Document Document Title
US08458477B2 Communication with non-repudiation
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to compare a first hashed value of at least a first decryption key, the first decryption key received from a sender, to a second hashed value of at least a second decryption key that has been received as a signed value from a receiver. Further operations may include sending the first decryption key to the receiver and sending the signed value to the sender upon determining that the first hashed value matches the second hashed value. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US08458475B2 Systems and methods for product authentication
The present invention relates to both systems and methods for product authentication. A system used herein, for example, comprises a population of entities which comprises at least two distinct clusters of entities having detectable counts or relative counts of entities per cluster; a measurement system capable of measuring a signature array of said population of entities; and a means for analyzing said signature array. The methods involve the systems of the invention for authenticating a given product.
US08458474B2 Method of authenticating an entity by a verification entity
A method of authenticating an entity by a verification entity, said entities sharing a pair of secret keys X and Y which are n×m (n, m>i) binary matrices. The method may be applied to cryptographic protocols for authenticating electronic chips at a very low cost.
US08458470B2 Authentication in data management
Systems and methods for authentication in a data management system are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises identifying a plurality of data ciphers based on a pre-defined set of properties associated with a plurality of data sources; and generating an authentication response having at least a subset of the identified plurality of data ciphers, wherein the authentication response authenticates access to at least some data sources from among the plurality of data sources.
US08458467B2 Method and apparatus for adaptive application message payload content transformation in a network infrastructure element
Application message payload data elements are transformed within a network infrastructure element such as a packet data router or switch. The network element has application message transformation logic for receiving one or more packets representing an input application message logically associated with OSI network model Layer 5 or above; extracting an application message payload from the input application message; identifying one or more first content elements in the application message payload; transforming the first content elements into one or more second content elements of an output application message; and forwarding the output application message to a destination that is identified in the input application message. Transformations performed in the network element can include field reordering, field enrichment, field filtering, and presentation transformation.
US08458466B2 System and method for handling cross-platform system call in a hybrid system
A system and associated method for handling a system call in a hybrid system. The hybrid system comprises a first computer system and a second computer system coupled to the first computer system at a respective kernel of the respective computer system. A user application of the first computer system requests a kernel service by invoking a system call to a first kernel. The first kernel determines that the system call is remotely executed by a second kernel of the second computer system. The system call and associated parameters are converted to be executable in the second computer system and transferred to the second computer system. The second computer system executes the system call and a result is returned to the first computer system. The result is reversely converted for the first computer system and the user application receives the result.
US08458465B1 Biometric authentication
A biometric authentication system is disclosed that provides a trusted third party biometric authentication capability for independent confirmation of identity of parties. A repository of biometric templates for registered parties is disclosed that permit a biometric authenticator to perform independent authentication services for other parties by matching received biometric information against biometric information in the repository, or by providing requested biometric information.
US08458462B1 Verifying integrity of network devices for secure multicast communications
A network device, such as an access control server, verifies the integrity of other network devices requiring access to a secure multicast. The network device receives a health status report from the other network devices and grants or denies access to the secure multicast based on a comparison of the health status report with a set of one or more stored policies. The network device then provides group keys to authorized network devices. The network device may also include a monitoring module that monitors activities of authorized network devices. Where the network device monitors authorized network devices, authorized network devices with behavior that fails to satisfy one or more behavioral policies will have their authorization revoked and will no longer have access to the secure multicast.
US08458461B2 Methods and apparatus for performing authentication and decryption
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing authentication and decryption operations. A record including multiple encrypted blocks is received. An encrypted block in the record is extracted and decrypted first in order to obtain context information for performing authentication operations. Each remaining block is then decrypted and authenticated by using the available context information. Authentication operations can be performed without having to wait for the decryption of all of the blocks in the record.
US08458457B2 Method and system for certificate revocation list pre-compression encoding
Embodiments of the present invention provide a pre-compression encoding capability for encoding a CRL, such as an X.509 CRL, stored as a file, data structure or data object in a computer system having a certification authority (CA) and a security client prior to compression. An exemplary method provides for accessing the CRL contents and performing an encoding procedure.
US08458454B2 Conditional access apparatus
A conditional access apparatus receives a filter condition from another conditional access apparatus to set the filter condition to a filter unit 1 thereof. When key information meeting the above-mentioned filter condition is outputted from the filter unit 1, the conditional access apparatus informs the key information to the other conditional access apparatus, and also informs the filter condition set to the filter unit 1 by the key information control unit 3 to the other conditional access apparatus and acquires key information meeting the above-mentioned filter condition from the other conditional access apparatus.
US08458453B1 Method and apparatus for securing communication over public network
A system and method of providing secure communications between two or more hosts connected to a public network, where a secure virtual network (SVN) is established among the two or more hosts.
US08458449B2 Component drivers for a component of a device
A device including a ready only memory to include component drivers for at least one component of the device, a controller to determine whether a bootable storage device includes at least one operating system, and an embedded application to select and load component drivers onto the device for at least one of the components before installing an operating system from the bootable storage device.
US08458447B2 Branch target buffer addressing in a data processor
A data processor includes a branch target buffer (BTB) having a plurality of BTB entries grouped in ways. The BTB entries in one of the ways include a short tag address and the BTB entries in another one of the ways include a full tag address.
US08458446B2 Accessing a multibank register file using a thread identifier
A processor includes an instruction fetch unit configured to issue instructions for execution, where the instructions are selected from a number of threads, where each given instruction has a corresponding thread identifier, and where at least some of the instructions specify operand(s) via register identifiers. A register file stores operands usable by the instructions, and may include several banks, each corresponding to a register identifiers and including several entries corresponding to the several threads, wherein the entries are configured to store data values. In response to receiving a request to read a particular register identifier for a given thread identifier, the register file may be configured to decode the given thread identifier to retrieve entries from the banks that correspond to the given thread identifier. The register file may further select, from among the retrieved entries, a data value corresponding to the particular register identifier to be output.
US08458445B2 Compute units using local luts to reduce pipeline stalls
Reducing pipeline stall between a compute unit and address unit in a processor can be accomplished by computing results in a compute unit in response to instructions of an algorithm; storing in a local random access memory array in a compute unit predetermined sets of functions, related to the computed results for predetermined sets of instructions of the algorithm; and providing within the compute unit direct mapping of computed results to related function.
US08458443B2 VLIW processor with execution units executing instructions from instruction queues and accessing data queues to read and write operands
A processor may include a plurality of processing units for processing instructions, where each processing unit is associated with a discrete instruction queue. Data is read from a data queue selected by each instruction, and a sequencer manages distribution of instructions to the plurality of discrete instruction queues.
US08458441B2 Vector extensions to an interpreted general expression evaluator in a database system
The subject disclosure is directed towards technology by which an expression in a database engine is executed against stacks of data. Each instruction of the expression is evaluated against the data stacks until completed against each data stack, such as by iterating to execute an instruction through the data stacks before executing the next instruction. The data may be arranged in the data stacks (in memory) in various ways, such as to have each data stack contain the data of one database row, (e.g., with the data stack elements comprising column data. Data may be grouped, such as to put the data from different rows into the same data stack.
US08458439B2 Block driven computation using a caching policy specified in an operand data structure
A processor has an associated memory hierarchy including a cache memory. The processor includes an instruction sequencing unit that fetches instructions for processing, an operand data structure including a plurality of entries corresponding to operands of operations to be performed by the processor, and a computation engine. A first entry among the plurality of entries in the operand data structure specifies a first caching policy for a first operand, and a second entry specifies a second caching policy for a second operand. The computation engine computes and stores operands in the memory hierarchy in accordance with the cache policies indicated within the operand data structure.
US08458436B2 Device and memory system for memory management using access frequency information
An integrated memory management device according to an example of the invention comprises an acquiring unit acquiring a read destination logical address from a processor, an address conversion unit converting the read destination logical address into a read destination physical address of a non-volatile main memory, an access unit reading, from the non-volatile main memory, data that corresponds to the read destination physical address and has a size that is equal to a block size or an integer multiple of the page size of the non-volatile main memory, and transmission unit transferring the read data to a cache memory of the processor having a cache size that depends on the block size or the integer multiple of the page size of the non-volatile main memory.
US08458429B2 Memory controller idle mode
An apparatus and method for dynamically modifying one or more operating conditions of a memory controller in an electronic device. Operating conditions may comprise clock frequency and power, which may be modified or removed. Dynamic modification of operating conditions may be done for purposes of optimizing a parameter, such as power consumption. A mode, referred to as idle mode, may be used as a transitional or operational mode for the memory controller. The performance of the memory controller may dynamically vary in response to changes in its operating conditions. As such, the memory controller may comprise multiple modes, or submodes, of operation. The performance of the memory controller may depend on the type of memory it controls, for instance Double Data Rate (DDR) Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM).
US08458427B2 Synchronization system and related integrated circuit
A synchronization system includes a memory and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a write interface for writing data in said memory with a first clock signal, wherein the write interface is configured for operating with a write pointer in response to a write command, a read interface for reading data from said memory with a second clock signal, wherein the read interface is configured for operating with a read pointer in response to a read command, a synchronization circuit for synchronizing said write pointer and said read pointer with a synchronization latency, and an elaboration circuit for elaborating data in memory with an elaboration latency, wherein the elaboration latency is smaller than the synchronization latency.
US08458421B2 Volume management apparatus and storage system
The present invention allocates a suitable physical device to each volume page according to the state transition command relating to paired volumes. A plurality of logical devices forming a logical storage area of a plurality of physical devices of varying performance are tiered according to the performance of the physical devices to form a pool volume, and each of the areas of the primary logical volume, secondary logical volume and pool volume are managed by a controller, divided into a primary page, secondary page and pool page. Upon receiving a pair formation-related command from the host computer, the controller allocates pool pages belonging to the same tier to the primary page and secondary page, and upon subsequently receiving a pair-related state transition command, the controller allocates a pool page, in a different tier from the primary page, to the secondary page.
US08458412B2 Transaction based shared data operations in a multiprocessor environment
The apparatus and method described herein are for handling shared memory accesses between multiple processors utilizing lock-free synchronization through transactional-execution. A transaction demarcated in software is speculatively executed. During execution invalidating remote accesses/requests to addresses loaded from and to be written to shared memory are tracked by a transaction buffer. If an invalidating access is encountered, the transaction is re-executed. After a pre-determined number of times re-executing the transaction, the transaction may be re-executed non-speculatively with locks/semaphores.
US08458411B2 Distributed shared memory multiprocessor and data processing method
A distributed shared memory multiprocessor that includes a first processing element, a first memory which is a local memory of the first processing element, a second processing element connected to the first processing element via a bus, a second memory which is a local memory of the second processing element, a virtual shared memory region, where physical addresses of the first memory and the second memory are associated for one logical address in a logical address space of a shared memory having the first memory and the second memory, and an arbiter which suspends an access of the first processing element, if there is a write access request from the first processing element to the virtual shared memory region, according to a state of a write access request from the second processing element to the virtual shared memory region.
US08458410B2 Integrated circuit for executing external program codes and method thereof
An integrated circuit for executing external program codes comprises a processor, a read only memory for storing program codes of a first routine and a second routine, and a random access memory comprising a first memory block and a second memory block. The processor executes the first routine and uses a plurality of first memory units in the first memory block for accessing data. The processor executes the second routine and uses a plurality of second memory units in the first memory block for accessing data. The first and second memory units comprise one or more common memory units. The processor executes a third routine stored in an external read only memory and accesses the data of the third routine in the second memory block.
US08458407B2 Device and method for generating cache user initiated pre-fetch requests
A method for generating cache user initiated pre-fetch requests, the method comprises initiating a sequence of user initiated pre-fetch requests; the method being characterized by: determining the timing of user initiated pre-fetch requests of the sequence of user initiated pre-fetch requests in response to: the timing of an occurrence of a last triggering event, a user initiated pre-fetch sequence delay period and a user initiated pre-fetch sequence rate.
US08458405B2 Cache bank modeling with variable access and busy times
Various embodiments of the present invention manage access to a cache memory. In one embodiment, a set of cache bank availability vectors are generated based on a current set of cache access requests currently operating on a set of cache banks and at least a variable busy time of a cache memory includes the set of cache banks. The set of cache bank availability vectors indicate an availability of the set of cache banks. A set of cache access requests for accessing a set of given cache banks within the set of cache banks is received. At least one cache access request in the set of cache access requests is selected to access a given cache bank based on the a cache bank availability vectors associated with the given cache bank and the set of access request parameters associated with the at least one cache access that has been selected.
US08458399B2 Methods and structure for determining cache size in a storage system
Methods and structure for automated determination and reconfiguration of the size of a cache memory in a storage system. Features and aspects hereof generate historical information regarding frequency of hits on cache lines in the cache memory. The history maintained is then analyzed to determine a desired cache memory size. The historical information regarding cache memory usage may be communicated to a user who may then direct the storage system to reconfigure its cache memory to a desired cache memory size. In other embodiments, the storage system may automatically determine the desired cache memory size and reconfigure its cache memory. The method may be performed automatically periodically, and/or in response to a user's request, and/or in response to detecting thrashing caused by least recently used (LRU) cache replacement algorithms in the storage system.
US08458395B2 Solid state memory drive and method for receiving and coupling with cassette drive bays
A solid state memory drive includes a first interface for receiving solid state memory cartridges; and a second interface for communicatively coupling the solid state memory drive unit with a host system through a drive bay configured to house a cassette tape drive. A host system then includes at least one drive bay configured to receive either the solid state memory drive or a tape cassette drive. A method includes removing a magnetic tape cassette drive from the drive bay; and inserting a solid state memory cartridge drive into the drive bay so as to communicatively interface the solid state memory cartridge drive and the host system.
US08458394B2 Storage device and method of managing a buffer memory of the storage device
A storage device including a processor to transmit N pages of data from one or more pages in a buffer memory where N is a natural number. The storage device also includes a flash memory to program in parallel the N pages of data to N flash chips. The N pages may be transmitted via one or more channels.
US08458392B2 Upgrading a guest operating system of an active virtual machine
A method and device for upgrading a guest operating system (OS) of an active Virtual Machine (VM). The method includes: replicating the active VM to generate a backup VM; upgrading a guest OS of the backup VM; merging changes to be made to a virtual disk image file during running of the active VM and changes to be made to the virtual disk image file during the upgrading; pausing the backup VM; migrating an active process of a Java application program running in the active VM into the backup VM to generate a backup process; migrating resources occupied by the active process of the Java application program into the backup VM such that the backup process occupies the same resources; and resuming running of the backup VM. The device includes: a replicating unit; an upgrading unit; a merging unit; a migrating unit; and a control unit.
US08458385B2 Chip having register to store value that represents adjustment to reference voltage
A chip includes a receiver circuit that uses a reference voltage to receive a data signal such that a logic level of the received data signal is determined using the reference voltage, and a register to store a value that represents an adjustment to the reference voltage.
US08458383B1 Flexible interface for stacked protocol in a programmable integrated circuit device
On programmable device, each layer of a programmable interface, for a protocol which has a protocol stack including at least a physical layer, a data link layer and a transaction layer, is selectably bypassable. When a layer is bypassed, all other layers downstream of that layer also are bypassed. In addition, the interface may be divided into different clock domains running at different clock rates, reflecting clock rates within the programmable device and outside the programmable device. Layers may be bypassed to allow a user to substitute a custom layer in programmable logic, or to substitute an updated layer for debugging purposes.
US08458380B2 Off-line task list architecture utilizing tightly coupled memory system
A flexible and reconfigurable digital system (for example, a wireless modem) includes a set of sub-circuits. Each sub-circuit includes a task manager and an amount of configurable hardware circuitry for performing a type of operation on a data stream. The task manager of a sub-circuit can configure and control the configurable hardware of the sub-circuit. A central processor configures and orchestrates operation of the sub-circuits by maintaining a set of task lists in a tightly coupled memory. Each task list includes task instructions for a corresponding sub-circuit. The task manager of a sub-circuit reads task instructions from its task list and controls its associated hardware circuitry as directed by the instructions. A timestamp task instruction and a push task instruction and the task list architecture allow modem sub-circuits to be easily reconfigured to operate in accordance with either a first air interface standard or a second air interface standard.
US08458377B2 DMA engine capable of concurrent data manipulation
Disclosed is a method and device for concurrently performing a plurality of data manipulation operations on data being transferred via a Direct Memory Access (DMA) channel managed by a DMA controller/engine. A Control Data Block (CDB) that controls where the data is retrieved from, delivered to, and how the plurality of data manipulation operations are performed may be fetched by the DMA controller. A CDB processor operating within the DMA controller may read the CDB and set up the data reads, data manipulation operations, and data writes in accord with the contents of the CDB. Data may be provided from one or more sources and data/modified data may be delivered to one or more destinations. While data is being channeled through the DMA controller, the DMA controller may concurrently perform a plurality of data manipulation operations on the data, such as, but not limited to: hashing, HMAC, fill pattern, LFSR, EEDP check, EEDP generation, XOR, encryption, and decryption. The data modification engines that perform the data manipulation operations may be implemented on the DMA controller such that the use of memory during data manipulation operations uses local RAM so as to avoid a need to access external memory during data manipulation operations.
US08458376B1 USB peripheral device with automatic mode switch
A USB peripheral device with a power connector, such as a card reader, which serves as a peripheral device when it is connected to a host device such as a smart phone, while which can directly charge the host device when a charger is plugged in, is disclosed. The peripheral device has a USB connector and a controller. The ID, D+, D− and VBUS pins of the USB connector are connected to the controller and the power connector through a plurality of relays depending upon whether the power connector is connected by a charger or not. The peripheral device can be automatically switched to serve as a B-device or a power bridge transferring power from the charger to the host device.
US08458370B1 Method and system for supporting multiple display interface standards
A method and system for supporting multiple display interface standards are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a computing device, which includes a processing unit and a display interface. The display interface further includes a formatting logic and a set of output pins, wherein the formatting logic is configured to derive a first set of output signals conforming to a first display interface standard from a data stream, drive the first set of output signals via a set of output pins to a first display device supporting the first display interface standard, support a second display interface standard instead of the first display interface standard in response to a state change and derive the first set of output signals conforming to the second display interface standard, and drive the first set of output signals via the same set of output pins to a second display device supporting the second display interface standard.
US08458369B2 Automatic peripheral discovery, authorization, and sharing across an internet protocol network
A wireless mesh includes a plurality of user devices. A list is formed that includes information regarding peripheral devices associated with the user devices. One of the user devices identifies one or more of the peripheral devices that correspond to a particular type of peripheral device and selects, from the identified peripheral devices, a particular peripheral device. The particular peripheral device is associated with another user device, and the user device forms a session, with the other user device, that enables the user device to provide commands to the particular peripheral device via the other user device.
US08458367B2 Method and device for handling SMBus messages
An SMBus message handler, an integrated circuit and a method for controlling an SMBus are disclosed which identifies starting address of a program being stored in a memory. Instructions of the program are fetched one after another into a finite-state machine which controls the data transfer between an SMBus interface and a register set in compliance with the instruction present in the finite-state machine. Further, an SMBus test device and a method for controlling a testing system are described which check as to whether a key is input from a second interface. Upon inputting of a key it is mapped to a sequence of instructions for controlling devices connected to the SMBus or transferring data or receiving data from the devices connected to the SMBus.
US08458362B2 Delivering content in multiple formats
Content may be received at an edge location in one format, but delivered to a terminal on an access network in another format. The received content may be transcoded at the edge location. The transcoded content may be stored, or immediately delivered. The transcoded content may be fragmented prior to storage. Multiple copies of the transcoded content may be maintained in multiple formats. These formats may be aligned with one another such that delivery of the content can include delivering portions of the content in one format and other portions of the content in another format.
US08458357B2 Technique for setting network communication parameters
Techniques are disclosed for setting network communication parameters at a network interface based on the types of applications being executed at one or more computer devices that interface with the network. Thus, for example, the network interface can set the communication bandwidth, priority, or combination thereof, for each executing application based on the application type. By setting the network communication parameters for each application based on the application type, the applications can communicate with the network more efficiently.
US08458354B2 Multi-pattern matching in compressed communication traffic
A method for processing data includes accepting a specification of a plurality of patterns, each pattern defining a respective uncompressed sequence of symbols. Multi-pattern matching is applied to an incoming stream of compressed communication traffic containing compression metadata so as to identify the patterns occurring in the stream while using the compression metadata to skip over parts of the stream.
US08458353B2 Method and apparatus for link aggregation in a heterogeneous communication system
Wireless communication devices for communicating via link aggregation in a heterogeneous wireless communication system are disclosed. One such wireless communication device includes logic configured to establish a first communication path between the wireless communication device and a network element, logic configured to discover a peer-to-peer communication link between the wireless communication device and a proxy access terminal, the wireless device and proxy access terminal being separate individual devices, logic configured to establish a second communication path between the wireless communication device and the network element using the discovered peer-to-peer communication link with the proxy access terminal, logic configured to receive data from the network element via both the first and second communication paths, and logic configured to aggregate the received data.
US08458351B2 Substituting content for undesirable content in a web browser
A selection of a menu command that identifies a selected area of a web page as containing undesirable content is detected using a user input device of a client computer system executing a web browser that loads source web content from a group of servers. In response to the detection of the selected menu command, an alternate Internet Protocol (IP) address is substituted for a hostname of a website that provided the undesirable content. The alternate IP address is selected based on a content substitution profile of the client computer system. Using the substituted alternate IP address in response to a content request that identifies the undesirable content, the web page is reloaded with substituted source web content received from a server accessed by the alternate IP address displayed in the selected area of the web page instead of displaying the undesirable content identified in the content request.
US08458346B2 Multiplexer for multi-tenant architectures
A tenant multiplexer in an administrative tenant of a multi-tenant software architecture can call an administrative agent in the administrative tenant and receive, from the administrative agent, an action framework and a trusted connection protocol for accessing each of the plurality of client tenants. The trusted connection protocol can establish, without tenant-specific authentication information, a trusted system connection to an update agent in each of the plurality of client tenants. An action framework can be simultaneously implemented using the update agent of each of at least a subset of the plurality of client tenants under control of the multiplexer via the trusted system connection to begin execution of the software process for the at least the subset of client tenants.
US08458343B2 Signaling for transitions between modes of data transmission
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to signaling for transitions between modes of data transmission. A embodiment of a method includes transmitting a data stream over a data link from a first device to a second device, the data stream operating in a first mode; determining that the data stream is to be changed from the first mode to a second mode; and transmitting a message from the first device to the receiver over a control link, the message indicating that the first device will change the data stream from the first mode to the second mode, the message being sent prior to the change to the second mode.
US08458342B2 Method and apparatus resolving ENUM data collisions
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a telephone Number Mapping (ENUM) system having a subsystem to monitor one or more operations of the ENUM system, determine if ENUM data packets that are received are one of provisioning packets or query packets, send the query packets to a Virtual Internet Protocol (VIP) address of an ENUM domain name system (DNS) server when the ENUM data packets are query packets, send the provisioning packets to a VIP address of an ENUM Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) server when the ENUM data packets are provisioning packets, and cause the subsystem to wait and send traffic to one LDAP server at a time after determining if the ENUM data packets are one of provisioning packets or query packets. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08458338B2 Address translation device and address translation method
In order to more efficiently use port resources, which are finite global address resources assigned to an address translation device, the address translation device holds a session-port assignment table showing a correspondence between an existing session and a local endpoint (port resource) in the address translation device, and a port assignment rule indicating port usage about assignable ports. An address translation unit translates address information of a packet received according to the correspondence between the existing session and the port resource shown in the session-port assignment table, and assigns the port according to the port usage indicated by the port assignment rule for a packet for opening a new session. An assignment rule update unit changes a ratio of the port usage in the port assignment rule while the correspondence between the existing session and the port resource in the session-port assignment table is not changed.
US08458325B2 Information processing apparatus for executing detection of a target network device and its method
An information processing apparatus which stores identification information (MAC address) for detection confirmation of a target network device in advance and executes detection of the target network device by comparing the stored identification information and identification information acquired from the network device on a network repeats executing a request by unicast to a part of addresses in a range of addresses to be detection target and then executing a request by broadcast or multicast until the target network device can be detected.
US08458319B2 System and method for tracking network resources
A system for tracking resource usage in network. In a specific embodiment, the system includes a memory in a distributed-forwarding switch that maintains resource evolution information. A module, which communicates with the memory, is adapted to update the resource evolution information when the resource changes or information associated with the resource changes. In a more specific embodiment, the memory is implemented via plural resource-tracking hash tables associated with forwarding engines in switches connected to a network. Each hash table communicates with a corresponding resource-tracking module that monitors changes in accompanying forwarding engines and updates the hash tables in response thereto. The resource-tracking modules may also selectively provide information in the resource-tracking modules to a user interface in response to queries or control signals originating from a user interface. The changes in one forwarding engine may propagate to other resource-tracking hash tables associated with other forwarding engines located in a given switch or in different switches across the network.
US08458315B2 In-vehicle application platform for vehicle-to-business communication
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for a computer-implemented, in-vehicle application platform (VAP) for conducting vehicle-to-business (V2B) communication. A V2B vehicle application layer resides within the vehicle. The VAP comprises a communication layer facilitating reliable message exchange between this vehicle application layer and V2B business applications. The VAP further comprises a HW abstraction layer encapsulating vehicle-specific interfaces both with regard to the CAN bus and the in-vehicle HMI. According to certain embodiments, these layers of the VAP provide their functionality via open, non-proprietary, and well-defined interfaces, allowing for efficient development of V2B applications and enhancing portability of the latter.
US08458308B1 Operating system fingerprinting
Determining operating system data is disclosed, including receiving a message associated with a network protocol, extracting a set of one or more features from the message, and determining operating system data at least in part by matching one or more features of the message with one or more features of a fingerprint associated with an operating system. An exact match of the features is not required to determine operating system data.
US08458307B2 Method and apparatus for self-assigning network identification codes
A method and apparatus for self-assigning network identification codes to a network device. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining if the network device comprises a default network identification code. If the network identification code comprises a default network identification code, transmitting a first network identification code and determining whether a first response was received to the first network identification code transmission. If no response was received, assigning the first network identification code to the network device. If the first response was received, transmitting a second network identification code and determining whether a second response in response to the second network identification code transmission was received. If so, assigning the second network identification code to the network device.
US08458306B1 Coalescing change notifications in an I/O virtualization system
Efficient and effective mechanisms for coalescing change notifications such as Registered State Change Notifications (RSCNs) are provided. Multiple hosts are connected to an I/O director that allows virtualization of I/O resources including Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) for the various hosts. The I/O director is connected to a Fiber Channel switch. When an RSCN is received by the I/O director, the I/O director queries to Fiber Channel fabric to identify the state change and maintains information about the RSCN so that subsequent redundant RSCNs can be discarded. Change notification information is forwarded to the appropriate hosts connected to the I/O director.
US08458301B1 Automated configuration of network devices administered by policy enforcement
A system and method for dynamic device configuration enabling network and security administrators to define policies that indicate event and alert conditions within their networks. The policies incorporate information about network devices, endpoints connected to those devices, input from external security systems, local endpoint policy compliance, and date/time-of-day to determine whether to generate an event or alert. Events and alerts can be associated with actions that effect changes to network device configurations in order to maintain a desired operational state of the network.
US08458297B2 Technique for configuring data synchronization
A system is provided for configuring data synchronization between two devices. The first device generates a user configuration interface to be presented on the second device. The user interface elicits information from a user regarding a personal information manager (PIM) that is installed on the second device. This information is transmitted to the first device, which downloads to the second device a synchronization application package based on the PIM. The user interface installs the synchronization application on the second device, obtains information regarding data to be synchronized, and transmits that information to the synchronization application.
US08458295B1 Web content distribution devices to stage network device software
A computer network is provided that includes a wide area network and a local area network. The local area network includes an application server, a plurality of client computers, a content delivery server, and a network-attached storage device. The content delivery server has data storage capacity. The content delivery server is operable to be implemented as a supplemental application server when the file server is inoperable. The network-attached storage device has data storage capacity wherein the wide area network transmits data for storage by the network-attached storage device through the content delivery server during a period of low demand for bandwidth between the local area network and the wide area network.
US08458293B1 Network access for non-network-enabled devices
A pocket-size authentication token for authenticating an individual to a network and enabling a wireless network connection for a non-network-enabled device. Authentication token acts as a security token or dongle, supplying credentials of one individual to the network in order to gain access to the network. Authentication token provides the electrical interface and all logic required to communicate with the network, utilizing a wireless network access device. Authentication token provides the electrical interface and all logic required to communicate with the non-network-enabled device. Authentication token transfers data from the non-network-enabled device to the individual's online account.
US08458288B2 Method and apparatus for managing bookmark information for content stored in a networked media server
A method and apparatus for managing bookmark information of a media server through a network based on the UPnP AV standard is disclosed. If a request for bookmarking a content item is made, a bookmark item is created and the created bookmark item is linked to the content item by adding the ID of the created bookmark item to the property information of the content item and recording the ID of the content item to be bookmarked in the created bookmark item.
US08458287B2 Erasure coded storage aggregation in data centers
Embodiments of erasure coded storage aggregation are disclosed. The erasure coded storage aggregation includes storing a data file as erasure coded fragments in a plurality of nodes of one or more data centers. The erasure coded storage aggregation further includes monitoring an access frequency of the data file. Based on the comparison between the access frequency and a predetermined threshold, the data file is either reconstructed from the erasure coded fragments and stored in a storage node or retained as erasure coded fragments in the plurality of nodes of the one or more data centers.
US08458286B2 Flexible wireless advertisement integration in wireless software applications
An advertising architecture is provided that allows advertisements to be tailored for different wireless device types and minimizes transmitted information while maintaining the functionality of Banner Ads.
US08458284B2 Systems and methods for efficient live application migration within bandwidth constrained networks
A system for transferring a live application from a source to a target machines includes memory capture component that monitors and captures memory segments associated with one or more memories, one or more sets of these memory segments comprising one or more applications, the memory segments changing while the live application is in execution. A frequency ranking component organizes the memory segments in an order determined by memory segment change frequency. A link identification component identifies one or more connecting links to one or more sets of peer machines, each set of machines connecting said source machine to said target machine, the link identifier further determining the bandwidth associated with each connecting link. A routing component preferentially routes one or more of the memory segments over said connecting links based on said order.
US08458283B1 Methods and program products for efficient communication of shared file modifications during a collaboration event
A method for communicating modification data for a shared file stored on a network during a video conference wherein a plurality of users modify the shared file, the method comprising a first video conference participant communicating modifications to make to a first version of a shared file to a conference server, the conference server using the modifications to modify the first version of the shared file stored on a network to thereby create a current version of the shared file, a shared file property changing with the modification to a current property. At least a second video conference participant communicating a shared file property that corresponds to the first version of the shared file to the conference server together with a request to be notified of modifications to the shared file and the conference server communicating the modifications made to the first version of the shared file to the at least a second conference participant.
US08458280B2 Apparatus and method for packet transmission over a high speed network supporting remote direct memory access operations
A mechanism for performing remote direct memory access (RDMA) operations between a first server and a second server over an Ethernet fabric. The RDMA operations are initiated by execution of a verb according to a remote direct memory access protocol. The verb is executed by a CPU on the first server. The apparatus includes transaction logic that is configured to process a work queue element corresponding to the verb, and that is configured to accomplish the RDMA operations over a TCP/IP interface between the first and second servers, where the work queue element resides within first host memory corresponding to the first server. The transaction logic includes transmit history information stores and a protocol engine. The transmit history information stores maintains parameters associated with said work queue element. The protocol engine is coupled to the transmit history information stores and is configured to access the parameters to enable retransmission of one or more TCP segments corresponding to the RDMA operations.
US08458279B2 Advertisement and distribution of notifications using extensible authentication protocol (EAP) methods
An Authorization, Authentication and Accounting (AAA) server acting as a first Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) peer advertises the availability of notifications, and this advertisement may be received and interpreted by a mobile station acting as a second EAP peer. Upon being informed of the availability of the notification message, the mobile station may take action in order to receive the notification message from the AAA server. Alternatively, the mobile station may be able to identify the notification message by analyzing the advertisement. If the contents of the notification message comprise a control message, the mobile station may act on the control message in a way that influences the mobile station's behavior.
US08458275B2 System and method for message processing and routing
A message routing system that allows applications at either end of the system to run as-is without modification. The system functions in a multithreaded environment and is capable of handling complex routing rules and message transformation. It is also capable of learning and executing new routing rules and message transformations in formats previously unrecognized by the system. The system enables precise and reliable logging of messages throughout processing and supports publication of enterprise-wide broadcast messages. The system further preferably employs cooperating inbound and outbound transport processes for consuming, routing, processing, safely storing and publishing messages in batches of logical units of work to ensure that the logical units of work are not lost in system transactions. The system also preferably utilizes a replay server for preserving and replaying messages that might otherwise fail to reach their intended destinations.
US08458273B2 Content rights management for document contents and systems, structures, and methods therefor
A document comprises a body having at least one defined portion therein, each defined portion being represented in the body of the document as a body object, each of the document and each body object therein being rights-managed as protected content based on license terms specified in a digital license. A recipient of the document can render the protected content of each of the document and each body object therein by acquiring the digital license and satisfying the license terms set forth in the digital license.
