enhanced, and the process is relatively more environmental friendly. |
| US08396242B2 |
Sound receiver
In a sound receiver, a sound wave is directly received by microphones at a predetermined phase difference. The microphones are arranged in opening cavities of a casing, at positions that are different from the volume center points of the opening cavities. The microphones are supported by supporting springs in a state of not closely contacting inner peripheral walls. The sound wave received by the microphones is input to a signal processing unit and after a signal component in a predetermined low frequency band is removed by a filter, the resulting sound wave is amplified by an amplifier and is made in phase by a phase shifter and output. |
| US08396237B2 |
Preprogrammed hearing assistance device with program selection using a multipurpose control device
A user programmable hearing aid allows a user to select acoustical configuration programs that provide optimum performance for the user. The user may cycle through and evaluate various available programs by rotating a scroll wheel on the hearing aid housing to switch from one program to the next. When a preferred program is active, the user can press a push button on the housing for an extended time to select the currently active program. The user can then use the scroll wheel to adjust the audio gain for the selected program. The hearing aid may also operate in a Configuration Mode wherein configuration settings may be changed using the scroll wheel and the push button. In the Configuration Mode, a clinician or patient may easily change configuration settings manually, with no need to connect the apparatus to a computer or other programming interface. |
| US08396233B2 |
Beam forming in spatialized audio sound systems using distributed array filters
A system includes multiple speakers arranged in a speaker array configuration. The system also includes one or more filters configured to filter audio signals and generate filtered audio signals. The one or more filters are configured to operate using filter coefficients associated with a desired beam pattern to be produced by the multiple speakers. The system further includes at least one amplifier configured to amplify the filtered audio signals and provide the amplified filtered audio signals to the speakers. The one or more filters reside within or are coupled to the at least one amplifier. The system may further include a controller configured to modify at least one of the filter coefficients based on a change in the speaker configuration. The filters may operate independently of a centralized processor, and a centralized processor may not even be required to provide electronic beam forming. |
| US08396225B2 |
Active noise control using bass management and a method for an automatic equalization of sound pressure levels
A method for an automatic equalization of sound pressure levels in at least one listening location, where the sound pressure is generated by a first and at least a second loudspeaker, comprising supplying an audio signal of a programmable frequency to each loudspeaker, where the audio signal supplied to the second loudspeaker is phase-shifted by a programmable phase shift relative to the audio signal supplied to the first loudspeaker, and where the phase shifts of the audio signals supplied to the other loudspeakers thereby are initially zero or constant; measuring the sound pressure level at each listening location for different phase shifts and for different frequencies; providing a cost function dependent on the sound pressure level; and searching a frequency dependent optimal phase shift that yields an extremum of the cost function, thus obtaining a phase function representing the optimal phase shift as a function of frequency. |
| US08396223B2 |
Method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal
A method for processing an audio signal is disclosed. The present invention includes obtaining a stereophonic audio signal including a speech component signal and other component signals, obtaining gain values for each channel of the audio signal, determining whether the audio signal is an inverse-phase mono signal including left and right channel whose phase is inverted, inverting a phase of the obtained gain value corresponding to the one channel of the audio signal when the audio signal is an inverse-phase mono signal, modifying the speech component signal based on the inverted phase of the gain value, and generating a modified audio signal including the modified speech component signal, wherein the modified audio signal is in-phase mono signal. Accordingly, a volume of a speech signal of an inverse-phase audio signal and method thereof, in which a sign of a final gain value corresponding to one channel of the audio signal is changed or a value of the final gain corresponding to one channel of the audio signal is adjusted through a process for determining whether an input signal is an inverse-phase mono signal including left and right channel whose phase is inverted. |
| US08396216B2 |
Partial dual-encryption using program map tables
Systems and method for partial encryption are disclosed. One example method comprises: creating a program association table to include a first program number which identifies a program encrypted in accordance with a first encryption scheme, and a second program number which identifies the same program encrypted in accordance with a second encryption scheme; and creating a program map table for the same program to include first audio and video identifiers associated with the first encryption scheme and second audio and video identifiers associated with the second encryption scheme. |
| US08396213B2 |
Elliptic curve random number generation
An elliptic curve random number generator avoids escrow keys by choosing a point Q on the elliptic curve as verifiably random. An arbitrary string is chosen and a hash of that string computed. The hash is then converted to a field element of the desired field, the field element regarded as the x-coordinate of a point Q on the elliptic curve and the x-coordinate is tested for validity on the desired elliptic curve. If valid, the x-coordinate is decompressed to the point Q, wherein the choice of which is the two points is also derived from the hash value. Intentional use of escrow keys can provide for back up functionality. The relationship between P and Q is used as an escrow key and stored by for a security domain. The administrator logs the output of the generator to reconstruct the random number with the escrow key. |
| US08396211B2 |
System and method for dynamic modification of allowable electronic message properties
A system and method for dynamically and automatically updating the appropriate fields on the message application screen of an electronic message to show which of the appropriate service book, security encoding or security properties are acceptable or allowed for the message being composed. This updating occurs automatically based on the contents of the fields that are modified during composition of the message, such as, for example, modifications to classification of the message, recipients, keywords, or the like. Thus, the properties in place for a given message is reflected in a dynamic options list provided to the user based on the contents of various fields of the electronic message and the system policies resident on the system. The dynamic updating may provide an updated list of options to the user, or may optionally automatically apply minimum level settings based on security policy and contents of the message. |
| US08396208B2 |
Memory system with in stream data encryption/decryption and error correction
The throughput of the memory system is improved where error correction of data in a data stream is cryptographically processed with minimal involvement of any controller. To perform error correction when data from the memory cells are read, the bit errors in the data in the data stream passing between the cells and the cryptographic circuit are corrected prior to any cryptographic process performed by the circuit. Preferably the error correction occurs in one or more buffers employed to buffer the data between the cryptographic circuit and the memory where latency is reduced by using multiple buffers. |
| US08396205B1 |
Systems and methods of supervising contacts
Methods and apparatus for automatically prioritizing contacts in a contact handling system for the purpose of monitoring are disclosed. The method can include a plurality of contacts, each contact being associated with a particular agent and a particular customer. The method can include comparing an attribute associated with each contact to a priority factor. The method can include assigning each contact a supervision priority based on the comparison of the attribute of each contact to the priority factor associated with the attribute. The method can include presenting a first contact of the plurality of contacts to a supervisor at a supervisor workstation based on the priority assigned each contact. The method can include displaying a representation of the first contact at a display associated with the supervisor workstation. |
| US08396204B2 |
Call center resource allocation
A method for determining call center resource allocation can include modeling call center performance over an operations time period using a computer. A number of replicas of the modeled call center performance are simulated, using the computer, over a planning time period, each replica having random contact arrivals and contact service times following a stochastic arrival and service process according to a probability distributions of inter-arrival time and service time. Multiple iterations of each simulation are run on the computer to optimize call center resource allocation. A particular simulation iteration is tested against a criterion of convergence, and call center resource is allocated based on the particular simulation iteration with a successful criterion of convergence. |
| US08396200B2 |
System and method for dectecting three-way call attempts
A three-way call detection system and method for detecting continuous noise indicative of a an attempt to circumvent existing three-way call detection systems and methods. The continuous noise detection system and method may be used in conjunction with any existing three-way call detection system and method, including for example, a system and method that monitors the active communications of the telephone management system for pulses of energy indicative of a three-way call. |
| US08396198B2 |
Methods and apparatus for authorization and/or routing of outdial communication services
Methods and apparatus for authorization and routing of outdial communication services are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises receiving a request to authorize an outdial communication service call initiated by a message center, and accessing an authorization table to determine whether the outdial communication service call is authorized, the authorization table to correlate input criteria associated with the request to an authorization result for the outdial communication service call, the input criteria comprising a first criterion indicating whether the outdial communication service call is for a real-time outdial service initiated in response to an indial communication service received at the message center, or for a non-real-time outdial service initiated by an application server associated with the message center. |
| US08396197B2 |
Method, device, and system for implementing video call
A method, a device, and a system for implementing a video call are provided. The method includes: when a video call initiated by a calling party is received, performing media negotiation with the calling party and initiating the video call to a called party; and after the called party makes a response, performing media negotiation with the called party and completing establishment of a video voice channel between the calling party and the called party; and when an indication of the calling party and/or the called party is received, processing a video according to the indication. With the method, device, or system of the present invention, the calling and called users can change video contents viewed by the other party or by himself/herself, which provides the capability of actively controlling the video contents for the calling and called users that conduct a video call and improves the users' interactive capability during the video call. |
| US08396196B2 |
Transfer of multiple microphone signals to an audio host device
An audio communications host device has a communications network interface, digitizing circuitry, and a headphone jack. A demultiplexer has an input coupled to receive a signal from a pin of the headphone jack, and multiple outputs coupled to inputs of the digitizing circuitry, respectively. An uplink audio processor receives digitized microphone signals from multiple outputs of the digitizing circuitry, and in response delivers an uplink signal to the communications network interface. The uplink signal contains audio from one or more of the digitized microphone signals. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08396193B2 |
System and method for voice activated signaling
A system for facilitating communications with an automated response system includes a database for storing an address book entry. The address book entry includes a location name and contact number for a location that employs an automated response platform that does not accept voice commands. The address book entry also includes at least one stored voice command related to a navigation command of the automated response platform and one stored associated assigned keystroke for the command. A voice response signal digital signal processor receives a voice input from a user corresponding to the stored voice command. A telephonic signal generator is included, such that when the user utters the voice input corresponding to the stored voice command, the system recalls the stored associated assigned keystroke and delivers a signal corresponding to the keystroke as a telephonic signal to the automated response platform. |
| US08396187B2 |
X-ray inspection tool
The different advantageous embodiments provide an apparatus and a method for inspecting a surface of a work piece. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprising a number of tracks, a support structure, connection system, and controller is disclosed. The number of tracks are configured for placement along a path. The support structure is configured to move on the number of tracks. The X-ray system is moveably connected to the support structure. The X-ray system is configured to send a plurality of X-rays toward a work piece and is configured to move along an axis through the support structure. The connection system is configured to removably connect the number of tracks to the work piece using a vacuum applied to a surface of the work piece. The controller is configured to activate and deactivate the X-ray system based on an amount of vacuum applied to the surface of the work piece. |
| US08396186B2 |
Dental x-ray photographing device
A dental x-ray photographing device includes a rotating means (3) for rotating an arm (2) which supports an x-ray source (11) and an x-ray imaging means (12), a sliding means (4) for linearly moving the x-ray imaging means (12). The dental x-ray photographing device obtains a first set of projection images which goes through a first region by moving the x-ray imaging means (12) to a first detection position, obtains a second set of projection images which goes through a second region by moving the x-ray imaging means (12) to a second detection position, and paste the first set of projection images and the second set of projection images together. An origin-position detecting means (5) for detecting an origin position of the x-ray imaging means (12) includes an optical sensor (52) that detects a position of an end (51a) of a light blocking plate that linearly moves together with the x-ray imaging means (12), and detects a time point at which the end (51a) of the light blocking plate passes the optical sensor (52) in the forward direction as the origin position. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to obtain a highly precise and large FOV using the x-ray imaging means that has a narrow photo receiving surface. |
| US08396181B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating nuclear fusion using crystalline materials
Gently heating a pyroelectric crystal in a deuterated atmosphere can generate fusion under desktop conditions. The electrostatic field of the crystal is used to generate and accelerate a deuteron beam (>100 keV and >4 nA), which, upon striking a deuterated target, produces a neutron flux over 400 times the background level. The presence of neutrons within the target is confirmed by pulse shape analysis and proton recoil spectroscopy. Several elements of the system may be modified, including the configuration of the crystal or crystals, the composition of the surrounding environment and the target, the use of multiple probe tips, and the composition of the probe tip. |
| US08396180B2 |
High jitter tolerant phase comparator
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for clock and data recovery. The method and apparatus can increase jitter tolerance, and can provide recovered data with reduced jitter amplitude. The method for recovering data transmitted over a channel can include detecting a phase of a data transition within a full unit interval that includes an active zone and an inactive zone that are set based on a jitter characteristic for the channel, generating a phase directive when the phase of the data transition is located within the active zone, and adjusting a data sampling phase based on the phase directive, so that the data transmitted over the channel is sampled at a data transition edge free location. |
| US08396178B1 |
Distributing clock associated with a wired data connection over wireless interfaces using frequency correction at the transmitter side
A clock extractor extracts clock frequency f2, from a wired data connection feeding the transmitter with data clocked at the clock frequency f2. A clock error estimator estimates clock frequency error between the clock frequency f2 and a clock frequency f1 derived from a local clock of the transmitter. Clock adder adds the clock frequency error to the clock frequency f1, resulting in a synthesized clock frequency f2. A modulator uses the synthesized clock frequency f2, to modulate a data stream into a modulated signal. |
| US08396177B1 |
Interference carrier regeneration and interference cancellation apparatus and methods
Interference carrier regeneration and interference cancellation involve generating a Cross Polarization Interference Cancellation (XPIC) error signal representative of a difference between a first signal derived from a first communication signal that is received over a wireless communication link and a first symbol decision that is based on the first signal. The first communication signal is affected by interference from a second communication signal, on an orthogonal polarization channel of the same nominal frequency channel, for example. Based on the XPIC error signal and a second symbol decision for the second communication signal, a carrier of interference affecting the first signal from the second communication signal is regenerated. A rotation and derotation arrangement rotates a cross-channel interference signal and derotates a main channel equalizer feedback signal based on the regenerated interference carrier. The derotated main channel equalizer feedback signal can be provided as a feedback signal to a cross-channel interference equalizer. |
| US08396176B2 |
OFDM receiving device and OFDM receiving method
An OFDM receiving device for settling a problem of complicated configuration is provided, in that the OFDM receiving device receives an OFDM signal where no smaller than one specific sub-carriers among plurality of sub-carriers are modulated by a known modulation signal sk(t), and includes a converting means for converting the received OFDM signal into the received signals for each sub-carrier, an extracting means for extracting the ingredient caused by a frequency drift and a phase noise based on received signal rk(t) of the specific sub-carrier and the known modulation signal sk(t), and a compensating means for H) compensating the received signal of the sub-carrier using the extracted ingredient. |
| US08396175B2 |
Method for estimating and correcting a drift between clocks of receiving transceiver and a corresponding emitting transceiver, and receive for implementing said method
Method for estimating and correcting a frequency offset between a local clock of a receiving transceiver and a remote clock of an emitting transceiver comprises receiving by said receiving transceiver, a signal emitted by the emitting transceiver, said signal lacking a continuous sinusoidal carrier and having at least one symbol, each symbol being emitted within a time frame having a first duration; sampling the signal by taking for each time frame a set of energy measurements of said signal; forming a matrix representative of said energy measurements; determining from said energy matrix, points of maximum of energy within each time frame; determining a line connecting a plurality of said points within each of said time frames; determining a slope of said line; calculating a frequency offset between the clocks of the emitting and receiving transceivers using the slope; and adjusting the receiving transceiver's clock frequency according to the frequency offset. |
| US08396168B2 |
Channel estimation for equalizer using serial localization with indecision
In a receiver with a multi-stage equalizer, such as an SLI equalizer, cumulative symbol estimates generated in one or more early stages of the equalizer are used as effective pilot symbols to improve channel estimation for later stages. |
| US08396167B2 |
DC compensation
An apparatus comprising an analog filter, an analog to digital converter coupled to said analog filter; and a digital filter coupled to said analog to digital converter; wherein the apparatus is configured such that distortion introduced into a filtered signal by said analog filter is substantially compensated by said digital filter. |
| US08396165B2 |
Multicarrier-signal receiving apparatus and multicarrier-signal transmitting apparatus
A multicarrier-signal receiving apparatus includes: a Fourier-transformer that performs a Fourier transform, on reception signals to extract subcarriers; a channel estimator that performs channel estimation on one of the extracted subcarriers using channel estimation symbols included in a subcarrier group to which the one of the extracted subcarriers belongs, the subcarrier group including subcarriers to which an identical phase rotation is added upon transmission; and a channel compensator that performs channel compensation on data symbols included in the one of the extracted subcarriers using a result of the channel estimation performed by the channel estimator on the one of the extracted subcarriers. |
| US08396163B2 |
Vector quantization in wireless communication
Disclosed is a method of communicating a complex vector, using one or more index bits, the method comprising quantizing the complex vector using a codebook, the codebook comprising a plurality of complex vectors mapped from real vectors that lie on a reflected simplex where the simplex is of dimension one less than twice the length of the complex vector; indexing the quantized vector to form the one or more index bits; and transmitting the index bits to the transmitter, thereby communicating the complex vector. |
| US08396161B2 |
Channel equalizer and method of processing television signal in DTV receiving system
A channel equalizer includes a channel estimator, a coefficient calculator, a multiplier, and an error remover. The channel estimator estimates a channel impulse response (CIR) of input data in which a known data sequence is periodically inserted. The coefficient calculator calculates equalization coefficients using estimated CIR, and the multiplier multiplies the input data with the equalization coefficients for channel equalization. The error removes estimates a residual carrier phase error of the channel-equalized input data and removes the estimated phase error from the input data. |
| US08396156B2 |
Control channel information transmission method, and base station and terminal using the same method
A method for transmitting a control channel information to perform an adaptive coding and modulation comprising performing error correction coding at a predetermined coding rate for the control channel information; modulating according to a predetermined modulation scheme and transmitting the error correction coded control channel information; and further, prior to the modulation, performing code decimation or code repetition of the error correction coded signal, according to whether or not Multi Input Multi Output is applied. |
| US08396153B1 |
Cooperative MIMO in multicell wireless networks
