Document Document Title
US08510385B1 System and method for user polling over a network
User polling associated with an interactive broadcasting platform includes maintaining a list of one or more existing request posts associated with content. The existing request posts are posted by one or more users associated with an interactive broadcast platform. A new request post is received from another user associated with the interactive broadcasting platform with the new request post being associated with the interactive broadcasting platform. Votes are received from a group of users. The group of users include any of the one or more users, the another user, and other non-posting users associated with the online broadcasting platform. The votes are associated with at least one of the one or more existing request posts and the new request post. A score is determined for the existing request posts and for the new request post according to a function that includes the votes received from the group of users.
US08510383B2 Method for providing event based media streams
A method for sharing event media in real-time by creating a media stream associated with an event location by gathering location information and receiving media from a first user; publishing the media stream to a participant zone; and adding content to the media stream by a second user in the participant zone. The participant zone is an area in which users are allowed event participant access, and the area extends from the event location.
US08510380B2 Creating and sharing interest lists in a social networking system
A social networking service allows a user of the service to create an interest list associated with a topic of interest, where the interest list includes members that may post content via the social networking service. Members of the interest list may post content associated with the topic. Other users of the social network service may subscribe to the list, and these subscribers may then receive a feed that contains the content posted by the members of the interest list.
US08510378B2 System and method for auto-generating JavaScript
A method, system, Web-environment and computer program product for automatically generating proxies and meta-proxies for script code in an HTML document. The invention preferably operates with a system that allows for JavaScript to be utilized on the server-side.
US08510377B2 Methods and systems for exploring a corpus of content
Methods and systems are described for exploring a corpus of content items stored in one or more information repositories within a distributed communications system.
US08510373B2 Data synchronization and disablement of dependent data fields
Methods for synchronizing data in client-server architectures are described. A client stores data in first and second fields. The value stored in the second field depends on the value stored in the first. When the client writes a new value to the first field, it disables writing to the second field. The client sends a refresh request and receives a refresh response from a server. The refresh request and response contain differences in data stored in the client and server fields. If the refresh response includes a new value for the second field, the client writes the value to the second field. A round trip pending flag associated with the first field is set. A data invalid flag associated with the second field is set. New data can be written to a third field when the value of the third field does not depend on the value of the first field.
US08510371B2 Method and system for creating IT-oriented server-based web applications
A method of application object management. The method comprises initializing and managing at least one application object on a server, forwarding a command indicative of a state of the at least one application object to a client hosting a browser and a kernel so as to allow the kernel to render the at least one application object according to the state by the browser, receiving, from the client, at least one client event pertaining to the at least one rendered application object, and updating the state by processing the at least one client event on the server.
US08510369B1 Method and system for adding plug-in functionality to virtualized applications
A computing system invokes a proxy agent in a virtual environment hosted by the computing system to obtain configuration change data for a virtualized application from an agent residing in a physical environment hosted by the computing system. The proxy agent changes a configuration of the virtualized application based on the configuration change data to cause the virtualized application to load a plug-in in the virtual environment. The computing system launches the virtualized application and the virtualized application loads the plug-in in the virtual environment to utilize a function of the plug-in in the virtual environment.
US08510366B1 Dynamic distribution for distributed arrays and related rules
The present invention provides a method and system for the dynamic distribution of an array in a parallel computing environment. The present invention obtains a criterion for distributing an array and performs flexible portioning based on the obtained criterion. In some embodiment analysis may be performed based on the criterion. The flexible portioning is then performed based on the analysis.
US08510363B2 SIMD sign operation
Method, apparatus, and program means for nonlinear filtering and deblocking applications utilizing SIMD sign and absolute value operations. The method of one embodiment comprises receiving first data for a first block and second data for a second block. The first data and said second data are comprised of a plurality of rows and columns of pixel data. A block boundary between the first block and the second block is characterized. A correction factor for a deblocking algorithm is calculated with a first instruction for a sign operation that multiplies and with a second instruction for an absolute value operation. Data for pixels located along said block boundary between the first and second block are corrected.
US08510362B2 Apparatus and method for variable fast fourier transform
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for variable fast Fourier transform. According to an embodiment of the present invention, two n-point fast Fourier transform (FFT) processors are used to generate two n-point FFT output data or one 2n-point FFT output data. The one 2n-point input data is alternately input to the two n-point FFT processors. Each of the two n-point FFT processors selects a twiddle factor for the n-point input data or the 2n-point input data and performs fast Fourier transform. A butterfly operation is performed on signals obtained by performing fast Fourier transform on the 2n-point input data signal, and the processed signals are aligned in an output order. According to this structure, it is possible to realize a fast Fourier transform hardware engine that selectively performs multi-frequency allocation in a base station system that supports the multi-frequency allocation.
US08510361B2 Variable exponent averaging detector and dynamic range controller
The VEA Detector and Dynamic Range Controller of the invention more accurately measure constant or non-constant, periodic or aperiodic, signals and the use of such measurements to control the upstream and/or downstream processing of program signals, including without limitation audio, video, and power program signals. The invention uses an antilog module acting within the context of a log domain circuit such that the “averaging” at an integrator is linear, not logarithmic. However, since the detection is within the log domain, the dynamic range of the VEA Detector is exponentially larger.
US08510359B2 Pseudo-random number generation device, pseudo-random number generation program, and medium containing pseudo-random number generation program
[Problems] To provide a highly efficient pseudo-random number generation device which can be used in a small-scale computer and a mobile terminal.[Means for Solving Problems] A memory table having n elements is prepared. A unique value is set for each of the n elements. By changing the contents of the respective elements in the memory table so as to change the memory table state. The change is extracted as a random number. Thus, it is possible to obtain a random number table of a cycle of power n at the maximum.
US08510357B1 Logic structures and methods supporting pipelined multi-operand adders
Circuitry for adding together three long numbers may include the formation of redundant form sum bit signals and redundant form carry bit signals. These signals may be finally combined in a ripple carry adder chain that produces sum bit output signals and ripple carry bit signals. Both a ripple carry bit signal and a redundant form carry bit signal must be passed from the circuitry performing each place of the addition to the circuitry performing the next-more-significant place of the addition. Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating subdividing long chains of such circuitry, as well as possibly including (between such subdivisions) “pipeline” registers for both ripple and redundant form carry bit signals.