US08458272B2 Presence system and information processing equipment, dynamic buddy list generation method in presence system, and presence notification destination controlling method and its program for use with presence system
A presentity service client has a presentity that issues presence information to a presence service and a watcher which observes presence information for other presentities; a presence change rule holding part holds a presence change rule; and a presence calculating part changes the presence information for the presentity, using as a trigger a change in presence information of other presentities, based on the presence information of other presentity acquired by the watcher and in accordance with the presence change rule held by a presence change rules holding part.
US08458271B2 Handling email communications having human delegate prepared summaries
The disclosure provides a solution for delegating email messages for human summaries. In the solution, an email message in an inbox of an account holder can be identified, where the email message has a read status of unread. The email message can be from a sender and can comprise email content. The email message can be sent from the inbox of the account holder to a delegate. The delegate can be associated with an email address corresponding to a human who is not the account holder or the sender. A summary can be received for the email content from the delegate. The summary can be presented in a user interface to the account holder. Responsive to presenting the summary, the read status of the email message can be changed from unread to read.
US08458268B1 Systems and methods for distributing spam signatures
A computer-implemented method for distributing spam signatures may include identifying a set of spam e-mails. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying a plurality of clients, each client in the plurality of clients having received at least one e-mail in the set of spam e-mails. The computer-implemented method may further include identifying at least one mailing list by identifying at least one group of clients within the plurality of clients that have received a subset of the set of spam e-mails. The computer-implemented method may additionally include identifying at least one additional spam e-mail sent via the mailing list. The computer-implemented method may also include transmitting information identifying the additional spam e-mail to at least one client on the mailing list. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08458267B2 Distributed parallel messaging for multiprocessor systems
A method and apparatus for distributed parallel messaging in a parallel computing system. The apparatus includes, at each node of a multiprocessor network, multiple injection messaging engine units and reception messaging engine units, each implementing a DMA engine and each supporting both multiple packet injection into and multiple reception from a network, in parallel. The reception side of the messaging unit (MU) includes a switch interface enabling writing of data of a packet received from the network to the memory system. The transmission side of the messaging unit, includes switch interface for reading from the memory system when injecting packets into the network.
US08458264B1 Email proxy server with first respondent binding
An email proxy server receives a registration request from a client having a private email address. The proxy server generates a public email address and associates the public email address with the private email address. Upon receipt of a first email message from a sender having a sender address, the sender address is also associated with the public email address, and a new_from address is generated which is unique. The first and any subsequent email messages which are received with a sender of from@snd.dom and a recipient of public1@flt.dom is sent to the registered recipient by the proxy, using associated sender new_from@snd.dom and registered address private1@rcv.dom. Any reply from the private sender carries the recipient new_from@flt.dom and sender private1@rcv.dom, which are translated by the proxy to from@send.dom and public1@flt.dom, respectively. In this manner, each public address is bound to the first respondent, and is only usable by that respondent.
US08458263B1 Method and apparatus for electronic message archive verification
Method and apparatus for verification of archived message information for electronic messages, such as email messages, from one or more sources in a computer system. An archive verification unit may be configured to receive information that identifies a plurality of electronic messages in a group located in one or more sources, determine which of the plurality of messages in the group are not archived on a message archive system, and provide a report identifying which of the plurality of messages in the group are not archived on the message archive system.
US08458260B2 Information processing unit, content providing server, communication relay server, information processing method, content providing method and communication relay method
An information processing unit which acquires content data from a content providing server and is capable of reproducing the acquired content data, including: a content information acquiring portion for acquiring content information including content data and meta data of the content data; a display control portion which carries out display control for reproducing the content data on a display portion; and a bidirectional communication portion which carries out bidirectional communication with other information processing unit connected to the content providing server, in which, when the content data is reproduced, the bidirectional communication portion selects a communication message to be received from communication messages sent from the other information processing unit corresponding to an execution state of the bidirectional communication.
US08458259B2 Method and apparatus for distributing requests among a plurality of resources
The invention relates to an apparatus for responding to data requests made by a client. The apparatus includes an input receiving a first data request that includes a sequence of nodes corresponding to a sequence of servers. The apparatus also includes decision logic determining whether the data specified in the data request is available on a selected server, and if the data is not available determining a next node from the sequence of nodes. The apparatus also includes a mapper mapping a server to the next node, and an output requesting the data by transmitting a second data request to the server mapped to the next node.
US08458257B2 System and method for identifying transient friends
A system and method for identifying transient friends for a social network of a user are provided. A transient friend processing function obtains locations of a number of users or locations otherwise associated with the number of users. In order to identify transient friends for a first user, the transient friend processing function identifies other users associated with locations within a proximate area of the first user. For each of the identified users, the transient friend processing function compares a user profile of the first user to a user profile of the identified user to determine whether to add the identified user as a transient friend of the first user. If the transient friend processing function determines that the identified friend is to be added as a transient friend of the first user, the identified friend is then added as a transient friend of the first user.
US08458252B2 Minimizing the time required to initiate and terminate an instant messaging session
A system for minimizing the time required to initiate and terminate an instant messaging session. An initial message in an instant messaging session is checked to determine whether it has any significant content. If the received initial message has insignificant content, then a non-intrusive notification is provided to the user, without changing the current focus in the user interface. A pre-composed response message may also be automatically transmitted to the initiating user, requesting that a more significant message be sent. When an initial message in an instant messaging session is received that is determined to have significant content, the user is promptly notified in a different manner, which may be intrusive such that the current focus of the user interface is changed to a new window or the like containing the newly initiated instant messaging session. Detection of instant messaging session termination by the local user triggers a period of special processing of received instant messages from other participants in the terminated instant messaging session. Instant messages received from other participants in the terminated session during this time period that are insignificant farewell messages are processed without disturbing the local user.
US08458251B2 Conference aided system, input board and control method thereof, and program
This invention provides a conference aided system, which is configured by interconnecting a conference management server, an input board having a board surface and used to input handwritten information, and an image storage device via a network, and aids execution of process associated with a conference. The server stores conference information including address information indicating the storage location of image data used in a conference. The server acquires conference information corresponding to an acquisition request of conference information in response to this request sent from the input board, and transmits the conference information to the input board. The input board receives the conference information corresponding to the acquisition request from the server. The input board acquires image data in the image storage device on the network, which is designated by the address information in the conference information. The input board renders the image data on its board surface.
US08458250B2 Request routing using network computing components
A system, method and computer-readable medium for request routing. A DNS server at a content delivery network service provider obtains a DNS query corresponding to a resource requested from a client computing device and associated with a first resource identifier. The first resource identifier includes a first portion with DNS information and a second portion with path information. The DNS server selects a network computing component for processing the requested resource based on the DNS portion of the resource identifier and transmits information identifying the selected network computing component to the client computing device.
US08458245B1 Real time communications system
A computerized human communication arbitrating and distributing system, including a controller digital computer and a plurality of participator digital computers, each of the participator computers including an input device for receiving human-input information from a human user and an output device for presenting information to the user, each said user having a user identity. A connection, such as Internet, links the controller computer with each of the participator computers. Controller software runs on the controller computer to arbitrate in accordance with predefined rules including said user identity, which ones of the participator computers can interact in one of a plurality of groups through the controller computer and to distribute real time data to the respective ones of the groups. Participator software runs on each of the participator computers to handle a user interface permitting one said user to send a multimedia information message to the controller computer, which arbitrates which of the participator computers receive the multimedia information message and conveys the multimedia information message to the selected participator computers to present the multimedia information to the respective user.
US08458243B1 Digital signal processing circuit blocks with support for systolic finite-impulse-response digital filtering
Digital signal processing (“DSP”) block circuitry on an integrated circuit (“IC”) is adapted for use (e.g., in multiple instances of the DSP block circuitry on the IC) for implementing finite-impulse-response (“FIR”) digital filters in systolic form. Each DSP block may include (1) first and second multiplier circuitry and (2) adder circuitry for adding (a) outputs of the multipliers and (b) signals chained in from a first other instance of the DSP block circuitry. Systolic delay circuitry is provided for either the outputs of the first multiplier (upstream from the adder) or at least one of the sets of inputs to the first multiplier. Additional systolic delay circuitry is provided for outputs of the adder, which are chained out to a second other instance of the DSP block circuitry.
US08458240B2 Signal processing with fast S-transforms
The ability to examine the frequency content of a signal is critical in a variety of fields, and many techniques have been proposed to fill this need, including the Fourier and wavelet family of transforms. One of these, the S-transform, is a Fourier based transform that provides simultaneous time and frequency information similar to the wavelet transform but uses sinusoidal basis functions to produce true frequency and globally referenced phase measurements. It has been shown to be useful in several medical imaging applications but its use is limited due to high computational requirements of the original, continuous form. The described embodiments include a general framework for describing linear time-frequency transforms, using the Fourier, wavelet and S-transforms as examples. As an illustration of the utility of this formalism, a fast discrete S-transform algorithm is developed that has the same computational complexity as the fast Fourier transform.
US08458237B2 Binding unit manifest file
An information processing device including: a storage unit for storing a data file including readable content, and a control file including control information corresponding to the data file; and a data processing unit configured to use a filename conversion table, which stores filename conversion information, to convert the filename of a file stored in the storage unit into a virtual file system (VFS) name, to construct a VFS that includes storage data of a disc and storage data of the storage unit, and to perform a data reading process; wherein the data processing unit: compares the control information stored in the control file and data stored in the storage unit, and reads and/or updates the filename conversion table to reconcile the control information stored in the control file and the stored data in the storage unit.
US08458235B2 System and computer program product for file management
On a display unit of a client terminal, a to-be-uploaded folder and a to-be-uploaded file, a display area associated with computer program that provides uploading function, and the like are displayed. When a user operates a mouse and the like such that a pointer is placed on the to-be-uploaded file and performs a drag-and-drop operation into the display area, the to-be-uploaded file is uploaded to a file management server via a network.
US08458229B2 Method and system for projecting and injecting information spaces
An approach is provided for managing projection and injection operations on information spaces with respect to their information content. An information space projection module receives a query to project a first information space from a second information space. In response to the query, the module extracts a subset of information content from the second information space by using a partitioning function. The module also extracts a subset of rules from the second information space by using the partitioning function. The module then creates the first information space using the extracted subset of information content, and the extracted subset of rules while maintains a link between the first and the second information spaces. An information space injection module enables further injection of the first information space back into the second information space.
US08458225B2 Spatially referenced multi-sensory data digitally encoded in a voxel database
A voxel database can store and manage a set of voxel records in a voxel table. Each of the records can have a unique voxel identifier. Each voxel record can include a set of different sensory attributes. The sensory attributes can include visual attributes, spectral signature attributes, olfaction attributes, audition attributes, gustation attributes, somatsensory attributes, and material composition attributes. Uniquely defined voxels of voxel database can be a volume unit on a grid (regular or non-regular) in three dimensional space, which is a voxel space. A correspondence can exist between voxels in the voxel space and volume units of a real world volumetric space from which geospatial data was directly gathered and encoded within the voxel database. Voxel space can be mapped to simulation space. Thus, simulators can consume data of the voxel space to generate three dimensional immersive environments having multisensory output.
US08458224B2 Auditing search requests in a relationship analysis system
A method comprises receiving one or more search requests from one or more users, each search request comprising a request for relationship information that is determined using email data, and each search request including at least one of a first name, a last name, and a company name of a target individual. The method further comprises storing search information associated with the one or more search requests. The search infatuation comprises a plurality of fields including a user identification associated with each of the one or more users, a name of the one or more users, a type of search request received, a name of the target individual, an email address associated with the target individual, and a time at which the search request is received. The method may further comprise generating an audit report based at least in part on the stored search information, wherein the audit report comprises at least one of the plurality of fields. The method further comprises storing the audit report.
US08458222B2 System, method, and data structure for packaging assets for processing and distribution on multi-tiered networks
The present invention provides a system, method, and data structure for packaging assets for processing and distribution over a multi-tiered network. An asset may represent network and/or application components (e.g., data, objects, applications, program modules, etc.) that may be distributed among the various resources of the network. In an embodiment, the package structure includes at least one representation of an asset having a logic/data portion and an asset extended environment portion, and a package extended environment that includes package information associated with at least one asset.
US08458220B2 Method, system and computer-usable medium for early notification of a pending digital video recorder deletion event
A method, system and computer-usable medium for early notification of a pending deletion event by a digital playback device. Programs associated with the digital playback device can be scheduled for deletion in advance by a digital playback device interface manually and/or automatically. A deletion event can be notified through a remote delivery by analyzing scheduled recordings and hard drive space if the digital playback device recognizes a recording is close to the deletion event. The notification of the deletion event can be enabled by configuring a number of notification options maintained for each user profile by the digital playback device at a predefined time. The deletion event can be modified through the remote means, which allows a user to send information back to the digital playback device after a deletion notification is received. The deleted files can be moved to a deleted programs folder from which the program can be recovered and the recording can be irrevocably removed after a time period.
US08458217B1 Instantly built information space (IBIS)
A computer system for generating an Instantly Built Information Space (IBIS) for use with an application program is provided. The application program connects to a data repository. The application program connects to at least one Bookkeeping Information Space (BIS). The address of a main database object of the BIS is placed into a knowledge base pointer. The address of a main database object of the database is placed into a pointer in an object of the BIS. The database and the BIS are included in the IBIS. The BIS is accessed by the application program through the knowledge base pointer and the database is accessed by the application program through the pointer in the object of the BIS.
US08458211B2 Search query hash
Apparatus, systems and methods for search filtering hash map are disclosed. Terms are designated as filtering terms, wherein at least one of the filtering terms includes only one component term, and at least one of the filtering terms includes a plurality of component terms in ordinal positions. A keyword hash map is generated for keywords, each keyword being one of the component terms and being mapped to one or more corresponding hashes in the hash map, and each corresponding hash having a corresponding level and a corresponding status, wherein each level corresponds to an ordinal position of its corresponding component term in a filtering term, and wherein each status designates its corresponding component term in the hash map as one of a filtering term or unfiltered term. The keyword hash map is stored in a memory storage system accessible by a data processing apparatus.
US08458209B2 Virtual world query response system
The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method and computer program product for a virtual world query response system. A set of virtual world entry points in a virtual world database that is responsive to a query is identified. A virtual world entry point is a location within a virtual world. A free shard from a set of free shards is identified. A shard is a virtual world hosted on a server. Custom content associated with the set of virtual world entry points is generated. The custom content is added to the selected free shard to form a custom shard responsive to the query. An entry point of the custom shard is returned to the client.
US08458207B2 Using anchor text to provide context
A search engine can provide referencing information as context for a particular search result when an excerpt from the search result, comprising at least some similar elements to the user's query, is not generated. Referencing information can include one or more anchor texts having similarity to at least some elements of the user's query, the anchor texts being used by referencing pages to link to the page returned as a search result. User selection of the anchor text can enable the user to visit a referencing page using that anchor text to link to the page returned as a search result, and having a high static rank.
US08458200B2 Processing query conditions having filtered fields within a data abstraction environment
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for composing and executing queries using filtered fields. In one embodiment, a query may be composed with compatible fields, meaning filtered fields that store related data of a particular data type. Such compatible fields may be combined into a single query condition, thus simplifying the composition and execution of the query. In one embodiment, fields may be identified as compatible based on metadata included in a database abstraction model.
US08458179B2 Augmenting privacy policies with inference detection
A system is provided for augmenting a privacy policy. During operation, the system obtains a set of training documents and at least one seed keyword associated with the privacy policy. The system extracts a number of candidate keywords from the training documents and formulates at least one query based on the candidate keywords. The system then issues the query to a corpus. In response to the query, the system receives a set of result documents. The system further determines whether a respective keyword extracted from the result documents matches at least one seed keyword. The system then augments the privacy policy by associating the candidate keyword corresponding to the respective keyword with the privacy policy based on the determination. In addition, the system applies the augmented privacy policy to a subject document and produces a result to indicate whether the subject document is in violation of the privacy policy.
US08458177B2 Automated search
A system and method for automated search which may allow users to program their mobile devices to automatically bring up search results when a user or his mobile device meets a certain set of spatial, temporal, activity, or social context conditions.
US08458173B2 Computer-implemented methods and systems for multi-level geographic query
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method is provided for processing a query for points of interest (POIs) using a hierarchical grid structure representing a geographic area. The method includes receiving a query for POIs; defining a query footprint for the query based on a location corresponding to the query, wherein the query footprint comprises query spatial identifiers for a plurality of levels of the hierarchical grid structure; matching the query spatial identifiers with one or more POI spatial identifiers organized into a plurality of indexes, wherein each one of the plurality of indexes comprises an index of the POI spatial identifiers for one of the plurality of levels; and providing an output specifying one or more POIs corresponding to the matched POI spatial identifiers.
US08458168B2 Anticipating interests of an online user
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying intentions related to a user's present intention are provided. The user's present intention may be determined by mapping the user's current actions to a present intent. A related intent may be determined using an intent chain. The intent chain may be generated by analyzing patterns of user activities and mapping the patterns of activities to the underlying intents.
US08458167B2 Client-based index advisor
A common interface to manage heterogeneous databases and develop enterprise class applications is provided. In particular, it is shown that a client-based system and method can: (a) provide a uniform interface for the DBA or the application developer to use across all the database deployments, (b) provide flexibility in the number and kinds of scenarios it can be used, and finally (c) reduce the total cost of ownership for the enterprise.
US08458166B2 Dynamic context definitions in distributed databases
A database query is received including a logical table identifier at a distributed database node within a distributed network of databases. The logical table identifier includes a dynamically-updatable constant column identifier. Local logical table definitions are filtered based upon the logical table identifier and the dynamically-updatable constant column identifier to identify a local logical table associated with the logical table identifier and the dynamically-updatable constant column identifier. A local query response is formed including data retrieved from a local physical database table mapped by the local logical table in response to identifying the local logical table associated with the logical table identifier and the dynamically-updatable constant column identifier. The database query is responded to, in response to forming the local query response, with at least the local query response. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08458163B2 System and method for enabling website owner to manage crawl rate in a website indexing system
Web crawlers crawl websites to access documents of the website for purposes of indexing the documents for search engines. The web crawlers crawl a specified website at a crawl rate that is based on multiple factors. One of the factors is a pre-set crawl rate limit. According to certain embodiments, an owner for a specified website is enabled to modify the crawl rate limit for the specified website when one or more pre-set criteria are met.
US08458160B2 Social network based user-initiated review and purchase related information and advertising
Techniques are provided which include obtaining, from a user, a query for review or purchase information from users in a social network of the user, relating to a product, service or brand that, for example, the user may be considering or intending to purchase. Based at least in part on the query, review or purchase information is obtained from multiple users in a social network of the user, relating to the product, service or brand, and this information is used in formulating a reply to the user. Collected information may also be used in advertising targeted to the user.
US08458158B2 Regionalizing print media management system and method
Systems and methods are provided for use in managing the regionalization of print media. In one system, a master data file having a plurality of different print features may be examined to identify at least one of the print features as a candidate print feature for possible modification in at least one region. For each candidate print feature, the system may receive user input to selectively establish a secondary data file for a print media campaign targeting at least the region in which the print candidate feature may be modified based, at least in part, on an existing regionalized print feature or on a requested regionalized print feature.
US08458157B2 System and method of filtering search results
A system and method of filtering search results is provided. Certain embodiments provide an improved user experience in filtering large sets of data in a computer system through the use of multidimensional associative arrays which allow results to be filtered within a web interface without needing additional calls to web server or online database.
US08458153B2 Web-based services for querying and matching likes and dislikes of individuals
A method for centrally providing a profile of a user's degree of preference for one or more items across categories in a plurality of domains of interest in a taxonomy of preferences is described. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a user's degree of preference for an item from a plurality of indicators. The user's degree of preference for the item is associated with a category in a domain of interest and is stored in a profile of the user. In another embodiment, the profile identifies preferences of the user in a taxonomy of preferences across categories in a plurality of domains of interest.
US08458152B2 System and method for providing highly readable text on small mobile devices
A system which includes a cell phone or other mobile device which uses RSVP (rapid serial visual presentation) to present text information. The mobile device software receives the textual material to be displayed in a mark-up language, preferably XML. The markup language is used to provide information about the actual content being displayed to indicate certain features using enhanced RSVP techniques. To provide these marked-up language files to the mobile device, a backend system is utilized. The backend system receives the files to be read and parses them to provide the markup language based on the desired changes to be used by the advanced RSVP display of the mobile device. The marked up file can be forwarded on a routine basis or can be requested by the user. The mobile device receives the marked up file and displays the material in the enhanced RSVP methods according to the commands.
US08458151B2 Network device and method for updating data of the network device
A network device and method for updating parameters of the network device provides an object adapting interface. The object adapting interface generates a service access interface and a configuration adapting interface. A management agent of the network device sends a requirement command. If the requirement command is a write command, the configuration adapting interface updates configuration parameters of the management agent stored in a configuration database of the network device. If the requirement command is a read command, the service access interface reads configuration parameters stored in the management agent.
US08458148B2 Data governance manager for master data management hubs
Improved data governance solutions to enterprise-level master data storage hubs are provided by implementing data governance functionality across the operational systems, analytical systems, and master data hubs of an enterprise. Data governance functionality is provided across the systems and hubs of an enterprise by providing visibility into the operational data, analytical data, and master data of an enterprise, by providing visibility into the data quality measuring processes that have been executed on the operational and analytical data, and by providing functionality for correcting fragmented, inconsistent, and erroneous information within operational and analytical data.
US08458146B2 Accessing data remotely
A method, apparatus and computer program product to operate a device to access data remotely is described. The processing method includes connecting to a remote data source and transmitting data requests to a remote data source. The device receives responses to the data requests, the responses include data and a flag indicating a status of store, reset or ignore with respect to the respective data request. The device stores the data request in an ordered record when the respective flag is indicating a status of store or reset. Storing a data request in the ordered record may further comprise storing in the record the respective flag, when the respective flag is indicating a status of reset.
US08458142B2 Method and system for deploying an asset over a multi-tiered network
A method for distributing changes to digital assets across a network includes determining an asset type of a first digital asset and comparing the first digital asset to a prior digital asset to determine one or more deltas, the prior digital asset being a prior version of the first digital asset and the delta being a difference between the first digital asset and the prior digital asset. The method further includes evaluating the one or more of the deltas with one or more criteria to determine if the one or more delta assets should be created, the delta asset being a second digital asset containing the respective delta, the criteria determined by the asset type. The method further includes that if the delta meets the criteria, creating the delta asset, and marking the delta asset as a first delta asset of the first digital asset.
US08458141B2 Based on repeated experience, system for modification of express and negating overload from media and optimizing referential efficiency
Content items are revealed to a user based on whether they have been previously reviewed by the user. A number of content items are thus received over time. The content items may be discrete content items, or may be portions of a content stream, and may be received over different media. For each content item, it is determined whether the content item was previously reviewed by a user. Where the content item was not previously reviewed, the item is revealed to the user, such as by being displayed or announced to the user. Where the content item was previously reviewed, the item is hidden from the user, such as by being deleted, by being replaced with an alternative content item, and so on.
US08458135B2 Data backup system
In order to back up a user's set of data (Ens) through a telecommunications network (RT), a terminal (TC) retrieves, from an application server (SA), a table (Tab) containing sets of risk factors (Frn) respectively associated with backup servers (SVn), assigns a trust level (Kn) to each backup server (SVn) identified in the table (Tab) based on the set of risk factors (Frn) associated with the backup server (SVn), selects at least three backup servers based on the trust levels (Kn) respectively assigned to the backup servers (SVn), and transmits the set of data (Ens) to each selected backup server (SVn), which saves the set of data.
US08458134B2 Near continuous space-efficient data protection
A method for providing rolling continuous data protection of source data is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a method includes enabling a user to select source data and establish a first interval when point-in-time copies of the source data are generated. The method further enables the user to specify a first number of point-in-time copies to retain at the first interval. The method further enables the user to specify a second number of point-in-time copies to retain at a second interval, wherein the second interval is a (n≧2) multiple of the first interval. The method further enables the user to specify a third number of point-in-time copies to retain at a third interval, wherein the third interval is a (n≧2) multiple of the second interval. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.
US08458133B2 Coordinating sync points between a non-volatile memory and a file system
Systems and methods for coordinating sync points between a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) and a file system are provided. In some embodiments, a file system can issue one or more commands to control circuitry of a NVM, which can indicate whether a transaction is journaled or non-journaled. This way, the control circuitry can maintain a list of journaled transactions and corresponding LBA(s). By keeping track of journaled transactions, the control circuitry can ensure that sync points are not prematurely erased during a garbage collection process. In addition, upon detecting device failure events, the control circuitry can roll back to sync points corresponding to one or more journaled transactions.
US08458129B2 Methods and systems for real-time continuous updates
Embodiments of the present invention provide fine grain concurrency control for transactions in the presence of database updates. During operations, each transaction is assigned a snapshot version number or SVN. A SVN refers to a historical snapshot of the database that can be created periodically or on demand. Transactions are thus tied to a particular SVN, such as, when the transaction was created. Queries belonging to the transactions can access data that is consistent as of a point in time, for example, corresponding to the latest SVN when the transaction was created. At various times, data from the database stored in a memory can be updated using the snapshot data corresponding to a SVN. When a transaction is committed, a snapshot of the database with a new SVN is created based on the data modified by the transaction and the snapshot is synchronized to the memory. When a transaction query requires data from a version of the database corresponding to a SVN, the data in the memory may be synchronized with the snapshot data corresponding to that SVN.
US08458128B2 Minimal extensions required for multi-master offline and collaboration for devices and web services
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates managing data consistency in connection with a plurality of devices. A collection of devices can be associated with a user. A web service can receive a portion of data from at least one device via an interface component, wherein the web service can host and relate the portion of data with an account for the user. A master sync component can leverage a computing resource from at least one device in order to maintain data consistency between at least one of the following: two or more devices within the collection of devices associated with the user; or the account hosted by the web service and two or more devices within the collection of devices associated with the user.
US08458123B2 Load balancing in parallel database systems using multi-reordering
Load balancing in a parallel database system is performed using multi-reordering, in which a sequence of multiple processors (two, three, or more) that have small average load (for example, the smallest of any such sequence) is selected to participate in load balancing. In the case of three adjacent low-load processors, the load of all three is evenly distributed over two of them, and the remaining processor becomes a free processor. The free processor is moved adjacent to a high-load processor, the load of which is then shared with the free processor. Data is moved in a “transaction” so that the view of data is always consistent. The database continues to service requests from a former location while data undergoes a transfer.
US08458122B2 Document management systems, apparatuses and methods configured to provide document notification
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for providing document management services to a terminal, wherein a document notification is provided to one or more notification destinations.
US08458121B2 Predisposition prediction using attribute combinations
A method and system are presented in which predisposition predictions are generated for an individual with respect to an attribute indicated in a query. The predictions are based on the identification of predisposing attribute combinations within the attribute profile of the individual and statistical results that indicate the strength of association of the identified attribute combinations with the query attribute.
US08458118B1 Dynamic configuration for networked imaging devices
The different advantageous embodiments provide a dynamic configuration system comprising a number of networks, a number of imaging devices, and a dynamic host configuration protocol server. The dynamic host configuration protocol server is configured to execute a dynamic configuration process to place the number of imaging devices into the number of networks.
US08458116B2 Generating a power model for an electronic device
An apparatus that generates a power model for an electronic device, an apparatus that operates in accordance with a generated power model, and methods for generating a power for an electronic device are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a method of generating a power model for the electronic device includes reducing training data to identify a subset of operating parameters of an electronic device that contribute most to power consumption of the electronic device and generating the power model for the electronic device based on the reduced training data. The power model is operative to predict a power consumption value corresponding to the electronic device responsive to a set of operating parameter values corresponding to operation of the electronic device.
US08458115B2 Mining topic-related aspects from user generated content
Described herein is a technology that facilitates efficient automated mining of topic-related aspects of user generated content based on automated analysis of the user generated content. Locations are automatically learned based on dividing documents into document segments, and decomposing the segments into local topics and global topics. Techniques described herein include, for example, computer annotating travelogues with learned tags, performing topic learning to obtain an interest model, and performing location matching based on the interest model.
US08458114B2 Analog computation using numerical representations with uncertainty
Some general aspects relate to systems and methods of analog computation using numerical representation with uncertainty. For example, a specification of a group of variables is accepted, with each variable having a set of at least N possible values. The group of variables satisfies a set of one or more constraints, and each variable is specified as a decomposition into a group of constituents, with each constituent having a set of M (e.g., M
US08458110B2 Verification support apparatus, verification support method, and computer product
A verification support apparatus includes an identifying unit that, by using a pre-change specification and a post-change specification given before and after a specification change in a subject to be verified, identifies an area that has changed from among a plurality of specification items included in the post-change specification and a selecting unit that selects a specification item from among the areas identified by the identifying unit. The verification support apparatus further includes a searching unit that, by referring a transition graph concerning the specification items included in the post-change specification and by tracing specification items as origins of transitions from a starting point that is the specification item selected by the selecting unit, searches for a route made up of specification items affected by the specification change; and an output unit that outputs a search result of the searching unit.
US08458105B2 Method and apparatus for analyzing and interrelating data
A method for automatically organizing data into themes, the method including the steps of retrieving electronic data from at least one data source, storing the data in a temporary storage medium, querying the data in the storage medium using a computer-based query language, identifying themes within the data stored in the storage medium using a computer program including an algorithm, and organizing the data stored in the storage medium into the identified themes.
US08458104B2 System and method for solving multiobjective optimization problems
A system and method for solving a set of optimization problems initializes a current region of solutions for the set of optimization problems, performs a reduction phase, and provides the optimal solutions within the current region. The reduction phase creates a random sample of points within the current region and identifies a subregion of the current region that very likely does not contain any optimal solutions. The identified subregion is then removed from the current region. If the current region does not satisfies one or more convergence criteria, the process loops back to create another random sample of points and repeats the above-described steps. If, however, the current region does satisfy the convergence criteria, the optimal solutions within the current region are provided to the output device.
US08458102B2 User behavior-based remotely-triggered automated actions
An action is triggered by receiving information related to a predicted destination of a user, accessing a library that maps user actions to destinations, determining that at least one of the destinations in the library corresponds with the predicted destination of the user and at least one of the destinations in the library, identifying a user action, within the library, that is associated with the destination determined to correspond with the predicted destination of the user, and triggering the user action.
US08458101B2 Method for configuring installation capacities of hybrid energy generation system
A method for installation capacities of a hybrid energy generation system is disclosed. The hybrid energy generation system may include a plurality of power systems. According to the environment factors and practical requirements of the installation site, the mechanism of the present invention may find the golden ratio of the installation capacities among the different power systems. Furthermore, the present invention may obtain the combination of installation capacities associated with the minimum recovery period, thereby further decreasing the installation cost and the efficiency of the hybrid energy generation system.
US08458095B2 Location-based rules for a financial account
According to some embodiments, a system comprises an interface and one or more processors. The interface receives a request for a transaction from a primary user of a financial account. The processor(s) determine rules associated with the primary user. The rules indicate whether an administrator has authorized the primary user to make the transaction, and at least one of the rules includes comparing a location associated with the request to one or more approved locations from which the primary user is authorized to make the transaction. The processor(s) process the transaction according to the rules.
US08458091B2 System and method for prioritizing processing of payment instructions
A prioritizing system and method are disclosed for prioritizing processing of payment instructions through a payment instruction processing system of a business entity. The method includes identifying a first set of rules determining a prioritization among a set of payment instructions. These include payment instructions related to payments from nostro accounts associated with the business entity and processed by other business entities. Also, the payment instructions have data fields for qualitative and quantitative attributes describing the payment instructions. The method also includes holding and ordering the payment instructions in a queue, determining a first sequence ordering the payment instructions in the queue based upon the first set of rules, and initiating processing of the payment instructions in the queue according to the first sequence.
US08458090B1 Detecting fraudulent mobile money transactions
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for detecting a fraudulent mobile money transaction. The method includes determining a reputation score for at least one customer based on historical data, determining multiple patterns related to fraudulent mobile money transaction activities by using the reputation score and the historical data, automatically detecting at least one of the patterns in mobile money transactions incoming from at least one other customer, and classifying the at least one detected pattern as a fraudulent mobile money transaction or a genuine mobile money transaction.
US08458088B2 Money transfer smart phone methods and systems
A method includes establishing a first funds transfer account associated with a first device and a second funds transfer account with a second device, funding at least the first fund account, and selecting the second device as the recipient of a funds transfer from the first device. The method further includes sending a communications link request from the first device to the second device and receiving acceptance of the communications link request from the second device. The method then establishes a communications link between the first device and the second device, initiates a funds transfer from the first device to the second device, wherein the amount is designated at the first device, and verifies the funds transfer amount, the first funds transfer account, and the second funds transfer account. Then, the method transfers the amount to the second funds transfer account associated with second device.
US08458084B2 Investor social networking website
A social networking website system for an individual investor to join as a member, to meet online with other investors and discuss investing. The social network facilitates finding and communicating among like-minded individuals by providing the investor with a plurality of searching tools for searching a member profile page, a portfolio, and provides online communication tools such as a chat room, a forum and video posting. The member easily researches important information regarding stocks, commodities, bonds, foreign currency, futures, and other types of financial instruments by entering a ticker symbol that becomes a prefix key linking to an online data synopsis about the investment. The investor social networking system also provides a member a mechanism for placing orders to buy or sell financial instruments through the website.