A method and system for cooperative multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) transmission and reception operations in a multicell wireless network. Under the method, antenna elements from multiple base stations and/or multiple antennas are utilized to from an augmented MIMO antenna array that is used to transmit and receive MIMO transmissions at base stations and/or terminals. The cooperative MIMO transmission scheme supports higher dimension space-time-frequency processing for increased capacity and system performance. |
| US08396151B2 |
Timing tracking in a multiple receive antenna system
Apparatus and methods for determining timing tracking in a multiple antenna wireless system are disclosed. Timing tracking is obtained, in particular, by determining at least two channel density profiles for signals respectively received by at least two antennas of multiple receive antenna wireless device. The channel density profiles are then combined, such as by summing, to form a composite channel density profile. The composite is, in turn, used by a timing tracking algorithm to determine a timing decision for setting the timing tracking in a transceiver device used in the multiple antenna wireless system. Use of a composite density profile affords the system increased resistance to channel dynamics such as fading, birth and death, which reduces degradation due to mistiming caused by such channel dynamics. |
| US08396146B2 |
Wireless communication modem
A wireless communication modem (2) receives data (10) sent from a host device (4) in a nonprocedural manner, then subjects the received data (10) to protocol conversion, and transmits the converted data to a server (8) via a wireless communication network (6). The wireless communication modem (2) has an on-request transmission mode in which the data (10) is transmitted to the server (8) only when a connection from the server (8) to the wireless communication modem (2) is established. |
| US08396145B2 |
Method and device for notching the transmission band of an analog signal, in particular for a detect and avoid (DAA) operation mode of an MB-OFDM system
A transmission band of an analog signal including successive symbols to be transmitted is notched, where each symbol includes sub-carriers to be modulated. In particular, in each symbol the sub-carriers corresponding to a part of the transmission band to be notched are suppressed. In addition, in each symbol a chosen part of the remaining sub-carriers to be modulated is also suppressed. |
| US08396141B2 |
Efficient cell selection
Systems and methods of cell selection are based on measures of frequency selectivity, time selectivity, and/or antenna selectivity. For example, the delay spread and coherence bandwidth of a channel are two measures of frequency selectivity that can be taken into account in the cell selection process. In addition to or instead of either delay spread or coherence bandwidth, Doppler frequency shift or coherence time (which are two measures of time selectivity) and/or antenna correlation or mean signal strength per antenna (which are two measures of antenna selectivity), among other parameters, can be determined and taken into account. |
| US08396139B2 |
Method and apparatus for sending information via silent symbol coding over under-utilized channels in wireless systems
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for sending information over under-utilized channels in wireless systems. In one embodiment, a method for use in a cellular system in which a channel allocated to a primary user is underutilized at times, comprises: creating a unique 0-1 valued permutation code to transmit bits of a secondary user on a channel of the primary user; creating one or more codewords based on a first set of symbols to be transmitted for the primary user and the permutation code; and transmitting the one or more codewords on the channel. |
| US08396137B1 |
Redundant data bus
Technologies for implementing and utilizing a redundant data bus for the reliable transmission of data between communication endpoints are provided. A redundant data bus includes two or more transmitters configured to transmit the same data signal in separate frequency bands over twisted-pair wiring to corresponding receivers. A data signal containing input data received at an input communication endpoint is generated and the data signal is simultaneously transmitted through the two or more transmitters over the twisted-pair wiring to the corresponding receivers. The data contained in the data signals received at the receivers is validated, and output data is extracted from a valid data signal and made available at an output communication endpoint, while any invalid data signals are ignored. |
| US08396134B2 |
System and method for scalable video coding using telescopic mode flags
Systems and methods for scalable video coding using special inter-layer prediction modes (called telescopic modes) are provided. These modes facilitate accelerated operation of encoders with improved coding efficiency. |
| US08396129B2 |
Apparatus and method for single-pass, gradient-based motion compensated image rate conversion
A mipmap generator generates pairs of mipmaps that are each of a lower resolution that its respective source image. A single-pass, gradient-based motion vector generator generates an image motion vector map having values that represent the motion trajectories for pixels in the first and second source images. An image interpolator generates an interpolated image based on the source images and the image motion vector map. A motion detector generates a motion factor map based on a pair of mipmaps from those generated by the mipmap generator that represents a detected degree of motion between the first and second source images. The blending module generates a blended, upconverted new image using the motion factor map, the interpolated image and one of the first and second motion maps. |
| US08396125B2 |
Picture coding apparatus and picture coding method
A picture coding apparatus includes a picture feature amount extracting unit which extracts respective feature amounts of the current picture and a picture having a specific relationship with the current picture; a correlation degree calculating unit which calculates, based on the feature amount extracted by the feature amount extracting unit, a correlation degree indicating a degree of image similarity between the current picture and the picture having a specific relationship with the current picture; a picture type determining unit which determines, depending on the calculated correlation degree, a picture type for the current picture, from two picture types on which different inter-picture prediction is performed; and a coding unit which codes the current picture according to the determined picture type. |
| US08396122B1 |
Video codec facilitating writing an output stream in parallel
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a video codec that facilitates parallel processing operations is implemented on a graphics processing unit or other hardware device. The codec encodes video frames by dividing a frame into macroblocks and processing the macroblocks in parallel either via plane fitting operations or by motion estimation adjustments. A gathering operation writes the data of each macroblock onto an output stream in a parallel processing operation to accelerate writing the output from the memory of the graphics processing unit to a main memory of a hardware system. |
| US08396121B2 |
System and method for implementing efficient decoded buffer management in multi-view video coding
A system and method for encoding a first picture sequence and a second picture sequence into coded pictures, with the first picture sequence and the second picture sequence being different, and with at least one coded picture of the second picture sequence being predicted from at least one picture in the first picture sequence. According to various embodiments of the present invention, signal element is encoded into a coded picture of the second picture sequence. The signal element indicates whether a picture in the first picture sequence is used for prediction of the coded picture of the second picture sequence. |
| US08396120B2 |
Robust single-pass variable bit rate encoding
An encoding manager facilitates robust single-pass variable bit rate video encoding of a video sequence. Before encoding the video sequence, the encoding manager determines the size of a buffer to use for keeping track of over/under used bits generated during encoding. The encoding manager uses the target bit rate for the video sequence and the length of the video sequence to determine the size of the buffer. After allocating bits to a frame of the sequence, the encoding manager determines the quant to use to encode that frame. The determination of a quant to use to encode a frame is informed by the fullness of the buffer. The encoding manager adjusts the quant to use (and thus the aggressiveness of its encoding) in response to the amount of overflow generated thus far by the encoding of the video sequence. |
| US08396118B2 |
System and method to control compressed video picture quality for a given average bit rate
Picture level rate control systems, apparatuses and methods are described which indirectly control bit rate through peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), thereby providing a stable PSNR while maintaining a given target average bit rate. In a preferred implementation, encoding is performed in conjunction with macroblock QP modulation. In this way, the picture level rate control provides stable temporal quality and the macroblock QP modulation provides stable spatial quality. By way of example, the number of bits generated in a group of pictures (GOP) is controlled by modulating the target bit allocation for a group of pictures (GOP) based on coded picture buffer (CPB) fullness. Macroblocks are encoded for each picture based on a rate-distortion model, which is modified in response to the relative fluctuation of PSNR of pictures within a group of pictures. |
| US08396114B2 |
Multiple bit rate video encoding using variable bit rate and dynamic resolution for adaptive video streaming
A video encoding system encodes video streams for multiple bit rate video streaming using an approach that permits the encoded bit rate to vary subject to a peak bit rate and average bit rate constraints for higher quality streams, while a bottom bit rate stream is encoded to achieve a constant chunk rate. The video encoding system also dynamically decides an encoding resolution for segments of the multiple bit rate video streams that varies with video complexity so as to achieve a better visual experience for multiple bit rate streaming. |
| US08396113B2 |
Data receiving device and method for shortening channel switching time in digital multimedia broadcasting system
Provided is a data receiving device and method for shortening a channel switching time in a DMB system. The device includes a CDM channel for receiving a broadcasting signal from a DMB satellite, demodulating the broadcast signal, and generating a MPEG2-TS packet. a GOP buffer for receiving the MPEG2-TS packet, checking whether or not the received MPEG2-TS packet is a key frame, and, when it is determined that the received MPEG2-TS packet is the key frame, initializing the buffer and storing the received MPEG2-TS packet as a GOP unit, a channel switch for switching a channel of a DMB service to the GOP buffer, an A/V reproducing buffer for buffering a predetermined amount of A/V data to reproduce the A/V data of the GOP buffer; and an A/V decoder for receiving and decoding the A/V data. |
| US08396112B2 |
Circuitry and method for transferring data, and circuitry and method utilizing clock pulses
A variable power supply voltage generator generates a variable power supply voltage Vvar and supplies it to other circuits. A transmitting circuit 130 (or 140), operative at the variable power supply voltage Vvar, generates multi-value analog signals Smulti and transmits them to other circuits. A receiving circuit 140 (or 130), operative at the variable power supply voltage Vvar, receives the multi-value analog signals Smulti and subjects them to A/D conversion to generate multi-value digital signals. The threshold voltage generator generates threshold voltages used for A/D conversion from the variable power supply voltage Vvar or from a signal having a voltage value proportional to that of the variable power supply voltage Vvar and supplies them to the receiving circuit. An analog clock generator 120 generates an analog clock signal having a cyclical analog waveform. In response to the analog clock signal, a clock pulse generator 150 generates a clock pulse signal having a cycle period of 1/N of the cycle period of the analog clock signal. The clock-synchronous circuits 130, 140 operate synchronously with the clock pulse signals generated by the clock pulse generator 150. |
| US08396111B2 |
Digital pulse width modulator
A DPWM (1) has a locked loop (4) which receives an input clock signal and provides an out-of-phase delayed clock at the output of each cell in the loop (35). A multiplexer (5) selects one of the cell outputs at any one time. This allows the DPWM (1) to have a greater resolution which would otherwise be achieved with the same input clock. The resolution is further increased using an interpolator. A programmable module (2) has a control block (20) which interfaces with external CPU and DSP hosts and transmits programmed parameters to finite state machine controllers (15), each providing an independent output. |
| US08396110B1 |
Combined decision feedback and linear equalization
In one embodiment, a receiver circuit is provided. The receiver circuit includes a low-power equalization circuit having a first linear equalization circuit coupled to receive serial data. The receiver circuit includes a low-noise equalization circuit having a second linear equalization circuit coupled to receive the serial data, and a non-linear equalization circuit coupled to an output of the second linear equalization circuit. The receiver circuit includes a control circuit configured to enable the low-power equalization circuit and disable the low-noise equalization circuit in response to a first state of a control signal. The control circuit is configured to disable the low-power equalization circuit and enable the low-noise equalization circuit in response to a second state of the control signal. |
| US08396109B2 |
Adaptive receive-side equalization
An adaptive receiver equalizes incoming data expressed as a series of symbols, the degree of equalization being adjusted by some adaptive control logic. An amplitude detector samples the amplitude of the eye openings of incoming symbols and conveys the resulting measures of eye amplitude to the adaptive control logic. The control logic experiments with different equalization settings while monitoring the resulting eye amplitude to find the equalization setting that provides incoming data eyes of the highest amplitude. A data filter may be included to enable the amplitude detector only in response to particular incoming data patterns. |
| US08396108B2 |
Transmitting/receiving system and method of processing broadcast signal in transmitting/receiving system
A receiving system and method of processing a broadcast signal is provided. The receiving system includes a signal receiving unit, a known sequence detector, a channel equalizer, a block decoder, and an error correction unit and receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and a data group including multiple known data sequences. The known sequence detector detects the multiple known data sequences. The channel equalizer repetitively updates equalization coefficients and filters up to a pre-determined number of iterations based upon the detected known data sequences and converges the equalization coefficient. The channel equalizer interpolates or extrapolates using the converged equalization coefficients and channel-equalizes the mobile service data. The block decoder performs turbo-decoding in block units on the channel-equalized mobile service data. The error correction unit performs error correction decoding on the decoded mobile service data to correct errors in the mobile service data. |
| US08396107B2 |
Generalized decision feedback equalizer precoder with receiver beamforming for matrix calculations in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output wireless transmission systems
To realize a GDFE precoder for multi-user MIMO systems, which significantly reduces the computational cost while resulting in no capacity loss, one method comprises obtaining an effective downlink (DL) channel matrix H for the DL channel after receiver processing at the user terminals; computing an uplink (UL) covariance matrix D by assuming there are as many user terminals as a number of rows in the effective DL channel matrix H; computing a filter matrix C based on the UL covariance matrix D; computing a feedforward filter matrix F based on the filter matrix C; computing an interference pre-cancellation matrix G, based on the feedforward filter matrix F and the filter matrix C, used in a transmitter at an interference pre-cancellation stage of the GDFE precoder; and processing user symbols by a decision feedback equalizing stage of the GDFE precoder to produce filtered vector symbols. |
| US08396105B2 |
Data communication circuit with equalization control
An adaptive equalizer comprises an adjustable equalizer circuit that allows to enhance the frequency dependence of contents of the transmitted signals which suffer from losses in the connected transmission channel. A blind equalization tuning procedure is proposed that operates without knowledge about the characteristic of transmission channel. Phase positions of transitions in the equalized signal are detected. A digital post-processing circuit evaluates a measure for spread of the detected phase positions of transitions, accumulated over a plurality of the symbol periods. The digital post-processing circuit controls the adjustable equalizer, setting the adjustable equalizer to a setting wherein the detected spread is minimized. |
| US08396103B2 |
Transmission cable controller system and method of use
The transmission cable controller system and method of use relates to a microprocessor controlled data cable that is capable of transmitting high volumes of data from many sources on as little as two copper conductors. The cable has the ability to monitor itself and its transmission path for chafing, corrosion, breakdown, and damage. Once a problem has been detected, the system can output a warning signal of any type (audible, visible or a remote warning line) to notify personnel that there is a problem. |
| US08396102B2 |
Transmitter and receiver for giga-bps high-throughput wireless communication system with multiple antennas and multiple bands
Provided is a transmitter and a receiver for a high-throughput wireless communication system. The transmitter includes a baseband transmitter, a DIF transmitter, and a RF transmitter. The baseband transmitter performs a MAC protocol process on transmission signals and reception signals and processes the transmission signals by dividing an entire transmission band into n bands in a physical layer process of the transmission data, where n is a natural number. The DIF transmitter combines transmission signals of each band from the baseband transmitter and outputs m channel signals corresponding to a number of transmission antennas, where m is a natural number. The RF transmitter modulates each of the channel signals transferred from the DIF transmitter and transmits the modulated signals through m antennas. |
| US08396100B2 |
System and method for transmitting digital multimedia data with analog broadcast data
A method and system for the transmission of digital data (210) over existing analog radio frequencies (230) is presented, wherein the digital data may include audio data, visual data or audio-visual data for presentation either with analog broadcast data or at a selectable time. The digital data may be transmitted over a plurality of sub-channels that have varying degrees or reliability (250). A “quality-of-service” process manages the transmission of digital data over various sub-channels based on the reliability of the sub-channel, the amount of digital data and the type of digital data to be transmitted. The digital data may further be encrypted and authenticated. |
| US08396095B2 |
Method for decoding a composite radio signal and corresponding receiver
The present invention relates to a method for decoding a composite radio signal at a receiver in an OFDM based radio communication system, said composite radio signal being a superposition of at least two signals sent by at least one transmitter, each signal having signal properties, in particular modulation scheme, coding scheme, said at least two signals being transmitted using the same radio resource on a set of frequency subchannels of said OFDM system.According to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: gathering at said receiver information on said signal properties of the respective signals comprised in said composite radio signal; selecting, depending on said signal properties of said respective signals, the signal to be decoded first out of said composite radio signal; decoding said signal to be decoded first according to its signal properties, and subtracting the contribution of said signal to be decoded first from said composite radio signal. |
| US08396093B2 |
Device and method for low interference signal transmission
The invention relates to a device and a method for transmitting digital signals between at least two units disposed to move relative to each other. By combining information signals with random signals, the spectral power density of a signal is reduced for the same transmission power. The device can include a data transmitter, pseudo random generator or random generator, and a combining unit for combining the output from the transmitter with the output from the generator. The combined result is sent across a transmission path where it is received by a data receiver. The receiver has a combining unit for receiving the combined result compared to a second pseudo random or random generator output for recreating the original transmitter output. |
| US08396092B2 |
Vertically emitting, optically pumped semiconductor comprising an external resonator and frequency doubling on a separate substrate
An optically pumped semiconductor apparatus having a surface-emitting semiconductor body (1) which has a radiation passage area (1a) which faces away from a mounting plane of the semiconductor body (1), and an optical element (7) which is suitable for directing pump radiation (17) onto the radiation passage area (1a) of the semiconductor body (1). |
| US08396091B2 |
Device comprising a laser
An embodiment of the invention relates to a device comprising a laser and a waveguide stripe or netlike hexagonal stripe structure, which allows propagation of multitude of the lateral modes in the waveguide stripe or stripe structure, wherein the waveguide stripe has at least one corrugated edge section along its longitudinal axis to provide preferable amplification of the fundamental lateral mode or in-phase supermode and to obtain high brightness of the emitted radiation. |
| US08396090B2 |
Window mounted beam director
A laser system employs a window integrated in the surface of a weapon platform. A high energy laser is mounted in the weapon platform to provide a laser beam which is received by a Coude' path for internal direction of the beam. A beam director receives the laser beam from the Coude' path and employs an outer steering assembly and an inner steering assembly to cooperatively provide pointing of a centerline of the laser beam at a substantially single location on the window for a full conical field of regard. |
| US08396087B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data
A digital broadcasting system and method of processing data are disclosed. Herein, a method of processing data of a transmitting system includes generating a service informative null packet including service-related information of mobile service data, and multiplexing a plurality of main service data packets, a plurality of mobile service data packets, and a plurality of service informative null packets, and transmitting the multiplexed data packets to at least one transmitter located in a remote site. The digital broadcasting system and method of processing data may enhance receiving performance of a receiving system by performing additional encoding on mobile service data and by transmitting the processed data to the receiving system. |
| US08396081B2 |
Communication terminal and base station communication method using MAC control information priorities and SRB priorities
A communication terminal adjusts the transmission timing of data transmitted to a base station so that the base station can receive the data within a predetermined delay time. The communication terminal includes a reception section 701 for receiving priority of MAC control information transmitted from the base station, a priority control section 703 for defining the relationship between the priority of the MAC control information and priority assigned to DRB and SRB, and a transmission message generation section 704 for controlling so as to transmit information having a high priority early in accordance with the relationship between the priorities defined by the priority control section 703. According to the communication terminal, a comparison is made between the priority of the MAC control information and the priority assigned to the DRB and the SRB, whereby it is made possible to control what information is to be transmitted as desired. |
