| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08499360B2 |
Atomic force microscopes and methods of measuring specimens using the same
Atomic force microscopes and methods of measuring specimens using the same. An atomic force microscope may precisely measure a 3D shape of a specimen using both a short-stroke scanner and a long-stroke scanner. The atomic force microscope may include a stage to transfer a specimen, at least one cantilever which includes a probe such that a driving displacement and a driving frequency are changed by attractive force and repulsive force in relation to atoms of the specimen, at least one short-stroke scanner which includes the cantilever so as to perform short-stroke scanning of the specimen, at least one long-stroke scanner which includes the short-stroke scanner so as to perform long-stroke scanning of the specimen, and at least one coarse approach system for transferring the short-stroke scanner and the long-stroke scanner to the specimen. |
| US08499356B2 |
System for dynamically encrypting information for secure internet commerce and providing embedded fulfillment software
A data distribution system is provided which supplies customers with an executable for requested secured data files to provide the customer with fulfillment software, obviating the need for the customer to download fulfillment software prior to requesting secure data. The data distribution system is characterized by server technology which can dynamically encrypt secured data files just prior to a customer request to download the data file. A framework for building a universal data distribution infrastructure is provided which employs Requesters. |
| US08499346B2 |
Secure authentication at a self-service terminal
A method of providing secure authentication of a service user at a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: detecting attempted access by the service user to a restricted function on the self-service terminal and ascertaining if a predefined operating system account is present on the terminal. In the event that the predefined operating system account is not present, then the method comprises permitting access to the restricted function by the service user. In the event that the predefined operating system account is present, then the method comprises requesting the service user to provide login credentials and authenticating the login credentials using the operating system account. If the login credentials are not authenticated, access to the restricted function is denied; whereas, if the login credentials are authenticated, access to the restricted function is permitted. |
| US08499344B2 |
Audio-video telephony with firewalls and network address translation
The present invention relates to a communications system (1) for making multimedia calls. The system comprises two multimedia terminals (10,12) and communication means for making a multimedia call over a shared communications network (20), including a firewall (26) through which the multimedia call must pass, and which restricts certain types of communication. Each terminal (10,12) has a number of logical communication ports for the multimedia call, including at least one dynamically assigned port. In the course of setting up the multimedia call, at least one of the terminals (10,12) is adapted to send a request to the other of the terminals to open up one or more of the dynamic ports in the other terminal. The system includes a proxy server (40) between the terminals (10,12) that acts for each terminal as a proxy for the other terminal during the course of the call. The proxy server (40) has logical communication ports for communication with the terminals including one or more pre-assigned ports. The firewall (26) is configured not to restrict communication between one or both terminals (10,12) and the pre-assigned port(s) of the proxy server (40). The proxy server (40) is configured to receive and forward the request(s) to open up said dynamic port(s) via one of its pre-assigned ports. |
| US08499343B2 |
Hosted media content service systems and methods
An exemplary system includes 1) at least one computing device within a first computing subsystem associated with a hosted media content service, the at least one computing device configured to authenticate a user to the hosted media content service and provide at least one encrypted token to a user device associated with the user, and 2) at least one other computing device within a second computing subsystem associated with the hosted media content service, the at least one other computing device configured to store hosted media content associated with the hosted media content service, receive the at least one encrypted token from the user device, validate the at least one encrypted token, and perform, in response to the validation, at least one action on media content as part of the hosted media content service. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08499340B2 |
IMS network identity management
Methods and apparatus for enabling secure communications between a UE (user equipment) device operating though a packet-switched network and a 3rd party service outside of the user's home domain. The packet-switched network may be, for example, configured according and IMS architecture and use SIP control signaling. An identity server in the user's home domain is coupled with a proxy server or gateway and receives control messages, on which the identity server effects identity translation if needed. Translating messages targeted for the third party serve includes stripping user identifying information and adding a domain identifier to the message. It may also include adding an identity token. Where an identity token is not added, it may be provided upon request to a 3rd party service entity. Translating messages targeted for the UE includes adding a user identifier for home domain routing. |
| US08499334B2 |
System, method and apparatus for enabling transactions using a user enabled programmable magnetic stripe
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus that includes a user device having a magnetic field generator disposed within a substrate that is normally inactive, an initiator mounted on the substrate, a memory disposed within the substrate and a processor disposed within the substrate that is communicably coupled to the magnetic field generator, the initiator and the memory. The processor is operable to process information received from the initiator, generate a time varying code in response to the received information and activate the magnetic field generator. A power source is also disposed within the substrate. The magnetic field generator can create a spatial magnetic signal using a magnetic stripe and one or more induction coils, or create a time-varying magnetic signal for emulating data obtained from swiping a traditional magnetic stripe card through a magnetic card reader. |
| US08499325B2 |
Method and system for multiplexed transport interface between demodulators (DEMODS) and set-top box (STB) system-on-chips (SoCs)
A multiplexed transport interface (MTSIF) may be utilized during communication between a demodulation module and a video processing system-on-chip (SoC). The MTSIF may enable concurrent demodulation of a plurality of input modulated video streams, via a plurality of demodulator chips within the demodulation module, by multiplexing data generated by the demodulator chips via the MTSIF during communication between the demodulator module and the video processing SoC. The MTSIF may also be utilized for communicating control signals, which may be used in controlling and/or managing operations of the demodulation module, the video processing SoC, and/or the MTSIF. Communication via the MTSIF may be synchronized. Packets communicated via the MTSIF may be timestamped. Timestamp counters may be used in the demodulation module and the video processing SoC to generate and/or track timestamps in communicated packets. The timestamp counter may be synchronized, using control signals communicated via the MTSIF. |
| US08499324B1 |
Mobile platform advertising system and method
The communication system can be configured to generate revenue by using advertising elements or storing web pages. The communication system can allow internet access or programs to be performed. The mobile platforms can be automobiles, aircraft, boats, ships, trains or other vehicles. Advertising elements can be stored on the mobile platform. |
| US08499320B2 |
Next generation user interface for audio video display device such as TV with multiple user input modes and hierarchy thereof
A television user interface allows viewer commands to be input using a remote control, voice input, and hand movements in free space, as well as facial recognition using a camera integrated into the television. All three input modes can be active simultaneously, and so a hierarchy of modes is established to resolve conflicting commands received more or less simultaneously in different modes. |
| US08499319B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing image
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus including: an image processing unit which processes and displays a broadcasting signal; a user input unit through which a user inputs a key selection signal; and a controller which performs a switch to a favorite channel or performs a certain function in association with the favorite channel if an input time of the key selection signal is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. With this, a viewer can more directly and conveniently search favorite channels. |
| US08499317B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of controlling a broadcast content display therein
The present invention includes comparing a content rating value set on a received broadcast content to a reference rating value set on the mobile terminal, if the content rating value meets the reference rating value as a result of the comparing step, displaying the broadcast content, receiving an input of a viewing restriction command signal in the course of displaying the broadcast content, if the viewing restriction command signal is inputted, adjusting at least one of a plurality of field values configuring the reference rating value to prevent the content rating value from meeting the reference rating value, and if the content rating value fails to meet the reference rating value as a result of the adjusting step, stopping a display of the first broadcast content. |
| US08499314B2 |
Disc loading device to load different size discs
Disclosed herein is a disc loading device applied to small-sized and slim type disc players. The disc loading device may include a first guide lever, a second guide lever, a trigger lever, a chucking unit, a slider, and a connecting unit. The connecting unit may be selectively operatively connected to the second guide lever, upon loading a first disc or a second disc, to change a timing at which a rotational force of the trigger lever may be transmitted to the slider. |
| US08499309B2 |
Application event handling methods and systems
An exemplary method includes an application event handling system 1) detecting an occurrence of an event initiated by a user and associated with an application configured to be executed by a computing device, 2) determining, in response to the detecting, that another event previously initiated by the user and associated with the application is either already being processed by the computing device or already scheduled for processing by the computing device, 3) directing, in response to the determining, the computing device to ignore the previously initiated event, 4) scheduling, in response to the determining, the event to be processed by the computing device after a delay timer expires, and 5) starting, in response to the scheduling, the delay timer. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US08499300B2 |
System and method for task management of rule based tasks
System and methods for task management of rule based tasks. The task management system of the invention includes various modules that work together to accomplish task monitoring, scheduling, prioritization, compliance and reporting. A task management module facilitates the development of task compliance by scheduling and prioritizing tasks based on the needs of the enterprise. The tasks are provided in task modules that set out specific steps for completing the tasks. A common database is operatively connected to the task management module, task module and other modules to maintain the rules and policies, the tasks to be completed and the responses to those tasks. |
| US08499299B1 |
Ensuring deterministic thread context switching in virtual machine applications
Techniques for ensuring deterministic thread context switching in a virtual machine application program include, in one embodiment, providing a single application-level mutex that threads of the executing application program are forced to acquire to execute application code of the virtual machine application program. During a first recorded execution of the virtual machine application program, a record is created and stored in a computer that indicates the order in which threads acquire the application-level mutex. In a subsequent replay execution of the virtual machine application program from the recording, threads of the virtual machine application program are managed to ensure that the application-level mutex is acquired by threads in the same order indicated in the record such that any race conditions that occurred during the recorded execution as a result of executing application code are reproduced during the subsequent replay execution thereby aiding application development personnel in identifying and isolating program errors and bugs related to race conditions. |
| US08499298B2 |
Multiprocessing transaction recovery manager
A multiprocessing transaction recovery manager, operable with a transactional application manager and a resource manager, comprises a threadsafety indicator for receiving and storing positive and non-positive threadsafety data of at least one transactional component managed by one of the transactional application manager and the resource manager; a commit protocol component for performing commit processing for the at least one transactional component; and a thread selector responsive to positive threadsafety data for selecting a single thread for the commit processing to be performed by the commit protocol component. The thread selector is further operable to select plural threads for the commit processing to be performed by the commit protocol component responsive to non-positive threadsafety data. |
| US08499297B2 |
Low overhead fault tolerance through hybrid checkpointing and replay
A virtualized computer system provides fault tolerant operation of a primary virtual machine. In one embodiment, this system includes a backup computer system that stores a snapshot of the primary virtual machine and a log file containing non-deterministic events occurring in the instruction stream of the primary virtual machine. The primary virtual machine periodically updates the snapshot and the log file. Upon a failure of the primary virtual machine, the backup computer can instantiate a failover backup virtual machine by consuming the stored snapshot and log file. |
| US08499296B2 |
Multi-branch management for updating software
A system for managing updates of an executable component in accordance with an updating tree with multiple branches is provided. In one implementation, specific updates are provided to users with specific problems while general updates are provided to all users of the executable component. A range of lower version numbers is reserved for the general updates. When a specific update with a version number higher than those in the reserved range has been installed on a computing device, an installer may prevent a new general update with a lower version number to be installed. The installer may determine a new specific update corresponding to the general update and provide an indication to the user to install this new specific update instead of the general update. This multi-branch update delivery system enables users to elect to receive only updates that are necessary. |
| US08499293B1 |
Symbolic renaming optimization of a trace
A method and apparatus for optimizing a sequence of operations adapted for execution by a processor is disclosed to include associating with each register a symbolic expression selected from a set of possible symbolic expressions, locating an operation, if any, that is next within the sequence of operations and setting that operation to be a working operation, where the working operation has associated therewith a destination register and zero or more source registers, and processing the working operation when the working operation and any symbolic expressions of its source registers, if any, match at least one of a set of rules, where each rule specifies that the working operation must match a subset of the operation set, where each rule also specifies that the symbolic expressions, if any, of any source registers of the working operation must match a subset of the possible symbolic expressions, and where the rule also specifies a result, then posting the result as the symbolic expression of the destination register. |
| US08499287B2 |
Analysis of thread synchronization events
Thread blocking synchronization event analysis software uses kernel context switch data and thread unblocking data to form a visualization of thread synchronization behavior. The visualization provides interactive access to source code responsible for thread blocking, identifies blocking threads and blocked threads, summarizes execution delays due to synchronization and lists corresponding APIs and objects, correlates thread synchronization events with application program phases, and otherwise provides information associated with thread synchronization. The visualization may operate within an integrated development environment. |
| US08499286B2 |
Module testing adjustment and configuration
In one embodiment, a method for testing adjustment and configuration is disclosed. The method can include accessing source code of a test framework that is configured for testing a module, creating a configuration folder having a property override for a test suite for the module testing, determining a source root folder for the test suite, starting the test framework by passing in an identifier for the test suite, and adding a custom test to the source root folder using the configuration folder to customize the test suite. The method can further include compiling the test framework with each of the plurality of test folders enabled. The method also may use a refactoring tool to make changes in a file within the test framework. |
| US08499281B2 |
Identifying impact of database changes on an application
A technique is disclosed for identifying impact of database changes on an application. Given a proposed database change, affected source code is identified that is affected by the proposed database change. References to the affected source code are created and organized into a hierarchy. A user can ascertain the extent of the impact by viewing the hierarchy and by using the hierarchy to access and view the affected source code in a visually distinct manner. |
| US08499278B2 |
System and method for software development
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing software. In one embodiment, a method for facilitating the distributed development of software components includes providing a skill rating for software developers, communicating specifications for a software component to a subset of the developers, receiving submissions from the developers, scoring the submissions, and selecting one submission to be included in a software repository. In another embodiment, a method for compensating a software developer includes soliciting software developers for the submission of computer software components, receiving software components in response to the solicitation from the developers, evaluating the received software components, selecting one or more of the submissions for potential distribution to the public, and allotting the proceeds from the distribution to the developers. |
| US08499275B2 |
Planar manufacturing drawing production support device, planar manufacturing drawing production support method, planar manufacturing drawing production support program and branch angle design support device
The present invention aims to improve accuracy of a planar manufacturing drawing used to instruct manufacture of a three-dimensional structure in a planar form. According to path plan information is acquired by a path plan information acquisition unit 11a and manufacturing requirement information is acquired by a manufacturing requirement information acquisition unit, a layout configuration production unit 11c produces a layout configuration model in which the three-dimensional structure is laid out in a planar manner based on a manufacture layout and distortion of the wire harness. Then, a simulation unit 11d simulates a transformation from the layout configuration model to the mounting configuration model with which the three-dimensional structure is mounted to a mount object. Then, an evaluation item evaluating unit 11e evaluates a predetermined evaluation item by comparing the simulation result and the three-dimensional structure indicated by the path plan information. Then, an evaluation result information output unit 11f outputs the evaluation result to support path designing of the three-dimensional structure and/or production of the planar manufacturing drawing. |
| US08499273B1 |
Systems and methods for optimizing placement and routing
Systems and techniques are described for optimizing placement and routing by providing global information during early stages of a computer aided design (CAD) flow to produce better place and route solutions. Moreover, the systems and techniques described herein use natural connectivity information inherently provided in a design hierarchy. |
| US08499271B2 |
Integrated circuit apparatus, systems, and methods
High density circuit modules are formed by stacking integrated circuit (IC) chips one above another. Unused input/output (I/O) locations on some of the chips can be used to connect other I/O locations, resulting in decreased impedance between the chips. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08499270B1 |
Configuration of programmable IC design elements
A system and method are provided for configuring a programmable integrated circuit including a number of function blocks. In one embodiment, the system includes a programmable integrated circuit including a number of function blocks, and a host computing device to configure the number of function blocks to perform a number of functions. The host computing device utilizes a graphical user interface to provide specification of configuration parameters of the function blocks, and the graphical user interface updates a given configuration parameter if a value of the given configuration parameter is affected by a value specified for another configuration parameter. Other embodiments are also provided. |
| US08499268B2 |
Method of supporting layout design of semiconductor integrated circuit
In a method of supporting a layout design, a net list of an integrated circuit is divided into net lists of clock domain circuit aggregations. A timing constraint is generated to each of the clock domain circuit aggregations. An arrangement order of the clock domain circuit aggregations is determined to satisfy the timing constraint. A layout of the integrated circuit is generated by carrying out arrangement and wiring of the clock domain circuit aggregations based on the arrangement order. |
| US08499266B2 |
Race logic synthesis for large-scale integrated circuit designs
Techniques for performing race logic synthesis on an integrated circuit (IC) are described herein. According to one aspect of the invention, HDL (hardware description language) and/or ESL (electronic system level) design source files of an IC design are compiled into a common design database. Race logic analysis is performed on the IC design, either by a third-party tool or by the same EDA (electronic design automation) tool that also performing race logic synthesis, if the latter has built-in race logic audit functions. Based on the race logic audit results, race logic synthesis is performed on the common design database, and getting rid of all identified race logic in the IC design. This renders the EDA tool can perform concurrent analysis of the IC design, via the race-free common design database, using multi-CPU/core computers and the results will be the same as if the EDA tool had performed serial analysis of the IC design using a single-CPU/core computer. Another aspect of the invention is outputting the re-synthesized logic in the common design database to new HDL/ESL source files. User may use these revised source files to analyze the IC design using other third-party EDA design/verification tools. |
| US08499260B2 |
Optical proximity correction verification accounting for mask deviations
Solutions for accounting for photomask deviations in a lithographic process during optical proximity correction verification are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: identifying a wafer control structure in a data set representing one of a first chip or a kerf; biasing the data set representing the first chip in the case that the wafer control structure is in the data set representing the first chip; biasing the data set representing the kerf or a second chip distinct from the first chip, in the case that the wafer control structure is in the data set representing the kerf or the second chip; simulating formation of the wafer control structure; determining whether the simulated wafer control structure complies with a target control structure; and iteratively adjusting an exposure dose condition in the case that the simulated wafer control structure does not comply with the target control structure. |
| US08499259B2 |
Polishing estimation/evaluation device, overpolishing condition calculation device, and computer-readable non-transitory medium thereof
A polishing estimation/evaluation device includes a dividing unit, an overpolished area extracting unit, and a dummy modifying unit. The dividing unit divides a layout of an integrated circuit into a plurality of partial areas. The overpolished area extracting unit refers to an overpolishing condition indicating whether overpolishing occurs in a vicinity of a partial area based on a wiring density in the partial area and a wiring density in surrounding areas of the partial area, and extracts a partial area where the overpolishing occurs from the plurality of partial areas obtained by the division by the dividing unit. The dummy modifying unit modifies dummy wiring in the partial area where the overpolishing occurs extracted by the overpolished area extracting unit and/or dummy wiring in surrounding areas of the partial area to reduce the number of partial areas where the overpolishing occurs. |
| US08499258B1 |
Touch input gesture based command
A touch input gesture made on a touch sensitive display is described for providing a quick and efficient method for initiating the opening of a text input box. The initiation of opening the text input box following the touch input gesture may be made during the running of a separate application. Further, certain characteristics related to the shape, size and length of the touch input gesture will be referenced to determine certain characteristics of the text input box that is initiated in response to the touch input gesture. |
| US08499257B2 |
Handles interactions for human—computer interface
A system is disclosed for providing on-screen graphical handles to control interaction between a user and on-screen objects. A handle defines what actions a user may perform on the object, such as for example scrolling through a textual or graphical navigation menu. Affordances are provided to guide the user through the process of interacting with a handle. |
| US08499254B2 |
Surfacing and management of window-specific controls
The functionality traditionally provided by an application program through a window presented as part of a window-based user interface can be accessed while the window remains hidden. A toolbar, or similar collection of user interface elements, can be presented when a user indicates an intention to interact with an application program whose window is hidden. The toolbar can comprise elements associated with functions specific to the hidden window. The user's selection can be communicated to the application program so that it can perform the requested function. If the user no longer indicates an intention to interact with the application program, the toolbar can be removed. In one embodiment, the toolbar can be presented together with a thumbnail of the relevant window in a floating display element. |
| US08499253B2 |
Individualized tab audio controls
According to one general aspect, a method may include detecting an audio signal configured to be played from a local loudspeaker. The method may also include determining which of one or more applications is included with the audio signal, wherein the determined application includes one or more tabs. The method may include determining which tab of the one or more tabs of the determined application is included with the audio signal. The method may comprise providing a graphical user interface (GUI) included with a handle of the determined tab, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to facilitate the manipulation of the audio signal by a user. The method may include manipulating the audio signal, based upon a command generated by the graphical user interface in response to a user interaction. |
| US08499250B2 |
Apparatus and methods for interacting with multiple information forms across multiple types of computing devices
A system and method for interacting with multiple information forms across multiple types of computing devices and platforms is provided. A computer-readable storage media for interacting with multiple information forms across computing devices is also provided and includes computer-readable instructions to cause one or more computer processors to execute operations including authenticating a user; establishing a channel grid framework for the user on a first platform, the channel grid framework providing access to a first computer application displayed on a display device as a channel; deploying the channel from the channel grid framework on the first platform to a second platform in response to a user selecting the channel from the channel grid framework on the first platform and performing a copy operation of the channel to the second platform; and establishing a run time application of the first computer application on the second platform. |
| US08499246B2 |
System and method for providing single click enterprise communication
Systems and methods for providing single click enterprise communication are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a profile is associated with each individual of an enterprise. A single click selection of a communication type from a plurality of communication types for a particular individual may then be received. The profile associated with the individual is then reviewed to determine one or more contact identifiers associated with the selected communication type. Using the determined contact identifiers a communication may be established with the individual. |
| US08499244B2 |
Automation-resistant, advertising-merged interactive services
Systems and methodologies for implementing automation-resistant interactive computing services are provided herein. Function invocation mechanisms can be utilized as described herein to facilitate invocation and/or activation of one or more functions of an interactive service upon performance of an interaction falling within a predefined class of interaction with selected multimedia content. The described functionality invocation mechanisms can operate similarly to a traditional captcha image by requiring interaction that is easily understandable and performable by a human user but is prohibitively difficult for an automated program to carry out. Techniques such as masking relationships between user interaction and function invocation and varying elements of the selected multimedia content for respective accesses can be utilized to provide additional resistance to automation. Described invocation mechanisms can additionally be merged with advertising, which can optionally be targeted to a particular user(s). |
| US08499242B2 |
Image editing method, image editing device, and computer readable medium for storing image editing program
An image editing method comprises: a step of acquiring identification information on each of a plurality of operation instruction units for instructing editing of an image, a step of automatically selecting one or more images for editing from a group of images to classify the one or more images into a group of usable images based on the identification information, a step of determining a right to edit reaching contents of processing which each operation instruction unit is authorized to perform against each image in the group of usable images, and a step of performing editing processing on an image to be edited in the group of usable images based upon the determined right to edit according to an editing instruction supplied from each operation instruction unit. |
| US08499240B2 |
Rule-based presentation of log messages on a graphic timeline
Systems, methods, computer program code, and means are provided for the rules-based presentation of log messages on a graphical timeline. Pursuant to some embodiments, a request to view log file information is received, and a plurality of log file messages are retrieved based on the request. The plurality of log file messages are aggregated based on timestamp information contained in each of the log file messages and the aggregated log file messages are displayed along a graphical timeline. |
| US08499233B2 |
Systems and processes for transforming and displaying accounting and financial information
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and processes for transforming and displaying accounting and financial information. One embodiment relates to the selection, or creation, and use of graphical symbols to represent the flow of cash in an organization, with the size of the graphical symbols presented approximately to scale. Another embodiment relates to the use of alternative units for displaying accounting and financial information, while another embodiment uses sound to present accounting and financial information, and yet another embodiment uses tactile display to present accounting and financial information. |
| US08499232B2 |
Differential dynamic content delivery with a participant alterable session copy of a user profile
Differential dynamic content delivery with a participant alterable session copy of a user profile. Typical embodiments include providing a session document for a presentation, where the session document includes a session grammar and a session structured document; providing a session copy of a participant's user profile including a user classification; receiving, from the participant, a user classification instruction to change a user classification in the session copy of the participant's user profile; changing the user classification in the session copy of the participant's user profile in dependence upon the participant's user classification instruction; selecting from the session structured document a classified structural element in dependence upon a user classification in the session copy of the participant's user profile in the presentation; and presenting the selected structural element to the participant. |
| US08499231B2 |
Systems and methods for reduced format non-binary decoding
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a data detecting circuit having: a first vector translation circuit, a second vector translation circuit, and a data detector core circuit. The data detecting circuit is operable to receive an input data set and at least one input vector in a first format. The at least one input vector corresponds to a portion of the input data set. The first vector translation circuit is operable to translate the at least one vector to a second format. The data detector core circuit is operable to apply a data detection algorithm to the input data set and the at least one vector in the second format to yield a detected output. The second vector translation circuit operable to translate a derivative of the detected output to the first format to yield an output vector. |
| US08499230B2 |
Critical path monitor for an integrated circuit and method of operation thereof
A path monitor, a method of monitoring a path, an integrated circuit and a library of standard logic elements. In one embodiment, the path monitor includes: (1) a delay element having an input couplable to an input of a clocked flip-flop associated with a path to be monitored and configured to provide a predetermined delay and (2) a clocked exclusive OR gate having a clock input, a first input coupled to an output of the delay element, a second input couplable to the output of the clocked flip-flop and an output at which the clocked exclusive OR gate is configured to respond to a clock signal to provide an error signal only when logic levels of the first input and the second input differ. |
| US08499227B2 |
Memory quality monitor based compensation method and apparatus
In one embodiment, an encoder reads a set of data from memory cells to obtain retrieved data influenced by one or more distortion mechanisms as a result of having been stored. A quality metric is generated responsive to the retrieved data that changes in value responsive to differences between the user data and the associated retrieved data. A quality monitor establishes a relationship between a current value of the quality metric and a threshold value and monitors the relationship as being indicative of a degradation of the quality of the retrieved data, and selectively initiates an error response. In another embodiment, a correction value is iterated through a set of values as a quality metric is monitored such that the value of the quality metric which most closely approaches the value of the quality metric immediately subsequent to an initial writing of the data can be selected. |
| US08499222B2 |
Supporting distributed key-based processes
Supporting distributed key-based processes is described. In an embodiment, servers at a data center provide a key-based process for carrying out computationally expensive tasks and are connected using point to point connections in a geometric topology such as a torus. In an example, aggregation trees are built on top of the geometric topology of the data center, each aggregation tree being a sequence of servers in the data center that forms a tree structure. In an embodiment packets of data are sent from the leaves of the trees to the root and at each server along the tree the packets are aggregated using a combiner function of the key-based process. In an embodiment, if a server fails, the trees are dynamically recomputed and a recovery phase is triggered to resend any packets lost at the failed server. In some embodiments, packets are scheduled by inspecting the content of the packets. |
| US08499221B2 |
Accessing coded data stored in a non-volatile memory
Adaptive endurance coding including a method for accessing memory that includes retrieving a codeword from a memory address. The codeword is multiplied by a metadata matrix to recover metadata for the codeword. The metadata includes a data location specification. The data in the codeword is identified in response to the metadata and the data is output as read data. |
| US08499220B2 |
Systems and methods for re-designating memory regions as error code corrected memory regions
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and circuits for memories and utilization thereof. As one example, a memory system is disclosed that includes a flash memory device and a flash access circuit. The flash access circuit is operable to perform an error code encoding algorithm on a data set to yield an error code, to write the data set to the flash memory device at a first location, and to write the error code to the flash memory device at a second location. |
| US08499217B2 |
Memory device and error control codes decoding method
Memory devices and/or error control codes (ECC) decoding methods may be provided. A memory device may include a memory cell array, and a decoder to perform hard decision decoding of first data read from the memory cell array by a first read scheme, and to generate output data and error information of the output data. The memory device may also include and a control unit to determine an error rate of the output data based on the error information, and to determine whether to transmit an additional read command for soft decision decoding to the memory cell array based on the error rate. An ECC decoding time may be reduced through such a memory device. |
| US08499216B2 |
Semiconductor storage device, method of controlling the same, and error correction system
A semiconductor storage device, a method of controlling the same, and an error correction system allow reduction in power consumption and circuit scale without detriment to error correction capability. An error correction code (ECC) circuit of a solid state drive (SSD) performs first error correction on read data using a first error correction code (Hamming code), and further performs second error correction on the result of the first error correction using a second error correction code (BHC code). Furthermore, the ECC circuit performs third error correction on the result of the second error correction using a third error correction code (RS code). |
| US08499215B2 |
Multi-level cell memory devices and methods of storing data in and reading data from the memory devices
A multi-level cell (MLC) memory device may include ‘a’ number of m-bit MLC memory cells; an encoder that encodes ‘k’ bits of data at a code rate of k/n to generate an encoded bit stream; and a signal mapping module that applies pulses to the MLC memory cells in order to write the encoded bit stream in the MLC memory cells. In the device, ‘a’ and ‘m’ may be integers greater than or equal to 2, ‘k’ and ‘n’ may be integers greater than or equal to 1, and ‘n’ may be greater than ‘k’. A method of storing data in the device may include encoding ‘k’ bits of data at a code rate of k/n to generate an encoded bit stream. A method of reading data from the device may include decoding ‘n’ bits of data at a code rate of n/k to generate a decoded bit stream. |
| US08499214B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method which can improve the tolerance to errors of data. A demultiplexer 25 replaces, in accordance with an allocation rule for allocating code bits of an LDPC code to symbol bits representative of symbols, mb bits from among the code bits and sets the code bits after the replacement as symbol bits of b symbols. For example, when m is 12 and b is 1, where the i+1th bits from the most significant bit of the 12×1 code bits and the 12×1 symbol bits of one symbol are represented as bits bi and yi, replacement for allocating, for example, b0 to y8, b1 to y0, b2 to y6, b3 to y1, b4 to y4, b5 to y5, b6 to y2, b7 to y3, b8 to y7, b9 to y10, b10 to y11 and b11 to y9 is carried out. The present invention can be applied, for example, to a transmission system for transmitting an LDPC code and so forth. |
| US08499212B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive forward error correction with merged automatic repeat request for reliable multicast in wireless local area networks
A method and apparatus are described for increasing multicasting reliability, including receiving content and a first layer of a plurality of a forward error correction coded packets from a first multicast group and joining an additional multicast group in order to receive one of additional layers of forward error correction coded packets and the content along with a further additional layer of the plurality of forward error correction coded packets. |
| US08499209B2 |
At-speed scan testing with controlled switching activity
Test patterns for at-speed scan tests are generated by filling unspecified bits of test cubes with functional background data. Functional background data are scan cell values observed when switching activity of the circuit under test is near a steady state. Hardware implementations in EDT (embedded deterministic test) environment are also disclosed. |
| US08499208B2 |
Method and apparatus for scheduling BIST routines
The content and order of a predetermined sequence of hard-coded and/or quasi-programmable test patterns may be altered during a Built-In Self-Test (BIST) routine. As such, knowledge gained post design completion may be reflected in the selection and arrangement of available tests to be executed during a BIST routine. In one embodiment, a sequence of hard-coded and/or quasi-programmable tests is executed during a BIST routine by receiving test ordering information for the sequence of tests and executing the sequence of tests in an order indicated by the test ordering information. A corresponding BIST circuit comprises a storage element and a state machine. The storage element is configured to store test ordering information for the sequence of tests. The state machine is configured to execute the sequence of tests in an order indicated by the test ordering information. |
| US08499207B2 |
Memory devices and method for error test, recordation and repair
In a memory device, an on-die register is provided that is configured to store a row address as well as a column address of a memory cell that fails a test. Storing the row address frees testing from being limited to activating at one time only rows related to a common redundant segment. Storing the row address also guides repair using segmented redundancy. As an addition or alternative, information may be stored in an anti-fuse bank that is designed to provide access to a redundant cell but has not yet enabled access to that cell. If the information stored in the anti-fuse bank relates to the failure of the redundant cell, such information may be used to avoid repairing with that redundant cell. |
| US08499206B2 |
Memory system and method for preventing system hang
A memory system includes an error detection circuit having an error counter. When a bit error rate (BER) determined by the error counter exceeds a reference BER, the memory system reduces the BER by adjusting its operating speed or operating voltage, re-performing data training or impedance matching, or by adjusting a data swing width. Accordingly, a method of controlling a bit error rate may be performed, and a system hang is prevented. |
| US08499201B1 |
Methods and systems for measuring and presenting performance data of a memory controller system
Mechanisms for measuring, analyzing, and presenting performance data associated with a memory controller system are described. The mechanisms include a performance monitor that detects and analyzes performance including efficiency and latency of a memory controller system. In addition to determining performance, the systems identifies reasons for loss of memory controller system efficiency. Moreover, the reasons, the efficiency, and the latency are analyzed and presented in a manner easily understandable to a user. |
| US08499199B2 |
GPU computational assist for drive media waveform generation of media emulators
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for testing devices that will be connected to a computer storage media device by generating a complex test waveform that emulates operation of the computer storage media device using at least one Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and applying the generated complex test waveform to the device(s) being tested. The complex test waveform may be generated by calculating a plurality of discrete individual portions of the complex test waveform in parallel, in real-time, and continuously using the parallel processing features of the GPU(s). The discrete individual portions of the complex test waveform may be representative of various characteristics of the emulated computer storage media device operation such as operational characteristics of the computer storage media device, environmental effects on the computer storage media device, application of filters to the computer storage media device signal, etc. Various embodiments may generate the base data signal waveform from the emulated computer storage device such that the entire complex test waveform is calculated. Other embodiments may use a pre-existing base data signal waveform provided from another source and modify/alter the pre-existing base data signal waveform to generate the complex test waveform. When available, one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs) and/or CPU cores may also perform calculations in parallel with the calculations performed by the GPU(s). |