US08458083B2 Total structural risk model
The present invention generally relates to financial data processing, and in particular it relates to credit scoring, consumer profiling, consumer behavior analysis and modeling. More specifically, it relates to risk modeling using the inputs of credit bureau data, size of wallet data, and, optionally, internal data.
US08458080B2 Bicycle suspension control apparatus
A bicycle suspension control apparatus is basically provided with a power supply sensor and a controller. The power supply sensor detects a power level of a power supply being supplied from the power supply to electrically adjustable front and rear suspensions. The controller is configured to selectively change at least one electrically adjustable suspension parameter of each of the front and rear suspensions. The controller receives a power level signal from the power supply sensor. The controller prohibits changing the electrically adjustable suspension parameter of the rear suspension upon the power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level. The controller permits changing the electrically adjustable suspension parameter of the front suspension upon the power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below the first prescribed power level.
US08458075B2 Method and apparatus for commodity sourcing management
A method for commodity sourcing management or commodity management includes identifying a plurality of divisions of commoditization. A plurality of sourcing options for at least one of the divisions of commoditization are identified, as well as a plurality of financial instruments. The method includes correlating the plurality of divisions of commoditization, the sourcing options and the financial instruments so that they are commonly commensurable for analysis.
US08458068B2 Monitoring in an automated clearing house processing environment
Systems, methods, and computer program products provide for monitoring activities related to Automated Clearing House (ACH) processing and, in specific embodiments, monitoring activities related to ACH in processing in shared ACH processing environment in which two or more financial institutions share access to the shared ACH processing platform. The monitoring provides for determining that events associated with a respective monitored ACH processes trigger a respective alarm, generating the alarm messages based on the triggering events and providing for computer network access to results of the monitoring including the one or more alarm messages. As such the present invention provides real-time visibility to process owners regarding the health of their processes. Thereby, allowing the process owners the ability to address processing problems as they occur and mitigate overall risk involved in the processing.
US08458067B2 System and method for emergency tracking
An emergency tracking system and method is disclosed that determines location information of individuals based upon travel information and financial transaction information, receives crisis information related to a crisis and determines a subset of individuals potentially impacted by the crisis based on the location information. The system may also notify a third party regarding the subset of individuals and send message to the subset of individuals, wherein the message includes alternative arrangements to at least one of minimize or avoid the crisis. The system also allows an employer to enter search criteria to locate certain types of employees and view such employees on a graphical display of a map.
US08458064B1 System and method for transferring electronic account information
Systems and methods enable transfer of electronic account information from a first account provider to a second account provider. Through a receiving account provider system, an interface is presented to the user, the interface comprising a display of one or more selectable accounts associated with a first account provider. The user then selects one or more accounts to transfer and then the receiving account provider system effects the transfer of information from that selected account or accounts to an account associated with the receiving account provider system.
US08458062B2 Real-time product matching
A system and method for providing real time financial product matching is disclosed. In one embodiment, the real time financial product matching system may store one or more financial product data records. Each financial product data record may be associated with a financial product. The real time financial product matching system may receive a customer data record associated with a customer, the customer data record including a customer preference related to financial products. The real time financial product matching system may then match the customer with one or more financial products in real time by comparing the customer data record to the one or more financial product data records. And, the real time financial product matching system may present the matched one or more financial products to the customer in real time.
US08458061B1 Method of structuring and administering borrower financing
A loan structured to require payment of lower monthly payments in payment periods than would be required were conventional loan structuring be applied, accompanied by payment of at least one higher “Mini-Baloon”™ payment.
US08458058B2 System and method for determining tax liability in response to a mobility
A tax event system is configured to evaluate a taxable event that gives rise to tax liability in multiple jurisdictions. The system provides for real time determination of location information (e.g. work location, residence location, assignment location, and the like) for the calculation of tax liability. Such real time analysis allows for transactions to be settled and tax liability to be satisfied in time periods prescribed by various regulating authorities.
US08458054B1 Method, medium, and system for suggesting images for items without images in listings data
Technologies for providing suggestions of images for items without images in listings data are described herein. Item details regarding a number of items to be listed in online marketplace are received from a seller, validated, and processed before being merged in an item catalog. Those items submitted without image data specifying one or more images for the item are identified. An image index maintained in the online marketplace system and indexing images for popular items by keyword is searched to locate a number of images related to the items with missing image data. The items with missing image data are presented to the seller along with suggested images for the item. The seller selects one or more of the suggested images and the images are added to the listings data for the item before being merged into the item catalog.
US08458051B1 System, method and computer program of managing subscription-based services
A method of managing subscription-based services is disclosed and includes receiving configuration data from a third-party service provider at a subscription service management system, where the configuration data indicates details of a subscription-based service plan to be fulfilled by the third-party service provider. The method also includes receiving a request from a consumer to receive a service corresponding to the subscription-based service plan, where the request is received at the subscription service management system via an online site. The method also includes activating the service on behalf of the consumer, wherein the consumer is to receive the service during the subscription period. Further, the method includes sending at least one message to the third-party service provider during the subscription period, wherein the at least one message is related to a time-based trigger event associated with the subscription-based service plan.
US08458050B2 Interactive product configurator that allows modification to automated selections
A product configurator includes a constraint based network that includes a plurality of nodes. The configurator receives one or more user selections and generates one or more automatic selections to form a complete configuration. The configurator receives a request to change the configuration after forming the complete configuration, and retracts the automatic selections. For each of the retracted automatic selections, the configurator determines if the retracted automatic selection is a configuration-defining selection and reasserts the configuration-defining selections.
US08458049B2 Identifying a secondary designation of an item
An item designation machine receives a seller-generated description of an item available for sale. The description is received from a seller of the item. The item designation machine identifies a proposed designation of the item based on the description of the item and presents the proposed designation to the seller. Where the seller refuses the proposed designation and selects a primary designation of the item distinct from the proposed designation, the item designation machine receives the selection from the seller and identifies the proposed designation as a secondary designation of the item. The item designation machine stores the primary and secondary designations in an item record within an item database of the network-based publication system. The item record indicates that the item is a specimen of the primary and secondary designations. The item designation machine lists the item as available for sale.
US08458047B1 Methods for viral marketing with visual communications
Methods for providing a payment account enabling an accountholder of the account to obtain discounts on purchases made at point of sale terminals of a plurality of different merchants and to pay for the purchases with the provided account. Methods further include providing an accountholder of the payment account an online user-account that enables the accountholder to access websites corresponding to the plurality of different merchants and to obtain a discount on each online purchase made at said websites by virtue of said access to a website at which said online purchase is made from said online user-account. The methods further include providing payment accounts to persons sponsored by the accountholder and to individuals sponsored by such sponsored persons and paying commissions to the accountholder based upon purchases made at point of sale terminals of the plurality of different merchants by persons or individuals within such a sponsored network.
US08458045B1 Electronic auction processing and database system
Systems, methods and computer program products for processing inputs of various formats to be used in an auction are described. In some implementations, a conversion application can be used to assist a user in setting a conversion ratio by which a service can be valued (e.g., for converting values between commercial and proprietary currency). In some implementations, a cash value of the service to be rendered can be defined. In these implementations, the conversion application can facilitate the determination of an appropriate conversion ratio by which the cash value can be converted to other currency value (e.g., to other proprietary currency).
US08458043B2 Web-based product ordering method
Call center order system and process allows a customer service representative to make remote calls to a server to perform shopping cart actions, all on one web page. Historically, representatives would need to enter client information and product information on several different web pages to satisfy a purchase. Eventually, the representative would have “loaded” several different pages to enter product and customer information. This method resulted in a high amount of errors and increased the risk of fraud. The system utilizes AJAX and dynamic HTML technology. The representative is able to add, update, or remove products in the cart without waiting for the page to “refresh” after every action. Cart actions are flagged with a “ticking” indicator bar. Orders may be placed in a “queue” instead of loading a different page. A mild fraud mode to allow multiple orders is also described. A storefront is used in this process.
US08458041B1 Method, medium, and system for reducing fraud by increasing guilt during a purchase transaction
Techniques for reducing fraud are disclosed. A transaction request is received from a user to perform a transaction using an account. In one approach, a source icon is displayed prior to executing the request. The source icon includes a graphical representation of an owner of the account. In another approach, at least one of a photograph and a voice of the user is recorded prior to executing the request. In a third approach, the user is informed that at least one of a photograph, a voice print, and location data will be taken prior to executing the transaction request.
US08458038B2 Information retrieving system, information retrieving method, information retrieving apparatus, information retrieving program, image recognizing apparatus image recognizing method image recognizing program and sales
Steps after a user finds an attractive product until he or she buys it are successively performed so that he or she can buy it stressfreely. The user photographs an attractive product with a portable camera telephone terminal 1 and transmits image data 7 to a server 3 through Internet 2. The server 3 has a DB 4 in which images such as various types of products, persons, and logo marks are registered and a DB 5 in which related information of image data registered in the DB 4 is registered. The server 3 performs an image recognizing process for the image data 7, retrieves data that match the image data 7 with a high match rate from the image data registered in the DB 4, and extracts corresponding related information from the DB 5. The related information is provided to the user through the Internet 2. By only transmitting the image data 7, the user can obtain related information of an attractive product. When the user accesses a site 6 for the product corresponding to the related information, he or she can obtain detailed information and buy the product.
US08458035B2 Systems and methods for advertising using pay-per-call
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing online advertisements to consumers. A method disclosed herein allows a consumer to provide contact information to a business in response to a search request submitted to a search engine. Subsequently, the business may initiate a communication to the consumer at the contact information provided by the consumer. As a result, the business has better assurance that the advertisement fees provided to the search engine is in fact generating better consumer contacts for the business. In an embodiment of the system disclosed herein a telecommunications service provider may receive the contact information from the consumer and establish a line of communication between the consumer and the business.
US08458026B2 System and method for networked loyalty program
A system for implementing a loyalty program on a network-wide level is disclosed. The system associates UPC and SKU data on a network level to reward consumers and/or to analyze the data for a variety of business purposes, such as market segmentation analyses and/or analyses relating to consumer spending behaviors or patterns for example. The association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates implementation of an incentive or loyalty program by providing a universal rewards currency. This universal rewards currency may be “spent” by participants who have earned rewards and accepted by the other participants in the multi-tiered network created by the system. The network may comprise any number of participants, including consumers, retailers (and any of their employees), manufacturers, third-party providers, and the like.
US08458025B2 System for generating scores related to interactions with a service provider partner
A system is disclosed for generating scores related to interactions with a service provider partner. A historical dataset corresponding to a historical behavior of a set of service provider partners may be identified. The historical dataset may be processed to identify a feature vector. A classifier model may be generated from the historical dataset and the feature vector. Current service provider partner data representing a current service provider partner may be collected. The current service provider partner data may be processed to generate a current service provider partner feature vector. A score may be generated by applying the classifier model to the current service provider partner data feature vector.
US08458024B1 Value regulation based advertising
An initiator computing device may acquire a digital coupon having a first value. The initiator computing device may share the digital coupon with a recipient computing device. An advertisement server may be notified that the initiator computing device has shared or has an intent to share the digital coupon with the recipient computing device. The advertisement server may calculate a second value associated with the digital coupon and assign the second value to the digital coupon responsive to the initiator computing device sharing the digital coupon with the recipient computing device. Further, the advertisement server may receive logging information associated with sharing the digital coupon. The logging information can facilitate monitoring the influence of the digital coupon.
US08458017B2 Discount payment method and system using a temporary card number
A method and system for making payment of a transacted price to which a discount is applied using a mobile terminal for receiving geographical location information for establishing a discount to be applied to a purchase from at least one discount medium available within the area of the location of the mobile terminal with the user of the mobile terminal selecting a discount from the available discount medium and with the method and system using temporary card numbers generated from a temporary card number issue device for paying the transacted price less discount. An issued temporary card number includes the discount selected by the user and includes temporary card number issue information which is transmitted to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal transmits payment information to an authorization terminal (CAT) and to a payment server using the temporary card number and discount information for determining and paying the transacted price after calculating the discount subject to the payment request by the user being made within a pre-determined time period from when the temporary card number is issued. Otherwise the issued temporary card number is extinguished and the payment transaction is terminated. When authorized, the payment server issues payment if the request for payment was made by the user within the time period.
US08458014B2 System and method for determining carbon emission-conscious order fulfillment alternatives with multiple supply modes
A system and method for optimizing order fulfillment by considering multiple supply modes in one aspect, plans supply of inventory by forecasting demand, estimating accuracy of said forecasted demand, and establishing reorder point policy based at least on said accuracy of said forecasted demand, a plurality of supply transportation modes, cost of carbon emissions and limit on carbon emission credits. Current inventory position is monitored and if the current inventory position is below the reorder point policy, orders are placed according to a selected shipping method. The selected shipping method may be based at least on customer order priority, transportation budget, and carbon emission limit.
US08458013B2 Test portfolio optimization system
According to one example, a test portfolio optimization system includes a test repository, an activity repository, an exception repository, and an optimization engine. The optimization engine is operable to generate a plurality of test portfolios. Each test portfolio comprises different types of tests of a plurality of tests. The optimization engine is also operable to determine a test cost for each portfolio over the period of time. The test cost for each portfolio is equal to a sum of costs for each test type within the portfolio over the period of time. The optimization engine is also operable to determine an impact per portfolio period of time. The impact per portfolio is equal to a sum of impacts per test type for each test type over the period of time.
US08458012B2 System and method for the analysis of pricing data including a sustainable price range for vehicles and other commodities
Embodiments disclosed herein can produce and present sustainable price information to help dealers to price vehicles for sustainability and facilitate consumers in making purchase decisions. In one approach, a sustainable price range for a specific vehicle configuration may be based on an average profit margin (APM) determined utilizing historical sale prices and an estimated actual dealer cost. Other approaches may utilize some or all of the following steps: determine APM and build a model of distribution of profit margins by APM, build a model to adjust APM by certain variables, identify sustainable levels for the inventory, production, and incentives variables feeding into the APM model, plug those in to get the averages for those sustainable levels, identify sustainable percentile cutoffs for a given profit margin, then use this relationship with the now identified sustainable levels as inputs to find the overall sustainable profit margin.
US08458007B2 Work order estimator
A method may include receiving an order associated with processing a media file and generating a workflow associated with fulfilling the order. The method may also include identifying a number of tasks associated with the workflow and generating an estimate associated with executing the tasks. The generating an estimate may include identifying a resource type associated with the media file and the order, and identifying at least one of capacity and time requirements associated with executing the tasks.
US08458006B2 Product development process supporting system and product development process supporting method
Wasteful repetitive tasks are easily reduced in processes to develop complex products. A product development process support system is a system which analyzes dependencies between a plurality of requirements in product development processes belonging to a plurality of layers, and comprises an input reception portion for receiving input of information indicating the dependency between two requirements belonging to adjacent layers and of information indicating the degree of influence of requirements on product development, and dependency derivation portion for deriving the dependency between two arbitrary requirements belonging to the same layer from information indicating the dependencies between the two requirements in question and other requirements received by the input reception portion and from information indicating the degree of influence of the two requirements in question, based on dependency derivation rules established in advance.
US08458005B2 Option framework for managing on demand service offerings
A method of and system for managing on-demand service offerings in a service delivery chain. The method comprises the steps of a service provider announcing upfront capacity pricing, an on-demand premium structure, and an on-demand exercise structure; a service distributor committing to upfront capacity and to units of on-demand options; and the service provider provisioning a number of resources to the collection of service distributors. Preferably, the upfront capacity pricing includes three components. A first component is a price structure for capacity or resources to be purchased for immediate use, a second component is an on-demand premium structure, and a third component is an on-demand usage fee structure.
US08458003B2 Systems and methods for efficient delivery of financial advisory services
System comprising a set of interconnected processors for managing the delivery of financial advisory services. In one embodiment, the system manages activities and workflows for a plurality of clients over a financial planning period. The financial planning period may comprise a calendar year, which may be divided into distinct seasonal portions, each with a predetermined, specific focus on a financial topic or grouping of topics. Workflow of the firm may be controlled by utilizing a plurality of processors to automate workflow handling. A first processor is used for individual client scheduling, a second processor aggregates the appointments, calculates utilization metrics based thereon, and a third processor generates reports, providing feedback to modulate input into the first processor.
US08458002B2 Service scheduling
Techniques for scheduling one or more services are provided. The techniques include obtaining customer information, obtaining one or more service characteristics for each of the one or more services, and using the customer information and the one or more service characteristics to schedule the one or more services.
US08458001B2 Method and apparatus for identifying and contacting customers who are due for a visit but have not scheduled an appointment
A management database is queried to determine which customers have failed to respond to recall notices. The resulting list of customers may be sorted or filtered so that some customers are preferentially contacted first, based on expected value or office preferences. The list may also be sorted or filtered to fill specific providers' schedules first. Customer names and contact information are then presented to schedulers so that customers may be contacted. The time and date of each contact is automatically recorded along with the outcome of the contact. A customer name is presented to a scheduler only if the same name is not being simultaneously presented to other schedulers and that customer was not too recently contacted, so that redundant or too frequent contacts are avoided.
US08457996B2 Model-based business continuity management
A business process model (BPM) handler may determine a business process model including tasks arranged according to a directed graph, at least some of the tasks associated with requirements for executing the tasks. An information technology topology model (ITTM) handler may determine an information technology topology model with connected resources used to perform at least some of the tasks. A behavior model generator may determine behaviors of the resources from a behavior information library, and may generate a behavior model in which the tasks and their respective requirements are connected to the resources and to their respective behaviors. A continuity analyzer may thus provide a continuity analysis, based on the behavior model.
US08457995B1 Efficient market for financial products
A data processing system is disclosed that provides an efficient market for financial products in which a plurality of stored data records containing financial product data and financial product participant data is stored in a data storage device, then made available to a data processing system participant, and the price to the financial product participant for that financial product is reduced based on the financial product participant's disclosure of financial product participant data.
US08457994B2 Transferring items
A server may receive from a trading system information on an insurance policy, in which the information may include privacy related information. The server may compare the privacy related information to at least one predefined characteristic and determine that there is a match between the privacy related information and the characteristic. Based at least in part on there being a match, the server may filter-out the insurance policy such that the information on the insurance policy is not provided to a workstation in use by a participant. Alternatively, the server may determine that there is not a match between the privacy related information and the characteristic and provide the information, minus the privacy related information, to the workstation.
US08457989B2 Direct reporting of adverse events
Systems, methods, and computer readable media are described for communicating an adverse event report directly to an end-user receiving party and tracking one or more adverse event reports. An adverse event may be detected manually or automatically by a system and an electronic adverse event reporting form presented to a user with one or more data fields pre-populated with data from a patient's electronic health record (EHR). The user may enter and edit data in the electronic form and may submit the data in the electronic form directly to an end-user receiving party such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One or more receipts may be received from the receiving party and indicia from the receipts recorded to one or more records. The submitted adverse event reports may be tracked, accessed, and interacted with through a user interface and additional information may be provided to a user therein.
US08457988B1 Sensitive drug distribution system and method
A drug distribution system and method utilizes a central pharmacy and database to track all prescriptions for a sensitive drug. Information is kept in the database regarding all physicians allowed to prescribe the sensitive drug, and all patients receiving the drug. Abuses are identified by monitoring data in the database for prescription patterns by physicians and prescriptions obtained by patients. Further verification is made that the physician is eligible to prescribe the drug by consulting a separate database, and optionally whether any actions are taken against the physician. Multiple controls beyond those for normal drugs are imposed on the distribution depending on the sensitivity of the drug.
US08457985B2 Method and system for monitoring patient care
The subject invention is a Patient Care Monitoring System which employs a novel method and system for monitoring the care provided to a patient at a health care facility. In one embodiment, the subject invention includes a central processor in communication with a health care facility's computer systems, receiving data therefrom. This data is arranged and correlated to enable the subject invention to filter through the data and detect if a particular treatment, diagnostic test, or course of action has been or is in danger of being overlooked.
US08457983B2 Revenue sharing by a printer manufacturer for sales of prescription drugs
Sharing in the revenues for the sale of prescription drugs in a system comprising an interactive advertising/printing device of a printer manufacturer, a pharmacy and a prescription drug manufacturer. An advertisement of a prescription drug is displayed on the interactive advertising/printing device, and a patient utilizing the interactive advertising/printing device print out a partial prescription for a prescription drug based on the advertisement. The printed partial prescription for the prescription drug is provided to an individual authorized to issue prescriptions for medical drugs, whereby the individual authorized to issue prescriptions completes the partial prescription, which is then provided to the pharmacy for fulfillment. The pharmacy inputs information of the completed prescription into a database, fulfils the prescription for the patient, and completes a sales transaction with the patient for the fulfilled prescription. The sales transaction information for the fulfilled prescription is transmitted to the prescription drug manufacturer, whereby the prescription drug manufacturer determines, based on the sales transaction information, an amount of revenue to share with the printer manufacturer. The prescription drug manufacturer provides the determined amount of the revenue for the sale of the prescription drug to the printer manufacturer.
US08457978B2 Systems and methods for creating on-demand routes for powered industrial vehicles
Systems and methods for creating in a facility on-demand routes for powered industrial vehicles to transport cargo efficiently. In one embodiment, an on-demand route generation module receives receiving a request to move cargo. The module analyzes data about the current location, the current tasking, and the driver availability of PIVs in operation. Based on the information, the module creates an on-demand route through the facility and sends a notification to an assigned PIV to pick up the cargo and carry it on the defined on-demand route.
US08457976B2 Sub-band processing complexity reduction
A sub-band processing system that reduces computational complexity and memory requirements includes a processor and a local or distributed memory. Logic stored in the memory partitions a frequency spectrum of bins into a smaller number of sub-bands. The logic enables a lossy compression by designating a magnitude and a designated or derived phase of each bin in the frequency spectrum as representative. The logic renders a lossless compression by decompressing the lossy compressed data and providing lost data based on original spectral relationships contained within the frequency spectrum.
US08457974B2 User authentication by combining speaker verification and reverse turing test
Methods and system for authenticating a user are disclosed. The present invention includes accessing a collection of personal information related to the user. The present invention also includes performing an authentication operation that is based on the collection of personal information. The authentication operation incorporates at least one dynamic component and prompts the user to give an audible utterance. The audible utterance is compared to a stored voiceprint.
US08457972B2 Methods and apparatus for characterizing media
Methods and apparatus for characterizing media are described. A disclosed example apparatus includes a transformer, a decision metric processor, a signature determiner, and a processor to implement the transformer, the decision metric processor, and/or the signature determiner. The example transformer is to convert at least a portion of a block of audio into a frequency domain representation including a plurality of frequency components. The example decision metric processor is to: define a band of the frequency components; determine a difference in energy between a first convolution of a first complex vector with a first group of frequency bins in the band and a second convolution of a second complex vector with a second group of frequency bins in the band; and determine a decision metric for the band based on the difference. The example signature determiner is to determine a signature based on a value of the decision metric.
US08457970B2 Voice portal hosting system and method
Voice portal hosting system (2) with which a plurality of users (1) in a first voice telecommunication network (10) can establish a connection with a voice equipment (11), comprising a memory (26) in which a plurality of interactive voice response applications have been independently uploaded through a second telecommunication network (3) by a plurality of independent value-added service providers (4), wherein at least a plurality of said interactive voice response applications uses a common speech recognition module (24) run on said system.
US08457966B2 Method and system for providing speech recognition
An approach for providing speech recognition is disclosed. A name is retrieved from a user based on data provided by the user. The user is prompted for a name of the user. A first audio input is received from the user in response to the prompt. Speech recognition is applied to the first audio input using a name grammar database to output a recognized name. A determination is made whether the recognized name matches the retrieved name. If no match is determined, the user is re-prompted for the name of the user for a second audio input. Speech recognition is applied to the second audio input using a confidence database having entries less than the name grammar database.
US08457963B2 Mechanism for providing user guidance and latency concealment for automatic speech recognition systems
Audio input to a user device is captured in a buffer and played back to the user while being sent to and recognized by an automatic speech recognition (ASR) system. Overlapping the playback with the speech recognition processing masks a portion of the true latency of the ASR system thus improving the user's perception of the ASR system's responsiveness. Further, upon hearing the playback, the user is intuitively guided to self-correct for any defects in the captured audio.
US08457962B2 Remote audio surveillance for detection and analysis of wildlife sounds
This invention provides remote audio surveillance by recording audio data via three microphones and storage on a removable digital mass storage device, operating on battery power. The housing is of a weather resistant design to withstand outdoor conditions. Recording can be done in person or recording times can be defined so that the unit will only ‘listen’ during the desired times of the day, on a day to day basis. The user does not have to be in the vicinity but simply programs the record time(s) and leaves the device in the woods. The device also has play back capabilities for any recorded audio data and can interface with personal computers via the removable digital mass storage device. In addition to the audio collection and playback capabilities, PC software will be provided with the device which will analyze the data and provide direction of sound (based upon relative amplitude of the 3 microphones) and distance of sound (based on absolute and relative recorded amplitudes).
US08457960B2 Method and apparatus for detecting unsolicited multimedia communications
A service for searching for unsolicited communications is provided. For example, the service may inspect e-mail messages, instant messaging messages, facsimile transmissions, voice communications, and video telephony, and analyze these communications to determine whether an intended communication is unsolicited. In connection with voice and video telephony, a voice sample may be obtained from the caller and voice recognition may be performed on the sample to determine an identity of the person or the voice. The voice sample may also be used to determine the type of voice—i.e., if the voice is live, machine generated, or prerecorded. Where the call is a video telephony call, image recognition may be used to inspect an image of the person. The information obtained from voice recognition, voice type recognition, and image recognition may be used to detect whether the messages if from a known source of unsolicited communications.
US08457959B2 Systems and methods for implicitly interpreting semantically redundant communication modes
New language constantly emerges from complex, collaborative human-human interactions like meetings—such as when a presenter handwrites a new term on a whiteboard while saying it redundantly. The system and method described includes devices for receiving various types of human communication activities (e.g., speech, writing and gestures) presented in a multimodally redundant manner, includes processors and recognizers for segmenting or parsing, and then recognizing selected sub-word units such as phonemes and syllables, and then includes alignment, refinement, and integration modules to find or at least an approximate match to the one or more terms that were presented in the multimodally redundant manner. Once the system has performed a successful integration, one or more terms may be newly enrolled into a database of the system, which permits the system to continuously learn and provide an association for proper names, abbreviations, acronyms, symbols, and other forms of communicated language.
US08457958B2 Audio transcoder using encoder-generated side information to transcode to target bit-rate
An audio encoder encodes side information into a compressed audio bitstream containing encoding parameters used by the encoder for one or more encoding techniques, such as a noise-mask-ratio curve used for rate control. A transcoder uses the encoder generated side information to transcode the audio from the original compressed bitstream having an initial bit-rate into a second bitstream having a new bit-rate. Because the side information is derived from the original audio, the transcoder is able to better maintain audio quality of the transcoding. The side information also allows the transcoder to re-encode from an intermediate decoding/encoding stage for faster and lower complexity transcoding.
US08457956B2 Reconstructing an audio signal by spectral component regeneration and noise blending
An audio signal is conveyed more efficiently by transmitting or recording a baseband of the signal with an estimated spectral envelope and a noise-blending parameter derived from a measure of the signal's noise-like quality. The signal is reconstructed by translating spectral components of the baseband signal to frequencies outside the baseband, adjusting phase of the regenerated components to maintain phase coherency, adjusting spectral shape according to the estimated spectral envelope, and adding noise according to the noise-blending parameter. Preferably, the transmitted or recorded signal also includes an estimated temporal envelope that is used to adjust the temporal shape of the reconstructed signal.
US08457955B2 Voice reproduction with playback time delay and speed based on background noise and speech characteristics
A voice reproduction apparatus includes an ambient sound analysis unit to analyze a characteristic of an ambient sound, a characteristic analysis unit to analyze an acoustic characteristic of a signal for reproduction, a reproduction timing adjusting unit to record the signal for reproduction and to read the signal for reproduction at a reproduction timing of follow-up reproduction, a reproduction speed changing unit to change a reproduction speed of the read signal for reproduction, and a control unit to control the reproduction timing adjusting unit so that the signal for reproduction is reproduced at the reproduction timing corresponding to an analysis result of the ambient sound analysis unit and to control the reproduction speed changing unit so that the signal for reproduction is reproduced at the reproduction speed corresponding to the analysis result of the ambient sound analysis unit and the acoustic characteristic obtained by the characteristic analysis unit.
US08457954B2 Sound quality control apparatus and sound quality control method
According to one embodiment, there is provided a sound quality control apparatus, including: a characteristic parameter extractor; a speech score calculator; a music score calculator; a power value acquisition module; a first storage configured to store speech scores and music scores; a second storage configured to store power values; a power-based score corrector configured to correct a current music score or a current speech score based on a first comparison result between a current power value and past power values, a second comparison result between the current music score and past music scores and a third comparison result between the current speech score and past speech scores; and a sound quality controller configured to perform a sound quality control by using at least one of the speech score and the music score corrected by the power-based score corrector.
US08457952B2 Packet loss concealment for a sub-band predictive coder based on extrapolation of excitation waveform
Systems and methods are described for performing packet loss concealment using an extrapolation of an excitation waveform in a sub-band predictive speech coder, such as an ITU-T Recommendation G.722 wideband speech coder. The systems and methods are useful for concealing the quality-degrading effects of packet loss in a sub-band predictive coder and address some sub-band architectural issues when applying excitation extrapolation techniques to such sub-band predictive coders.
US08457951B2 Methods and apparatus for performing variable black length watermarking of media
Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed in which auxiliary information is added to or removed from an audio signal. In one example, the information may be added to the audio signal using at least two frequencies that are dictated by two different frequency transformation block sizes, such that the two frequencies are not fully visible when an incorrect block size is used to perform a frequency transformation. Additionally, in another example, a decoder may compensate for time and frequency affects caused by removing old samples and adding new samples, which, in one example, alleviates the need to perform repeated frequency transformation using different frequency transformation block sizes. Other examples are described.
US08457949B2 Method for displaying information in multiple languages on welding helmet cartridge
A method for displaying information in multiple languages on a welding helmet cartridge is provided, which not only shields a worker's face from light generated when the worker performs a task such as welding or cutting but also automatically performs shade level adjustment and work time setting functions for each task and also allows information such as an operating status to be displayed in multiple languages. In the method, a work time during which the LCD screen of the cartridge is darkened is calculated and the calculated work time is stored in the memory and the stored work time is displayed on the display unit when entering a life mode entrance step. Data of an operating state in multiple preset languages is stored in the memory and data of the operating state in a desired language, which is selected from among the multiple languages, is displayed on the display unit.
US08457947B2 Hybrid translation apparatus and method thereof
A hybrid translation apparatus includes a source language input unit for generalizing an input source language sentence for each node; a statistics-based translation knowledge database(DB) for storing learning data generalized for each node to be acquired; a first translation result generating unit for transforming the source language sentence generalized for each node into a node expression using the statistics-based translation knowledge to generate a first translation result; and a second translation result generating unit for repeatedly performing the generation of a target word for each node on the first translation result using pattern-based knowledge to generate a second translation result as target words for the respective nodes. Further, the hybrid translation apparatus includes a pattern-based translation knowledge DB for using in the pattern-based translation; and a translation result combining unit for combining the first translation result and the second translation result to output a target language sentence.
US08457946B2 Recognition architecture for generating Asian characters
Architecture for correcting incorrect recognition results in an Asian language speech recognition system. A spelling mode can be launched in response to receiving speech input, the spelling mode for correcting incorrect spelling of the recognition results or generating new words. Correction can be obtained using speech and/or manual selection and entry. The architecture facilitates correction in a single pass, rather than multiples times as in conventional systems. Words corrected using the spelling mode are corrected as a unit and treated as a word. The spelling mode applies to languages of at least the Asian continent, such as Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and/or other Asian languages such as Japanese.
US08457943B2 System and method for simulating a multiprocessor system
Techniques for simulating a multiprocessor system. Aspects of the present invention are based on such an observation that most memory accesses from different simulated processors do not conflict, and therefore the conservative policy for performing synchronization of all the memory accesses can waste a large amount of processing time. By identifying possibly conflicting memory accesses and only performing synchronization of these memory accesses, the synchronization cost can be reduced considerably. Since the function simulator is able to operate faster and to perform the same memory accesses, the possibly conflicting memory accesses can be identified by first executing the function simulator.
US08457941B2 Method for determining gene knockouts
A method for determining candidates for gene deletions and additions using a model of a metabolic network associated with an organism, the model includes a plurality of metabolic reactions defining metabolite relationships, the method includes selecting a bioengineering objective for the organism, selecting at least one cellular objective, forming an optimization problem that couples the at least one cellular objective with the bioengineering objective, and solving the optimization problem to yield at least one candidate.
US08457935B2 Data processing method for sampling data from sets of original data
A data processing method for sampling data from data each varying over time, each of the data being associated with each of grid points arranged in an area, the method includes: dividing the area into blocks; calculating a variation rate of each of the data associated with each of the grid points included in each of the blocks; dividing the blocks into sub-blocks in accordance with the variation rate of the blocks; calculating a variation rate of each set of the data associated with each of the grid points included in each of the sub-blocks; and determining a frequency of sampling data associated with each of the grid points for the sub-blocks of the blocks and for the rest of the blocks in accordance with the variation rate of the sub-blocks and the rest of the blocks.