| US08396077B2 |
Multiple channel system for a twisted pair telephone wire local loop system
The system (50) has a subscriber digital filter system (54) connected to the twisted pair telephone wire (56). A subscriber controller (52) sends control signals to the subscriber digital filter system (54). An office digital filter system (58) is connected to the twisted pair telephone wire (56). An office controller (60) sends control signals to the office digital filter system (58). |
| US08396076B2 |
System and method for roaming between wireless networks
Systems and methods for roaming between a mobile node and at least one serving node connected to a network are disclosed. The present application provides a method for roaming between. In the system and method, a first communication is established between the mobile node and one of the serving nodes through a control server, when an Ethernet transceiver is used by the mobile node. Ethernet is used for communications between the mobile node and the control server, and a wireless communication technology for communications between the control server and the serving node. The control server also translates communications between Ethernet and the wireless communication technology. In the system and method, a second communication is established between the mobile node and one of the serving nodes with the wireless communication technology, when a wireless communication technology transceiver is used by the mobile node. |
| US08396075B2 |
Method for implementing an open charging (OC) middleware platform and gateway system
The art of present discloses a method and system for enabling mobile network operators to collect charging information from various other network elements; and indeed, is intended to exploit the resiliency of open network architecture and lessen the requisite dependency on proprietary network elements services and billing systems. The Open Charging (OC) middleware platform and gateway system interacts with proprietary network elements and effectually creates a unifying, enabling layer in mobile networks. Indeed, the art is directed at permitting mobile subscriber access to, among others, third party content and services with the simplicity and convenience of such charges appearing on either mobile phone bill, or decremented from said mobile subscriber's pre-paid account. |
| US08396074B1 |
Methods for providing additional information for a mobile-originated short message
Methods for appending additional device, location, and/or presence information to a mobile-originated short message are taught herein. One such method for appending additional device information includes receiving a MO short message at a message center. The MO short message includes a content request. Message center sends a query to a subscriber directory for device information corresponding to the device of the requesting subscriber. The subscriber directory searches for the device information and generates a response to be sent to the message center, the response including the device information. The subscriber directory sends the response to the message center, which appends the device information to the MO short message. The message center then sends the short message to the destination, for example, a content provider. Methods for appending location and/or presence information are also taught. |
| US08396072B2 |
Method and apparatus for channel traffic congestion avoidance in a mobile communication system
An apparatus, comprising at least one processor configured to receive and read a series of blocks on a first channel and determine whether there is congestion and if not transmitting a channel request on a second channel. |
| US08396068B2 |
Method for transmitting data in wireless communication system
A method for transmitting data in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: transmitting first data through a radio resource allocated in a unit of a default transmission time interval (TTI) including at least one sub-frame in a frame including a plurality of sub-frames consisting of a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols; and transmitting second data through a radio resource allocated in a unit of a modified TTI obtained by changing the number of sub-frames included in the default TTI in the frame. |
| US08396067B2 |
Address learning method and address learning switch
A switch operating in a multistage switch network is provided. The switch includes a plurality of ports, a first processor for processing a source address and a destination address of a packet received by the plurality of ports, and a second processor for including a memory storing data of the packet, and for outputting, under the control of the first processor, the data of the packet stored on the memory, wherein the first processor calculates a hash value of the source addresses of the packet in accordance with a specific hash function, identifies a output port connected to a switch that corresponds to the hash value and is to learn the source address, and causes the second processor to output the data of the packet to the output port. |
| US08396066B1 |
Routing table for non-uniform random neighbor selection
A source-address independent, multi-path routing method for use in a communication network is disclosed. A network node uses an information packet's destination address to determine a plurality of neighbors it has a proportional likelihood to forward that packet to, such that packets can be sent over multiple paths to a destination node without undesirable looping. Multiple-neighbor proportional forwarding routing tables are determined by computing a directed graph of multiple optimal paths to each destination node. Optimal paths and forwarding proportions are based on link capacities. The multi-path routing method provides maximized throughput, reduced congestion and superior load balancing over single-path routing. Source-address independence also overcomes a major problem of more traditional source-address dependent multi-path routing methods. The source-address independent, multi-path routing method can be implemented in mixed networks where some nodes do not implement the method. Data structures and methods for determining the optimal paths and parameters are provided. |
| US08396064B2 |
Frame aggregation
A packet network employs frame aggregation to reduce the number of physical-layer frames employed to transfer a given amount of user data. A packet network might employ physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating in accordance with one or more IEEE 802.11 standards. Frame aggregation combines several separate, higher-layer frames with user data into one PHY-layer frame, thus increasing the amount of user data per PHY-layer frame transmitted. Frame aggregation improves the efficiency by reducing both PHY-layer overhead and MAC-layer overhead. |
| US08396062B2 |
System for switching between communication devices, switching method, and switching program
A switching system in which a unique additional address is used for each session, and session information is transferred as it is without rewriting the session information when a communication device such as a server is switched, a switching method, and a switching program are disclosed. The switching system comprises a switching device (210) for selecting an address for each session from a first communication device, attaching the address to a packet from the first communication device in place of a destination address of the packet, and sending the packet, a dispatcher (240) for setting up a session with the first communication device, selecting a server to deal with the request from the first communication device, and transferring the set up session to a second communication device, and servers (250-1, . . . , 250-n) for taking over the session transferred by the dispatcher and dealing with the request from the first communication device. |
| US08396058B2 |
Media packet networking appliance sending diversity packets to second proxy
In one form of the invention, a process of sending real-time information from a sender computer (103) to a receiver computer (105) coupled to the sender computer (103) by a packet network (100) wherein packets (111,113) sometimes become lost, includes steps of directing (441) packets (111) containing the real-time information from the sender computer (103) by at least one path (119) in the packet network (100) to the receiver computer (105), and directing packets (113) containing information dependent on the real-time information from the sender computer (103) by at least one path diversity path (117) in the packet network (100) to the same receiver computer (105). Other forms of the invention encompass other processes, improved packets and packet ensembles (111,113), integrated circuits (610), chipsets (DSP 1721, MCU), computer cards (1651), information storage articles (1511,1611), systems, computers (103,105), gateways (191,193), routers (131,133), cellular telephone handsets (181,189), wireless base stations (183,187), appliances (1721,1731,1741), and packet networks (100), and other forms as disclosed and claimed. |
| US08396055B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enabling media functionality in a content-based network
Methods and apparatus for providing unified access to interactive media applications and services in a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a content-based network such as a cable television or satellite network, and the applications are disposed at the network headend. A servlet is provided to facilitate communication between the applications and client devices. The servlet acts as a proxy for applications utilizing a different content format than the client devices. The applications obtain data from e.g., an internet host server via a gateway device. The client application(s) may comprise Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) pages, and are configured so as to permit use via a common interface (e.g., the user's set top box and television display). These client applications enable a user to, for example, search the internet for data relating to displayed content, post and navigate micro-blogs, instant messaging or SMS, making telephone calls (e.g., VoIP), address/contact management, or provide the user with additional information about a product or service. An application providing internet content to the client device is also provided. |
| US08396053B2 |
Method and apparatus for VLAN-based selective path routing
An illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes a method for routing at least one packet from at least one source node to at least one destination node, each node is operatively coupled to a given packet switch within a plurality of packet switches operatively coupled to a given circuit switch. The method includes a step of establishing one or more Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). Each VLAN comprising a subset of the plurality of packet switches operatively coupled to the given circuit switch. At least one of the one or more VLANs comprises the at least one packet switch to which the source and destination nodes are operatively coupled. The method also includes a step of routing the at least one packet from the source node to the destination node over at least one loop-free path comprised of one or more packet switches within a given VLAN. |
| US08396048B2 |
Communication apparatus and method for controlling communication apparatus
A communication apparatus provides a first transfer unit for transferring a first packet received from a base station to a second home agent, the first packet to be sent from a first mobile station to a second mobile station as a destination, the first terminal and the second terminal being managed by a first home agent and the second home agent respectively, a second transfer unit for transferring the first packet sent back from the second home agent to the base station, and a return instruction unit for issuing to the base station an instruction for directly transferring a second packet to the second mobile station when a predetermined condition is satisfied. |
| US08396047B2 |
Apparatus and method for communicating and processing a reference signal based on an identifier associated with a base station
A wireless communication device receives at least a section of a subframe from a base station in a wireless communication system. The subframe includes transmission resources multiplexed onto subcarriers of orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols. A first set of OFDM symbols includes a reference signal and at least a second set of OFDM symbols includes information other than the reference signal (e.g., channel-coded data). The wireless device determines which OFDM symbols of the subframe constitute the first set of OFDM symbols based on an identifier associated with a base station that transmitted the subframe. The wireless device may then process the reference signal from the OFDM symbols that are determined to be the first set of OFDM symbols. The wireless device may also determine which OFDM symbols of the subframe constitute the second set of OFDM symbols and process non-reference signal information from OFDM symbols of the second set. |
| US08396045B2 |
Method for configuring and managing access point and access controller
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for configuring and managing access points AP and an access controller AC. The method includes: creating at least one virtual radio interface, each of which is assigned a standard Management Information Base (MIB) interface index, wherein each of the at least one virtual radio interface corresponds to at least one physical radio interface of at least one AP; determining a physical radio interface to which a virtual radio interface corresponds and sending configuration information on the virtual radio interface to the determined physical radio interface when there is a need to send the configuration information to the physical radio interface. By using embodiments of the present invention, a standard MIB can be re-used for operating APs, thereby costs for managing the APs are reduced. |
| US08396042B2 |
Multiple access system and method for 60 GHz wireless communications system
A control apparatus for use in wireless communications includes an antenna unit having antennas, the number of the antennas being equal to a maximum allowable number of connections in a specific frequency band; and a controller for receiving a connection request signal from each terminal attempting to connect to the control apparatus via the antenna unit, and transmitting and receiving a data signal to and from each terminal connected to the control apparatus by using a multiple-input-multiple-output scheme. The controller transmit and receive the data signal to and from each terminal connected to the control apparatus by obtaining a signal value of each antenna based on a predicted channel matrix and the number and types of terminals connected to the control apparatus via the antenna and separating the data signal for each terminal from the signal value according to the multiple-input-multiple-output scheme. |
| US08396036B2 |
Handover processing method, and access point and mobile terminal for use in the method
A technology is disclosed for providing a handover processing method, and an access point and a mobile terminal used in the method, in which the handover processing method can prevent processing of a HO in a layer 2 and an HO in a layer 3 from occurring at same time simultaneously, and shorten waiting time caused by the HO. The technology includes a step of providing, by the access point, strength information held by the access point itself, the strength information that is information whether to promote a handover processing in the layer 3 or not to promote the handover processing in the layer 3, and a step of receiving, by the mobile node, the provided strength information, deciding whether to perform the handover in the layer 3 based on the received strength information, and performing the handover processing in the layer 3 based on the decision. |
| US08396032B2 |
Base station device, mobile station device, communication system and communication method
A base station device which communicates with a mobile station device, comprising an uplink synchronization managing unit which manages uplink synchronization maintenance status of the mobile station device, and a transmitting unit which transmits a synchronization recovery request to the mobile station which is in the uplink synchronization maintenance status. |
| US08396029B2 |
Techniques to manage channel prediction
A system, apparatus, method and article to manage channel prediction for a wireless communication system are described. The apparatus may include a media access control processor to perform channel prediction, and a transceiver to communicate information using the channel prediction. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08396028B2 |
System and method for multi-link communication in home network
A client in a home entertainment network can communicate with other components, including the server, over both a wired and a wireless link, with the particular path being selected based a component preference, and/or a bandwidth capability, and/or an occupancy ratio. Both links may be simultaneously used. |
| US08396027B2 |
Communication control system, communication system and communication control method
When communication is performed on communication equipment that is connected to a communication control system to which a mobile communication terminal is connected, and is included in a private network, the communication is performed with reduced traffic. A communication control system 2 includes: a communication request transfer portion 21, which can connect to a mobile communication network N1 and a private network N2, and transfers a communication path creation request transmitted from a mobile communication terminal 10 to create a communication path specifying a device to become a transfer destination included in the mobile communication network N1; an information transmission request reception portion 22, which receives from the mobile communication terminal 10 an information transmission request, including an address of a transmission destination included in the private network N2 and transfer destination designation information designating a transfer destination included in the mobile communication network N1; a transfer destination changing portion 23, which changes the transfer destination designation information to the device to become the transfer destination included in the private network N2; and an information transmission request transmission portion 26, which transmits the information transmission request to the changed transfer destination. |
| US08396015B2 |
Scanning threshold
Included are embodiments for utilizing a scanning threshold. More specifically, one embodiment of a method includes entering a standby mode, wherein in the standby mode, at least one component of a communications device is shutdown, and wherein in the standby mode, at least one channel is scanned to determine potential interference and monitoring exchanged traffic with the communications device. Some embodiments include determining a relative volume of the exchanged traffic, compared to a predetermined threshold and based on the determination of the relative volume of the exchanged traffic and the predetermined threshold, entering a power save standby mode, wherein in the power save standby mode, scanning of the at least one channel is terminated. |
| US08396014B2 |
Techniques for management of shared resources in wireless multi-communication devices
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a network adapter configured for wireless communication using more than one technology, wherein the network adapter is configured to share a plurality of shared hardware (HW) components by generating a notification when a shared HW resource becomes available to a requesting device that needs the HW resource, and registering the requesting device so that it will receive the notifications when generated; and wherein upon receiving the notifications, the requesting device will wake up and perform a pending action. |
| US08396012B2 |
Adaptive wireless process control system and method
The present invention relates to a method and system that provides hierarchical adaptability components to a wireless process control and/or automation network that increase system efficiency and reliability. The invention comprehends an intelligent and efficient process to design and operate a wireless process control and/or automation network while utilizing minimum system resources. In certain embodiments, path requirements are specified per usage class whereby minimum utilization of bandwidth, paths and hardware is allocated, while meeting plant environment requirements for services such as closed-loop regulatory and supervisory control, open-loop control, alerting, logging and remote monitoring. |
| US08396010B2 |
Self-configuration of a forwarding table in an access node
The present invention relates to an access node (2a, 2b) comprising: a forwarding mean (31) adapted to forward data traffic according to a forwarding table (32) that comprises one-to-one associations between destination hardware addresses and respective egress interfaces, a forwarding configuration means (33) adapted to configure forwarding entries into the forwarding table, a capturing means (34) adapted to capture auto-configuration messages exchanged between an auto-configuration server (4) and subscriber devices for assigning network addresses thereto. An access node according to the invention is characterized in that the forwarding configuration means is coupled to the capturing means, and is further adapted to synchronize the configuration of a particular forwarding entry related to a particular hardware address (MAC@1) of a particular subscriber device (1) with the lease of a particular network address (IP@1) to the particular subscriber device.The present invention also relates to a method for self-configuring a forwarding table (32) in an access node (2a, 2b). |
| US08396001B2 |
Interactive queued mapping method and system
Provided is a computer system and/or method according to an embodiment that includes but is not limited to receiving data concerning the location; processing the received data to determine a queue for the location; and transmitting one or more queue-related data objects to the at least two components, the at least two components distributed within the predetermined area. |
| US08395990B2 |
Method and apparatus for streaming scalable multimedia data streams
A method and apparatus are described including receiving a coded packet of content associated with a layer, receiving feedback information regarding channel conditions and applying hybrid automatic repeat request to deliver the packet based on said feedback information. The method and apparatus wherein applying hybrid automatic repeat request layer-wise further includes determining if a resource is exhausted, scheduling delivery of layered coded content packets for a layer, if the resource has not been exhausted, determining if all layered coded content packets for the layer have been transmitted, proceeding to the first determining step, if all layered coded content packets for a layer have not been transmitted, determining if an acknowledgement message has been received from a user device, determining if the resource is exhausted, if no acknowledgement has not been received and scheduling delivery of layered coded forward error correction packets, if the resource has not been exhausted. |
| US08395988B2 |
Method and system for providing voice survivability
A system for controlling telecommunication equipment configured to provide voice survivability within a telecommunication network comprises a call server monitoring apparatus, a penalty management apparatus, and a call server management apparatus. The call server monitoring apparatus is configured for monitoring a connectivity status of a call server. The penalty management apparatus is configured for managing a current accumulated penalty value of the call server. Managing the current accumulated penalty value includes adjusting the current accumulated penalty value dependent upon both the connectivity status and elapsed-time. The call server management apparatus is configured for controlling operability of the call server dependent upon the current accumulated penalty value. |
| US08395986B2 |
Transmitter and receiver
A description is given of a transmitter including a baseband chip, a radio frequency chip and an interface unit coupling the baseband chip and the radio frequency chip. The radio frequency chip includes a modulation unit configured to modulate multiple data streams, wherein each of the data streams is assigned to a subcarrier having a frequency differing from the frequencies of the other subcarriers. |