| US08499198B1 |
Testing data storage devices running different versions of an operating system
A data storage device (DSD) test system is disclosed comprising a first DSD tester operable to download a first version of an operating system to a first DSD and execute a first test on the first DSD, and a second DSD tester operable to download a second version of the operating system to a second DSD and execute a second test on the second DSD while the first DSD tester is executing the first test on the first DSD. |
| US08499196B2 |
Application portal testing
A first test script that includes at least one first step for executing a test of a test portal is provided in a computing device. An indication that an event has occurred in response to the test is received in the computing device. A second test script that includes at least one second step for executing the test is generated in the computing device, the at least one second step being at least in part a response to the event. |
| US08499194B2 |
Information handling system forced action communicated over an optical interface
A forced power down signal issues from an I/O device to an information handling system through an optical interconnect if the information handling system fails to power down in response to a normal power down message. A 100% duty cycle signal issues from an optical interface at the I/O device and is detected by an optical interface of the information handling system, which issues a command to force a power down of the information handling system in response to the forced power down signal. |
| US08499193B2 |
Integrated dissimilar high integrity processing
A self-checking network is provided, comprising a first command processor configured to execute a performance function and a second command processor configured to execute the performance function, coupled to the first command processor. The self-checking network also comprises a first monitor processor configured to execute a monitor function that is coupled to the first command processor and a second monitor processor configured to execute the monitor function that is coupled to the second command processor. The first and second command processors compare outputs, the first and second monitor processors compare outputs, and the first monitor processor determines whether an output of the first command processor exceeds a first selected limit. |
| US08499190B2 |
Portable device and backup method thereof
An embodiment of the invention provides a backup method for a portable device to back up a first data to a backup server. The backup method includes steps of determining whether the backup server can be accessed; when the backup server can be accessed, establishing a first data transmission path that the first data would be backed up to the backup server via a third party, a second data transmission path that the first data would be backed up to the backup server via a router, and a third data transmission path that the first data would directly backed up to the backup server; selecting one data transmission path among the first, second and third data transmission paths; and backing up the first data via the selected data transmission path. |
| US08499188B2 |
Processing device for determining whether to output a first data using a first clock signal or a second data using delay from the first clock signal according to a control signal
An embodiment of a processing device includes a function unit and a control unit. The function unit receives input data and performs a specific operation to the input data to generate result data. The control unit receives the result data and generates an output signal. The control unit latches the result data according to a first clock signal to generate first data and latches the result data according to a second clock signal to generate second data. The control unit compares the first data with the second data to generate a control signal and selects the first data or the second data to serve as data of the output signal according to the control signal. The second clock signal is delayed from the first clock signal by a predefined time period. |
| US08499185B2 |
Determining redundancy of power feeds connecting a server to a power supply
Methods, system, and computer program products are provided for determining redundancy of power feeds connecting a server to a power supply. Embodiments include receiving, by a redundancy monitoring manager, from each of a plurality of redundancy monitoring interposers, connection information, wherein each redundancy monitoring interposer comprises a device that provides an electrical contact between a power circuit and one of a power supply, the server, and another power circuit; in dependence upon the connection information, determining, by the redundancy monitoring manager, for each power feed provided to the server, which power circuits supply the power feed; determining, by the redundancy monitoring manager, if any of the power feeds are supplied by the same power circuit; and indicating, by the redundancy monitoring manager, that the server has at least one non-redundant power feed when multiple power feeds of the server are supplied by the same power circuit. |
| US08499184B2 |
Method for resuming a system from a power failure after the main power supply has recovered and prior to fully recharging the backup power supply by enabling the reception of input/output commands by the cache memory at a rate proportational to the amount of charge on the backup power supply currently available
Following a loss of power, a storage system switches to a local power supply. The system switches to the local power supply, prevents the receipt of input/output commands and copies the content of cache memory to a local storage device. On detecting resumption of external power, the system charges a local power supply, copies the content of the local storage device to the cache memory and processes the content of the cache memory with respect to at least one storage volume. When the charge stored on the local power supply exceeds the charge required to copy the content of the cache memory to the local storage device by a predetermined amount, the system allows the receipt of input/output commands using a reduced portion of the cache memory. Once the charge stored on the local power supply has reached a predetermined level, the system allows the receipt of input/output commands using all cache memory. |
| US08499183B2 |
Plug assembly adapted to an adapter and a computer device
A plug assembly includes a first plug and a second plug. The first plug includes a main body whereon a first positive electrode, a first negative electrode and a first engaging portion are formed. The second plug has a chamber structure formed inside for containing the main body. A second positive electrode, a second negative electrode and a second engaging portion are formed on the chamber structure and located in positions corresponding to the first positive electrode, the first negative electrode and the first engaging structure, respectively. As the chamber structure completely contains the main body, the second positive electrode and the second negative electrode are respectively coupled to the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode, and the second engaging portion engages the first engaging portion, such that the main body is hold inside the chamber structure. |
| US08499182B2 |
Semiconductor device and data processing system
A semiconductor device has reduced power consumption and processing time associated with the release of a low power consumption state set by a central processing unit thereof. The semiconductor device controls a relationship between a forcible release and reset of the low power consumption state previously set by the central processing unit. In one embodiment, a forcible release control circuit forcibly releases the supply and stop of power and clocks previously set to one or more controlled circuits, only during a period required by a signal outputted from a requesting circuit, which requesting circuit may be either internal to the device or external to the device. Once the request signal from the requesting circuit has ended, the controlled circuits and, if appropriate, the central processing unit as well, are restored to the original low power consumption state. |
| US08499180B2 |
IC card with low precision clock
An IC Card may include electronic components to receive a power supply and a main clock signal by a reader device. The power supply may be provided to a subset of the electronic components during a main clock stop status wherein the main clock signal is suspended for avoiding a maximum power consumption threshold. The IC Card may also include a low precision clock included in the subset of electronic components for measuring time in the main clock stop status. |
| US08499171B2 |
Mobile security system and method
A system and method for providing a secure environment for mobile telephones and other devices are disclosed. The system and method may utilize trust zoning, layered memory, and a secure matrix model having, for example, a memory protection module for protecting memory; a secure debug module for ensuring security of the debug module; a secure file system module for protecting the secure file system; and a trusted time source module for protecting components. Embodiments of the present invention may protect against security attacks on a variety of hardware and software components while permitting suitable levels of accessibility for developmental and maintenance purposes. |
| US08499169B2 |
Client authentication device and methods thereof
A method of authenticating a data processing device includes receiving a request to authenticate the data processing device. In response, an authentication key is accessed an authenticated at an authentication module. The authentication key is stored at a storage module that is located within the same integrated circuit package as the authentication module, so that the authentication key can be communicated to the module without exposing the key to unauthorized probing. The integrated circuit package also includes a tamper detection module to determine whether a memory of the data processing device has been accessed. In response to determining the memory has been accessed, the tamper detection module instructs the authentication module to not authenticate the data processing device. |
| US08499164B2 |
Biometric authentication utilizing unique biometric signatures and portable electronic devices
A method and system for the authentication of a user at a point of entry. Biometric data can be provided after preliminary identification of the user based on identification information wirelessly provided from a portable electronic device carried with the user when the user is located near a point of entry, such as, for example, a border crossing or access point to a secure facility. Such a method and system can incorporate RFID tags, cellular wireless communications data and links, and/or Bluetooth communications link, etc. |
| US08499162B2 |
Non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, information processing apparatus, and information processing method
A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a process including: accepting an instruction for verifying an electronic signature added to information; verifying the electronic signature on the basis of an electronic certification corresponding to the electronic signature in accordance with the accepted instruction; calculating, when it is determined that the information has not been tampered with, a hash value of a combination of the information, the electronic signature, and validity-period information indicating a validity period of the electronic certification; adding a time stamp to the calculated hash value; outputting the information, the electronic signature, the hash value, and the validity-period information to a storage device; and outputting, when it is determined that the information has not been tampered with, a verification result including information indicating that the information has not been tampered with. |
| US08499160B2 |
Public key encryption with digital signature scheme
An improved encryption and digital signature system and method in accordance with the invention reuses an encryption ephemeral key pair from an encryption process in a digital signature process. The reuse of the encryption ephemeral key pair in the digital signature process advantageously results in reduced byte size of the digital signature and reduction of costly computation overhead. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is based on the El Gamal encryption scheme and the Nyberg-Rueppel signature scheme. The present invention is particularly useful for operation in conjunction with small communication devices having limited processing and storage, wherein such devices may communicate via bandwidth sensitive RF links. |
| US08499158B2 |
Anonymous authentication service method for providing local linkability
There is provided an anonymous service method of providing local linkability. The anonymous service method providing local linkability according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, an anonymous authentication operation based on a short group signature is performed, for which the concept of a local linkability is introduced to secure linkability within the same service domain. Namely, in the interior of a service provider, a virtual index having a fixed value is calculated for each service user, and in this case, although a plurality of service providers collude with each other, they cannot calculate a virtual index having the same value, whereby the linkability can be secured within the same service domain but not within the interiors of different service domains. |
| US08499155B2 |
Adaptive certificate distribution mechanism in vehicular networks using variable inter-certificate refresh period
A method for improving the reliability and performance of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) networks where digital certificates are necessary for message authentication and some messages may be lost in transmission. The method uses a variable inter-certificate refresh period to optimize communications throughput based on network conditions such as node density and bandwidth saturation. In some network conditions, the inter-certificate refresh period may be increased, such that more certificate digests are sent between full digital certificates, to decrease average message size. In other network conditions, the inter-certificate refresh period may be decreased, to allow for more frequent message authentication by receiving nodes. Empirical data and an adaptive controller are used to select the refresh period which will provide the best performance based on network conditions. |
| US08499151B2 |
Secure platform voucher service for software components within an execution environment
Apparatuses, articles, methods, and systems for secure platform voucher service for software within an execution environment. An embodiment includes the ability for a Virtual Machine Monitor, Operating System Monitor, or other underlying platform capability to restrict memory regions for access only by authenticated, authorized and verified software components. A provisioning remote entity or gateway only needs to know a platform's public key or certificate hierarchy to receive verification for any component. The verification or voucher helps assure to the remote entity that no malware running in the platform or on the network will have access to provisioned material. The underlying platform to lock and unlock secrets on behalf of the authenticated/authorized/verified software component provided in protected memory regions only accessible to the software component. |
| US08499149B2 |
Revocation for direct anonymous attestation
Direct Anonymous Attestation involves a Signer using a credential supplied by an Issuer to anonymously prove to a Verifier, on the basis of a public key of the Issuer, the Issuer's attestation to the Signer's membership of a particular group. To facilitate membership revocation, the Issuer updates the public key at intervals, and also effects a complementary updating to the Signer's credential unless the Signer has ceased to be a legitimate group member. A non-updated credential is inadequate to enable the Signer to prove its Issuer attested group membership to a Verifier on the basis of the updated Issuer public key. |
| US08499148B2 |
System and method for virtual team collaboration in a secure environment
A computing platform for facilitating dynamic connection and collaboration of users to transact services in a secure computing environment. The users include service providers and service requesters. The platform includes a registration module for registering users including service requesters and service providers, a connection module for connect users to form groups based on users' selective invitations to other users, and a collaboration module for creating a virtual secure data room for collaboration and sharing of encrypted data by the connected users in a user-friendly and transparent manner. The platform further comprises a transaction module for settling payments between the service requesters and the service providers based on completion of previously agreed project milestones. |
| US08499136B1 |
Method, system, and apparatus for expanding storage capacity in a data storage system
A method, system, and apparatus for expanding the storage capacity of a data storage system are provided. According to one method, the physical storage devices that store the data and metadata for one or more logical disks are organized into a container. A logical disk segment is created within the container for each logical disk. When storage capacity is added through the addition of logical disks, a new logical disk segment is added to the end of the container for the new logical disk. When storage capacity is added through the addition of capacity to an existing logical disk, a new logical disk segment is added to the end of the container for the new logical disk segment within the logical disk. The devices within a container may be migrated between server computers or between CPUs with their associated mass storage controllers. |
| US08499130B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium that records history information control program
A method and an apparatus include storing history information into a first storage section that accumulates history information concerning a process performed, transmitting a received acquisition request of the history information accumulated into the first storage section, transmitting the accumulated history information to the history information accumulation section having transmitted the acquisition request, transmitting the history information to the another history information accumulation section, transmitting the acquisition request to the first history information accumulation section at a time of startup, and storing the transmitted history information into a second storage section. |
| US08499125B2 |
Control device for snoop tag
To prevent a decrease in performance of controlling a snoop tag. A queue is stored with REPLACE target WAY information and an index as an entry associated with a REPLACE request received from a processor, the index stored in the queue is compared with an index of a subsequent READ request, and, as a result of the comparison, a process based on the index-coincident READ request is executed with respect to the snoop tag corresponding to a content of a cache memory of the processor. Further, the REPLACE target WAY information of the READ request is replaced with the WAY information in the index-coincident entry within the queue. |
| US08499124B2 |
Handling castout cache lines in a victim cache
A victim cache memory includes a cache array, a cache directory of contents of the cache array, and a cache controller that controls operation of the victim cache memory. The cache controller, responsive to receiving a castout command identifying a victim cache line castout from another cache memory, causes the victim cache line to be held in the cache array. If the other cache memory is a higher level cache in the cache hierarchy of the processor core, the cache controller marks the victim cache line in the cache directory so that it is less likely to be evicted by a replacement policy of the victim cache, and otherwise, marks the victim cache line in the cache directory so that it is more likely to be evicted by the replacement policy of the victim cache. |
| US08499123B1 |
Multi-stage pipeline for cache access
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a command processing pipeline operatively coupled to an N-way cache and configured to process a sequence of cache commands. A way of the N ways of the cache with which an address of a cache command matches is a hit way for the cache command in case the cache command is a hit. In one embodiment, the command processing pipeline may be configured to receive a first cache command from one of the plurality of processing cores, select a way, from the N ways, as a potential eviction way, and generate, based at least in part on the received first cache command, N selection signals corresponding to the N ways, wherein each selection signal is indicative of whether the corresponding way is (A). the hit way and/or the eviction way, or (B). neither the hit way nor the eviction way. |
| US08499118B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for optimizing image rendering on an electronic device
Portable electronic devices typically have reduced computing resources, including reduced screen size. The method, apparatus and system of the present specification provides, amongst other things, an intermediation server configured to access network content that is requested by a portable electronic device and to analyze the content including analyzing images in that content. The intermediation server is further configured to accommodate the computing resources of the portable electronic device as part of fulfilling content requests from the portable electronic device. |
| US08499110B2 |
Method of generating useful electromagnetic waves by controlling electromagnetic wave noise generated from bus within computer by means of software
Provided is a method of generating electromagnetic waves using software. The method includes setting electromagnetic wave pattern data in consideration of a number of a bus (140, 150) connecting a central processing unit (CPU, 110) with a main memory (130) and transmission characteristics of the bus, storing the electromagnetic wave pattern data in a register of the CPU (110), setting an address in the main memory (130) at which the electromagnetic wave pattern data will be recorded, and transferring the electromagnetic wave pattern data to the set address in the main memory (130) through all the lines of the bus (140, 150). Here, electromagnetic waves corresponding to the electromagnetic wave pattern data are generated while the electromagnetic wave pattern data is transferred to the main memory through the bus. |
| US08499108B2 |
Configurable health-care equipment apparatus
An apparatus, system and method for providing health-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. A configuration includes a selection and arrangement of health-care equipment modules that each provide specialized support for the provision of health care, including the measurement of physiological parameters. Various types of configurations include those adapted to be mounted upon a desk top or a wall surface, or adapted for wheel mounting or hand-carriable mobile configurations. |
| US08499098B2 |
Storage system and storage system communication path management method
The present invention makes it possible to reassess respective host paths and reset priorities in accordance with the current state of a storage system. A management computer 400, in a case where either a failure or a configuration change occurs inside the storage system, assesses the respective host paths 501 through 506 in accordance with the status of a first communication network 500 and the status of a second communication network 600. The management computer 400, based on these assessment results, resets the priority of each host path. an alternate path program 112 of the host 100 are notified of the priorities, which have been set. |
| US08499094B2 |
Modification of small computer system interface commands to exchange data with a networked storage device using AT attachment over ethernet
A process executed by a computing device uses commands having a first format to exchange data through a network with a storage device configured to execute commands having a second format. A storage device controller identifies a command type associated with a command received from the process and identifies one or more physical memory addresses associated with the command. The storage device controller identifies a command having a second format associated with the received command and generates a network request including the command having the second format, the one or more physical memory addresses, a device identifier associated with the storage device and a tag. The network request is transmitted through a network to the storage device which executes the command having the second format. For example, an AoE request including an ATA command is generated from a received SCSI command. |
| US08499085B2 |
Advanced availability detection
A method is provided in which the present invention is for a method in which a telecommunications terminal determines whether its user is available to accept an incoming invitation to participate in a telecommunications session based on: (1) a characteristic of the use of a software application, (2) a characteristic of the use of a resource of a terminal, (3) a sensor input, (4) a characteristic of the incoming invitation or (5) any combination of (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5). |
| US08499084B2 |
System for conducting multi-media communication sessions
A system for conducting multi-media communication sessions between two or more terminals includes a smart client application to dynamically load application code and data from servers on demand using an application management protocol. In the present embodiment the smart client is maintained on each terminal and initially executes a core application. This core application provides a user interface for selectively establishing and maintaining a communication session with a remote terminal. The core application also provides a user interface for including shared applications in the session to which the remote terminal has access. The core application provides a further user interface for combining two sessions into one that includes all participants and shared applications from both original sessions. Each shared application provides a user interface to each participant of the session according to their access rights: the participant who added an application to a session will typically have full access, while other participants typically have more restricted access. The core application uses a session management protocol to maintain consistent session state between all terminals involved in a session. |
| US08499076B2 |
Method for measuring the performance of an IP network and associated system
The invention relates to a method for measuring the performance of a network (18). The method includes steps comprising: parameterizing requests pointing to resources that can be accessed from a computer connected to the network, the parameterized requests being stored in a database; creating a user session comprising grouping together various stored requests; running a test campaign comprising concatenating in time the emission of the various requests in a session, each request being emitted by a user terminal connected to the network; for each one of the emitted requests, waiting for a response and calculating the value of at least one typical variable of the received response; and, aggregating the various values of the typical variable calculated during the test campaign to determine the value of a network performance estimator. |
| US08499073B1 |
Tracking content across the internet
System, methods and articles of manufacture for tracking content across an Internet. An embodiment comprises receiving the content from a content source, wherein the content includes a unique content identifier, injecting the content into a content aggregation system, retrieving the unique content identifier from the content, analyzing the content based on the unique content identifier and data in the content aggregation system, and generating a report of the analyzed content. |
| US08499072B2 |
Self healing networking device systems and related methods
In one embodiment, a networking system can comprise a networking device comprising an operating system module and performance management modules. The performance management modules can comprise at least one of a channel hopping module or a channel bonding module. The channel hopping module can switch the networking device from a first channel to a second channel having less interference than the first channel. The channel bonding module can toggle the networking device between a single-channel communications mode and a bonded channel communications mode via a plurality of bonded channels. The operating system module can actuate at least one of the performance management modules to sustain a performance level of the networking device in response to one or more triggering events from a performance review operation executed by the operating system module. Other examples and related methods are described herein. |
| US08499070B2 |
Electronic device and method for monitoring communication within a network
An electronic device includes a communication component that connects the electronic device to a network and that enables the electronic device to communicate within the network. The electronic device also includes a listening unit connected to the communication component that monitors messages transmitted over the network. The electronic device includes a processing unit that determines a type of at least one monitored message. The electronic device also includes an output means for outputting at least a part of the monitored messages depending on the determined type. |
| US08499069B2 |
Method for predicting performance of distributed stream processing systems
A method comprises estimating a performance of a processing system using queueing theory wherein the processing system comprises a network that accepts at least one input message stream from a plurality of publishing clients, transforms the at least one input message stream into at least one output message stream utilizing the plurality of transforms distributed in a first assignment among the plurality of brokers, and delivers the at least one output message stream to at least one of the plurality of subscribing clients, performing optimization upon the assignment of the plurality of transforms using the estimated performance to produce a second assignment, and reassigning the plurality of transforms in accordance with the second assignment. |
| US08499066B1 |
Predicting long-term computing resource usage
Techniques are described for performing automated predictions of program execution capacity or other capacity of computing-related hardware resources that will be used to execute software programs in the future, such as for a group of computing nodes that execute one or more programs for a user. The predictions that are performed may in at least some situations be based on historical data regarding corresponding prior actual usage of execution-related capacity (e.g., for one or more prior years), and may include long-term predictions for particular future time periods that are multiple months or years into the future. In addition, the predictions of the execution-related capacity for particular future time periods may be used in various manners, including to manage execution-related capacity at or before those future time periods, such as to prepare sufficient execution-related capacity to be available at those future time periods. |
| US08499059B2 |
System and methods for buffering of real-time data streams
A computer-implemented system and methods for buffering of real-time data streams are disclosed. The apparatus and method in an example embodiment includes: configuring a content server for an initial content quality type associated with a content stream; receiving the content stream with the initial content quality type from a content feed; detecting a low watermark condition as the content stream is played on a playback device; reconfiguring the content server for a modified content quality type associated with the content stream while receipt of the content stream is in progress; and receiving the content stream with the modified content quality type from the content feed. |
| US08499057B2 |
System and method for performing flash crowd caching of dynamically generated objects in a data communication network
The present invention is directed towards a “flash crowd” technique for handling situations where the cache receives additional requests, e.g., nearly simultaneous requests, for the same object during the time the server is processing and returning the response object for a first requestor. Once all such nearly simultaneous requests are responded to by the cache, the object is flushed from the cache, with no additional expiry time or invalidation action needed. This technique of the present invention enables data to be cached and served for very small amounts of time for objects that would otherwise be considered non-cacheable. As such, this technique yields a significant improvement in applications that serve fast changing data to a large volume of concurrent users, such, for example, as real time stock quotes, or a fast evolving news story. |
| US08499055B2 |
File decoding system and method
A file decoding method uses a master server to decode multimedia files. The method records statuses of a plurality of slave servers in a status table, receives a decoding request to decode the multimedia file from a web server, and selects one slave server from the status table to process the decoding request by the master server. The method further sends an Internet protocol (IP) address of the selected slave server to a web browser by the web server, sends a decoding command to the selected slave server by the web browser, decodes the multimedia file by the selected slave server, and transmits decoded data of the multimedia file to the web browser. |
| US08499054B2 |
Method for viewing non-image attachments on a portable electronic device
Method for viewing an attachment of an email message on a portable electronic device in which the attachment has a renderable format is provided. The method includes: requesting to view the attachment in an attachment viewer of the portable electronic device, building a graph structure within an attachment server representing a map of the attachment, the graph structure including at least one renderable identifier corresponding to a page of the attachment, requesting rendering of the attachment, the rendering request being send from the attachment viewer to the attachment server and including the at least one renderable identifier, initializing a rendering library and storing rendering commands corresponding to command types of the graph structure in the rendering library, drawing the rendering commands in an off-screen bitmap, saving the off-screen bitmap as a JPEG file, sending the JPEG file to the electronic device and displaying the JPEG file in the attachment viewer. |
| US08499053B2 |
Segmenting access to electronic message boards
Systems and methods are provided for fine level access control over message content in an electronic messaging system. Access criteria associated with the message content define requirements that a user must satisfy in order to perform specified actions on message content. The user's complete profile is examined at run time and compared to access criteria to make a real time decision about the level of access that a user should have to message content. Depending on the access criteria associated with content, stronger authentication or weaker authentication of the user profile information may be performed on the user profile to determine the level of access that should be granted to the user. |
| US08499052B2 |
Auto-resolve recipients cache
In embodiments, mobile devices request and utilize recipient caches. Recipient caches store information regarding previous recipients of communications. The information on recipients includes when the recipient was last contacted and the frequency with which a recipient is contacted. In embodiments, a mobile device requests a recipient cache from a server. When a user types a string of text, the mobile device then uses the recipient cache as well as the contacts and emails on the mobile device and resolves a recipient list. In other embodiments, a recipient cache on a server is updated when a mobile device sends a message with new recipient information. In another embodiment, a server resolves conflicting messages by using recipient information. |
| US08499051B2 |
Multiple messaging communication optimization
Systems and methods for use with a communication system. A plurality of devices employing a plurality of messaging modalities may be used to send or receive message data. In any regard, message data may comprise a plurality of portions of message data in machine readable form. The plurality of portions of message data may be indexed. The indexing may include storing representations (e.g., vectors or other mathematical constructs) representing the content of the plurality of portions of message data in a message data index. The representations of the content of the plurality of portions of message data may be compared to one another to determine a relationship between the various representations. If the relationship between a first representation (e.g., a first vector) and a second representation (e.g., a second vector) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the portions of message data corresponding to the first and second vectors may be determined to be related. A notification and/or alert may be presented to a user regarding the related portions of message data. In one embodiment, the related portions of message data or messages from which the portions derive may be accessed by a user. |
| US08499048B2 |
Indexing and organizing messages in a messaging system using social network information
A messaging system receives a message that is intended for a recipient, who is a user of a social networking system. An object associated with the message is identified based on the message content and/or metadata associated with the message. The messaging system accesses a social networking system database to obtain social information about a relationship between the recipient and the identified object. The message is then indexed using the social information, wherein an entry for the message is stored in a message index based on the social information. This process may be repeated for each received message, and multiple different message indexes may be generated for received messages to track different types of social information. A user interface for viewing messages uses the message index to organize the messages, such as to filter, categorize, and/or sort the messages in the display. |
| US08499047B2 |
Method, apparatus and business system for online communication with online and offline recipients
The present invention comprises a method, apparatus and business system for allowing on-line communications with members of a group of recipients for whom the invention has been implemented. A group may, for example, comprise members of a particular business or profession. For example, a group may consist of doctors admitted to practice medicine in the United States. Individual members of the group may or may not have existing internet presences. The invention allows online users to communicate with each member of a given group regardless of whether or not the member has an existing internet presence. In one or more embodiments, the invention does so by setting up a database of contact information for members of the group, creating an internet presence for each member of such group, creating an on-line user interface allowing a user to access the member's created internet presence, and providing means of communications between the created internet presence and the member recipient. |
| US08499046B2 |
Method and system for updating business cards
Techniques for capturing images of business cards, uploading the images to a designated computing device for processing and recognition are disclosed. A mechanism is provided to update extracted data from the images when there are any changes. Depending on implementation, there are a number of ways to capture images of business cards (e.g., via a phone camera, a PC camera, or a scanning device). A transmission means is provided to transport the images to the designated computing device for centralized management of integrated contact information for individual users. As a result, a user may access his/her updatable integrated contact information database anywhere anytime from a chosen device. |
| US08499044B2 |
Formatted message processing utilizing a message map
A MIME or XML formatted message is stored and a map is processed in place of a message. The map is a compact representation of the message. The map is indicative of the content and structure of the message. The map comprises tags that map to and are indicative of portions of the message. When a portion of the message is to be accessed, the associated tag in the map is processed to determine the location of the associated portion of the message, and the associated portion of the message is accessed at the location. To allow accurate decryption of signed messages, the format of the message is preserved. |
| US08499043B2 |
Reports for email processing in an email response management system
One implementation provides a method for providing display information that represents a quantity of received email messages that have been held for processing by a specific entity for a predefined time period in an electronic mail (email) response management system. In this implementation, the method includes determining a first value associated with a first quantity of received email messages that have been held for processing by the specific entity for a first predefined time period, wherein each email message has been sent from one end user. Upon determination of the first value, the method further includes causing to be displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) a first representation of the first value in spatial relation to representations of the specific entity and the first predefined time period. |
| US08499040B2 |
Sponsored-stories-unit creation from organic activity stream
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sponsor specifications designating story characteristics; monitoring an organic activity stream for entries matching the story characteristics; and, in response to identifying an entry as matching the story characteristics, providing for display the entry in a predetermined area of a web page. |
| US08499038B1 |
Method and mechanism for performing cloud image display and capture with mobile devices
Disclosed is an improved approach for implementing participatory interaction at events using mobile devices. One approach is to utilize distributed display screens for the mobile devices in an audience to display a much larger collective image. Another approach is to utilize the distributed cameras of mobile devices in an audience to form a massive capture device from the different locations and perspectives of the audience members. Yet another approach is directed to the use of mobile devices in the audience to capture motion events among the audience, which are then used to synthesize new media items and types for the event. |
| US08499037B2 |
Automatic profile update in a mobile device
A method and system for managing mobile exchange of profile information between a requestor and a recipient. A mobile client is provided on a requestor's first mobile device. The requestor provides requestor profile to an information exchange server through the mobile client. The requestor requests for a connection with the recipient using the mobile client. The mobile client is provided on a recipient's second mobile device. The recipient provides recipient profile to the information exchange server through the mobile client. On acceptance of the request for connection by the recipient, the information exchange server transfers the recipient profile to the mobile client on the requestor's first mobile device and vice versa. The mobile client automatically updates the transferred recipient profile on the requestor's first mobile device based on changes made by the recipient to the recipient profile and vice versa. |
| US08499026B2 |
Distributed packet processing system for high-speed networks and distributed packet processing method using thereof
The present invention relates to a distributed packet processing system for high-speed networks and a distributed packet processing method using thereof, in which a FIFO-type packet processing engine having three packet processing steps is provided in plurality to process packet data in parallel in processing packets for high-speed networks, and, therefore, packet sequences are guaranteed, and packets can be further promptly process. |
| US08499024B2 |
Delivering voice portal services using an XML voice-enabled web server
An application server, configured for executing an application defined by XML documents for delivering voice portal services, accesses subscriber attributes from a standardized information database server (such as LDAP). The application server, upon receiving a request from a proxy browser serving a user, accesses the standardized database server to obtain attribute information for responding to the application request. The application server sends a request to a content server for media content based on the HTTP request and the attribute information. The application server generates an HTML page, for execution of the prescribed voice portal service application having XML tags configured for controlling delivery of the media content in an audible format, based on the HTTP request. |
| US08499022B1 |
Combining multiple clusterings by soft correspondence
Combining multiple clusterings arises in various important data mining scenarios. However, finding a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings is a challenging task because there is no explicit correspondence between the classes from different clusterings. Provided is a framework based on soft correspondence to directly address the correspondence problem in combining multiple clusterings. Under this framework, an algorithm iteratively computes the consensus clustering and correspondence matrices using multiplicative updating rules. This algorithm provides a final consensus clustering as well as correspondence matrices that gives intuitive interpretation of the relations between the consensus clustering and each clustering from clustering ensembles. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of this framework as well as the algorithm for discovering a consensus clustering from multiple clusterings. |
| US08499014B2 |
Functionality disable and re-enable for programmable calculators
A handheld calculator with disable/re-enable capability. The calculator includes a keypad, a display screen, and circuitry internal to the calculator. The circuitry includes a microprocessor, a storage unit for storing data and programs for execution by the microprocessor to implement calculator functions. The storage unit has stored therein a disable/re-enable program that recognizes a first predetermined calculator event and in response thereto disables one or more programs, and that recognizes a second predetermined calculator event and in response thereto re-enables the disabled program. The invention allows Apps, programs and additional information that may be embedded within the Apps and programs in a calculator or other handheld calculating device to be rendered temporarily inaccessible within a relatively short period of time, and then to be restored to the calculator, again, in a relatively short period of time. |