US08457934B2 Method for installing a radial geothermal energy probe field
A method for installing a radial geothermal probe field includes the steps of defining a total number of geothermal energy probes to be introduced, defining the directions of incidence of the individual geothermal energy probes, determining perforation points of the geothermal energy probes in a spherical projection, determining the included angles between nearby geothermal energy probes, determining a mean value of the included angles, determining a mean value of the geothermal energy probe lengths, determining a mean center spacing using the mean values for the included angles and the length of the geothermal energy probes, calculating the total heat removal capacity by using conventional computing methods for vertical geothermal energy probe fields and the mean center spacing for the distance between probes, and COMPARING the computed total heat removal capacity with a predetermined desired heat removal capacity.
US08457930B2 Personalized fit and functional designed medical prostheses and surgical instruments and methods for making
The present invention provides methods, devices, systems, and instruments related to medical implants and surgical instruments produced to precisely fit individual subjects. In particular, the present invention utilizes a combination of medical imaging, quantitative image analysis, CAD, CAM, and additive manufacturing processes to personalized biocompatible devices.
US08457928B2 Automatic determination of dynamic threshold for accurate detection of abnormalities
An improved performance management technique allows automatic determination dynamic thresholds of a metric based on a baseline of the matching pattern. A pattern matching process is conducted against a set of baseline patterns to find the matching pattern. If a matching pattern is found, the baseline of the matching pattern is used as the dynamic threshold. A series of sanity checks are performed to reduce any false alarms. If the metric does not follow any pattern, a composite of baselines is selected as the dynamic threshold.
US08457927B2 Method for diagnosing the functional reliability of a lambda probe
In the change from lean to rich exhaust gas or vice versa, signals are recorded by a lambda probe and are used to diagnose the functional reliability of this lambda probe. So that special reliability of this procedure is ensured, the change is triggered by an event. The event can be defined by signals of the lambda probe or can be caused by control actions of the operator in the motor vehicle.
US08457926B2 Disk protrusion detection/flatness measurement circuit and disk glide tester
The present invention relates to a disk protrusion detection/flatness measurement circuit and a disk glide tester, in which protrusion detection and average value calculation can be performed without switching signal processing circuits of two systems, one for the protrusion detection of a disk and the other for the average value calculation with respect to a track or a sector of the disk. This also makes it possible to reduce the size of the measurement circuit. In the protrusion detection/flatness measurement circuit, a signal from a protrusion detection sensor is amplified and converted from an analog signal to a digital signal. The signal passes through a band-pass filter to obtain a digital signal with a predetermined bandwidth. Then, peak detection and average value calculation processes are applied in parallel to the obtained digital signal. Thus, pass/fail decision of the disk can be made based on the detected peak and average values.
US08457920B2 Performance improvement for a multi-chip system via kerf area interconnect
A semiconductor wafer comprises a first chip and a second chip, each chip comprising a core, link layer and physical layer. A kerf area physically connects the two chips on the wafer, and a kerf area interconnect selectively couples the link layers of the two chips while the two physical layers are disabled.
US08457919B2 Process for testing the resistance of an integrated circuit to a side channel analysis
A process for testing an integrated circuit includes collecting a set of points of a physical property while the integrated circuit is executing a multiplication, dividing the set of points into a plurality subsets of lateral points, calculating an estimation of the value of the physical property for each subset, and applying to the subset of lateral points a step of horizontal transversal statistical processing by using the estimations of the value of the physical property, to verify a hypothesis about the variables manipulated by the integrated circuit.
US08457916B2 Method and device for calibrating a magnetic induction tomography system
This invention relates to a method and device for calibrating the offset of an imaging system. The core idea of the invention is to place a reference object in the measurement chamber of the imaging system, measure the signals associated with the reference object at different points of time, calculate the merit function based on changes of the parameters representing the electromagnetic property of the reference object, and derive an optimal set of offset data that minimizes the value of the merit function for compensating the offset of the system in subsequent image reconstructions. In one embodiment, the invention uses a reference object comprising a non-conductive envelope and a cavity which can be filled with a conductive fluid and emptied, and in this way reduces the imaging interference caused by the reference object during monitoring.
US08457915B2 System and method to measure the transit time position(s) of pulses in time domain data
A system and method to measure, with increased precision, the transit time position(s) of pulses in a time domain data. An example data set would be the transit time of pulses in Time-Domain Terahertz (TD-THz) data. The precision of the pulse timing directly affects the precision of determined sample properties measurements (e.g., thickness). Additionally, an internal calibration etalon structure and algorithm method provides for continuous system precision/accuracy check method to increase sample measurement integrity. The etalon structure can improve the precision of sample property measurements (e.g., absolute thickness). Various hardware and system implementations of the above are described.
US08457914B2 Apparatus and method for obtaining phase corresponding to object position
The apparatus corrects multi-phase signals for detecting a position of an object and obtains a phase corresponding to the position of the object. The apparatus includes a correcting unit correcting the multi-phase signals with error coefficients, respectively, a phase calculating unit performing calculation for the corrected multi-phase signals to obtain the phase, a regression unit performing regression for the calculated phases to obtain reference phases, a Fourier transform unit respectively performing Fourier transform for the corrected multi-phase signals whose phases having been respectively changed into the reference phases, and an updating unit updating, using Fourier coefficients obtained by the Fourier transform unit, the error coefficients respectively corresponding to the Fourier coefficients. The updating unit updates the error coefficients if a regression error in the regression performed by the regression unit satisfies a predetermined condition.
US08457909B2 Timing analysis
A method for analysing blade displacements detected by circumferentially-spaced stationary timing probes associated with a rotating blade assembly, the displacements corresponding to times at which the blades pass the probes. The method includes identifying resonant vibration events in the assembly by: for detected blade displacement detected by a probe, determining an associated running average blade displacement from a predetermined number of blade displacements detected by that probe for the same blade at adjacent rotations, and subtracting the associated running average blade displacement from the blade displacement to calculate a corresponding zeroed blade displacement; determining, for successive rotations, correlation factors that quantify the degree of correlation between the zeroed blade displacements for a particular blade on a particular rotation and modelled blade displacements corresponding to possible blade vibrational deflections on that rotation; and identifying a resonant vibration event on a rotation when one or more correlation factors cross a predetermined threshold.
US08457905B2 Soot discharge estimating device for internal combustion engines
A soot discharge amount is calculated by multiplying a “steady discharge amount” by a “transient correction value.” The steady discharge amount is a soot discharge amount in a steady operation state, and is acquired through table search. For each of a plurality of factors which affect the soot discharge amount, a steady value (value obtained through table search) of the factor and a transient value (current value) of the factor are substituted for a characteristic equation which represents a change in the soot discharge amount with the value of the factor, whereby a steady characteristic value and a transient characteristic value are acquired. The “ratio between the steady characteristic value and the transient characteristic value” is then calculated for each factor. The transient correction value is obtained by multiplying together all values of the “ratio between the steady characteristic value and the transient characteristic value” obtained for the factors.
US08457895B2 Mobile vehicle navigation method and apparatus thereof
A device and method for managing a schedule of one or more events in a navigation device of a vehicle. The method includes determining by the navigation device that a predetermined vehicle event has occurred; receiving the schedule by the navigation device based upon the step of determining; and issuing an alert by the navigation device that a scheduled event has passed, is occurring or will occur within a predetermined time.
US08457892B2 Own-vehicle-path determining method and own-vehicle-path determining apparatus
An own-vehicle-path determining method includes calculating a first evaluation value of each of plural predicted own-vehicle-path candidates, calculating a second evaluation value of each of the plural own-vehicle-path candidates, selecting own-vehicle-path candidates with high first evaluation values from the plural own-vehicle-path candidates, selecting own-vehicle-path candidates with high second evaluation values as appropriate own-vehicle-path candidates from the selected own-vehicle-path candidates, and selecting any one of the appropriate own-vehicle-path candidates as an own-vehicle path.
US08457890B2 Method for generating a digital road map, navigation system and method for operating a navigation system
The present invention pertains to a method for generating a digital roadmap that can be stored on an electronic storage medium and in which a geographical area is specified by a multitude of data sets. The present invention further pertains to a navigation system that features a memory on which a digital roadmap of this type is stored and provided for use. Moreover, the present invention pertains to a method for operating a navigation system of the afore-mentioned type with a digital roadmap of the afore-mentioned type.
US08457889B2 Waypoint display system and method
A display system and method for a vehicle are provided. The display system includes a processor configured to receive data representative of a waypoint and terrain and to supply display commands associated with the waypoint and the terrain; and a display device coupled the processor for receiving the display commands and operable to render three-dimensional terrain and a first symbol elevated from the terrain representing the waypoint.
US08457883B2 Navigation system with calendar mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: sending a meeting proposal to a participant calendar with the meeting proposal having a meeting location and a meeting start time; determining a prior location from the participant calendar; calculating a participant travel time for traversing between the prior location and the meeting location; and scheduling the meeting proposal on the participant calendar based on the participant travel time not exceeding the meeting start time for displaying on a device.
US08457869B2 Method for ascertaining consumption and/or emission values
A method for ascertaining consumption and/or emission values of at least one vehicle in a traffic area, includes the following steps: determining a number of traffic-technology variables for the traffic area, ascertaining a driving profile of the vehicle based on the traffic-technology variables, assigning an individual consumption and/or emission model and/or a consumption and/or emission model related to the vehicle type group to the driving profile of the vehicle, calculating consumption and/or emission values based on the driving profile and the consumption and/or emission model. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding method for ascertaining consumption and/or emission values of the vehicle target group of vehicles present in a traffic area and to a method for traffic control employing the consumption and/or emission values. Furthermore, the invention relates to ascertainment systems for ascertaining consumption and/or emission values and to a traffic control system.
US08457868B2 Lane keeping assist device and lane keeping assist method
Lateral displacement reference positions LXL, LXR are set on left and right from a center in a width direction of a traffic lane L where a vehicle travels. Then, at least in a case where the vehicle is positioned on an inner side of the left and right lateral displacement reference position LXL, LXR, the vehicle is feedback-controlled so as to decrease a yaw angle deviation. Further, in a case where the vehicle is positioned at an outer side of the left and right lateral displacement reference position LXL, LXR with respect to the traffic lane center, the feedback control is performed so as to decrease the angle deviation and a lateral displacement deviation.
US08457866B2 Ignition timing control system for internal combustion engine
An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine is provided to ensure stable combustion without causing misfire or knocking, by properly setting ignition timing in the compression stroke injection mode, thereby improving drivability. The ignition timing control system for the engine, that directly injects fuel into the cylinders and that is operated by switching the fuel injection mode between an intake stroke injection mode and a compression stroke injection mode, includes a fuel injection timing-setting device for setting a fuel injection timing according to an engine speed of the engine and a fuel injection amount, a basic value-setting device for setting a basic value of ignition timing according to the engine speed of the engine and the fuel injection timing, and an ignition timing-setting device for setting ignition timing in the compression stroke injection mode by correcting the basic value according to a detected air-fuel ratio.
US08457860B2 Aircraft power management
An electric power management system of a vehicle may interconnect a power plant, a propeller drive unit, and a battery via a bus. A command limiting controller may direct the operation of the power plant and the propeller drive unit in fast and slow modes of operation, the fast mode of operation operating at a higher bus voltage than at a slow mode of operation. The command limiting controller may generate a bus current to drive the propeller drive unit according to a command limiting, voltage-versus-current curve that adjusts the bus current depending on an amount of voltage on the power bus; where the command limiting curve includes a minimum voltage portion, a maximum voltage portion and a control range therebetween having upper and lower voltage limits and upper and lower current limits for enhanced reliability and stable control of the propeller drive unit.
US08457859B2 Method and apparatus for preserving battery operation and life during vehicle post idle shutdown control
A method for preserving battery operation and life during vehicle post idle shutdown, such vehicle having a delayed accessory power mode operative when an ignition state of the vehicle is in a non-engine running condition while an ignition switch of the vehicle is in the ON position to supply accessories in the vehicle the battery. The method includes: detecting whether the vehicle has been in an post idle shutdown condition and brake pedal not pressed and ignition state unchanged; and placing the vehicle in the delayed accessory power mode after detecting that the vehicle has been in an post idle shutdown condition and while the ignition switch is in the ON position.
US08457857B2 Braking control device, and braking control method
A first stroke sensor and a second stroke sensor in a braking control device detect the pedal depression amount. A brake ECU calculates a target wheel cylinder pressure by utilizing the detected pedal depression amount, and increases/decreases the wheel cylinder pressure by controlling the hydraulic actuator so as to achieve the calculated target wheel cylinder pressure. The brake ECU determines whether the brake pedal has been sharply depressed, by utilizing the pedal depression amount detected within a range thereof that is smaller than the pedal depression amount. If it is determined that the brake pedal has been sharply depressed, the brake ECU relaxes the restriction on the hydraulic pressure gradient at the time of increasing the wheel cylinder which is imposed when the brake pedal has not been sharply depressed.
US08457856B2 Parameter estimation method for self-energized brake mechanism
A method estimates parameters for a self-energized brake mechanism having a moving part, a brake pad, a brake disc, a caliper, and a wedge profile. The method includes the following acts: applying the same actuator force to the brake mechanism and simultaneously to a dynamical model of the brake mechanism; calculating deviations based on measured state variables of the brake mechanism and simulated state variables of the dynamical model; and producing the estimated parameters by online minimization. A device is provided for executing the method.
US08457852B2 Device and method for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping in an automatic brake operation
A device and method for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping are described, which includes a device for preventing a motor vehicle engine from stopping in an automatic brake operation, the device including the following features of a unit for providing an engine speed signal that corresponds to the speed of the motor vehicle engine, and a brake interruption unit, which is developed to interrupt the brake operation if the engine speed signal assumes a value that lies below a predetermined threshold value, the threshold value being greater than an engine stop threshold value that indicates a minimum speed of the motor vehicle engine.
US08457851B2 Method and device for controlling the braking system of a vehicle
In a method and a device for controlling the braking system of a vehicle having a vacuum brake booster and a vacuum source, it is provided that a variable triggering threshold value, at the exceeding of which an automatic braking procedure is triggered, is a function of the vacuum level or of the vacuum gradient of the vacuum brake booster.
US08457850B2 Automatic transmission and learning method thereof
When an inertia phase of an upshift of the transmission is started during a lockup clutch engagement operation, a following command oil pressure to be used during a following lockup clutch engagement operation is learned on the basis of a slip rotation speed, which is a rotation speed difference between an input side rotation speed of the torque converter and an output side rotation speed of the torque converter, at or after a start point of the inertia phase.
US08457847B2 Method for detecting powertrain torque output
A powertrain includes a transmission coupled to a driveline. A method for monitoring torque of the driveline includes monitoring signals from first and second rotational sensors located at respective first and second rotationally-coupled positions of the driveline separated by a distance along the driveline, determining rotation of the driveline at the first and second rotationally-coupled positions from said signals, determining a twist angle derived from a difference between the rotations of the driveline at the first and second rotationally-coupled positions, calculating a driveline torque corresponding to the twist angle, and controlling operation of the powertrain in response to the driveline torque.
US08457845B2 Seatbelt control apparatus
A seatbelt control apparatus includes seatbelt control means that controls a motor for retracting a seatbelt; and motor current detecting means that detects a current of the motor. The seatbelt control apparatus further includes jamming determination means, indicator detecting means, and threshold value setting means. The jamming determination means determines whether or not the seatbelt is jammed during take-up operation on the basis of whether or not the motor current detected by the motor current detecting means exceeds a threshold value for jamming determination. The indicator detecting means detects an indicator of a current versus load characteristic of the motor. The threshold value setting means sets the threshold value for jamming determination on the basis of the indicator detected by the indicator detecting means.
US08457842B2 Magnetic assisted power steering system
A power steering system for a motor vehicle includes a rack and pinion assembly in which the teeth of the pinion are engaged with the teeth of the rack. The power steering system further includes magnets (e.g., permanent magnets or electromagnets) connected to the rack, as well as magnets (e.g., permanent magnets or electromagnets) connected to a rack tube. A varying maglev (i.e., magnetic levitation) force obtained by controlling current flowing through at least some of the magnets (e.g., by varying duty cycle of pulse-width-modulation through an electronic control unit) provides steering assistance for the motor vehicle employing the power steering system. A power steering system includes first and second steering elements, magnets connected to the steering elements, and a controller configured to obtain speed information and steering position information and to control the activation of the magnets in response to the speed information and steering position information.
US08457834B2 Abnormality judgment device and vehicle controller
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an abnormality judgment device including: a change amount calculator configured to calculate a change amount between currently-obtained and previously-obtained steering angles; a storage section configured to store a threshold value; a reference setting section configured to set a reference steering angle; an incrementing section configured to continue gradually incrementing the threshold value after the change amount exceeds the threshold value, for a judgment time; a deviation comparator configured to compare an absolute deviation between the currently-obtained steering angle and the reference steering angle with the threshold value, and to count a counter when the absolute deviation exceeds the threshold value; and a judgment section configured to judge that the steering angle sensor is abnormal when the counter reaches a predetermined value.
US08457832B2 Vehicle body speed estimating device
A vehicle body speed estimating device. An attitude angle estimating mechanism estimates a roll angle and a pitch angle. A longitudinal speed computing mechanism computes longitudinal vehicle body speed. A vehicle body speed estimator estimates lateral vehicle body speed by using, as state amounts of vehicle motion, the longitudinal vehicle body speed and the lateral vehicle body speed, and on the basis of respective detected values of longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration and yaw angular velocity of vehicle motion, and respective estimated values of the roll angle and the pitch angle, and a product of a computed value of the longitudinal vehicle body speed and a value obtained from an absolute value of the detected value of the yaw angular velocity.
US08457830B2 In-line legged robot vehicle and method for operating
A legged vehicle includes a body, wherein the body includes a major axis corresponding to a primary direction of travel; a plurality of leg mechanisms attached to the body, wherein each leg is attached at its proximal end at one or more discrete attachment points, wherein the attachment points are arranged in-line, one behind the other, with respect to the body, each of the legs including actuators attached between the legs and the body and between adjacent leg members, said legs being actuated for movement of a distal end in three dimensions; a control system in communication with the leg mechanisms to coordinate movements of the leg mechanisms according to approximately single track foot placement, and movement of the legged vehicle in three dimensions over the ground; and a power source connected to and driving the control system components and the plurality of actuators and joints which drive the legs.
US08457821B2 System and method for managing electric vehicle travel
An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a power management module configured to receive data associated with travel being proposed by an end user of an electric vehicle. The power management module is configured to suggest a starting time for the travel based on time of use (ToU) rates for electricity consumption and a current level of power in the electric vehicle. In more specific embodiments, the data associated with the travel includes a starting location, an ending location, and a proposed drive time. In other embodiments, the power management module is further configured to interface with a mapping tool in suggesting the starting time for the end user. The power management module can be configured to obtain the ToU rates from a utility, and the ToU rates are provided as a function of time.
US08457816B2 Fire detection in railway vehicles
Method for detecting fires in railway vehicles. For detecting fires reliably and with a reduced error rate, it is proposed that compartment air in a railway vehicle be sucked in by means of at least two suctioning devices operated separately from one another, each in a monitoring region, that the monitoring parameter of the compartment air sucked in be evaluated in the suctioning devices and that a first control signal be output on detection of a monitoring parameter threshold value in at least one suctioning device.
US08457815B2 Rail appliance communication system and method for communicating with a rail appliance
A rail appliance communication system includes: an equipment management device capable of being coupled with a conductive pathway extending along a track that a rail vehicle travels along; and an appliance communication device capable of being coupled with a rail appliance disposed proximate to the track, the appliance communication device and the equipment management device configured to communicate a data signal with each other through the conductive pathway. A method for communicating with a rail appliance includes: coupling an equipment management device with a conductive pathway that extends along a track that a rail vehicle travels along; and coupling an appliance communication device with the rail appliance disposed proximate to the track; wherein the equipment management device and the appliance communication device communicate a data signal through the conductive pathway.
US08457807B2 Thermal relationships based workload planning
A system, and computer usable program product for thermal relationships based workload planning in a data processing environment are provided in the illustrative embodiments. For a data processing system having a cooling correspondence with a cooling unit in the data processing environment, a determination is made of a fraction of an additional heat generation potential of the data processing system that the cooling unit will have to dissipate. Using the fraction and a cooling capacity utilization of the cooling unit at a given time, an expected cooling capacity utilization is computed. A workload on the data processing system is adjusted in response to the expected cooling capacity utilization exceeding a threshold.
US08457797B2 Energy management system and method
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a system and method includes a network device disposed at a first site, wherein the network device is capable of being altered, and a network device disposed at a second site, wherein the network device is also capable of being altered. A proximity detection module is configured to initiate altering an operating condition of each of the network devices in response to a proximity detection of a location reporting device associated with each of the sites.
US08457791B2 Method for dynamically controlling a robotic arm
A method for maneuvering an articulable robotic arm includes monitoring a position of a dynamically moveable workpiece. Individual motion segments are iteratively executed to control the articulable robotic arm to position the end-of-arm tool contiguous to the workpiece and corresponding to an initial position of the end-of-arm tool, an initial position of the workpiece and an iteratively determined updated position of the workpiece.
US08457790B2 Robotic calibration method
A robot is characterized by an external measurement device. The robot generates a first point cloud of data. The external measurement device generates a second point cloud of data. These two points clouds are analyzed to determine an accuracy of the robot.
US08457788B2 Method for teaching carrier means, storage medium and substrate processing apparatus
In a substrate processing apparatus, before a carrier is carried by a carrier arm, a carrier jig is held by a holding part provided to the carrier arm. First, the carrier arm is actuated to move the holding part of the carrier arm to a preset lowering start position. Then, an image including an opening in a table is taken. Thereafter, a distance between a central position of the opening and a central position of a region of the image is calculated, so as to obtain an amount of horizontal positional shift between the preset lowering start position and an ideal position. The lowering start position of the holding part is corrected by the positional shift as a correction value, whereafter the carrier is placed on the table at the corrected lowering start position.
US08457787B2 Method and control device for targeted reaction in the event of a contact between a machine element of a machine and an object
The invention relates to a method for the targeted reaction in the event of contact between an element (4, 6) pertaining to a machine and an object (5, 7), and a corresponding control device (14). Upon identification of contact between the machine element (4, 6) and the object (5, 7), if the machine axle is shifted into rapid displacement mode in an automated manner during the contact by means of a control device (14), further displacement of the machine axle (3, 41, 42, 43) is stopped by the drive (42, 43) of the machine (3, 41, 42, 43) being immediately cut off. Upon identification of contact, if the machine axle is shifted into slow displacement mode in an automated manner during the contact by means of a control device (14), collision detection is carried out, further displacement of the machine axle (3, 41, 42, 43) being stopped if a collision is detected. The invention thus enables the effects of a collision of an element (4, 6) pertaining to a machine with an object (5, 7) to be maintained as low as possible.
US08457783B2 Communication regarding aspects of a dispensed consumable composition
Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided.A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity.A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) controlling the functionality of a device according to an aspect of the consumable composition.A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity.A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for controlling the functionality of a device according to an aspect of the consumable composition.
US08457782B2 Method and system for referencing a specific mail target for enhanced mail owner customer intelligence
The present application relates to the ability to track mail items through a postal authority network with reference to a specific mail target. More particularly, the present application relates to a system and method for enabling tracking of event data by a mail owner of one or more mail items specifically by mail target through a mail delivery network's mail stream.
US08457781B2 Facility wide mixed mail sorting and/or sequencing system and components and methods thereof
The invention generally relates to a facility wide sorting and/or sequencing system for improving product processing operations and, more particularly, to a facility wide system and related functionality for simultaneously sorting and sequencing mixed mail pieces such as, for example, flats and letter mail pieces. The flats and letter mail pieces are placed in frames so that all types of mail pieces can be sorted and/or sequenced simultaneously through merging and diverting a stream of filled trays into and out of different streams at a full or substantially full transport speed.
US08457778B2 Robotic storage library with queued move instructions and method of queuing such instructions
A robotic tape library which queues two or more move instructions is described. Generally, the robotic system receives a first move instruction which commands a first robot to move a first tape cartridge from a shelf to a first tape drive to be loaded therein. Though the first move has not actually taken place, the library replies to the host computer that the first tape drive has been loaded with the first tape cartridge, at least to an acceptable level of engagement, at which point, the first move instruction is queued. After receiving a second move instruction from the host to move a second tape cartridge from the shelf to a second tape drive, the library reorganizes and physically carries out the move instructions in a preferred order.
US08457777B2 Accessor control failover in an automated data storage library
A method, system and a computer program product to increase the availability of an automated data storage library for accessing and storing data storage media are provided. Work requests received by an accessor controller of the library from a host computer are also received and stored by a work request tracking controller. The accessor controller converts the work request into commands necessary to direct an accessor to fulfill the work request, and then sends such commands to an accessor. Upon detection by the work request tracking controller that the so-directed accessor failed to conduct the command issued by the accessor controller, the work request tracking controller reconstructs the work request and sends it to an accessor controller. The provision of a work request tracking controller is a failover mechanism in the event an accessor controller fails to successfully direct an accessor to conduct commands in furtherance of a work request and/or has, for whatever reason, lost the work requests in its queue.
US08457775B2 Method for defining a uniform injection molding interface and an injection molding system using the same
A method for defining a uniform injection molding interface includes selecting at least one common control parameter from multiple injection molding machines, setting at least one standardization page, establishing a uniform injection molding interface by configuring the at least one common control parameter into the at least one standardization page, storing the data related to the uniform injection molding interface into a storage unit, and connecting the uniform injection molding interface to the control device via an input control device to enable the control device to control the multiple injection molding machines in response to the control parameters set via the uniform injection molding interface.
US08457772B2 Method for planning a dental component
Presented herein are methods and devices for designing dental components, such as physical models of a patient's anatomy, crowns and bridges. An operator of a prosthetic designing system can receive information, such as from a scanner, which provides information on the topology of the patient's dentition. The operator can use this information to design a custom prosthetic to fit the patient. Part of the designing process involves using a finish line defined for a preparation as a segmentation line for a physical die corresponding to the preparation, and using a path of draw line as an insertion axis line for a dental prosthetic.
US08457766B2 Safety controller and safety control method
Time partitions which need not be executed can be skipped. An OS partially includes a partition scheduler which selects and decides a time partition to be subsequently scheduled in accordance with a scheduling pattern including TP1 in which an execution time is allocated to a safety monitoring program, TP2 in which the execution time is allocated to a normal control program, and TP 3 in which the execution time is allocated to a safety control program. A processor executes the OS to cause the partition scheduler to periodically operate. The partition scheduler skips a TP including a program which need not be executed among TPs included in the scheduling pattern, in response to a notification of an execution result from a program executed in at least one of the time partitions TP1 to TP3.
US08457763B2 Implantable medical electrical stimulation lead fixation method and apparatus
The invention includes an implantable medical electrical lead for electrical stimulation of body tissue that includes at least one modifiable portion that exhibits a first configuration when exposed to a first temperature and a second configuration when exposed to a second temperature, wherein the second configuration of the modifiable portion exhibits a greater resistance to movement of the lead within the body tissue than does the first configuration, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature; and at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation of body tissue, wherein the lead has a proximal end and a distal end. Systems including leads of the invention and methods of implanting leads of the invention are also included.
US08457760B2 Switched diverter circuits for minimizing heating of an implanted lead and/or providing EMI protection in a high power electromagnetic field environment
An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one non-linear circuit element switch for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may be disposed between the implanted lead or the leadwire and the diversion circuit, or disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or the leadwire when diverting energy through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The non-linear circuit element switch is typically a PIN diode. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter.
US08457752B2 Neural stimulation for increased contrast
The present invention is a method of improving the contrast of electrical neural stimulation and expanding the dynamic range for brightness, and specifically a method of improving the contrast of an image supplied to the retina, or visual cortex, through a visual prosthesis. The background brightness for a blind subject is often not perfectly black, but a dark gray or brown. When stimulating visual neurons in the retina, low current stimulation tends to create a dark percept, the perception of a phosphene darker than the background brightness level perceived in the un-stimulated state. The human retina contains neurons that signal light increments (“on” cells) and neurons that signal light decrements (“off” cells). In a healthy retina, the on cells tend to fire in response to an increase in light above the background level, while the off cells tend to fire in response to a decrease in light below the background level.
US08457750B2 Therapy control using relative motion between sensors
The invention is directed to controlling therapy delivery based on a relative motion between a first and second activity sensor. The relative motion between the activity sensors is representative of the relative motion between the locations of the body of the patient at which the respective activity sensors are located. The use of relative motion, however, may substantially remove motion experienced by both the activity sensors, e.g., motion caused by the environment in which patient is located, thus providing a new reference frame from which to analyze the motion measurements. The relative motion may be used to detect a condition of a movement disorder and/or control delivery of the therapy delivered to patient to treat or reduce the condition.
US08457747B2 Neurostimulation with signal duration determined by a cardiac cycle
We disclose a method of providing an electrical signal to a cranial nerve of a patient for treating a medical condition, comprising providing an electrical signal generator, coupling at least a first electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient and to the electrical signal generator, generating an electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the electrical signal to the cranial nerve, using the at least a first electrode, for a duration less than a cardiac period of the patient and during the cardiac period of the patient. We also disclose an implantable medical device capable of implementing the method.
US08457743B2 Method of vagal stimulation to treat patients suffering from congestive heart failure
An improved method is presented for evaluating the physiological status of a patient diagnosed with congestive heart failure and treating the patient accordingly to alleviate the congestive heart failure. As part of the method, the thoracic or cardiac impedance and ventilation of the particular patient are derived solely from an input consisting of cardiac signals (EKG) generated by electrical energy of the patient's heart as the heart is undergoing its cardiac cycle with a dynamic impedance obtained by subjecting the EKG to alternately high and low input impedances. The derived thoracic impedance and ventilation are used to control the pattern and rate at which stimulating electrical pulses are applied to the patient's vagus nerve by an implanted stimulator, in a manner to deliver therapy to the patient's heart by adjusting the heart rate to a prescribed target rate for alleviating the congestive heart failure. A change in state of the patient from one of rest to one of physical exercise and vice versa detected from the derived impedance and ventilation is accommodated by modifying the vagal stimulation therapy to adjust the patient's heart rate to a new target rate accordingly, while continuing to deliver the therapy for alleviating the congestive heart failure. A closed loop system is preferably employed for the control and adjustment functions.
US08457738B2 Pacing catheter for access to multiple vessels
Cardioprotective pacing is applied to prevent and/or reduce cardiac injury associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and revascularization procedure. Pacing pulses are generated from a pacemaker and delivered through a plurality of pacing leads introduced into a patient's body through a percutaneous transluminal vascular intervention (PTVI) catheter have a plurality of exit ports. In one embodiment, the exit ports are arranged for the pacing leads to enter multiple specified blood vessels.
US08457727B2 Monitoring variation patterns in physiological parameters associated with myocardial instability
A method of analyzing myocardial instability includes obtaining a physiological parameter representative of myocardial behavior over a set of cardiac cycles and determining reversal points in the physiological parameter over the set of cardiac cycles. The method also includes identifying myocardial instability based on the reversal points in the physiological parameter. A reversal point may correspond to a value of the physiological parameter, during a current cardiac cycle, that exceeds or is less than the values of the physiological parameter during prior and subsequent cardiac cycles. Optionally, the method includes calculating differences between values of the physiological parameter for consecutive cardiac cycles and detecting the reversal points when a current difference exceeds or is less than differences for prior and subsequent cardiac cycles.
US08457719B2 Flexible tracking article and method of using the same
An article to enable the creation of a model of a surface includes a flexible substrate and multiple optical tracking points attached to the flexible substrate at predetermined location. The optical tracking points can be tracked by a tracking system, and a data link enables communication from the flexible substrate to a tracking system. Also disclosed is an article that enables the creation of a model of a surface including multiple light emitting diodes attached to the flexible substrate at predetermined locations. Finally, a method of registering an article and a method for creating a model of a surface having a shape are disclosed.
US08457718B2 Recognizing a real world fiducial in a patient image data
Medical apparatus is described including a fiducial component and a position sensor. The component is recognizable as at least a part of a fiducial when appearing in image data of a patient. The component is attachable to the patient. The sensor is attachable to the component at a predetermined location and orientation on the component or is capable of being positioned adjacent the fiducial component without attachment thereto at a predetermined location and orientation. A storage medium is described containing a program which instructs the computer to recognize a predetermined shape of each of at least one portion of a position sensor as at least a part of a real-world fiducial in image data of a patient. The position sensor is adapted to provide position data. Medical apparatus which includes the position sensor and the storage medium is also described.
US08457717B2 Method and system of adaptive control for reducing motion artifacts and patient dose in four dimensional computed tomography
Motion artifacts and patient dose during 4D CT imaging are reduced by adaptive control of data acquisition. The respiration signal (310) and CT data acquisition (340) are linked, such that ‘bad’ data from erratic breathing cycles that cause artifacts is not acquired by pausing CT data acquisition (360) when erratic breathing is detected, and not resuming CT data acquisition until steady-state respiration is resumed. Training data is used to develop a tolerance envelope for a respiratory signal such that for erratic breathing cycles the respiratory signal is not within the tolerance envelope (330).
US08457714B2 System and method for a catheter impedance seeking device
A tissue-contact seeking method and apparatus is described that enhances catheter position detection and control systems in making and maintaining continuous tissue contact in a highly dynamic frame, such as under the rigors of cardiac motion. Tissue-seeking logical routines use a tissue contact sensing system to advance a catheter to relatively continuous tissue contact, or detect obstacles, in cooperation with the catheter position detection and control systems. Additional logical routines are capable of optimizing the contact direction of the catheter tip by controlling the rotation angle and chamber position of the introducer.