| US08395983B2 |
Optical pickup apparatus
An optical-pickup apparatus configured to prevent noise caused by return light by superposing a high-frequency signal, generated from a high-frequency signal generation circuit, on a driving signal to be supplied to a laser diode, the optical-pickup apparatus includes: a high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit including the high-frequency signal generation circuit; first wiring connected between an anode of the laser diode and the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit; and second wiring connected between a cathode of the laser diode and the high-frequency-superimposition integrated circuit, the laser diode and the high-frequency superimposition integrated circuit mounted on a circuit board, the first wiring and the second wiring arranged, for the most part, in a region where the laser diode is arranged, the second wiring configured to pass through between an anode terminal of the laser diode and an anode terminal of a monitor diode. |
| US08395980B2 |
Optical head device, optical information device, and information processing device
When information is recorded or reproduced on or from an optical information medium having three or more recording layers using blue light, interference by another layer light is reduced and, when information is reproduced from an optical information medium using red light, an S/N ratio is held excellently high.An optical head device includes a first laser light source (1) which emits blue light, a second laser light source (2) which emits red light, an objective lens (11) which focuses the blue light onto a recording layer of a first optical disc (12) or focuses the red light onto a recording layer of a second optical disc (13), a photodetector (9) which receives the blue light reflected by the recording layer of the first optical disc (12) or the red light reflected by the recording layer of the second optical disc (13) and outputs an electric signal in accordance with an amount of the received blue light or red light, and a wavelength selective light blocking region (7x) which blocks a predetermined range of the blue light including an optical axis thereof to prevent the predetermined range from reaching the photodetector (9), and transmits the red light. |
| US08395973B2 |
Waveguide, recording head, and recording device
Incident light can be efficiently converted into near-field light whose spot size is small. A waveguide 10 includes: a metallic member 11 made of a metallic material; and a dielectric member 12 made of a dielectric material. The metallic member 11 includes a first interface 16 and a second interface 18 so as to sandwich the dielectric member 12. The first interface and the second interface are provided so that an inter-interface distance therebetween may decrease from ends 16c and 18c to ends 16d and 18d. The first interface 16 and the second interface 18 have flections P16 and P18, respectively. |
| US08395966B2 |
Separating seismic signals produced by interfering seismic sources
A technique includes obtaining seismic data acquired by seismic sensors of a composite seismic signal that is produced by the firings of multiple seismic sources. The technique includes modeling the seismic data as being a function of models for the sources and linear operators and defining desired constraints on the models. The technique includes simultaneously determining the models based on the modeling and the desired constraints. The datasets are generated based on the determined models. Each dataset is indicative of a component of the composite seismic signal and is attributable to a different one of the seismic sources. |
| US08395965B2 |
Method of determining properties of the earth
There is provided a method of direct waveform inversion of turning waves (311, 312, 313) to determine parameters characterizing properties of the earth or sub-sections of the earth, particularly of parts of the earth which are capable of trapping hydrocarbons with the inversion yielding from the wavefield of turning waves information representing or being equivalent to velocities or slownesses and/or the gradient of velocities or slownesses, particularly by evaluating wavefield data in the vicinity of turning points (33). The method can be applied sequentially as a survey sinking method. |
| US08395962B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a source signal generation unit configured to generate a source pulse signal having a pulse width which is determined depending on an interval between an input of an active signal and an input of a column command signal, which is inputted after an active command, and a column decoding unit configured to generate a column select signal in response to an address and the source pulse signal. |
| US08395961B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of bit lines respectively connected to the memory cells, a plurality of first and second word lines respectively connected to the memory cells, a plurality of first drivers for driving the first word lines selected during a read operation, and a plurality of second drivers for driving the second word lines selected during a write operation, the second driver having a different drive capability from the first driver's. |
| US08395960B2 |
Memory circuits having a plurality of keepers
A memory circuit includes a first plurality of memory arrays disposed in a column fashion. The memory circuit includes a first plurality of keepers each of which is electrically coupled with a corresponding one of the first plurality of memory arrays. A first current limiter is electrically coupled with and shared by the first plurality of keepers. |
| US08395959B2 |
Storage device, control method of storage device, and control method of storage control device
Memory cell regions as units of erasing operation are sectors S, and units of reading operation and/or writing operation are blocks B0 to B3 in a sector, in which a block address BA for selecting one of blocks B0 to B3 is held in block address buffer (BAB) 3. Holding operation is executed prior to reading or writing operation, and hence in subsequent reading operation or writing operation, re-input is not needed. Depending on the held block address BA, any one of selection signals YDn (n=0 to 3) is selected, and any one block is selected depending on the selection signal YDn. This state is maintained until the block address BA held in the block address buffer (BAB) 3 is rewritten, and therefore it is not required to enter or decode the block address BA on every occasion of reading and/or writing operation, so that the access operation can be executed promptly and at low current consumption. |
| US08395958B2 |
Methods and apparatus for voltage sensing and reporting
Semiconductor devices comprising at least one voltage sensor for sensing an operating voltage associated with an operational circuit of the semiconductor device. The at least one voltage sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a state of the operating voltage. Methods of monitoring a voltage in a semiconductor device include determining a magnitude of an operating voltage for an operational circuit in a semiconductor device. A signal may be generated indicating a state of the operating voltage. |
| US08395957B2 |
Circuit and method for controlling self-refresh operation in semiconductor memory device
A self-refresh control circuit includes: a code generator configured to generate a code by counting periods of a periodic wave based on a self-refresh signal and reset when a code value of the generated code reaches a first value; a bank active signal generator configured to generate a plurality of bank active signals activated in response to different code values of the generated code, respectively, by decoding the generated code; and an address generator configured to change a row address after the plurality of the bank active signals are each activated after the reset of the code generator. |
| US08395956B2 |
Symmetrically operating single-ended input buffer devices and methods
Embodiments are described including those pertaining to an input buffer having first and second complementary input terminals. One example buffer has a symmetrical response to a single input signal applied to the first input terminal by mimicking the transition of a signal applied to the second input terminal in the opposite direction. The buffer includes two amplifier circuits structured to be complementary with respect to each other. Each of the amplifier circuits includes a first transistor having a first input node that receives an input signal transitioning across a range of high and low voltage levels, and a second transistor having a second input node that receives a reference signal. The first input node is coupled to the second transistor through a capacitor to mimic the second input node transitioning in the direction opposite to the transition of the input signal. |
| US08395950B2 |
Memory device having a clock skew generator
A memory device is provided with memory components and a clock skew generator, supporting at least two read and write operations that can occur coincidentally in read-read, read-write and write-write modes of operation of the memory device. The clock skew generator produces at least two stable and balanced clock channels carrying the at least two clock signals and varies relative timing of the clock signal edges so as to displace the edges in time, in those modes of operation wherein simultaneous edges would lead to detrimental loading. |
| US08395940B2 |
Page buffer circuit, nonvolatile memory device including the page buffer circuit, and method of operating the nonvolatile memory device
A page buffer circuit including a bit line selection unit configured to select the first or second bit line in response to a first control signal and couple the selected bit line to a sense node, or to selectively precharge or discharge the first and second bit lines to a first voltage level, a first latch unit configured to store program data and output the stored program data to the sense node, a second latch unit configured to store data of a low logic level in response to a reset signal and discharge a selected bit line from a precharge state to a second voltage level, and a voltage control element configured to raise a voltage level of the sense node or drop a voltage level of the sense node to a third voltage level in response to a second control signal. |
| US08395938B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device equipped with an oxide semiconductor writing transistor having a small off-state current
An object is to provide a semiconductor device in which stored data can be retained even when power is not supplied, and there is no limitation on the number of write cycles. The semiconductor device includes a source line, a bit line, a first signal line, a second signal line, a word line, a memory cell connected between the source line and the bit line, a first driver circuit electrically connected to the bit line, a second driver circuit electrically connected to the first signal line, a third driver circuit electrically connected to the second signal line, and a fourth driver circuit electrically connected to the word line and the source line. The first transistor is formed using a semiconductor material other than an oxide semiconductor. The second transistor is formed using an oxide semiconductor material. |
| US08395931B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and driving method thereof
A semiconductor device which stores data by using a transistor whose leakage current between source and drain in an off state is small as a writing transistor. In a matrix including a plurality of memory cells in which a drain of the writing transistor is connected to a gate of a reading transistor and the drain of the writing transistor is connected to one electrode of a capacitor, a gate of the writing transistor is connected to a writing word line; a source of the writing transistor is connected to a writing bit line; and a source and a drain of the reading transistor are connected to a reading bit line and a bias line. In order to reduce the number of wirings, the writing bit line or the bias line is substituted for the reading bit line in another column. |
| US08395929B2 |
Signal margin improvement for read operations in a cross-point memory array
A configuration for biasing conductive array lines in a two-terminal cross-point memory array is disclosed. The configuration includes applying a read voltage to a selected X-conductive array line while applying an un-select voltage thru a biasing element to a remaining plurality of un-selected X-conductive array lines. A plurality of Y-conductive array lines are initially biased to some voltage (e.g., 0V) and then allowed to float unbiased after a predetermined amount of time has passed, some event has occurred, or both. As one example the event that triggers the floating of the plurality of Y-conductive array lines can be the read voltage reaching a predetermined magnitude. The array can be formed BEOL and include a plurality of two-terminal memory cells with each memory cell including a memory element and optionally a non-ohmic device (NOD) that are electrically in series with each other and with the two terminals of the memory cell. |
| US08395928B2 |
Threshold device for a memory array
A threshold device including a plurality of adjacent tunnel barrier layers that are in contact with one another and are made from a plurality of different dielectric materials is disclosed. A memory plug having first and second terminals includes, electrically in series with the first and second terminals, the threshold device and a memory element that stores data as a plurality of conductivity profiles. The threshold device is operative to impart a characteristic I-V curve that defines current flow through the memory element as a function of applied voltage across the terminals during data operations. The threshold device substantially reduces or eliminates current flow through half-selected or un-selected memory plugs and allows a sufficient magnitude of current to flow through memory plugs that are selected for read and write operations. The threshold device reduces or eliminates data disturb in half-selected memory plugs and increases S/N ratio during read operations. |
| US08395927B2 |
Memory cell with resistance-switching layers including breakdown layer
A memory device in a 3-D read and write memory includes memory cells. Each memory cell includes a resistance-switching memory element (RSME) in series with a steering element. The RSME has a resistance-switching layer, a conductive intermediate layer, and first and second electrodes at either end of the RSME. A breakdown layer is electrically between, and in series with, the second electrode and the intermediate layer. The breakdown layer maintains a resistance of at least about 1-10 MΩ while in a conductive state. In a set or reset operation of the memory cell, an ionic current flows in the resistance-switching layers, contributing to a switching mechanism. An electron flow, which does not contribute to the switching mechanism, is reduced due to scattering by the conductive intermediate layer, to avoid damage to the steering element. Particular materials and combinations of materials for the different layers of the RSME are provided. |
| US08395926B2 |
Memory cell with resistance-switching layers and lateral arrangement
A memory device in a 3-D read and write memory includes memory cells. Each memory cell includes a resistance-switching memory element (RSME). The RSME has first and second resistance-switching layers on either side of a conductive intermediate layer, and first and second electrodes at either end of the RSME. The layers can be provided in a lateral arrangement, such as an end-to-end, face-to-face, L-shaped or U-shaped arrangement. In a set or reset operation of the memory cell, an electric field is applied across the first and second electrodes. An ionic current flows in the resistance-switching layers, contributing to a switching mechanism. An electron flow, which does not contribute to the switching mechanism, is reduced due to scattering by the conductive intermediate layer, to avoid damage to the steering element. |
| US08395916B2 |
Switched mode power supply and method of production
A switched mode power supply allowing a half bridge converter to be use alone or in combination with another converter to form a full bridge converter. A common controller may be used for either half bridge or full bridge configurations. The modular approach simplifies design for a range of power supplies and reduces costs. |
| US08395907B2 |
Multi-sensor alarm apparatus, system and/or method for securing articles
A multi-sensor alarm apparatus, may prevent and/or may deter a theft and/or a removal of one or more articles from a display stand. A base, a main body and a head unit are provided. The base and the main body are secured to the display stand. The multi-sensor alarm apparatus monitors an integrity of the attachment of the main body to the base with a separation sensor. Further, the multi-sensor alarm apparatus monitors sensors connected to the head unit and/or to the main body. The sensors may be removed and/or added as needed depending on the articles to be secured. |
| US08395906B2 |
High-speed transmission circuit board connection structure
A high-speed transmission circuit board connection structure includes a first high-speed transmission circuit board including a laminated substrate including a first signal transmission wiring formed on a surface thereof and a ground plane formed inside thereof, a second high-speed transmission circuit board including a circuit substrate and a second signal transmission wiring formed on a surface of the circuit substrate, a conductive board connecting member for fixing the first and second high-speed transmission circuit boards to a surface thereof, and a bonding wire for electrically connecting the first signal transmission wiring and the second signal transmission wiring. The ground plane is exposed on a side end face of the laminated substrate, and a conductive film is formed on the side end face such that the ground plane of the first high-speed transmission circuit board is electrically connected to the board connecting member with the conductive film. |
| US08395904B2 |
Multichip module, printed circuit board unit, and electronic apparatus
A multichip module includes a package substrate, a first semiconductor device, a second semiconductor device and a conductive bump. The first semiconductor device is flip-chip bonded to the package substrate. The first semiconductor device includes a first chip pad on a surface thereof. The second semiconductor device is mounted on the first semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device includes a second chip pad facing the first chip pad. The conductive bump connects the first chip pad to the second chip pad. The conductive bump includes a first metallic body that has a first diffusion rate and a second metallic body that has a second diffusion rate lower than the first diffusion rate. |
| US08395902B2 |
Modular chip stack and packaging technology with voltage segmentation, regulation, integrated decoupling capacitance and cooling structure and process
An electronic apparatus includes an electronic component electrically connected to a substrate positioned beneath the electronic component. A member includes a plurality of decoupling capacitors having different voltages, and the decoupling capacitors are electrically connected to the electronic component. A plurality of voltage planes in the member are electrically connected to the decoupling capacitors. The decoupling capacitors, via the voltage planes in the member, provide different voltages to the voltage planes and thus the electronic component. |
| US08395900B2 |
Power routing device for expansion slot of computer system
A power routing device includes one or more mounting portions and one or more power routing portions. At least one of the mounting portions can be mounted in an expansion slot of a circuit board assembly. The power routing portion can route electrical power to the circuit board assembly. In one embodiment, the expansion slot is a slot for a PCI expansion card. |
| US08395899B2 |
Electronic device having locking mechanism for baffle plate
An exemplary electronic device includes a housing and a baffle plate. The housing includes first and second side walls with a passage defined therebetween for a functional module to extend through. A flexible plate is secured on the second side wall. A button and a block protrude from the flexible plate towards the passage. A button slot and a positioning slot are defined in the second side wall. The baffle plate has a fixing end pivotally fixed on the first side wall and a free end which is able to reach the second side wall and obstruct the passage. A positioning tab is formed on the free end. When the free end reaches the second side wall, the positioning tab extends into the positioning slot, and the block extends into the positioning slot and blocks the positioning tab to prevent the baffle plate from vibration. |
| US08395898B1 |
System, apparatus and method for cooling electronic components
Apparatuses, systems and methods for effective cooling of electronic devices are presented herein. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more heat pipes thermally coupled to electronic components and to a first heat sink and a second heat sink. The heat pipes are constructed to transfer heat generated at the one or more electronic components to the first heat sink and to the second heat sink. The first heat sink is operable to transfer heat energy to the ambient air using dissipation or advection. The second heat sink is able to transfer heat energy to the ambient air using dissipation. A controller is operable to switch between a passive mode of operation and an active mode of operation. The system can operate in a passive mode only in temperatures less than 25 degrees Celsius, can switch operation between a passive mode and an active mode without throttling in temperatures less than 60 degrees Celsius, can switch operation between a passive mode and an active mode in temperatures greater than 60 degrees Celsius while maintaining about 85% or greater maximum processing speed, and can operate in a passive only mode with minimal throttling. |
| US08395897B2 |
Electrical power component attached to chassis of an electrical power apparatus
There is provided an electrical power component attached to a chassis of an electrical power apparatus, including a semiconductor element constituting an electronic circuit, and cooling unit having a planar shape which cools the semiconductor element and serves as a reinforcing material for increasing strength of the chassis. |
| US08395896B2 |
Redundant cooling systems and methods
Redundant cooling systems and methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for redundant cooling system of computer systems and other electronics may comprise thermally connecting a cooling fluid to one or more heat-generating components to absorb heat from the heat-generating components during operation. The method may also comprise thermally connecting the cooling fluid to a primary coolant and a secondary coolant. The method may also comprise exchanging heat between the cooling fluid and the primary coolant or the secondary coolant to remove heat from the cooling fluid even if one of the cooling sources is unavailable. |
| US08395895B2 |
Image reading device
An image reading device, and more particularly an image reading device having a cooler capable of preventing introduction of impurities and reducing vibration and noise. The image reading device includes a body having a reading unit, and a cooler disposed in the body cooling the reading unit. The cooler includes a housing, a cooling unit disposed in the body and moving air into the body, a filter member disposed apart from the cooling unit and removing dust contained in the air, and a damper member having one side supported by the filter member and the other side supported by the cooling unit. |
| US08395893B2 |
Coupling assembly for a foldable electronic device
An electronic device comprising a first housing, a second housing and a hinge assembly. The first housing element has an inward surface and an outward surface and a side end. The second housing has an inward surface and an outward surface and a side end. The hinge assembly couples the first housing element and the second housing element about the respective side ends of the first and second housing elements, and facilitates rotation between a collapsed orientation and a deployed. The hinge assembly further includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member. The first hinge member is fixed to the first housing element. The second hinge member is slidably coupled to the second housing element. The first and second hinge members are rotatably coupled to each other about an axis of rotation, and, the second housing element rotates relative to the first housing element. Furthermore, the second housing element translates relative to the first housing element and the second hinge member between a compressed position and a fully extended position. |