| US08499012B1 |
System and method for attached storage stacking
A system and method are provided for stacking storage drives in a network attached storage (NAS) system. The method provides a NAS stacking network including at least a first and second stackable building block (SBB), where each SBB includes a head, with an embedded processor and storage application, and a storage drive including client files. The method connects a first interface of the first SBB to a client computer device via a LAN switch, and connects a second interface of the first SBB to the first interface of the second SBB. A directory is built of client files stored in the first and second SBBs. The directory is maintained in both the first and second SBBs. In one aspect, the first SBB, acting as a primary SBB, provides access to NAS stacking network directory structure in response to an inquiry from a client computer connected to the LAN switch. |
| US08499011B2 |
Encoding method and apparatus and decoding method and apparatus
The disclosed embodiments relate to a multimedia data encoding/decoding method and apparatus. In some aspects, a decoding method comprises receiving multimedia data which comprises a media area including a video data area and an audio data area, a media information area including a video track area and an audio track area respectively corresponding to the video data area and the audio data area respectively, and a menu description area including description data for displaying a menu that provides an interface between a user and media data in the media area. The media information area further comprises segment metadata for searching segments of the media data included in the media area. The segment metadata having information regarding one or more segment groups which the segments are classified into, and the media information area and the menu description area are incorporated into a single file. |
| US08499010B2 |
Garbage collection in a multiple virtual machine environment
Garbage collection processes are automatically tuned on a system comprising a plurality of virtual machines running on a physical processing device with multiple physical processors. Tuning is implemented for each garbage collection process, by updating a load variable to reflect that a new garbage collection process has started, the load variable having a value that is based at least in part on a number of garbage collection processes that are currently running on the system. Tuning further comprises creating a number of garbage collection threads based at least in part on the current value of the load variable and/or number of processors, where the garbage collection threads are used to perform at least a portion of at least one phase of the new garbage collection process. Tuning further comprises re-updating the load variable to reflect completion of the new garbage collection process. |
| US08499009B2 |
Method and system for managing digital goods
A system and method for transferring digital goods facilitates bulk upload of file images to a central repository. The software gets a File ID and a path to each file image to be uploaded from a list, typically an XML file, of input attributes. After successful verification, the file image is uploaded to the central repository and linked with a corresponding metadata object. Each metadata object contains attributes that describe the corresponding file image. Although file attributes may be defined when the metadata object is created, the software determines file image attributes as the file image is being uploaded and records them in the metadata object. File images are either uploaded from a server, typically an FTP server, having been placed there by the goods vendor; or the file images can be uploaded directly from a computer operated by the vendor. |
| US08499006B2 |
Data migration system and data migration method
In a system for migrating data between document management applications, if an inheritance setting of an access right to a folder in a source document management application is a first inheritance setting for inheriting an access right to a parent folder, the inheritance setting of the access right is changed to a second inheritance setting for setting an access right exclusively for the folder while the same access right as the access right to the parent folder is set. Then, the folder is migrated to the destination document management application. If a hierarchy including the folder to be migrated exceeds an upper limit on the number of hierarchies in the destination document management application, the folder is stored in a shallower hierarchy in the destination document management application. |
| US08499005B2 |
Systems and methods for exporting, publishing, browsing and installing on-demand applications in a multi-tenant database environment
A computer implemented method of developing computer applications, the method comprising providing to multiple users access, over a network, to information on a data center, with a subgroup of the users having access to a sub-portion of the information that is different from the sub-portion accessible by the remaining tenants of the subgroup; and communicating with the data center over the network employing a computer system associated with a user of the sub-group to establish application functionality with the sub-portion that may be accessed, over the network, by additional parties authorized by the user. Also disclosed is a machine-readable medium and a data center, both of which facilitate carrying-out the steps of the method. |
| US08498997B2 |
Server image migration
A system includes a first site having a first server and a first storage system, a second site including a second server and a second storage system, and a third site coupled to the first and second sites, the third site having gold images. A method of migrating a virtual server image comprises storing a first gold image at the first site; storing a second gold image at the second site; creating a first snapshot volume at the first site based on the first gold image; sending the first gold image ID, update data of the first gold image, and address information for the update data, from the first site to the second site; creating a second snapshot volume at the second site based on the second gold image corresponding to the first gold image ID; allocating storage for storing the update data at the second site with reference to the address information; and storing the update data in the allocated storage. |
| US08498994B2 |
Social files
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for creating and sharing social files in an on-demand database service environment. In one embodiment, a first document file is received at a computing device configured to provide on-demand computing services via a network. The first document file may be capable of being displayed on a display device. The first document file may be stored on a storage medium accessible via the network. The first document file may be designated as being associated with a social file. A reference to the social file may be stored as a first one of a plurality of feed items in a feed table in a database. The feed items may be capable of being published in an information feed displayed on a display device. |
| US08498993B2 |
Information acquiring apparatus, information acquiring program, recording medium, information acquiring method and information acquiring system
There is provided an information acquiring apparatus which, when the user searches for information using a plurality of keywords, can facilitate an operation of selecting a plurality of keywords by means of a touch panel and improve the operability. The information acquiring apparatus makes an input means (109) integrated with a display means display a plurality of first objects (521) respectively corresponding to a plurality of keywords, and move positions of part or all of the first objects in response to the user's operation of the input means and display the first objects, when a plurality of first objects contact based on that the positions of at least part of a plurality of displayed first objects are moved and at least part of the first objects are displayed, determines a keyword corresponding to each contacting first object as a search key, and acquires search result information searched in either an external information search apparatus or inner information searching means based on the determined search key. |
| US08498988B2 |
Fast search
Data records in one or more databases may be scanned to create a search index. The search index may include an identifier for each data record scanned, and a list of fragments of data in one or more data fields of each scanned data record. Each fragment in the list may be created by extracting a fixed number of adjoining characters from data in each data field of a corresponding data record. The list of fragments may include all fixed number of adjoining character sequences in each data field of a data record. Multiple search indexes may be included, with each search index including a different fixed number of adjoining characters in the fragment list. Systems and methods may be provided. |
| US08498987B1 |
Snippet search
Indexing data is disclosed. A plurality of subunits of data is determined within received data. For a first subunit, a first mapping between the first subunit and a first dictionary entry is determined. For a second subunit, a second mapping between the second subunit and a second dictionary entry is determined. At least the first and second dictionary entries are aggregated into an aggregation and stored in an index. Searching data is also disclosed. A plurality of subunits of data is determined within a received query. For a first subunit, a first mapping is determined between the first subunit and a first dictionary entry. For a second subunit, a second mapping is determined between the second subunit and a second dictionary entry. The first and second dictionary entries are aggregated and used to search an index. |
| US08498983B1 |
Assisting search with semantic context and automated search options
A computer-assisted method for assisting a user to search for documents or other file objects includes receiving a query comprising a queried term from a user, wherein the queried term comprises a sequence of characters entered by the user, obtaining a first context term list comprising a first context term semantically related to the queried term, obtaining and displaying a first search result, dynamically displaying the first context term list in response to each character being entered in the query, allowing the user to select the first context term in the first context term list, obtaining a second context term list comprising a second context term semantically related to the queried term and the first context term, and displaying a second search result and the second context term list in a user interface in response to the selection of the first context term in the first context term list. |
| US08498982B1 |
Noise reduction for content matching analysis results for protectable content
A system and method (a “utility”) is provided for improving the accuracy of a content matching analysis that identifies a composition of an item of protectable content of a user. The item of protectable content may include a portion of source code or object code, individual or bundled source code or object code files, binary code files, directory structures and/or trees, open source software projects or packages, and/or proprietary software applications or packages. The utility involves storing a number of items of comparison content on a storage structure, receiving an item of user content at a computer-based content exchange, and comparing the item of user content to the items of comparison content to determine, from among the items of comparison content, one or more potential matches that each include a matched portion that is similar to a portion of the item of user content. The utility further includes selecting a noise reduction technique from a number of noise reduction techniques available to the content exchange and applying the noise reduction technique to eliminate noise and/or false positives (e.g., one or more redundant matches and/or erroneously identified matches) from the potential matches. |
| US08498980B2 |
Cherry picking search terms
In an electronic presentation of information, search is made easier and more personal by identifying words, symbols or images (collectively called terms) in text and allowing users to select any of those terms to refine their search. The technology is called “cherry picking” because it allows each user to select what they judge to be the best terms among many available terms in the text, and use those terms to their own advantage. Terms in text are identified by a visual indicator such as a change in the shape of the cursor. “Stop words,” words that do not change the outcome of the search, and words that meet other specific criteria are not selectable. |
| US08498975B2 |
Search query processing
Providing search results is disclosed. A search query is received and a plurality of preprocessing functions to be performed on the search query is determined based at least in part on a search label corresponding to the search query. The plurality of preprocessing functions is performed on the search query to obtain a plurality of preprocessed search queries. Based at least in part on precision levels associated with the plurality of preprocessed search queries, a search plan comprising a selected preprocessed search query is generated. The search plan is input to the search engine to obtain the search results. |
| US08498974B1 |
Refining search results
A computer-implemented method for processing query information includes receiving data representative of a search query from a user search session. The method also includes identifying a plurality of search results based upon the search query. Each search result is associated with a plurality of user characteristics and data that represents requestor behavior relative to previously submitted queries associated with the respective search result. The method also includes ordering the plurality of user characteristics based upon the data that represents requestor behavior relative to previously submitted queries and the respective search result. The method also includes adjusting the ordered plurality of user characteristics based upon at least one predefined compatibility associated with the user characteristics. The method also includes ranking the search results based upon the adjusted plurality of user characteristics. |
| US08498972B2 |
String and sub-string searching using inverted indexes
Inverted indexes for terms and for term separators are separately provided to minimize data redundancy. Search queries are parsed to identify terms and term separators, if any, and the corresponding inverted indexes are searched for responsive documents. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US08498971B2 |
Maintaining consistency in a database
Maintaining consistent DNS information is disclosed. Information associated with a resource is received. A resource record is populated with the information. View information is derived from the resource record. |
| US08498963B2 |
Method and system for data synchronization
A method, system and computer program product for performing data synchronization by a terminal device, including receiving compatibility information between different versions of data schemas; performing compatibility verification on data by utilizing the received compatibility information between different versions of data schemas; and sending data that successfully passes through compatibility verification. |
| US08498962B1 |
Method and apparatus for providing single instance restoration of data files
A method and apparatus for providing single instance restoration of data files is provided. In one embodiment, a method for using a signature database to provide a single instance data restoration solution includes processing a restore request for a data file, wherein the data file is associated with a signature and examining a signature database using the signature to identify at least one locally available data file having at least one signature that matches the signature associated with the data file. |
| US08498961B2 |
On-demand replication in a content management system
The system and method of the present invention provide for automatic on-demand replication in a replication cluster of content management servers. A replication manager of a content management server receives newly created, modified, and deleted application item types along with their associated physical tables and automatically forwards the received application item types on-demand to the replication managers of other content management servers of the replication cluster. |
| US08498959B2 |
Policy enforcement
An enforcement system may include a policy decision point and an adaptive grid. Requests for service from users are passed to the policy decision point which uses enforcer agents in the adaptive grid to enforce policies by selecting from available policy enforcement points. The adaptive grid may also include explorer agents for evaluating enforcement capabilities available to the enforcement system. |
| US08498957B2 |
Optimal multi-factor evaluation in computing systems
Techniques are disclosed for optimally scheduling computations that involve multiple factors, the cost of evaluations and probabilities of success of which are known. For example, a methodology is provided for determining an optimal schedule of a multi-factor test in sub-quadratic time. While the methodology has wide ranging application, we illustrate a particular applicability to a security application involving multi-factor authentication in a cloud computing environment, as well as applicability to the contact center agent scheduling. |
| US08498954B2 |
Managing operations of a system using non-linear modeling techniques
A computer-implemented method for managing operations of a system includes deriving a nonlinear modeling function from a nonlinear response function, defining an allowed range for output values of the nonlinear modeling function, determining a range of a first set of input values of the nonlinear modeling function based on the allowed range of the output values, deriving a nonlinear probability function from the nonlinear response function, receiving the first set of input values, calculating the output values by processing each input value in the first set of input values through the nonlinear modeling function, determining, using the probability function, a relative probability of performing a first future system operation for each input value of the first set of input values and displaying, for each input value in the first set of input values, the corresponding output value and the corresponding probability. |
| US08498953B2 |
Method for allocating trip sharing
A method and system for allocating users as trip accompanies provides for: creating a first trip prediction algorithm, collecting input parameters, predicting by the first trip prediction algorithm using the collected input parameters as input, at least one first trip, executing a matching method, the matching method comparing attributes of the predicted at least one first trip with attributes of at least one second trip, and allocating the first and the second user to each other as trip accompanies in dependence of the matching score of the first and second potential trip data object. |
| US08498950B2 |
System for training classifiers in multiple categories through active learning
A system for training classifiers in multiple categories through an active learning system, including a computer having a memory and a processor, the processor programmed to: train an initial set of m binary one-versus-all classifiers, one for each category in a taxonomy, on a labeled dataset of examples stored in a database coupled with the computer; uniformly sample up to a predetermined large number of examples from a second, larger dataset of unlabeled examples stored in a database coupled with the computer; order the sampled unlabeled examples in order of informativeness for each classifier; determine a minimum subset of the unlabeled examples that are most informative for a maximum number of the classifiers to form an active set for learning; and use editorially-labeled versions of the examples of the active set to re-train the classifiers, thereby improving the accuracy of at least some of the classifiers. |
| US08498949B2 |
Supervised nonnegative matrix factorization
Supervised nonnegative matrix factorization (SNMF) generates a descriptive part-based representation of data, based on the concept of nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) aided by the discriminative concept of graph embedding. An iterative procedure that optimizes suggested formulation based on Pareto optimization is presented. The present formulation removes any dependence on combined optimization schemes. Analytical and empirical evidence is presented to show that SNMF has advantages over popular subspace learning techniques as well as current state-of-the-art techniques. |
| US08498945B1 |
Claim evaluation methods, systems, products, and data-structures
A method for evaluating a potential claim using a computerized platform is presented. The method comprises the steps of receiving into the computerized platform information relating to a potential claim. Specifically, that information relates to a value of the potential claim, a likelihood of success of the potential claim, and a cost of asserting the potential claim. The method further comprises the steps of calculating an estimated claim valuation based upon the information relating to a potential claim using the computerized platform, and presenting that estimated claim valuation to a user. |
| US08498940B2 |
Unified identity verification
Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed that operate to register one time, at a server associated with an authenticating entity, information comprising an identity uniquely associated with an individual account owner and an account held by the authenticating entity. Further activity includes receiving an authentication request at the server from a requesting party to authenticate an unauthenticated individual purporting to be the individual account owner, and authenticating, by the server, the unauthenticated individual as the individual account owner by matching a token presented by the unauthenticated individual, to the identity. Responsive solely to the authenticating, only a selected portion of the information previously authorized by the individual account owner is provided for sharing with the plurality of selected requesting parties. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08498939B1 |
Post-paid, single click payments
A deferred payment authorization system that allows users to exercise an instant purchase, deferred payment option for online payment without providing payment information. multiple transaction costs for frequent or recurring purchases can be reduced to a singe transaction that can be processed offline at the user's convenience, particularly for small, online purchases made on a frequent or reoccurring basis. |
| US08498936B2 |
One card system
This invention relates to a novel system which includes a new device (the DEVICE) and a new business process (the PROCESS) that combines multiple cards (for both financial and non-financial transactions) into one card in a secured manner. |
| US08498935B2 |
System and method for automated payment and adjustment processing
A system and method for automated adjustment processing using pre-configured sets of business rules is provided. The seller pre-configures a set of business rules for use in processing an adjustment for a specific buyer. The set of business rules may be variable for each buyer and/or globally set. When a payment is received from a seller and an adjustment is required, an adjustment management application retrieves the buyer's set of business rules from the seller. The set of business rules are then applied to attempt to match the received payment to one of the buyer's outstanding invoices. If the match is successful, the buyer's payment is processed. |
| US08498932B2 |
Card based transfer account
The invention contemplates a method of funds transfer is disclosed involving opening one or more trust accounts associated with a plurality of accounts with at least one financial institution, creating a plurality of money account cards with each of the plurality of money account cards associated with a live account associated with the entire amount in the trust account opened and maintained by company with at least one financial institutions, distributing the money account cards to retailers, retailing the money account cards to customers for distribution of the cards to cardholders, receiving money from the customers, applying the money to predetermined accounts of the plurality of accounts, receiving requests from cardholders to access the money in the predetermined accounts, and dispersing funds from the predetermined accounts in response to the requests from cardholders. |
| US08498925B2 |
Public offering risk management
The present invention provides an auction system that allows IPO sales to be offered in an open and transparent manner, wherein, a certain percentage (up to 100%) of shares in an IPO can be offered to qualified bidders at a “buy now” pre-auction price, set by an issuer and/or underwriter. Investors can be allowed to “bid some shares out of the auction process” and thus guarantee those investors' allocation while also allowing bidders to participate in an open auction for other shares. Shares of stock to be offered in an IPO can include a subset of pre-auction price shares and a subset of auction price shares. The pre-auction price shares are offered to pre-auction bidders at a pre-auction price, and auction shares are generally sold to the highest bidder. Pre-auction sales can serve as a catalyst for generating enthusiasm for an associated IPO auction. |
| US08498911B2 |
Particle generation factor determining system, charging method and storage medium
Provided is a charging method capable of offering a user an incentive to use a particle generation factor determining system. In the particle generation factor determining system including a user interface device 11 through which a user inputs a particle map and a server 13, the server 13 calculates accuracy of each of multiple particle generation factors based on the particle map; the user interface device 11 displays the calculated accuracy or a title of generation-factor-relevant information 27 on each particle generation factor corresponding to this accuracy; the server 13 provides the generation-factor-relevant information 27 to the user interface device 11; a charged fee for providing particle generation-factor-relevant information 27 is determined based on accuracy of a particle generation factor corresponding to the provided generation-factor-relevant information 27. |
| US08498910B1 |
Payroll change alert
The invention relates to a method for payroll notification. The method steps include obtaining, by a processor, a payroll rule comprising a message and a condition requiring a payroll dollar amount, obtaining, by the processor, the payroll dollar amount from a first paystub having a first gross pay and a first net pay for an employee evaluating, by the processor, the condition of the payroll rule, where the first gross pay equals a second gross pay on a second paystub having a second net pay for the employee, and outputting, by the processor and in response to the condition being satisfied, the message of the payroll rule onto the first paystub explaining a non-zero difference between the first net pay and the second net pay. |
| US08498909B1 |
System and method for associating financial transaction data with user's project data in cash transactions
This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data. |
| US08498906B2 |
Collaborative product taxonomy instantiation
A method forms a collaborative product taxonomy instantiation by starting with or defining a base taxonomy instantiation and collaborating between trading parties to negotiate a collaborative product taxonomy instantiation. The taxonomy instantiation comprises a set of characteristics and values of a desired product. The method assigns a set of characters to the collaborative product taxonomy instantiation. The method uses the set of alphanumeric characters in an electronic trade exchange between a buyer software application and a seller software application. The seller software application may determine whether it has a product that is equivalent to the collaborative product taxonomy instantiation. |
| US08498904B2 |
Method, system, and program storage device for efficient fulfillment of work assignments
The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method, system and apparatus to enable data-driven, multi-channel communications to facilitate business processes. By providing more than one channel for communication between market participants, which includes suppliers and consumers, real-time requests for information, services, or the like can be solicited in a way that those selected to provide responses have certain attributes, and the supplier is selected for the solicitation automatically and instantaneously notified of the request based on automatic selection of those attributes. The notification is instantaneously communicated using more than one channel of communication, potentially in a mode that the potential supplier has indicated is a more likely way of actually and instantly receiving the request. The system further provides at least one mechanism by which all of the selected suppliers can instantly respond to the request, which is then communicated to the requestor. |
| US08498902B1 |
Process and system for the clearing and settling of transactions
A method and system for the clearing and settlement of funds among a plurality of participants facilitates the integration of a “closed” special purpose industry sector, such as the transit industry, within an open financial payment system. A method for clearing and settling funds among a plurality of participants comprises receiving data relating to transactions from the plurality of participants, organizing the data into groups associated with each of the plurality of participants, summing the data in the groups to determine a total funds due to and from each of the plurality of participants, and settling the difference among the plurality of participants by transferring funds to the participants owed funds and collecting funds from the participants who owe funds. |
| US08498901B1 |
Method and system for virtual representation of currency
The invention relates to a method for representing a transfer of currency during a transaction. The method involves establishing a network connection with a computing device, receiving, from the computing device, transactional data associated with the transaction, receiving currency data associated with a financial account, and displaying a pictorial representation of currency based on the currency data, where a currency type and a currency denomination are depicted as a portion of the pictorial representation. The invention further involves designating an amount of currency from the pictorial representation to obtain image data, where the amount of currency is sufficient to complete the transaction, transmitting the image data to the computing device as part of the transaction, and sending instructions to transfer the amount of currency from the financial account based on the image data and the transactional data. |
| US08498899B2 |
Method for providing room service
A method of processing room service transactions in an institution such as a hotel, having a plurality of guest rooms includes displaying selected visual representations of food items at predetermined intervals with a user device including an interactive graphical user interface in a guest room, receiving inputs from a guest with the graphical user interface and transmitting the inputs to a food service server for fulfillment. |
| US08498898B1 |
System and method for point of use reward determination
A system and method that allows a group of organizations, e.g. a group of transit agencies, to provide their users with a stored value smart card payment method that rewards them for actual use. The system and method include a card interface device and a smart card for storing respective reward applications, wherein the card interface device reward application retrieves transaction and reward data from the smart card and processes the data within the card interface device in order to determine a transaction reward. |
| US08498895B2 |
Browser based user identification
An online behavior tracking system includes a unique ID module configured to determine attributes of a user device, and calculate a unique ID for a user from the attributes. The unique ID is used to track online behavior for the user across different domains. Also, the online behavior tracking system is used in a content evaluation system which delivers content treatments to users and tracks online behavior of the users in response to the delivered treatments. |
| US08498889B1 |
Product configuration modeling and optimization
A computerized system and related methods of identifying an optimum set of product configurations from a plurality of possible product configurations, wherein each product configuration has a plurality of features and each feature has a plurality of options, includes the steps of representing each of the possible product configurations as an ordered set or array of at least n-dimensions, each dimension of the array representing a predetermined one of the features, identifying a subset of valid product configurations, identifying which valid configurations are captured by other configurations through upgrades, conversions, or acceptance of different options, defining and solving an optimization model to identify the optimum set of valid product configurations based on a desired objective, such as to maximize profit, minimize cost, or maximizing coverage of customer demand, and then presenting the optimum set of valid product configurations that satisfy the desired objective. |
| US08498886B2 |
Method and system for creating an electric vehicle charging network
A method for creating an electric vehicle charging network includes receiving first location data from a first remote device; providing electric vehicle charger data to the first remote device as a function of the first location data; receiving second location data from a second remote device; providing the electric vehicle charger data to the second remote device as a function of the second location data; and, in response to the electric vehicle charger data, receiving interest data from the first and second remote devices to permit creation of a first electric vehicle charger. Further methods and systems are provided. |
| US08498882B2 |
System for making available individual or pooled, also anonymous patient data on the basis of molecular genome, transcriptome, proteome, epigenome, or metabolome data
The invention relates to a system for automatically, rapidly, and dynamically funding biological cells for transplantion, treatment, or research purposes between collection centers or banks (storage places) and hospitals, transplant centers, or research facilities, monitoring and assisting with processes from the transmission of requests, the delivery of cell preparation suitable for allogeneic transplantation, and the use of the found preparations to the monitoring of the result in the patient, and making said data available for statistical and other purposes, wherein samples are taken before and after the transplantation to analyze genomes, proteomes, transcriptomes, epigenomes, and/or metbolomes. |
| US08498881B2 |
Generation and data management of a medical study using instruments in an integrated media and medical system
In general, a computer-implemented method is described for retrieving by one or more computers an appointment schedule associated with a physician, the appointment schedule including one or more names of patients scheduled for a medical visit with the physician, receiving a first request to view appointment information for a selected patient, retrieving by one or more computers a first list comprising instruments completed by the selected patient, and receiving a second request to send one or more instruments completed by the selected patient to the physician. |
| US08498879B2 |
Automated systems and methods for obtaining, storing, processing and utilizing immunologic information of individuals and populations for various uses
A system and method for assessing the immunological status of one or more individuals in a patient population is presented. The method includes establishing a database comprising a plurality of records of information each representative of the immune status of an individual in the population, each of said records including (1) current information from one or more assays for the presence of a biochemical, and (2) individual specific information comprising one or more of said individual's medical history, said individual's doctors' observations and historical, demographic, lifestyle, and familial information relating to said individual. The method further includes processing the information in said database to find trends or patterns relating to the immune status of individuals in said patient population; and using the said trends or patterns as part of a health care related decision making process. |
| US08498876B2 |
Method for reduction of aliasing introduced by spectral envelope adjustment in real-valued filterbanks
The present invention proposes a new method for improving the performance of a real-valued filterbank based spectral envelope adjuster. By adaptively locking the gain values for adjacent channels dependent on the sign of the channels, as defined in the application, reduced aliasing is achieved. Furthermore, the grouping of the channels during gain-calculation, gives an improved energy estimate of the real valued subband signals in the filterbank. |
| US08498873B2 |
Establishing a multimodal advertising personality for a sponsor of multimodal application
Establishing a multimodal advertising personality for a sponsor of a multimodal application, including associating one or more vocal demeanors with a sponsor of a multimodal application and presenting a speech portion of the multimodal application for the sponsor using at least one of the vocal demeanors associated with the sponsor. |
| US08498870B2 |
Medical ontology based data and voice command processing system
A computerized integrated order entry and clinical documentation and voice recognition system enables voice responsive user entry of orders. The system includes a voice recognition unit for detecting spoken words and converting detected spoken words to data representing commands. A data processor, coupled to the voice recognition unit, processes the data representing commands provided by the voice recognition unit, to provide order and documentation related data and menu options for use by a user, by interpreting the data representing commands using an ordering and documentation application specific ontology and excluding use of other non-ordering or non-documentation application specific ontologies. The ordering application enables initiating an order for medication to be administered to a particular patient, or additional ordered services to be performed. A user interface processor, coupled to the data processor, provides data representing a display image. The display image, includes the order related data and menu options provided by the data processor and supports a user in selecting an order for medication to be administered to a particular patient. |
| US08498864B1 |
Methods and systems for predicting a text
Methods and systems for predicting a text are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive one or more typed characters that compose a portion of a text; and receive, a voice input corresponding to a spoken utterance of at least a portion of the text. The computing device may be configured to determine, based on the one or more typed characters and the voice input, one or more candidate texts predicting the text. Further, the computing device may be configured to provide the one or more candidate texts. |
| US08498862B2 |
Speech signal processing apparatus
A speech signal processing apparatus includes a control signal output unit configured to receive as an input signal either one of a first speech signal corresponding to a sound uttered by a user and a second speech signal corresponding to a sound output from an eardrum of the user when the user utters a sound, and output a control signal corresponding to a noise level of the input signal, and a speech signal output unit configured to output either one of the first speech signal and the second speech signal according to the control signal. |
| US08498861B2 |
Apparatus and method for concealing frame erasure and voice decoding apparatus and method using the same
An apparatus and method for concealing frame erasure and a voice decoding apparatus and method using the same. The frame erasure concealment apparatus includes: a parameter extraction unit determining whether there is an erased frame in a voice packet, and extracting an excitement signal parameter and a line spectrum pair parameter of a previous good frame; and an erasure frame concealment unit, if there is an erased frame, restoring the excitement signal and line spectrum pair parameter of the erased frame by using a regression analysis from the excitement signal and line spectrum pair parameter of the previous good frame. According to the method and apparatus, by predicting and restoring the parameter of the erased frame through the regression analysis, the quality of the restored voice signal can be enhanced and the algorithm can be simplified. |
| US08498857B2 |
System and method for rapid prototyping of existing speech recognition solutions in different languages
A system and method for porting of existing speech recognition solutions in a source language to a target language has been disclosed. The system envisaged by the present invention enables porting of a working speech recognition solution in the source language to a working system in the target language, thus minimizing the development process and reusing existing speech recognition solution components to recognize multiple languages. |
| US08498856B2 |
Simulation method, system and program
A simulation system having multiple peripherals that communicate with each other. The system includes a weighted graph with weights set as communication times. The peripherals are represented as nodes and connection paths are represented as edges. Among the communication times in the loop, the minimum time is set as first synchronization timing. Timing with an acceptable delay added is set as second synchronization timing. Timing set by a user to be longer than the first and second timings is set as third synchronization timing. The third synchronization timing is used in a portion where the timing is usable, thus synchronizing the peripherals at the longest possible synchronization timing. |
| US08498855B2 |
Circuit simulation based on gate spacing from adjacent MOS transistors
A circuit simulation apparatus is provided with a parameter calculating tool and a circuit simulator. The parameter calculating tool is configured to extract gate spacings between gates of a target MOS transistor and adjacent MOS transistors integrated in an integrated circuit from layout data of the integrated circuit, and to calculate a transistor model parameter corresponding to a threshold voltage of the target MOS transistor based on the extracted gate spacings. The circuit simulator is configured to perform circuit simulation of the integrated circuit by using the calculated transistor model parameter. |
| US08498854B2 |
Enabling end-to-end testing of applications across networks
End-to-end testing of applications across networks is enabled. To test the application and the infrastructure subsystems, an application server connected to the network contains an application under test. A response simulator is connected to the other end of the network. A test module is accessible to the application and to the simulator and contains a test message to be transmitted to the simulator, and an expected response message from the simulator. The application transmits each test message and compares a response message from the simulator to an expected response message. The simulator obtains the response to each test message from the test module. |
| US08498853B2 |
Petrophysical method for predicting plastic mechanical properties in rock formations
Method for prediction of mechanical properties used in the description of large-strain plastic deformation for any subsurface rock strata of interest. The method is not specific to any geographic region, geological environment or subsurface depth interval, nor is it constrained to a specific lithology or plastic mechanical property. Predictive algorithms for triaxial compressive strength and rock compressibility are derived (23) from a mechanical properties database (21), and used to predict subsurface variation in mechanical properties such as rock strength or rock compressibility, with petrophysical properties generated from, for example, geophysical wireline logs as input to the algorithms (26). |
| US08498850B2 |
Looking glass: a hybrid simulation system to model cascading events within a black box system
A hybrid simulation system to model cascading events within a black box system may include a tessellated field operable to allow a plurality of black box components to execute on a processor and communicate without needing a direct connection between the black box components. The black box components have transfer functions defined over a common coordinate system and time. |
| US08498848B2 |
Method for upscaling a reservoir model using deep reading measurements
A method of upscaling for reservoir simulation is disclosed, comprising: inverting a set of deep reading measurements constrained by upscaled multi-well data, and, in response to the inverting step, upscaling for reservoir simulation. |
| US08498846B2 |
Joint-aware manipulation of deformable models
This disclosure describes a joint-aware deformation framework that supports the direct manipulation of an arbitrary mix of rigid and deformable components. The deformation framework may include at least a joint-analysis and a joint-aware deformation enabling a more realistic deformation of a joint-aware model. |
| US08498844B2 |
Optimization processing method and apparatus
A first model expression having a first order and representing a relationship between evaluation indicators and the design parameters and a second model expression having a second order higher than the first order and representing a relationship between them are generated. Then, according to a quantifier elimination method, values of the design parameters, which realize an optimum solution of the first model expression, are calculated. And, a design parameter whose value is identical to an upper limit value or a lower limit value is identified, and the second model expression is transformed by substituting the upper limit value or the lower limit value, as a value of the identified design parameter, for the second model expression. Finally, according to the quantifier elimination method, values of the design parameters in the transformed second model expression, which realize an optimum solution of the transformed second model expression, is calculated. |
| US08498842B2 |
System and method for chaining graphical curves
A CAD system and corresponding method and computer program product. A method includes receiving a set of intersecting curves and receiving a selection of a source curve and a destination curve from the set of intersecting curves. The method includes receiving a selection intent rule and calculating a first chain of curves that includes the source curve, through the set of intersecting curves according to the selection intent rule. The method includes storing a selected path, the selected path being a chain of curves between the source curve and the destination curve with a minimum number of deviations from the selection intent rule. |
| US08498836B2 |