US08457713B2 Medical treatment system
A medical treatment system is provided. The medical treatment system includes a medical imaging unit and a mobile display device mechanically disconnected from the medical imaging unit, a control unit, an input device. A data transmission device is operable to transmit data recorded by the medical imaging unit to the mobile display device. A vehicle supports the mobile display device and includes a drive unit. The control unit, operating in conjunction with the input device, is operable to control the display device and the drive unit.
US08457710B2 Diagnostic imaging method and apparatus for the anatomical region of the pelvic floor
A method for determining information for a diagnosis of pathologic conditions of the anatomical region of the pelvic floor by MRI imaging includes acquiring a sequence of MRI images along one or more predetermined section planes or inside a predetermined three-dimensional area, which planes intersect or which three-dimensional area contains at least a part of the pelvic floor. The image sequence is acquired for a time interval coinciding with or including at least a part of the length of the physiological process evacuating natural solids or liquids carried out on the basis both of a natural stimulation and an induced stimulation or during a simulation of physiological processes evacuating solids or liquids by introducing foreign bodies or substances simulating natural products. The method further includes generating a film of the cinematographic type by using as individual frames one or more images of the sequence and displaying the film for visually verifying the dynamic-morphologic behavior of organs of the pelvic floor.
US08457705B2 Brain imaging system and methods for direct prosthesis control
Methods and systems for controlling a prosthesis using a brain imager that images a localized portion of the brain are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The brain imager provides motor cortex activation data by illuminating the motor cortex with near infrared light (NIR) and detecting the spectral changes of the NIR light as passes through the brain. These spectral changes can be correlated with brain activity related to limbic control and may be provided to a neural network, for example, a fuzzy neural network that maps brain activity data to limbic control data. The limbic control data may then be used to control a prosthetic limb. Other embodiments of the invention include fiber optics that provide light to and receive light from the surface of the scalp through hair.
US08457703B2 Low power pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter may reduce power consumption in the absence of overriding conditions. Various sampling mechanisms may be used individually or in combination. Various parameters may be monitored to trigger or override a reduced power consumption state. In this manner, a pulse oximeter can lower power consumption without sacrificing performance during, for example, high noise conditions or oxygen desaturations.
US08457702B2 Cradle for a portable terminal
A cradle for a portable terminal is provided. The portable terminal has a large display unit. The cradle for a portable terminal includes a body member an upper surface of which has an accommodating groove for accommodating a portable terminal, and one end side thereof having a first hinge portion; a flip member having one end side thereof having second hinge portion to be coupled to the first hinge portion, and one surface of the flip member rotating relative to the body member so as to close the upper surface of the portable terminal; and a rotating member having one end installed in the first hinge portion and the other end thereof being installed in the second hinge portion so as to couple the flip member to the body member such that the flip member is rotatable.
US08457700B2 GPS mast module and mobile radio installation
An improved GPS mast module is characterized by the following features: the GPS mast module may be connected in a HF main transmission line (7, 107) between a base station (BS) and an antenna assembly (ANT), in particularly a mobile radio installation, and the satellite signals from an internal or connectable GPS antenna (GPS-ANT) can be supplied by a directional coupler (23) to the HF main path (7, 107).
US08457697B2 Antenna switching arrangement
An antenna arrangement comprising an input/output connection and a first and a second tuning network with different transfer functions. The arrangement additionally comprises an antenna and a switch for connecting the input/output connection of the arrangement to one of said tuning networks, with a second switch for connecting the antenna of the arrangement to the tuning network to which the input/output connection of the arrangement has been connected. The arrangement comprises a sensor for sensing a form factor of the arrangement or of an apparatus in which the arrangement is used, and said sensor can be used for influencing said first and second switches, so that a device which has been connected to the arrangement may be connected to the antenna via a tuning network optimal for the current form factor of the arrangement.
US08457688B2 Mobile wireless communications device with voice alteration and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, an audio transducer carried by the housing, and a novelty voice alteration processor carried by the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver and the audio transducer and configured to alter voice communications. For example, the novelty voice alteration processor may comprise a memory and a processor cooperating therewith to alter the voice communications.
US08457686B2 Method of communication between a vehicle telematics unit and a call center
A method and system of communication between a vehicle telematics unit and a call center via a personal mobile device identifier. The method involves detecting the presence of a personal mobile device at a vehicle, receiving a mobile device identifier from the mobile device, assigning the mobile device identifier to a telematics unit in the vehicle, establishing a data session between the telematics unit and a call center, and sending the mobile device identifier to the call center via the data session.
US08457685B1 Method and system for increasing efficiency in a radio front-end
A radio frequency (RF) circuit including control circuitry adapted to select one of multiple modes, including a first transmit mode and a first receive mode. The first receive circuitry is coupled to a first node, and the first node is coupled to a first antenna. During the first receive mode the first receive circuitry is adapted to receive a first RF input signal having a first receive frequency. First power amplifier circuitry including a first final stage provides a first RF output signal having a first transmit frequency for transmission from the first antenna during the first transmit mode. First impedance transformation circuitry is coupled between an output of the first final stage and the first node. During the first receive mode the first final stage is disabled and the first final stage and the first impedance transformation circuitry present a substantially high impedance to the first node.
US08457683B2 Method for establishing communication from a mobile terminal in dual mode
In the method for establishing communication to a remote terminal from the mobile terminal operating in dual mode, the terminal considers a contact corresponding to the remote terminal. The contact has a string of characters including an identification field containing an identifier of the remote terminal and a description field containing at least one character corresponding to a category to which the identifier contained within the identification field belongs. The terminal analyzes the string of characters. The terminal considers the value of the description field. A rule for establishing communication corresponding to the value is determined. The value of the identification field is considered. A request to establish communication in accordance with the rule is sent to the remote terminal.
US08457681B2 Wireless base station, wireless communication system, method for controlling transmission power of wireless base station, and storage medium of program for controlling transmission power of wireless base station
A connection request signal generation unit transmits a connection request signal to a selected neighboring base station selected from neighboring base stations existing around. A common channel reception processing unit, when receiving a response signal which corresponds to the connection request signal, from the selected neighboring base station, stores a value of transmission power with which the connection request signal is transmitted most recently, as a response time transmission power, in correspondence to the selected neighboring base station, and determines a minimum response transmission power of which value is the smallest among at least one response-time transmission power after storing the at least one response-time transmission power for the neighboring base stations; and calculate a transmission power of a common channel with which the own station should transmit, based on the minimum response transmission power. An ordinary processing unit performs a transmission through a common channel by using the common channel transmission power.
US08457679B2 Adaptive power control data transmission system and methods
Systems and methods of performing power control in combination with AMC are provided. AMC is performed on the basis of an AMC parameter such as CINR. Once the AMC is set to a highest available AMC for transmission to a given receiver, if the CINR indicates that the highest AMC could be transmitted with less transmit power, the power is reduced. For receivers that are not receiving the highest available AMC for that receiver, they may have their transmit power increased.
US08457675B2 Wireless communication apparatus and method
A wireless communication apparatus that transmits and receives an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal to communicate with a communication counterpart, the wireless communication apparatus including measurement means for measuring the signal level of each subcarrier of the reception signal received from the communication counterpart, calculation means for calculating a predicted signal level of each subcarrier when the communication counterpart receives the signal based on the signal level of each subcarrier of the reception signal measured by the measurement means and calculating an increase/decrease rate of transmission power for each subcarrier such that the average amount of limited mutual information limited by the modulation method for the signal is maximized based on the predicted signal level, and transmission parameter control means for controlling transmission parameters including the increase/decrease rate of transmission power for each subcarrier calculated by the calculation means.
US08457670B2 System and method for peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices
Disclosed are a method and system for peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices. A subsidy program is set up based on a profile of an advertiser having at least one advertising media. A qualified subscriber is identified for the advertiser based on a profile of a subscriber. One or more advertisers and subsidy programs for the qualified subscriber is selected. In addition, when a communication transmission is received from a source communication device, at least one advertising media is associated with the communication transmission and the communication transmission is transmitted from a source communication device to a destination communication device.
US08457667B2 Method for managing radio resources according to type of data and user equipment using the same
Provided are a method for managing radio resources according to a type of data and user equipment using the same. In the method, a paging message may be received from a radio access network. A cause of the paging message may be determined. A timer may be set for releasing radio resources according to the determined cause of the paging message. When the timer expires, radio resources may be released.
US08457663B2 Phone number encapsulation using token based framework
Embodiments of the invention related to a method for encapsulating phone numbers preferably using a token based framework and routing calls between users using such a token based framework, where the method comprises generating a set of tokens by a service provider for a phone number provided by the service provider, wherein the set of tokens comprise a generic token and a privacy token, the generic token maintained by the service provider and the privacy token distributed to a first user. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08457660B2 Methods and apparatus for conserving power in a mobile communication device
A technique for conserving power in a mobile communication device operative in a wireless communication network is described. The mobile device identifies a condition to change a parameter in the wireless communication network. However, the mobile device delays for a period of time until an expected message used for registration is to be sent to the wireless communication network. The mobile device provides the parameter within the expected message used for registration, and causes the expected message used for registration to be transmitted to the wireless communication network.
US08457659B2 Telecommunications networks
A telecommunication system includes a first radio access technology having a first radio access network and a first network core operable to page a mobile terminal via at least one element of the first radio access technology. The telecommunications system also includes a second radio access technology having a second radio access network and a second network core operable to page said mobile terminal via at least one element of the second radio access technology. Each of these elements may receive the page from its radio access technology, determine whether the mobile terminal is registered with that radio access technology and notify its core network if the mobile terminal is not registered. The core network may cause the mobile terminal to be paged in the other radio access technology. Different timer periods for idle timers at mobile terminal and eNodeB may avoid possible loss of mobile terminating data.
US08457657B2 Method and apparatus for peer-assisted localization
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for receiving, by a first mobile station, a signal transmitted from a second mobile station and addressed to a communication device (e.g., a communication device having a known location). The signal comprises a location estimate for the second mobile station. A range from the first mobile station to the second mobile station is estimated based at least in part on a measured signal strength of the received signal.
US08457656B2 Wireless tracking system and method utilizing multiple location algorithms
The present invention provides a solution to mistaken location calculations based on multipath effects. The present invention determines a real-time location of an object in a facility using a combination of location algorithms, with a signal characteristic for a wireless signal from a communication device attached to the object received at a sensor of a mesh network. The location algorithms preferably include at least two of a proximity algorithm, a radial basis function algorithm, a maximum likelihood algorithm, a genetic algorithm, a minimum mean squared error algorithm, a radiofrequency fingerprinting algorithm, a multilateration algorithm, a time difference of arrival algorithm, a signal strength algorithm, a time of arrival algorithm, an angle of arrival algorithm, a spatial diversity algorithm, and a nearest neighbor algorithm.
US08457649B2 Communication system and method for mitigating interference in hierarchical cell structure
A method for mitigating interference at a small base station in a hierarchical cell structure is provided. In the method, the small base station checks a sub-frame allocated to macro user equipment by using a downlink signal received from a macro base station when an interference candidate user equipment list is received. The interference candidate user equipment list contains information on the macro user equipment adjacent to a femto cell controlled by the small base station. Then the small base station allocates other sub-frame to femto user equipment located in the femto cell by avoiding the sub-frame allocated to the macro user equipment.
US08457645B2 Channel allocation for channel allocation tiering
A method and device for channel allocation using channel allocation tiering (CHAT), where radio resources are de-coupled from hardware resources and the available hardware resource units in a cell are divided into logical groups, “channel tiers”. Each tier simultaneously utilizes, partly or fully, the same radio resources. There is a first tier and at least a second tier. In accordance with the invention terminals are allocated to the first tier until a radio resource load threshold close to but less than 100% is reached. Terminals are allocated channels on said at least second tier based upon a terminal's interference suppression capabilities, or the radio requirements of the service being used on the terminal, or the radio location of the terminal, or a combination of the above.
US08457640B2 Handoff access method and device based on random access channel
A handoff access method and device based on a random access channel is provided, the method includes the following steps: step a, a source BS sends a handoff request message to a target BS, requesting switching the mobile terminal it serves to the target BS; step b, the target BS sends a handoff response message to the source BS, and then the source BS forwards a handoff command with its content to the mobile terminal, wherein the handoff command message does not include reserved character codes; step c, after receiving the handoff command message, the mobile terminal determines that the handoff command message does not include the reserved character codes, and then selects a random access sub-channel; and step d, the target BS and the mobile terminal initiate a random access procedure on the random access sub-channel.
US08457637B2 Mobile communication method, mobile station, and radio base station
A mobile station UE according to the present invention comprising a gist thereof is to include, a measurement configuration acquisition unit 12 configured to acquire a measurement configuration for a second cell #2 frequency f2 from the radio base station eNB#A managing a first cell #1 by transmitting a measurement configuration request to the radio base station eNB#A managing the first cell, when it is determined that it is determined to desire to measure the second cell #2 using a frequency f2 different from a frequency f1 of the first cell #1 in communication and there is not held the measurement configuration for a second cell #2 frequency f2; and a measurement report transmission unit configured to transmit a measurement report including a reception quality in the second cell #2, to the radio base station eNB#A managing the first cell #1, in response to the received measurement configuration for a second cell #2 frequency f2.
US08457635B2 Non-3GPP to 3GPP network handover optimizations
The invention relates to a method for a handover of a mobile node from a non-3GPP to a 3GPP network, and of a mobile node, which is located in a non-3GPP/3GPP network. The handover is improved by discovering an appropriate MME and registering the mobile node at the discovered MME, in advance. This includes to first determine the location of the mobile node in the non-3GPP network, so as to be able to detect an MME in the vicinity of the mobile node's location. The 3GPP contexts are then transmitted to the new MME before the handover is performed. Moreover, the invention teaches to change the Serving-Gateway in the 3GPP network before performing a handover, thereby accelerating the handover. When a handover gets likely, the mobile node's location is determined and a new Serving-Gateway is selected. The data path is changed to go via the new Serving-Gateway.
US08457634B2 Method and apparatus for providing an efficient handover in a telecommunications system
Apparatus and method for an efficient handover of at least one user equipment from a first access node to at least one further access node of a plurality of access nodes in a telecommunications system, said method comprising the steps of: said first access node, upon reception of a handover request from said user equipment, preparing a group of further access nodes of said plurality as possible target access nodes, upon attachment of said user equipment to said one further access node, said one further access node transmitting a message to said first access node, and upon reception of said message by said first access node, said first access node transmitting a further message to said possible target access nodes.
US08457632B2 System and method for managing femto base stations and a femto zone in a wireless communication network
The system and method of the present invention comprise: receiving a registration request from a first femto base station from among the femto base stations in the femto zone that share a backhaul link; storing the registration of the femto base station and determining the first femto base station as a master base station or a candidate base station in accordance with the registration request; and transmitting, to the first femto base station, a registration acknowledgement message which contains the maximum backhaul link capacity of the femto zone and master base station information if the first femto base station is determined to be master base station, or a registration acknowledgement message which contains master base station information and candidate base station information if the first femto base station is determined to be the candidate base station.
US08457630B2 System and method for transferring a device between mobile carriers
There is disclosed a system and method for transferring a mobile handheld device between mobile carriers. In an embodiment, a system for transferring a handheld device between mobile carriers comprises a provisioning system for receiving from a first mobile carrier a request to register the device on the first mobile carrier's wireless network; a database uniquely identifying the device to determine if the device has been previously registered; deactivation means for deactivating the device from the second mobile carrier's wireless network if the device has been previously registered to a second mobile carrier; and registration means for registering the device on the first mobile carrier's wireless network upon confirmation that the device has been deactivated from the second mobile carrier's wireless network. The device may be uniquely identified by a unique electronic serial number (ESN) or a unique product identification number (PIN).
US08457629B2 Apparatus and method for providing service status information based on access class restriction list in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for providing service status information based on an access class restriction list in a mobile communication system. The method includes checking whether there is same information between the access class restriction list included in system information blocks that a user equipment receives from a network and access class restriction information pre-stored in the user equipment. The same information is provided when there is the same information. The same information is transmitted to a service end and/or displayed thereon.
US08457628B2 Wireless network roaming timer method and apparatus
A mobile station in a wireless network includes a roaming timer. The roaming timer is set based on various criteria, and when the roaming timer expires, an attempt to roam is performed.
US08457627B2 Traffic scheduling system for wireless communications
The Traffic Scheduling System executes a multi-step process first to identify the bandwidth intensive traffic. The identification of the bandwidth intensive traffic is effected at the stream level by measuring the byte volume of the stream over a predetermined period of time and using this data to classify the stream into one of a plurality of usage categories. The classification of bandwidth intensive traffic is network neutral in that all data is classified at the stream level (source IP, destination IP, source port, destination port). Otherwise, the data is not inspected. Once streams have been classified by the Traffic Scheduling System, the Bandwidth Intensive and Near Real Time traffic can be controlled by a simple Traffic Shaping process executed by the Traffic Scheduling System, using a traffic management parameter such as via the Round-Trip Time of the next higher priority queue, in the set of queues.
US08457626B2 System and method for aggregating and disseminating mobile device tag data
A computer-implemented method for aggregating and disseminating tag data is provided. The method includes receiving a tag generated at a particular time from a particular mobile device. Data indicative of a particular location of the particular mobile device is received corresponding to the particular time. The tag is associated with the location indicative data of the particular mobile device. Data indicative of a location of one or more other mobile devices is received, and data indicative of the tag is transmitted to the one or more other mobile devices in response to the location indicative data of the one or more other mobile devices corresponding to the location indicative data of the particular mobile device.
US08457621B2 Generic identity module for telecommunication services
An identity module includes a memory and a processor. In the memory are stored installation code for installing in the memory a customization suite that associates the identity module with a communication services provider and communication code that, in combination with the customization suite, supports communication by a host of the identity module using services of the communication services provider. The processor executes the installation code to install the customization suite and then executes the communication code in support of the communication. Preferably, no portion of any such communication suite is stored initially in the identity module. The host requests the customization suite from a server that includes a communication interface for communicating with the host, a memory wherein is stored code for providing substantially the entire customization suite to the host, and a processor for executing the code.
US08457620B2 Methods and apparatus for limiting communication capabilities in mobile communication devices
One illustrative technique for use in a mobile device having a visual display includes monitoring an operating temperature at the device and, when the monitored operating temperature is greater than a first threshold temperature, allowing only emergency communication and providing a visual indication indicating that only emergency communication is allowed.
US08457619B2 Searching for mobile content
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for searching for mobile content. A method includes receiving, via a user interface, at a computer system independent of the mobile device, information identifying the mobile device to receive computer data; receiving, at the computer system, information identifying the computer data to be downloaded to the mobile device; using the computer system to search computer data offerings from mobile device content providers for the computer data; and wirelessly transmitting to the mobile device data corresponding to a search result. Another method includes an application, on a mobile device, querying a computer system independent of the mobile device for a result of a search for the computer data, and causing the downloading of the computer data.
US08457618B2 Preventing random access based on outdated system information in a wireless communication system
A method for preventing random access by a mobile station with outdated system information includes, in the mobile station, receiving system information earlier than a time instant at which the system information become effective, determining that a current time is within a new access blocking offset before the time instant at which the system information becomes effective, and delaying random access at least until the time instant at which the system information becomes effective.
US08457617B2 System and method for a wireless device locator
A system and method for locating a wireless accessory. User input to search for the wireless accessory is received. A determination is made whether a signal is received from the wireless accessory. Location information is displayed to a user in response to detecting the signal from the wireless accessory.
US08457616B2 Method and apparatus for backup communication services
A method and apparatus is disclosed for backup communication services. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a wireless interface having a detection module to detect an interruption in a portion of communication services supplied to a plurality of residences by a central office over communication lines coupled to a cross-connect operating in a service area interface (SAI), and a controller module to direct a wireless transceiver to establish communications with a wireless station in response to the interruption, and to direct the cross-connect to provide communication services to a portion of the plurality of residences affected by the interruption by way of the wireless transceiver. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08457614B2 Wireless multi-unit conference phone
A wireless conference phone system has a base station to couple at least one conference unit to a telephone network, such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or a digital telephone network such as a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network. Each conference unit performs echo cancellation of the audio signal received from a remote location allowing a simplified base station implementation.
US08457613B2 Automated mobile intelligent communication processing system
A system and method for providing enhanced information to a mobile communication device regarding a calling device is described. The system and method includes receiving an incoming call request at a mobile communication device including the identifier of the calling device. An information request is then formulated including the identifier of the calling device. The information request is transmitted from the mobile communication device to the query processing center via a data communication channel. A response is then obtained from the data processing center and transmitted to the mobile phone via the data communication channel. The response received from the data processing center includes the requested information related to the calling device.
US08457610B2 System and method for automatically drafting a blog entry
There is disclosed a system and method for automatically drafting blog entries. In an embodiment, the method comprises: defining a triggering event for generating a draft blog entry; detecting the triggering event; and upon detection of the triggering event, automatically generating a draft a blog entry in a predetermined format. The triggering event may comprise, for example, capturing an image, video clip, sound clip, or browsing a webpage having a URL on the wireless mobile device, and the method may further comprise automatically inserting the captured image, video clip, sound clip, or URL into the draft blog entry in the predetermined format together with automatically generated text. Some of the text may be generated in dependence upon the triggering event.
US08457609B2 Method and system for establishing a service relationship between a mobile communication device and a mobile data server for connecting to a wireless network
A method and system for establishing a service relationship between a mobile communication device and a mobile data server for connecting to a wireless network are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment, an Internet browser receives a request to establish a service relationship between a mobile communication device and a mobile data server. A device identifier and device capability data is received from the mobile communication device. Service data for the mobile communication device is received from a mobile data administration server in accordance with the device identifier and device capability data, which is then stored in a memory of the mobile communication device.
US08457608B2 Provisioning of callback reminders on a vehicle-based computing system
One or more embodiments include a computer-implemented method and system for providing reply reminders to a vehicle occupant in a vehicle. Information indicating one or more unanswered communications from a nomadic telephone device may be wirelessly received at a vehicle computer. Time and/or date information for the unanswered communication may also be received. By automatically monitoring a passage of time, a determination may be made if one or more unanswered communications have been answered within a predefined reply period. If the one or more unanswered communications have not been answered within the predefined reply period, a reply reminder may be generated and presented in a vehicle.
US08457604B2 Apparatus and method for sharing content on a mobile device
Various embodiments for providing enhanced content sharing on mobile computing devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may display content and send messages of different types. The mobile computing device may include a content sharing interface to prompt a selection of a recipient for content. The selected recipient may be associated with at least one transport mechanism. The mobile computing device may format the content according to a transport mechanism associated with the selected recipient, open the formatted content in a compose view for the transport mechanism, and to send the formatted content to the selected recipient. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08457603B2 System and method for self-serve provisioning of services on a mobile communication device
There is disclosed a system and method for provisioning a mobile communication device on a network. In an embodiment, the method comprises: identifying one or more devices on the network to which a notification of an offer of service should be sent; pushing the notification of an offer of service to the identified devices over the network; if the offer of service is accepted at the device, then initiating a provisioning request from the device to one or more of a carrier, service provider or management authority; and upon authorization of the provisioning request by the management authority, provisioning the service from the service provider.
US08457598B2 Authentication in mobile interworking system
A communications system comprising a radio access network for providing local wireless access for a mobile device and an authentication entity in a public land mobile network, wherein the authentication entity is arranged to authenticate the mobile device accessing the radio access network on the basis of authentication signalling between the authentication entity and the mobile device. The system includes a proxy entity via which transfer of the authentication signalling is arranged, and encapsulated transmission of the authentication signalling to and from the mobile device is arranged in messages of a cryptographic client-server transport layer encapsulation protocol between the mobile device and the proxy entity. The system provides encapsulated transfer of the authentication signalling to and from the authentication entity in messages of an AAA client-server protocol between the proxy entity and the authentication entity.
US08457592B2 Configurable communications device
A communications device is configured to receive an input from a user device when the communications device is positioned proximate the user device. The user device includes a data store having at least an identifier. The communications device is configured to adjust at least one operational setting within the communications device upon receiving the input.
US08457586B2 Radio frequency circuit and mixer
A radio frequency circuit includes a transformer, a local oscillator, a first mixer, a second mixer, a first variable gain amplifier, and a second variable gain amplifier. The first mixer includes a first inductor that is coupled between a positive in-phase input and a negative in-phase input. The second mixer includes a second inductor that is coupled between a positive quadrature input and a negative quadrature input. The first and second inductors provide inductive loads and improve conversion gains of the first and second mixers respectively.
US08457583B2 Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, and wireless communication system
By switching to a method that allocates frequency diversity as an independent signal sequence during the time when an influence of fading is small, adaptively corresponding to an increase and decrease of fading, performs stable wireless communication, and frequency resources are effectively utilized. A wireless communication system selects and performs quadruple diversity which is composed of space diversity using two uncorrelated antennas and frequency diversity using two waves of frequencies f1 and f2 or double diversity of only the space diversity. A matching filter 211 evaluates that the influence of fading is small when all tap information from adaptive matched filters 207 to 210 indicates a value greater than or equal to a threshold, and while switching selector switches 104 and 215 and performing only the space diversity, transmitting and receiving independent two transmission data that is respectively modulated by modulators 102 and 103.
US08457580B2 Compact low-power receiver architecture and related method
According to one embodiment, a compact low-power receiver comprises a front-end producing a front-end gain and a back-end producing a back-end gain. The front-end includes a transconductance amplifier providing digital gain control and outputting an amplified receive signal, a mixer for generating a down-converted signal from the amplified receive signal, and a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) including a current mode buffer. The TIA provides gain control for amplifying the down-converted signal to produce a front-end output signal. In one embodiment, the back end includes a second-order low-pass filter to produce a filtered signal from the front-end output signal and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), wherein the filtered signal is fed directly to the ADC without direct-current (DC) offset cancellation being performed. In various embodiments, the front-end gain is substantially greater than the back-end gain.
US08457579B2 Efficient sampling and reconstruction of sparse multi-band signals
A method for signal processing includes distributing an analog input signal to a plurality of processing channels. In each processing channel, the input signal is mixed with a respective periodic waveform including multiple spectral lines, so as to produce a respective baseband signal in which multiple spectral slices of the input signal are superimposed on one another. The baseband signal produced in each of the processing channels is digitized, to produce a set of digital sample sequences that represent the input signal.
US08457578B2 Discrete time receiver
A discrete time receiver includes a low noise transconductance amplifier (LNTA), a discrete time sampler, a passive discrete time circuit, and a switched capacitor amplifier. The LNTA amplifies a received RF signal and provides an amplified RF signal. The discrete time sampler samples the amplified RF signal (e.g., with multiple phases of a sampling clock) and provides first analog samples. The passive discrete time circuit decimates and filters the first analog samples and provides second analog samples. The switched capacitor amplifier amplifies the second analog samples and provides third analog samples. The discrete time receiver may further include a second passive discrete time circuit, a second switched capacitor amplifier, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that digitizes baseband analog samples and provides digital samples. The discrete time receiver can flexibly support different system bandwidths and center frequencies.
US08457573B2 Automatic gain control with state machine controller feedback
An automatic gain control circuit is described including a state machine controller for adjusting intermediate frequency gain and radio frequency gain and a baseband demodulator, wherein the baseband demodulator receives information from the state machine controller regarding status of the state machine controller and further wherein the state machine controller receives correlation information from the baseband demodulator. Also described is a method including detecting a signal, providing state machine controller information to a baseband demodulator, reducing a radio frequency gain, reducing an intermediate frequency gain and receiving correlation information from the baseband demodulator.
US08457569B2 Hybrid techniques for antenna retuning utilizing transmit and receive power information
An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a transceiver, an antenna tuner connecting said transceiver to an antenna, a power sensor adapted to acquire measurements about transmit power, a receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) adapted to acquire measurements about receive power and wherein said tuner tunes said antenna based upon said transmit and receive measurements to optimize said antenna in both the receive and transmit bands.
US08457562B2 Digitized reverse link monitor
A method of monitoring a broadband digitized reverse link system comprising monitoring at least one radio frequency down-convert path in at least one remote unit in the digitized reverse link system using an internal tone generating system, digitally verifying the health of at least one digitized communication link communicatively coupled to receive digital signals from a respective remote unit, and monitoring the health of a radio frequency up-convert path in a host unit communicatively coupled to receive the digital signals from the at least one digitized communication link in the digitized reverse link system using a wideband power detector in the host unit.
US08457559B2 Techniques to improve the radio co-existence of wireless signals
Techniques are described that can be used to perform one or more of the following actions in order to reduce signal interference between WLAN and BlueTooth radios that are proximate to one another. One action is to selectively reduce a filter bandwidth in a WLAN radio applied to a received WLAN radio signal to reduce BlueTooth signal interference. An additional or alternative action is to selectively indicate a WLAN radio channel bandwidth larger than a channel bandwidth used for the WLAN radio so that the BlueTooth radio avoids transmitting over the indicated channel bandwidth. An additional or alternative action is to selectively reduce BlueTooth transmitter power in response to antenna isolation between BT and WLAN radio being less than a first threshold in order to reduce the likelihood of WLAN radio front end saturation.
US08457556B2 Apparatus and method for providing wireless communication and global positioning for a wireless computer mouse
Wireless computer mouse operation may be provided by receiving a user detection signal from a sensor of the wireless computer mouse to determine the presence of a user. In one embodiment, an operation mode of the wireless computer mouse may be determined by a controller based, at least in part, on the user detection signal. Thereafter, the controller can enable at least one of a short range wireless communication module and a global positioning receiver of the wireless computer mouse based on the operation mode determined by the controller.
US08457552B1 Method and apparatus for reduced complexity short range wireless communication system
A reduced complexity short range wireless communication system and method are described providing a very low complexity, low cost, and low power version of Bluetooth Wireless Technology. In one embodiment, the low complexity version relies upon mechanisms and procedures already present in existing standards, such as Version 1.2 of the Bluetooth Specification. In this embodiment, the inventive method and apparatus take advantage of essential mechanisms and procedures already present in the Bluetooth Specification, while eliminating the need for the parts of the Bluetooth Specification that are not required by very low complexity devices.
US08457551B2 Communication device, communication system, and communication method
There is provided a communication device including: a high frequency coupler; a band-pass filter; a switching mechanism that switches an electrical length a transmission line between the high frequency coupler and the band-pass filter; a communication unit that receives hardware information of other end of communication before establishing a communication connection; and a control unit that controls switching of the electrical length of the transmission line according to the received hardware information of the other end of communication by using the switching mechanism with or after establishing a communication connection.
US08457546B2 Interactive WiFi connectivity for moving vehicles
Systems and methods are provided to enable high-performance Internet access on board moving vehicles using WiFi data communication protocols. In an illustrative implementation, an exemplary wireless data communications environment comprises a ViFi module, an instruction set comprising at least one instruction set to process data for wireless communication between a cooperating component onboard a moving vehicle and other cooperating wireless components, and one or more wide-area wireless communications links. In an illustrative operation, the ViFi module can perform one or more wireless communications techniques to exploit macro-diversity and opportunistic receptions by cooperating WiFi base stations to minimize disruptions for mobile clients. The exemplary ViFi module can communicate data to and from one or more cooperating WiFI base stations such that the one or more base stations can operatively opportunistically overhear a packet, and can probabilistically relay the packet to the intended next hop.
US08457545B2 Information distribution and processing system
An information distribution and processing system contains a remote site, a sender and a receiving apparatus. The remote site contains a first set of digital data. The sender delivers a second set of digital data to the receiving device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device contain a timing device for automatically receiving the second set of digital data at predetermined times. The second set of digital data contains a first set of displayable data, a second set of displayable data, at least one non-displayable symbol, and at least one linking reference associated with the second set of displayable data. If desired, a user can select the second set of displayable data. The associated linking reference is sent to the remote site. The associated linking reference is used by the remote site to search for the additional information, and returns the requested information to the user.
US08457543B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit to form an image on a sheet of recording media, an image reading unit to read image data of an original document, disposed above the image forming unit, a sheet discharge space defined by the image reading unit and the image forming unit and disposed therebetween, a discharge port formed in a first inner side wall of a main body of the image forming apparatus, through which the sheet is discharged into the sheet discharge space, a positioning member to position and detachably mount a positioning member to position and detachably mount an auxiliary unit adjacent to the discharge port in the sheet discharge space.
US08457540B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A belt-fixing device to fix a toner image on a sheet includes an endless belt, a first roller disposed inside the endless belt, a second roller disposed in contact with the first roller via the endless belt, forming a fixing nip therebetween through which a recording medium passes, and a ring shape edge for controlling movement of the belt in an axial direction, provided on an inner surface of the endless belt. The ring shape edge is positioned between the first roller and the second roller.
US08457535B2 Development agent supply device and image forming apparatus having the same
A development agent supply device includes a casing having an opening and a development agent storage section, a development agent holding member housed in the casing such that a development agent holding surface thereof faces a developer-supplied device via the opening, a first electric-field transfer board that transfers development agent with a traveling-wave electric field along a down-facing development agent transfer surface in a predetermined direction from the development agent storage section to the opening and faces the development agent holding surface at a downstream end in the predetermined direction, and a second electric-field transfer board that includes a first section facing an downstream end of the first electric-field transfer board in the predetermined direction, and a second section facing the development agent holding member and transfers development agent received from the first electric transfer board at the first section, to the second section with a traveling-wave electric field.