US08510355B2 Bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing bitstream buffer manipulation with a SIMD merge instruction. The method of one embodiment comprises determining whether any unprocessed data bits for a partial variable length symbol exist in a first data block is made. A shift merge operation is performed to merge the unprocessed data bits from the first data block with a second data block. A merged data block is formed. A merged variable length symbol comprised of the unprocessed data bits and a plurality of data bits from the second data block is extracted from the merged data block.
US08510353B2 Portable budgeting apparatus
A portable budgeting apparatus includes a housing with a display and input device coupled thereto. The apparatus includes an electronic memory device and processor. The processor includes programming for storing budget categories and respective modifiable money and priority values in the memory device for each budget category. Upon selection of a respective budget category and input of an expenditure value, the programming includes modifying the money value of a respective expenditure value by subtracting the expenditure value from the selected category's money value and, if the expenditure value is greater than the selected category's money value, subtracting the difference between the selected category's money value and the expenditure value from the money value of a respective category that has a money value greater than zero and a priority value that is lower than a priority value of all other the budget categories having money values greater than zero.
US08510352B2 Virtualized boot block with discovery volume
A file system independent virtualized boot block with discovery volume and cover files renders a volume visible when accessed by an accessing system which differs from a source system. For example, a downlevel operating system recognizes that data is present on a volume created in an uplevel operating system, even where the uplevel data itself may not be accessible.
US08510351B2 Implementing transactional processing for user operations in clustered file systems
Systems. Methods, and Computer Program Products are provided for implementing transactional processing for user operations in a clustered file system (CFS). Transactional functionality is provided for user defined operations for one of writing and modifying files, and user defined write operations and individual user defined modification operations to various possible alternative files are wrapped into either a single transaction or multiple transactions individual.
US08510345B2 Generating a service-oriented architecture policy based on a context model
A solution for generating a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) policy based on a context model is provided, which generates an application scope of the SOA policy; generates a context model; generates an action list for the context model based on action semantic modules customized by a user; generates a condition part of the SOA policy according to the context module; generates an action part of the SOA policy according to the action list; and combines the condition part and the action part to generate the SOA policy.
US08510343B2 Cogeneration of database applications and their databases
User experience in a designer tool manages cogeneration of a database application and a database accessible through the application. A user places a visual representation of an application element designed to control a relational or hierarchical dataset. Code is automatically called to add the application element to the application, and automatically invoked to create database schema elements designed to implement the dataset in the database under application element control. Users verify that an application element has been automatically added, and confirm that database schema elements implementing the dataset(s) under control of the application element have been automatically created. A tutorial illustrates a workflow utilizing a designer tool to cogenerate a database application and a database without a data design step. A wizard utilizes the designer tool to cogenerate a database application and a database that collectively implement a calendar, a diagram, a tree, a wiki, and/or a list.
US08510337B2 System and method for accessing electronic data via an image search engine
The present invention provides a system and method for accessing electronic data through entry of images as queries in search engine. The system uses various image capturing devices and communication devices to capture images and enter them into image database. Image recognition techniques encode images in a computer readable format. The processed image is then entered for comparison into at least one database populated with images and associated information. Once the newly captured image is matched with an image in the database, the information linked with that image is returned to the user.
US08510335B2 Database and method for controlling access to a database
A method for controlling access to a database is disclosed, as well as a corresponding database system. The method comprises: receiving, from a user, a request for a data post in said database; determining that said user should be allowed access to said requested data post based on a security context associated with said data post and said user; providing said user with access to said data post; and validating, by an external security system, at least one of the user and the data post, said validation being based on a validation field, controlled by the external security system and being associated with said user and/or data post. Hereby, the database can be operated with its native operational procedures, thereby enabling a very fast and efficient performance. At the same time, the validation by the external security system provides a high degree of security.
US08510330B2 Configurable search graphical user interface and engine
A configurable search engine is provided in which, in an embodiment, by running the search engine an administrator can configure the search options available to a user by selecting from a choice of options without writing code. The user may be able to further configure the search options. In an embodiment, the search engine combines searches of multiple tables in a manner that appears seamless to the user.
US08510328B1 Implementing symbolic word and synonym English language sentence processing on computers to improve user automation
A software system that automates the use of computing systems by storing English language sentences using synonyms and symbol words to allow user access to computer resources without having to know the technical details or the specifics associated with a body of knowledge. Synonym sentences allow users to get to computer resources using different words stored in different sentences that open the same computer resource (i.e.: a document) to significantly improve a first time request for information. Sentences learned (stored) in text or SQL databases or used in a software agent sentence or search engine sentence are automatically parsed and directed to the appropriate knowledge repository to automated computer processes or to get user information without having to know any technical details required to navigate through computer systems or computer data. Multiple words or sentences can be linked together with computer resources to further automate job tasks.
US08510325B1 Supplementing search results with information of interest
A system may receive a search query. The system may further provide a list of first documents relating to the search query in a first area of a user interface and provide additional information that has been retrieved from the first documents in a second, different area of the user interface. The additional information includes an attribute name and an associated attribute value.
US08510319B2 Location based information for emergency services systems and methods
Systems, methods, and software for identifying location based rules related to a network connected device are described. A network connected device may transmit a set of data identifying the location of the device and an identifier unique to the device to a server. The server may also receive an action request, wherein the action request is associated with the identifier. The server may select a rule in a database to address the action request, the rule applicable to the identifier and location of the device. Various embodiments related to financial card transactions, access to financial information, emergency services contact, and electronic message filtering are also addressed.
US08510318B2 Data processing apparatus and data processing method
A data processing apparatus and a data processing method include reading order information included in a data file according to one of a pair of byte orders, comparing the read order information with preset reference information, and decoding the data file if the order information is equal to the reference information.