System and method for detecting thermographic anomalies
A thermographic analysis method and apparatus is provided. The method includes obtaining base-line and operational thermographic profiles of a subject area, calculating a difference profile from the base-line and operational thermographic profiles, and providing an indication from the difference profile. The indication may be also based on thermographic differences in portions of the subject area that are defined as thermographic zones. |
| US08498833B2 |
Method of, apparatus for, and program for inspecting stack body
A method of inspecting a stack body of at least a porous layer and a dense layer comprises the first step of measuring the length of the stack body before the stack body is fired, the second step of measuring the length of the stack body after the stack body is fired, the third step of calculating a shrinkage rate of the stack body based on a first measured value from the first step and a second measured value from the second step, the fourth step of determining whether the calculated shrinkage rate of the stack body is acceptable or not based on the calculated shrinkage rate, the fifth step of calculating an S/N ratio of the stack body based on the first measured value and the second measured value, and the sixth step of determining whether the current-voltage characteristics of the stack body are acceptable or not based on the calculated S/N ratio. |
| US08498832B2 |
Method and device for assessing and monitoring voltage security in a power system
Provided is a method and device for assessing and monitoring voltage security in a power system. More specifically, a method and device for assessing and monitoring the value of reactive power load when changes in reactive power outputs of at least some of the generators in the electrical power system cause all of the generators in the system to reach the combined operating limit of their reactive power output. In response thereto, the method and device are further adapted to initiate suitable control measures such as switching of transformer banks and/or capacitor/reactor banks, as well as shedding loads whenever necessary to mitigate an impending voltage stability problem. |
| US08498827B2 |
Combining redundant inertial sensors to create a virtual sensor output
Included are embodiments for determining an inertial quantity. One embodiment of a method includes combining readings from a plurality of inertial sensors to produce an estimate of the value of an inertial quantity in a manner that is fault-tolerant, more accurate than traditional sensor arrangements, and able to handle non-linear and non-Gaussian systems. Embodiments of a method also include utilizing a Monte Carlo estimation-based inference system to adaptively combine the inertial sensor outputs into a fault-tolerant highly-accurate inertial quantity estimate, an axis-reversed-paired physical arrangement of inertial sensors to minimize effects of environmental and process noise, and cross-associating sensors to ensure good sensor associations and reduce the effects of sample impoverishment. |
| US08498826B2 |
Method and system for machine condition monitoring
A method and system for monitoring a condition of a machine are provided. The machine monitoring system includes a housing mounted to a surface of a machine, a plurality of sensors configured to generate respective output signals for a parameter indicative of a condition of the machine, and a voting module positioned within the housing and configured to generate a corrected output based on the respective output signals. The machine monitoring system also includes a memory device including a store location configured to store manual input functions relating to a construction of the machine, a life calculator communicatively coupled to the voting module and the memory device wherein the life calculator is configured to determine a life remaining in the machine using the corrected output and the manual input functions, and a display positioned within the housing and configured to display the life remaining in the machine. |
| US08498825B2 |
Methods for high throughput genotyping
Methods for genotyping polymorphisms using allele specific probes are disclosed. A training set is used to generate a model for each polymorphism to be interrogated. The training set is used to obtain an estimate of the asymmetry between an intensity measurement for a first allele and an intensity measurement for a second allele of the same polymorphism. The intensity measurement obtained for a test sample is adjusted using the estimate of asymmetry prior to using the intensity measurements to make a genotyping call. In preferred embodiments the adjustment is applied to polymorphisms that have a likelihood of being heterozygous that is above a specified threshold. |
| US08498820B2 |
Genomic classification of non-small cell lung carcinoma based on patterns of gene copy number alterations
The invention is directed to methods and kits that allow for classification of non-small cell lung carcinoma tumors and cell lines according to genomic profiles, and methods of diagnosing, predicting clinical outcomes, and stratifying patient populations for clinical testing and treatment using the same. |
| US08498819B2 |
Determination of quality features in agricultural and horticultural crops
The present invention relates to a method for predicting the expected value of the quality features in agricultural and horticultural product and a method for predicting the expected optimal time of harvest by comparing expression parameters at the moment prior to harvest or during the postharvest path of genes and/or proteins related to such quality features for that agricultural and horticultural product, with (a) predetermined calibration line(s). The invention also comprises the markers M8, GAST and GDSL motif lipase and the uses thereof, as well as antibodies against them. |
| US08498818B1 |
Systems and methods for calculating emissions resulting from transporting a shipment
According to various embodiments, an emissions calculation system calculates the emissions resulting from transporting a shipment that includes an individual or group of packages. In certain embodiments, the calculated emissions are based on estimated amounts of fuel used in the transportation process based on historical fuel usage and shipment data. In addition, various embodiments of the system generate and display (or otherwise make available) one or more reports of the calculated emissions information. For example, the reports may provide a total amount of carbon dioxide emitted for a particular shipment or group of shipments. In addition, the report may provide a breakdown of the amount of emissions resulting from various operational activities in the transportation process (e.g., resulting from pickup, delivery, and/or transportation between carrier facilities, and resulting from stationary operational activities, such as sorting or movement within each carrier facility). |
| US08498817B1 |
Predicting location of a mobile user
Disclosed are various embodiments for predicting a future location of a mobile user. A recent location of a mobile user is received. Past location data for the mobile user is retrieved from storage. A future location of the mobile user is predicted based at least in part on the recent location and on the past location data. The prediction is provided in response to a query or by subscription. |
| US08498816B2 |
Systems including mobile devices and head-mountable displays that selectively display content, such mobile devices, and computer-readable storage media for controlling such mobile devices
A system includes a head-mountable display and a mobile device. The mobile device includes a position acquisition device that acquires positional information indicating a position of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a first orientation acquisition device that acquires first orientation information indicating an orientation of the mobile device with respect to a reference direction. The mobile device includes a first display that displays content based on the positional information and the first orientation information on the mobile device when a condition is satisfied. The mobile device includes a first receiver that receives second orientation information indicating an orientation of the head-mountable display with respect to one or more of the reference direction and the orientation of the mobile device. The mobile device includes a first transmitter that transmits content based on the positional information and the second orientation information when the condition is not satisfied. |
| US08498814B2 |
System and method for executing user-definable events triggered through geolocational data describing zones of influence
A system and method for executing user-definable events triggered through geolocational data describing zones of influence is described. One or more zones of influence are defined. Each zone of influence is described by stored geolocational data and forms a logically enclosed physical space. One or more user-definable events are associated with each zone of influence. Each user-definable event specifies a trigger condition based on the stored geolocational data for the associated zone of influence. A location of a user device is identified based on further geolocational data and at least one user-definable event is triggered when the location of the user device substantially correlates to the stored geolocational data for the trigger condition of the at least one user-definable event. |
| US08498812B2 |
Stylized procedural modeling for 3D navigation
A method of displaying a navigation map includes determining a route of a vehicle. A two-dimensional footprint of a building disposed within a geographic area is received within the vehicle. The geographic area includes the route of the vehicle. Attribute information associated with the building is received. The attribute information is received within the vehicle. A visual representation of the building is rendered based upon the two-dimensional footprint and the attribute information. |
| US08498805B2 |
System and method for passive location storage
A system and method for automatically storing a geographic position, without requiring user interaction, makes use of the ability of a location-aware mobile device to detect its state of motion using velocity or type of movement information. A transition between motion states is used to determine a parking location of a vehicle. |
| US08498803B2 |
Arrangement and method for air traffic management and/or flight control of aircraft
The invention relates to an air traffic control of aircraft. At least one transmission station in an aircraft transmits a broadcast signal received by at least one receiving station and further transmits at least a part of the data contained in the broadcast signal to a central station or other organizations. At least part of the receiving stations are designed as satellite receiving stations, wherein the broadcast signal transmitted by the at least one transmission station to be secured is received by at least one of the satellite receiving stations and at least part of the data contained in the broadcast signal is further transmitted via a radio transmission route to a satellite ground control station and further to the air traffic control central station or another organization. |
| US08498801B2 |
Engine start control system and method
A 720-degree motor stage storage means for holding the result of stroke discrimination for the engine E also in the period for carrying out an idle stop control is provided. At the time of restarting the engine E from an idle stop state, a new stroke discriminating processing is not conducted, but the result of stroke discrimination stored in the 720-degree motor stage storage means is used, to thereby drive a fuel injection system and an ignition device. A stage decision unit for allocating a period of two revolutions of a crankshaft to 720-degree motor stages based on the result of stroke discrimination, a fuel injection and ignition stage correlation table having predetermined correlations of 720-degree motor stages with fuel injection stages and ignition stages, and restarting time motor stage conversion means for conversion of a 720-degree motor stage into a fuel injection stage and an ignition stage, are provided. |
| US08498800B2 |
Engine control unit
An engine control unit includes an anomaly judging section for judging whether or not there is any anomaly in throttle sensors based on the output of the throttle sensors, a throttle motor driving section for controlling the driving of a throttle motor, and a fuel injection control section for controlling the amount of fuel injection at the time of starting an engine by using the fuel injection map for starting. The throttle motor driving section stops the driving of the throttle motor if the throttle sensors are judged to be anomalous, and the fuel injection control section switches the fuel injection map for starting in a normal state into the fuel injection map for starting in an anomalous state at the time of restarting the engine after stopping the engine in a state wherein the throttle sensors are judged to be anomalous. |
| US08498796B2 |
Perception model for trajectory following autonomous and human augmented speed control
A speed control method of a vehicle including the steps of obtaining a steering angle, a velocity error and a distance error. The velocity and the distance error being determined by mathematical combinations of a GPS position, a required path and speed set points. The steering angle, velocity errors and distance error are applied to fuzzy logic membership functions to produce an output that is applied to a velocity rule base. An output from the velocity rule base is defuzzified to produce a speed signal. |
| US08498794B2 |
Anti-skid control apparatus configured to compensate for hydraulic pressure fluctuations
An anti-skid control apparatus comprises an anti-skid control means for controlling a pressure reducing valve and a pressure increasing valve, each of which operated for a target wheel when an anti-skid condition is established for the target wheel, the pressure increasing valve controlled in order to linearly change a pressure difference, an estimating means for estimating an occurrence of a factor by which the brake hydraulic pressure is fluctuated at the conduit connecting the master cylinder to the pressure increasing valve for the target wheel while the pressure increasing valve is controlled for the target wheel, and an output means for generating an output for maintaining the pressure difference during a predetermining time period in which the pressure increasing valve is controlled, when the occurrence of the factor is estimated. |
| US08498793B1 |
Accelerometer using acceleration
An altimeter using speed, forward acceleration and yaw angle rate to measure altitude. The accuracy of the measurement may be improved by compensating for a position offset of an accelerometer; Kalman filtering with an external altitude measurement; and/or compensating for an accelerometer bias. The accelerometer bias may be calculated based on a last incline angle before a dormant time period and/or by Kalman filtering. |
| US08498792B2 |
Efficiency score tracker for vehicle operations
Implementing efficiency score tracking for vehicle operations includes identifying an operator of a vehicle. At each time increment of a driving event, the efficiency score tracking includes determining mileage accrual and energy consumed, calculating an efficiency value as a function of the mileage accrual and the amount of energy consumed, assigning a point value to the efficiency value, adding the point value to previous point values assigned during the driving event, and displaying a sum of the point value and the previous point values to the operator. The sum reflects a cumulative number of points assigned for a corresponding time increment and any previous time increments of the driving event. The efficiency score tracking also includes presenting a total point value reflecting a sum of all of the point values assigned to the operator of the vehicle for all of the time increments associated with the driving event. |
| US08498790B2 |
Control device for automatic transmission
The driving output of the electric oil pump during an engine automatic stop is learnt by gradually increasing the driving output of the electric oil pump after an engine automatic stop and discriminating a state immediately before engagement on the basis of the behavior of an input shaft rotation number and a turbine rotation number. Thereby, the working oil pressure supplied by the electric oil pump during an engine automatic stop immediately after an engine automatic stop can be made suitable even if a vehicle is in a stopped state without adding an oil pressure sensor and an oil pressure switch, and a vain increase in power consumption, a deterioration of acceleration responsiveness at the time of an engine restart, generation of shock, or a soaring of the number of engine rotations can be prevented. |
| US08498787B2 |
Method and system for monitoring the operation of a cable shovel machine
A monitor system for an electric cable shovel determines when the shovel has completed a digging operation, and a subsequent dumping operation. The system includes an inclinometer, a current sensor, and a monitor circuit. The inclinometer is mounted on the dipper arm for providing an output indicative of the inclination of the dipper arm. The current sensor senses the level of the electrical current supplied to the electric motor. The monitor circuit determines when the current sensor provides an indication of a current level in excess of a digging current threshold level for a period of time in excess of a predetermined period, and during such period of time the inclinometer indicates that the inclination of the dipper arm is below a digging threshold inclination. In such a case, the monitor circuit provides an output indicating that the shovel has completed a digging operation. A subsequent dumping operation is monitored in a similar manner, with the rotation of the monitor and the actuation of the trip lever being sensed. GPS receivers on the electric cable shovel body provide an indication of the location at which the shovel is digging, and a worksite model is referenced to determine the material being mined. |
| US08498784B2 |
Method for estimating the suspension stroke of a vehicle and apparatus implementing the same
The present invention refers to a method for estimating the suspension stroke of a vehicle comprising the steps consisting of: a) determining a variability law (10) that associates the stroke of the suspension with the pressure inside a shock absorber of the same, based on experimental data; b) estimating the suspension stroke value related to a measured pressure value, based on the variability law (10) identified in step (a); c) detecting/obtaining the longitudinal vehicle dynamics; d) recalibrating (30) the variability law (10) identified in step a), based on the longitudinal vehicle dynamics detected/obtained in step c). The present invention also refers to an apparatus for implementing the estimation method of the suspension stroke of a vehicle according to the invention. |
| US08498782B2 |
Apparatus for keeping a traffic lane and preventing lane-deviation for a vehicle and method thereof
The present invention relates to an apparatus for keeping a traffic lane and preventing lane-deviation for a vehicle that controls a steering direction and a steering amount so as for the vehicle to keep the traffic lane by using information on a left traffic lane of a vehicle while travelling and information on a curbstone provided at a right side of the vehicle and a method thereof. |
| US08498774B2 |
Method for transmission of data concerning transport means in transport monitoring systems
Provided is a method for transportation asset monitoring. In one example embodiment, the method comprises collecting data related to operation and location of a transportation asset, comparing the collected data with values of one or more predetermined parameter thresholds, and generating an alarm signal whenever the one or more predetermined parameter thresholds have been exceeded. The method may further comprise generating a report related to the transportation asset's operational characteristics and performance output. |
| US08498772B2 |
Control apparatus and method for a vehicle having idle stop function
In an idle stop vehicle, a starter has separately an electromagnetic switch for energizing a motor and a pinion control solenoid for engaging a pinion gear with a ring gear. A coil of the solenoid is energized by a battery through a relay. For starting an engine, an ECU turns on the relay and the electromagnetic switch so that the starter cranks an engine. During engine operation, the ECU turns on only the relay while maintaining turn-off of the electromagnetic switch. If a voltage of a current supply path between the relay and the coil is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the ECU prohibits automatic idle stop by determining that the current supply path to the coil has abnormality. |
| US08498771B2 |
Wireless vehicle servicing
Various embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-program products for wireless vehicle servicing. Instructions for performing a vehicle servicing operation may be received at a servicing terminal. Further, vehicle servicing operation data based on the instructions and data communication rules for communicating data to a vehicle computing system may be received. Servicing request data stored in computer-readable media may be generated and may include the vehicle servicing operation data and the one or more data communication rules. The servicing request data may be transmitted to the vehicle computing system and servicing return data may be received. Servicing status information may be presented on the servicing terminal based on the servicing return data. |
| US08498770B2 |
Vehicle parking assist system and method
Upon a driver of a vehicle setting a target parking position, a parking assist system calculates a recommended parking start position which the vehicle can reach with a current steering angle of the vehicle unchanged and from which the vehicle can reach the parking target position with a constant steering angle. The parking assist system then draws a parking start frame figure F2 indicating a recommended parking start position on an overhead image around the vehicle generated using images captured by onboard cameras and displays the same on the display unit. It is therefore possible to properly assist the driving operation for parking allow inexperienced drivers to easily perform parking. |
| US08498768B2 |
Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a generator motor, a capacitor, and a driving force assisting unit. Further, the control device includes a switching unit that selects an appropriate traveling range from a plurality of traveling ranges including at least a normal traveling range and a charging priority range for preferentially charging the capacitor and switches the range, and a threshold value increasing unit that increases, when the charging priority range is selected by the switching unit, the predetermined determination threshold value as compared to when the normal traveling range is selected by the switching unit. |
| US08498767B2 |
Power-supply control apparatus of vehicle
A power-supply control apparatus of a vehicle comprises a first electricity-storage device to supply electric power to a starter for starting engine, a generator to convert kinetic energy of the vehicle during a vehicle deceleration to electric energy for energy recovery, a second electricity-storage device coupled to the generator to store the electric power from the generator thereat, a feeder circuit coupling the second electricity-storage device to an electric load with a relatively-small electric-load capacity via a DC/DC convertor, a coupling line coupling the second electricity-storage device to the first electricity-storage device via a coupling relay, and a controller to control the electric power passing through the feeder circuit and the coupling line, wherein the controller executes a control to make the coupling relay on the coupling line in an OFF state when the starter operates. |
| US08498765B2 |
Control device
A control device configured with a first control portion controls an engagement pressure of a first engagement device to make a rotational speed of the input member equal to a predetermined rotational speed during the specific electric power generation control. A second control portion controls an engagement pressure of the second engagement device in such a manner as to make a transfer torque capacity of the second engagement device equal to a predetermined transfer torque capacity during the specific electric power generation control. Another control portion determines a target rotational speed in such a manner as to maintain a state in which an electric power generation amount achieved by the rotating electrical machine coincides with a predetermined target electric power generation amount, in accordance with a magnitude of a differential torque as a difference between a torque transmitted via the first engagement device. |
| US08498764B2 |
Electric vehicle and method of controlling the same
An electric vehicle and a method of controlling the electric vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, the electric vehicle includes i) a battery configured to provide electric energy to the motor, ii) a remaining energy-amount detector configured to detect a remaining energy-amount of the battery and iii) a manipulation unit configured to receive target information from a user. The vehicle also includes a guide information generator configured to generate driving guide information based at least in part on the remaining energy-amount of the battery and the target information and a display unit configured to display the driving guide information. |
| US08498762B2 |
Method of planning the movement of trains using route protection
A method of planning the movement of plural trains over a train network utilizing route protection for the route immediately ahead of a train to avoid undesirable changes to the planned route of the train. |
| US08498761B2 |
Method and system to assist conventional fixed-wing aircraft landing, without a runway
A system allows conventional, unprepared fixed-wing aircraft to land safely on very small, unprepared areas, enabling an aerodynamic capacitance in which the airplanes can fly in a controlled manner against coherent air current, being assisted by a combined system including both the air current control mechanisms and the automatic flight control system of the aircraft. |
| US08498760B2 |
System and method for simultaneously processing telemetry data
According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method for use in telemetry processing includes receiving telemetry data originating from a satellite, such that the telemetry data comprises a plurality of data segments. The method includes processing the plurality of data segments simultaneously and transmitting a signal to the satellite, in response to the processing, for effecting a change in the direction of the satellite. |
| US08498751B2 |
Method for early detection and anticipatory control of consumer-end load shedding in an electrical grid, and apparatus for carrying out the method
A method for early detection and anticipatory control of consumer-end load shedding in a single-phase or polyphase electrical grid supplied with single phase or polyphase by at least one generator driven by at least one rotating machine includes measuring a current and a voltage between the at least one generator and the electrical grid and/or a current and a voltage in the electrical grid, deriving at least one signal from the measured current and voltage and using the at least one derived signal to act on the at least one rotating machine. |
| US08498750B2 |
System for monitoring a transient fluid
A system for monitoring a transient flow of a fluid for the presence of contaminants is disclosed. The system includes a fluid control valve having a body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. A fluid monitoring device is in fluid communication with the fluid flowing through the control valve. The fluid monitoring device is adapted to monitor the fluid flowing through the control valve for contaminants. |
| US08498749B2 |
Method for zone based energy management system with scalable map interface
A method of managing energy use of a network device located at a site with a mobile device is provided. The method proceeds by determining a plurality of zones about the site and detecting a current location of the mobile device relative to the plurality of zones. The method continues by altering the operating condition of the network device in response to detecting the mobile device changing zones. A graphical user interface (GUI) is displayed within the display screen of the mobile device. A map presenting the site location, the plurality of zones disposed about the site location, and the current location of the mobile device is displayed within the GUI along with a distance selector including selectable distance values. The method further includes automatically scaling the plurality of zones and the map in response to changing the selectable distance value using the distance selector. |
| US08498747B2 |
Drapery assembly with a powered carrier
A drapery assembly extends and retracts a drape with a powered carrier. The carrier receives both a power signal and a command signal from a controller via an electrically powered surface of a drapery rod. The carrier supports a portion of the drape and moves linearly along the length of the drapery rod in response to the control signal. |
| US08498743B2 |
Robot and method of controlling balance thereof
A finite state machine (FSM)-based biped robot, to which a limit cycle is applied to balance the robot right and left on a two-dimensional space, and a method of controlling balance of the robot. In order to balance an FSM-based biped robot right and left on a two-dimensional space, control angles to balance the robot according to states of the FSM-based biped robot are set. The range of the control angles is restricted to reduce the maximum right and left moving distance of the biped robot and thus to reduce the maximum right and left moving velocity of the biped robot, thereby reducing the sum total of the moments of the biped robot and thus allowing the ankles of the biped robot to balance the biped robot to be controlled, and causing the soles of the feet of the biped robot to parallel contact the ground. |
| US08498741B2 |
Dexterous humanoid robotic wrist
A humanoid robot includes a torso, a pair of arms, a neck, a head, a wrist joint assembly, and a control system. The arms and the neck movably extend from the torso. Each of the arms includes a lower arm and a hand that is rotatable relative to the lower arm. The wrist joint assembly is operatively defined between the lower arm and the hand. The wrist joint assembly includes a yaw axis and a pitch axis. The pitch axis is disposed in a spaced relationship to the yaw axis such that the axes are generally perpendicular. The pitch axis extends between the yaw axis and the lower arm. The hand is rotatable relative to the lower arm about each of the yaw axis and the pitch axis. The control system is configured for determining a yaw angle and a pitch angle of the wrist joint assembly. |
| US08498738B2 |
Methods to broadcast status of a self-service dispensing device
A method is provided to that allows for the broadcast the status of a self-service dispensing device that a user is likely or scheduled to visit. A diagnostic program may be installed on a self-service dispensing device and/or a central server. The diagnostic program monitors the health and status of the self-service dispensing device. If a problem is detected by the diagnostic program, the self-service dispensing device or the central server proactively contacts likely visitors to the device as well as creates a service call to support personnel in order to have the problem repaired. |
| US08498733B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing tool change operations
A method and system are provided which reorders a sequence of operations of a part program to reduce the number of tool changes during execution of the program. The reordered sequence maintains a sequence of at least a first portion of the operations. |
| US08498731B2 |
Method of using process-parameter prognostic system for predicting shape of semiconductor structure
Provided are a process-parameter prognostic system for predicting the shape of a semiconductor structure, a semiconductor fabrication apparatus having the process-parameter prognostic system, and a method of using the same. The process-parameter prognostic system may have a process prediction unit and a process-change point corresponding unit. The process prediction unit and the process-change point corresponding unit may obtain predicted parameters using measured parameters of semiconductor structures and sensor parameters of plasmas corresponding to the semiconductor structures. |
| US08498728B2 |
Remote high-performance modeling system for material joining and material forming
A system and method for creating computerized models of forming processes, wherein forming process parameters including material type, material geometry, forming method, incoming material properties, forming die geometry, forming die thermal management method, lubrication method, forming rate, material constraint conditions, incoming material temperature, and other possible parameters are preselected by a user. |
| US08498721B2 |
Coronary vein leads having pre-formed biased portions for fixation
A lead having a pre-formed biased portion is adapted for implantation with a body vessel and for connection to a signal generator. The lead is constructed and arranged so that when it is implanted, the electrodes are biased toward a vessel wall by the preformed biased portion, which operates to fixate the lead against the vessel wall. |
| US08498720B2 |
Implantable electrode and method of making the same
The implantable electrode system of the preferred embodiments includes a conductor, an interconnect coupled to the conductor, an insulator that insulates the interconnect, and an anchor that is connected to both the conductor and the insulating element. The anchor is mechanically interlocked with at least one of the conductor and the insulator. |
| US08498717B2 |
Neural electronic interface device for motor and sensory controls of human body
Provided is a neural electronic interface (NEI) device that includes: a deep brain monitoring and stimulation (DBMS) module that wirelessly receives power from a power transmitter at a hat put on a patient, monitors a state of a brain of the patient by collecting various signals of the brain through a probe pin device (PPD), and transmits the collected signals to a communicator of the hat, wherein a remote controller of the hat analyzes the collected signals and controls the DBMS through the controller to stimulate the brain. |
| US08498715B2 |
Systems and methods for implantable leadless cochlear stimulation
Systems and methods are disclosed to enable hearing in the deaf by stimulating sites in the cochlea. The invention uses electrical stimulation in the cochlea, where vibrational energy from a source is received by an implanted device and converted to electrical energy and the converted electrical energy is used by implanted electrodes to stimulate the cochlear nerve. The vibrational energy is generated by a controller-transmitter, which could be located either externally or implanted. The vibrational energy is received by a receiver-stimulator, which contains multiple electrodes to stimulate along selected sites in the cochlea. |
| US08498709B2 |
Planning system for neurostimulation therapy
A system for planning implantation of a neurostimulation probe is provided. The system comprises an input for receiving anatomical data comprising information regarding a position and an orientation of at least one fiber bundle in a target region, an input for receiving therapeutic information comprising information regarding a stimulation preferability of the at least one fiber bundle, an optimization module for based on the position, the orientation and the stimulation preferability of the at least one fiber bundle calculating at least one optimal position and at least one optimal orientation for implantation of the neurostimulation probe at which optimal position and orientation the probe is capable of generating an electric field gradient substantially parallel to at least one fiber bundle with a high stimulation preferability and/or substantially perpendicular to at least one fiber bundle with a low stimulation preferability and an output for providing the optimal position and orientation. |
| US08498701B2 |
Automatic external defibrillator with active status indicator
An AED includes defibrillation circuitry housed within an enclosure, a first processor programmed to periodically test the operability of the defibrillation circuitry and a second processor in communication with the first processor. The AED further includes a visual indicator, such as a red/green LED, positioned at the exterior of the enclosure that is operatively connected to the second processor. The second processor is programmed to control the visual indicator in response to the periodic test results provided to it by the first processor. |
| US08498700B2 |
Disposable internal defibrillation electrodes
A disposable electrode paddle assembly is provided and includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle assembly supported at the proximal end of the shaft; a spoon supported at the distal end of the shaft; an electrical conductor extending from the handle assembly and establishing an electrical connection at the spoon; and an electrode assembly selectively, electrically connectable to the electrical connection provided at the spoon; wherein the electrode assembly includes a layer of silver/silver-chloride (Ag/AgCl) having one of an increasing and decreasing density extending in a radially outward direction. |
| US08498697B2 |
Classification of somatosensory evoked potential waveforms
Embodiments are disclosed relating to classification of somatosensory evoked potential waveforms. |
| US08498696B2 |
Health monitoring device and human electric signal processing method
A health monitoring device is provided and includes a detecting unit for detecting a first electric signal from a human body and a processing unit for performing the following steps: receiving the first electric signal; performing wavelet transform on the first electric signal, to filter frequency bands thereof which include undesired noises, and then perform a reverse wavelet transform to obtain a second electric signal; combining frequency bands of the first electric signal which include primary characteristics and then perform a reverse wavelet transform on the combined frequency bands to obtain a fourth electric signal; and comparing the fourth electric signal with a plurality of electric signal patterns of a database to determine whether the fourth electric signal is an electric signal for healthiness. |
| US08498695B2 |
Imaging system with a single color image sensor for simultaneous fluorescence and color video endoscopy
An endoscopic video system and method using a camera with a single color image sensor, for example a CCD color image sensor, for fluorescence and color imaging and for simultaneously displaying the images acquired in these imaging modes at video rates in real time is disclosed. The tissue under investigation is illuminated continuously with fluorescence excitation light and is further illuminated periodically using visible light outside of the fluorescence excitation wavelength range. The illumination sources may be conventional lamps using filters and shutters, or may include light-emitting diodes mounted at the distal tip of the endoscope. |
| US08498691B2 |
Robotic catheter system and methods
A robotically controlled guide instrument system, comprising an elongate flexible guide instrument; a drive assembly coupled to a proximal portion of the guide instrument and configured to maneuver a distal portion of the guide instrument; a master controller including a user interface that may be manipulated to actuate the drive assembly and thereby maneuver the distal portion the guide instrument; and a closure device detachably coupled to a delivery member carried by the guide instrument, the guide instrument maneuverable to position the closure device proximate an opening of a left atrial appendage of a person's heart such that the prosthesis may be detached from the delivery member and implanted to substantially close off the left atrial appendage. |
| US08498687B2 |
Body fat measurement device
A body fat measurement device includes: hand electrodes that make contact with both hands; back area electrodes that makes contact with the surface of the back area side of the trunk area; foot electrodes that make contact with both feet; a body impedance measurement unit that measures a body impedance in a body using these multiple electrodes; and a body fat mass calculation unit that calculates a body fat mass based on the body impedance measured by the body impedance measurement unit. The foot electrodes that make contact with both feet are provided on a platform unit in an exposed state, and the hand electrodes that make contact with both hands and the back area electrodes that make contact with the surface of the back area side of the trunk area are all provided on a fitting unit in an exposed state. |
| US08498684B2 |
Sine saturation transform
A transform for determining a physiological measurement is disclosed. The transform determines a basis function index from a physiological signal obtained through a physiological sensor. A basis function waveform is generated based on basis function index. The basis function waveform is then used to determine an optimized basis function waveform. The optimized basis function waveform is used to calculate a physiological measurement. |
| US08498683B2 |
Method for respiration rate and blood pressure alarm management
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to display features that facilitate observation of monitored physiological data. According to certain embodiments, a monitoring system may include a monitor capable of receiving data related to the physiological parameters and storing data related to the parameters. The monitor may include a microprocessor capable of determining a respiration rate baseline from the data and establishing an alarm sensitivity for respiration rate based on the respiration rate baseline. The alarm sensitivity may comprise a first tier, a second tier, and a third tier. Each tier may correspond to a specific respiratory rate range and the alarm sensitivity may be selected based on which specific respiratory rate range encompasses the respiration rate baseline. Further, in certain embodiments a blood pressure baseline may be determined and an alarm sensitivity established based on the blood pressure baseline. |
| US08498682B2 |
Optical determination of pH and glucose
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an optical sensor capable of measuring two analytes simultaneously with a single indicator system. In preferred embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluorescent dye having acid and base forms that facilitate ratiometric pH sensing, wherein the dye is further associated with a glucose binding moiety and configured to generate a signal that varies in intensity with the concentration of glucose. |
| US08498680B2 |
Electrode unit joining structure for superconducting wire, superconducting wire, and superconducting coil
An electrode unit joining structure for a superconducting wire includes: a superconducting wire comprising a first base member, a first superconducting layer provided on the first base member, and a first electroconductive layer provided on the first superconducting layer; an electrode provided on the first electroconductive layer at an end portion of the superconducting wire; and a superconducting cover tape comprising a second base member, a second superconducting layer provided on the second base member, and a second electroconductive layer provided on the second superconducting layer, the superconducting cover tape being provided so as to cover at least part of the electrode, wherein the second electroconductive layer of the superconducting cover tape is disposed on the electrode side, and the electrode, the superconducting wire, and the superconducting cover tape are electrically connected to each other. |
| US08498665B2 |
Information providing device, method therefor, program, and storage medium
User group DB (70) stores a serial number of the mobile phone of the user. Action DB (69) stores an individual identification number for identifying RFID which is set up by a service provider and an action associated with the individual identification number. A web server function (61) controls reception of the serial number and the individual identification number, which are transmitted from the mobile phone; and a service providing section (67) executes, when the serial number and the individual identification number are received, an action of providing a service of the service provider to the mobile phone of the user. |
| US08498663B2 |
Base station, mobile station, and power control method
A base station includes: means that derives a transmission power of a mobile station based on receive quality of an uplink pilot channel; means that reports the derived transmission power to the mobile station; and means that receives a control channel transmitted by the mobile station according to the reported information. Accordingly, irrespective of transmission power history over a past continuous time, the mobile station receives an instruction on the transmission power from the base station each time when transmitting a packet so as to be able to adjust the transmission power. |
| US08498662B2 |
Method to generate power control information and method of power control for uplink
In a communication system including a plurality of base stations and a plurality of terminals belonging to each of the base stations, the base station receives information on subcarriers allocated to a terminal that belongs to an adjacent base station from the adjacent base station. Thereafter, the base station generates power control information on the basis of the subcarrier information and transmits the power control information to the terminal, and the terminal controls uplink power on the basis of the received power control information. At this time, the power control information, as information based on estimating hitting between subcarriers used by the terminal that belongs to the base station and subcarriers used by the adjacent base station, may be a ratio found by dividing the total number of subcarriers used by each terminal that belongs to the adjacent base station by the entire number of subcarriers that can be used by the base station. |
| US08498660B2 |
Enhanced group calling features for connected portfolio services in a wireless communications network
Enhanced Group Calling Features for Connected Portfolio Services in wireless communications networks, such as a mobile or cellular phone communications networks. The Connected Portfolio Services include Mobile Conferencing (Scheduled/Instant/Reservationless Conference), Family Connect, Buddy Connect, and Quick Reach, while the Enhanced Group Calling Features include Voicemail Diversion (the recognition of a diversion to voicemail and dropping the leg), Reverse Quick Reach (where a terminating subscriber defines how a call dialed to his/her mobile number should be handled and directed), and Single Number Group Calling (an optimal design implementation of single number based group calling). |
| US08498658B2 |
Techniques and systems for providing data over power in communications based on time reversal
Techniques, apparatuses and systems for providing communications based on time reversal of a channel impulse response of a pulse in a transmission channel between a transmitter and a receiver to enhance reception and detection of a pulse at the receiver against various effects that can adversely affect and complicate the reception and detection of the pulse at the receiver. |
| US08498657B1 |
User interface update signaling