US08457532B2 Electrophotographic printing
Electrophotographic printing apparatus and method of printing using electrophotographic printing apparatus, the apparatus comprising an image-forming member having a surface on which a latent electrostatic image can be formed and developed for transfer of the developed image to a substrate via an intermediate transfer member. The apparatus comprises a voltage supply for generating electric potential between the surface of the intermediate transfer member and the image-forming member such that the developed image formed on the surface of the image-forming member is transferred to the intermediate transfer member. A controller of the apparatus controls the voltage supply to adjust the electrical potential to affect the transfer of ink to the intermediate transfer member from the image-forming member. In this way, the apparatus can adjust for changes in the electrical properties of the intermediate transfer member.
US08457531B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image carriers, a plurality of developing units configured to contact each of the plurality of image carriers to develop a latent image formed on each of the plurality of image carriers, a contact and separation unit configured to perform contact and separation of the plurality of image carriers and the plurality of developing units, a drive unit that drives the contact and separation unit, and a control unit that controls a drive speed of the drive unit so that the plurality of developing units are separated from the plurality of image carriers after the development performed by the plurality of developing units is completed, and the control unit controls the drive speed so that a last developing unit is separated after completion timing of development performed by the last developing unit and before separation timing of the last developing unit.
US08457527B2 Original reading device and image forming apparatus including the same
An original reading device is provided with an original cover, an original reading device main body, and a cover attachment portion that attaches the original cover to the original reading device main body in an openable and closeable manner, and the cover attachment portion is constituted by a rod-shaped hinge portion that is attached to the original cover through an open-close mechanism portion, and a hinge guide portion that is provided in the original reading device main body and through which the rod-shaped hinge portion is inserted and supported, and a latch indentation is provided in the hinge guide portion such that a latch protrusion provided at a lower portion of the rod-shaped hinge portion is latched into the latch indentation to maintain a state in which the rod-shaped hinge portion is pulled out a predetermined distance from the hinge guide portion.
US08457525B2 Process cartridge having a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge configured to be movably attached to the drum cartridge
An image forming apparatus is provided. An image forming apparatus includes: a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum; a developing cartridge configured to be movably attached to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge having: a developing roller; a bearing member; and a developing drive input member; and a spacing member for pressing against a predetermined portion of the developing cartridge and moving the developing cartridge such that the developing roller is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum, wherein the drum cartridge has an abutment portion with which the bearing member is brought into abutment, and wherein a straight line which connects the abutment portion with a center of a rotational axis of the developing drive input member extends substantially in the same direction as a connecting or disconnecting direction of the developing roller to or from the photosensitive drum.
US08457522B2 Image-holding member cases, developing device cases, and image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus includes: an image-holding member casing that encases an image-holding member; an apparatus main body into which the image-holding member casing is inserted to a predetermined position; a developing device casing provided in the apparatus main body, the developing device casing encasing a developing device; a pushing member provided in the apparatus main body to push the developing device casing in a first direction toward the image-holding member; and a contact portion provided on the image-holding member casing so as to contact the developing device casing for a predetermined period during insertion of the image-holding member casing toward the predetermined position, to push the developing device casing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein, after the predetermined period, when the image-holding member casing reaches the predetermined position, the contact portion does not push the developing device casing in the second direction.
US08457518B1 Image forming apparatus having cleaning unit and waste toner retainer
An image forming apparatus includes a casing; an endless belt; a cleaning unit configured to collect a waste toner remaining on the endless belt; a first cartridge including a first accommodating portion to accommodate toner to be supplied to a first photosensitive member; a second cartridge including a second accommodating portion to accommodate toner to be supplied to a second photosensitive member, and a waste toner retainer to accommodate waste toner collected by the cleaning unit; a waste toner conveying unit configured to convey the waste toner collected by the cleaning unit to the waste toner retainer; and a moving member configured to support the first cartridge, the second cartridge, and the cleaning unit, the moving member being movable in a first direction from an inner position in the casing to an outer position out of the casing. The second cartridge is positioned at an upper stream position than a position of the first cartridge in the first direction when the moving member supports the first cartridge, the second cartridge, and the cleaning unit. And, the cleaning unit is positioned at a lower stream position than a position of the first cartridge when the moving member supports the first cartridge, the second cartridge, and the cleaning unit.
US08457517B2 Image forming apparatus and transfer roller bias system
An image forming apparatus includes a chassis; an image carrier on whose surface a toner image is formed; a transfer roller configured to transfer the toner image formed on the image carrier onto to a recording medium and including a roller shaft and a transfer roller main body; a frame disposed inside the chassis; a transfer-roller supporting part configured to support the transfer roller and to move the transfer roller to a contact position and a spacing position; a terminal member configured to contact an end surface of the roller shaft and supply a voltage; and a terminal supporting member configured to rotatably support the terminal member with respect to the frame, wherein the terminal member rotates while following the movement of the transfer roller between the contact position and the spacing position, and wherein the terminal member maintains a contact state with the end surface of the roller shaft.
US08457516B2 Image forming apparatus and method using an environment detector which changes a test toner image based on a detection result
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image forming member, a transferer, a toner image detector, and a controller. The transferer transfers the toner image from the image carrier directly or indirectly onto a recording medium transported by a surface moving member. The toner image detector detects a test toner image formed in a test toner image detection area located at an end portion of the surface moving member. The controller checks a length of the recording medium in a main scanning direction during continuous image formation, and forms the test toner image either in a space between recording media when the length of the recording medium exceeds a length of the surface moving member minus a length of the test toner image detection area in the main scanning direction or otherwise in parallel to the toner image transferred onto the recording medium.
US08457503B2 Optical transmitter apparatus
An optical DQPSK modulator comprises a pair of phase modulators. Each of the pair of the phase modulators is provided with first and second driving signals. The first and second driving signals are amplified by first and second amplifiers, respectively. An RZ intensity modulator generates an optical RZ-DQPSK signal from an optical DQPSK signal output from the optical DQPSK modulator. A photodetector generates a monitor signal from the optical RZ-DQPSK signal. A gain adjuster unit adjusts the gains of the first and second amplifiers so as to minimize the power of the monitor signal.
US08457498B2 Methods and apparatus for target identification
Methods and apparatus for target identification are disclosed. An example method for target identification disclosed herein comprises establishing an optical communication link with a potential target, transmitting a first signal encoded with a first code to the potential target using the optical communication link, receiving a second signal from the potential target using the optical communication link, extracting a second code from the second signal, and identifying the potential target as a friendly asset based on the second code.
US08457495B2 Network system, optical network unit and optical line terminal
It is necessary to completely remove overlapping of signals between plural PONs in order to make the PONs coexist. Accordingly, it is required to share or intensively manage bandwidth use conditions over an optical fiber that serves as a common band between plural systems. Therefore, transmission clocks should be synchronized with high accuracy between plural systems. A reference clock is provided from an external device or a representative OLT to the entire systems to perform clock synchronization between plural systems, so that the overall systems are synchronized by synchronizing each OLT with the reference clock. A hierarchical management method is selected that manages ONUs under the control of each OLT by managing band use information arranged for each OLT with respect to an external device or a representative OLT for sharing of bandwidth use conditions between plural systems.
US08457493B2 Optical communication system and communication bandwidth control method
In the communication system, a master station is coupled to slave stations by a fiber network comprising a splitter and a reach extender, the master station includes a first bandwidth control section which determines, based on a request from each slave station, a first data amount of a signal transmitted in a first cycle, the reach extender includes: a distance measurement section which measures a distance or a time between the reach extender and each slave station; and a second bandwidth control section which determines a second data amount and transmission timing of a signal based on a request from each slave station and the first data amount, and each slave station transmits a signal with a data amount, which the first bandwidth control section determined based on a data amount and transmission timing determined in second cycles, to the master station in the first cycle.
US08457492B2 Optical access system
There are provided multiple candidates for FEC codes selectable for each of the ONTs. An OLT is provided with: means for storing redundancy and a code length of each FEC code in a table; means for selecting an FEC code; means for encoding or decoding data using the selected FEC code; means for calculating a bandwidth in consideration for the FEC redundancy and the code length with reference to the table during band assignment calculation; and means for notifying the destination ONT of the selected FEC code.
US08457490B2 Use of subcarrier deactivation in a multi-subcarrier channel to improve reach in an optical network
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a method may include determining that a transmission of a data signal over a path of a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical network using a group of optical subcarriers is not optically feasible; determining that the transmission of the data signal over the path using a subset of the group of optical subcarriers is optically feasible; activating subcarriers for the subset of optical carriers while deactivating one or more optical subcarriers of the group, at least one deactivated subcarrier provided between at least two activated subcarriers of the group; and transmitting the data signal over at least a portion of the path using the activated subcarriers of the group.
US08457488B2 Technology for providing telecommunication services to multiple optical communication lines
A system for serving N optical communication lines by a redundant set of modules in an optical network; where the set of modules comprises N>1 main modules and one backup module, N optical splitters, 2N fiber connections and a control means. In the system, each of the N optical splitters is connected to two different modules of the set by two respective fiber connections out of the 2N connections, while each of the N optical splitters is also coupled to one of the N optical communication lines. The arrangement is such that the control means selectively activates/inactivates any of the fiber connections for respectively enabling/blocking transfer of data there-along; the control means thus ensures that each specific line of the N optical communication lines is always served by either one or another of two different modules.
US08457487B2 Camera assembly and portable electronic device
A camera assembly includes a camera module, a dustproof cover and a sealing ring. The dustproof cover is assembled in front of the camera module. The sealing ring is hermetically sandwiched between the dustproof cover and the camera module. The camera module, the sealing ring and the dustproof cover cooperatively define a closed chamber. A portable electronic device using the camera assembly is also provided.
US08457486B2 Imaging apparatus with display and image display apparatus
A digital camera is provided with a vertically long camera body having an approximately rectangular solid shape. An LCD panel provided in a rear surface of the camera body is arranged such that longitudinal directions of the display screen and the camera body correspond to each other. The digital camera is operated through a touch panel provided in a lower portion of the display screen. In a taking mode, an image is displayed in a small size on an upper portion of the display screen. In reproducing, the camera body is rotated sideways by 90 degree. Ina reproducing mode, display posture of the image is also rotated by 90 degree, and the image is displayed in a large size on the entire display screen.
US08457485B2 Optical element holder and stereoscopic imaging device utilizing the holder
Afforded is an optical element holder allowing high-accuracy stereo images to be taken. The holder includes: a rectangular parallelepiped beam splitter (5) having a rectangular incident surface (12); a pair of mutually opposing holding members (8) into which end portions of the beam splitter along the x-axis are fitted; and a base portion (9) and screws (10) that press on the holding members (8), drawing them toward each other. Each of the holding members (8) has a flat surface portion covering a lateral surface of the beam splitter (5), and a peripheral wall portion standing along the periphery of the flat surface potion. A width, along the x-axis, whereby the peripheral wall portion and a first light-exit surface opposing the incident surface (12) of the beam splitter (5) overlap is greater than a width, in the same orientation, whereby the incident surface (12) and the peripheral wall portion overlap.
US08457483B2 Photographic system
A photographic system includes a first light grid including cells, and a first alignment feature. A bezel including a retainer for retaining at least the first light grid, and an alignment feature for aligning at least the first light grid within said light grid retainer. A formable portion including a reflective surface, wherein the formable portion is for retainably formed into a snoot, wherein said bezel is disposed at a distal end of the formable portion, and wherein the reflective surface is for reflecting light from a photographic light source within the formable portion. A base portion coupled to the formable portion, wherein the base portion is for coupling to the photographic light source.
US08457482B2 Actuator and camera module having same
An exemplary actuator includes a base, a stationary frame mounted on the base, a moveable frame received in the stationary frame and supported on the base when the moveable frame is in a lowest position, and a driving unit received in the stationary frame and supported on the base. The moveable frame includes a frame body and a protrusion outwardly protruding from an outer wall of a corner of the frame body. The driving unit includes two parallel piezoelectric plates and two parallel resilient plates. The piezoelectric plates and the resilient plates are connected to each other end-to-end and cooperatively form a receiving hole therebetween. The protrusion is received in the receiving hole. The two resilient plates apply a preload to opposite side surfaces of the protrusion and retain the protrusion in position in the receiving hole.
US08457481B2 Hermetic flexible bag to protect cameras and portable electronic
“Hermetic flexible bag to protect cameras and portable electronic equipment” which comprises a set formed by the following components: a flexible bag, UV filter, eye-window and in some embodiments the set can also present a flash support and a tripod connection. The flexibility of the manufacturing material enables that the same hermetic flexible bag be used with several types of equipment of similar shape and size. It also provides protection for the equipment without making its use difficult. The equipment is always protected and ready to be used.
US08457480B1 Photography station
A photography station operates to capture digital images of a subject with at least one digital camera. The photography station includes foreground lighting and background lighting. The foreground lighting is configured to illuminate the subject, while the background lighting is configured to illuminate a background. The photography station includes a computing device having a setup module operable to perform tests to check a configuration of the photography station, and a photography module operable to capture digital images of the subject with the digital camera. In some embodiments, the tests performed by the setup module include a plurality of initial checking operations and a plurality of background processing operations.
US08457475B2 Systems and methods for interactive program guides with personal video recording features
Methods and systems that provide enhanced personal video recorder (“PVR”) and interactive television program guide (“IPG”) functionality are provided. An interactive television application (“application”) may be implemented to provide such functionality. The application may be used to display a list of PVR recordings, to schedule recordings to a PVR, to configure recordings, to view a list of scheduled recordings, to configure recording settings, or to select delete priority settings for recordings. The application may integrate pay-per-view and PVR functionality. The application may send user notifications for changes that are to be made to the recording content of a PVR. Live programming may be buffered by the application using a straight buffers that are created for each new program. Parallel buffers for concurrent programs may be implemented using multiple tuners. Straight buffers may be used in managing or controlling the flow of programming. Television content may be automatically paused when a user is engaged in using the application. Multiple IPGs for different users of a PVR may be implemented. Other PVR related features are also provided.
US08457474B2 Recording device, recording method, playback device, playback method, program, and recording medium
The present invention relates to a recording device, a recording method, a playback device, a playback method, a program, and a recording medium, which enable the GOP structure of a Dependent view video stream obtained by encoding, for example, in accordance with the H.264 AVC/MVC profile standard to be defined and recorded in a recording medium such as a BD or the like.A Base view video stream is an H.264/AVC video stream. The GOP structure of the Base view video stream is the same structure as the GOP structure of the H.264/AVC video stream defined in the BD-ROM standard. The GOP structure to the Dependent view video stream is also defined as the same structure as the GOP structure of the Base view video stream. The present invention can be applied to a playback device compatible with the BD-ROM standard.
US08457473B2 Recording medium, reproduction device, program, reproduction method
A BD-ROM stores PlayList information. The PlayList information defines a playback section of each of a plurality of AV clips and includes MainPath information and SubPath information. The MainPath information designates one of the AV clips as a Main Clip and defines a portion of the Main Clip as a primary playback section. The SubPath information designates another one of the AV clips as a SubClip and defines a portion of the SubClip as a secondary playback section that is to be played back in synchronism with the primary playback section. The BD-ROM stores, the one of the AV clips designated as the SubClip along with an EP_map. The EP_map shows a plurality of entry points on the SubClip in a one-to-one correspondence with entry times on the SubClip timeline.
US08457472B2 Method and apparatus for segmenting recorded news program according to topics
Provided are a method and apparatus for segmenting a recorded news program according to topics. The method and apparatus compare web bulletins, segmented according to topics and posted, with moving pictures and/or captions of the recorded news program, and correct or generate captions of the recorded news program by referring to text included in the web bulletins, thereby enabling accurate segmentation of the recorded news program according to topics and correction of errors in the captions.
US08457464B2 Cable enclosure and radius-limiting cable guide with integral magnetic door catch
A door catch arrangement for cable enclosures incorporates magnetic catch components on the door and on an adjacent open-ended, flared, radius-limiting cable guide installed in at least one open-ended cable port of the enclosure. The cable guide itself covers the rim of the cable port and has two spaced legs, each leg having an end face disposed at the open end of the cable port. A recess in one of the end faces holds a magnet. In its closed position, the door blocks the end of the cable port and a ferromagnetic catch portion on the door opposes the magnet, which keeps the door closed. The positions of the magnet and the ferromagnetic catch portion can be reversed.
US08457463B2 Beam homogenizer, laser irradiation apparatus, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
The present invention provides a beam homogenizer being able to form a rectangular beam spot having homogeneous energy distribution in a direction of its major axis without using the optical lens requiring to be manufactured with high accuracy. In addition, the present invention provides a laser irradiation apparatus being able to irradiate the laser beam having homogeneous energy distribution in a direction of its major axis. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device being able to enhance crystallinity in the surface of the substrate and to manufacture TFT with a high operating characteristic.The beam homogenizer, one of the present invention, is to shape the beam spot on the surface to be irradiated into a rectangular spot having an aspect ratio of 10 or more, preferably 100 or more, and comprises an optical waveguide for homogenizing the energy distribution of the rectangular beam spot in the direction of its major axis.
US08457455B2 Optical waveguide, optical waveguide module, and electronic apparatus
A light guide includes a core and a clad made of a material having an index of refraction different from an index of refraction of the core and covering the core, in which at least one of a light incident surface or a light exit surface of the core is arranged while shifted in parallel without changing respective inclined angles so that the inclined surface is divided into a plurality of inclined surfaces parallel in a longitudinal direction (X direction) of the rectangular shape in the orthogonal projection and the plurality of inclined surfaces closer to the light emitting portion are positioned in a direction (Z direction) of moving away from the end face to be in a shape extending in the direction (Z direction) of moving away from the end face in a stepwise manner as a whole.
US08457452B2 Integrated semiconductor optical device
An integrated semiconductor optical device includes first and second semiconductor optical devices. The first semiconductor optical device includes a first core layer, a first upper cladding layer including a first ridge portion, a first buried layer surrounding the first ridge portion, and a first adjusting layer provided between the first buried layer and the first ridge portion. The second semiconductor optical device includes a second core layer, a second upper cladding layer including a second ridge portion. The first semiconductor optical device and the second semiconductor optical device are arranged next to each other in a predetermined axis direction. The first core layer is joined to the second core layer by a butt joint method at a joint boundary between the first and second semiconductor optical devices. The first adjusting layer has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the first core layer and higher than a refractive index of the first buried layer. The first adjusting layer extends in the predetermined axis direction. The first adjusting layer has a constant width from one end facet to the joint boundary.
US08457447B2 System for document digitization
A system for digitizing a set of documents, the documents belonging to a domain. The system includes an input module for providing documents in electronic form, a digitization module for digitizing the documents provided by the input module, an image repository and digitization database system, the image repository and digitization database system including an image repository, at least one digitization database and at least one knowledge base, a knowledge crawler/builder module for receiving data from the digitization database and building the knowledge base, and a delivery module for providing digitized data. A process for digitizing a set of documents is also provided.
US08457445B2 Image-scaling-down method and image processing apparatus
An image-scaling-down method for scaling down a pixel block of an image component is provided. The pixel block includes a plurality of sub-blocks and each sub-block includes m number of non-processed pixel data where m is a positive integer. The image-scaling-down method comprises: determining a scaling down factor wherein m divided by n is the scaling down factor and n is a positive integer less than m; and calculating n number of processed pixel data in each sub-block by using the scaling down factor and the m number of the non-processed pixel data, wherein the combination of the n number of the processed pixel data of the sub-blocks corresponds to the image component.
US08457439B2 System and method for reducing artifacts in images
A system and method of the present disclosure provides a region based error diffusion algorithm or function for reducing artifacts in images. The system and method utilizes knowledge of a region of interest (ROI) in an image and applies effects like dithering or error diffusion to the area or region that shows the artifacts, e.g., a banding phenomenon. The system and method provide for defining a region in at least one first image, the defined region having at least one artifact, tracking the defined region to at least one second image, and applying an error diffusion function to the defined region to mask the at least one artifact in the at least one first and second images.
US08457434B2 Spatial diffusion in images
The invention is related to spatial diffusion in images. Spatial diffusion helps blurring small discontinuities. Edges become sharper by spatial diffusion as well.A method for generating a spatial diffused image from an input image is described wherein the method comprises applying on the input image an inverted Gaussian spatial bilateral filter with a spatial weight which takes the form of an inverted Gaussian.The inverted-Gaussian-spatial bilateral filter, which uses an inverted-Gaussian function as the kernel of spatial filter, can remove small spots in large smooth areas efficiently.
US08457432B2 High information density of reduced-size images of web pages
Various embodiments create a source image from a web page and then process the source image effective to remove left and/or right border areas so that a reduced-size web page image created from the source image has a better chance of capturing relevant content for a viewer. In at least some embodiments, image processing techniques are utilized to identify repeating patterns of pixels along left and/or right border areas of a source image. The image processing techniques can process individual rows of pixels looking for patterns of pixel color values. Identified patterns of pixel color values are noted and then subsequently used to remove regions of the source image in which repeating patterns occur. Having removed these regions from a source image, the source image can be reduced in a manner directed to improving information density contained in a reduced-size web page image created from the source image.
US08457431B2 Auto-focus image system
An auto focus image system that includes a pixel array coupled to a focus signal generator. The pixel array captures an image that has at least one edge with a width. The focus signal generator may generate a focus signal that is a function of the edge width and/or statistics of edge widths. A processor receives the focus signal and/or the statistics of edge widths and adjusts a focus position of a focus lens. The edge width can be determined by various techniques including the use of gradients. A histogram of edge widths may be used to determine whether a particular image is focused or unfocused. A histogram with a large population of thin edge widths is indicative of a focused image. The generator may eliminate an edge having an asymmetry of a gradient profile of an image signal.
US08457424B2 Method for testing a motion vector
A method for testing a motion vector is described, which has: provision of at least one item of motion information assigned to the image sequence; storing a first image section of the first image in a first buffer memory and storing a second image section of the second image in a second intermediate memory, whereby a position of the first image section in the first image and a position of the second image section in the second image have reciprocal offset, which is dependent on the at least one item of motion information; determining a first image block in the first image section and a second image block in a second image section using the motion vector; comparing the contents of the first and of the second image block.
US08457420B2 Image decoding apparatus for decoding image data encoded by a method designating whether to perform distortion suppression processing and control method for the same
This invention provides a technique to turn off a distortion suppression function within the range in which image quality degradation is allowed, in order to increase the processing speed at the time of decoding. For this purpose, an apparatus of the invention rewrites parameter information in a header with information indicating that no distortion suppression processing has been performed, and decodes encoded image data including the rewritten header, when the header contains parameter information indicating that the distortion suppression processing has been performed only before the first frequency conversion.
US08457412B2 Method, terminal, and computer-readable recording medium for supporting collection of object included in the image
The present invention relates to a method for supporting a collection of an object included in a created image. The method includes the steps of: (a) creating an image of an object; (b) automatically creating and providing a combined sentence correct under the grammar of a language for the object on a first area on a screen of the terminal by using at least part of recognition information on what an identity of the object is, a place where the image was created and a time when the image was created, and automatically getting and providing a thumbnail corresponding to the recognized object on a second area on the screen of the terminal; and (c) if a Collection button is selected, storing data provided on the first and the second areas onto a storage space, to thereby complete the collection of the object.
US08457411B2 Method and device for determining the position of an edge of a marker structure with subpixel accuracy in an image, having a plurality of pixels, of the marker structure
The position of an edge of a marker structure in an image of the marker structure is determined with subpixel accuracy. A discrete intensity profile of the edge, having profile pixels, is derived from the image pixels, and a continuous profile function of the edge is determined based on the profile pixels. Profile pixels whose intensity values are near an intensity threshold value are selected as evaluation pixels. Based on the evaluation pixels, a curve of continuous intensity is calculated. A position coordinate at which the intensity value of the continuous intensity curve matches the threshold value is selected as a first position coordinate, and the distance is determined between the first position coordinate and the position coordinate of the evaluation pixel that, from among the evaluation pixels previously selected, has the closest intensity value to the threshold value. The determined distance is compared to a predetermined threshold, and if the distance is greater than the threshold, a shift is effected, and the process iteratively performs the steps of selects the adjacent profile pixels, calculates the curve of continuous intensity, and so forth. If the distance is not greater than the threshold, the position of the edge in the captured image is determined with subpixel accuracy from all the distances determined in step g).
US08457409B2 Cortex-like learning machine for temporal and hierarchical pattern recognition
A cortex-like learning machine, called a probabilistic associative memory (PAM), is disclosed for recognizing spatial and temporal patterns. A PAM is usually a multilayer or recurrent network of processing units (PUs). Each PU expands subvectors of a feature vector input to the PU into orthogonal vectors, and generates a probability distribution of the label of said feature vector, using expansion correlation matrices, which can be adjusted in supervised or unsupervised learning by a Hebbian-type rule. The PU also converts the probability distribution into a ternary vector to be included in feature subvectors that are input to PUs in the same or other layers. A masking matrix in each PU eliminates effect of corrupted components in query feature subvectors and enables maximal generalization by said PU and thereby that by the PAM. PAMs with proper learning can recognize rotated, translated and scaled patterns and are functional models of the cortex.
US08457403B2 Method of detecting and correcting digital images of books in the book spine area
An image of a scanned book is segmented using a feature image to map pixels corresponding to a page area and to create page objects and detect borders of the page. A book spine region is detected by locating a plain background area between two of the page objects, analyzing the page borders to detect their shape, and analyzing their shape to detect the book spine end points. Using the page borders, the feature image is examined to detect top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top declines in pixel values to determine the corners of a shadow distortion in the original scanned image. Squeeze and curvature distortion are also detected. A Bezier curve is used to model each of the three distortions detected on the page. The detected distortion is corrected by first defining a trapezoidal correction area. The intensity, squeeze, and curvature corrections are then applied along lines within the trapezoidal correction area.
US08457402B2 Method for rating areas in video frames
A method is provided for rating areas in video frames. The method comprises: (a) providing a video signal comprising a plurality of consecutive video frames; (b) selecting a frame from among these frames and indentifying a first plurality of objects comprised in the selected frame; (c) upon comparing the selected frame with other frames, dividing the first plurality of the objects into a second plurality of background objects and a third plurality of foreground objects; (d) dividing objects of the third plurality of foreground objects into one or more connected components, where a connected component comprises group(s) of pixels wherein a change in each of these pixels is associated with a change in each of the remaining pixels of the respective group(s); and (e) associating an interest level with the connected components based upon a pre-determined set of criteria, thereby providing a rating of areas comprised within the video signal.
US08457400B2 Patch-based texture histogram coding for fast image similarity search
Techniques for identifying copied images based on an original image are described. The identifying copied image is based on creating unique and identifiable features that in turn are used to generate multiple histograms. The histograms are generated by patches of the image, where the patches are created by equally dividing the image. The combined patch histograms are representative of the image.
US08457395B2 Image capture and identification system and process
A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
US08457388B2 Method and system for searching for global minimum
A method and a system for searching for a global minimum are provided. First, a subclass of a plurality of space points in a multidimensional space is clustered into a plurality of clusters through a clustering algorithm, wherein each of the space points is corresponding to an error value in an evaluation function. Then, ellipsoids for enclosing the clusters in the multidimensional space are respectively calculated. Next, a designated space corresponding to each of the ellipsoids is respectively inputted into a recursive search algorithm to search for a local minimum among the error values corresponding to the space points within each designated space. Finally, the local minimums of all the clusters are compared to obtain the space point corresponding to the minimum local minimum.
US08457385B2 Measurement system and lithographic apparatus for measuring a position dependent signal of a movable object
An encoder-type measurement system is configured to measure a position dependent signal of a movable object, the measurement system including at least one sensor mountable on the movable object a sensor target object mountable on a substantially stationary frame, and a mounting device configured to mount the sensor target object on the substantially stationary frame. The measurement system further includes a compensation device configured to compensate movements and/or deformations of the sensor target object with respect to the substantially stationary frame. The compensation device may include a passive or an active damping device and/or a feedback position control system. In an alternative embodiment, the compensation device includes a gripping device which fixes the position of the sensor target object during a high accuracy movement of the movable object.
US08457381B2 Complementary PET reconstruction
Using complementary reconstruction, images from short time frames may be generated for positron emission tomography. Detected events are gathered over a long period, such as three minutes. The detected events from a short period, such as one or two seconds, are removed. Reconstruction is performed on the detected events from the long period and another reconstruction is performed on the detected events from the long period without the detected events from the short period. The second reconstruction is subtracted from the first, providing data representing the short period. The data may result in better image quality than merely reconstructing an individual frame for the short period.
US08457380B2 PET local tomography
A positron imaging apparatus (102) acquires projection data indicative of positron annihilations in an object under examination. A local reconstructor (146) performs an iterative local reconstruction of truncated projection data to produce image space data indicative of the object. A motion compensator (142) compensates for a motion of the object; an image combiner (148) combines the image space data with other image space data indicative of the object.
US08457378B2 Image processing device and method
The present invention provides an image processing device and method for effectively generating a difference image from plural images. The plural images generated by an image generation unit are first associated with radiography date and hour information and stored in a storage unit, at least one reference image and one comparison image are designated by an image designation unit from the stored images, the date and hour information of the designated reference image is compared with that of the designated comparison image by an image comparison unit, a difference process is executed by a difference processing unit based on an operation determined based on the comparison result, and the processed difference image is displayed on a display unit under the control of a display control unit.
US08457373B2 System and method for robust 2D-3D image registration
A method for registering 2-dimensional (2D) images with 3-dimensional (3D) images includes receiving a 2D reference image and a 3D moving image, initializing a registration parameter matrix that rigidly transforms the domain of the moving image, randomly sampling a set of registration parameter matrices in a neighborhood of the initial registration parameters, estimating a cost function for each of the randomly sampled parameter matrices, calculating a distance from each randomly sampled parameter matrix to the initial registration parameter matrix, calculating a mean shift vector from the estimated cost functions and distance, and updating the initial registration parameter matrix from the mean shift vector.
US08457368B2 System and method of object recognition and database population for video indexing
A method for processing digital media is described. The method, in one example embodiment, includes identification of objects in a video stream by detecting, for each video frame, an object in the video frame and selectively associating the object with an object cluster. The method may further include comparing the object in the object cluster to a reference object and selectively associating object data of the reference object with all objects within the object cluster based on the comparing. The method may further include manually associating the object data of the reference object with all objects within the object duster having no associated reference object and populating a reference database with the reference object for the object cluster.
US08457366B2 System and method for matching faces
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media for matching faces. The method includes receiving an image of a face of a first person from a device of a second person, comparing the image of the face of the first person to a database of known faces in a contacts list of the second person, identifying a group of potential matching faces from the database of known faces, and displaying to the second person the group of potential matching faces. In one variation, the method receives input selecting one face from the group of potential matching faces and displays additional information about the selected one face. In a related variation, the method displays additional information about one or more face in the displayed group of potential matching faces without receiving input.
US08457365B2 Device, method and computer readable recording medium containing program for evaluating image
An image evaluation device includes: an information acquiring unit to acquire, from an image containing at least one face, at least one type of information including at least the number of the at least one face and optionally including any of a size of the face, a position of the face in the image, an orientation of the face, a rotational angle of the face and a detection score of the face; and an individual evaluation value calculating unit to statistically calculate an individual evaluation value indicating a result of evaluation for each type of information based on the acquired information.
US08457363B2 Apparatus and method for detecting eyes
An apparatus for and a method of detecting eyes from an input face image. The apparatus for detecting eyes includes: an eye candidate detector which divides an input face image into left and right images and detects at least one eye candidate from limited image regions of the left and right images; an eye candidate evaluator which evaluates the eye candidates by evaluating each combination of the eye candidates using geometric information as to the eye candidates to filter out eye candidates that cannot be eyes; a learning database which stores a plurality of face images in which positions of eyes are arranged and a plurality of face images which do not include eyes or in which positions of eyes are not arranged; and an eye candidate verifier which verifies the eye candidates with reference to the learning database and outputs an eye detection result signal.
US08457359B2 Method and assistance system for detecting objects in the surrounding area of a vehicle
A method for determining relevant objects in a vehicle moving on a roadway An assistance function is executed in relation to a position of a relevant object, and the relevant objects are determined on the basis of an image evaluation of images of a surrounding area of the vehicle. The images are detected by way of camera sensors. By way of a radar sensor positions of stationary objects in the surrounding area of the vehicle are determined. A profile of a roadway edge is determined using the positions of the stationary objects and that the image evaluation is carried out in relation to the roadway edge profile determined. A driver assistance system suitable for carrying out the method is also described.
US08457356B2 Method and system of video object tracking
Methods and systems are provided to determine a target tracking box that surrounds a moving target. The pixels that define an image within the target tracking box can be classified as background pixels, foreground pixels, and changing pixels which may include pixels of an articulation, such as a portion of the target that moves relatively to the target tracking box. Identification of background image pixels improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the image, which is defined as the ratio between the number of pixels belonging to the foreground to the number of changing pixels, and which is used to track the moving target. Accordingly, tracking of small and multiple moving targets becomes possible because of the increased signal-to-noise ratio.