| US08395884B1 |
Transfer switch having a light that provides surface illumination of the transfer switch
A power transfer device adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a housing and a set of power transfer components interconnected with the housing for supplying auxiliary electrical power to the electrical system of a building. A light is mounted to the housing to provide illumination of the power transfer components when the power transfer device is supplied with auxiliary electrical power. |
| US08395882B2 |
Dielectric ceramic and multilayer ceramic capacitor
In a dielectric ceramic having crystal grains and containing a perovskite in which the A site contains Ba and the B site contains Ti. as a main component, the crystal orientations are aligned in substantially the same direction within the crystal grains. Some of Ba may be replaced with Ca and/or Sr, and some of Ti may be replaced with Zr and/pr Hf. This achieves a dielectric ceramic which has a high dielectric constant and has favorable AC electric field characteristics in which the change in dielectric constant is small even with changes in applied electric field. |
| US08395880B2 |
High density capacitor array patterns
A thin-film device system includes a substrate and a plurality of pillars. The plurality of pillars project from a surface of the substrate. Each of the plurality of pillars have a perimeter that includes at least four protrusions that define at least four recessed regions between the at least four protrusions. Each of the at least four recessed regions of each of the plurality of pillars receives one protrusion from an adjacent one of the plurality of pillars. A thin-film device is fabricated over the plurality of pillars. |
| US08395878B2 |
Methods of controlling components of blasting apparatuses, blasting apparatuses, and components thereof
Disclosed herein are methods for communicating wireless signals between components of a blasting apparatus, with the intention of conducting a blasting event. In preferred embodiments, the methods are particularly suited to through -rock transmission of wireless command signals, and optionally wireless calibration or synchronization signals, thereby to achieve timed actuation of explosive charges positioned below ground under the control of one or more blasting machines located at or above a surface of the ground, with a high degree of accuracy. Further disclosed are blasting apparatuses and components thereof suitable for use, for example, in conducting the methods of the invention. |
| US08395877B2 |
High-speed electrostatic actuation of MEMS-based devices
A micro-electro mechanical device includes a first structure, a second structure offset from the first structure by a gap. The first structure is configured to be electrostatically actuated to deflect relative to second structure. A pulse generator is configured to combine at least two different pulses to electrostatically drive at least one of the first structure and the second structure between an initial position and a final position. |
| US08395875B2 |
Spark gap apparatus
A spark gap for protecting electronic circuits from excessive electrical surges comprises a substrate containing an opening, a dielectric medium occupying the opening, and first and second electrodes. The first electrode is embedded in the substrate, on one side of the opening, and has a first conductive surface that extends through the substrate and is substantially exposed in the opening and to the dielectric medium. The second electrode is embedded in the substrate, on another side of the opening, and has a second conductive surface that extends through the substrate and is substantially exposed in the opening and to the dielectric medium. The first conductive surface is in opposing relation to the second conductive surface, and they are spaced apart by a predetermined distance to establish a gap width. An electrical arc is generated across the opening when a voltage potential difference between the conductive surfaces exceeds a threshold value. |
| US08395874B2 |
Multiphase current supplying circuit, driving apparatus, compressor, and air conditioner
A multiphase current supplying circuit according to the present invention includes a diode bridge, an intervening circuit, an inverter, a control circuit, and a lightning arrester. The diode bridge is connected to a single-phase AC power supply system via the lightning arrester, and performs full-wave rectification on a single-phase AC voltage. The intervening circuit includes a capacitor and an inductor, and is constituted by a choke input type low-pass filter. More specifically, one end of the inductor and one end of the capacitor are connected, output from the diode bridge is received between the other end of the inductor and the other end of the capacitor, and a rectified voltage generated at both ends of the capacitor is output to the inverter. |
| US08395871B2 |
Device and method for detecting faulted phases in a multi-phase electrical network
The present invention is directed to a protective relay for providing protective control to a power system carrying three-phase power. The protective relay performs a faulted phase detection method wherein signal values representative of electrical properties of the power carried by the power system are received and are processed to produce processed signals, respectively. The processed signals have components of the signal values removed that are the same frequency as the nominal operating frequency of the power system. The process signal values are added to produce a sum, which is then divided by a predetermined number to yield a quotient. A determination is made whether the quotient falls within one of a plurality of predetermined ranges. This determination is used to determine whether the power system has a single-phase fault, a two-phase fault, or a three-phase fault. |
| US08395868B2 |
Short circuit limitation device in a low voltage system
A device for limiting short-circuit current in a consumer network having at least one supply line with a respective current feed point includes a disconnection point disposed in the at least one supply line so as to provide a first partial line and a second partial line in an event of a short-circuit fault. Each of the first and second partial lines has a respective associated current detector and at least one of the first and second partial lines has at least one current feed aggregate. The device includes a multiphase high-speed short circuiter having a current carrying capacity for short-circuit current intensities in the at least one supply line and a respective power circuit breaker connected in series with the high-speed short circuiter. The respective associated current detector is configured, upon detection of a short circuit in one of the first and second partial lines, to transmit a triggering signal so as to effect a short-circuit switching operation. |
| US08395866B1 |
Resilient flying lead and terminus for disk drive suspension
A disk drive suspension circuit has copper signal conductors connected by vias through an insulative layer to respective stainless steel flying leads. The stainless steel flying leads are activated and plated with one or more metals, with a final layer over the flying lead being a layer such as gold, suitable for bonding to form bond pads. The gold bond pads may be attached using thermosonic welding, solder ball bonding, or other suitable methods to an electrical component such as wires or a the disk drive's pre-amp circuit. |
| US08395853B2 |
Image pick-up optical system
An image pick-up optical system, in order from an object side to an image side, along an optical axis comprising: the first lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, the second lens element with positive refractive power, a bi-convex third lens element with positive refractive power, the fourth lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface, a plastic fifth lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and at least one aspherical optical surface. Additionally, the image pick-up optical system satisfies conditions related to shorten the total length and to enhance the ability of wider field of view for use in compact cameras and mobile phones. |
| US08395852B2 |
Optical imaging lens assembly
This invention provides an optical imaging lens assembly comprising five lens elements with refractive power, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with negative refractive power; a fourth lens element with negative refractive power having at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; and a fifth lens element having a concave image-side surface, at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric, and made of plastic. By such arrangement, photosensitivity and total track length of the optical imaging lens assembly can be reduced, and the aberration and astigmatism of the assembly can be effectively corrected. Moreover, high image resolution can be obtained. |
| US08395851B2 |
Optical lens system
The present invention provides an optical lens system comprising, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; a fourth lens element; and a fifth lens element having a concave image-side surface, the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric and at least one inflection point being formed on the image-side surface. Such arrangement of optical elements can effectively minimize the size of the optical lens system, lower the sensitivity of the optical system, and obtain higher image resolution. |
| US08395842B2 |
Method for manufacturing an optical element that enables reordering and reproduction of a stereoscopic image as a hologram
A hologram recording medium is manufactured using a computer. On a recording plane, cell position points Q are defined at a pitch Ph along cell position lines f(i) which are arranged on the recording plane at a pitch Pv. For each individual cell position point Q, an amplitude A and a phase θ of a synthetic wave of object light components emitted from a plurality of sample points on an associated image contour are determined by computation. At each individual cell position point Q is positioned a three-dimensional cell C, having a diffraction grating G, with a phase that is in accordance with the phase θ, formed in an effective region E having an area that is in accordance with the amplitude A. The diffraction grating G is formed by periodically positioning staircase steps with a period ξ. |
| US08395836B2 |
Luminance enhancement structure for reflective display devices
The present invention is directed to luminance enhancement structure for reflective display devices. The luminance enhancement structure comprises grooves and columns, wherein said grooves have a triangular cross-section and a top angle, and said grooves and columns are in alternating order and in a continuous form in one direction. The luminance enhancement structure not only can reduce the total internal reflection, but also especially can enhance the on-axis brightness of a display device. |
| US08395832B2 |
Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a major color range detector detecting the major color range from the image data; a criteria density setting unit determining a density value where the largest number of pixels exists in a density histogram of the major color range as a criteria density; a first correction value derivation unit deriving a first correction value to change density values in a predetermined range higher than the criteria density to be closer to the criteria density; a second correction value derivation unit deriving a second correction value to change density values in a predetermined range lower than the criteria density to be closer to the criteria density; a correction table derivation unit deriving a gradation correction table based on the first correction value and the second correction value; and a correcting unit correcting density of the scanned image data based on the gradation correction table. |
| US08395831B2 |
Color conversion with toner/ink limitations
Methods and systems herein provide for color conversion. Such color conversion may be performed via a color conversion system that includes a converter operable to receive image data and convert color values of the image data to a color space for printing. The system also includes a color identification module operable to identify color regions in the image data for color component limitation and approximate color values in the color regions. The color identification module incorporates color limitations during these approximations computes numerical models based on the approximations that are used by the converter to convert the image data to the color space. |
| US08395830B2 |
Image reading signal processing IC, image reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus
An image reading signal processing IC includes three circuits which independently process input analog image signals of three primary colors. Each circuit includes an ADC which converts amplified analog image signals into digital image data. Each circuit also includes an LVDS processing circuit which outputs the digital image data in a low voltage differential signaling level. Each circuit further includes a test pattern generating circuit connected between the ADC and the LVDS processing circuit for generating digital data of a test pattern. The image reading signal processing IC additionally includes an operational mode determination information input unit which inputs operational mode determination information to the test pattern generating circuit. Further, the image reading signal processing IC includes a switching unit which switches one of the digital data of the test patterns to any one or more of main scanning direction gradation pattern data and sub scanning direction gradation pattern data. |
| US08395825B2 |
Image scanner and method for compensating image data
An image scanner and a method for compensating image data are provided. By using both the X-axis calibration gain and the Y-axis calibration gain, the processing time period for compensating image data is reduced. In addition, no initial calibration and no warm-up calibration are required. |
| US08395823B2 |
Device capable of reading plural documents, method of controlling the device, and program
Provided is a device that prevents unauthorized copying of a document to which copy inhibition information is added. |
| US08395822B2 |
Image processing method combining compression and watermark techniques
An image processing method combining compression and watermark techniques is provided. In the method, a block is taken as a unit, and two ordered dither arrays mutually conjugate are used to code an original image, so as to insert information of a watermark into the original image during the coding process. Accordingly, the method generates a compressed image gives consideration to the compression ratio, the image quality and the data safety. On the other hand, the method also provides a procedure to extract the watermark from the compressed image, in order to verify whether the compressed image has been modified illegally. |
| US08395820B2 |
Image processing apparatus for printing in black coloring material based on attribute information
An image processing apparatus which sends attribute information to an output correction unit configured to determine based on the attribute information whether to print with only a black coloring material (K) or to print with a plurality of coloring materials (CMYK), includes an attribute change unit configured to make a determination to perform processing for changing the attribute information of compressed data, whose rendering color is monochrome and which is compressed by a compression format (MMR) for compressing a monochromatic image, from an attribute which is printed with a plurality of coloring materials to an attribute which is printed with only a black coloring material, and to perform the processing for changing the attribute information based on the determination. |
| US08395819B2 |
Image processing device, image processing method and computer readable medium
An image processing device including a registration unit that registers plurality pieces of style information is provided. In the device, one object or a plurality of objects is extracted from image data. By comparing the extracted objects with objects included in the plurality pieces of style information that are registered on the registration unit, style information to be output is selected. An object which is not included in the selected style information is selected among the extracted objects as an output object. An electronic file in which the selected output object is recorded on a page description part, and the selected style information is recorded on a style description part, is output. |
| US08395818B2 |
Image forming apparatus analyzing color chrominance data to determine type of document to be printed
An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the same in which input image data is divided into blocks and color chrominance data of each block is analyzed thereby perform a print job by automatically detecting whether an image should be print in color or pure black. |
| US08395813B2 |
Subtractive color method, subtractive color processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
A most used color that is a most popularly used color is obtained in an image. Pixel groups formed of continued pixels having an identical color other than the most used color in the image is extracted as first pixel groups. Pixel groups having a color of which a color difference with respect to the most used color is smaller than a predetermined threshold and having a size thereof that is smaller than a predetermined size is extracted as third pixel groups among the first pixel groups thus extracted. The first pixel groups other than the third pixel groups are taken as second pixel groups. An image is generated by replacing colors of portions, which correspond to the second pixel groups in an image having an area identical with that of an image to be processed and filled with the most used color, with the corresponding second pixel groups, respectively. |
| US08395811B2 |
Print control apparatus, print control method, and computer-readable storage medium storing a print control program
There are provided a get unit that gets a document name of print data; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the obtained document name includes a predefined character string; a first deletion unit that deletes the character string from the document name to create a new document name when it is determined that the document name includes the predefined character string; a second determination unit that determines whether or not the number of characters in the document name exceeds a predefined maximum number of displayable characters; and a second deletion unit that deletes the number of exceeding characters from a head of the document name to create a new document name when it is determined that the number of characters in the document name exceeds the predefined maximum number of displayable characters. |
| US08395810B2 |
Image forming apparatus, information processing apparatus, and image forming system
An image forming system includes an information processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a conversion information forming unit for creating object specifying information and object conversion information; a conversion information combining unit for creating combined print data; and a transmission unit for transmitting the combined print data to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving the combined print data; an information obtaining unit for obtaining the object specifying information and the object conversion information; a conversion unit for converting the combined print data to create converted print data according to the object specifying information and the object conversion information thus obtained; and a printing unit for performing a printing operation according to the converted print data. |
| US08395809B2 |
Positioning device for a color measuring head
A device for positioning a measuring head above a print substrate includes a display device and a motor-driven positioning device for the measuring head. The motor-driven positioning device for the measuring head is controllable by a computer connected to the display device. Measurement locations are selectable on the display device and the measuring head is positioned by the positioning device depending on the selected measurement locations. |
| US08395806B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program for bookbinding with selected cover layout type
An apparatus selects a cover layout type to be used during bookbinding processing from among a plurality of cover layout types, and determines page data to be laid out in a cover area, from among page data included in original data. The apparatus lays out the determined page data in the cover area according to the selected cover layout type, and generates a print job based on the original data and a result of laying out the determined page data in the cover area. |
| US08395805B2 |
Information processing apparatus related to electronic sticky note, document processing apparatus, printing apparatus and media storing programs
An information processing apparatus includes an area specifying unit that specifies a print area to be printed on a print medium in a page of a document, and a processing controller that controls processing related to an electronic sticky note, in correspondence with a portion running off the print area in the electronic sticky note attached to the page, to arrange a description held in the electronic sticky note within the print area. |
| US08395800B2 |
Data communication apparatus and method
A document transmission apparatus reduces troublesome labor of an operator when transmitting document data, inputted from a scanner or the like, by various transmission methods such as electronic mail, facsimile, remote printing and file transfer. An address book containing a receiver and a plurality of transmission methods for transmitting document data to the receiver is generated. Upon transmission instruction, an appropriate transmission method is selected by the receiver, then document data is converted into data of an appropriate data format, and the converted data is transmitted. Further, a notice of transmission indicating that the document data has been transmitted is transmitted to the receiver of the document data by a method different from the transmission method of the document data. Thus, the document data can be reliably delivered to the receiver. |
| US08395792B2 |
Image data processing apparatus connectable to a network
A control unit of an image data processing apparatus executes a program including the step (S1030) of calculating a hash value based on image data received from an image processing terminal; the step (S1070) of issuing, if the same document (image) has already been printed by a user of the same group (YES at S1040, YES at S1050 and YES at S1060), a notice to that effect to the user who requested print registration; and the step (S1090) of registering the hash value and a user ID, if continuation of registration is still requested. |
| US08395787B2 |
Information processing apparatus having customized driver, method of controlling the same, and medium storing control program
An information processing method carried out in an information processing apparatus having a driver program which has previously been installed, and an installation set including a driver program to be customized and an installer, comprises specifying expansion print setting from print settings set in the driver program which has previously been installed, obtaining the specified expansion print setting, and holding the obtained expansion print setting as the installation set. |
| US08395783B2 |
System metrology core
Projection systems and methods with mechanically decoupled metrology plates according to embodiments of the present invention can be used to characterize and compensate for misalignment and aberration in production images due to thermal and mechanical effects. Sensors on the metrology plate measure the position of the metrology plate relative to the image and to the substrate during exposure of the substrate to the production image. Data from the sensors are used to adjust the projection optics and/or substrate dynamically to correct or compensate for alignment errors and aberration-induced errors. Compared to prior art systems and methods, the projection systems and methods described herein offer greater design flexibility and relaxed constraints on mechanical stability and thermally induced expansion. In addition, decoupled metrology plates can be used to align two or more objectives simultaneously and independently. |
| US08395781B2 |
Automatic calibration systems and methods of use
The disclosed automatic calibration systems and methods provide a repeatable way to detect internal catheter reflections and to shift the internal catheter reflections to calibrate an image. |
| US08395779B2 |
Laser surveillance system