A system is provided for user interface update signaling. The system includes a user interface that executes on a mobile device, a signaling server, and a background application. The signaling server receives an update from a third party application and sends at least some of the update to the mobile device. The background application executes on the mobile device, receives the at least some of the update, and stores the at least some of the update in a file in the mobile device. The background application also provides a uniform resource locator that specifies where the file is located to the user interface to enable the user interface to display the at least some of the update. |
| US08498656B2 |
Electronic device with idle mode antenna switching
Electronic devices may be provided that contain wireless communication circuitry. The wireless communication circuitry may include radio-frequency transceiver circuitry coupled to multiple antennas. An electronic device may alternate between a sleep mode and a wake mode. During wake mode, the electronic device may monitor a paging channel in a wireless network for incoming paging signals. The device may use a selected one of the multiple antennas in monitoring the paging channel. If received signal quality is satisfactory, the device may maintain use of the selected one of the multiple antennas for subsequent wake period monitoring of the paging channel. If received signal quality falls below a threshold or is otherwise indicated to not be satisfactory, the device may switch to use of a different one of the multiple antennas in monitoring the paging channel. Other criteria may also be used in controlling the switching between antennas for paging channel monitoring. |
| US08498649B2 |
Method for wireless communication between user equipment and base station in wireless communication system supporting first user equipment that uses single frequency band and second user equipment that uses plurality of frequency bands
A method for wireless communication between user equipments (UEs) and a base station in a wireless communication system that supports a first UE using a single band and a second UE using multiple bands is provided. In the method, UE receives, from the base station, resource allocation information including information regarding a downlink component carrier (CC) and an uplink CC allocated to the UE, receives the allocated downlink CC, and transmits the allocated uplink CC by applying a cell ID thereto. The allocated downlink CC is one of downlink CCs to which different cell IDs are applied, pairs of CCs are predefined by associating uplink CCs respectively with downlink CCs in order to support the first UE. When the allocated downlink and uplink CCs do not belong to the pairs of CCs, the applied cell ID is a cell ID of a downlink CC that is paired with the allocated uplink CC in the predefined pairs of CCs. |
| US08498645B2 |
Method for allocating a temporary resource request identifier for accessing a target base station
The present disclosure provides for a method for allocating by a plurality of source base stations of a cellular wireless communication support infrastructure a temporary resource request identifier to a wireless communication device for accessing a target base station. The method includes identifying a list of temporary resource request identifiers associated with the target base station for use by one or more wireless communication devices, wherein the list includes a subset of one or more part time temporary resource request identifiers whose respective assignment to a corresponding grouping of one or more source base stations at a particular time is rotated between more than one of the plurality of corresponding groupings of one or more source base stations. |
| US08498639B2 |
Flexible channel quality indicator reporting
System(s) and method(s) are provided that facilitate a flexible channel quality indicator (CQI) reporting directives or policies. A CQI reporting directive delivers an improved tradeoff between reporting accuracy and overhead by establishing subband-specific reporting periods, reporting repetitions, or power requirements. The CQI reporting directive is based at least in part on channel conditions, traffic requirements, and scheduling techniques. Automated optimization and negotiation of a CQI reporting directive based on communication performance is also incorporated. |
| US08498636B2 |
State-machine-based operation of a coverage-model-related process
It is disclosed to operate a generating/updating process that comprises generating and/or updating at least one model for a coverage area of a communication node and/or at least one process associated with said generating/updating process in dependence on at least one state of a state machine. |
| US08498632B2 |
Determining network quality
Method, communications device and computer program product for determining network quality for the communications device which is capable of communicating over a communications network. The method comprises determining location information associated with a location of the device, querying a database using the determined location information, wherein the database stores a plurality of entries each comprising location information and corresponding network quality information, and obtaining, from the database in response to the query, network quality information from at least one entry of said entries which comprises location information corresponding to the determined location information. |
| US08498631B2 |
Activation of applications based on vibration of portable electronic device
The present disclosure relates to activation of applications based on a vibration of a portable electronic device. A portable electronic device comprises: a vibration detecting unit configured to detect a vibration of the portable electronic device, acquire the vibration response profile of the vibration, and detect, based on the vibration response profile, a vibration of which the vibration response has an intensity and an effective width within respective predetermined ranges as an effective vibration event; and an application activating unit configured to be triggered in response to the effective vibration event being detected by the vibration detecting unit, so as to activate an associated application provided in the portable electronic device. According to the present disclosure, some special application functions of the portable electronic device can be conveniently enabled, and particularly, a call transfer setting/cancelling operation of a mobile phone can be conveniently carried out. |
| US08498629B2 |
Extensible human machine interface (HMI) plugin architecture for radio software system and related method
A software-defined radio includes an executable radio software system operable with a radio circuit and conforming to the software communications architecture (SCA) specification and defining an operating environment that allows a waveform application to operate with a radio circuit for transmitting and receiving voice and data. An extensible Human-Machine Interface (HMI) plugin module is operable for allowing a selected waveform application to integrate with the radio circuit and provide an HMI user interface. |
| US08498628B2 |
Content delivery system and method
A method and system for delivering content to a plurality of devices is provided. In one embodiment, the method may be for delivering content elements of one or more presentations to a device configured to communicate via a wireless data network, wherein the content elements include static content elements, dynamic content elements, and on-demand content elements. The method may comprise delivering to the device, data, such as compilation data, of the content elements included in the one or more presentations; delivering the static content elements to the device via the wireless data network during one or more time periods of increased available wireless data network capacity; delivering the dynamic content elements to the device via the wireless data network substantially according to a schedule; and delivering the on-demand content elements to the device via the wireless data network substantially immediately after a user request for an on-demand content element. In addition, the method may comprise determining that the device is accessible via a communication link, such as a wireless local area network, that does not include the wireless data network and delivering one or more content elements to the device via the communication link. Further, the method may comprise determining that the device is communicatively coupled to an internet access device and delivering one or more content elements to the device via the internet access device. |
| US08498627B2 |
Intuitive computing methods and systems
The present disclosure relates generally to mobile devices and content recognition. One claim recites a method employing a mobile device having a processor configured to perform one or more acts of the method, the mobile device including at least one sensor. The method includes: obtaining information from the sensor; and selecting a user profile from among a plurality of different user profiles based on the information. Other claims and combinations are provided as well. |
| US08498626B1 |
Service-based access for enterprise private network devices to service provider network services
A system is configured to receive, from an enterprise device, a request to access a network domain, and is configured to determine whether the network domain is associated with a wireless service provider service. Based on determining that the network domain is not associated with the wireless service provider service, the system is configured to route the request to a private network associated with the enterprise device. Based on determining that the network domain is associated with the wireless service provider service, the system is configured to route the request to a domain name system server associated with the wireless service provider, receive a domain name system response to the request, the domain name system response identifying a network address, and route the domain name system response to the enterprise device. |
| US08498621B2 |
Cellular device management
A server device of a communication system provides a web interface to allow a user to modify user interface settings and contact information. The server device communicates the modified settings and contact information to the mobile communication device via a wireless communication network. Accordingly, the user can conveniently configure user interface settings, such as ring tones, alarm settings, or the like, via a web interface, rather than through a cumbersome interface at the mobile communication device. In addition, the user interface settings are communicated to the mobile communication device via the same wireless communication network that carries voice data. Thus, the user interface of the mobile communication device, as well as the stored contact information, can be updated without requiring the user to connect the device to a computer. |
| US08498615B2 |
Self provisioning of wireless terminals in wireless networks
Acquiring telecommunications service is disclosed. A wireless signal is received from a wireless network. A network identification is decoded from the wireless signal. A subscriber identification is selected based at least in part on the decoded network identification, and wireless service is acquired from the wireless network. |
| US08498609B2 |
Radio communication system and method
A mobile station is configured to use, a reception quality of GPS electric wave received by a mobile station, time needed in obtaining GPS location information (or the reception quality of preset television or radio broadcasting) as surrounding environmental information of the mobile station and to control, based on the surrounding environmental information, measurement of a link status (reception quality) and/or reporting of the measurement to a base station. A report from the mobile station is transmitted via the base station and a gateway to a management server which optimizes radio parameter based on the report. |
| US08498608B2 |
Method of network paging user equipment for error recovery in wireless communication system and related communication device
A method of a network paging a user equipment for error recovery in a wireless communication system when a network failure occurs includes the network sending a paging message to the user equipment according to an IMSI or an IMEI of the user equipment registered to the network in the attach procedure before the network failure. When the user equipment does not have the IMSI, the network uses the IMEI of the user equipment for paging the user equipment for error recovery. |
| US08498604B2 |
Double balanced mixer
An improved double balanced mixer is provided which in one embodiment includes a first balun for receiving a first single input and providing a first balanced output having two ports, a second balun for receiving a second single input and providing a second balanced output having two ports, and a balanced mixer core responsive to the first and second balanced outputs to provide a mixed signal from the first and second single inputs. The first balun includes an RC network coupled between at least one of the ports of the first balanced output and one of ground and a common mode node of the first balun to improve the linearity of the double balanced mixer. |
| US08498600B2 |
Automatic gain control system with dual-RSSI interference detection for optimization of sensitivity and adjacent channel rejection performance of RF receivers
A tuner includes a low noise amplifier (LNA), a first received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a mixer, an intermediate frequency (IF) filter, a second RSSI and an adjustment unit. The LNA amplifies a radio frequency (RF) signal. The first RSSI detects received signal strength indication of the RF signal and obtains a first signal strength voltage. The mixer is coupled to the LNA and down-converts the RF signal into a first IF signal according to a local oscillation frequency. The IF filter is coupled to the mixer and filters the first IF signal to obtain a second IF signal. The second RSSI detects received signal strength indication of the second IF signal and obtains a second signal strength voltage. The adjustment unit adjusts a gain of the LNA according to the first signal strength voltage and the second signal strength voltage. |
| US08498598B2 |
RF-demodulator, calibration circuitry and methods for calibrating an RF-demodulator
An RF-demodulator includes an RF-input, a demodulator output, a mixing and amplification stage coupled between the RF-input and the demodulator output, and a calibration circuitry. The calibration circuitry is configured to apply a calibration input signal at the RF-input and sense a resulting calibration output signal at the demodulator output to derive a gain of the mixing and amplification stage based on the relationship between the calibration output signal and the calibration input signal. |
| US08498593B2 |
Switching power supply
A power supply is disclosed herein. For example, the power supply can include a switching device and an aperture generator and control module. The switching device can be configured to down-convert an input voltage and pass the down-converted input voltage to an output voltage node. The aperture generator and control module can be configured to control the switching device. In response to a power efficiency of the power supply exceeding a predetermined threshold, the aperture generator and control module can deactivate the switching device and pass the input voltage to the output voltage node. |
| US08498590B1 |
Signal transmitter linearization
A linearizer for a non-linear transmitter and method include a gain regulator and predistorter adapted to be coupled to a non-linear transmitter in various configurations. Bounding controllers are coupled to the gain regulator and predistorter to maintain normal operation of a transmit path to prevent unstable transmitter operation. |
| US08498589B2 |
Polar modulator with path delay compensation
A modulation system comprising a signal processing unit and a modulator. The signal processing unit may generate a low frequency modulator signal, a high frequency modulator signal, and a modulator amplitude control signal. The modulator may generate a modulated signal for transmission via a wireless network based, at least in part, on the low frequency modulator signal, the high frequency modulator signal, and the modulator amplitude control signal. The signal processing unit comprises a delay compensation unit for delaying the generation of the high frequency modulator signal and the modulator amplitude control signal based, at least in part, on signal generation and modulation path delays associated with the low frequency modulator signal to substantially align the modulator signals at the output of the modulation system. |
| US08498588B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device with reduced microphone noise from radio frequency communications circuitry
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and circuit board in the housing and having radio frequency (RF) circuitry and a power amplifier and microphone mounted thereon. An antenna is carried within the housing and operative with the RF circuitry. An RF shield surrounds and isolates the microphone from the RF circuitry, power amplifier and antenna and shields the microphone from radiated energy generated from the RF circuitry, antenna or power amplifier. |
| US08498585B2 |
Apparatus and method for reducing self-interference in a radio system
Full duplex radio wireless systems and methods and especially transceivers for full duplex radio wireless systems with reduction of self-interference are described. MIMO (=multiple input multiple output several antennas for output and input) is used within one device with multiple antennas to remove self-interference in a proactive way. For example, a transceiver is described having self-interference suppression, comprising, within one transceiver device: two or more transmitters comprising one or more signal generators for transmitting transmit signals having transmit center frequencies in a selected first subchannel; and one or more receivers having receiver inputs for simultaneously receiving a desired receive signal in a second subchannel and an undesired accumulated interference signal due to said transmitted signals; and at least one of said transmitters also comprising a precompensation circuit that modifies the transmit signals such that said accumulated interference signal at the receiver(s) inputs is reduced. |
| US08498584B2 |
Frequency agile duplex filter
Systems and methods are disclosed for an electronically adjustable signal filter system, which comprises, in some embodiments, a first filter coupled to an antenna coupling network and a second filter, a power amplifier coupled to the first filter, an antenna connected to an antenna coupling network, a pilot tone generator coupled to the first filter, and a first signal source connected to the power amplifier and first filter. In some embodiments, the power amplifier amplifies the first signal, the first filter places a notch into the first signal transmitted to the antenna coupling network, the antenna coupling network combines the first signal and a second signal received from the antenna and transmits a third signal to the second filter. |
| US08498576B2 |
Inverse-mode bipolar transistor radio-frequency switches and methods of using same
The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to inverse-mode Radio-Frequency (“RF”) switching circuits and methods of using the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides an inverse-mode RF switching circuit. The inverse-mode RF switching circuit comprises a bipolar transistor, a shunt element, a first RF channel, and a second RF channel. The bipolar transistor comprises a base, a collector, and an emitter, wherein the base and emitter are in electrical communication first via a base-emitter junction and second via an electrical connection element. The shunt element is in electrical communication with the collector. The first RF channel is in electrical communication with the base and emitter. The second RF channel is in electrical communication with the collector and the shunt element. The base-collector junction operates as a switching diode between the first RF channel and the second RF channel. |
| US08498573B2 |
Dynamic changes to a user profile based on external service integration
The different illustrative embodiments provide a method, system, and program product for dynamic changes to a user profile based on external service integration. The method, system and program product comprise establishing a direct two-way communication between a first mobile device and a second mobile device when a first mobile device direct transceiver and a second mobile device direct transceiver are within a range of each other. A number of data is gathered from a number of internal sources or a number of external sources. An analysis of the number of data to determine a modification to a first list stored in the first device is performed. A modified first list is generated based on the analysis. The modified first list is automatically sent from the first mobile device to the number of second devices responsive to establishing the direct two-way communication between the first mobile device and a number of second devices. |
| US08498564B2 |
Fixing roller/fixing belt, and process for manufacturing the same
A fixing roller/fixing belt having an elastic layer and a surface layer formed on a substrate material in the enumerated order, wherein the surface layer is a layer formed by thermally shrinking a PFA tube, and the surface layer and the elastic layer are bonded together through a PFA-containing adhesive material. In particular, a fixing roller/fixing belt in which the ratio of heat shrinkage of the PFA tube forming the surface layer is 3 to 20%. Also, a fixing roller/fixing belt, in which the quantity of PFA contained in the PFA-containing adhesive material is 20 to 30 wt %. |
| US08498562B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus comprising the same
Provided is a fixing device that uses an induction heating method and is capable of shortening a warm-up time period by accelerating the speed of increase in the temperature of a fixing belt. The fixing device forms a fixing nip by having a pressurizing roller pressurize a fixing roller, which is positioned inside a rotation path of a fixing belt having a hollow cylindrical shape, from outside the rotation path via the fixing belt. Given that Db is an inner diameter of the fixing belt, Dr is an outer diameter of the fixing roller, and a rate X is a value obtained by dividing the inner diameter Db of the fixing belt by the outer diameter Dr of the fixing roller, the fixing belt and the fixing roller that satisfy a relationship 0 |
| US08498561B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus incorporating same having a reinforcing member including first and second flanges
A fixing device includes an endless belt, a fuser pad, a pressure member, a tubular belt holder, and a reinforcing member. The endless belt is looped into a generally cylindrical configuration extending in an axial direction. The fuser pad extends in the axial direction inside the loop of endless belt. The pressure member extends in the axial direction with the belt interposed between the fuser pad and the pressure member. The pressure member is pressed against the fuser pad through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The belt holder extends in the axial direction inside the loop of endless belt to retain the belt in shape along an outer circumference thereof. The belt holder accommodates the fuser pad in a longitudinal side slot defined on one side thereof. The reinforcing member is disposed inside the tubular belt holder to reinforce the belt holder around the side slot. |
| US08498560B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus using this fixing device
A fixing device and an image forming apparatus using this, in which even if permanent warping is produced on a roller member that forms a fixing nip portion, no collision sound is produced due to the collision of gears, the fixing device including: two roller members that form a nip portion in which a recording medium is pressed by pressure means and transported; and a drive gear that engages with a shaft portion of one of the two roller members and transmits driving force to that roller member. A key is formed in the drive gear and a key groove having a gap opened therein is formed in the shaft portion, and when a rotation velocity of the roller member increases, transmission of driving force from the drive gear to the shaft portion is suspended and the drive gear slides on the shaft portion. |
| US08498559B2 |
Oil pressurized foam roll
This disclosure relates to a lubricating supply system for a fuser assembly of a printing process having a perforated sleeve, the perforated sleeve supporting a semi-porous foam roll. The perforated sleeve slips around the outer surface of a rotating shaft in order that the lubricant supplied to the hollow of the rotating shaft is diffused through the perforated sleeve and foam roll to lubricate a heated surface of the fuser assembly. A lubricant port connects a source of lubricant to the hollow portion of the rotating shaft. |
| US08498550B2 |
Image forming apparatus with ion generating function
A copier comprises a housing, an image reading section, an image forming section, a paper discharge section, a paper supply section and an ion generating unit. The ion generating unit is disposed below the paper discharge section and above the paper supply section. The ion generating unit includes a duct that defines a path of flow guiding air sucked from outside of the housing to outside of the housing again. |
| US08498548B2 |
Blower and image forming apparatus
A blower includes a fan; and an air duct having a passage formed therein, the air duct guiding the air and blowing the air onto the corona discharger, the air duct including an increasing-width portion in which a passage width gradually increases downstream in an air flow direction, a decreasing-height portion in which a passage height gradually decreases downstream in the air flow direction, an extension portion extending from a downstream end of the decreasing-height portion to a position near the corona discharger, a bent portion that is bent from a downstream end of the extension portion toward the corona discharger, an opening formed at a downstream end of the bent portion, and a plate-shaped member disposed in the passage at a position on an inner wall of any of the decreasing-height portion and the extension portion, the inner wall being on the corona discharger side. |
| US08498546B2 |
Toner supply container and image forming apparatus
A toner supply container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, the toner supply container including a rotatable container body for containing toner; and a sensor, rotatable integrally with the container body, for detecting a remaining toner amount in the container body. |
| US08498543B2 |
Dispersion tolerant optical system and method
An optical communication system and method of use are described. The system comprises an optical source adapted to receive a digitally encoded data signal comprising sequences of data at a data rate (B) and comprising two signal levels representing a first state and a second state of the data signal, the optical source being adapted to produce an optical signal substantially frequency modulated with frequency excursion Δν comprising a first instantaneous frequency (ν0) associated to the first state and a second instantaneous frequency (ν1) associated to the second state; an optical converter adapted to receive the substantially frequency modulated optical signal, the optical converter having an optical transfer function varying with frequency and including at least one pass band, the at least one pass band having a peak transmittance and at least a low-transmittance region. |
| US08498541B2 |
Backdoor diagnostic communication to transceiver module
Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an optical transceiver module having a diagnostic communications link, wherein the link is configured to access diagnostic and other data contained within the transceiver controller via a backdoor interface. Controller data, including operational parameter values and module setup values, is accessible while the transceiver operates in conjunction with an external host and may be retrieved, and sometimes modified, in real time without interrupting normal transceiver operation or suspending the transmission of data over optical fibers. The data is accessed with an external user device via a backdoor interface on the outside of the transceiver module. |
| US08498539B1 |
Dielectric photonic receivers and concentrators for radio frequency and microwave applications
Techniques, devices and systems for using dielectric materials, without metal or electrically conductive materials, to construct photonic RF and microwave receivers and concentrators. |
| US08498538B2 |
Compact monolithic dispersion compensator
An optical signal control system is constructed from a portion of a material and allows for controlled amount of negative dispersion to be generated across a broadband input signal. The block may be made of a single portion of the material and have surfaces with reflective, transmissive, and/or diffractive optical characteristics. By adjusting the physical dimensions of the block substrate and the line pitch of a diffraction grating etched into a surface of the block, the magnitude of the dispersion can be varied. Laser systems that utilize the optical signal control system may have reduced size and weight as compared to existing compressors and be more robust against misalignment. |
| US08498535B2 |
Testing of elements used in communication links
A receiver for a communications link includes a receiver module and a host receiver. These two components can be tested independently. In one embodiment, the receiver module is characterized with respect to noise and distortion. The noise performance can be determined by comparing input and output signals of the receiver module, to determine the relative noise of the receiver module. The distortion performance can be determined by comparing the distortion of input and output signals of the receiver module, using a reference host receiver that includes an equalizer. The host receiver can be tested by using a reference receiver module. |
| US08498534B2 |
Epon with power-saving features
One embodiment provides a system for power saving in an Ethernet Passive Optic Network (EPON). The system includes an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical network unit (ONU), a traffic-detection module configured to detect status of traffic to and from the ONU, and a power-management module configured to place the ONU in sleep mode based on the detected traffic status. The ONU includes an optical transceiver that includes an optical transmitter configured to transmit optical signals to the OLT and an optical receiver configured to receive optical signals from the OLT. |
| US08498532B2 |
Digital camera with projector and digital camera system
A digital camera equipped with a projector, includes a photographing device; a projector device that projects an optical image; a mode switching operation member that outputs a switching operation signal indicating a changeover to one of a photographing operation mode in which image data photographed by the photographing device are saved as a photographic image file in a recording medium and a projection operation mode in which a reproduced image is projected by the projector device; a top surface operation member disposed at an upper surface of a casing; and a projection control device that controls the projector device based upon an operation signal provided by the top surface operation member upon receiving a switching operation signal indicating a changeover to the projection operation mode from the mode switching operation member. |
| US08498527B2 |
Water heating control and storage system
A water heating control and storage system, including an insulated tank for containing water to be heated. The tank has at least two heating elements, including an upper heating element and a lower heating element. An operation control device receives a demand response signal and enables each element to independently heat water for usage. A method for controlling a water heating storage system includes providing an insulated tank for containing water to be heated; providing an upper heating element with a thermostat and thermal limiting device and a lower heating element with a thermostat and thermal limiting device to heat upper and lower portions of water inside the tank; and providing a pair of switches for enabling each of the heating elements to independently heat upper and lower portions of the water for usage. |
| US08498522B2 |
Multimedia data recording/playing device and driving method thereof
A multimedia data recording and playing device and a method of driving the same are provided. The multimedia data recording and playing device includes a PVR processor for controlling to store received multimedia data in an activation mode where a time shift function can be performed, a storage for storing the received multimedia data under a control of the PVR processor, and a time shift function switcher for switching from the activation mode into a deactivation mode where the time shift function cannot be performed after determining whether the time shift function is performed or not. |
| US08498521B2 |
Video reproduction method and video reproduction device
Provided is a video reproduction method with a less difference between a target speed and an actual speed, when fast forward reproduction or fast rewind reproduction is performed on reproduction units consisting of a plurality of connected video units. When the video units are switched, in fast forward reproduction, as an elapsed jump time duration, a difference between a reproduction time of a last displayed picture in a source video unit and an end time of the source video unit is calculated (S104), then, as a remaining jump time duration, a value is calculated by subtracting the calculated elapsed jump time duration from the jump time duration corresponding to the designated speed (S105), then, as a reproduction start time, a time is calculated by adding the calculated remaining time duration to a start time of a destination video unit (S106), and the video is reproduced from the reproduction start time. |
| US08498518B2 |
Recording/reproducing device
A recording and playback apparatus capable of recording and playing back a content downloaded from a server, includes a recording unit configured to download the content with a playback time limit, stored in a server and record the content to a recording medium, an instruction receiver configured to receive an instruction for starting playback of the content, a playback unit configured to play back the content recorded in the recording medium in accordance with the instruction received by the instruction receiver, and a warning output unit configured to output warning information related to the playback time limit of the content before the playback unit stars playback of the content, when the instruction receiver receives the instruction for starting playback of the content during download of the content. |
| US08498517B2 |
Method and system of implementing multimedia recording and media resource handling device
A method of implementing multimedia recording, comprises the following steps of: (1) establishing a multimedia channel between a media resource handling device and a recording data source; (2) a media resource controller including media controlling parameters, and indicating the media resource handling device to start a multimedia recording operation via said multimedia channel; (3) depending on the parameters indicated by the media resource controlling device, the media resource handling device saving the received media data as a multimedia data file according to a format indicated by the parameters. A system of implementing multimedia recording and media resource handling device. Using this method, system and the media resource handling device of present invention can make the media resource controller indicate the media resource handling device to implement the multimedia recording operation. |
| US08498516B2 |
Personal video recorder and control method thereof for combining first and second video streams
The present invention provides a PVR system and control method thereof, by which a user is facilitated to synthesize and combine a multitude of videos or broadcast programs. The present invention includes a decoder selecting at least one of a plurality of reception video streams to decode the selected video stream, a PVR engine reading a first index file including video features and addresses of previously stored video streams, the PVR engine generating a second index file including video features and addresses of the selected video stream, the PVR engine links the first and second index files to each other to combine the previously stored video stream and the selected video stream, and a storage means for storing the video streams and the index files corresponding to the video streams. |
| US08498515B2 |
Recording medium and recording and reproducing method and apparatuses
In one embodiment, the method includes receiving at least one text subtitle stream from an external source. Each text subtitle stream includes text data to be displayed within a region of a display screen, first information specifying a global style of the region, and second information specifying a local style for a portion of the text data. The text subtitle stream is decoded using the first information and the second information. |
| US08498514B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information managing method and medium
This invention relate to an information processing apparatus comprising first recording means for recording one moving picture in at least one recording increment; second recording means for recording a still picture corresponding to the moving picture in keeping with the recording increment of the moving picture; and third recording means for recording information about the moving picture being recorded by the first recording means. |
| US08498512B2 |
Controlling beam intensity in an ophthalmic fiber optic illumination system using rotatable plate arrays
An ophthalmic illumination system includes a collimated light beam focused onto an optical fiber for transmission of the light beam to an ophthalmic light probe. A light attenuator includes a pair of arrays positioned serially in a path for the collimated beam. The arrays are movable in parallel in the path about a rotational axis orthogonal to the path and between the arrays. Each array includes a plurality of regularly spaced-apart parallel plates, the parallel plates of one array being non-parallel to the plates of the other array. |
| US08498503B2 |
Integrated optical coupler
An integrated optical coupler including in the medium separating a first integrated waveguide from a second substantially parallel integrated waveguide, a succession of strips parallel to one another and orthogonal to the general direction of the waveguides, said strips being made of a material having an absorption preventing the propagation of an electromagnetic wave across its volume, and having: a length H equal to kλ/2nmedium, where k is an integer, λ is the central wavelength used, and nmedium is the optical index of the medium between the waveguides; a period P smaller than λ/2nmedium; and ends at a distance shorter than λ/10 from the waveguides. |
| US08498502B2 |
Device for phase modulation
A phase modulator may include a middle layer having a first refractive index, a first surrounding layer of material in contact with the middle layer and having a second refractive index, a second surrounding layer of material in contact with the middle layer and may having a third refractive index, a first electrode in electrical contact with the first surrounding layer, and a second electrode may be in electrical contact with the second surrounding layer. When no voltage is applied across the first electrode and the second electrode, the first refractive index may be greater than the second refractive index and the third refractive index. When a voltage is applied across the first electrode and the second electrode, the first refractive index may be less than the second refractive index within a portion of the phase modulator substantially within an electric field induced by such voltage. |
| US08498501B2 |
Semiconductor optical modulator and semiconductor mach-zehnder optical modulator
Provided are a semiconductor optical modulator and a semiconductor Mach-Zehnder optical modulator of high efficiency and high reliability.The semiconductor optical modulator 10 of the present invention includes a substrate 11; a first n-type cladding layer 12; a semiconductor optical modulation layer 13; a p-type cladding layer 14; a second n-type cladding layer 15; a passivation film 19; and an electric field-relaxing layer 16, wherein the first n-type cladding layer 12, the semiconductor optical modulation layer 13, the p-type cladding layer 14, and the second n-type cladding layer 15 are laminated on the substrate 11 in this order to form a waveguide structure, the passivation film 19 is arranged at the side surfaces of the waveguide structure, the electric field-relaxing layer 16 is interposed between the p-type cladding layer 14 and the second n-type cladding layer 15, and an impurity concentration of the electric field-relaxing layer 16 is lower than that of the p-type cladding layer 14 and that of the second n-type cladding layer 15. |
| US08498492B2 |
Methods of analyzing a selected region of interest in medical image data
In methods and an apparatus for analyzing a selected region of interest in medical image data of a subject, an initial image data set is obtained, and the initial image data set is filtered to generate a filtered data set. The filtering includes computing, for each voxel of the initial image data set, a value of intensity for a standardized volume of interest centered on that voxel. A user selection of a region of interest in the initial image data set is registered, and from the filtered image data set a value of intensity for the selected region of interest is computed. |
| US08498489B2 |
Image inspection apparatus
The present invention provides a unified template matching technique which allows an adequate matching position to be provided even in an image with a distorted pattern shape and a variation in edge intensity. A correlation value contribution rate map is created for the vicinity of each of top candidate positions obtained by applying a centroid distance filter to a normalized correlation map resulting from template matching. A corrected intensity image is created from the correlation value contribution rate maps. Luminance correction is performed based on the corrected intensity image. Local matching is performed again on the vicinity of each candidate position. The candidates are then re-sorted based on candidate positions and correlation values newly obtained. Thus, even in an image with a distorted pattern shape and a variation in edge intensity, an adequate matching position can be provided in a unified manner. |
| US08498486B2 |
Response to detection of blur in an image
A system and method to respond to detection of blurry regions of interest in an image are disclosed. One embodiment includes a region locator to locate one or more regions of interest in an image captured by a digital image capturing device. The embodiment also includes a blurry region detector for detecting whether a region of interest is blurry. A blurry region indicator indicates to a user when a blurry region has been detected. When a blurry region is detected, a display interface provides an enlarged image of the detected blurry region. Some embodiments provide recommendations on how to capture the scene again with improved results. |
| US08498483B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer readable medium
Provided is an image processing apparatus, including a characteristic region detecting section that detects a characteristic region from an input image; an image generating section that generates, from the input image, a low-quality image, which is of lower quality than the input image, and a characteristic region image, which is of higher quality than the low-quality image at least at the characteristic region; a difference processing section that generates a characteristic region difference image indicating a difference between an image of the characteristic region in the characteristic region image and an image of the characteristic region in the low-quality image; and an encoding section that encodes the characteristic region difference image and the low-quality image. |
| US08498472B2 |
Image-based localization feature point registration apparatus, method and computer-readable medium
An image-based localization feature point registration apparatus includes a camera to capture an image, a feature point extractor to extract a feature point from the captured image, a calculator to calculate depth information about the feature point according to whether the feature point is one of two-dimensional (2D) and a three-dimensional (3D) corner, and a feature point register to register 3D coordinates of the feature point based on the depth information about the feature point and image coordinates of the feature point. |
| US08498469B2 |
Full-field mask error enhancement function
A technique for determining a full-field Mask Error Enhancement Function (MEEF) associated with a mask pattern for use in a photo-lithographic process is described. In this technique, simulated wafer patterns corresponding to the mask pattern are generated at an image plane in an optical path associated with the photo-lithographic process. Then, the full-field MEEF is determined. This full-field MEEF includes MEEF values in multiple directions at positions along one or more contours that define boundaries of one or more features in the one or more simulated wafer patterns. Moreover, at least one of the MEEF values is at a position on a contour where a critical dimension for a feature associated with the contour is undefined. |
| US08498468B1 |
Mask inspection
A method of inspecting a mask, where a structure on the mask is optically imaged at a resolution specified by a criteria set including at least one of a method by which the structure was formed, a tolerance, and a structure type, to produce an optical image. The optical image is compared to a baseline image, and the differences between the optical image and the baseline image are identified. The differences are compared to a threshold value, and any differences that exceed the threshold value are flagged as defects. |
| US08498466B2 |
Method of evaluation by comparison of an acquired image with a reference image
A method for evaluating the surfaces of a tire, said surfaces being molded with rigid elements, wherein a collection of N images of a given zone of the tire is constituted based on the images originating from one or more tires, each of the images of the collection being constituted by the values of physical magnitudes measured by a sensor sensitive to the reflection of the light at each of the points with coordinates i, j of said surface, and then the images of said collection are made to correspond by superposition, and the image of the zone of a tire from said collection to be evaluated is compared with a reference image. The value of the physical magnitudes of the reference image is calculated based on the value of each of these physical magnitudes measured on the N images of said collection. |
| US08498462B2 |
Image processing apparatus and program
An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores volume data associated with an area including a contrast-enhanced artery as an examination target, a first calculation unit which calculates a plurality of partial atherosclerotic indexes associated with a plurality of portions of the artery on the basis of morphological information associated with the artery which is obtained from the volume data, a second calculation unit which calculates a whole atherosclerotic index associated with the entire artery including the plurality of portions on the basis of the morphological information associated with the artery, and a display unit which displays evaluation information based on the calculated whole atherosclerotic index. |