US08457345B2 Vibration plate, speaker unit and portable information terminal
An edge portion includes a center portion, one end and an other end. As seen in a cross section of a vibration plate in the radial direction, the center portion, the one end and the other end each are formed in a circular arc such that the edge portion forms a convex so as to protrude in a direction in which the protruding shape protrudes. The radius of curvature of the circular arc of the center portion is not less than the radius of curvature of the circular arc of each of the one end and the other end. Accordingly, a vibration plate allowing a decrease in the lowest resonance frequency while suppressing the edge portion from being brought into a tensioned state, a speaker unit provided with the vibration plate and a portable information terminal can be provided.
US08457344B2 Speaker device
A flat speaker device capable of emitting loud reproduced sound with a relatively simple configuration is provided. The speaker device includes a diaphragm, a frame supporting the diaphragm vibratably in the vibration direction, a magnetic circuit disposed in the frame, and a driving member for driving the diaphragm. The driving member includes a voice coil movably disposed in a magnetic gap of the magnetic circuit, a driving part formed movably in a direction different from the vibration direction of the diaphragm, and an angle conversion and transmission part, one end of which is angle-variably joined to the driving part and another end of which is angle-variably joined to the diaphragm. The angle conversion and transmission part has rigidity and is obliquely disposed with respect to each of the vibration direction of the diaphragm and the moving direction of the driving part.
US08457343B2 Safe in-ear earphones
A safe in-ear earphone for radiation protection comprises earplug heads, sound cavities, acoustic wave transmission channels, a main body, a conductor and a plug. The channels are set between the sound cavities and loudspeakers. The acoustic wave concentrated orifices are between the loudspeakers and the acoustic wave transmission channels. The assembly of the loudspeakers, the acoustic wave concentrated orifices and the acoustic wave transmission channels are sealed to form a sealed small boxes in the main body. The shape of acoustic wave concentrated orifices is inverse loudhailer. The acoustic wave is transmitted to the two acoustic wave channels via the acoustic wave concentrated orifices and then is provided to the ears plugged by two earplugs to listen.
US08457340B2 Narrow profile speaker configurations and systems
A narrow profile speaker unit comprises at least one speaker outputting sound towards an internal surface and through a duct with an output terminus, such as a slot, having a narrow dimension, effectively changing the cross-section of the speaker's audio output wave. A pair of speakers may face one another, outputting sound towards a common output slot. Multiple pairs of speakers may be used to form an inline speaker unit for increased sound output. A slotted speaker unit may include multiple speakers facing the same direction, towards a ground plane or reflecting surface, and having parallel apertures for allowing sound radiation. The speaker units may be integral with or attached to electronic appliances such as desktop computers or flatscreen devices, or may be used in automobiles or other contexts.
US08457338B2 Apparatus and methods for generating pressure waves
Actuator apparatus for generating a physical effect, at least one attribute of which corresponds to at least one characteristic of a digital input signal sampled periodically in accordance with a clock, the apparatus comprising at least one array of moving elements each constrained to travel alternately back and forth along a respective axis in response to an alternating electromagnetic force applied to the array of moving elements, at least one latch operative to selectively latch at least one subset of said moving elements in at least one latching position thereby to prevent the individual moving elements from responding to the electromagnetic force, an electromagnetic field control system operative to receive the clock and, accordingly, to control application of the electromagnetic force to the array of moving elements, and a latch controller operative to receive the digital input signal and to control the latch accordingly.
US08457337B2 Open ear canal hearing aid with adjustable non-occluding securing mechanism
The invention provides systems and methods for providing hearing aid. An open ear canal hearing aid may be provided in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The hearing aid may include a part that contains electronic components, a passive amplifier, and a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism may include bristles or balloons. The securing mechanism may have various configurations and be adjustable. In some embodiments, the hearing aid may transmit sound via bone conduction and air conduction.
US08457336B2 Contamination resistant ports for hearing devices
An in-canal hearing device includes a receiver, battery, and microphone assembly with a housing. The housing has an air and sound opening which is covered with a structure to inhibit the entry of cerumen and moisture. The structure may be in the form of an end cap having passages with walls which are both hydrophobic and oleophobic to prevent the entry of water, cerumen and other liquids. The structure may also include a flexible tube or a rigid perforated shell surrounding the passages that inhibit the deposition of solid cerumen and other debris onto the passages.
US08457335B2 Environment adaptive type hearing aid
There is provided an environment adaptive type hearing aid capable of reducing the erroneous estimation of an ambient environment or the unnecessary changeover of a hearing aid process. The environment adaptive type hearing aid includes an input section (110) that inputs an ambient sound, a scheduled environment referring section (180) having a scheduled environment table (270) to store a scheduled environment candidate corresponding to an ambient environment other than the ambient sound set in advance for the hearing aid, an environment estimating section (200) that estimates an ambient environment candidate of the hearing aid on the basis of the ambient sound and estimates an estimation ambient environment on the basis of the ambient environment candidate and the scheduled ambient environment candidate, a hearing ability compensation system determining section (220) that determines a compensation system for the hearing aid on the basis of the estimation ambient environment, a hearing ability compensating section (130) that processes the ambient sound on the basis of the determined compensation system, and an output section (150) that outputs the processed ambient sound as an output sound.
US08457327B2 Mixer and communication connection setting method therefor
Mixer and one or more external devices, related to audio signal processing, are interconnected via a communication network, such as a LAN. For a particular one of the external devices for which communication with the mixer via the communication network is to be established, a network address unique to the particular external device and a communication protocol to be used for data communication with the particular external device are designated by entry operation by a user. Logical connection is established such that data communication is performed, in accordance with the designated communication protocol, between the mixer and the particular external device corresponding to the designated network address. Thus, data communication is performed, via the communication network, between the mixer and the particular external device for which the logical connection has been established.
US08457324B2 Directional speaker system
A directional sounder emits audible outputs in a first direction. Audible outputs in a second direction are canceled. Two transducers can be carried in a common housing configured to emit outputs in the first and second directions respectively.
US08457318B2 Method and system for continuously transmitting encrypted data of broadcast service to mobile terminal
In service access networks having different key hierarchies that provide broadcast service to a mobile terminal, when switching from a first service access network, from which the mobile terminal receives the data of the broadcast service in an encrypted manner by a first data content encryption key, to a second service access network, from which the mobile terminal receives the data of the same broadcast service in an encrypted manner by a second data content encryption key, the mobile terminal receives a key of the hierarchy of the second service access network which is encrypted by a user-specific key of the first service access network.
US08457312B2 Cable length detection and signal compensation apparatus and method for a keyboard video mouse switch and extender
An apparatus in a video signal transmission system for measuring cable length and compensating for cable loss is described. A number of pilot signals of different frequencies are compressed into one of the three color signals during the vertical sync periods in a time-division manner. The vertical and horizontal sync signals are compressed into the other two color signals. The video signal is transmitted over a cable having at least three pairs of wires, each color signal being transmitted by one pair of wires. A pilot signal converting circuit obtains the levels of the pilot signals transmitted by the cable. A compensation control circuit averages the levels of the multiple pilot signals of different frequencies over a number of vertical sync periods, and generates compensation control signals based on the average level of the pilot signals. The compensation control signals are used to perform video signal compensation.
US08457311B1 Protecting video as it is decoded by a codec
In one aspect, a method includes: obtaining compressed video content within a video content processing module, a portion of a document structure of the compressed video content conforming to a predefined codec, the portion of the document structure including a plurality of video frames; decrypting the compressed video content in accordance with a digital rights management data encryption applied to the compressed video content; adding information in an extension frame associated with a portion of the document structure; and applying an encoding technique to content of one or more of the plurality of video frames after the decrypting, wherein the extension frame flags the applied encoding technique; and providing the compressed video content, including the encoded content, to a media player including a codec conforming to the predefined codec.
US08457308B2 Communication system and method for protecting messages between two mobile phones
A communication system and method for protecting messages between two mobile phones are provided. The method sets protective parameters in a first mobile phone, generates an encryption key and a decryption key according to the protective parameters, stores the decryption key into a storage device of the first mobile phone, and registers the encryption key to a second mobile phone through a wireless network. The method further encrypts a short message into an encrypted message in the second mobile phone according to the encryption key, and sends the encrypted message to the first mobile phone through the wireless network. In addition, the method decrypts the encrypted message to a readable message when the first mobile phone receives the encrypted message, and displays the readable message on a display screen of the first mobile phone.
US08457305B2 Generating genus 2 curves from invariants
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for generating a genus 2 curve for use in cryptography. One or more invariant values used to generate the genus 2 curve are determined by evaluating one or more invariant functions on a Hilbert modular surface. The genus 2 curve is generated using the one or more invariant values to determine an equation describing the genus 2 curve. A group is generated from the genus 2 curve, and the group may be used for a cryptographic application.
US08457304B2 Efficient encoding processes and apparatus
A method for encoding video includes receiving data, and encrypting the data using at least four Huffman trees. A method for encoding video includes receiving data, and encrypting the data such that an internal state of a stream cipher is independent of plaintext and ciphertext. A video encoding system for encoding video in a computing environment includes means for accessing data, and means for encrypting the data such that there are approximately 2106 possibilities.
US08457302B1 Access-controlled data storage medium
The invention relates to a data carrier (1) having a semiconductor chip (5). In order to prevent an attacker from determining secret data of the chip (5) from intercepted signal patterns of the chip (5), security-relevant operations are performed only with commands or command strings of the operating program whose use does not permit the processed data to be inferred from the signal patterns.
US08457298B2 Method and system for profiling multi-channel consumers in a call center environment
A method of providing information related to a user's web browser session to an agent, while the agent is processing a call from the user, includes creating an association between a telephone number and the user's web browser session. The user employs the telephone number to place a telephone call. The method further includes receiving the telephone call from the user, and determining, upon receipt of the telephone call from the user, the telephone number with which the user placed the call. The method further includes using the determined telephone number and the association to identify the information related to the user's web browser session. The method also includes routing the telephone call and the information related to the user's web browser session to the agent.
US08457296B2 System and method for processing multi-modal communications during a call session
A system and method for processing multi-modal communications during a call session are provided. A call is received from a caller and assigned to an agent. A caller identification is assigned to the call. Voice communication from the call is processed and displayed. One or more text messages from the caller are received during the call. The caller identification is assigned to each of the text messages. The text messages are matched to the call using the caller identification and are displayed to the agent for review during the call.
US08457294B1 Transferring a communication session
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which a call transfer can be performed independently of a positive final response in a call transfer to the a third party subject of the call transfer. In some implementations, a first party to the communications session can send a drop/disconnect signal after initiating the call transfer or after receiving an acknowledgement of the initiation of a call transfer.
US08457292B2 Busy lamp field system for remote telephones and method for the same
A busy lamp field (BLF) system for remote telephones and a method for the same are disclosed. The busy lamp field system for remote telephones mainly has a plurality of switchboard systems and a XML server interconnected via the internet. Each switchboard system has a PBX and at least a telephone. Each telephone is connected to the XML server via internet and periodically uploads local phone status. The BLF key of each telephone is set to associate with a corresponding specific remote telephone by a subscriber of each telephone. Each telephone periodically retrieves the phone status of the corresponding remote telephone from the XML server displayed on the BLF key of the local telephone. Thus, a subscriber monitors status of a remote telephone and dials out via each PBX in addition to extension telephone of the local switchboard system.
US08457290B2 Method, apparatus, and computer program products for providing dynamic replacement communication identification service
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products provide dynamic replacement communication identification (ID) service. A request is received from a user for dynamic replacement communication ID from a current location of the user. The user requesting dynamic replacement communication ID is authenticated. A user profile of the user requesting dynamic replacement communication ID is retrieved. A current profile of the current location is replaced with the user profile of the user.
US08457288B2 Multi-mode IVR
Included are embodiments of systems and methods for providing information. At least one embodiment of such a method includes facilitating establishment of a communication between a user on a communications device and an interface server, the interface server being configured to provide data related to an information tree to the user, the information tree being configured with a plurality of options. Some embodiments include facilitating navigation of a user through the information tree and receiving a first version of a marker from the user, the marker being configured to mark at least one position in the information tree. Still some embodiments include associating the received first version of the marker with a position in the information tree.
US08457286B2 System, method and apparatus for acknowledging an incoming phone call
An embodiment of a method, system, and apparatus for acknowledging an incoming call includes receiving an incoming call request addressed to a first communication device from a second communication device, and forwarding the incoming call request to the first communication device. The method further includes receiving an acknowledgment indication from the first communication device that the incoming call request has been received by a user of the first communication device. The method still further includes connecting a call between the second communication device and a media server in response to receiving the acknowledgment indication. In at least one embodiment, the media server is configured to play an acknowledgment voice message to the second communication device. A further embodiment includes sending a reminder message to the first communication device if the user of the first communication device has not initiated a return call to the second communication device within a predetermined time period.
US08457284B2 Method for asynchronous communication by means of an internet platform, and internet platform
The invention relates to a method for asynchronous communication by means of an internet platform (2), wherein registered users of the internet platform (2) can receive mail by means of the internet platform (2), wherein the mail is transmitted for at least part of the postal path thereof in electronic form by means of the internet and the internet platform (2), and further relates to an internet platform (2). In order to provide the users (N) expanded communication capabilities and a greater level of comfort, according to the invention, one of a plurality of presettable transmission paths is preset by the users (N) on the internet platform (2), said paths including the transmission of the mail as a letter, as a fax, and as electronic mail, and the transmission of the mail to the users (N) is performed or initiated by the internet platform (2) according to each preset transmission path.
US08457281B2 Method for producing a multilayer coating, optical element and optical arrangement
A method for producing a multilayer coating (17) for reflecting radiation in the soft X-ray or EUV wavelength range on an optical element (8, 9) operated at an operating temperature (TOP) of 30° C. or more, including: determining an optical design for the multilayer coating (17) which defines an optical desired layer thickness (nOP dOP) of the layers (17.1, 17.2) of the multilayer coating (17) at the operating temperature (TOP), and applying the layers (17.1, 17.2) of the multilayer coating (17) with an optical actual layer thickness (nB dB) chosen such that a layer thickness change(nOP dOP−nB dB) caused by thermal expansion of the layers (17.1, 17.2) between the coating temperature (TB) and the operating temperature (TOP) is compensated for. Also provided are an associated optical element (8, 9) and a projection exposure apparatus having at least one such optical element (8, 9).
US08457280B2 X-ray diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) system, and X-ray diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) method
An X-ray diffraction contrast tomography system (DCT) comprising a laboratory X-ray source (2), a staging device (5) rotating a polycrystalline material sample in the direct path of the X-ray beam, a first X-ray detector (6) detecting the direct X-ray beam being transmitted through the crystalline material sample, a second X-ray detector (7) positioned between the staging device and the first X-ray detector for detecting diffracted X-ray beams, and a processing device (15) for analysing detected values. The crystallographic grain orientation of the individual grain in the polycrystalline sample is determined based on the two-dimensional position of extinction spots and the associated angular position of the sample for a set of extinction spots pertaining to the individual grain.
US08457278B2 Radiation therapy device
A radiation therapy device includes a radiation application apparatus, which is used to direct a therapeutic beam along a therapeutic beam center axis onto a target volume to be irradiated. The radiation therapy device also includes a diagnostic radiation source for diagnostic x-ray radiation, is the diagnostic radiation source being disposed eccentrically in relation to the therapeutic beam center axis in a rotatable manner on a rotation apparatus so that the diagnostic radiation source is operable to be rotated about the therapeutic beam center axis. The radiation therapy device further includes a detector for diagnostic x-ray radiation, which is used to detect the diagnostic x-ray radiation emitted from the diagnostic radiation source.
US08457274B2 System and methods for intrapulse multi-energy and adaptive multi-energy X-ray cargo inspection
Methods and systems for x-ray inspection of an object using pulses whose spectral composition varies during the course of each pulse. A temporal sequence of pulses of penetrating radiation is generated such that the spectral content of each pulse evolves with time. The pulses are formed into a beam that is scanned across the object and detected after traversing the object. The detector signal is processed to derive at least one material characteristic of the object, such as effective atomic number, on the basis of temporal evolution of the detector signal during the course each pulse of the sequence of pulses. The time intervals may be predetermined, or else adapted based on features of the detected signal.
US08457272B2 Shift register
At least one embodiment the present invention a plurality of unit circuits connected in multiple stages, to normal operation when the unit circuits are simultaneously turned on to output high-level output signals. When a shift register malfunctions, so that output signals provided by previous- and subsequent-stage unit circuits are simultaneously set to high level, malfunction restoration circuits and included in a unit circuit detect the malfunction in at least one embodiment. The malfunction restoration circuit provides a high voltage to a node, thereby forcibly pulling down an output signal. Also, the malfunction restoration circuit forcibly discharges another node, so that a charge accumulated in a capacitance is released. As a result, the shift register in malfunction can be instantaneously restored to normal operation. At least one embodiment of the present invention is suitable for driver circuits or suchlike of display devices and imaging devices.
US08457268B2 Communication system having communication devices capable of synchronous communication therebetween
There is provided a communication system that includes master and slave communication ECUs. The master communication ECU sends a clock signal to a clock communication line, with which the communication ECUs synchronize with each other when sending and receiving data. The master and slave communication ECUs then receive the clock signal through the clock line. The ECUs use the received clock signal as a reference timing, which is designated as a transmission/reception reference, and send or receive data to/from data communication lines.
US08457264B2 Radio receiver having a diversity antenna structure
A radio receiver includes a first diversity antenna structure, a second diversity antenna structure, a first RF receiver section, a second RF receiver section, a combining module, and a baseband processing module. The first diversity antenna structure provides the received inbound RF signals from one of the plurality of first antennas based on a first antenna selection signal to produce first received inbound RF signals. The second diversity antenna structure provides the received inbound RF signals from one of the plurality of second antennas based on a second antenna selection signal to produce second received inbound RF signals. The first and second RF receiver sections are operably coupled to convert the first and second received inbound RF signals into first and second inbound baseband signals, respectively. The combining module combines the first and second inbound baseband signals to produce inbound baseband signals.
US08457259B2 Method and system for partitioning gain for wireless radio frequency integrated circuits
A method for partitioning gain for a wireless radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) is provided. The method includes receiving an overall gain at the RFIC from a baseband controller that is coupled to the RFIC. The overall gain is then partitioned in the RFIC.
US08457258B2 Optimal training sequence and channel estimation method and system for superimposed training based OFDM systems
The present invention relates to a method for minimizing means square estimation error (MSEE) and bit error rate during channel estimation and equalization between a transmitter and a receiver of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The method comprises transmitting from said transmitter to said receiver a training sequence for channel estimation being superimposed onto data at specific pilot to data power ratio (PDPR), receiving the OFDM signals along with the training sequence as an input, cross-correlating said received signal to a specific lag determined by the rms delay spread of the channel, with a specific known training sequence stored in a register, and which is also the sequence that is added to the data at the transmitter in the time domain having a prescribed pilot to data power ratio. The cross-correlated data being processed over a length of samples which can be extended to exploit the coherence time of the channel and processed along with the stored values of the inverse of autocorrelation values of superimposed training (ST) sequence so as to obtain a reliable least squares based channel estimate in a way the PDPR is limited or otherwise. The invention also relates to a system comprising means for computing a time domain least squares (LS) based channel estimate at the receiver.
US08457255B2 Method and system for applying Viterbi type PSK demodulation for optimum correlation of GPS signals
A method of improving sensitivity in the demodulation of a received signal by a receiver over an arbitrary measurement time epoch, said method comprising the steps of correlating said received signal with a local replica of pseudo noise code in a coherent fashion creating a correlation signal and utilizing a Viterbi phase state keying trellis demodulation with a variable resolution of phase states over 0 to 360° to demodulate the radio frequency phase trajectory of said correlation signal throughout the measurement time epoch for improving sensitivity in the demodulation of a received signal.
US08457251B2 System and method for spreading and de-spreading a signal at an antenna
A system and method for spreading and de-spreading a signal at an antenna. A Direct Spatial Antenna Modulation (DSAM) system makes use of the spatial characteristics of a radiating antenna structure to directly alter a signal transmitted or received by the radiating structure. When used for transmitting data, a data stream maps a signal to different spatial points of excitation in the antenna structure, where each chosen configuration has different radiating characteristics including phase, amplitude, and polarization, which can be used to represent data symbols. A code spreading sequence is applied to switch the output of the DSAM antenna to spatial points in the antenna to spread an input signal. The code spreading sequence is applied to an antenna to de-spread a previously spread signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this Abstract.
US08457247B2 In-band generation of low-frequency periodic signaling
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method for communicating main and auxiliary data over a transmission medium is provided, the method comprising: generating a low-frequency output pattern using a high-frequency oscillator, wherein the low-frequency output pattern contains the auxiliary data encoded in a first scheme, wherein the first scheme resembles an output pattern that would be generated by a low-frequency oscillator; sending the low-frequency output pattern through a transmitter to be transmitted over the transmission medium; generating a high-frequency signal using a high-frequency oscillator, wherein the high-frequency signal contains the main data encoded in a second scheme different than the first scheme; and sending the high-frequency signal through the transmitter to be transmitted over the transmission medium.
US08457240B2 Methods of selecting signal transmitting, receiving, and/or sensing devices with probabilistic evolutionary algorithms in information conveyance systems
Methods are described for near optimal Antenna and/or sensor selection via population-based probabilistic evolutionary algorithms such as estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA) and bio-inspired Optimization (BIO). The aspects of the invention includes a method for joint transmit and receive antenna selection using EDA; and an enhanced EDA, which uses cyclic shift register and biased estimation of distribution; and methods for joint transmit and receive antenna selection using improved population-based optimization. The proposed EDA-based and bio-inspired selection methods results in performances that are close to the ESA (exhaustive search algorithm) and yet impose mush less computational burden than ESA. Another advantage of our methods is that they can be easily implemented on parallel processors.
US08457238B2 Method of soft decision decoding and apparatus for soft decision decoding
A soft decision decoding method in a multiple-input multiple-output system which respectively receives two simultaneously transmitted data streams, a first transmitting symbol and a second transmitting symbol, in a first receiving signal and a second receiving signal is provided. The soft decision decoding method includes calculating common metrics corresponding to distances between first candidate symbols, which correspond to combinations of all bits that the first transmitting symbol can have, and the first receiving signal using a channel matrix corresponding to a communication channel through which the first and second transmitting symbols are transmitted and determining intermediate nodes between the second receiving signal and the first candidate symbols and nodes between the second receiving signal and second candidate symbols corresponding to combinations of all bits that the second transmitting symbol can have; selecting first nearest candidate symbols that are at a shortest distance from the intermediate nodes on a signal constellation from among the second candidate symbols and determining a soft decision metric for each bit value of the first transmitting symbol based on the first nearest candidate symbols and the common metrics; and determining second nearest candidate symbols based on a logic value of a predetermined bit of each of the second candidate symbols and the positions of the intermediate nodes on the signal constellation and determining a soft decision metric for each bit value of the second transmitting symbol using the second nearest candidate symbols and the common metrics.
US08457237B2 Power control in a wireless communication system
A method of power control in a wireless communication system wherein blocks are transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver on multiple wireless transport channels. The method comprises comparing a target signal quality value with a received signal quality value and providing the results of the comparing step to the transmitter to adjust transmit power based on the comparing step. A corresponding receiver is also provided.
US08457236B2 Feedback strategies for multi-user MIMO communication systems
A method for signal processing in a receiver includes receiving in the receiver a Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) signal. The MU-MIMO signal includes at least a first signal, which is precoded using a first precoding scheme and is addressed to the receiver, and a second signal, which is precoded using a second precoding scheme. An average error rate achievable in decoding the first signal in the presence of the second signal is computed. The average error rate is computed over a set of possible choices of the second precoding scheme. The first precoding scheme is selected from among a plurality of available precoding schemes so as to satisfy a criterion defined over the average error rate. The receiver sends feedback to a transmitter transmitting the first signal. The feedback depends on the selected first precoding scheme and causes the transmitter to control transmission of the first signal.
US08457235B2 Method of transmitting feedback data in multiple antenna system
A method of transmitting feedback data in a multiple antenna system includes generating feedback data based on the channel information and transmitting the feedback data at transmission periods, wherein the feedback data is transmitted in a plurality of report types respectively having a different control signal type contained depending on the transmission periods.
US08457230B2 Reconfigurable orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) chip supporting single weight diversity
A method and system for a reconfigurable orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) chip supporting single weight diversity are provided. The reconfigurable OFDM chip may be configured to process signals such as IEEE 802.11, 802.16, and digital video broadcasting (DVB). The OFDM chip may generate channel weights to be applied to signals received in receive antennas. The weighted signals may be combined into a single received signal and channel estimates may be generated from the single received signal. Updated channel weights may be generated from the generated channel estimates. Updates to the channel weights may be performed dynamically. The configurable OFDM chip may be utilized to provide collaborative cellular and OFDM-based communication. The reconfigurable OFDM chip and the cellular chip may communicate data and/or control information via a memory coupled to a common bus.
US08457225B2 Methods relating to channel estimation
The present invention relates to methods that can be used in a wireless communication system, and systems adapted to use such methods. In a preferred form the methods are useful in channel estimation in a wireless communication system using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). The system is provided with a control block to optimize channel estimation.
US08457224B2 Apparatus for channel estimation, apparatus for equalization and method for equalization
The present invention provides a channel estimation apparatus in which channel estimation may be made higher than heretofore in accuracy and may be used for calculating the weight for an equalization filter to achieve an optimum equalizing performance. A subcarrier copying unit 20 copies K items of end-side subcarriers, using the channel estimation obtained by a correlation processing unit 14 and K which is a subcarrier copy number. An IDFT unit 15 transforms the channel estimation obtained at the subcarrier copying unit 20 into the time domain channel response. A noise path removing unit 16 removes noise paths from the channel response output from the IDFT unit 15. A DFT unit 17 performs DFT of the channel response, from which the noise paths are removed by the noise path removing unit 16, to output a noise-suppressed frequency domain channel estimation value. A weight calculation unit 5 inputs the frequency domain channel estimation value output from the DFT unit 17 to calculate an equalizing weight.
US08457222B2 Method for estimating channel statistics in an OFDM receiver
A method of estimating channel statistics includes storing a plurality of pilot symbols from a plurality of received signals, establishing a reference for correlation; computing instantaneous correlations for each time lag of each of the plurality of pilot symbols relative to the reference, providing a table comprising non-isotropic scattering correlation values, computing current refined correlations using previous refined correlations and instantaneous correlations, comparing current refined correlations to the table of correlation values, and choosing correlation values from the table based on the step of comparing current refined correlations to the table.
US08457221B2 Signaling transmission with localized spreading for wireless communication
Techniques for transmitting signaling with localized spreading are described. In one design, a transmitter (e.g., a base station) spreads multiple signaling symbols to obtain multiple sets of output symbols and further maps the multiple sets of output symbols to multiple time frequency blocks. The spreading may be localized to each time frequency block. Prior to the spreading, the transmitter may scale the multiple signaling symbols with multiple gains determined based on the transmit power for these signaling symbols. The transmitter may scramble the scaled signaling symbols to obtain scrambled symbols and may spread the scrambled symbols to obtain the multiple sets of output symbols. The transmitter may map each set of output symbols to a respective time frequency block.
US08457205B2 Apparatus and method of up-converting frame rate of decoded frame
An apparatus and method of up-converting a frame rate using frames that are decoded from a video decoder and motion information, the apparatus including: a motion vector resampling unit to resample a motion vector for the interpolated frame by filtering a motion vector of a current block using the motion vector of the current block and motion vectors of adjacent blocks in the decoded frame; a motion compensating unit to compensate a motion of the decoded frame by the resampled motion vector to produce the interpolated frame; and a switch to selectively output one of the decoded frame and the interpolated frame according to the sequential order of the frames.
US08457204B2 Objective perceptual video quality evaluation apparatus
A feature amount extracting unit extracts a block distortion degree of an evaluated video y relative to an original video x, a PSNR overall temporal fluctuation degree, and a PSNR local temporal fluctuation degree as feature amounts. A weighted sum calculating unit calculates a weighted sum of these feature amounts, and calculates an objective video quality index. Frame rate detecting unit detects frame rate of the evaluated video y. A correcting unit corrects the objective video quality index based on the frame rate detected by the frame rate detecting unit. An objective evaluation index-subjective video quality mapping unit applies the corrected objective video quality index Qobj to a correlation between an objective video quality index and a subjective video quality given in advance, thereby deriving a subjective video quality estimated value DMOS.
US08457203B2 Method and apparatus for coding motion and prediction weighting parameters
A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for encoding and/or decoding are described. In one embodiment, the encoding method comprises generating weighting parameters for multi-hypothesis partitions, transforming the weighting parameters and coding transformed weighting parameters.
US08457202B2 Method and apparatus for determining expected distortion in decoded video blocks
There are provided methods and apparatus for determining expected distortion in decoded video blocks. An apparatus includes a distortion calculator for calculating an expected distortion for an image block, included in a picture of a video sequence and sent over a lossy channel, using a motion vector for the image block when the motion vector has a non-integer value. The distortion calculator calculates the expected distortion based upon a propagated distortion of at least two neighboring integer pixel positions in a reference picture with respect to the motion vector having the non-integer value. The image block is coded in an inter mode or a SKIP mode.
US08457201B2 Inter-layer prediction method for video signal
The present invention relates to a method for conducting interlayer texture prediction in encoding or decoding of video signal. The present method constructs a pair of frame macro blocks from a single field macro block or vertically-adjacent two field macro blocks of a base layer, and using texture information of the constructed pair of frame macro blocks in interlayer texture predication of a pair of frame macro blocks of a current layer.
US08457200B2 Video data management
The invention relates to encoding and decoding pixel blocks of a video frame through a hybrid mode involving usage of a first prediction of a pixel block and at least a second prediction of the pixel block. An initial first weighting factor is modified using a factor modifier to generate a first weighting factor comprising multiple different factor values that are assignable to the different pixel-based first prediction values of the first prediction. The first weighting factor is applied to the first prediction and a second weighting factor is applied to the second block prediction. The at least two weighted predictions are then combined to form a hybrid prediction of the current pixel block.
US08457198B2 Method of and apparatus for deciding encoding mode for variable block size motion estimation
Provided are a method of and an apparatus for deciding an encoding mode for variable block size motion estimation, which can decide an encoding mode quickly and with less computation during variable block size motion estimation. The method includes searching in a reference frame for a macroblock that is most similar to a current macroblock, selecting a temporary encoding mode candidate group for encoding of the current macroblock from among a plurality of encoding mode candidate groups including at least one encoding mode, using encoding mode information of the searched-for macroblock of the reference frame, selecting the decided temporary encoding mode candidate group or an encoding mode candidate group including an encoding mode using a smaller block than the decided temporary encoding mode candidate group as a final encoding mode candidate group, based on the temporary encoding mode candidate group, the complexity of the current macroblock or sub-blocks obtained by dividing the current macroblock, and the difference between the current macroblock or each of the sub-blocks and the reference frame, and performing motion estimation in encoding mode included in the final encoding mode candidate group and deciding an encoding mode of the current macroblock.
US08457197B2 Adaptive filtering for bit-depth scalable video codec
Adaptive filtering may be used to increase the quality of tone mapped, baseline layer encoded information. As a result, scalable video codecs may be implemented with improved picture quality in some embodiments.
US08457192B2 Pulse width modulator
A switch-modulator for a radio-frequency power amplifier, arranged to modulate the I-signal and the Q-signal of the complex components (I+j·Q) separately in an I-signal part and a Q-signal part in order to create a modulated I-signal pulse sequence and a modulated Q-signal pulse sequence, wherein the modulation comprises a time-shift of the pulse positions within a sample interval.
US08457191B2 Adaptive equalizer and related methods
An adaptive equalizer. Implementations of adaptive equalizers may include implementations of 8-QAM adaptive equalizers that may include a signal filter, an adaptive processor coupled to the signal filter and a slicer coupled to the signal filter and the adaptive processor. The slicer may be configured to utilize a plurality of desired signals corresponding to an 8-QAM signal constellation having four quadrants, four levels disposed along the I-axis, and three levels disposed along the Q-axis. The slicer may also be configured to output an error signal by receiving an equalized output signal, processing the equalized output signal by correlating the equalized output signal with a decision region within one of the four quadrants, selecting one of a plurality of desired signals corresponding to the decision region, and calculating the error signal using the desired signal and the equalized output signal.
US08457188B2 Receiver and receiving method using quality measure estimates
An apparatus, including a detection unit configured to perform a non-linear detection on a receive signal, a first estimator configured to estimate a first quality measure based on the receive signal, and a second estimator configured to estimate a second quality measure dependent on the first quality measure and a performance measure of the detection unit is provided.
US08457187B1 Integrated compact eye pattern analyzer for next generation networks
A portable hand-held battery powered eye pattern analyzer is provided that can analyze signal quality of a high speed digital communication network. The system is 10 times smaller in volume and 4 times lighter than the bench-top equivalent instruments. The system includes a housing containing a display, keypad, power supply, battery pack, and RF sampler board along with connections for electrical inputs, optical inputs, clock signal inputs, and clock recovery signal inputs. The sampler circuit board can support connections, such as a USB plug for attachment to a personal computer. The RF sampler board contains the following elements: (1) A dual sampler for two-channel electrical inputs. (2) An Optical-to-Electrical O/E conversion module. (3) A clock recovery unit (CRU) module to recover the clock from the electrical or optical pulse pattern signal. (4) A trigger circuit that accepts an input clock and uses that clock to trigger the sampling of the data signal. (5) A PRBS generator that could be used as stimulus for testing high speed devices, and (6) A controller such as an FPGA that processes the sampled signals and provides statistical analysis along with eye patterns to a display as controlled using the keyboard.