A laser surveillance system includes a housing positioned generally at or below a water line and a laser and detector mechanism positioned within the housing. The mechanism includes a laser source and a sensor. The laser source is configured to project a laser beam towards a vessel being inspected. The sensor is configured to receive a reflection of the laser beam. |
| US08395778B2 |
Soot number determining device and method for determining a soot number
A soot number determining device has an intake line for taking in a soot-containing gas through a filter paper that has been introduced into the intake line. A transport apparatus transports a soot spot, which is produced at an intake position by virtue of the gas being taken in on the filter paper, by transporting the filter paper further to an evaluation position. A device is used to determine the extent of blackening of the filter paper. |
| US08395777B2 |
Method and apparatus for trace gas detection using integrated wavelength modulated spectra across multiple lines
An apparatus and technique are invented that enhance the sensitivity of a spectrometer for trace gas detection by employing wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) and integrating the absolute value of the recorded spectra across multiple absorption lines (features) of the species. The sensitivity is further enhanced by conducting WMS with large modulation depths. This technique is implemented using a continuously tunable external cavity CW quantum cascade laser to record the second harmonic wavelength modulated spectra of NO2 across the peak of the R-branch from 1629.5 cm−1 to 1633.9 cm−1. By integrating the absolute value of the resulting spectra, the detection sensitivity of NO2 is improved by a factor of 40 compared to the sensitivity achieved using single line WMS with the same apparatus. A sensitivity of approximately 6 ppb can be obtained using a short-path cell (a 1 m absorption cell with 2 passes) which can be significantly improved using multipass cells and cavity enhanced techniques. |
| US08395776B2 |
Ozone monitor with gas-phase ozone scrubber
The present invention provides a means of greatly reducing or eliminating the interferences of UV-absorbing compounds, mercury, water vapor and particulates in the UV absorbance measurement of ozone by replacing the internal solid-phase ozone scrubber with a gas-phase scrubber. Reagent gases well suited as a gas-phase scrubber of ozone include nitric oxide and bromine atoms. Nitric oxide may be supplied by a gas cylinder or by photolysis of either N2O or NO2, both in the absence of oxygen. Bromine atoms are conveniently generated by photolysis of Br2 supplied by a permeation tube. Bromine atoms have the advantage of having a faster reaction with ozone than NO and of being catalytic in their reaction. Nitric oxide has the advantage of being generally less reactive with other components of air. |
| US08395775B2 |
Fluorescent agent concentration measuring apparatus, dose control apparatus, administration system, fluorescent agent concentration measuring method, and dose control method
A fluorescent agent accumulation concentration measuring apparatus is configured to include a single-wavelength LED to radiate excitation light to a test bottle loaded in the inside, a barrier filter to transmit only fluorescence from the test bottle, a photoreceptor to receive the fluorescence through the barrier filter and output an electric signal, a detection processing circuit to conduct signal processing of the electric signal from the photoreceptor and detect the fluorescence intensity, and an operation circuit 26 to compare the detection result from the detection processing circuit with an analytical pattern stored in a pattern storage portion and calculate the peak time of the accumulation concentration in a tissue of a sample in the test bottle. |
| US08395774B2 |
Graphene optical sensor
A method of using an optical sensor, the optical sensor comprising a sensing surface comprising graphene layer, the sensing surface located on a substrate, includes determining a first optical absorption spectrum for the graphene layer by a spectrophotometer; adding an analyte, the analyte selected to cause a shift in the first optical absorption spectrum, to the graphene layer; determining a second optical absorption spectrum for the modified graphene layer by a spectrophotometer; determining a shift between the first optical absorption spectrum and the second optical absorption spectrum; and determining a makeup of the analyte based on the determined shift. |
| US08395772B2 |
Sensor, a table and lithographic apparatus
A sensor for an immersion system is disclosed. The sensor comprises: a sensing device, a transparent layer and an opaque patterning layer. The sensing device is configured to sense a property of a beam of radiation. The transparent layer is configured to allow the passage of a beam of radiation therethrough. The transparent layer covers the sensing device. The opaque patterning layer is configured to impart a pattern to the beam of radiation. In the patterning layer is an opening in which is located an infilling material. The infilling material is transparent to the beam of radiation and has a similar refractive index to that of the transparent layer. |
| US08395770B1 |
Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus
Spectroscopic chemical analysis methods and apparatus are disclosed which employ deep ultraviolet (e.g. in the 200 nm to 300 nm spectral range) electron beam pumped wide bandgap semiconductor lasers, incoherent wide bandgap semiconductor light emitting devices, and hollow cathode metal ion lasers to perform non-contact, non-invasive detection of unknown chemical analytes. These deep ultraviolet sources enable dramatic size, weight and power consumption reductions of chemical analysis instruments. Chemical analysis instruments employed in some embodiments include capillary and gel plane electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, flow cytometry, flow cells for liquids and aerosols, and surface detection instruments. In some embodiments, Raman spectroscopic detection methods and apparatus use ultra-narrow-band angle tuning filters, acousto-optic tuning filters, and temperature tuned filters to enable ultra-miniature analyzers for chemical identification. In some embodiments Raman analysis is conducted along with photoluminescence spectroscopy (i.e. fluorescence and/or phosphorescence spectroscopy) to provide high levels of sensitivity and specificity in the same instrument. |
| US08395768B2 |
Scattering spectroscopy apparatus and method employing a guided mode resonance (GMR) grating
A scattering spectroscopy apparatus, system and method employ guided mode resonance (GMR) and a GMR grating. The apparatus includes a GMR grating having a subwavelength grating, and an optical detector configured to receive a portion of a scattered signal produced by an interaction between an excitation signal and an analyte associated with a surface of the GMR grating. A propagation direction of the received portion of the scattered signal is substantially different from a propagation direction of a GMR-coupled portion of the excitation signal within the GMR grating. The system includes the apparatus and an optical source. The method includes exciting a GMR in a GMR grating, interacting a GMR-coupled portion of the excitation signal with an analyte to produce a scattered signal and detecting a portion of the scattered signal. |
| US08395766B2 |
Foreign matter inspection apparatus
Selection with alignment marks of an optimal template, its identification and similarity judgment are conducted by a calculation function of a correlation value provided to a foreign matter inspection apparatus. In other words, the foreign matter inspection apparatus includes unit for registering feature points of alignment marks formed on a surface of an inspected object, unit for collecting image data of the alignment marks formed on the surface of the inspected object and a data processor for extracting a feature point from the image data and calculating a correlation value of both feature points, and registers the image data of the alignment mark on the basis of a threshold value of the correlation value. |
| US08395765B2 |
Wavelength monitor
In a wavelength monitor that monitors a wavelength of laser light emitted from at least two semiconductor lasers formed in parallel on a semiconductor substrate, the wavelength monitor includes a collimating lens that collimates laser light from each of the semiconductor lasers, an etalon that is arranged so that laser light collimated by the collimating lens is capable of entering and has a periodicity, and a photodetector that receives laser light transmitted through the etalon and detects a light intensity, wherein a beam propagation angle in the etalon of laser light emitted from each of the semiconductor lasers becomes a predetermined angle obtained by formula 1. |
| US08395764B2 |
Device for measuring the line of sight jitter of an optical instrument
Device for measuring the line of sight jitter of an optical instrument mounted on an optical platform, includes: an optical measurement path primarily common with the observation path of the optical instrument, a light measurement source arranged essentially at one end of the optical observation path, a detector for measuring the optical beam coming from the light measurement source, arranged such that this beam has passed through the optical observation path at least once, at least one collimation mirror designed for the reflection of the optical beam, arranged essentially on the optical observation path, essentially at the other end of the optical observation path, relative to the light measurement source, whereby this mirror is isolated by at least one passive isolator of lateral vibrations (i.e., inducing a rotation of the perpendicular line of the mirror) generated by the optical platform in a predetermined frequency range. |
| US08395763B2 |
Method of testing a passive optical element
A passive optical element defining an optical propagation path is tested by coupling a buffer fiber between an input of the propagation path and an optical time domain reflectometer. The OTDR launches optical radiation into the buffer fiber via one end thereof, measures power level of return light received at the OTDR via the buffer fiber, and creates an OTDR signature representing power level of return light as a function of distance from the end of the buffer fiber. The OTDR selects a first marker point by applying data reduction to a portion of a segment of the OTDR signature corresponding to the buffer fiber, selects a second marker point downstream of the input of the optical propagation path, and calculates a first power difference value as difference between a power level at the first marker point and a power level at the second marker point. |
| US08395762B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring chromatic dispersion
Highly accurate measurement of chromatic dispersions of a device under test that is an optical component is enabled with a simple structure comprising: propagating pump light having a wavelength λpump and probe light having a wavelength λprobe through the device; calculating the generation efficiency of the idler light with respect to the wavelength λpump by measuring the power of idler light having a wavelength λidler output from the device according to four-wave mixing generated in the device; seeking the frequency difference or wavelength difference between the pump light and the probe light that makes an extremum of generation efficiency of the idler light; calculating phase mismatch among the pump light wavelength having such frequency difference or wavelength difference, the probe light wavelength, and the idler light wavelength; and on the basis of such calculation results, calculating the chromatic dispersion of the device at the wavelength λpump. |
| US08395756B2 |
Illumination system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus
Illumination systems for microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, as well as related systems, components and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, an illumination system includes one or more scattering structures and an optical integrator that produces a plurality of secondary light sources. |
| US08395751B2 |
Method and apparatus for pre-firing cues during a digital cinema presentation
Digital cinema exhibition facilities make use of a show play list (SPL) specifying a time sequence of the events to occur during the presentation of digital cinema content. One or more cues in the show play list trigger certain activities, such as displacing the screen curtain and dimming the house lights. To achieve an aesthetic, showman-like presentation, the cues in the show play undergo re-cueing. For each cue, a determination is made automatically of the prefire interval, that is, the interval by which the cue should be advanced. The execution the cue to trigger a corresponding activity is advanced by the automatically determined prefire interval. |
| US08395746B2 |
Display device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device where expansion of a frame portion over a substrate, which results from formation of a lead wiring over an active matrix substrate, is minimally suppressed to realize a narrow frame. According to one feature of a display device of the present invention, a chamfer portion is formed at least at an end portion of an active matrix substrate having a pixel portion of a pair of substrates disposed to be opposed to each other, and wirings (a source line, a gate line, a storage capacitor line, a leading out wiring, and the like) over the active matrix substrate are electrically connected by a common wiring formed in the chamfer portion. |
| US08395745B2 |
Semiconductor device
When a columnar spacer is provided in a region overlapping with a TFT, there is a concern that pressure will be applied when attaching a pair of substrates to each other, which may result in the TFT being adversely affected and a crack forming. A dummy layer is formed of an inorganic material below a columnar spacer which is formed in a position overlapping with the TFT. The dummy layer is located in the position overlapping with the TFT, so that pressure applied to the TFT in a step of attaching the pair of substrates is distributed and relieved. The dummy layer is preferably formed of the same material as a pixel electrode so that it is formed without an increase in the number of processing steps. |
| US08395738B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate, a counter-substrate which is disposed to be opposed to the array substrate, a liquid crystal layer which is formed of a liquid crystal material which is held between the array substrate and the counter-substrate, and a sealant which bonds the array substrate and the counter-substrate. The array substrate includes a pixel electrode having a slit, and a counter-electrode which is opposed to the pixel electrode via an interlayer insulation film. The counter-substrate has a shield electrode on an outer surface thereof. The shield electrode is disposed such that an end portion thereof along at least one side of the counter-substrate, is exposed on the outer surface of the counter-substrate. |
| US08395727B2 |
VA mode liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a VA-mode liquid-crystal display device comprising a front-side polarizing element (14), a rear-side polarizing element (12), a VA-mode liquid-crystal cell (LC) disposed between the front-side polarizing element and the rear-side polarizing element, and a first retardation region (16) comprising one or more retardation layers between the rear-side polarizing element and the VA-mode liquid-crystal cell, wherein the first retardation region satisfies 0 nm≦Re(590)≦10 nm, and |Rth(590)|≦25 nm. Re(λ) means retardation (nm) in plane at a wavelength λ nm, and Rth(λ) means retardation (nm) along the thickness direction at a wavelength λ nm. |
| US08395726B2 |
Optical element manufacturing method, optical element exposure device, optical element, lighting optical device, display device, and electronic apparatus
Provided is an optical element manufacturing method that is capable of forming various kinds of shapes and capable of achieving sophisticated functions, improved yields, and cost reductions. The method includes: a step that applies a transparent photosensitive resin on a transparent substrate with light-shielding patterns provided thereon; a step that forms transparent layers by performing patterning through irradiating exposure light of an arbitrary amount on the transparent photosensitive resin via the transparent substrate with the light-shielding patterns provided thereon; a step that forms light absorption layers by filling a black curable resin between the transparent layers; and an irradiation step that irradiates the exposure light in an oblique direction to the surface of the transparent substrate where the light-shielding patterns are formed in a state where the transparent substrate is being bent. |
| US08395725B2 |
Light emitting module, backlight using the same, and liquid crystal display device
A light emitting module 1 includes a substrate 2 having a metal pattern 4 and a plurality of white light emitting devices 3 linearly arranged on the substrate 2. The metal pattern 4 is formed on a portion of 60% or more of an area of the substrate 2. The white light emitting device 3 includes a light emitting diode as a semiconductor light emitting element 5. Light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting element 5 is converted into white light by a light emitting section containing phosphors, and is taken out. The light emitting module 1 emits white light. |
| US08395724B2 |
Display device with illuminator connecting with relay, method for manufacturing display device, and electronic apparatus
A display device includes an illumination medium, a display medium, and a conductor. The illumination medium includes a light-emitting element and a connection portion. The light-emitting element includes a first electrode and a second electrode and emits light with the use of power supplied between the first electrode and the second electrode. The connection portion is electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The display medium includes a terminal, relay wiring, and an electro-optical element. The relay wiring is electrically connected to the terminal. The electro-optical element controls light that is irradiated by and comes from the illumination medium according to electric energy supplied to the electro-optical element. The conductor electrically connects the relay wiring and the connection portion. |
| US08395723B2 |
Liquid crystal display with sheet deadweight and television apparatus
A display device includes: a panel; a light source provided on a surface disposed with facing at an interval of a predetermined distance from the back of the panel of said panel; and at least one optical sheet placed in front of said light source; wherein said optical sheet is placed with predetermined inclination angle to the above back of the panel so that it becomes closer from the top end to the bottom end of the back of the panel of said panel. |
| US08395721B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A metal frame includes a first base portion and a first wall portion rising from the first base portion at a position excluding sections of a peripheral edge portion of the first base portion. A resin frame includes a second base portion arranged so as to extend from a region on a central side of the first wall portion of the first base portion to the plurality of sections of the peripheral edge portion, and a second wall portion rising from the second base portion above the plurality of sections. A liquid crystal display panel is supported on an upper surface of the second base portion of the resin frame. A peripheral edge of the liquid crystal display panel is positioned above the first wall portion. The second wall portion of the resin frame is positioned outside the peripheral edge of the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US08395720B2 |
Liquid crystal display module for portable terminal
A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) module for a portable terminal having a display unit is provided. The LCD module includes a reinforcement plate having a bottom surface and a side surface bent to extend from the bottom surface, a backlight unit coupled to an upper part of the reinforcement plate, a frame insert molded to the reinforcement plate and coupled to an edge of the backlight unit, and an LCD panel coupled to an upper part of the backlight unit, wherein the side surface of the reinforcement plate extends from the bottom surface to have a height greater than the combined height of the coupled LCD panel and the backlight unit, and further wherein the frame is formed to have a height not extending up to the LCD panel. |
| US08395715B2 |
Displays with minimized crosstalk
Display ground plane structures may contain slits. Image pixel electrodes in the display may be arranged in rows and columns. Image pixels in the display may be controlled using gate lines that are associated with the rows and data lines that are associated with the columns. An electric field may be produced by each image pixel electrode that extends through a liquid crystal layer to an associated portion of the ground plane. The slits in the ground plane may have a slit width. Data lines may be located sufficiently below the ground plane and sufficiently out of alignment with the slits to minimize crosstalk from parasitic electric fields. A three-column inversion scheme may be used when driving data line signals into the display, so that pairs of pixels that straddle the slits are each driven with a common polarity. Gate line scanning patterns may be used that enhance display uniformity. |
| US08395714B2 |
Scanned projection system using polymerized liquid crystal layer for speckle reduction
An imaging system (200), such as a scanned laser projection system, includes one or more laser sources (201) configured to produce one or more light beams (204), and a light modulator (203) configured to produce images (206) from the light beams (204). Optional optical alignment devices (220) can be used to orient the light beams (204) into a combined light beam (205). A beam separator (221), which can be any of a birefringent wedge, compensated birefringent wedge, or a polymerized liquid crystal layer, is disposed between at least one of the laser sources (201) and the light modulator (203). The beam separator (221) is configured to receive light from the laser sources (201) and deliver two angularly separated and orthogonally polarized light beams (223) to the light modulator (203) so as to reduce speckle appearing when the images (206) are displayed on a display surface (207). |
| US08395712B2 |
Wireless receiving apparatus, wireless communication system, and method of supporting antenna installation
A television (10) includes: a WiHD-RX (11) which receives signals transmitted from a camcorder (20) and a BD system (30); an orientation detection unit (102) which detects information indicating a relative position between a WiHD-TX (21) and a WiHD-RXTX (31); a communication status obtainment unit (104a) which obtains communication status information indicating whether or not it is possible to transmit a video signal or an audio signal from one of the camcorder (20) and the BD system (30) to the other; and a change information generation unit (104b) which generates, based on a detection result of by the orientation detection unit (102), and outputs change information when the communication status information indicates that the transmission is not possible. The change information indicates a direction for moving a communication range of the video signal or the audio signal from the WiHD-TX (21) closer to the WiHD-RXTX (31). |
| US08395709B2 |
3D video processing
A method and apparatus for reducing motion judder in a 3D input source are disclosed. The 3D input source is separated into left and right images. Motion vectors for the left and right images are calculated. Frame rate conversion is performed on the left and right images, to produce motion compensated left and right images. The left and right images and the motion compensated left and right images are reordered for display. Alternatively, the motion estimation and motion compensation can be performed on the 3D input source, and the input image and the motion compensated image can then be separated into respective left and right images. The method and apparatus can be adapted to perform 2D to 3D conversion by extracting a 2D input source into left and right 3D images and performing motion estimation and motion compensation. |
| US08395703B2 |
Display controller and display apparatus
A display controller 102 sequentially outputs at least two image signals, thereby allowing an image to be displayed on a liquid crystal display section 105 in accordance with the image signals, wherein among the image signals to be outputted, an image signal of a first output image and an image signal of a second output image have a relationship that provides an image having no correlation to the first output image when image brightness values of the respective signals are added for each pixel, and wherein a frame frequency when the image signal is outputted is an integral multiple of a frame frequency for an image signal of an input image, the integral multiple being two or more. |