US08510317B2 Providing search results based on keyword detection in media content
A method includes accessing a cookie file from a media receiver via a network. The method includes detecting an occurrence of the keyword (selected from the cookie file) within a portion of a media content stream. The method includes identifying one or more additional words that are located within a number of words from a location corresponding to an occurrence of the keyword within the portion of the stream of media content. The method includes filtering the one or more additional words to exclude at least one black listed word to produce a filtered search set. The method includes providing a search result in response to locating the keyword. The search result is based on an Internet search conducted using the keyword and the filtered search set, and is made accessible via a display device after the portion of the media content stream is made available via the display device.
US08510314B1 Book content item search
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products are provided for ranking distinct book content items based on implicit links to other distinct book content items. The implicit links are defined based on the identification of matching features in the distinct book content items. In some implementations, the matching features are uncommon phrases in textual content of the distinct book content items. Edges representing implicit links are generated between distinct nodes representing distinct book content items in a weighted graph. Search results for distinct book content items can be ordered based on the edges connected to the distinct nodes in the weighted graph that represent the distinct book content items.
US08510313B2 Relevancy sorting of user's browser history
Various embodiments provide a Web browser that employs a relevancy algorithm to make an educated guess as to the likelihood of a user's intended destination when the user begins to enter text into a browser's address bar. In one or more embodiments, the relevancy algorithm employs various parameters and assigns weights to the parameters to arrive at a collection of suggestions to provide to the user. By using various rules, associated weightings, and the relevancy algorithm, relevant suggestions can be provided to a user to facilitate their navigation activities.
US08510312B1 Automatic metadata identification
A system identifies metadata associated with a document by capturing text of a document and comparing the text of the document with a collection of metadata records. Sets of matches between the text of the document and at least one record in the collection of metadata records may be identified, where each set of matches corresponds to a metadata record in the collection of metadata records. Metadata records corresponding to each set of matches may be scored. At least one of the metadata records may be identified based on the scores of the metadata records. The at least one identified metadata record may be associated with the document.
US08510311B2 Pattern search apparatus and method thereof
A pattern search apparatus includes a storage unit, a distribution acquisition unit, a hash function unit, a training unit, and a search unit. A cumulative probability distribution of the training pattern on an arbitrary axis is obtained, and hash function each of which divides a probability value are defined based on the cumulative probability distribution.
US08510309B2 Selection and delivery of invitational content based on prediction of user interest
Systems and methods are provided for selecting invitational content for users based on their short-term and their long-term features. In operation, responsive to a request from a user terminal for a content package a journal of events associated with a user. Thereafter, short-term and long-term features in the journal are identified and tagged with pre-defined tags indicating a type of content associated with the patterns. The tags are then used to select invitational content by selecting content based on tags for the identified short-term features associated with a threshold level of activity or tags for the identified long-term features.
US08510308B1 Extracting semantic classes and instances from text
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for extracting semantic classes and corresponding instances from a collection of text. One aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of receiving a collection of text; identifying an initial collection of instance-class pairs for the collection of text; clustering a collection of semantically similar phrases using the collection of text; generating, using one or more processors, an extracted collection of instance-class pairs using the initial collection of instance-class pairs and the semantically similar phrase clusters; and storing the extracted collection of instance-class pairs for use in information retrieval.
US08510307B1 Systems and methods for automatic item classification
An item categorization service is described that automatically categorizes items of interest to a user. The user may possess an item that they wish to offer for sale using a network-based service. The user may submit item information to the categorization service to categorize the item of interest. Upon receipt, the categorization service may assess the relevance of the item information to hierarchically organized categories maintained by the network-based service. Categories having the highest relevance may be identified as first category candidates. The deepest common ancestor of the first category candidates may be identified the first category. One or more categories related to the first category may also be identified and subjected to relevance assessment. Those related categories having the highest relevance may be identified as second category candidates. The deepest common ancestor of the second category candidates may be identified as a second category for the item of interest.
US08510306B2 Faceted search with relationships between categories
Method, system, and computer program product for faceted search with relationships between categories are provided. The method includes: having a document set of multiple documents, each document having associated categories to which it belongs; grouping multiple categories associated with a document into a category set based on a relationship between the multiple categories; associating the category set with the document; and indexing the category set for retrieval of documents from categories sharing a category set. Wherein indexing the category set includes: having an index entry of a textual representations of a category, wherein the index entry includes a single occurrence for each document to which the category is attached; adding a payload to a document occurrence of a serialization of an identifier of the category sets to which the category belongs associated with the document. Indexing the category set further includes: adding an index entry for category set data, wherein the index entry includes a single occurrence for each document, wherein a document occurrence includes a payload of a serialization of an identifier of category sets associated with the document, and an identifier of the categories belonging to the category sets.
US08510305B2 Machine, computer readable medium, and computer-implemented method for file management, storage, and display
Machines, computer readable media, program products, and computer-implemented methods of file management, storage, and display are provided. According to an example of an embodiment of a method, a user is displayed an icon palette having a palette boundary and including icons representing a plurality of predetermined categories representing notable events in a life of the user. An unsorted file is assigned to at least one predetermined category through a user action so that dragging and dropping a file across the palette boundary onto an icon on the icon palette assigns the file to a category. The user is prompted to fill out a questionnaire associated with the file. The questionnaire includes any additional categories, album data, a journal entry, event information, and display information. The display device displays an album of files using pre-selected formats based on information provided in the questionnaires.
US08510300B2 Systems and methods for managing information associated with legal, compliance and regulatory risk
Some embodiments include a system, method, apparatus and means for managing information associated with risk. In some embodiments, information associated with risk is collected, analyzed, stored, and disseminated. According to some embodiments, the information associated with risk is utilized to identify risk.
US08510295B1 Managing resource storage for multi resolution imagery data with zoom level
Embodiments for managing resource storage for data objects are provided. In one embodiment, an aggregated user happiness (AUH) contribution for a data object is calculated by evaluating the metadata associated with the data object based on one or more AUH criteria. One or more resource storage parameters for the data object are determined based on the AUH contribution. The data object is replicated and stored on data servers based on the resource storage parameters.