US08457182B2 Multiple data rate communication system
Seamless wideband support is afforded by utilizing split-band data streams. For wideband signals, the 8 kHz bandwidth is divided into a low band, with approximately 0-4 kHz bandwidth, and a high band, with approximately 4-8 kHz bandwidth. Narrowband functions and services operate on the low band, while wideband functions and services operate on both low and high bands.
US08457179B2 Devices, methods, and systems for building monitoring
Devices, methods, and systems for building monitoring are described herein. One or more embodiments include a first transceiver coupled to a first phase of a power system of a building and configured to receive and send data over the first phase of the power system, a second transceiver coupled to a second phase of the power system and configured to receive and send data over the second phase of the power system, and a switch coupled to the first and second transceivers of the power system and configured to route data between the first and second transceivers of the power system.
US08457178B2 Frequency offset estimator
Determining a frequency offset of a received signal utilizing two or more multipath components of the received signal is provided herein. By way of example, the received signal can be correlated with a synchronization sequence in a time domain or a frequency domain, resulting in separation of the two or more multipath components of the received signal. Analysis of at least one of the multipath components can provide a frequency offset of the received signal. Furthermore, by analyzing the multipath components, estimation of the frequency offset can be improved as compared with single-signal analysis techniques.
US08457177B2 System and method for fast code phase and carrier frequency acquisition in GPS receiver
A GPS receiver acquires carrier frequency and Gold code phase using short segments of a received GPS signal. In one embodiment, a 1-ms segment of the GPS signal is transformed to the frequency domain. This is multiplied by a frequency representation of the Gold code. The resulting product is converted to the time domain, and a peak is detected. The location of the peak corresponds to the code phase. If no peak is located, the carrier frequency is changed. Full- and half-bin steps in carrier frequency are considered. Processing gain is achieved by using longer segments of the input signal, for example 4 or 16 ms and integrating 1-ms segments. Considerations are provided for compensating for the effects of a transition, should it occur in the short segment of the GPS signal being processed. Integrations can be performed using non-coherent and coherent techniques. Adjustments are made for non-integral millisecond segment lengths.
US08457176B2 Fast frequency-hopping transceiver and method
A fast frequency-hopping transceiver comprises a RF-unit arranged on a first chip, a base-band unit on a second chip, a bidirectional operable data and control interface arranged between said first and said second chip having at least one data line for data communication, at least one control line for controlling the data communication and at least one clock line for providing a clock signal, memory means implemented within said RF-unit containing all the required chip settings which are specific to a certain frequency of received and/or transmitted data being part of the intended hopping sequence. The transceiver also includes control means for programming said memory means during an initialization phase during a set-up of a communication link of said data communication.
US08457173B2 Silicon-based lens support structure for diode laser
An apparatus that includes a silicon-based support member and a silicon-based alignment structure is provided. The silicon-based alignment structure is received on a receiving surface of the support member. The alignment structure includes a first surface and a second surface parallel to and facing the first surface with a gap defined therebetween and configured to receive a light-emitting device inside the gap with the first surface and the second surface in contact with the light-emitting device such that, when a collimating rod lens is disposed on the alignment structure and over the gap, a longitudinal center line of the collimating rod lens is not aligned with a mid-point of the gap.
US08457170B2 Vertical cavity surface emitting laser with active carrier confinement
It is an object of the present invention to improve the confinement of the carriers within a VCSEL. As a general concept of the invention, it is proposed to integrate a phototransistor layer structure into the layer stack of the VCSEL.
US08457167B2 Semiconductor laser device and method of manufacturing the same
Embodiments describe a semiconductor laser device driven at low voltage and which is excellent for cleavage and a method of manufacturing the device. In one embodiment, the semiconductor laser device includes a GaN substrate; a semiconductor layer formed on the GaN substrate; a ridge formed in the semiconductor layer; a recess formed in the bottom surface of the GaN substrate. The recess has a depth less than the thickness of the GaN substrate. The device also has a notch deeper than the recess formed on a side surface of the GaN substrate and separated from the recess. In the semiconductor laser device, the total thickness of the GaN substrate and the semiconductor layer is 100 μm or more, and the distance between the top surface of the ridge and the bottom surface of the recess is 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less.
US08457164B2 Fiber laser comprising a ring-shaped resonator
The invention relates to a fiber laser comprising a ring-shaped resonator (3). A first section of the resonator is formed by an optical fiber (7) while a second section of the resonator is formed by an optically pumped amplifier fiber (8). The fiber laser further comprises an injection point (4) for injecting light of a pump light source (1) into the resonator (3) as well as an extraction point (5) for extracting generated laser light from the resonator (3). The aim of the invention is to design a more developed fiber laser. The aim is achieved by providing the resonator (3) with at least one reflective optical component (12, 51) which reflects the laser light circulating in the resonator (3).
US08457162B2 Packet detection
An apparatus for and a method of performing packet detection in a receiver is provided. The apparatus is configured to determine a measure of a correlation between information of one or more received symbols and synchronization information. The apparatus is also configured to determine a measure of an energy value of one or more of the received symbols. The apparatus is also configured to determine if a packet has been detected based on the measure of the correlation and the measure of the energy value of the one or more received symbols.
US08457161B2 Digital broadcasting system and method
A digital broadcasting system and method, where the digital broadcasting system includes: a transmission stream generator multiplexing a normal stream and a turbo stream to generate a dual transmission stream; a transmitter inserting an supplementary reference signal (SRS) into the dual transmission stream, processing the turbo stream to reconstitute the dual transmission stream, and outputting the reconstituted dual transmission stream; and a receiver receiving the reconstituted dual transmission stream, separately turbo decoding the turbo stream, inserting the turbo decode turbo stream into the dual transmission stream, and decoding the dual transmission stream into which the turbo decoded turbo stream has been inserted, to restore normal stream data and turbo stream data. Thus, reception sensitivity of a digital broadcasting signal can be efficiently improved.
US08457158B2 Method and system for encoding and decoding length of medium access control protocol data unit
A method and system for encoding the length of a Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) is provided. The method includes partitioning the length of the MAC PDU into a first part and a second part when the length of the MAC PDU is greater than a first predefined value, encoding the first part in a first header of the MAC PDU, encoding the second part in a second header of the MAC PDU, encoding the length of the MAC PDU in a first header of the MAC PDU when the length of the MAC PDU is less than or equal to first predefined value, and transmitting the MAC PDU with the encoded length of the MAC PDU to a receiving communication device. In another embodiment, the invention includes a method and apparatus for decoding an encoded length of a MAC PDU.
US08457157B2 Digital communications system with variable-bandwidth traffic channels
Electronic devices and equipment may communicate over a wired communications path. The wired communications path may include one or more wires and may be associated with a headphone cable. Data may be conveyed in the form of a digital data stream containing multiple traffic channels. The digital data stream may include superframes, each of which has multiple frames of data. The frames of data may each contain a number of data slots. Some of the slots in a superframe may be used exclusively by a particular one of the traffic channels. Boundary slots may be shared between traffic channels. Data interface circuitry may implement a data dispersion algorithm that determines the pattern in which data from each traffic channel is distributed within each boundary slot. Transmitting data interface circuitry may merge traffic channels into a single data stream. Receiving data interface circuitry may reconstruct the traffic channels.
US08457155B2 Encoding and decoding a multi-view video signal
There is disclosed methods and apparatuses for multi-view video transmission and reception. The method comprises receiving a first sequence of pictures from a first view; and receiving a second sequence of pictures from a second view. The first sequence of pictures and the second sequence of pictures are divided into a first period of pictures and a second period of pictures, wherein no picture in the second period of pictures precedes any picture in the first period of pictures in output order. At least a third sequence of pictures is obtained of at least one view between the first view and the second view covering the first period of pictures. Said at least the third sequence of pictures and a first set of pictures of the first sequence of pictures and the second sequence of pictures that belong to the second period of pictures are encoded.
US08457149B2 Data processing apparatus, control method therefor and storage medium
A data processing unit to that reliably avoids a deadlock condition regardless of status of a ring bus occupied with normal data packets. The data processing unit comprises ring bus, a plurality of data processing units connected to the ring bus, for mutually performing data exchange using a packet circulated on the ring bus and a injection unit for injecting a special packet distinguished from the packet on the ring bus so as to circulate the special packet on the ring bus, wherein the plurality of data processing units respectively comprise for confirming whether or not a transmission destination data processing unit of the data is capable of receiving data by using the special packet, and a transmission unit for transmitting the data to the transmission destination data processing unit using the special packet.
US08457144B2 Communication system
A communication session between a user of a communication network and a communication system is controlled. The communication network comprises a first network and a second network. The communication system operates on the first network. A session request packet is transmitted from a device of the user to a first node in the first network. The session is initiated with the communication system at the first node responsive to receiving the session request. During the session, a calling identity is provided from the first node to the device and used by the device during a communication event between the user and an entity. The calling identity is used to establish a connection between the device and a second node in the second network. The calling identity is associated with an address of the entity. Upon termination of the session, the calling identity is disassociated from the address of the entity.
US08457141B2 Telecommunication network
A telecommunications network comprising first and second access equipment on one side of the network and third and fourth access equipment on another side of the network, a respective communication link is provided between the first and the third access equipment and between the second and fourth access equipment, and further, a communication link is provided between the first and the second access equipment, and between the third and fourth access equipment, each access equipment providing an interface for communication with the network, and each access equipment is configured to be capable of causing a change in the path followed by at least some of the traffic conveyed over the communication links.
US08457138B1 Systems and methods for propagating frame relay congestion notifications through a packet network
A communication system for propagating a congestion notification of a frame relay network through a packet network has a first interworking function (IWF). In addition, the system has a second IWF, the second IWF receives a first frame from a first frame relay node, the first frame having payload data and a header, the header comprising a frame relay congestion notification. The second IWF de-encapsulates the payload data from the first frame and encapsulates the payload data thereby forming a data packet compatible for transmission via the packet network. In addition, the second IWF transmits continuity check messages (CCMs) and the data packet via the packet network to the first IWF and controls at least one of the CCMs such that the frame relay congestion notification is propagated to the first IWF.
US08457133B2 Load balancing in core network comprising a pool of core network elements
A method of balancing load of an individual network element operating in a pool in a radio telecommunications network. In said network a user equipment is assigned to a network element from said pool of network elements based on relative weighting values associated with said network elements. Said relative weighting value indicates the capacity of a network element relative to other network elements in the pool. The method comprises: periodically determining load of said network element; reducing the relative weighting value if said network element is overloaded for a predefined number of periods, exceeding a limit of allowed consecutive overloads.
US08457127B2 Systems and methods for reducing multicast traffic over a network
A method for reducing multicast traffic over a network is described. A control request is received. A first ranking indicator associated with the control request is compared with a second ranking indicator associated with a node that received the control request. A first response to the control request is generated. The first response is stored in a queue. A second response associated with the control request is received. The first response is removed from the queue without being sent to the network.
US08457125B2 G.hn network node and method for operating a G.hn network node in the presence of a homeplug network
Embodiments of a G.hn network node and method for coexistence between G.hn network nodes and HomePlug nodes are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a G.hn network node transmits an additional preamble and header prepended to G.hn transmissions. The additional preamble and header are configured to be readable by HomePlug nodes and cause the HomePlug nodes to refrain from transmitting during the G.hn transmissions.
US08457123B2 Use of the WLAN standard for C2C communication by adding new packet types
C2X communication is made possible efficiently via WLAN by apparatuses and a method for filtering data frames received by a vehicle from a receiver via a WLAN connection, wherein a frame type indicated in a received data frame is used to decide that device to which data in the data frame are transmitted.
US08457119B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for routing traffic between nodes in a network that are connected by redundant links
A communications network is operated by providing a plurality of redundant links between a first network node and a second network node. A first identifier is associated with a first one of the plurality of redundant links and a second identifier is associated with a second one of the plurality of redundant links. The first and second identifiers are associated with the regulatory constraint. Traffic that is marked with the first identifier is routed to the first one of the plurality of redundant links and traffic that is marked with the second identifier is routed to the second one of the plurality of redundant links so that operation of the communications network is in compliance with the regulatory constraint.
US08457117B1 Static, dynamic and intelligent VRF routing for services traffic
A system for determining static, dynamic and intelligent Virtual Route Forwarding routing for services traffic includes a data device and a network processing device. The network processing device is configured to: receive a data transmission from the data device, analyze the data transmission to identify a data characteristic other than a source or destination associated with the data transmission, create a packet, determine a transmission identifier associated with the data characteristic, and transmit the packet through a network path corresponding to the transmission identifier.
US08457113B2 Branch calling and caller ID based call routing telephone features
A caller ID based call routing feature is described for blocked and non-blocked caller ID's. A processing system in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) receives first identifying information for identify the source of a telephone call and associates additional information stored in a memory with the first identifying information. The additional information may be information about the calling party initially downloaded to the memory by a subscriber. Once retrieved from the memory by the processing system, the additional information may then be transmitted to the subscriber via the Internet for display on a monitor or to the subscriber's telephone for display on a telephone display. Another feature described is a branch calling feature where the subscriber may program a processing system within the PSTN to forward an incoming call to two or more end units (e.g., telephones) simultaneously. If the call at an end unit is answered, answer supervision signaling is transmitted back to the processing system which then terminates all other calls. The processing system then connects the calling party to the subscriber. The branch calling may be made for any combination of local, long distance, and cellular telephone numbers.
US08457112B2 Radio link performance prediction in wireless communication terminal
A wireless communication terminal includes a controller coupled to a transceiver wherein the controller is configured to determine a synchronization based on a mapping of channel state information to decoder error rate corresponding to a hypothetical control code word, to attempt to decode a control codeword in a received signal, and to conclude that an out of synchronization event has not occurred if the control codeword is decoded successfully regardless of an indication of the mapping.
US08457109B2 Access based internet protocol multimedia service authorization
The described embodiments of the present invention include a method for controlling authorization of a multimedia service requested by a user device. In one embodiment, the method includes examining an identity of an access network associated with the user device and an identity of the service requested to determine whether the service is supported; authorizing resources in the access network required by the service if the service is supported; rejecting the service if the service is not supported and if a policy associated with the access network requires unsupported services to be rejected; and authorizing a default level of resources in the access network if the service is not supported and if the policy associated with the access network does not require unsupported services to be rejected.
US08457108B1 Method and apparatus for monitoring client software usage in end user device
The present invention enables a capability for packet-switched network service providers, e.g., VoIP network service providers, to monitor the CPE application usage of their subscriber to ensure that changes to the network do not interfere with these applications and to potentially provide changes to the network to enhance these premise based applications. Monitoring software will be installed in the CPE to monitor upgrades and features installed by the end users so that any potential impact to these applied applications can be assessed before a VoIP network upgrade is carried out.
US08457107B2 Method and system for finding shortest paths in ring networks
An approach for determining shortest paths within a multiple ring network. Topology information associated with a ring network that includes a plurality of rings is retrieved, wherein each of the rings includes one or more nodes. A start node and an end node associated with the ring network are selected. A minimum set of one or more interconnected rings of the ring network is determined. One or more shortest paths between the start node and the end node are determined based on the determined minimum set.
US08457106B2 Method for wireless communication in wireless sensor network environment
Provided is a wireless communication method in a wireless sensor network environment. The method overhears a packet transmitted from a source sensor node to a destination sink node and determines whether the destination sink node receives the packet. A transmission node selected by using local information among a plurality of neighboring sensor nodes transmits the overheard packet to the destination sink node when the packet is not received.
US08457096B2 Beam steering in a mesh network with repetitions
The device for steering a beamforming antenna (500) comprises a module (511) for calculating antenna steering coefficients and a repetition detection module (516, 517) adapted to detect the repetition of a sequence of payload data in the signal received by said antenna. The module for calculating antenna steering coefficients is adapted to calculate said coefficients on the basis of the signals received by the antenna at the time of said repetition.In particular embodiments, the device further comprises an OFDM wireless receiver (501 to 503) and the module for calculating antenna steering coefficients employs each sub-carrier of the signal received by the antenna.
US08457095B2 Method for bandwidth recovery of communication system
A bandwidth recovery method for a communication system includes: transmitting a first uplink scheduling message to at least a first communication node and a second communication node of a plurality of communication nodes in the communication system; detecting if a communication channel is in an idle state after a first transmission start time; then, transmitting a second uplink scheduling message to the plurality of the communication nodes when the communication channel is found to be in the idle state after the first transmission start time.
US08457094B2 Mini-slot communication protocol
Mesh communications based on a plurality of time-slots in which every time slot is associated with communications between a pair of nodes, in which at least one time-slot is associated with communications between a first node and a second node, and in which at least a second time-slot is associated with communications between the first node and a third node. The first node and the second node communicate during the at least one time-slot, while the third node awaits communications with the first node during the second time-slot. If the first node is still communicating with the second node during the second time-slot the first node does not communication with the third node.
US08457088B1 Multi-level piconet data aggregation
An example embodiment includes an apparatus. The apparatus includes piconet logic for establishing a multi-level piconet hierarchy having a top level piconet and a lower level piconet(s). The top level piconet includes the apparatus and a master controller(s). The apparatus is a master device in the top level piconet. Master controllers are slave devices in the top level piconet. A lower level piconet includes a master controller and a sub-controller(s). Master controllers are masters in the lower level piconet. Sub-controllers are slave devices in the lower level piconet. The apparatus includes time division multiplexing logic to solicit and control aggregated communication with master controllers. The aggregated communication comprises data from the master controller and data from a sub-controller(s). The apparatus includes de-aggregation logic to receive the aggregated communication and to separate data.
US08457083B2 Device for connecting a wireless network to at least one other network
Device for connecting a wireless network to at least one other network comprising a bridge module for managing a plurality of ports for connecting to respective networks, the device comprising a wireless network management module for managing associations, with an access point of a centralized wireless network, of devices of networks (connected to the bridge device other than the wireless network; wherein the bridge device is adapted to be a station of the wireless network.
US08457081B2 Methods and apparatus for power efficient broadcasting and communication systems
A method and apparatus for content multicasting and broadcasting and data unicasting in a broadband multicarrier wireless communication system. A base station is configured to transmit, and a mobile station is configured to receive, a sequence of consecutive frames. The frames comprise two types: frames containing time-frequency resources for content multicasting and broadcasting via a single frequency network, and frames containing time-frequency resources for data unicasting without the use of a single frequency network. The two types of frames are intermixed in accordance with an intermixing configuration pattern. The intermixing configuration pattern is indicated by a bit-map contained in a scheduling signal.
US08457077B2 Communications system employing orthogonal chaotic spreading codes
Systems and methods for code-division multiplex communications. The methods involve forming orthogonal or statistically orthogonal chaotic spreading sequences (CSC1,1, CSCD,1), each comprising a different chaotic sequence. The methods also involve generating an offset chaotic spreading sequence (CSC1,2, CSC1,3, . . . , CSC1,K(1), CSCD,2, . . . , CSCD,K(D)) which is the same as a first one of the orthogonal or statistically orthogonal chaotic spreading sequences, but temporally offset. Spread spectrum communications signals (SSCs) are each respectively generated using one of the orthogonal or statistically orthogonal chaotic spreading sequences. Another SSC is generated using the offset chaotic spreading sequence. The SSCs are concurrently transmitted over a common RF frequency band.
US08457074B2 Method and apparatus for mobile communication device measurement reporting
A method (300) and apparatus (110) for mobile communication device measurement reporting is disclosed. The method may include receiving (320) an offset value corresponding to a set of a plurality of cells. The method may include determining (330) that a signal strength of a serving cell (130) is higher than a radio link failure threshold of the serving cell by substantially no more than the offset value for measurement reporting. The method may include detecting (340) the presence of a candidate cell (140) that is a member of the set of the plurality of cells. The method may include transmitting (350) a measurement report to the serving cell if the signal strength of the serving cell is higher than the radio link failure threshold of the serving cell by substantially no more than the offset value for measurement reporting and if the candidate cell that is a member of the set of the plurality of cells is present.
US08457073B2 Apparatus and method for relay station handover in multi-hop relay broadband wireless access system
A technique for managing a packet to be transmitted to a Mobile Station (MS) that performs Relay Station (RS) handover in a multi-hop relay Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) system is provided. In the BWA system, a Base Station (BS) includes a controller for determining whether to perform activecasting on an MS upon receiving an activecast request message; a scheduler for allocating a resource by taking into consideration a channel condition between the MS and a serving RS when activecasting is determined to be performed; and a transmitter for multicasting a packet, which is to be transmitted to the MS, to a target RS and the serving RS by using the allocated resource.
US08457070B2 Method for performing inter-rat handover
An Inter-RAT handover method is disclosed. A method for supporting an Inter-RAT handover by an IEEE 802.16m MS includes performing, by the MS, pre-registration in an Inter-RAT target BS using a tunneling, if a channel quality of an Inter-RAT neighbor cell is higher than a pre-registration threshold, and transmitting a handover request message for a handover to the target BS to a serving BS, if a channel quality of the neighbor cell is equal to or higher than a handover threshold during a time duration in a scanning of the neighbor cell and a channel quality of the target BS is equal to or higher than that of the neighbor cell. This handover method reduces a time required for a handover from an IEEE 802.16m network to a Non-802.16m network, provides a seamless service, supports a rapid recovery in case of a radio link failure, and increases handover reliability.
US08457069B1 Selecting a wireless communication device for handoff based on active set characteristics
Methods and devices for a radio access network (RAN) to select a wireless communication device (WCD) for handoff to a given sector are presented. In particular, the RAN may receive resource requests from a first WCD and a second WCD, both WCDs contending for a resource of the given sector. Based on the each WCD's active sets of sectors, the RAN may grant the resource to one of these WCDs. Preferably, the RAN grants the resource to the WCD that is more likely to benefit from use of the resource.
US08457066B2 Method and apparatus of feedback signaling
A method and apparatus of feedback signaling using a high speed dedicated physical control channel (HS-DPCCH) includes transmitting to a first cell a first uplink feedback signal that includes channel quality information (CQI) associated with the first cell. A second uplink feedback signal that includes CQI information associated with a second cell is transmitted to the second cell.
US08457064B2 Methods and apparatus for RF handoff in a multi-frequency network
Methods and apparatus for RF handoff in a multi-frequency network. A method includes generating seamless and partially seamless handoff tables for multiplexes carried in a current LOI, wherein the seamless and partially seamless handoff tables comprise neighboring RF channels carrying one or more of the multiplexes in the current LOI, detecting a handoff event initiated by acquisition failures on a current RF, selecting a selected RF channel from the seamless and partially seamless handoff tables, and performing a handoff to the selected RF channel. An apparatus includes processing logic configured to generate the seamless and partially seamless handoff tables, detect a handoff event initiated by acquisition failures on a current RF, and select a selected RF channel from the seamless and partially seamless handoff tables. The apparatus also includes channel switch logic configured to perform a handoff to the selected RF channel.
US08457059B2 Transmission apparatus, reception apparatus, communication system and communication method using adaptive hybrid automatic retransmission request method
A transmission apparatus includes a first encoding unit configured to generate a new packet from a new portion obtained from a block generated from information bits, to generate a retransmission packet from a retransmission portion obtained from a block generated from information bits and held for a retransmission, and to assign the new packet and the retransmission packet to a communication channel respectively, a second encoding unit configured to assign, to a communication channel, a packet obtained by mixing the new portion and the retransmission portion, a encoding method switching unit configured to switch between operations of the first and second encoding unit, so that communication channel data output from the first or second encoding unit is transmitted, and a transmission control unit configured to control the encoding method switching unit based on information indicating a communication quality of the communication channel in a reception apparatus.
US08457052B2 Method of providing targeted information using wireless subscription management
A wireless communication device receives targeted information and/or advertisements. The wireless communication device is preprogrammed with a generic network address only. To communicate over a network, the wireless communication sends an activation request message to the network, including its generic network address (GNA) and information indicative of the base station via which communication is taking place. Knowing the geographical location of the base station, it is possible to send to the wireless communication device via its GNA, or a subsequently provided unique network address (UNA), information or advertisements targeted to the geographical location or particular wireless device.
US08457049B2 Method and apparatus for handling system information change
A method and apparatus for handling system information change. When the system information changes, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may be running a procedure. Depending on the nature of the system information, the WTRU may not need to interrupt the procedure to update the system information.
US08457048B2 Methods and apparatus to avoid mobile station transmission of duplicate event-based and polled acknowledgments
Methods and apparatus to avoid mobile station transmission of duplicate event-based and polled acknowledgments are disclosed. An example method for a mobile station configured to send event-based acknowledgment information as disclosed herein comprises classifying a downlink data block as unreported, receiving a poll from a network requesting the mobile station to send polled acknowledgment information during a period, and refraining from sending during the period event-based acknowledgment information for the downlink data block classified as unreported.
US08457043B2 Method and system for sending, routing, and receiving information using concise messages
A system and method are provided for communication between a communication device and a content provider associated with an internet domain name and a server. The system includes a network with a user interface, an internet connection, and an interface to the content provider's internet domain. A communication device user enters a concise message request which includes a channel, a designator and, optionally, a request instruction. The combination of the channel and the designator specify a location on the internet at which routing instructions reside for responding to the concise message request and generating a concise message response for output to the communication device. Concise message documents can be generated for effecting financial transactions such as purchases and payments via SMS. CMRL can also be used to route person-to-person messaging through a content provider's internet domain at which the users may be registered.
US08457041B2 Methods and apparatus for use in a communication system
Various methods and apparatus are directed to, among other things, an access node which is used in providing enhanced functionality and fault tolerance in a system which distributes home agent functionality between a home agent control node and a tunneling node, referred to herein as a home agent tunneling node, which performs packet forwarding under direction of the home agent control node. The distributed home agent approach is enhanced in some embodiments to provide redundancy of home agent control nodes and/or home agent tunneling nodes. Thus, in accordance with some embodiments if a home agent control node fails, the secondary home agent control node can take over the home agent control function. Various embodiments describe various methods, apparatus, and/or messages in addition to system configurations, which can be used to maintain primary and secondary home agent control and facilitate a rapid transfer of functions between primary and secondary nodes.
US08457036B2 Statistical multiplexing in a satellite communication networks
A single, large-scale satellite access communication network may be configured as infrastructure for many small-scale subnets, wherein each subnet may be configured to serve a different organization (e.g. an SME) as a private network. Each subnet may be configured as a small star and/or mesh satellite data access network from the end-user perspective, yet all subnets may be configured to be part of the total large-scale network and share satellite bandwidth resources. Such configuration may yield significantly higher bandwidth efficiency, lower operation and equipment costs, minimized latency and ease of network operations for each of the small organizations sharing the large-scale network.
US08457034B2 Airborne communication network
According to one embodiment, an airborne communication network includes a node configured on an aircraft having one or more communication devices that communicate using a native communication protocol. The node includes an information conversion system that receives information formatted according to the native communication protocol from the communication devices, encapsulates the information in packets according to a common communication protocol, and stores the packets in a mass storage device. The packets may then be published for receipt by other nodes configured on other aircraft. The information conversion system may also subscribe to packets stored in the nodes of other aircraft.
US08457032B2 Method and apparatus for data transmission in a time division duplexing system
A method for data transmission in a TDD system is disclosed. The method includes: configuring, by a base station, a length respectively for a Downlink Pilot Slot (DwPTS) and an Uplink Pilot Slot (UpPTS) within a special field of a radio half-frame based on a current coverage area taking one Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol as a unit, and issuing a configured result to a user device, wherein a total length of the DwPTS, a Guard Period (GP) slot and the UpPTS is kept to be 1 ms; constructing, by the base station, radio half-frames for data transmission according to the configured result. An apparatus for data transmission in the TDD system is also disclosed. According to the present invention, coverage area of different levels with smaller granularity is supported, radio resources are saved and transmission efficiency is increased.
US08457029B2 Transitioning from MIMO to SISO to save power
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may include computer-executable code that, when executed by the processor, is configured to cause the apparatus to send a message to a node in wireless communication with the apparatus, the message indicating a transition by the apparatus from multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) to single-input single-output (SISO), and transition from wireless MIMO communication with the node to wireless SISO communication with the node after sending the message to the node.
US08457023B2 Method for selecting operating frequency channels in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method for selecting operating frequency channels having frequency parameters, such as a frequency interval or at least one carrier frequency, for a network communicating data over a shared medium. The network is configured to communicate within a frequency range, and the frequency range is divided into a plurality of frequency channels f1-fn, each frequency channel defines a predetermined frequency parameter. The data to be communicated over the network is divided into sequences FS, each sequence having a plurality of positions SP1-SPm. The method further comprises regularly scanning the frequency range to identify interfering frequencies generated by interfering networks operating within said shared medium, and assigning a frequency channel fk to each position SPi within the sequences FS based on the identified interfering frequencies, whereby the use of interfering frequencies is limited.
US08457020B2 Methods and apparatus for providing communications with use of first and second RF transceiver modules
A mobile communication device is operative to perform a first communication function (e.g. inquiry or paging function for discovery) with use of a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver (e.g. BLUETOOTH transceiver) and a second communication function (e.g. voice telephony function) with use of a second RF transceiver (e.g. IEEE 802.11 transceiver). In response to identifying an indication to invoke the first communication function while the second communication function is being performed, the mobile device reserves selected timeslots of a wireless communication link with the first RF transceiver for establishing a synchronous link. The mobile device then causes data of the first communication function to be communicated, via the first RF transceiver, during remaining unreserved timeslots of the wireless communication link. The mobile device further causes data of the second communication function to be communicated, via the second RF transceiver, during the reserved timeslots of the synchronous link.
US08457018B1 Merkle tree reference counts
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for managing data commonality in a Merkle tree is disclosed. Reference counts are associated with a node in the Merkle tree. Data commonality is detected and the root of the detected data commonality is determined. If a node is the root node of the detected data commonality, the nodes reference count is incremented. When an object is deleted, the root node of the object is determined. The reference count of the node is decremented. If the count reaches zero, the node is removed from the Merkle tree, and its child nodes are decremented.
US08457017B2 Multi-chassis interconnect
The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method for providing point-to-point inter-chassis connections within chassis systems and/or network nodes. Multi-chassis systems within a network employ a protocol wherein a peer discovery process is initiated and the discovered neighbors are authentically verified before establishing an active state between point-to-point inter-chassis links.
US08457015B2 Method of configuring the absolute grant mapping table for base station
A method for configuring an absolute grant mapping relationship table for a base station, comprises: a radio network controller notifying the base station of the absolute grant mapping relationship table used by an enhanced dedicated channel absolute grant channel (E-AGCH) through a signaling, and the base station returning a response message to the radio network controller after storing the configured information. The present invention allows the absolute grant mapping relationship table used by the base station to be consistent with an absolute grant mapping relationship table of which a user equipment is notified via the air interface to use, so as to ensure that the absolute grant values corresponding to the base station and the user equipment are obtained from the same absolute grant mapping relationship table, and allocation and use of the power resource by the base station and the user equipment are consistent.
US08457012B2 Packet transfer apparatus and packet transfer method
Disclosed herewith is a packet transfer apparatus that carries out 1+1 protection switching for traffics to be received variably in both length and cycle. The apparatus enables flows to be multiplexed and the link usage efficiency to be improved without generating any buffer overflow errors. The data transfer apparatus, upon receiving the third sequentially numbered data from the first communication route before receiving the preceding second sequentially numbered data, stores the received third data in a buffer. And upon receiving the second sequentially numbered data from the second communication route, the apparatus sends the second and third data sequentially. Then, upon receiving the third sequentially numbered data from the second communication route before receiving the second sequentially numbered data, the apparatus sends the third data when a predetermined waiting time expires.
US08457010B2 Request modification for transparent capacity management in a carrier network
Some embodiments provide a capacity management agent that modifies content requests to adjust bandwidth consumption when streaming requested content from a content provider to a requesting user. The modifications include modifying a URL or header information of the request. The agent performs a process that receives a request for content of a content provider. The process identifies a parameter of the carrier network and modifies the request when the parameter satisfies a threshold. The process passes the request to the content provider and the content provider provides content that consumes a first set of resources in response to an unmodified request and a second set of resources in response to a modified request. When the parameter identifies congestion, the first set of resources is greater than the second set of resources. When the condition parameter identifies underutilization, the first set of resources is less than the second set of resources.
US08457009B2 Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method for detecting electric field intensity of wireless channel, and program storing medium
A wireless communication apparatus includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit periodically transmits a beacon signal to wireless terminal devices existing in a network using a use channel selected from wireless channels and to detect electric field intensities of the wireless channels. The control unit detects, by the communication unit, the electric field intensities of the wireless channels in a predetermined communication limiting period in a period during which wireless communication with an unspecified wireless terminal device existing in the network is prohibited in a period in which the beacon signal is transmitted.
US08457007B2 Global switch resource manager
An apparatus having corresponding methods and computer programs comprises: a plurality of resources to process packets of data in a plurality of data streams each comprising a plurality of the packets of data, wherein at least one of the data streams has at least one performance requirement; a memory to store a data stream table; a data stream table manager to determine whether the performance requirements of the at least one of the data streams can be accepted based on entries in the data stream table, and to store the performance requirements for the at least one of the data streams as entries in the data stream table when the performance requirements for the at least one of the data streams are acceptable; and a resource programmer to program the resources according to the data stream table.