| US08395702B2 |
System for transmitting and receiving video digital signals for links of the “LVDS” type
Systems for transmitting and receiving signals of video digital images for links of the “LVDS” type comprise a transmit module, a transmission link and a receive module. The “RGB” video signal comprises the colour and synchronization signals and a clock signal. The “LVDS” video signal transmitted via the transmission link comprises several primary signals, the first primary signal dedicated to the clock signal, the second primary signal comprising the synchronization information, the other primary signals comprising only the colour encoding information. The function of the “LVDS” transmit module is to encode the “RGB” video signal into an “LVDS” video signal and the function of the receive module is to decode the “LVDS” signal into an “RGB” signal. The system comprises the following particular arrangements: the transmission system having a means making it possible to inlay a graphic recognition pattern in the “RGB” video signal; the receive means operating in oversampling and having a test means capable of identifying the synchronization information and the graphic recognition pattern. |
| US08395700B2 |
Image displaying device and method, and image processing device and method
The quality of moving picture image with a large moving amount is prevented from deterioration due to moving compensation type frame rate conversion (FRC) processing. The image display device is comprised of an FRC unit (10) that interpolates an image signal subjected to moving compensation processing between frames so as to convert the number of frames of the input image signal, a moving amount judging unit (14) that judges whether a moving amount of the input image signal between the frames is larger than a predetermined value or not, and a control unit (15). The FRC unit (10) is provided with a moving vector detecting unit (11e) that detects a moving vector between the frames of the input image signal, an interpolation vector evaluating unit (11f) that allocates an interpolation vector between the frames on the basis of the moving vector information and an interpolation frame generating unit (12d) that generates an interpolation frame from the interpolation vector. In the case where the moving amount between the frames of the input image signal is larger than the predetermined value, the control unit (15) sets the moving vector detected by the moving vector detecting unit (11e) to be zero-vector, and it invalidates the moving compensation processing of the FRC unit (10). |
| US08395698B2 |
Exposure determining device and image processing apparatus
In an exposure determining device, an image acquiring unit acquires a first image. The first image is picked up by an image pickup unit at a first exposure. A light-intensity detecting unit extracts areas in the first image and detects a light intensity in area. A mismatch area determining unit determines, based on the detected light intensity in each area, whether each area is a mismatch area in which an edge is estimated to be undetected due to excess or shortage of the first exposure for a corresponding one of the areas. When it is determined that one of the areas is the mismatch area, a second exposure determining unit determines a second exposure of the image pickup unit. The second exposure is matched with the light intensity in the mismatch area. |
| US08395697B2 |
Imaging apparatus and lens unit
An imaging apparatus includes a control unit configured to control a focus position of a lens by causing a communication unit to acquire a plurality of lens position information stored in a first storage unit without any synchronization with acquisition of an evaluation value by a contrast detection unit and associating the acquired plurality of lens position information with evaluation values stored in a second storage unit. |
| US08395696B2 |
Imaging arrangements and methods therefor
Image data is processed to facilitate focusing and/or optical correction. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an imaging arrangement collects light data corresponding to light passing through a particular focal plane. The light data is collected using an approach that facilitates the determination of the direction from which various portions of the light incident upon a portion of the focal plane emanate from. Using this directional information in connection with value of the light as detected by photosensors, an image represented by the light is selectively focused and/or corrected. |
| US08395695B2 |
Auto focusing apparatus and control method capable of selecting a main area and/or an auxiliary area of a frame as a focus detection area
The invention includes steps of setting a main area set within the frame of a photographed image signal, and a plurality of auxiliary areas each of which is smaller than the main area, selecting one or a plurality of focus detection areas from the main area and the auxiliary areas in accordance with the in-focus position of a focus lens based on the focus signals of the main area and the auxiliary areas, and controlling the focus lens to move to the in-focus position of the focus lens in the focus detection area selected in the selecting step. |
| US08395694B2 |
Apparatus and method for blurring image background in digital image processing device
Provided is a method and apparatus for blurring an image background, in which a moving image information and a focal distance information, which is matched to the moving image according to a movement distance of an AF motor, are obtained for the same object and background blurring is applied to a still image differentially, based on focal distances of the moving image and the still image. The apparatus includes a digital signal processing unit capturing a moving image and a still image of the same object, comparing focal distances of at least one frame forming the moving image with focal distances of the still image, and applying background blurring to the still image according to differences between the focal distances. |
| US08395692B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion units disposed on an imaging surface of a substrate; and a plurality of inner-layer lenses that are disposed in correspondence with each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion units on the upper side of the photoelectric conversion units and are formed in shapes protruding in directions toward the photoelectric conversion units, wherein each of the plurality of inner-layer lenses is formed to have different lens shapes in the center and in the periphery of the imaging surface. |
| US08395681B2 |
Recording apparatus, control method, and program
A recording apparatus including a mounting portion configured to allow a rewritable recording medium and an unrewritable recording medium to be mounted thereon includes a determination unit configured to determine a file name with a number for recording a file on a recording medium mounted on the mounting portion, and a recording control unit configured to record, on the recording medium mounted on the mounting portion, the file using the file name determined by the determination unit, wherein the determination unit changes a file name determination method when the recording medium mounted on the mounting portion is replaced such that the rewritable recording medium and the unrewritable recording medium are replaced with each other. |
| US08395680B2 |
Adapter apparatus connected to an image capturing apparatus and delivering video files thereof to a client apparatus, control method thereof, and computer program
Video files recorded on a disk recording medium are acquired from an image capturing apparatus. First contents information indicating a list of the acquired video files is created. Based on the created first contents information, second contents information in a network advertisement format is created. Based on the first contents information and the acquired video files, video files in the network advertisement format are created. The created second contents information is advertised onto a network. Video files requested from a client terminal on the network based on the second contents information are delivered to the client terminal. |
| US08395672B2 |
Imaging device that detects inclination of image and apparatus in a rolling direction
An imaging device capable of detecting and correcting, with high accuracy, the motion (image rotation) in the rolling direction of the image caused by the camera shake during imaging without being influenced by the individual variation, temperature characteristic, and variation with time of the sensor. To correct the motion (image rotation) in the rolling direction of the image caused by the camera shake during imaging, the result of detection of the angle of inclination of the device by an angle sensor (8a) is corrected with the result of detection of the angle of inclination of the image on the basis of the feature of the captured image by an image inclination detecting section (7), and the imaging device (3) is rotated around the optical axis or an axis parallel to the optical axis according to the corrected angle of inclination of the device. |
| US08395670B2 |
Image capturing apparatus
An apparatus capable of capturing a still image in a moving image capturing mode includes an instruction unit configured to instruct still image capturing, a vibration detection unit configured to detect vibration applied to the apparatus, a control unit configured to control driving of a correction member in a driving range according to whether still image capturing or moving image capturing is performed, based on an output from the vibration detection unit, a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the correction member, and a determination unit configured to determine a reference position of a range in which the correction member is driven, wherein, if the instruction unit instructs image capturing in the moving image capturing mode, the detected position is set as the reference position. |
| US08395667B2 |
Method for monitoring video signal transmission and the device thereof
A method and device for monitoring video signal transmission includes a signal encoding and transmitting module and the signal receiving module. The signal encoding and transmitting module receives a composite video signal from a video signal source to cut off a horizontal video data series following a predetermined horizontal synchronization signal following a predetermined vertical synchronization signal and add an identification code. The signal receiving module receives the composite video signal carrying the identification code and compares the identification code to transmit the composite video signal out when the identification code is correct. |
| US08395661B1 |
Pipe inspection system with selective image capture
Various pipe inspection systems include a camera head operatively connected to the distal end of a push-cable. Images may be automatically captured at predetermined distances of travel, or may be automatically captured based on the output signals from the auto-focus, auto-exposure and/or auto-white balance engines indicating, for example, that the camera motion within the pipe is substantially zero. Images may be captured in an automatic mode at predetermined intervals as the camera head travels within the pipe or in an override mode initiated by operator command. The system may include a data transmission circuit that transmits data between a plurality of nodes at a frequency that does not substantially interfere with a normal base band video transmission frequency. |
| US08395658B2 |
Touch screen-like user interface that does not require actual touching
A system may be controlled by directing at least a portion of a field-of-view of one or more cameras across a screen of a display for the system, using the one or more cameras to track in three dimensions an object moving in a space in front of the screen, and providing input to the system based on the tracking of the object. A system may also be controlled by directing a first portion of a field-of-view of a camera in a first direction, directing a second portion of the field-of-view of the camera in a second direction across a screen of a display for the system, tracking an object moving in front of the screen with the second portion of the field-of-view of the camera, and providing input to the system based on the tracking of the object. |
| US08395654B2 |
Offload of server-based videoconference to client-based video conference
An apparatus in one example, the apparatus comprising a server configured to host a videoconference call comprising a plurality of voice and video streams, the server being communicatively associable with a plurality of clients in the videoconference call. The server being configured to determine a computing capacity of each of the plurality of clients and to hand over hosting the videoconference call to a selected one of the plurality of clients based on a computing capacity, wherein hosting the videoconference call comprises mixing the plurality of the voice and video streams into a consolidated stream, where the consolidated stream is communicated to all of the clients other than the selected client. |
| US08395652B1 |
Data network collaboration systems having a shared file
An example of the invention includes a collaboration system having a shared file modification engine useful to notify collaboration users connected to a data network when a shared file is updated, the modification engine comprising a plurality of client computers that communicate a file modification status request including a file identifier and a file property, each of the plurality of client computers having a plurality of shared file applications running thereon. At least one server computer connected to the data network and to the plurality of client computers. At least one shared file useful with the plurality of shared file applications and containing data to be shared with the plurality of client computers, the at least one shared file modifiable by any of the plurality of users and having a file name and a current property associated with it. The server computer is configured to perform steps of receiving the file modification status requests from the plurality of client computers and use the file identifier in the status request to identify the at least one shared file; compare the current version property to the file property from the status request; and communicate a confirmation in response to the file modification status request when the current file property does not match the file property from the status request, the confirmation confirming that the shared file has been modified and including modifications made to the shared file. The file modification status request can be used with each of the plurality of shared file applications running on the client computers. |
| US08395648B2 |
Optical writer, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling optical writer
An optical writer includes a scanning part causing a light beam from a light source to perform scanning on a photosensitive body; an image information obtaining part obtaining image information of an image; a dithering information obtaining part obtaining dithering information of the image; a pixel clock generating part generating a pixel clock signal; and a light emission control part to control the light source based on the image information in accordance with the pixel clock signal. The pixel clock generating part modulates the clock frequency of the pixel clock signal in accordance with phase shift information for correcting a change in the speed of the scanning on main scanning lines on the photosensitive body, and determines the timing of modulating the clock frequency based on the dithering information on a main scanning line basis so that the timing of modulating the clock frequency differs between the main scanning lines. |
| US08395639B2 |
Color processor, color processing method and computer readable medium
The color processor includes: a conversion source color data acquiring part acquiring a conversion source color dataset in a first color space; a color data pair acquiring part acquiring color data pairs each composed of color datasets in the first and second color spaces, the color datasets being used to calculate a color conversion characteristic model; a color conversion characteristic model calculator assigning weight to the color dataset in the first color space, according to a color difference distance from the conversion source color dataset, and calculates the model by use of color data pairs each including a weighted color dataset in the first color space; and an evaluation value calculator calculating an evaluation value indicating an evaluation on influence of the color data pairs on color conversion accuracy of the model. The color conversion characteristic model calculator adjusts the weight according to the evaluation value, when calculating the model. |
| US08395635B2 |
Method for storing interpolation data
A method for storing interpolation data is provided. The method uses a buffer in a cache memory and the concept of memory overlap record for storing previously calculated interpolation data, so as to avoid repeated interpolation, thereby decreasing the amount of system operation and the frequency of reading integer points for calculating interpolation from an external memory. Furthermore, a method of data storage for the buffer is provided. The storage method uses the concept of memory address rotation to store interpolation data beyond the boundary of the buffer. Moreover, another storage method is provided, which distributes interpolation data into a plurality of regions in the buffer according to different combinations of decimal coordinates of the interpolation points for economizing the use of memory space and simplifying the search of interpolation data in the buffer. |
| US08395634B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing information
An information processing apparatus for encoding image data, includes a filter unit for performing a filtering operation on the image data in a layer fashion to generate a plurality of subbands including coefficient data segmented on a per frequency band basis, an intermediate data storage unit for storing intermediate data generated in the middle of the filtering operation of the filter unit, a coefficient storage unit for storing the coefficient data generated in the filtering operation of the filter unit, and a coefficient rearranging unit for performing a rearranging operation to rearrange the coefficient data stored on the coefficient storage unit so that the coefficient data is output in a predetermined order. The intermediate data storage unit writes and reads data thereon at a speed higher than the coefficient storage unit and being smaller in storage capacity than the coefficient storage unit. |
| US08395632B2 |
Sharing a data buffer
A computer-program product may have instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform operations including managing execution of application functions that access data in a shared buffer; determining if a first instruction that is stored at a first memory location causes, upon execution, data to be read from or written to the shared buffer; and when it is determined that the first instruction causes data to be read from or written to the shared buffer, 1) identify one or more replacement instructions to execute in place of the first instruction; 2) store the one or more replacement instructions; and 3) replace the first instruction at the first memory location with a second instruction that, when executed, causes the stored one or more replacement instructions to be executed. |
| US08395631B1 |
Method and system for sharing memory between multiple graphics processing units in a computer system
One or more embodiments of the invention set forth techniques to allocate a memory buffer in the system memory of a computer system that is shared among a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs) in the computer system. The GPUs are able to engage in Direct Memory Access (DMA) with the memory buffer thereby eliminating additional copying steps that have been needed to combine data output of the various GPUs without such a shared memory buffer. |
| US08395627B2 |
Spline technique for 2D electronic game
A technique for generating splines in two dimensions for use in electronic game play is disclosed. The technique includes generating a computer graphic of a shape to be animated that is formed by one or more splines. The shape also includes at least one joint. When the position or orientation of the joint is changed, the orientation and/or position of the splines corresponding to the joint are changed resulting in changes to the shape. |
| US08395622B2 |
Method for enumerating cliques
Techniques for enumerating at least one maximal clique are provided. The techniques include obtaining data, wherein the data comprises a graph, obtaining a user-specified minimum size restriction on at least one maximal clique of interest, filtering the data using the user-specified minimum size restriction to reduce graph size, and enumerating at least one maximal clique from the graph provided that at least one maximal clique exists above the user-specified minimum size restriction. |
| US08395616B2 |
Method for rendering and generating computer-generated video holograms in real-time
Method for real-time rendering and generating of computer-generated video holograms from three-dimensional image data with depth information, where the position and viewing direction of an observer defines a view of the scene, and where the observer is assigned with at least one virtual observer window, which is situated in an observer plane near the observer eyes, comprising the following process steps: 3D rendering and generation of the depth map of scene section data between two parallel section planes, which are disposed at right angles to the viewing direction of the observer, transformation of the scene section data, repetition of the steps of 3D rendering and transformation, Back-transformation, encoding in pixel values in order to reconstruct the three-dimensional scene. |
| US08395615B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating using 3-dimensional image display
Provided is a communication method using a three-dimensional (3D) image display device. In the communication method, motion information is determined using a motion image obtained by photographing a user's motion indicating the user's request in relation to an opposite party, distance information indicating the distance between the user who is moving and the 3D image display device is determined, and then, the user's request is determined based on the motion information and the distance information. |
| US08395610B2 |
Driving chip, driving chip package having the same, display apparatus having the driving chip, and method thereof
A driving chip includes a main input part, a plurality of circuit cells and an auxiliary input part. The main input part includes a plurality of input terminals which receive an external signal. The circuit cells generate a driving signal in response to a signal applied from the main input part. The auxiliary input part is spaced apart from the circuit cells by a first distance that is shorter than a second distance between the main input part and the auxiliary input part. The auxiliary input part receives the external signal and applies the external signal to the circuit cells. Therefore, line resistance variation between the circuit cells of the driving chip and a power input terminal may be decreased, so that driving chip defects may be prevented. |
| US08395608B2 |
Display device and method of driving the same
Disclosed is an EL display device by which accurate gray scales can be obtained. The EL display device comprises a source signal line driving circuit which includes an operation amplifier electrically connected to a correction TFT and a source signal line, and a pixel which includes an EL element and a driving TFT. An inputted analog signal voltage is converted into a current, the current is converted into a gate-source voltage of the correction TFT that has the same polarity as the driving TFT, the gate-source voltage is supplied as a source line signal to the source signal line, and the source line signal is applied to a gate electrode of the driving TFT. Thus the EL element can emit light at a luminance linearly corresponding to the inputted analog signal voltage. |
| US08395607B2 |
Current driving circuit and display device using the current driving circuit
A current drive circuit which can improve a rate for signal writing and a driving rate of an element even when a signal current is small, and a display device using the current drive circuit are provided. The current drive circuit for supplying a signal current to a node of a driven circuit through a signal line includes a precharge function for supplying a precharge voltage to the node through the signal line and the precharge function includes a supply function for supplying the precharge voltage to the node and the signal line prior to supplying the signal current. |