US08510293B2 Determining sort order by distance
Included are embodiments for determining sort order. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining a plurality of search results associated with at least one search criteria. Some embodiments of a method include determining a first distance between at least one of the search results and a home page associated with the at least one search result and determining a display order for the plurality of search results.
US08510292B2 Isolation for applications working on shared XML data
A mechanism is provided for detecting and disregarding application specific nodes contained in shared XML documents. The techniques described involve determining one or more application specific nodes within XML documents and performing path expression evaluations of the XML documents as if the nodes are not present. In one embodiment, a mechanism is provided by which a user may specify the criterion that determines which subset of nodes in XML documents are to be ignored from path expression evaluations. A query that specifies a path operation based on a path is evaluated ignoring said identified nodes when evaluating said path operation.
US08510285B1 Using pre-search triggers
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for using pre-search triggers. In one aspect, a method includes identifying one or more topics and determining that a confidence score associated with a particular topic of the one or more identified topics satisfies a predetermined threshold value. An occurrence of a pre-search trigger can be detected. In response to determining that the confidence score associated with the particular topic satisfies the predetermined threshold value and detecting the occurrence of the pre-search trigger, a search engine can be instructed to execute a search using a search query associated with the particular topic. A representation of a resource identified in results received in response to the search can be provided.
US08510284B2 Large-scale event evaluation using realtime processors
Large-scale event processing systems are often designed to perform data mining operations by storing a large set of events in a massive database, applying complex queries to the records of the events, and generating reports and notifications. However, because such queries are performed on very large data sets, the processing of the queries often introduces a significant delay between the occurrence of the events and the reporting or notification thereof. Instead, a large-scale event processing system may be devised as a large state machine organized according to an evaluation plan, comprising a graph of event processors that, in realtime, evaluate each event in an event stream to update an internal state of the event processor, and to perform responses when response conditions are met. The continuous monitoring and evaluation of the stream of events may therefore enable the event processing system to provide realtime responses and notifications of complex queries.
US08510282B2 Thread-based web browsing history
A method and system for cataloguing browsing activity into separate browsing threads. Each browsing thread is an archived set of links that were considered during a specific time-period. The user is also provided with the ability to add metadata to a browsing history. The invention permits the user to reload an archived thread and resume any browsing from the point at which the thread was paused or suspended. In addition, the method and system provides cataloguing of the user browsing activity into separate threads with the ability to add metadata to threads or the individual entries within a thread. The threads may also be archived by date and time and indexed by keyword such that saved threads may be located, resumed, reviewed, and amended at a later point in time, including by other users, if desired.
US08510279B1 Using read signature command in file system to backup data
In one aspect, a method includes determining locations in a file that have changed using read signature commands, reading data around a changed file location for each file location that has changed, generating variable-size portions of the data read and sending the variable-size portions of the data to a backup system.
US08510278B2 Method of loading a database on board an aircraft
In the method of loading data on board an aircraft), a data set is loaded into on-board equipment of the aircraft, the data set comprising at least: a first version of a database that is identical to a version already in use in the aircraft; and a second version of the database. The database preferably relates to an aircraft warning system.
US08510273B2 System, method, and computer-readable medium to facilitate application of arrival rate qualifications to missed throughput server level goals
A system, method, and computer-readable medium that provide mechanisms for tracking the number of queries received for processing for a workload to facilitate arrival rate qualifications to Throughput Service Level Goals are provided. A number of queries counter associated with a particular workload is incremented each time a query assigned to the particular workload is received thereby tracking the arrival rate of workload queries. When a system performance condition comprising a non-compliant system performance level with respect to a Throughput Service Level Goal is identified, the number of queries counter is compared with the Throughput Service Level Goal. If the arrival rate of queries for the workload is greater than the Throughput Service Level Goal of the workload, actions associated with non-compliance of the Throughput Service Level Goal may then be performed. If the number of queries counter is less than or equal to the Throughput Service Level Goal, the preliminary identification of the missed Service Level Goal as a system performance condition event is dismissed or otherwise ignored.
US08510271B1 Application and file system data virtualization from image backup
A system uses one or more processors and an interface to a backup repository to generate a set of backup objects for a point in time, store the set of backup objects in the backup repository, and store mapping information usable to retrieve appropriate backup objects when desired. A first map relates one or more applications to objects used by the applications. A second map relates the objects to corresponding data blocks or other data locations on volumes. A third map relates the data locations to corresponding backup objects for the point in time.
US08510269B2 Uninterrupted database index reorganization/movement
A method for reorganizing a first database includes copying data from the first database to a second database having an index structure different from that of the first database, updating the second database to reflect changes that have been made to the first database since the commencement of the copying, and switching the second database for the first database.
US08510268B1 Editable geographic data for maps, and applications thereof
The present invention relates to a geographic information system having editable maps. In an embodiment, a system provides editable maps. The system includes an edit layer dataset that stores geocoded data. At least a portion of the edit layer dataset is edited by a user. The system also includes a base layer dataset that includes trusted geocoded data and a moderation module that receives a change in the edit layer dataset. The moderation module determines whether the change is reliable and promotes the change in the edit layer dataset to the base layer dataset if the change is reliable.
US08510267B2 Synchronization of structured information repositories
Several different embodiments of a massively scalable object storage system are described. The object storage system is particularly useful for storage in a cloud computing installation whereby shared servers provide resources, software, and data to computers and other devices on demand. In several embodiments, the object storage system includes a ring implementation used to associate object storage commands with particular physical servers such that certain guarantees of consistency, availability, and performance can be met. In other embodiments, the object storage system includes a synchronization protocol used to order operations across a distributed system. In a third set of embodiments, the object storage system includes a metadata management system. In a fourth set of embodiments, the object storage system uses a structured information synchronization system. Features from each set of embodiments can be used to improve the performance and scalability of a cloud computing object storage system.