| US08498458B2 |
Fingerprint liveness analysis
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for fingerprint liveness detection. In one embodiment, a method for determining fingerprint liveness is provided that comprises receiving a plurality of image analysis data of a fingerprint image; condensing the plurality of image analysis data; and determining liveness of the fingerprint image based upon the condensed data. |
| US08498456B2 |
Method and system for applying cosmetic and/or accessorial enhancements to digital images
A method for a creating a virtual makeover includes inputting an initial digital Image into and initiating a virtual makeover at a local processor. Instructions are transmitted from the main server to the local processor. Positions of facial features are isolated within the digital image at the local processor. Facial regions within the digital image are defined based on the positions of the facial features at the local processor. After receiving input, cosmetic enhancements or the accessorial enhancement are applied to the digital image at the local processor. A final digital image is generated including the enhancements. The final digital image is then displayed. At least the defining, applying, and generating steps include instructions written in a non-flash format for execution in a flash-based wrapper. |
| US08498450B2 |
Image discriminating method and image processing apparatus
Scenes can be discriminated automatically and optimum prints corresponding to the scenes can be obtained.A face of person is detected from an inputted image and it is determined whether or not a person is on the scene of the inputted image. If it is determined that a person is not on the scene of the inputted image, then it is determined that the inputted image is a landscape image. If it is determined that a person is on the scene of the inputted image, then the face area is calculated and the number of people is counted. If the face area is more than a predetermined ratio of the screen and the number of people is not less than a predetermined number of people, then it is determined that the inputted image is a snapshot of people image. If the face area is more than the predetermined ratio of the screen and the number of people is less than the predetermined number of people, then it is determined that the inputted image is a portrait image. |
| US08498447B2 |
Method of evaluating the horizontal speed of a drone, in particular a drone capable of performing hovering flight under autopilot
The method operates by estimating the differential movement of the scene picked up by a vertically-oriented camera. Estimation includes periodically and continuously updating a multiresolution representation of the pyramid of images type modeling a given picked-up image of the scene at different, successively-decreasing resolutions. For each new picked-up image, an iterative algorithm of the optical flow type is applied to said representation. The method also provides responding to the data produced by the optical-flow algorithm to obtain at least one texturing parameter representative of the level of microcontrasts in the picked-up scene and obtaining an approximation of the speed, to which parameters a battery of predetermined criteria are subsequently applied. If the battery of criteria is satisfied, then the system switches from the optical-flow algorithm to an algorithm of the corner detector type. |
| US08498446B2 |
Method of improving orientation and color balance of digital images using face detection information
A method of generating one or more new spatial and chromatic variation digital images uses an original digitally-acquired image which including a face or portions of a face. A group of pixels that correspond to a face within the original digitally-acquired image is identified. A portion of the original image is selected to include the group of pixels. Values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion are automatically generated, or an option to generate them is provided, in a manner which always includes the face within the one or more new images. Such method may be implemented to automatically establish the correct orientation and color balance of an image. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images. |
| US08498444B2 |
Blob representation in video processing
A method of processing a video sequence is provided that includes receiving a frame of the video sequence, identifying a plurality of blobs in the frame, computing at least one interior point of each blob of the plurality of blobs, and using the interior points in further processing of the video sequence. The interior points may be used, for example, in object tracking. |
| US08498440B2 |
Eartip with tether
An eartip made of a resilient body with an eartip core inside the open center of the body, and a tether attached to the eartip core at an attachment region along the length of the core. A free end of the tether extends outward from the eartip, allowing a wearer to remove the eartip from their ear by pulling on the tether. |
| US08498438B2 |
Condenser microphone
There is provided a gooseneck condenser microphone that is further strengthened the shield structure of a support pipe and is less prone to causing a trouble. This condenser microphone has a support pipe 30 for supporting a condenser microphone unit 10 and an output module part 20, a microphone cable 40 in which a shielding wire 44 is exposed is inserted in the support pipe 30, and a conductive sealant agent 50 is filled in a void between the microphone cable 40 and the support pipe 30. |
| US08498435B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and signal processing method
A signal processing apparatus and signal processing method capable of correctly detecting that a conversation is established even in a daily environment are provided. In signal processing apparatus (100), excitation separation section (130) separates a mixed sound signal in which a plurality of excitations are mixed into the respective excitations. Speech detection section (140) performs speech detection on the plurality of separated excitation signals, judges whether or not the plurality of excitation signals are speech and generates speech section information indicating speech/non-speech information for each excitation signal. Identification parameter extraction section (150) extracts an identification parameter indicating a feature value of a daily conversation based on a plurality of excitation signals or speech section information. Conversation establishment degree calculation section (160) calculates and outputs a degree of establishment of a conversation based on the extracted identification parameter. Conversation partner identifying section (170) judges which excitation is a conversation partner using the degree of establishment of a conversation. |
| US08498432B2 |
Digital mixer and method of controlling the same
A digital mixer is configured to store, in response to a store operation by a user, values of parameters for one input channel stored in a current memory together with the bus type of each mixing bus at the time of the store into a library as one preset, and to recall, when recalling the values of the parameters in the stored one preset into the current memory in response to a recall operation by the user, the values of the parameters in the preset after converted into parameters corresponding to the bus type at the time of the recall regarding a part of the buses whose bus type stored does not coincide with the bus type at the time of the recall. |
| US08498431B2 |
Capacitor microphone
A capacitor microphone includes: a capacitor microphone unit including a diaphragm that vibrates upon receiving sound waves and a fixed electrode arranged opposite to the diaphragm with a space therebetween; and a polarization voltage generating circuit that generates polarization voltage to be applied across the diaphragm and the fixed electrode. The polarization voltage generating circuit includes an oscillating circuit that alternately turns on and off DC power, coils to boost the voltage of the power alternately turned on and off, and a DC boosting circuit including a rectifying circuit that rectifies the boosted voltage. The coils are formed of two inductors that are electromagnetically coupled and are provided with an electromagnetic coupling adjusting unit with which the level of electromagnetic coupling between the two inductors is adjusted to adjust the polarization voltage. |
| US08498429B2 |
Acoustic correction apparatus, audio output apparatus, and acoustic correction method
According to one embodiment, an acoustic correction apparatus includes an input module, a calculator, a divider, a converter, an extractor, a synthesizer, and a generator. The input module receives an audio signal propagated through a sound field. The calculator calculates an impulse response from the audio signal. The divider divides the impulse response into first and second impulse responses. The converter converts the first and second impulse responses into first and second frequency spectrums. The extractor specifies an amplitude component of the first frequency spectrum with a peak relatively higher than that of the amplitude component of the first frequency spectrum, and extracts the peak as a resonance component. The synthesizer synthesizes a first property and a second property for attenuating the resonance component. The generator generates a correction filter for performing correction to obtain the synthesized property. |
| US08498428B2 |
Fully integrated small stereo headset having in-ear ear buds and wireless connectability to audio source
A compact, wearable wireless headset for stereo audio reproduction contains first and second ear pieces. The ear pieces each contain a battery and a speaker, and are connected by connecting means. The first ear piece receives audio information via a short range radio, and communicates left channel audio information to the second ear piece by various means, including wirelessly, by wire, and via optical communication. In some embodiments, the battery in the second ear piece supplies power to circuitry located in the first ear piece. |
| US08498425B2 |
Wearable headset with self-contained vocal feedback and vocal command
A headset includes a wearable body, first and second earphones extending from the wearable body, controls for controlling an external communication/multimedia device wirelessly, a microphone for picking up vocal data from a user of the headset system and a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit includes circuitry for processing the vocal data into a distinctly audible vocal feedback signal, circuitry for enhancing the vocal feedback signal thereby producing an enhanced vocal feedback signal and circuitry for mixing the enhanced vocal feedback signal with audio signals originating from the external communication/multimedia device, thereby producing a mixed output signal and then sending the mixed output signal to the user via the earphones. The external communication/multimedia device comprises a vocal command application and the headset further comprises a vocal command control for sending vocal commands to the external communication/multimedia device and to the vocal command application. |
| US08498423B2 |
Device for and a method of processing audio signals
A method is provided which is suitable to cope with non-linear echo paths during acoustic echo cancellation in speakerphones. Non-linear paths occur particularly in hands-free operation of, e.g., a mobile phone, due to driving the amplifier and loudspeaker in the non-linear range. The idea is to combine the commonly known one microphone approach of linear acoustic echo cancellation using an adaptive filter and a post-processor together with a multiple microphone approach using beam forming which separately removes the non-linear part of the echo. |
| US08498420B2 |
Symmetric key distribution framework for the internet
A method, device, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes receiving measured health information from a client on a key distribution server. Once the measured health information is received the server is capable of validating the measured health information to see if it is authentic. The server is also capable of sending a session key to the client when the measured health information is validated. When the client receives the session key, the client is capable of initiating an encrypted and authenticated connection with an application server in the domain using the session key. |
| US08498419B2 |
Wireless perimeter security device and network using same
A Radio Frequency based security system for providing security for wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) that allows the creation and maintenance of arbitrarily shaped secure wireless access areas with boundaries around said wireless Local Area Network and prevents access to the said wireless LAN from outside the perimeter of the secure area. The system includes a plurality of perimeter Radio Frequency Sentry Devices (RFSDs) that are employed to establish the boundaries of said secure area around said wireless LAN. The wireless LAN being secured may be an industry standard IEEE 802.11a, 801.11b or 802.11g based wireless LAN or any other wireless LAN that uses packet based communication protocols. The said RFSDs may be stand-alone devices or they may be connected to a wired or wireless Local Area Network. |
| US08498417B1 |
Automation of coordination of encryption keys in a SAN based environment where an encryption engine, device management, and key management are not co-located
A key management server in a storage area network (SAN) provides encryption keys for source and destination storage objects and also associates destination storage objects with source storage objects. When a source object is to be replicated, a replication facility in a storage system of a new destination object requests the key management server to associate the destination object with the source object and assign the data encryption key of the source object or a new data encryption key to the destination object. For recovery of the source object, a replication facility in the storage system of the source object obtains information from the key management server about the replica associated with the source object for replicating data from the destination object back to the source object. |
| US08498401B2 |
Mobile-to-mobile call determination
Methods and systems for determining call types are described herein. An intelligent node is configured to determine whether a call is a mobile-to-mobile call between subscribers of a telecommunication service provider based on a response to a request from the intelligent node. The intelligent node may further be configured to send a state request to an interconnecting network of the telecommunication service provider. A node of the interconnecting network determines whether a serving subscriber identifier is included in a routing database of that node. If the identifier is not included, the node responds with an error message. If the identifier is included, the node communicates with a relay function and responds to the request with a state received from the relay function. The intelligent node may also be configured to send an ENUM query and receive an identifier of the telecommunication service provider associated with the serving subscriber. |
| US08498400B2 |
Method and system for implementing number portability service
A method for implementing a number portability (NP) service includes: by a local NP database, receiving a called user number from a switching device; determining an NP database storing NP data of the callee according to a preset correspondence between the called number and identifiers (IDs) of NP databases storing the NP data of the callee; and obtaining the NP data of the callee from the determined NP database and returning the obtained NP data to the switching device so that the switching device routes a call to the callee according to the returned NP data. In addition, a system for implementing an NP service is provided, including an NP database and a switching device. Two types of NP databases are also provided. With the present invention, each NP database only needs to store partial NP data, which lessens the load of each NP database in storing and updating NP data. |
| US08498399B2 |
System and method for providing enhanced answering services in a time-sensitive manner
A computing system of an answering service answers an incoming call from a calling party on behalf of a called party, and allows an agent to converse with the calling party. Contact with the called party is established while the incoming call from the calling party is still in progress, and a signal is received from the called party for the called party to monitor the incoming call without joining in. Upon detecting a disconnection of the monitored incoming call between the agent and the calling party, the called party is notified that the incoming call has ended and the agent and the called party are allowed to converse with each other over the called party call regarding the incoming call from the calling party. |
| US08498393B2 |
Method for provisioning a terminal device in a multi-user setting
A method for provisioning a terminal device in a multi-user setting is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a terminal device having a provisioning element that selectively establishes a telephony usage profile for each of a plurality of users sharing the terminal device. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08498390B2 |
Presence based DTMF signaling enablement of voice communication controller and method
A voice communication controller (e.g., private branch exchange (PBX)) is described herein which can automatically enable an outbound dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) feature for one of it's extensions that is attached to a phone which belongs to a user while that user is or is likely to be participating in a session with an external DTMF communication system (e.g., a conference/collaboration bridge, an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or a voice mail system). This is desirable because if the user presses button(s) on their phone then the voice communication controller which has enabled the outbound DTMF feature will not attempt to process the corresponding DTMF digit(s) but instead will automatically transfer the corresponding DTMF signal(s) to the external DTMF communication system. |
| US08498389B2 |
Facilitation of a conference call
There is provided a system for facilitating a conference call. The system includes a module to generate a real-time voiceprint from a voice input of a participant in the conference call, and a module to provide information indicative of the participant based on the real-time voiceprint. |
| US08498381B2 |
Polymer layer on X-ray window
An x-ray window comprising a plurality of thin film layers stacked together, including a thin film layer and a polymer layer. The thin film layer can be diamond, graphene, diamond-like carbon, beryllium, and combinations thereof. The polymer layer can be a polyimide. A boron hydride layer may also be included. |
| US08498379B2 |
Electron emitter and method of making same
One example embodiment includes methods for making electron emitters. The electron emitter comprises a conductive member that defines a plurality of filament segments that are integral with each other. Each filament segment includes an intermediate portion and an interconnecting portion attached to an adjacent filament segment. The intermediate portions are substantially coplanar with each other and each intermediate portion includes a substantially planar electron emission surface. |
| US08498378B2 |
Method to control the emission of a beam of electrons in a cathode, corresponding cathode, tube and imaging system
A method for controlling emission of a beam of electrons in an X-ray imaging tube. The X-ray imaging tube has an anode and a cathode. The method comprises a step in which at least one emission device included in the cathode emits an accelerated incident beam of electrons onto an impact focal spot on the anode to generate X-rays. An emission device is associated firstly with an assembly of polarizing plates and secondly with a focusing cup. An electric generator simultaneously applies a beam focusing voltage to the assembly and/or to the cup to control a characteristic dimension of the focal spot, and a cut-off voltage to the cup to control the emission of the beam by the device. The invention also concerns a corresponding cathode, tube and imaging system. |
| US08498373B2 |
Generating a regularly synchronised count value
A count value generator includes an input for receiving a synchronizing count value, a counter configured to increment at a local frequency, the local frequency being faster than the synchronizing frequency, and an interpolator for determining a frequency ratio between the local frequency and the synchronizing frequency and for determining an increment value for the counter dependent on a relative amount of a maximum value of the counter with respect to the frequency ratio is disclosed. The counter generates a count value including a predetermined number of bits representing integer values and output as the lower order bits of the output count value and additional lower order bits that represent fractional portions of the integer values. The counter includes output circuitry for outputting the synchronizing count value and the predetermined number of bits representing integer values generated by the counter as the lower order bits of the count value. |
| US08498371B2 |
Head-end process for the reprocessing of reactor core material
In a head-end process for the reprocessing of reactor core material with embedded fuel particles, reactor core material is arranged in a reactor containing a fluid. The reactor comprises a voltage discharge installation in the fluid. Voltage discharges are applied through the fluid for fragmenting the fuel particles into fragmentation products and the fragmentation products are segregated. |
| US08498370B2 |
Method and apparatus for deskewing data transmissions
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for addressing the issue of clock skew in a data signal while making efficient use of space on an integrated chip (IC) by utilizing a physical delay line controlled by a state machine in conjunction with pre-requisite chip architecture. The pre-requisite chip architecture samples the incoming data signal in response to a clocking signal input from the physical delay line; the physical delay line responds to commands from the state machine to increment the delay of the physical delay line to produce samples which describe the incoming data signal and delineate its data valid window. |
| US08498350B2 |
Communication system incorporating physical layer waveform structure
A wireless radio transceiver system configured to transmit and receive a communications signal waveform having a time division multiple access physical layer structure and which includes a sequence of orthogonal frequency division multiple access symbols. The transceiver provides transmit diversity through space-time coding and the use of orthogonal channel probes from each transmitter. The waveform is packet based and contains a packet header definition that supports local receiver synchronization. Examples of the waveform also incorporate transmission security features. |
| US08498347B2 |
Transmission apparatus and reception apparatus
A transmission apparatus used in a mobile communication system adopting a single carrier scheme in an uplink includes: multiplexing means configured to multiplex a pilot channel, a control channel, and a data channel; and transmission means configured to transmit a transmission symbol including at least the pilot channel and the control channel using the uplink. A first pilot channel used for a reception apparatus to measure channel state of the uplink is transmitted using a frequency band over a plurality of resource blocks. A second pilot channel for compensating for a channel transmitted by the uplink is transmitted by a resource block assigned to the transmission apparatus. Control channels of the transmission apparatus and the apparatus other than the transmission apparatus are orthogonalized with each other by a FDM scheme. |
| US08498345B2 |
Method for transmitting control information, and method for generating codeword for the same
A method for transmitting downlink control information and a method for generating a codeword for the same are disclosed. In generating a long code having a low code rate, a basic code of which minimum distance between codes is maximized is repeated by a prescribed number of times and bits of the repeated code are adjusted. Therefore, a minimum distance condition between codes of a long code is satisfied and simultaneously the code can be simply generated. Furthermore, control information can be transmitted with a low error rate by using the generated code. |
| US08498344B2 |
Frequency responsive bus coding
A data system 102 permits bus encoding based on frequency of the bus; an encoding scheme may be implemented to avoid undesirable frequency conditions such as a resonant condition that may lead to degradation in system performance. The device or integrated circuit will typically include an encoder; in one embodiment, the encoder is a data bus inversion (DBI) circuit that selectively inverts all lines of a data bus. A detector that may include a band-pass or stop-band filter that, for example, evaluates data for transmission on the bus to detect frequency, for example, a predetermined frequency or a frequency range. The detector provides a control signal for the encoder to selectively apply an encoding scheme as a function of frequency. |
| US08498342B1 |
Deblocking filtering
This disclosure describes tools capable of generating messages for use in deblocking filtering a video stream, the messages based on prediction parameters extracted from the video stream. |
| US08498339B2 |
Video processing apparatus and related method to determine motion vector
The invention provides a video processing method, which includes: performing motion estimation upon the target image block and a plurality of reference image blocks to calculate a plurality of block matching differences; determining a minimum block matching difference from the plurality of the block matching differences; comparing the minimum block matching difference with at least one of the reference block matching differences to obtain at least a comparison result; and according to the at least a comparison result, selectively determining a target motion vector of the target image block referred to a motion vector of at least a neighboring image block of the target image block or a motion vector corresponding to the minimum block matching difference. |
| US08498336B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive weight selection for motion compensated prediction
There are provided a method and apparatus for adaptive weight selection for motion compensated prediction. The apparatus includes an encoder for encoding a picture by deriving a set of weighting parameters, selecting at least one weighting parameter in the set based upon a selection criteria, and applying the selected at least one weighting parameter to a reference picture used to encode the picture. |
| US08498335B2 |
Adaptive deadzone size adjustment in quantization
Techniques and tools are described for adaptive deadzone (“DZ”) resizing during quantization. For example, in some embodiments, for quantization of an AC frequency coefficient of a block, a video encoder adjusts DZ size of a selected quantizer depending on the texture of the block. In other embodiments, a video encoder adjusts DZ size depending on the frequency of a coefficient being quantized. In still other embodiments, for quantization of an AC frequency coefficient of a block, a video encoder adjusts DZ size depending on the texture of the block and the frequency of the coefficient being quantized. |
| US08498331B2 |
Motion picture receiving device, motion picture transmitting device, motion picture decoding method, and motion picture encoding method
The present invention provides a motion picture receiving device, comprising: image data receiving means for receiving encoded image data; decoding means for decoding the image data received by the image data receiving means; output means for outputting the image data decoded by the decoding means; and control means for determining an encoding condition of image data by communicating with a motion picture transmitting device which transmits the image data, and for controlling the decoding means to enable decoding of the image data encoded in accordance with the encoding condition; wherein, when the number of motion picture transmitting devices changes, the control means determines the encoding condition on the basis of the changed number of the motion picture transmitting devices. |
| US08498329B2 |
MMSE equaliser
A MMSE equaliser taking into account delays in the reception of signals from plural users. Time delays in reception of signals from plural users may be known or can be measured or estimated and can be used to for the basis for the operation of the equaliser. A low computational complexity version of the equaliser and a regularized equalizer with further reduced complexity for asynchronous reception are also disclosed. |
| US08498325B2 |
Differentiated linear equalization at communication base stations
The teachings presented herein improve the processing of individual signals of interest included in a received composite signal by computing combining weights and/or signal quality estimates for each signal of interest, e.g., for linear equalization, based on either shared or non-shared correlation estimates. As a non-limiting advantage, the use of shared correlation estimates reduces computational loading as compared to the processing load that would be needed for computing non-shared correlation estimates for all signals of interest. As a further non-limiting advantage, the conditional use of shared and non-shared correlation estimates provides for the use of non-shared correlation estimates where signal characteristic(s) of one or more of the signals of interest warrant such usage, e.g., for one or more high-rate signals of interest. |
| US08498324B2 |
Method and system for interference suppression between multipath signals utilizing a programmable interface suppression module
Aspects of a method and system for interference suppression between multipath signals utilizing a programmable interface suppression module may include one or more processors and/or circuits that are operable to program an interference suppression module based on one or more interference cancellation parameters. A plurality of weighting factor values may be determined based on the one or more interference suppression parameters and a received plurality of multipath signals. A plurality of estimated signals may be generated based on the plurality of weighting factor values. A plurality of updated estimated signals may be generated based on the plurality of estimated signals. A plurality of interference suppressed signals may be generated based on the plurality of updated estimated signals and/or a plurality of updated residual signals. |
| US08498319B2 |
Surface emitting laser device, surface emitting laser array, optical scanning device, image forming apparatus, and manufacturing method of surface emitting laser device
A disclosed surface emitting laser device includes a light emitting section having a mesa structure where a lower reflection mirror, an oscillation structure, and an upper reflection mirror are laminated on a substrate, the oscillation structure including an active layer, the upper reflection mirror including a current confined structure where an oxide surrounds a current passage region, a first dielectric film that coats the entire surface of an emitting region of the light emitting section, the transparent dielectric including a part where the refractive index is relatively high and a part where the refractive index is relatively low, and a second dielectric film that coats a peripheral part on the upper surface of the mesa structure. Further, the dielectric film includes a lower dielectric film and an upper dielectric film, and the lower dielectric film is coated with the upper dielectric film. |
| US08498318B2 |
Light emitting system according to a polariton mode with electrical injection of quantum wells
A light (2) emitting system (1) includes an optical cavity (10) having at least one optical mode and including at least one transmissive reflector (12), a first set (20) of quantum wells (21, 22) and elements (31, 32, 33) of electrical injection of the quantum wells of the first set. The quantum wells of the first set are arranged so that at least one of their electronic resonances is a strong coupling regime with an optical mode of the optical cavity and emits a light according to a mixed exciton-polariton mode. The optical cavity further includes a second set (40) of quantum wells (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) arranged outside of the direct range of the elements of electrical injection and arranged in relation to the quantum wells of the first set so that at least one of their electronic resonances is in a strong coupling regime with the mixed exciton-polariton mode of the optical cavity. |
| US08498313B2 |
Fast uplink data transmission using E-DCH enhanced random access without a UE specific E-RNTI
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate communicating user plane data over common control resources by specifying a user equipment (UE) radio network temporary identifier (U-RNTI). In this regard, a Node B or radio network controller (RNC) receiving the user plane data can associate the data to the UE based on the U-RNTI. The user plane data can be transmitted in a control message with the associated U-RNTI, such as a CELL UPDATE message or another message having the U-RNTI specified in a media access control (MAC)-i header or other header in the message. The control message can also include parameters regarding the existence and specifications of the user plane data. The UE can thereby communicate the user plane data while in a universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) registration area paging channel (URA_PCH) or other relatively inactive state despite not having received an enhanced radio network temporary identifier (E-RNTI). |
| US08498309B2 |
Data transport module
A data transport module includes a connector to be received and coupled to a backplane within a modular platform. The data transport module also includes another connector to be received and coupled in a slot resident on a board such that the data transport module is coplanar to the board when received and coupled in the slot. The data transport module further includes one or more data transport interfaces to forward data between the board and the backplane via the connectors. |
| US08498307B2 |
Channel allocation in protected service areas
In described embodiments, a channel allocation system, such as a white space (WS) channel allocation system, employs a method to populate a WS database with channel availability information for areas with protected or otherwise registered service user information server. Communication characteristics of incumbent service providers licensed or otherwise registered to operate within certain frequency spectrum are plotted over a geographic area. The channel allocation system then divides the area into tiles, and determines whether each tile can be characterized for channel availability and, for those tiles that are uncharacterized, further divides the tiles into tiles of finer resolution. Based on information in the WS database, availability of channels in areas is pre-computed, and then an iterative search of areas with successively finer resolution identifies white space channels that might be included in the channel list in response to a query from a unlicensed or unregistered user. |
| US08498305B1 |
Packet aggregation
An apparatus including an input circuit, a control circuit, a queue, an aggregation circuit, and an output circuit. The input circuit is configured to receive packets. The control circuit is configured to enable aggregation when a rate at which the input circuit receives the packets is greater than a predetermined rate. The queue is configured to store the packets from the input circuit when aggregation is enabled. The aggregation circuit is configured to generate aggregate packets when aggregation is enabled. The aggregation circuit is configured to generate each of the aggregate packets by aggregating at least one of the packets stored in the queue. The output circuit is configured to receive (i) the aggregate packets when aggregation is enabled and (ii) the packets from the input circuit when aggregation is disabled. |
| US08498302B2 |
System and method for exposing third party call functions of the intelligent network application part (INAP) as a web service interface
Systems and methods are described for exposing the third party call control functionality of a telecom signaling network as a web services interface. An intelligent network application part (INAP) plug-in is used to provide the translation logic of simple web service interface calls received from a client application, into the lower-level signaling protocol invocations needed to provide the third party call functionality at the network level. The INAP plug-in is deployed in a service access gateway positioned between the telecommunications signaling-based network and a multitude of service provider applications that seek to access various functions in the network. By implementing the INAP plug-in, applications are provided with access to third party call control (3PCC) within the network, without the necessity of invoking low-level signaling needed to establish calls, terminate or cancel calls, as well as obtain various call information. |
| US08498301B2 |
Switch with packet services processing
Virtual machine environments are provided in the switches that form a network, with the virtual machines executing network services previously performed by dedicated appliances. The virtual machines can be executed on a single multi-core processor in combination with normal switch functions or on dedicated services processor boards. Packet processors analyze incoming packets and add a services tag containing services entries to any packets. Each switch reviews the services tag and performs any network services resident on that switch. This allows services to be deployed at the optimal locations in the network. The network services may be deployed by use of drag and drop operations. A topology view is presented, along with network services that may be deployed. Services may be selected and dragged to a single switch or multiple switches. The management tool deploys the network services software, with virtual machines being instantiated on the switches as needed. |
| US08498298B2 |
Digital broadcasting system and method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signal
A digital broadcasting system and a method for transmitting and receiving digital broadcast signal are disclosed. The method of receiving digital broadcast signal includes receiving a broadcast signal including data groups, wherein the data groups include mobile service data and signaling data including transmission parameter, wherein the transmission parameter includes a protocol version field identifying a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode, demodulating the broadcast signal, decoding the signaling data including a transmission parameter, decoding the mobile service data according to the transmission parameter included in the signaling data. |
| US08498295B1 |
Modular lightweight tunneling mechanisms for transitioning between network layer protocols
An example network system includes network interfaces, a data repository, a forwarding structure, a service element, and a forwarding element. The forwarding element is configured to receive a first packet having header information via a tunnel over the first network with one of the networking interfaces, pass the first packet to the service element, receive a second packet from the service element, and forward the second packet via the network interfaces to the second network, wherein the first packet conforms to the first network-layer protocol, and wherein the second packet conforms to the second network-layer protocol. The service element is configured to transform the first packet from a format conforming with the first network-layer protocol into the second packet having a format conforming with the second network-layer protocol, and direct the second packet to the forwarding element. |
| US08498286B2 |
Radius gateway on policy charging and rules function (PCRF) for wireline/wireless converged solution
A method and apparatus are provided for allowing a single platform to recognize and process both Diameter messages and Radius messages. A gateway is provided for translating Radius messages received from a wireline device into NASReq messages. A Diameter Proxy Agent receives both Diameter messages from a wireless device and the NASReq messages from the gateway. The Diameter Proxy Agent selects a PCRF to which to pass a NASReq message, and upon receipt of a NASReq message the PCRF either creates or updates a NASReq session object. By recognizing and processing Radius messages, wireline services can be offered at the same time as wireless services without requiring the use of a second platform. In addition, use of the PCRF server to support wireline services offers much better scalability than that offered by traditional AAA servers. |
| US08498278B2 |
System for multiple wireless local area networks
A system is provided for a wireless local area network. The system includes, but is not limited to, at least one cell controller and simplified RF ports which are configured to provide lower level media access control functions. Higher level media access control functions are provided in a cell controller, which may service one or more RF ports that are capable operating with at least two wireless local area subnetworks. Mobile units can also be configured with the higher level media access control functions being performed in a host processor. |
| US08498277B2 |
Apparatus and method of transmitting/receiving MBMS
An apparatus and method of transmitting/receiving a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) is disclosed. The present invention enables ARQ and HARQ to be applied to the MBMS transmission, thereby enabling more efficient data transmissions at a greater rate. |
| US08498275B2 |
Deterministic backoff with dynamic adaptation
Certain aspects provide techniques for conveying transmit opportunity (TXOP) scheduling information that can be used by a plurality of wireless nodes to determine TXOPs for sending transmissions. |
| US08498273B2 |
Management of uplink resources in multi-carrier CDMA system
The method an apparatus described herein manages uplink resources to increase spectral efficiency and system capacity. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a base station may be assigned two or more downlink carriers for downlink transmission and two or more corresponding uplink carriers. In a multi-carrier mode, the base station may transmit signals on two or more downlink carriers to the same mobile terminal, and receive signals from the mobile terminal on one of the paired uplink terminals. The uplink carriers can be operated at different interference levels and the uplink traffic can be divided between the available uplink carriers based on the type of traffic and/or data transmission parameters. The mobile terminals may also be allowed to switch between the uplink carriers to improve overall efficiency. |
| US08498272B2 |
Providing signaling information and performing a handover using the signaling information
Apparatuses may perform and methods may include: receiving a digital broadcast signal that includes layer 2 (L2) signaling information; locating a physical layer pipe (PLP) carrying local multiplex information of the L2 signaling information and a PLP carrying other multiplex information of the L2 signaling information; and extracting the local multiplex information and the other multiplex information from the respective PLPs. Apparatuses may perform and methods may include: performing a handover using the extracted other multiplex information and continuing to receive services after the performance of the handover using information included in the other multiplex information. |
| US08498269B2 |
Efficient handover of media communications in heterogeneous IP networks
Methods and systems are provided for efficient handover of a media session between heterogeneous IP networks. A mobile device with Internet access can operate a software program to communicate with a corresponding node. The corresponding node may access the Internet through either (i) a NAT router or (ii) a public IP address. The mobile device establishes a media session with a corresponding node via the transmission of a first media stream and receipt of a second media stream, and a media control channel can optionally be implemented. The mobile device can acquire Internet access through a second IP address, and packets routed between the second IP address and the Internet may traverse a NAT router. A software routine can determine that handover of the media session from the first IP address to the second IP address is preferred. |
| US08498266B2 |
Wireless communication system and its method, and device and program used for same
Wireless LAN base station devices (107 to 109) monitored by a wireless LAN base station monitoring server device (105) send wireless LAN base station information on themselves to the wireless LAN base station monitoring server device (105). A combined wireless terminal (110) which is to start communication requests the wireless LAN base station information on connectable wireless LAN base station devices. The wireless LAN base station monitoring server device (105) sends information on whether or not there is any connectable base station device and, if any, the connectable wireless LAN base station information according to information acquired from the combined wireless terminal (110) having requested the wireless LAN base station information via a 3G network (102). The combined wireless terminal (110) having received the wireless LAN base station information determines whether or not to set up a connection to a wireless LAN network (103) from the wireless LAN base station information. |
| US08498264B2 |
Handoff method in a high-rate packet data mobile communication system
Disclosed is a session handoff method of an access terminal (AT) in a high-rate packet data (HRPD) mobile communication system. The session handoff method comprises performing a close procedure of a session in negotiation upon receiving a close request for a session negotiation from the AT performing session handoff; allocating a new unicast access terminal identifier (UATI) to the AT upon receiving a request for allocation of a new UATI from the AT after the session close procedure; and acquiring prior session information from a source session controller using an old UATI included in received prior session information upon receiving configuration information including the prior session information from the AT after allocating a new UATI to the AT. |
| US08498258B2 |
Preamble offset for femto base stations
According to one example embodiment, a method may include receiving, by a first femto base station via a femto base station air interface, at least one neighbor preamble from at least one neighbor femto base station. The method may further include sending, by the first femto base station to a macro base station via a guided (DSL) Internet connection, an interference report, the interference report being based at least in part on the at least one neighbor preamble received from the at least one neighbor femto base station. The method may further include receiving, by the first femto base station from the macro base station via the guided Internet connection, a resource allocation message. The method may further include sending, by the first femto base station via the femto base station air interface, a first femto base station preamble, the first femto base station preamble being sent at a time determined at least in part by the resource allocation message. |
| US08498251B2 |
Method for generating/allocating temporary address in wireless broadband access network and method for allocating radio resource based on the same