| US08395597B2 |
Method and device for providing an equi-potential touch screen
Disclosed is a method (50) and device (100) for providing an equi-potential touch screen. The method can include: providing (52) a capacitive touch screen including transmit electrodes and receive electrodes combined to form a grid structure configured to provide capacitive signals that allow position of touch to be resolved; and driving (54) a substantially central transmit electrode with equi-potential connection points. The method (50) and device (100) provide a touch screen device which allows drive lines to be split on either side of the touch screen device, while being highly linear. For example, the frame area surrounding the touch screen can be made narrower or thinner, for minimal real estate and optimizing design layout. |
| US08395594B2 |
Touch button false activation suppression
A touch member (210) comprises a touch surface (20, 30) having at least two sensor electrodes (21-23) that are separated from each other on the touch surface (20, 30). Each of the sensor electrodes (21-23) have a certain signal level threshold with relation to activate/lock the touch member (210). The touch surface (20, 30) is divided into a first area and a second area each comprising at least one of the sensor electrodes (21-23). Upon touching the touch member (210) in an unlocked state, the at least two electrodes (21-23) are arranged to measure periodically a signal level received from each of the electrodes (21-23) to indicate a touch location, report periodically the touch location with respect to the first area of the touch surface (20, 30), and report the measured signal level of each of the electrodes (21-23) in the second area of the touch surface (20, 30). The controller (214) sends an instruction to select an operation state of the touch member (210) based on calculated touch location information of the reported touch location and compared signal level information of the reported measured signal level. |
| US08395592B2 |
Sensing system
A sensing system is provided in the present application. The sensing system includes a plurality of input areas, by each of which an input is received and an input signal is generated; and a processing device electrically coupled with the each of the plurality of input areas and performing a validation criterion for determining a means processing the input signal. |
| US08395590B2 |
Integrated contact switch and touch sensor elements
An input device providing integrated contact switch and touch sensor elements is disclosed. A contact switch and touch sensor can be integrated so that they share a common sensor line, achieving space, cost and manufacturing savings over input devices that utilize distinct sensor lines for each of its sensor elements. By configuring a contact switch and touch sensor to share a common sensor line, a controller can use a single pin to scan both the contact switch and touch sensor elements, rather than using distinct pins to scan distinct sensor lines associated with each sensor element. By using fewer pins to scan the same number of sensor elements, a smaller controller can be used which can reduce the size and cost of the input device, and increase manufacturing throughput time associated with the input device. |
| US08395587B2 |
Haptic response apparatus for an electronic device
A user input for an electronic device includes a haptic feedback layer (100) and a touch sensitive user interface (200). The haptic feedback layer (100) provides a tactile response to a user when the user actuates a user actuation target (301) on the touch sensitive user interface (200) to simulate a popple-style button. The haptic feedback layer (100) includes a chassis (101) and a plurality of oppositely facing, interlaced cantilever beams (105,106) emanating therefrom, further separated by a support beam (113), and spanning at least a portion of the haptic feedback layer (100). One or more piezoelectric actuators (119) are coupled to the cantilever beams and are responsive to a controller (201). When the controller detects user actuation of the touch sensitive user interface (200), the controller (201) causes at least one of the piezoelectric actuators to actuate in accordance with an actuation signal. |
| US08395581B2 |
User interface for medical system comprising diary function with time change feature
The invention provides a device for displaying information, comprising display means adapted to graphically display information as a function of time for a given period of time, and input means for changing the time from a first time setting to a second time setting, thereby generating an end of time value for the first setting and a start of time value for the second time setting. The display means is controlled to display a first and a second view, the first view displaying, for the given period of time, information corresponding to the first time setting until the end of time value, the second view displaying, for the given period of time, information corresponding to the second time setting from the start of time value. In the first view the period between the end of time value and the end of the given period is indicated as not comprising information as a function of time, and in the second view the period between the beginning of the given period and the start of time value is indicated as not comprising information as a function of time. By this arrangement a user interface is provided reducing the likelihood that graphically displayed information is misinterpreted in case of a time change event. |
| US08395579B2 |
Display device and television receiver
A display device includes a light source and a light source driver configured to drive the light source. In at least one embodiment, the light source driver is configured to drive the light source with brightness control. It is capable of generating pulse width modulation signals using different dimming. A dimming frequency is selected from the different dimming frequencies according to an installation mode of the display device. |
| US08395574B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates, a liquid crystal layer disposed therebetween, first and second gate lines on the first substrate, first, second and third data lines crossing the first and second gate lines to define first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth pixel regions, a first pixel electrode and a first common electrode in each of the first, second and third pixel regions, the first pixel electrode connected to a thin film transistor and the first common electrode spaced apart from the first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth pixel regions, the second pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor and having a plate shape, a color filter layer including a red color filter corresponding to each of the first and fourth pixel regions, a green color filter corresponding to each of the second and fifth pixel regions, a blue color filter corresponding to each of the third and sixth pixel regions, a second common electrode on the color filter layer in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth pixel regions. |
| US08395570B2 |
Active matrix type display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a pixel circuit, a scanning line for supplying a scanning signal to the pixel circuit, a data line for supplying a data signal to the pixel circuit, and a shift register circuit having a number of stages, with every stage outputting the scanning signal to the scanning line. In addition, a first power supply supplies a voltage to the shift register circuit, and a second power supply supplies a voltage to the pixel circuit. After the first power supply is turned on, a constant level signal of either “H” or “L” is input into a terminal of the shift register circuit by clocks of the number of stages of the shift register such that every stage of the shift register outputs a same level signal before the second power supply is turned on. |
| US08395569B2 |
Dual panel type organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent display (OELD) device, more particularly, to a dual panel type OELD device and a method of fabricating the same. The OLED structure has first and second barrier walls having a reverse-taper shape with respect to the first substrate and first and second side surfaces, wherein the walls define novel polymer patterns with varying heights relative to each other. |
| US08395568B2 |
Light emitting, photovoltaic or other electronic apparatus and system
The present invention provides an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating apparatus comprising photovoltaic diodes, which may be created through a printing process, using a semiconductor or other substrate particle ink or suspension and using a lens particle ink or suspension. An exemplary apparatus comprises a base; at least one first conductor; a plurality of substantially spherical or optically resonant diodes coupled to the at least one first conductor; at least one second conductor coupled to the plurality of diodes; and a plurality of substantially spherical lenses suspended in a polymer attached or deposited over the diodes. The lenses and the suspending polymer have different indices of refraction. In some embodiments, the lenses and diodes have a ratio of mean diameters or lengths between about 10:1 and 2:1. The diodes may be LEDs or photovoltaic diodes, and in some embodiments, have a junction formed at least partially as a hemispherical shell or cap. |
| US08395567B2 |
Display device and method of controlling the same
A display device including pixels has formed therein at least two driving blocks each made up of pixel rows, and includes: a signal line driving circuit that outputs a signal voltage to an output line disposed in each of pixel columns; and a selector circuit that controls a selector disposed in each of the columns for providing a signal voltage outputted from the output line to one of a first signal line and second signal line disposed in each of the columns, and selectively provides a standard voltage or the signal voltage outputted from the output line to one of the first signal line or the second signal line. Each of the pixels includes a current control unit and an organic EL element. Pixels in the k-th driving block are connected to the first signal line and pixels in the (k+1)-th driving block are connected to the second signal line. |
| US08395561B2 |
Dual polarization broadband antenna having with single pattern
The present invention relates to a dual polarization broadband antenna having a single pattern, which is provide with a radiation device having a square structure, in which a plurality of folded dipole elements are formed in a single continuously-connected pattern, and a feeding portion for feeding signals to the plurality of folded dipole elements is formed on the radiation device. Accordingly, the plurality of folded dipole elements formed on the radiation device are connected in a single square and rectangular pattern, so that the structure thereof is simplified, with the result that the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, the feeding portion, that dually feeds signals, and the plurality of folded dipole elements, connected in a single pattern, are coupled, so that the dual polarization characteristic can be easily acquired. Furthermore, currents input to the feeding points of the feeding portion are induced only to the folded dipole elements without having to flow into other feeding points, so that excellent isolation can be achieved. |
| US08395560B2 |
Satellite antenna device
A satellite antenna device is provided. The satellite antenna device includes a body, a wave guide, and a dielectric member. The wave guide is connected to the body. The dielectric member is connected to the wave guide, wherein the dielectric member comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion has a protruding structure, the protruding structure is formed surrounding a central axis of the wave guide, the second portion has a concave structure, and the concave structure corresponds to the protruding structure, and is matched therewith. |
| US08395556B2 |
Method for determining the antenna minimum measurement distance
A method for determining the minimum measurement distance of an antenna of a wireless mobile terminal, comprising the following steps: establishing a test environment of an antenna of a wireless mobile terminal to be tested; determining electromagnetic scattering dimension of the antenna of the wireless mobile terminal to be tested and an electromagnetic scattering body in a predetermined spatial area in the test environment; and calculating the minimum measurement distance of the antenna of the wireless mobile terminal according to the determined electromagnetic scattering dimension. Electromagnetic scattering dimension of the mobile phone antenna and the electromagnetic scattering body in the predetermined spatial area is determined and measured in a simulated network environment in an electric wave anechoic chamber, and parameters of the minimum measurement distance of the mobile phone antenna can be calculated and obtained. The method has low requirement on environment and is easy to be tested and convenient to be carried out. |
| US08395547B2 |
Location tracking for mobile computing device
A mobile computing device comprises a wireless transceiver and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to store a data set for a predetermined location, the data set comprising location data and a location name. The processing circuit is further configured to compare a current location to the location data, to compare an updated location to the location data at a time calculated based on heuristic data, and to generate a notification message based on the mobile computing device arriving at or near the predetermined location. |
| US08395546B2 |
Receive only smart ground-terminal antenna for geostationary satellites in slightly inclined orbits
A receive only smart antenna with a command pointing option for communicating with geostationary satellites that autonomously detects the directions from which desired signal are received, and steer the multiple beams accordingly. An array feed is used to illuminate a parabolic reflector. Each feed element of the receive only smart antenna is associated with a unique beam pointing direction. As a receiver is switched to different feed elements, the far-field beam is scanned, making it possible to track a geostationary satellite in a slightly inclined orbit. This eliminates the need for mechanical tracking and maintains high antenna gain in the direction of the geostationary satellite. The receive only smart antenna also features capabilities to form multiple simultaneous beams supporting operations of multiple geo-satellites in closely spaced slightly inclined orbits. The designs can support orthogonal beams for enhanced bandwidth capacity via multiple beams with excellent spatial isolation. |
| US08395544B2 |
Method and system for inter-delay product test for signal degradation detection in a GNSS receiver
A GNSS enabled communication device receives GNSS signals from GNSS satellites. The resulting GNSS baseband signals may be concurrently correlated with GNSS acquisition codes. Inter-delay products for the received GNSS signals may be generated utilizing the correlation IQ samples. The inter-delay products are utilized to calculate either an open loop or a close-loop estimate for inter-delay phase coherence of the received GNSS signals. A test statistic, generated from the inter-delay products, may be compared with a preset or dynamically determined threshold value in order to detect or declare signal degradation effects in the received GNSS signals. The early and late delays for the inter-delay phase coherence may be generalized to two or more delays. In this regard, the correlation IQ samples may be utilized to generate a correlation matrix. Variations derived from the correlation matrix may be utilized to declare or detect signal degradation effects in the received GNSS signals. |
| US08395540B2 |
Analog to digital converter
An ADC includes an analog signal input port for receiving analog signals, a reference voltage generation circuit for producing a reference voltage, a controllable switch, a control unit including a counter, an integral circuit, and a comparison circuit. The control unit outputs an on or off signal to turn on or turn off the controllable switch, the counter starts to count when the control unit outputs the off signal. The integral circuit executes an integral action to integrate the reference voltage and output a voltage enhanced gradually when the controllable switch is turned off. The comparison circuit outputs an interrupt signal to cause the counter to stop counting when comparing the voltage output by the integral circuit is higher than the voltage of the analog signals. The control unit determines a digital value corresponding to the analog signals according to a count value of counted by the counter. |
| US08395537B2 |
Methods for compressing and decompressing mifare applications
MIFARE applications (MIA) are organized in at least one sector comprising sector data being arranged in data blocks and a sector trailer. A compressing method for MIFARE application comprises: searching for consecutive occurrences of same data values in the sector data and replacing the detected consecutive data having the same data value by a sequence comprising said data value and a number indicating the number of consecutive sector data having that data value; and/or searching for all different sector trailer values and replacing all sector trailers by references to respective ones of the different sector trailer values. |
| US08395531B2 |
Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly
Devices, systems, and methods for reinforcing a traffic control assembly are provided. In some embodiments, a retrofitted traffic control assembly configured to reinforce a traffic signal assembly in high wind conditions is provided. The reinforcement devices include connection assemblies for reinforcing the portion of a traffic control assembly positioned between a traffic signal disconnect hanger and an upper span wire, for example. In certain embodiments, one or more stiffening members may be placed in, on, or adjacent to a traffic signal and/or a traffic signal disconnect hanger to further reinforce the traffic signal assembly. |
| US08395530B2 |
Traffic control system
A traffic control system for converting an intersection into a roundabout during periods of heavy traffic includes a mechanism for monitoring traffic flow through the intersection and about the roundabout. The system also includes a concave opening in and around the intersection and a concrete disc disposed in the cavity, a hydraulic lift is constructed and arranged to elevate the concrete disc above the level of the road and lights provided to alert motor vehicles to enter a roundabout defined by the elevated disc. The system also includes traffic lights for alerting a motor vehicle operator to drive onto the disc or around the disc to use the intersection and/or roundabout. |
| US08395524B2 |
Data communication for refrigerated merchandisers
A merchandiser communication system including a first plurality of merchandisers arranged in a first row and a second plurality of merchandisers arranged in a second row. Each of the merchandisers includes a light assembly coupled to a case to illuminate a product display area, a light sensor coupled to the case to detect light pulses, and a microcontroller. The light sensor is in visual proximity with one or more of the adjacent merchandisers located across the aisle. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the light assembly and the light sensor to operate the light assembly to encode the signal in light pulses of the light assembly that are not detectable by a human eye. The communication system also includes a visible light-based communication network in communication with the merchandisers and is operable to communicate the encoded light pulses among the merchandisers via the light assemblies and the light sensors. |
| US08395523B2 |
Method and system for preventing fuel theft
A method and system for preventing fuel theft includes one or more tamper detection sensors mounted on a fuel dispenser, the tamper detection sensors being operable to detect dislocation of one or more portions of the fuel dispenser's shell. A dispenser security controller is communicatively coupled to the one or more tamper detection sensors and is operable to generate a trigger signal in response to receiving a tamper detection signal from the one or more tamper detection sensors. A dispenser transaction-termination switch is electrically coupled to the fuel dispensing circuit and in signal communication with the dispenser security controller and is operable to simulate a fuel pump handle hang up and/or a transaction not-authorized condition in response to a trigger signal from the dispenser security controller. |
| US08395520B2 |
Device for monitoring voltage of motherboard
A device for monitoring a voltage of a motherboard includes a first monitoring circuit, a second monitoring circuit, and an indicating circuit. The first and monitoring circuits are connected to output a control voltage. A value of the control voltage is determined according to a value of the voltage of the motherboard. The control voltage is reduced to control the indicating circuit. The indicating circuit indicates whether the voltage of the motherboard is normal. |
| US08395517B2 |
Filter monitoring device
A filter monitoring device which detects variances in pressure of fluid flowing through a filter element in a filter assembly includes (1) an indicator for conveying data of changes in the differential pressure of the fluid in the filter assembly and (2) a temperature sensor for transmitting data showing any changes in temperature of the fluid being filtered. A microcontroller converts data received about changes in differential pressure and temperature sensing means to digital format and transmits the data along two differential digital lines to a driver and output connector. |
| US08395507B2 |
H-field shaping using a shorting loop
In one embodiment the present invention includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) system with a shorting loop. The shorting loop at least partially surrounds the antenna. The shorting loop distorts the electromagnetic field generated by the antenna to improve the definition of the border of the read region of the antenna. In this manner, the RFID system provides more accurate discrimination between RFID tags inside the read region versus RFID tags outside the read region (i.e., improves the accuracy of determining that a particular RFID tag is inside the read region). |
| US08395506B2 |
Method and system for identifying missing items
A system for identifying a lost or stolen device includes a transmitter, a receiver and a computer. The transmitter is coupled to the device and transmits identification information. The receiver receives the identification information transmitted by the transmitter when the transmitter is within a defined distance from the receiver. The computer is coupled to the receiver so as to receive the information from the receiver. The computer has a first secure database which stores data associated with lost or stolen devices and which prevents unauthorized access to the data stored therein. The computer compares the information with the stored data, and generates an alarm if the information matches at least some of the stored data. |
| US08395505B2 |
Subset selection of RFID tags using light
Methods and apparatuses for selecting a subset of RFID tags are provided in some embodiments. These methods and apparatuses utilize the susceptibility to light by persistent nodes found in passive tags. Light can be used to intentionally reduce persistence times in a particular subset tags or even an individual tag. Then, persistent nodes can be used as a selection criterion to distinguish previously illuminated tags from non-illuminated tags. In other embodiments, a power circuit receives a RF input source and generates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The circuit includes a bias circuit to supply a gate to source bias, which is independent of the DC output voltage. The circuit further includes a voltage multiplier circuit that is coupled to the bias circuit. The voltage multiplier circuit has MOS transistors with one transistor to receive the gate to source bias. |
| US08395504B2 |
IC label for prevention of forgery
An IC label for prevention of forgery includes: a label substrate which has an adhesive agent for affixing the same to an object; a non-contact IC medium which is provided on the label substrate and has an IC chip for storing predetermined identification information and an antenna for wireless transmission of the identification information; and a security function portion which is provided on the label substrate and prevents replication. |