US08510263B2 Method and system for auditing transaction data from database operations
A method for validating SRS registry transaction data includes receiving OLTP transaction data from a first database, parsing the OLTP transaction data, and comparing the parsed OLTP transaction data to one or more of a set of profiles. Each of the one or more of the set of profiles includes metadata in XML files. The method also includes caching the parsed OLTP transaction data in a first data cache, receiving log data associated with the OLTP transaction data; and caching the log data in a second data cache. The method further includes correlating the parsed transaction data cached in the first data cache with the log data cached in the second data cache.
US08510259B2 XBRL database mapping system and method
XBRL instance data configured according to a given XBRL hypercube specification (or an extension thereof) may be automatically mapped to a multidimensional database configured according to the given XBRL hypercube specification. Such a multidimensional database may be configured for analytical processing of multi-dimensional analytical queries related to the XBRL instance data and/or for analytical processing by a business intelligence tool. Multidimensional data from a multidimensional database may also be automatically mapped to an automatically-generated XBRL hypercube specification structured according to the multidimensional database.
US08510258B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program for extracting information from an electronic program guide
There is provided an information processing apparatus including: an acquisition unit successively specifying fields to be processed out of a plurality of fields included in program information in electronic program guide information and acquiring a character string included in each specified field; an analysis unit analyzing the acquired character string and outputting an analysis result for dividing the character string into a plurality of units; a sequence generating unit generating, for each field, a sequence corresponding to character string lengths of the units based on the outputted analysis result; a variance value calculating unit calculating, for each field, a variance value showing a degree of variance of magnitudes of values of items in the sequence; and a specifying unit specifying, for each program, a cast member field, in which cast member names are listed, out of the plurality of fields based on the calculated variance values.
US08510255B2 Occupancy pattern detection, estimation and prediction
Systems and methods are described for predicting and/or detecting occupancy of an enclosure, such as a dwelling or other building, which can be used for a number of applications. An a priori stochastic model of occupancy patterns based on information of the enclosure and/or the expected occupants of the enclosure is used to pre-seed an occupancy prediction engine. Along with data from an occupancy sensor, the occupancy prediction engine predicts future occupancy of the enclosure. Various systems and methods for detecting occupancy of an enclosure, such as a dwelling, are also described.
US08510252B1 Classification of inappropriate video content using multi-scale features
A method, a system and a computer program product generate a statistical classification model used by a computer system to determine whether a video contains content in a particular class, such as inappropriate content.
US08510250B2 System and method for multi-source semantic content exploration on a TV receiver set
The present invention refers to the field of metadata enhancement system for broadcast televisions program, in particular to provide to the customer more information about a current, past or future broadcast. It concerns a method to enhance transmitted contents, said method starting from the metadata to populate a knowledge database. This method is based on a iterative process to fetch information from open Internet using as search criteria the result of the previous search. The data in the knowledge database are organized in data triple. According to one embodiment, the iterative process is stops when the returned data are related to another content.The knowledge database is then accessible for a user to obtain additional information about a content by sending a suitable request to the Query Server Module in charge of the knowledge database.
US08510247B1 Recommendation of media content items based on geolocation and venue
Content items, such as e-books, audio files, video files, etc., may be recommended to a user based on the user's presence at a geolocation or venue. Geolocation is the geospatial location of the user, while a venue is a designated area for an activity, such as a concert hall, aircraft, waiting room, etc. The recommendations may be of content items relating to the geolocation or venue, or they may be content items being accessed by others who are, or have been, in approximately the same geolocation or venue.
US08510246B2 Automatic source code generation for computing probabilities of variables in belief networks
A system for computing probabilities of variables in a belief network includes a data acquisition interface configured to receive data representative of the belief network. The system further includes a partial evaluator configured to carry out a partial evaluation algorithm that determines the probability calculations that must be performed on the received data in order to compute the probabilities of the variables in the belief network. The system further includes a source code generator configured to output the probability calculations as a source code in a programming language.
US08510245B2 Bayesian clinical decision model for determining probability of transplant glomerulopathy
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for determining a patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy. The method collects clinical parameters from a plurality of patients to create a training database. A fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is created using data from the training database; and, the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network is validated. Clinical parameters are collected from an individual patient; and, such clinical parameters are input into the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model via a graphical user interface. The patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy is output from the fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model and sent to the graphical user interface for use by a clinician in pre-operative planning. The fully unsupervised Bayesian Belief Network model is updated using the clinical parameters from the individual patient and the patient-specific probability of transplant glomerulopathy.
US08510244B2 Apparatus comprising artificial neuronal assembly
An artificial synapse array and virtual neural space are disclosed.More specifically, a cognitive sensor system and method are disclosed comprising a massively parallel convolution processor capable of, for instance, situationally dependent identification of salient features in a scene of interest by emulating the cortical hierarchy found in the human retina and visual cortex.
US08510238B1 Method to predict session duration on mobile devices using native machine learning
Methods and apparatus for predicting time spans for mobile platform activation are presented. A machine-learning service executing on a mobile platform receives feature-related data. The feature-related data includes usage-related data about time spans that the mobile platform is activated and platform-related data received from the mobile platform. The usage-related data and the platform-related data can differ. The machine-learning service determines whether the machine-learning service is trained to perform machine-learning operations related to predicting a time span that the mobile platform will be activated. In response to determining that the machine-learning service is trained, the machine-learning service: receives a request for a predicted time span that the mobile platform will be activated, determines the predicted time span by the machine-learning service performing a machine-learning operation on the feature-related data, and sends the predicted time span.
US08510233B1 Postage printer
Embodiments of the invention involve an integrated thermal printer with a scale that is connected to a computer. The computer is connected to a web server that is authorized by a government postal agency, e.g. the USPS, to issue postage.
US08510228B2 Transfer method of electronic cash
A card to card transfer method used in the financial system is provided in the present invention, and comprises an initializing step, a transferring step and a transaction confirming step, wherein the initializing step includes the steps of calculating and obtaining the public key certificate and checking the amount of the transaction and so on, and the transferring step includes the steps of performing the transaction and so on. The present invention can achieve the function of transferring the electronic cash between two cards and can prevent the risk of repeatedly transferring the money into the card for transfer-in by using the card for transfer-out and so on.