Provided a method for generating/allocating a temporary address in a wireless broadband access network, a method for allocating radio resource based on the same, and a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for realizing the methods. The method for generating the temporary address in the wireless broadband access network, includes the steps of: receiving a router advertisement message in a portable subscriber station; acquiring service flow identification (ID) based on a temporary address allocation guidance parameter of the router advertisement message in the portable subscriber station; and generating a wireless broadband Internet (WiMAX/Mobile WiMAX) temporary address based on the service flow ID in the portable subscriber station. |
| US08498250B2 |
Neighbor discovery over multiple channels for wireless networks with directional antennas
A communication system includes first and second devices, where a processor of at least one of the first device and the second device is configured to establish a superframe having a superframe duration (Ts) and transmit a beacon by the first device during each of the superframe duration (Ts); scan by the second device all sectors (Nbeam) by scanning each sector for a superframe duration (Ts) and repeating a jump sequence. The jump sequence has a sequence duration (Ttotal) which is equal to a sum of a control duration (Tc) of a control channel and durations of data channels (KTd). The processor is further configured to find the first device by the second device during a find time (Tf), where the control duration (Tc) is greater than the durations of data channels (KTd). |
| US08498247B2 |
Adaptively reacting to resource utilization messages including channel gain indication
An adaptable decision parameter is used to determine whether to react to resource utilization messages. The decision parameter may comprise a decision threshold that is adapted based on received resource utilization messages. The decision parameter may comprise a probability that is used to determine whether to react to a received resource utilization message. Such a probability may be based on, for example, one or more channel conditions, the number of interferers seen by a node, the number of received resource utilization messages, or some other form of resource utilization message-related information. |
| US08498246B2 |
HARQ in spatial multiplexing MIMO system
A method and apparatus for signaling scheduling information in a spatial multiplexing wireless communications system, as well as corresponding methods and apparatus for processing such signaling information, are disclosed. Signaling scheduling information includes scheduling first and second transport blocks for simultaneous transmission during a first transmission interval on first and second data substreams, respectively, and assigning a single re-transmission process identifier for the first transmission interval and transmitting first scheduling information for the first transmission interval. The first scheduling information includes the re-transmission process identifier and first disambiguation data. Additionally, at least one of the first and second transport blocks is scheduled for re-transmission during a second transmission interval. Second scheduling information for the second transmission interval is also transmitted; the second scheduling information including the re-transmission process identifier and second disambiguation data. |
| US08498241B1 |
Use of macro-network channel-list messages for selection of carriers for low-cost internet base-station frequency-hopping pilot beacons
Methods and systems are provided for selecting carriers for low-cost Internet base station (LCIB) frequency-hopping pilot beacons. The LCIB receives channel-list message information associated with one or more macro-network coverage areas within a vicinity of the LCIB. The LCIB then uses the received channel-list message information to identify a set of macro-network carriers on which to transmit a frequency-hopping pilot beacon. The LCIB can then transmit its frequency-hopping pilot beacon on each of the carriers in the identified set. |
| US08498240B2 |
Resynchronization method for recovering from sleep mode and apparatuses using the same
A wireless communications device connected to a service network with a synchronized timing pattern therebetween is provided. In the wireless communications device, a wireless modem is configured to enable wireless signal transceiving from and to the service network in a non-sleep mode and disable wireless signal transceiving from and to the service network in a sleep mode. Also in the wireless communications device, a synchronization module is configured to initialize a first counter with a current time in the synchronized timing pattern in response to a first signal triggering the wireless modem to enter the sleep mode from the non-sleep mode, and enable counting of the first counter in a low-rate clock for the sleep mode. The synchronization module further provides the counted value of the first counter to the wireless modem to resynchronize with the service network in response to a second signal triggering the wireless modem to recover from the sleep mode to the non-sleep mode. |
| US08498239B2 |
Method for mapping a subband/miniband in a wireless communication system, and apparatus for the same
The present application discloses a method for mapping a subband/miniband in a wireless communication system. Particularly, the method comprises the steps of: dividing a system frequency band into a plurality of physical resource units (PRU); mapping the plurality of physical resource units to physical resource units of a subband (PRUSB) in accordance with a 1st rule; and mapping the plurality of physical resource units to physical resource units of a miniband (PRUMB) in accordance with a 2nd rule, wherein said 1st rule and said 2nd rule contain factors for limiting the minimum value of the gap between subbands allocated to the system frequency band. |
| US08498238B2 |
Satellite communication system employing a combination of time division multiplexing and non-orthogonal pseudorandom noise codes and time slots
An improved satellite communication system is provided comprising at least one satellite wherein each satellite provides multiple beams, a plurality of UTs, and at least one gateway connected to a PSTN and communicating with said at least one UT or with a constellation, wherein each of the UTs within a given frequency band is distinguished from another of the UTs employing a combination of TDM and NOPN codes and time slots. |
| US08498237B2 |
Methods and apparatus for communicating device capability and/or setup information
Methods and/or apparatus for communicating and/or using device capability information are described. Device capability information may be broadcast by a device using a first protocol. The protocol may be a beacon signal based protocol. The device information is used to select a second protocol and/or a device configuration to be used to communicate user data. In some embodiments the first protocol is a low bit rate protocol supporting less than 300 bits per second while the second protocol is a much higher rate protocol supporting in some embodiments data rates in the range of kilobits per second or even much higher data rates. The second protocol normally uses signal phase to communicate information while the first protocol does not use signal phase in many but not necessarily all embodiments. |
| US08498236B2 |
Mobile communication system
A radio base station according to the present invention comprising: a mobile communication system, a relay node and a first radio base station are connected via a radio bearer, the first radio base station and a second radio base station are connected, a mobile station is configured to perform a handover process between a state in which a radio bearer is set with the relay node so as to communicate via the relay node and the first radio base station, and a state in which a radio bearer is set with the second radio base station so as to communicate via the second radio base station, and the handover process is configured such that a radio bearer is set between the relay node and the second radio base station, and the control signals involved in the handover process are sent and received via the radio bearer that has been set between the relay node and the second radio base station. |
| US08498232B2 |
Method of transmitting data in wireless communication system
A method of transmitting data in a wireless communication system includes preparing a frame including a unicast subframe for unicast data and an MBS (Multicast and Broadcast Service) subframe for MBS data; and transmitting the unicast data and the MBS data via the frame, wherein the MBS subframe includes an idle time during which data is not carried, and the idle time is arranged to be at the temporally latest position in the MBS subframe. An MBS frame structure for using an appropriate CP with respect to MBS signals transmitted from multi-cell is provided, so an unnecessary idle time can be reduced, and thus, the efficiency of limited radio resources can be improved. |
| US08498230B2 |
Power management in wireless communication systems
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the invocation of active states and power conservation states in accordance with the standard or diluted beacon periods defined in beacon frames. Active periods, or “awake windows,” may be defined by additional information (e.g., information elements) that is included in the beacon. Awake windows may establish periods of time during which apparatuses may contend for access to a wireless communication medium. A methodology may further be employed to help determine which apparatuses will have priority when accessing the communication medium. This criteria may be used alone or in combination with the corresponding standard channel access rules (e.g., contention) that govern operation of the particular wireless communication medium in order to control how apparatuses communicate and interact in the wireless network. |
| US08498223B2 |
Systems and methods for providing emergency service trust in packet data networks
A method and apparatus for providing in a packet data telecommunication network serving one or more end terminals and/or Mobile Stations (MSs), a method for establishing, managing, modifying, and terminating an End-to-End (E2E) Emergency Service (ES) Chain-of-Trust (CoT) from an Access Serving Network (ASN) and Connectivity Service Network (CSN) to a PSAP, PSAP proxy, or PSAP (i.e. PSTN) gateway that results in the creation of a trust relationship amongst the components in the established ES CoT necessary to allow or validate the granting of any unauthenticated or unprovisioned ES network access and ES operation establishment, modification, and termination requests from amongst the components in an ES CoT to assist a particular terminal/MS or ES network component attempting to establish an ES session between the ES user agent of the terminal/MS and a serving PSAP. |
| US08498220B2 |
Service discovery mechanism in broadcast telecommunication network
Aspects of the invention are directed to service discovery in a digital broadcast network. A service discovery descriptor, which may be electronic service guide-provider and cell specific, provides mapping between a service identifier, a logical channel identifier, and a physical channel, which may be characterized by a frame identifier and a slot identifier, that is, each physical channel may have one or more slots within one or more frames. A neighboring service discovery descriptor provides mapping for the service available within neighboring cells. Aspects of the invention are directed to an encapsulation protocol that encapsulates variable length data, including, but not limited to, the service discovery descriptor and the neighboring service discovery descriptor, into fixed length data stream packets. |
| US08498217B2 |
Method and system for adaptive tone cancellation for mitigating the effects of electromagnetic interference
Aspects of a method and system for adaptive tone cancellation for mitigating the effects of interference are provided. In this regard, an Ethernet PHY may receive one or more signals via a corresponding one or more physical channels and generate one or more estimate signals, each of which approximates interference present in a corresponding one of the received signals. The Ethernet PHY may subtract each one of the estimate signals from a corresponding one of the received signals. The subtracting may occur at the input of one or more slicers in the Ethernet PHY. The received signals may be processed via one or more equalizers in the Ethernet PHY. A decision output of a slicer in the Ethernet PHY may be subtracted from one of the said one or more received signals, and a signal resulting from the subtraction may be utilized to generate the one or more estimate signals. |
| US08498216B2 |
Base station apparatus and communication control method
A base station apparatus for communicating to a mobile station over a downlink shared channel includes a reception unit configured to receive downlink radio quality information from the mobile station over a control channel frequency-multiplexed with an uplink shared channel, a measurement unit configured to measure a radio quality of the control channel, and a determination unit configured to determine reliability of the downlink radio quality information based on the radio quality. Also, a communication control method at a base station apparatus for communicating to a mobile station over a downlink shared channel includes receiving downlink radio quality information from the mobile station over a control channel frequency-multiplexed with an uplink shared channel, measuring a radio quality of the control channel, and determining based on the radio quality whether the mobile station has transmitted the downlink radio quality information. |
| US08498213B2 |
Manageability tools for lossless networks
Manageability tools are provided for allowing an administrator to have better control over switches in a lossless network of switches. These tools provide the ability to detect slow drain and congestion bottlenecks, detect stuck virtual channels and loss of credits, while hold times on edge ASICs to be different from hold times encore ASICs, and mitigate severe latency bottlenecks. |
| US08498208B2 |
Turning on flows in network initiated QoS
Methods and apparatus for network pre-configuration of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters in a communication channel triggered by establishment of packet data access by an access terminal with the network. The network-determined and network-initiated pre-establishment of the QoS parameters are for one or more reservation links, which each relate to a corresponding one or more applications resident on the access terminal. |
| US08498202B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for diameter network management
According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing Diameter network management information in a communications network. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR). The method also includes determining whether successful Diameter communications are available with a first Diameter application. The method further includes in response to determining that successful Diameter communications are not available with the first Diameter application, generating a first Diameter network management message (DNMM) indicating that successful Diameter communications are not available with the first Diameter application. The method also includes sending the first DNMM to a second Diameter node. |
| US08498200B2 |
Detection of active nodes, safe node removal conditions, and cross-cabling conditions for maintenance operations within a multi-chassis routing matrix
A system includes a first device connected to a second device The first device includes a second node connected to a first node and the second device via a link, and includes a backup second node connected to the first node and the second device via another link. The first node is configured to receive, via the link or the other link, a group of packets (i.e., “packets”), from the second device; display a first notification that the second node can be removed when the packets are received via only the other link; display a second notification indicating that the backup second node can be removed when the packets are received via only the link; and display a third notification indicating that neither the second node nor the backup second node can be removed when the packets are not received via only the link and via only the other link. |
| US08498192B2 |
Spatial pilot structure for multi-antenna wireless communication
Spatial pilot to support MIMO receivers in a multi-antenna and multi-layer transmission communication system. A first layer pilot for a single layer transmission is repeated across subbands in a first OFDM symbol and the first layer pilot is also repeated offset from the first OFDM symbol in an adjacent second OFDM symbol. Additional transmission layers may also be transmitted each include a separate pilot generated and repeated in the first symbol and repeated offset form the separate pilot in an adjacent second symbol. The first and second OFDM symbols are then transmitted and received to characterize the receive channels. |
| US08498188B2 |
Target level setting method for a signal used in maximum-likelihood decoding in PRML processing of a signal reproduced from an optical information recording medium, playback device for an optical information recording medium, and target level setting program for a signal used in maximum-likelihood decoding in PRML processing
Target levels in the PRML method are adaptively set under conditions of simplicity and a low cost. A method of setting a target level for reproduction of an optical information recording medium includes: a step of producing a reproduction signal from reflected light of laser light irradiated to an optical information recording medium; a step of performing waveform equalization processing, which depends on a predetermined partial response characteristic, on the reproduction signal to produce a waveform-equalized reproduction signal; a step of detecting peak levels for marks and spaces of a predetermined number of symbols from the waveform-equalized reproduction signal irrespective of a condition for a symbol adjoining each symbol; and a setting step of determining and setting values of a plurality of target levels, which is employed in Viterbi decoding and is arrayed with non-equal intervals among them, on the basis of a relative relationship among the detected peak levels. |
| US08498186B2 |
Circuits, architectures, apparatuses, systems, algorithms and methods and software for timing calibration for optical disc recording
The present disclosure relates to methods, software, and apparatuses for correcting reading and/or writing operations in an optical storage medium. The methods generally include reading a region of an optical storage medium to produce a readback signal, measuring timing offsets for a plurality of the data edges (including one or more non-guide edges), and storing an offset correction for at least one of the plurality of edges based on a measured offset of at least one of the plurality of edges relative to a predetermined offset. The disclosure advantageously enables precise measurement of timing offsets in optical storage media and correction of the measured offsets for timing offsets attributable to edge jitter, timing loop drift, or factors independent of variations in the medium and/or write operation characteristics. |
| US08498184B1 |
Interchangeable disk clamp
A media processing system for processing media having differing properties, the media processing system having a base. The base has a base radial alignment portion, a base vertical alignment portion, and a base retention portion. A set of removable media clamps is included, where each of the set of removable media clamps is adapted for the differing properties of the media, each removable media clamp has a removable media clamp radial alignment portion for engaging the base radial alignment portion and radially aligning the removable media clamp with the base, a removable media clamp vertical alignment portion for engaging the base vertical alignment portion and vertically aligning the removable media clamp with the base, and a media engagement portion for engaging the media. The retention portion is controllable by the media processing system to selectively retain and release a mounted one of the removable media clamps without manual intervention. |
| US08498183B1 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head having a waveguide and a return path section
A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a coil, a main pole, a return path section, a waveguide, and a plasmon generator. The waveguide includes a core and a cladding. The return path section includes: first and second columnar portions located on opposite sides of the core in the track width direction; a coupling portion coupling the first and second columnar portions to each other; and a third columnar portion connected to the coupling portion. The third columnar portion is smaller than the coupling portion in width in the track width direction. The coil includes a winding portion wound around the third columnar portion. |
| US08498181B1 |
Alarm clock touch screen application
An alarm clock application for a device having a touch screen, in which time entry consists of progressively entering data into each of three singularly functional groups of keys, comprises: a) a 4 digit time display portion; and, b) a keypad portion consisting of three separated, functional groups of keys: i) a first functional group of keys which provides only a choice between a clock time set function key and an alarm time set function key; ii) a second functional group of keys for time entry, which provides only a ten numeric key group numbered 0-9 for entering numbers; and, iii) a third group of keys which provides only a choice of AM-PM function keys, to finalize any time setting sequence. After time entry consisting of progressively using each of the three singularly functional groups of keys, all entries can, at any time, be reviewed with a glance. |
| US08498178B2 |
Acoustic transducer chip
An array of acoustic transducing unit cells configured with an acoustic focus or a beam steering orientation. A variety of time delays between consecutively coupled acoustic transducing unit cells provides acoustic focus. In another configuration, a resistive signal path between adjacent acoustic transducing unit cells can be used to acoustically steer an acoustic beam in a direction non-normal to the top surface in which the array is disposed. In a further embodiment, a signal pad is made available at each end of the connections through an array of capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducing unit cells. |
| US08498177B2 |
Determining a position of a geological layer relative to a wavelet response in seismic data
Determining geological layer location in a subterranean formation, including receiving seismic data representing an interaction of the geological layer with propagation of a seismic wave, identifying a source wavelet representing a portion of the seismic wave impinging on a boundary of the geological layer, providing a geological layer template of the geological layer including primary and secondary reflection interfaces associated with reflectivity based on material properties of the geological layer, generating a wavelet response template by applying the source wavelet to the geological layer template using a mathematical convolution operation to model seismic wave interference caused by the primary and secondary reflection interfaces, identifying an extremum of the seismic data, and determining, based on the extremum, the location of the geological layer in the subterranean formation using the wavelet response template. |
| US08498176B2 |
Seismic exploration
A method and apparatus for carrying out a seismic exploration. A seismic event is applied to the earth's surface, particles at the earth's surface move in response to the event and the response to the event is detected using an interferometer. The earth's surface and the interferometer move with respect to each other. The detectors of the interferometer may be arranged in an array. The detected response may be analyze. |
| US08498175B2 |
Burst order control circuit
A burst order control circuit includes a signal transmitting unit transmitting a second address as first and second signals in response to a mode signal and a first address, a signal delay unit delaying a read command, the first signal, and the second signal to generate a delayed read command, a first delayed signal, and a second delayed signal, a signal generating unit configured to generate a burst signal in response to the first address and generate first and second transmission signals in response to the delayed read command and the first and second delayed signals, and an output unit sorting and outputting a plurality of data in response to the burst signal, the first transmission signal, and the second transmission signal. |
| US08498172B1 |
Data storage device evaluating frequency range of supply voltage to detect power failure
A data storage device (DSD) is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory (NVM), such as a disk or non-volatile semiconductor memory, and control circuitry for detecting a power failure condition. A frequency range of a supply voltage from a first frequency to a second frequency is extracted, wherein the first frequency is greater than ten hertz, the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and the second frequency is less than one megahertz. The power failure condition is detected in response to the extracted frequency range of the supply voltage. |
| US08498170B2 |
Semiconductor memory with sense amplifier
In an exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a semiconductor memory device including sense amplifiers that drive bit lines to which memory cells are connected, and driver transistors that supply a power supply to the sense amplifiers, wherein the sense amplifiers are arranged in rows and constitutes a first sense-amplifier row in which transistors of a first conductive type are arranged and a second sense-amplifier row in which transistors of a second conductive type are arranged, and the driver transistors constitutes at least one transistor row including a first driver transistor of the first conductive type corresponding to the first sense-amplifier row and a second driver transistor of the second conductive type corresponding to the second sense-amplifier row between the first sense-amplifier row and the second sense-amplifier row. |
| US08498168B2 |
Test method for screening local bit-line defects in a memory array
A method of detecting manufacturing defects at a memory array may include utilizing test circuitry to provide a selected voltage as drain bias on a bit-line of the memory array where the memory array is configured to employ a first voltage as the drain bias for a read operation and the selected voltage is higher than the first voltage, and determining whether a leakage current indicative of a manufacturing defect between the bit-line and another component of the memory array is present responsive to providing the selected voltage as the drain bias. A corresponding test device is also provided. |
| US08498162B2 |
Method, apparatus, and manufacture for flash memory write algorithm for fast bits
A method, apparatus, and manufacture for a memory device is provided. The memory device includes memory cells that each store two bits, and a memory controller. During write operations, for each bit in each memory cell that is to be programmed, the memory controller determines whether both bits of the memory cell are being programmed. While controlling an application of programming pulses to the memory cell to program the bit, if both bits of the memory cell are being programmed, the memory controller causes the application of each programming pulse to the bit to occur for a reduced duration. Otherwise, the memory controller causes the application of each programming pulse to the bit to occur for a standard duration. The reduced duration is less than three-fourths of the standard duration. |
| US08498159B2 |
Independent well bias management in a memory device
Methods for programming a memory device, memory devices configured to perform the disclosed programming methods, and memory systems having a memory device configured to perform the disclosed programming methods, for example, are provided. According to at least one such method, multiple independent semiconductor well regions each having strings of memory cells are independently biased during a programming operation performed on a memory device. Reduced charge leakage may be realized during a programming operation in response to independent well biasing methods. |
| US08498154B1 |
Systems and methods for improving error distributions in multi-level cell memory systems
A memory system includes a state set module that provides a first state set having a plurality of states, each being assigned to represent a particular data sequence, and a second state set having a same number of states as the first state set, wherein an assignment of one or more particular data sequences among the states of the second state set is different relative to that set forth in the first state set. The memory system further includes a write module that writes first data to a first multi-level memory cell of the memory system based on the first state set, the first multi-level cell being located on a wordline of the memory system, and that writes second data to a second multi-level memory cell of the memory system based on the second state set, the second multi-level cell being located on the wordline of the memory system. |
| US08498147B2 |
Nonvolatile memory cell, nonvolatile memory device and method for driving the same
A nonvolatile memory cell is able to reduce the size per the unit area by employing a dual gate structure where the chalcogenide compound is used for a channel. The nonvolatile memory cell includes a phase-change layer, a first and a second gate that are in contact with sides of the phase-change layer to face each other across the phase-change layer and control a current flowing through the phase-change layer by each gate being arranged to induce the phase transition of the phase-change layer independently of the other. |
| US08498146B2 |
Programming reversible resistance switching elements
A storage system and method for operating the storage system that uses reversible resistance-switching elements is described. Techniques are disclosed herein for varying programming conditions to account for different resistances that memory cells have. These techniques can program memory cells in fewer attempts, which can save time and/or power. Techniques are disclosed herein for achieving a high programming bandwidth while reducing the worst case current and/or power consumption. |
| US08498144B2 |
Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device includes first to fourth switch circuit. The semiconductor storage device includes a row decoder which controls a voltage of a word line. The semiconductor storage device includes a first selection transistor of which a control terminal is connected to the word line. The semiconductor storage device includes a first resistance change element which is connected in series to the first selection transistor between the first bit line and the second bit line, and of which a resistance value changes according to a flowing current. The semiconductor storage device includes a second selection transistor of which a control terminal is connected to the word line. The semiconductor storage device includes a second resistance change element which is connected in series to the second selection transistor between the second bit line and the third bit line, and of which a resistance value changes according to a flowing current. |
| US08498141B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A memory cell array includes a memory cell having a variable resistance element and disposed between first and second wirings. A control circuit provides a selected first wiring with a first voltage and provide a selected second wiring with a second voltage having a lower voltage value than the first voltage. A current limitation circuit controls a cell current below a first current. It includes a first current generation circuit for storing a cell current at a first point of time and generating a first current of α times the stored cell current. It also includes a second current generation circuit for generating a second current of (β/α) times the cell current at a second point of time. A determination circuit outputs a control signal when the second current exceeds the stored current. The first current generation circuit newly stores a stored current according to the control signal. |
| US08498137B2 |
Boost multilevel inverter system
A boost inverter includes a first capacitor for connection in parallel with a dc supply voltage; a second capacitor connected in series with the first capacitor; an energy transfer path including a transfer capacitor and switches connected to the transfer capacitor for cyclically transferring energy from the first capacitor to the transfer capacitor and then from the transfer capacitor to the second capacitor; a multilevel inverter circuit connected in parallel with the series combination of the first and second capacitors, the inverter having at least one phase output for connection to an electric motor; and a PWM controller that activates the energy transfer path when a desired peak-to-peak output voltage exceeds the dc supply voltage and deactivates the energy transfer means when the desired peak-to-peak output voltage is less than the dc supply voltage. |
| US08498135B2 |
Switching mode power supply with spectrum shaping and the method thereof
Embodiments of circuits and methods for a switching mode power supply are described in detail herein. In one embodiment, a switching mode power supply includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding to supply power to a load, a feedback circuit that generates a feedback signal that varies in relation to the load on the secondary winding, a switching circuit coupled to the primary winding to control current flow through the primary winding, and a control circuit coupled to the switching circuit to control the on/off status of switching circuit in response to the feedback signal and the current flow through the primary winding. The control circuit comprises a spectrum shaping circuit configured to generate a spectrum shaping signal in response to the feedback signal. The spectrum shaping signal can then be used to regulate the switching frequency and the spectrum shaping range. |
| US08498131B2 |
Interconnect structure
An interconnect structure includes an insulative web having a first surface and a second surface; a logic device secured to the second surface of the insulative web; a frame panel assembly including a frame base having a first surface and a second surface, a first frame insulative layer disposed between the frame base first surface and the insulative web second surface, an aperture extending through the frame base and first frame insulative layer, wherein at least a portion of the logic device is disposed within the aperture, and a first frame connector disposed between a first electrically conductive layer located on the frame base first surface, and a second electrically conductive layer located on a surface of the first frame insulative layer; a device connector disposed between an I/O contact on a surface of the logic device and a third electrical conductor located on a surface of the insulative web; and an insulative layer connector that is disposed between the third electrical conductor located on a surface of the insulative web and the second electrically conductive layer located on a surface of the first frame insulative layer. |
| US08498130B2 |
Solid state drive, structure for supporting solid state drives and scalable information processing system including a plurality of solid state drives
A solid state drive includes a printed circuit board, at least one memory and a controller. The at least one memory stores data. The at least one memory is embedded in the substrate of the printed circuit board. The controller controls the at least one memory to perform a write operation or a read operation. The controller is also embedded in the substrate of the printed circuit board. |
| US08498127B2 |
Thermal interface material for reducing thermal resistance and method of making the same
The thermal interface material including a thermally conductive metal a thermally conductive metal having a first surface and an opposing second surface, a diffusion barrier plate coupled to the first surface of the thermally conductive metal and the second surface of the thermally conductive metal, and a thermal resistance reducing layer coupled to the diffusion barrier plate. |
| US08498126B2 |
Lightweight audio system for automotive applications and method
A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration. The major components and subassemblies are self-fixturing during the final assembly process, eliminating the need for dedicated tools, fixtures and assembly equipment. The major components and subassemblies self-interconnect by integral guide and connection features effecting “slide lock” and “snap lock” self-interconnection. The radio architecture includes improved push buttons employing 4-bar living hinge linkage and front loaded decorative trim buttons. |
| US08498125B2 |
Instrumentation package in a downhole tool string component
A downhole tool string component has a through-bore intermediate first and second tool joints adapted for connection to adjacent tool string components. An instrumentation package is disposed within an outer diameter of the component. The instrumentation package comprises a circuit board assembly. The circuit board assembly comprises alternating rigid and elastomeric layers. The rigid layers are in electrical communication with each other. |
| US08498124B1 |
Magnetic circuit board stacking component
A magnetic component provides both electrical interconnectivity and mechanical support between stacked circuit boards. The magnetic component includes a bobbin structure and a magnetically permeable core. The bobbin structure includes an upper bobbin pin rail and a lower bobbin pin rail. The upper bobbin pin rail includes one or more upper bobbin pins extending from the upper bobbin pin rail. Each upper bobbin pin may be adapted for soldering onto a first circuit board. At least one lower bobbin pin extends from the lower bobbin pin rail. Each lower bobbin pin may also be adapted for soldering onto a second circuit board, forming a circuit board assembly. Each soldered connection between a bobbin pin and a circuit board may provide an electrical connection between the circuit board and the magnetic component. Each soldered connection may also provide a mechanical attachment between a printed circuit board and the magnetic component. A conductive coil is positioned on the bobbin structure and may be connected to an upper or lower bobbin pin. The core is positioned near the conductive coil for providing an electrical connection between the circuit boards through magnetic coupling. |
| US08498119B2 |
Electronic device access door
An electronic device includes a chassis, a rotatable door, and a latch member. An opening is defined in the chassis. A first flange extends from an edge of the opening. A first mounting slot is defined in the first flange. The rotatable door is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The rotatable door includes a second flange with a second mounting slot defined therein. The latch module includes a latch piece with a mounting hole defined therein and a slidable pin securely engaged in the mounting hole. The latch piece is movable between a locked position where the latch piece is engaged into the first mounting slot and the second mounting slot, and an unlocked position where the latch piece is disengaged from the first mounting slot and the second mounting slot. |
| US08498112B2 |
Battery assembly for battery powered portable devices
A battery assembly includes at least a plurality of battery cells that includes at least a first and a second battery cell each attached to a distributed battery monitoring unit, the second battery cell being associated with an external circuit, the second battery cell connected to a battery management unit (BMU) by way of a pre-formed battery contact shaped to accommodate the external circuit. The plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to at least the BMU such that each of the plurality of battery cells are substantially aligned with each other thereby preserving a battery profile corresponding to unconnected battery cells. |
| US08498097B2 |
Supercapacitor compositions, devices and related methods
Disclosed are supercapacitor materials comprising compositions having pores that are optimally sized to maximize capacitance. Also disclosed are related methods for fabricating such supercapacitors. |
| US08498096B2 |
Electronic component
In an electronic component, a first capacitor conductor includes a first exposed portion exposed between insulating layers at a surface of a laminate including a first shorter side and two longer sides. A second capacitor conductor includes a second exposed portion exposed between the insulating layers at a surface of the laminate including a second shorter side and the two longer sides. First and second external electrodes are arranged on the laminate so as to cover the first and the second exposed portions, respectively. A first width of the first capacitor conductor in a region located between the second shorter side and a first straight line obtained by connecting two edges of the second external electrode is greater than a width of the first capacitor conductor in a region located between the first straight line and a straight line obtained by connecting two edges of the first external electrode. |
| US08498093B2 |
Electrostatic chuck and method for producing the same
An electrostatic chuck includes an electrostatic electrode embedded in a ceramic base having a wafer-supporting surface capable of holding a wafer, the electrostatic electrode being parallel to the wafer-supporting surface. The ceramic base is composed of a dense ceramic having a MgO content of 99% by weight or more. The electrostatic electrode is a disc-like electrode composed of, for example, at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, and Fe. The electrostatic electrode includes a conductive tablet connected to the center thereof. The tablet is exposed at the bottom of a counter-bored hole formed so as to reach the tablet from a back surface of the ceramic base, and is connected to a feeding terminal, composed of Ni, inserted into the counter-bored hole. |
| US08498092B2 |
Air ionizer electrode assembly
An air ionizer electrode assembly (10; 50; 60) comprising an inner electrode (11; 52; 66), at least one outer electrode (14, 15; 54; 61) and a dielectric barrier (12, 13; 53; 64) sandwiched between the inner electrode and the at least one outer electrode. The inner electrode has a continuous overall surface and the at least one outer electrode has a plurality of holes (21; 56; 70) to provide a plurality of ion generating points for generation of negative ions. |
| US08498083B2 |
Magneto-resistive effect element having spacer layer containing gallium oxide, partially oxidized copper
A magneto-resistive effect (MR) element includes first and second magnetic layers where a relative angle formed by magnetization directions changes in response to an external magnetic field and a spacer layer positioned between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer is positioned closer to a substrate above which the MR element is formed than the second magnetic layer. The spacer layer includes a main spacer layer that is composed of gallium oxide as a primary component and a bottom layer that is positioned between the main spacer layer and the first magnetic layer and that is composed of partially oxidized copper as a primary component. |
| US08498077B1 |
Magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording having a main pole and a shield
A magnetic head includes first to third coils, a main pole, a write shield, first and second yoke layers, and first and second coupling parts. The first and second yoke layers are magnetically connected to the write shield. The first yoke layer is located on the leading side relative to the main pole, whereas the second yoke layer is located on the trailing side relative to the main pole. The first coupling part magnetically couples the main pole and the second yoke layer to each other. The second coupling part magnetically couples the first yoke layer and the second yoke layer to each other. The first coil is wound around the first coupling part, whereas the second and third coils are wound around the second coupling part. |
| US08498073B2 |
Systems and methods for adaptive baseline compensation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing low frequency loss in a magnetic storage device. For example, some embodiments provide data processing circuits that include: an input circuit, a processing circuit, a data detection circuit, and a baseline compensation circuit. The input circuit receives a first data input and provides a second data input. The input circuit excludes low frequency energy exhibited in the first data input from the second data input. The processing circuit generates a representation of the second data input, and the data detection circuit generates a representation of the first data input based at least in part on the representation of the second data input. The baseline compensation circuit calculates an accumulated difference between the representation of the first data input and the representation of the second data input across a number of bit periods, and calculates a compensation factor based at least in part on the accumulated difference. |
| US08498059B2 |
Variable power zoom lens
The present invention is a variable power zoom lens that is suitable to APS-format single-lens reflex cameras. The zoom lens has the foremost or first lens group G1 of positive refractivity, the second lens group G2 of negative refractivity, the third lens group G3 of positive refractivity, and the fourth lens group G4 of positive refractivity disposed in sequence from a position closer to the object to photograph toward the image plane. The third lens group G3 has a front lens subset G3F of positive refractivity and a back lens subset G3B, and the back lens subset G3B alone is moved orthogonal to the optical axis to correct a blur of an image on the image plane caused by a shake of photographer's hands. |
| US08498055B2 |
Space telescope system
A space telescope system includes, but is not limited to, a support platform configured to orbit astronomical object, a plurality of mirrors mounted to the support platform and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of mirrors being configured to reflect a plurality of focused beams, and a focal plane image combiner positioned to intersect the plurality of focused beams and configured to combine the plurality of focused beams to form a composite image. |
| US08498052B2 |
Composition including an item and an encoded optical substrate and a method for identifying an item
A composition including an optical substrate removably attached to an item. At least a portion of the substrate has a diffraction grating embedded therein or thereon. The grating has a resultant refractive index variation at a grating location. The grating provides an output optical signal indicative of a code when illuminated by an incident light signal. |
| US08498050B2 |
Method of manufacturing array substrate, array substrate, method of manufacturing screen, and screen
A plurality of convex portions, or concave portions which is transferred in an array shape, and a groove are transferred with respect to the substrate having thermoplasticity by a mold member having shapes of the convex portion, or the concave portion, and a protruding portion as the groove, and substrate transfer processing is included, in which the convex portion, or concave portion, and a protruding portion which are formed in the mold member are transferred to the substrate by pressing the mold member to the substrate. |