US08510224B2 Database for check risk decisions populated with check activity data from banks of first deposit
A plurality of banks of first deposit provide checking account activity data for both transit items (checks received for deposit that need to be cleared) and incoming returns (bounced checks) to a statistical model which determines from the data the likelihood that a check from a specific checking account will be returned. This data is used to populate a database of checking accounts to be used for making check risk decisions, such as check hold policy decisions, check acceptance decisions, and open to buy decisions.
US08510222B2 Automated teller machine with virtual bank sharing
An automated teller machine (ATM) which includes a plurality of peripherals including a user interface for interacting with a user providing user information; a plurality of virtual automated teller machines (VATMs) resident in the ATM, the VATMs networked to a plurality of financial institutions, each VATM capable of using its own ATM software application and capable of providing its own menu of banking options to the user; and an interface to communicate between the VATMs and the plurality of peripherals, receive the user information from the user interface, identify the user's financial institution, link the user with the user's financial institution through a selected VATM corresponding to the user's financial institution and provide the menu of banking options to the user as if the user were using an ATM dedicated to the user's financial institution.
US08510219B1 Billing management package for internet access and web page utilization
A billing management package which handles all web access as charged transactions (Pay-as-you-go) for browsing and purchasing product(s), service(s), and/or data on the Internet. The software is designed to be loaded on an individual web or a web server front ending multiple domains and/or access to other domains through Internet servers. The software deals with access to web pages, content viewing and product selection, billing the user for time spent browsing or per number of pages downloaded, and acting as a broker for multiple product selections. The billing software package is modular, each one handles different time based access transactions used for browsing and/or purchasing on the Internet.
US08510217B1 Internet-calling card
A pre-paid card, referred to as an Internet card, in accordance with the invention can be used to make anonymous payments over the Internet for services and products, e.g., to pay for Internet access and/or product purchases. The Card is purchased, e.g., with cash, from a card retailer, e.g., a convenience store. In some embodiments the card includes security information which is hidden from the retailer but can be viewed by the purchaser, e.g., after performing a tear off or scratch off operation to reveal the security information. The security information can be used to authorize a transaction to be charged against the card without the need to reveal any personal information and without the risk of the retailer making unauthorized purchases since the security information is hidden from the retailer. By avoiding the need for personal information privacy is maintained and the risk of identity theft avoided.
US08510210B1 Methods and systems for creating an interest rate swap volatility index and trading derivative products based thereon
Systems and methods for creating and disseminating an interest rate swap volatility index based on an underlying interest rate swaption, and for creating and trading derivative investment products based on the interest rate swap volatility index, are disclosed. In one aspect, an interest rate swap volatility index based on an underlying interest rate swaption is calculated. The interest rate swap volatility index may be accessed by a processor of a trading platform and a standardized, exchange traded derivative may be created based on the calculated interest rate swap volatility index. Information associated with the interest rate swap volatility index derivative may then be transmitted for display.
US08510209B2 Settling over-the-counter derivatives using synthetic spot benchmark rates
Techniques and systems for settling over-the-counter financial instruments includes sampling over a periodic interval are disclosed. A volume weighted average price of the sampled process may be calculated and forward points may be applied to the volume weighted average priced to determine an associated spot exchange rate. Such a synthetic spot FX exchange rate may be published to subscribers. Over-the-counter financial derivatives may establish delivery obligations according to the spot exchange rate. In the event where a number of transactions during the sampling period is less than a threshold, a midpoint of bids and asks associated with orders for the exchange traded financial derivative may be used to determine an average of the midpoint, to which the forward points may be applied to determine the spot exchange rate. Alternatively, the time-weighted average of the bid and ask orders during a periodic interval may be used in computing the volume-weighted average price.
US08510203B2 Methods and systems for providing preferred stock credit default swaps
In one aspect, the invention comprises a method comprising the steps of: (a) specifying a reference entity which is an obligor with respect to preferred securities; (b) defining a credit event to include deferral of dividend or coupon on the preferred securities; (c) specifying a payoff to include the preferred securities, the payoff to be made following the credit event; (d) specifying a premium; (e) executing an agreement with a protection buyer, wherein the agreement comprises terms based on the reference entity, the credit event, and the payoff, and wherein the protection buyer agrees to pay the premium in return for a promise to provide the payoff to the protection buyer upon occurrence of the credit event; and (f) receiving the premium from the protection buyer.
US08510202B2 Computer system for evaluating fixed income trade opportunities
Systems and methods embodying the present invention permit a trader of securities such as municipal bonds to observe real-time data relating to actual or prospective trades of relevance to a contemplated trade, while excluding those actual or prospective trades that are insufficiently relevant. The trader, or other user, can specify filtering criteria according to which actual or prospective trade data will be collected and presented. The retrieval and presentation of matching data permits an informed yet rapid determination of a price, or other information, for a particular municipal bond or analogous security.
US08510199B1 Method and apparatus for financial product risk determination
A system for determining risks and/or valuations associated with financial products, comprises a data processing system having computer(s), database(s), financial product data record creating for creating one or more financial product data records, financial product data records identifying a particular financial product by a transaction credit or serial number, and financial product risk data software for creating one or more risk data records associated with the financial product data records.
US08510196B1 Feedback loop in mobile damage assessment and claims processing
Systems and methods provide for an automated system for analyzing damage and processing claims associated with an insured item, such as a vehicle. An enhanced claims processing server may analyze damage associated with the insured item using photos/video transmitted to the server from a user device (e.g., a mobile device). The mobile device may receive feedback from the server regarding the acceptability of submitted photos/video, and if the server determines that any of the submitted photos/video is unacceptable, the mobile device may capture additional photos/video until all of the data are deemed acceptable. To aid in damage analysis, the server may also interface with various internal and external databases storing reference images of undamaged items and cost estimate information for repairing previously analyzed damages to similar items. Further still, the server may generate a payment for compensating a claimant for repair of the insured item.
US08510194B1 Systems and methods for dynamic configuration of software agents for transfer operations
Systems and methods for providing the dynamic configuration of software agents for transfer operations are described. The apparatus may include a transaction processor to receive and execute transfer requests, an object execution engine to retrieve one or more software objects and a data store to store the one or more software objects. The method may include receiving a transfer transaction request, retrieving a software object, executing the software object, performing a transfer and terminating the software object.
US08510188B2 Receiver driven money transfer alert system
A method for performing a money transfer initiated by a receiver of the money transfer, wherein the method includes receiving a money transfer initiation request from the receiver and the money transfer initiation request includes an amount of funds to be transferred, receiver information, and sender information. The method also includes staging a money transfer transaction after receiving the money transfer initiation request, wherein the money transfer transaction is pending an authorization by the sender to fund the money transfer. The method further includes providing the sender with a notification of the money transfer transaction, receiving the authorization to fund the money transfer transaction, and executing the money transfer to transfer the funds from the sender to the receiver.
US08510184B2 System and method for resolving transactions using weighted scoring techniques
A system and method for the online settling of a transaction is provided. The system includes a server having a rules configured to process available data regarding the debtor party using rules established on behalf of the party to the financial transaction and weighting factors accorded to selected available data related to the debtor party. The rules and weighting factors are employed by the rules engine to establish a transaction settlement offer set conveyable to the user and comprising multiple simultaneously presentable and individually selectable offers, each offer configured to settle the transaction on terms satisfactory to the party to the transaction.
US08510183B2 System and method for distributed and integrated asset management
In an embodiment, a plurality of logical deployment units are distributed throughout a system. Each logical deployment unit is provided with one or more business objects. Links are set up between the plurality of logical deployment units, and the logical deployment units are enabled to receive a business transaction and to identify an individual material associated with the business transaction. In the embodiment, each business object is visible only within its own logical deployment unit and has access to the individual material, and the plurality of logical deployment units and the one or more business objects are integrated.
US08510182B2 Systems and methods for managing and reporting financial information
Methods and system consistent with the present invention facilitate the management of financial information. Such methods and systems may receive transaction data, store the transaction data as a line item in a day ledger, receive a request for a report, the request indicating a financial figure, such as an average daily balance, to be generated over a specified time interval, and generate, substantially in real-time or during run-time per the request, a report with the financial figure over the specified time interval using data from the day ledger.
US08510181B2 Administering a contract over a data network
A computer-based method for administering performance of a contract uses a server accessible by multiple performing parties through a data network, such as the Internet. The method includes receiving performance data at the server from at least one of the performing parties through the data network. The performance data indicates an amount of work performed under the contract by the performing party, and may further include an amount of materials stored. A payment amount is determined based on the performance data. A schedule of values associated with performance of the contract may be initially stored, so that determining the payment amount is further based on comparing the performance data with the schedule of values. The payment amount is sent from the server to other performing parties through the data network. The other performing parties may be notified by an email indicating, for example, that the payment amount has been approved.
US08510176B2 Method and system using search terms to accumulate, aggregate and price data from a plurality of data originators
A business method that enables a user or owner of one or a plurality of data sources to set fees or other consideration(s) for exchanges and links to a second or a plurality of data sources discovered through Internet searches or other data source discovery methods and integrating the data or the data sources into a data supply chain or federated data source.
US08510174B2 System to feature a posting
Products and processes are provided in which information is received about a post relating to an item to be sold via a posting site. A posting payment award is determined. The posting payment award may be determined by calculating a posting payment amount. The posting award is provided in the form of a prominent feature of the post on the posting site.
US08510173B2 Method of and system for fact checking email
A fact checking system verifies the correctness of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with one or more sources. The fact checking system automatically monitors, processes, fact checks information and indicates a status of the information.
US08510171B2 Electronic product registration system with customizable return/warranty programs
An electronic product registration (ER) system which enables a retailer, preferable in cooperation with its vendors, to provide a customized return/warranty program for customers on a product-by product basis. The original policy(ies) in the ER system can be modified for a particular product and the modified policy is stored in the ER system so that the modified policy can be accessed if the product is again presented for a return/warranty transaction.
US08510167B2 Consolidated content item request for multiple environments
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for consolidating content item requests for multiple content item environments. In one aspect, a method includes consolidating content item requests for two or more content item environments in a webpage. A first content item environment is a primary content item environment and the remaining content item environments are secondary content item environments. The primary content item environments issues a content item request for itself and the secondary content item environments, and owns a process that distributes the received content items for the secondary content item environments to the secondary content item environments.
US08510166B2 Gaze tracking system
A gaze tracking technique is implemented with a head mounted gaze tracking device that communicates with a server. The server receives scene images from the head mounted gaze tracking device which captures external scenes viewed by a user wearing the head mounted device. The server also receives gaze direction information from the head mounted gaze tracking device. The gaze direction information indicates where in the external scenes the user was gazing when viewing the external scenes. An image recognition algorithm is executed on the scene images to identify items within the external scenes viewed by the user. A gazing log tracking the identified items viewed by the user is generated.
US08510162B1 Loyalty host interface
The present invention relates to translating loyalty requests between loyalty clients and loyalty hosts. For example, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for translating point-of-sale loyalty requests by using a loyalty request to create a translated loyalty request that is compatible with a loyalty host and by using the loyalty response to create a translated loyalty response that is compatible with the loyalty client.
US08510161B2 Reservation gift card
A method of using a stored-value card to reserve an item includes providing a stored-value card to a customer prior to the release date of an item, adding value to the stored-value card prior to the release date of the item, and reserving the item with the stored-value card. Other method and product embodiments are disclosed.
US08510154B2 Method and system for searching for, and monitoring assessment of, original content creators and the original content thereof
System and method may use assessment information obtained by assessing original content items or creators of the original content items in accordance with a hierarchical talent assessment process, to return search results responsive to a search for talented original content creators. The assessments of the creators and the content items by talent assessors may be monitored to increase the objectivity of the search results returned responsive to a search for talented original content creators.
US08510152B1 System for capability assessment and development
A tool is configured to determine process and service strengths as related to the accomplishment of one or more objectives. One or more processes include associated process information relating to various process attributes. The tool may execute a plurality of scoring modules to produce scores representative of strengths of processes and services as related to the accomplishment of the objectives. The scores may be used to identify processes for adjustment having a maximum impact on the scores.