| US08498046B2 |
Highly rare-earth-doped optical fibers for fiber lasers and amplifiers
Various embodiments described herein comprise a laser and/or an amplifier system including a doped gain fiber having ytterbium ions in a phosphosilicate glass. Various embodiments described herein increase pump absorption to at least about 1000 dB/m-9000 dB/m. The use of these gain fibers provide for increased peak-powers and/or pulse energies. The various embodiments of the doped gain fiber having ytterbium ions in a phosphosilicate glass exhibit reduced photo-darkening levels compared to photo-darkening levels obtainable with equivalent doping levels of an ytterbium doped silica fiber. |
| US08498045B2 |
Optical amplifier
An optical amplifier includes a rare-earth doped optical fiber for receiving input light through one end and outputting output light through another end, the input light being input from an input port; an excitation light source for generating excitation light; an optical coupler for supplying the generated excitation light to the one end and/or the another end of the rare-earth doped optical fiber; and a reflector for reflecting an amplified spontaneous emission light out of a signal band traveling in opposite direction to the input light, the amplified spontaneous emission light being generated in the rare-earth doped optical fiber. |
| US08498043B2 |
Optical parametric oscillator with optimized output coupling
An optical parametric oscillator including a nonlinear crystal pumped by a laser source and an optical resonator, including an optical interferometer, which determines a level of output coupling of the oscillator, allowing high stability, broad wavelength tuning, and output power level optimization. |
| US08498039B2 |
Tri wavelength interference modulator and a method for modulation
The present invention relates to a tri wavelength interference modulator (TWIM) and a method of tri wavelength interference modulation. The tri wavelength interference modulator includes: a stationary substrate with a bottom electrode plate formed on top of the stationary substrate; a first electrode plate comprising a first suspended beam suspended in parallel above the stationary substrate and a first connection electrically connected onto the stationary substrate; and a second electrode plate comprising a second suspended beam suspended in parallel above the first electrode plate and a second connection electrically connected onto the stationary substrate. The inference modulator and the method for inference modulation are suitable to projection system. |
| US08498036B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning apparatus that scans a light beam from a light source includes: a movable portion and a fixed portion. The movable portion includes: a rotating member, which is capable of rotating about a rotation axis being parallel with an optical axis of the light beam, has an open hole through which the light beam passes, and is provided with a first coil; and a mirror that is provided to the rotating member, electrically connected with the first coil, and reflects the light beam that passes through the open hole of the rotating member in a variable angle with respect to the optical axis of the light beam. The fixed portion includes: a magnetic member; and a second coil capable of supplying an electromagnetic field to the first coil. One of a part and a whole of the magnetic member is made of a magnetic material and the magnetic member serves as a magnetic core of the second coil. |
| US08498034B2 |
Security element and method for producing a security element
A method for producing a security element (55) and a security element (55) in the form of a multilayered film body having a top side facing the observer. The security element (55) has a volume hologram layer, in which a volume hologram is recorded, which provides a first optically variable information item. The security element (55) has a replication layer, in the surface of which a relief structure providing a second optically variable information item is molded and which is arranged above the volume hologram layer. A partial metallic layer is arranged between the volume hologram layer and the replication layer, wherein the metallic layer is provided in one or a plurality of first zones of the security element and the metallic layer is not provided in one or a plurality of second zones of the security element. |
| US08498029B2 |
Apparatus and method for reading color chart and computer-readable storage medium
Provided is a method for automatically determining an error of a user operation or a colorimeter caused when the colorimeter is manually slid to measure the colors of color patches on a row-by-row basis. Also provided is a method capable of determining an error or a scanning direction using a feature value obtained from the colorimetric values without using fixed reference and threshold values for each patch. |
| US08498023B2 |
Image scanning device and computer-readable record medium storing program for storage area allocation in the same
An image scanning device includes a scanning unit configured to execute image scanning of a document and thereby generate image data, at least one processing unit configured to successively process the image data outputted from the scanning unit, a transmission unit configured to transmit the image data outputted from the processing unit, a storage unit, in which multiple buffer areas to be used for transferring the image data among the scanning unit, the at least one processing unit and the transmission unit are allocated, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information on usage status of each of the buffer areas, and a changing unit configured to change storage area allocation at least between two of the buffer areas based on the usage status acquired by the acquisition unit. |
| US08498019B2 |
Image forming apparatus that emphasizes a boundary between two objects using a halftoning process
An image forming apparatus capable of reducing a stitch effect, an image forming system including the same, and a printing method thereof. The printing method of the image forming system includes inputting image data to be printed; and, if adjacent first and second objects included in the input image data have different LPIs (Lines Per Inch), emphasizing at least one of boundaries of the first and second objects and printing the image data with an emphasized boundary. |
| US08498017B2 |
Method for generating a soft proof for a plurality of color printers
A system and method allows a user to display the appearance of an image when printed on one of a plurality of configurable color printers. The configurable color printers include at least one replaceable colorant. The system and method take the effect of the currently mounted colorant into account when generating the displayed image. The displayed image can be used as a soft proof for printing purposes. |
| US08498014B2 |
Image forming method and image forming apparatus with defect comparisons at intermediate transfer stage
Two identical images are printed, side by side, on an intermediate transfer-recording medium, by using image data that represents an image to be printed on a brochure. The two images thus printed are compared, thereby to determine whether they have defects. One of the images, which is found to have no defects, is transferred from the intermediate transfer-recording medium to the brochure, which is a final transfer-recording medium. |
| US08498011B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method for dynamically adjusting rendering speed and printing speed
An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof configured to input PDL data and render the PDL data into image data to form an image, wherein a rendering speed in rendering the PDL data into the image data and an image forming speed are changeable, and by changing the rendering speed and the image forming speed within a predetermined power consumption, suppresses degradation in image forming speed. When an amount of rendered and stored image data yet to be used for image forming equals or exceeds a first threshold, the speed of an image data rendering process is reduced while image forming speed is increased. Conversely, when the amount of rendered and stored image data yet to be used for image forming equals or falls below a second threshold, the speed of an image data rendering process is increased while image forming speed is reduced. |
| US08498000B1 |
Spool control device and non-transitory computer readable medium
A spool control device includes image data creation sections, a first measurement section, a spool section, a second measurement section, and a controller. Each of the image data creation sections interprets a page description language and creates a piece of image data acceptable by a printer. The first measurement section measures a creation speed with which the pieces of image data are created. The spool section spools the pieces of image data. The second measurement section measures an output speed with which the pieces of image data are output to the printer. The controller has first and second schemes of controlling an order in which the pieces of image data are written onto the spool section, selectively employs any of the first and second schemes on the basis of the creation speed and the output speed, and controls an order in which the pieces of image data are written. |
| US08497999B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for displaying a preview image
Defect-free printing is achieved by previewing on a display prior to printing, device functions and print specifications. Preview of double-sided faces is concurrently provided when double-sided printing is specified. Display is performed by generation of data which allows print preview that reflects consideration of device information and document data. Data is generated for perspective-reverse-face preview when page-specification information is set for double-sided faces. |
| US08497998B2 |
Printing system using media integrated information, an information update method thereof, and a storage medium storing a program therefor
The size of a medium update program for adding a medium to a printer driver and printer is becoming larger due to an increasing number of available media, a larger-size profile used for image processing, and a variety of media lineups. A medium update program according to this invention searches for necessary medium integrated information based on an area and lineup information selected by a user. Then, the medium update program selects and inputs necessary medium integrated information, and shares information common to media, thereby creating all-media integrated information. |
| US08497996B2 |
Arrangement and method for measuring relative movement
The present invention relates to an arrangement for measuring relative movement. The measuring arrangement comprises a light source (110, 210) for emitting a light beam, a moving element (120, 220) having a reflective surface (121, 221) adapted to reflect a first wavefront portion of the light beam, and a reference element (130, 230) having a reflective surface (131, 231) adapted to reflect a second wavefront portion of the light beam. The arrangement further comprises detecting means (140, 240) for detecting changes in a spatial interference pattern produced by the light reflected from the moving element and the reference element, and processing means (150, 160, 250, 260) for calculating the relative movement between the moving element and the reference element from the phase change in the detected spatial interference pattern. The invention also relates to a method for measuring relative movement. |
| US08497995B2 |
Measurement apparatus and method for measuring surface shape and roughness
A measurement apparatus includes an illumination light setting unit which sets illumination light having an optical characteristic corresponding to a microstructure which is formed on the surface of a measurement target and is to be measured, and a measurement unit which measures reflected light when the measurement target is irradiated with the illumination light. In addition, an extraction unit extracts, from the measured reflected light, information about the surface shape of the measurement target and the microstructure formed on the surface. |
| US08497994B2 |
Interferometer employing a multi-waveguide optical loop path and fiber optic rotation rate sensor employing same
An interferometer employed, in part, as a Sagnac interferometer or fiber optic gyro (FOG) includes a light source (100) that provides a source light wave that is split into first and second light waves that are directed to traverse a defined optical loop path (508, 500) in opposite directions. The defined optical loop path (508, 500) in accordance with the present invention is provided by multiple waveguides wound into a coil such that the opposite traveling first and second light waves serially travel through all of the waveguides in opposite directions around the optical loop path. |
| US08497993B2 |
Field compensated static interferometer for fourier transform spectroscopy
A static interferometer comprises an entrance pupil, a splitter plate, a first mirror and a second mirror which are arranged in such a way that light beams originating from a collimated source are divided on the splitter plate, reflect on each of the mirrors and recombine while interfering at the output of the interferometer. The interferometer comprises a prismatic plate of index n comprising a variable thickness ej, the first beam passing through the prismatic plate before reflecting on a reflecting surface of the first mirror, the reflecting surface comprising a plurality of zones, each zone j being situated at a mean distance Δj from a reference plane. The reference plane being perpendicular to an optical axis and corresponding to a position of a plane mirror for which the optical path difference between the two interfering reflected beams is zero, each thickness ej being substantially equal to Δj·n/(n−1). |
| US08497991B2 |
Thin-film inspection apparatus and inspection method
An object is to reduce the effect of a film thickness variation on the substrate surface of a thin film and improve the measuring accuracy. Provided are a light source that radiates single-wavelength light to an inspection-target substrate (W), which is formed by forming a thin film on a glass substrate from the glass substrate side; a light receiving element that is disposed such that the light receiving axis intersects with the optical axis of illumination light emitted from the light source at a predetermined inclination angle and that receives diffused transmitted light that has been transmitted through the inspection-target substrate W; and a computer (7) that obtains a haze ratio of the thin film on the basis of the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element. The computer (7) has a haze ratio characteristic made by associating the haze ratio and the light intensity of the diffused transmitted light and obtains a haze ratio by using the haze ratio characteristic and the light intensity received by the light receiving element. |
| US08497989B2 |
Particle counting method
A particle counting method that can count the number of the particles precisely. The method discriminates a wave pattern of the scattered light from a normal particle (subject of the counting) and a wave pattern of the light scattered by the agitation such as a floating particle, a radiation or changes in the intensity of the light. In one embodiment, a method for counting particles is disclosed which irradiates a light to a sample gas, detects a scattered light from a particle included in the sample gas by a photoelectric conversion device, counts the number of the particles of every particle size division by the output voltage wave pattern of the photoelectric conversion device, calculate a time difference (Ta−T1) from a point (T1) being a peak of output voltage wave pattern and a point (Ta) being a falling detection threshold (A), when the time difference (Ta−T1) is beyond counting cancellation time (B), the output voltage wave pattern is not counted as a particle. |
| US08497984B2 |
System and method for inspection of a workpiece surface using multiple scattered light collectors
A surface inspection system, as well as related components and methods, are provided. The surface inspection system includes a beam source subsystem, a beam scanning subsystem, a workpiece movement subsystem, an optical collection and detection subsystem, and a processing subsystem. Certain of these components, most notably the beam source subsystem, the beam scanning subsystem and the optical collection and detection subsystem are modular for ready field replacement and/or maintenance. The optical collection and detection system features wing collectors in the front quartersphere and back collectors in the back quartersphere for collected light scattered from the surface of the workpiece. This can greatly improve the measurement capabilities of the system. Also included is a method for detecting asymmetric defects using the wing collectors and back collectors. |
| US08497978B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method of manufacturing device
An exposure apparatus includes an illumination system which illuminates an original, a projection optical system which projects a pattern of the original onto a substrate, a measurement device configured to measure optical characteristics of at least one of the illumination system or the projection optical system, and a control unit configured to correct, the measurement results obtained by the measurement device, depending on a polarization state included in illumination light from the illumination system. |
| US08497975B2 |
Inspection method and apparatus, lithographic apparatus, lithographic processing cell and device manufacturing method
A scatterometer configured to derive a property of a substrate, includes an optical arrangement that produces a beam of radiation. An objective lens is arranged to focus the beam of radiation onto a target on the substrate. The optical arrangement is arranged to change the divergence of the beam incident on the objective lens, thereby changing spherical aberration caused by the objective lens on the beam focused on the target. A detection arrangement is arranged to detect the beam of radiation after reflection or scattering from the substrate. |
| US08497974B2 |
Exhaust apparatus, processing apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An exhaust apparatus includes a structural member; a vacuum pump configured to exhaust a gas via the structural member; and a regulator configured to regulate a temperature of the structural member. The structural member has first and second end faces and a columnar through hole connecting the first and second end faces to each other. The apparatus is configured such that the vacuum pump exhausts a gas via the through hole. |
| US08497973B2 |
Immersion lithography fluid control system regulating gas velocity based on contact angle
An immersion lithography apparatus includes an optical member, a gap defined between the optical member and a surface disposed opposite the optical member being filled with an immersion liquid, and a fluid control device including a gas outlet through which a gas is supplied to prevent the immersion liquid from entering a surround area external to an exposure area. A flow velocity of the gas supplied from the gas outlet depends on a contact angle between the immersion liquid and the surface. |
| US08497963B2 |
Liquid crystal display with protruding sub-pixel electrode
A pixel unit of a liquid crystal display includes a first sub-pixel electrode coupled by a direct current path to a corresponding switching element and a second sub-pixel electrode capacitively connected to the first sub-pixel electrode. The second sub-pixel electrode has a protrusion extending upwardly toward a spaced apart common electrode. The common electrode has a cut-out directly above the protrusion. |
| US08497958B2 |
Reflective display devices
Example embodiment are directed to a reflective display device including a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a mirror reflection plate on the first substrate. |
| US08497956B2 |
Flat panel display including a glass window
A flat panel display apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a panel configured to display an image; a glass window covering the panel; and a polarizing film attached on a surface of the glass window, wherein the polarizing film is configured to prevent the scatter of broken pieces when the glass window breaks and also prevent reflection of an external light. |
| US08497946B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes: first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other; a pixel electrode and a common electrode on an inner surface of the first substrate, the pixel electrode and the common electrode generating a horizontal electric field; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, wherein the liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of chiral nematic liquid crystal molecules having a helical axis parallel to a z direction normal to the first substrate and driven by the horizontal electric field, and wherein refractive indices of the liquid crystal layer along x and y directions (nx, ny) perpendicular to the z direction are the same as each other and a refractive index of the liquid crystal layer along the z direction (nx) is smaller than the refractive indices of the liquid crystal layer along the x and y directions (nz |
| US08497945B2 |
Radio frequency front end circuit module for receiver
A radio frequency front end circuit module for a receiver used in a digital television is disclosed. The radio frequency front end circuit module includes a switch set, a differential low noise amplifier, a filter, and a tuner. The switch set receives two differential signals. The differential low noise amplifier is electrically coupled to the switch set for amplifying the two differential signals. The filter is electrically coupled to the differential low noise amplifier for filtering out portions which are excluded in a predetermined bandwidth of the two amplified differential signals. The tuner determines how to control the switch set to select the two differential signals in the predetermined bandwidth according to the filtered differential signals. The present invention is capable of amplifying the received differential signals and rejecting noise which has the same phase as that of the received differential signals. |
| US08497944B2 |
Playback apparatus, playback method and program
A playback apparatus to play back content data including sound data includes an instruction operating portion to detect an instruction operation that instructs execution of prescribed processing, a hold operating portion to detect a hold setting operation that sets a state of not accepting the instruction operation to the instruction operating portion, a state control portion to set the state of not accepting the instruction operation to the instruction operating portion if the hold setting operation is detected by the hold operating portion, and a video processing portion to perform processing for displaying a video. If the video processing portion performs processing for displaying the video when the hold setting operation is detected, the state control portion controls the video processing portion to suspend at least a part of processing for displaying the video. |
| US08497940B2 |
High density wireless system
A method and apparatus for communicating within a wireless microphone system having a plurality of audio channels. The method includes the steps of dividing a small block of radio frequency spectrum associated with a single television broadcast channel into a plurality of at least 20 contiguous subchannels that are also contiguous with the boundaries of the television broadcast channel where each of the subchannels is less than 75 kHz and transmitting an audio signal from a microphone transmitter on one the plurality of subchannels through a transmitter with a radio frequency isolator or other means for suppressing intermodulation energy coupled to an antenna, the radio frequency isolator having a bandwidth no larger than any one of the plurality of divided subchannels; and receiving the audio signal through a microphone receiver. |
| US08497939B2 |
Method and process for text-based assistive program descriptions for television
In a system and method of producing time-synchronous textual descriptions of stage directions in live or pre-recorded productions to provide assistive program descriptions to visually-impaired consumers, a processor may parse stage directions from a production script and synchronize the parsed stage directions with closed captioning streams. The method may include viewing a live or pre-recorded production, creating textual descriptions of the stage directions using a stenography system, and outputting the textual descriptions to a separate output stream than that of dialogue descriptions. In addition, the method may include creating audio descriptions of the stage directions, and converting the audio descriptions to textual descriptions of the stage directions using a voice-recognition system. Further, the method may include distributing the synchronized stage directions, and receiving and decoding the synchronized stage directions using a text-based system. |
| US08497938B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus and image processing program
An image-processing method determines the interpolation reliability for interpolated pixels in a progressive image, generated by interpolation of an interlaced image, by combining at least any of a first interpolation reliability determined based on the absolute value of the difference between pixels in an upper line and pixels in a lower line used to calculate the value of the interpolated pixels, a second interpolation reliability determined based on the width of the region used to determine the pixels in the upper line and the pixels in the lower line used to calculate the value of the interpolated pixels, and a third interpolation reliability determined by combining the change in luminance for the upper line and the change in luminance for the lower line within the region. |
| US08497935B2 |
Rotatable camera system including infrared communications links
A camera system includes a camera assembly and a base. A mounting assembly rotatably mounts the camera assembly on the base. The camera assembly is rotatable through a range of 360 degrees relative to the base about an axis of rotation. The mounting assembly provides electrical communication between the camera assembly and the base. A first emitter and a first detector wirelessly communicate signals therebetween. One of the first emitter and the first detector is mounted on the camera assembly and the other of the first emitter and the first detector is mounted on the base. A second emitter and a second detector wirelessly communicate signals therebetween. One of the second emitter and the second detector is mounted on the camera assembly and the other of the second emitter and the second detector is mounted on the base. |
| US08497930B2 |
Automatic focusing method and device in high-noise environment
An automatic focusing method and device in a high-noise environment are used for determining a focusing distance between a digital imaging device and an object to be photographed. The automatic focusing method includes the steps of capturing M pre-photographed images at different object distances respectively; loading the pre-photographed images; superposing every N (N |
| US08497929B2 |
Auto focusing apparatus and auto focusing method, and image sensing apparatus
When a face is detected from image signals, stability determination time is set for determining if the face is recognized in a stable manner, and a period of time for which the face is consecutively detected starts to be measured. Until the measured period of time exceeds the stability determination time, an AF evaluation value acquired from a normal frame set to include a face frame corresponding to the face is used to exercise TV-AF control. Once the measured time exceeds the stability determination time, TV-AF control is exercised based on AF evaluation values acquired from each of the face frame and the normal frame. |
| US08497927B2 |
Method for using wide dynamic range sensor in low light conditions
A method of operating an imaging system comprising an imaging sensor and a processing system, the processing system having an operating frequency and the sensor having a nominal sampling rate. The method comprises using the imaging sensor with a new sampling rate that is different that the nominal sampling rate. |
| US08497926B2 |
Information processing apparatus, method, and program
An information processing apparatus includes a control unit for controlling a color gamut conversion method that converts a color gamut of content data into a desired color gamut in accordance with the use of the content data; and a color gamut conversion unit for performing the color gamut conversion with respect to the content data by a method based on the control of the control unit. |
| US08497920B2 |
Method, apparatus, and computer program product for presenting burst images
An apparatus for presenting burst images is provided. The apparatus may include a processor that may be configured to receive a plurality of burst images. Each burst image may differ from the other burst images based on a variable parameter, such as, but not limited to, exposure, focus, and/or time, or to the state of a target, such as the varying facial expression of a person. The processor may also be configured to provide for a presentation of a sample burst image. In this regard, the sample burst image may be one of the plurality of burst images. The processor may be further configured to receive a selected location within the presentation of the sample burst image and provide for a presentation of a plurality of burst image fragments associated with each of the plurality of burst images. In this regard, the burst image fragments may be portions of each of the burst images, where the areas of each burst image may be determined based on the selected location. Associated methods and computer program products may also be provided. |
| US08497918B2 |
Image capture apparatus and control method thereof
An image capture apparatus comprises a shake detection unit which detects a shake of the image capture apparatus; a motion vector detection unit which detects a motion vector indicating a movement of an image; a first calculation unit which calculates a first shake correction amount; a second calculation unit which calculates a second shake correction amount; a shake correction unit which optically corrects a blur of a captured image; a panning determination unit which determines that the image capture apparatus performs a panning operation; a determination unit which determines whether or not the image capture apparatus is in a constant point capturing state; and a control change unit which changes the first threshold to a second threshold and amplifies the second shake correction amount when the determination unit determines the constant point capturing state. |
| US08497917B2 |
Image stabilization system
An image stabilization system includes a fixed unit having a first receiving cavity therein, a movable unit received in the first receiving cavity, a pivot member located between the fixed unit and the movable unit, a magnetic motion sensor, and a magnetic driving module. The pivot member is received in and between the fixed unit and the movable unit. The magnetic motion sensor is disposed on the fixed unit for detecting a movement of the image stabilization system. The magnetic driving module is configured for rotating the movable unit around the pivot member to compensate for movement of the image stabilization system based on the motion detection result of the motion sensor. |
| US08497916B2 |
Image capture device changing cropping range of image based on magnitude of shake of the device, image generating method, and computer program thereof
An image capture device includes: an optical system for producing a subject image; an imager, which receives the subject image and outputs a signal representing an image including the subject image; a sensor for detecting the shake of the device itself by the movement of the device; and an image processing section, which receives the signal representing the image and crops and outputs a part of the image and which changes the cropping range of the image, thereby reducing the shakiness of the subject image in the image that has been caused by the shake of the device itself. The image processing section determines whether the cropping range of the image needs to be changed based on the shake of the device itself that has been detected by the sensor or based on the motion of the subject image. |
| US08497913B2 |
Image pickup apparatus with an inclination guide display
An image pickup apparatus is disclosed which provides an appropriate inclination guide display in accordance with an aspect ratio of a picked-up image and the like. The image pickup apparatus includes an inclination detector which detects an inclination of the image pickup apparatus, a display device capable of superimposedly showing an inclination guide display corresponding to a detection output from the inclination detector, on a picked-up image, and an aspect ratio setter which sets the aspect ratio of a picked-up image. The apparatus includes a display controller which controls whether or not to show the inclination guide display on the display device on the basis of the aspect ratio set by the aspect ratio setter. |
| US08497912B2 |
System for controlling photographs taken in a proprietary area
Method for avoiding unauthorized images of a proprietor's information from being transmitted outside the proprietor's control. A photographic image captured with a camera incorporated upon the wireless handheld communication device is wirelessly transmitted to a proprietor's server. The image is stored on the server after capture and transmission, preferably while the device is still in the photography-restricted geographical area that is under the control of the proprietor of the server. Once at the server, the photographic image is analyzed to determine whether or not the image is authorized for dissemination outside the proprietor's control. Local storage of the photographic image can be prevented on the device which assures that the transmission and storage of the photographic image on the proprietor's server is exclusive. |
| US08497911B2 |
Imaging device, imaging method and program for changing a bandwidth requirement for transmitting an image
An imaging device, which includes: an imaging section which photoelectrically converts an optical image of an object and generates an image signal; an outputting section which outputs the image signal generated by the imaging section to a transmission path; a driving section which drives the imaging section to generate the image signal; and a controlling section which drives the driving section to cause the imaging section to generate the image signal in a predetermined exposure time and reduces an image rate for the image signal generated by the imaging section so as to narrow a bandwidth necessary for transmission of the image signal. |
| US08497900B2 |
Film scanner
A film scanner for the optical scanning of a motion picture film having a sequence of a plurality of image regions and at least one row of a plurality of perforation holes in the longitudinal direction, in particular a motion picture film of the type 16 mm or 35 mm, comprises an image sensor for the detection at least of a respective image region of the motion picture film to generate a corresponding scanned image. The film scanner further comprises an evaluation unit for the evaluation of the scanned image to generate an image steadiness correction signal. The image sensor is made for the additional detection of only a respective part region of perforation holes in the environment of the detected image region of the motion picture film, with the evaluation unit being made to determine a position of the detected part region of at least one perforation hole. The evaluation unit generates the image steadiness correction signal on the basis of the at least one determined part region position. |
| US08497892B2 |
Exposure apparatus and image forming apparatus
An exposure apparatus includes a light source that emits a plurality of light beams, a substrate on which the light source is mounted, a positioning member provided on a housing and being in contact with a positioning surface provided around the light source to position the light source with respect to the housing in an optical axis direction, the housing accommodating an optical system that guides the light beams, and an attachment member attached to the housing and including a portion that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis direction and that is bent over, an end of the bent portion being attached to the substrate such that the positioning surface around the light source is urged against the positioning member and the substrate is attached to the housing. |
| US08497891B2 |
Enhancing optical density
Optical density is enhanced on print media darkened by exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The print media is divided into at least one track. A defocused spot of electromagnetic radiation is created within the track. The defocused spot of electromagnetic radiation darkens the print media within the track. |
| US08497889B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus comprises a display unit and a controller. The display unit displays a first image and a second image. The controller controls the display unit. When the second image is displayed after an enlargement of a part of the first image is performed, the controller specifies a first position relationship between the first enlargement and the first image, and performs the enlargement of the second image on the basis of the first positional relationship. |
| US08497887B2 |
Display driving unit and method for using the same
A display driving unit used in a liquid crystal display (LCD) stores two γ curves. When the LCD displays images, the display driving unit determines the luminance of the image in a first sub-period for displaying the image according to the gray level of the image and the first γ curve, and determines the luminance of the image in a second sub-period for displaying the image according to the gray level of the image and the second γ curve. The LCD displays the image in the luminance determined according to the gray level of the image and the first γ curve in the first sub-period and displays the image in the luminance determined according to the gray level of the image and the second γ curve in the second sub-period. |
| US08497886B2 |
Illumination apparatus and method of driving the same
The illumination apparatus includes: a light emitting unit includes scanning lines, data lines crossing the corresponding scanning lines, and light emitting areas connected between the scanning lines and the data lines, where the light emitting areas include a first light emitting area including at least two first organic light emitting devices emitting a first color and a second light emitting area including at least two second light emitting devices emitting a second color different from the first color; and a driving unit non-simultaneously driving the first light emitting area and the second light emitting area to emit light during a frame. The method of driving the illumination apparatus includes individually emitting light from the first and second light emitting areas by respectively applying data signals to the first and second light emitting areas via the data lines connected thereto during a frame. |
| US08497885B2 |
Display apparatus and drive method thereof
A display apparatus includes a matrix of light emitting elements, a plurality of drive circuits provided for driving the light emitting elements, a plurality of scanning lines to which a scanning signal is applied to select the drive circuits on a row basis, a plurality of control lines to which a light-emission control signal is applied to determine an emission period of the light emitting elements, and a plurality of data lines to which image signals are applied to define brightness of the light emitting elements on a column basis. The scanning signal is sequentially applied to the scanning lines in a field so that the image signals of the data lines are programmed in the drive circuits, and the light-emission control signal is sequentially applied to the control lines to make the light emitting elements emit light with brightness corresponding to the image signal programmed to the drive circuit. An impulse operation, constituted by a high level and a low level of the light-emission control signal, corresponds to on and off of the light emission element, respectively, and is repeated at least twice in different temporal patterns in a period from programming of the image signal necessary for display of one image to inputting of the next image signal. |
| US08497882B2 |
Mobile terminal and user interface of mobile terminal
A mobile terminal including a display unit configured to display information; a touch layer configured to sense a touch input with respect to the display unit; a controller cooperating with the display unit and the touch layer and configured to: sense a touch input onto the display unit after the display unit displays the information, set a region of the display unit that includes a portion corresponding to the sensed touch input, and display on the display unit one or more graphical images corresponding to one or more selectable functions related to one or more contents displayed in the region. Further, the one or more selectable functions are matched to the corresponding one or more graphical images. |
| US08497879B2 |
Information processing apparatus, display processing method, and computer program product therefor
This invention relates to an information processing apparatus that includes a judging unit that judges a usage state of the information processing apparatus; a deciding unit that decides, according to the usage state, a position at which a display element on a display screen on a display unit is to be arranged in either a normal position or an inverted position on the display screen; and a display control unit that controls for arranging the display element in a determined position and for displaying the display element in the determined position on the display screen. |
| US08497877B2 |
Electronic device and method of switching display images
A method of switching display images on an electronic device is disclosed. The method includes displaying a first image on a display. A predetermined number of steps are set. Display effect percentages of the first image and a second image are computed in each step. The number of step images is generated according to the corresponding display effect percentages of the first and second images for each step. The display displays the step images in sequence. The display then displays the second image. |
| US08497871B2 |
Color generation using multiple illuminant types
A system for generating a colored light comprises a set of illuminant types and a processor. The set of illuminant types is associated with a chromaticity gamut, and the set of illuminant types comprises at least five illuminant types that are each associated an illuminant type hue angle. The processor is configured to determine, based at least in part on a mapping, an output level set for a received color coordinate. The mapping comprises associating each color coordinate with an output level set that uses a set of hue-adjacent illuminant types. Hue-adjacent illuminant types comprise a group of illuminant types that are determined to be adjacent in a circular ordered list of illuminant types that is circularly ordered according to the illuminant type hue angle. |
| US08497868B2 |
Reduction of pattern glare
Techniques are provided for reducing pattern glare. A font size that reduces pattern glare may be determined through a series of tests. A density that reduces pattern glare may be determined through a series of tests. A color that reduces pattern glare may be determined through a series of tests. The determined parameters may be used to create a profile that is usable in different environments. |
| US08497866B2 |
Wireless graphics card
A device is provided for use in a portable computer. The device includes a wireless graphics card that includes a connector for coupling to an expansion slot of the portable computer and for receiving a plurality of signals from the portable computer, the plurality of signals including video, audio, and data signals and an ultra wideband (UWB) chipset coupled to the connector for processing the plurality of signals and for generating an OFDM modulated signal that includes at least the video signal, where the OFDM modulated signal including the video signal is wirelessly transmitted over an UWB link to a monitor for display. |
| US08497864B2 |
Method and device for displaying lines between sampled measurement values
Measurement points for display on a two-dimensional pixel-based display device are formed by scanned and digitized measurement values. To this end, the resolution of each measurement point according to time and/or value is higher than the resolution of the two-dimensional pixel-based display device. The measurement points are connected into a continuous measurement point curve if they are not located on directly adjoining pixels. In order to determine the pixels to be depicted of the continuous measurement point curve between two measurement points not located on directly adjoining pixels, the positions of the adjoining measurement points within the associated pixels are taken into consideration. |
| US08497863B2 |
Graph scalability
Described is a technology for reducing the layout complexity of a graph, e.g., an STT graph. Nodes with similar incoming and outgoing links are grouped as candidate groupings to possibly be clustered. For each candidate grouping, if the nodes in the candidate grouping and/or the candidate grouping meet clustering criteria, the candidate grouping is clustered into a clustered node. The criteria may include user-specified parameters directed towards the nodes and/or the candidate groupings. For example, a node is removed from a group if the number of incoming links thereto or the number of outgoing links therefrom exceed maximum incoming and outgoing parameter values, respectively. A group is only clustered if the number of nodes therein meets a minimum size parameter. |
| US08497862B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing three dimensional images, and recording medium having a program for processing three dimensional images recorded therein
A pseudo three dimensional image is generated, based on an aspect image and a mapping image generated from an original three dimensional image, using a volume rendering method. A mapping image that represents the functions of a subject is generated using first voxel data that constitute an original three dimensional medical image of the subject. An aspect image is generated using second voxel data that constitute an original three dimensional medical image of the subject. A position matching means causes positions within a heart represented by the mapping image to correspond to positions within a heart represented by the aspect image. An image generating means executes volume rendering based on degrees of opacity within the mapping image, to generate the pseudo three dimensional image. |
| US08497859B1 |
Display of information on or within a three-dimensional image
Methods and systems for displaying information on or within a three-dimensional (3D) image are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to determine, based on a two-dimensional (2D) content displayed on a display device, an object depicted in the 2D content. The computing device may be configured to receive information indicative of a request to initiate a three-dimensional (3D) image viewer to view the object in the 3D image viewer. The computing device, accordingly, may be configured to provide rendering information associated with instructions for rendering in the 3D image viewer a 3D image representing a 3D object data model of the object on the display device. The computing device may be configured to provide, in the 3D image viewer, information relating to the object and including at least a portion of the 2D content. |