US08510148B2 Methods and apparatus for associating and displaying project planning and management information in conjunction with geographic information
Systems and techniques for entry and presentation of project planning information, showing activities in their geographic context. Information relating to activities and groupings of activities is entered, updated and presented. Information associated with one or more groupings of activities is associated with a graphical icon, with the appearance of the icon changing in response to changes in the associated information. The icon is placed in a graphical display, with the graphical display showing geographic information, such as a map, and the icon being placed in a map location showing the location of the activities associated with the icon. The graphical display maintains links to the information associated with the icon so that updating the information changes the appearance of the icon, calling attention to changes in their geographic context.
US08510147B2 System and method for calculating a comprehensive pipeline integrity business risk score
A method and system for calculating pipeline integrity business risk score for a pipeline network is provided. The method includes a step of first calculating a structural risk score, an operational risk score and a commercial risk score for each pipeline segment in a pipeline network. The method further includes calculating pipeline integrity business risk score for each pipeline segment. The structural risk score, operational risk score, commercial risk score and pipeline integrity business risk score for each pipeline segment is rolled-up to calculate the respective risk scores of a pipeline network. The rolled-up risk scores are calculated by computing weight factors for each pipeline segment, relative risk scores weight of each pipeline segment and relative risk scores contribution of each pipeline segment. The system of the invention comprises executable files, dynamic linked libraries and risk score computing modules configured to display the risk scores using a dashboard.
US08510146B2 Contact center sizing and broadcasting based on probabilities
A contact center or enterprise communication system is provided. The system includes a first contact associated with a first task offer; one or more resources operable to accept the first task offer; and a contact center or enterprise communication system operable to determine a broadcast group of the one or more resources as a function of an acceptance factor for one or more of the resources.
US08510144B1 Method and apparatus for cell-based workforce scheduling
A method for workforce scheduling by a computer system is provided. The method includes receiving a first workforce schedule describing initial assignments of a plurality of workers to a plurality of shifts, each shift comprising one or more work activities, each work activity comprising an activity and a time interval, and storing the first workforce schedule in a memory. The method also includes receiving a cell size associated with each activity, and determining a quantity of workers in each work activity associated with each activity in the first workforce schedule. The method further includes determining cell size violations by dividing the quantity of workers assigned to each work activity by the cell size for the activity associated with the work activity. The method also includes modifying the first workforce schedule to minimize cell size violations, resulting in a second workforce schedule, and storing the second workforce schedule in the memory.
US08510142B2 Conflicting expert systems
An expert system for providing optimized recommendations regarding a construction project is configured to generate conflicting optimization recommendations. Multiple expert system engines are implemented, where each engine provides one or more recommendations optimized in accordance with the priorities of a functional discipline. A conflict engine will identify conflicts between optimized recommendations and will package the conflicts into conflict objects that are presented to a conflict user interface for resolution. The user could resolve the conflicts him/herself, or could configure a cross-functional conflict object to resolve such conflicts based upon specified resolution criteria.
US08510141B2 Methods and apparatus for generating alerts on a marking device, based on comparing electronic marking information to facilities map information and/or other image information
A marking device for a marking operation to mark a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the marking operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of an appropriate “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of an appropriate pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; appropriately updating displayed facilities map information while a marking device is used during a marking operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information marking information and/or landmark information relating to the marking operation; and storing locally on the marking device, and/or transmitting from the marking device, facilities map information and/or overlaid marking/landmark information (e.g., for further processing, analysis and/or subsequent display). In one aspect, a location at which marking material is dispensed is compared to a location of a facility line as indicated by the facilities map or other image information, and an alert may be generated based on the comparison.
US08510138B2 Networked barcode verification system
Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result.
US08510137B2 Communications system and method for serving electronic content
A network system for serving digital content to a graphical user interface of a user device is provided. The system includes a database storing user data including user preferences and events in a calendar of a system user; a processor configured to automatically scan the database to determine an event scheduled for a predetermined window of time; to automatically determine the event is associated with travel by the user and access one or more travel services, and to prepare content conveying a travel package customized to the event of the user; and a server to serve the content for presentation by the graphical user interface.
US08510134B1 System and method of providing devices for injuries under worker's compensation coverage
A computer system including a server and software, for example, provides items and services for injuries under workman's compensation coverage through a web portal. An automated request to provide an item is transmitted from the server over the network setting a specific price, such that the one or more of a plurality of providers is capable of accepting the automated request using the network connected to the server. A care cart may be customizable by the adjuster or the adjuster's employer. Items are added automatically by the system to a care cart using an automated algorithm relating specific items to both an injury code and a zip code, and the system transmits the care cart to the adjuster portal and presents the adjuster with options.
US08510129B2 Medical information handling system and method
A system and method used to create a longitudinal medical record for an injured person that in at least one embodiment begins a location remote from a medical facility. The system includes in at least one embodiment a plurality of mobile computing devices. In at least one embodiment, the mobile computing devices provide an interface for receiving information from a first responder or a medic.
US08510125B2 Database system, program, and information processing method
A disease-symptom-combination DB storing information obtained by combining each of disease name elements indicative of diseases with one or more symptom elements each indicative of a symptom, and a disease-care-combination DB storing information obtained by combining each of the disease name elements with a plurality of care elements each indicative of a care are stored in a storing unit. A server control unit recognizes one or more symptom elements from the symptom information and detects one disease name element combined with all of the symptom elements from the disease-symptom-combination DB. Further, a plurality of care elements combined with the one disease name element are detected from the disease-care-combination DB. Disease care information obtained by combining the one disease name element with the plurality of care elements is generated and visibly output in a display unit.
US08510122B2 Method and system for reducing energy costs in an industrially operated facility
Method for reducing energy costs in an industrially operated facility. For a lasting and comprehensive reduction in the energy costs in an industrially operated facility, the invention provides for at least one of the energy flows of the facility, from its purchase, its conversion in at least one secondary process, its consumption in at least one core process, as far as its discharge from the facility, to be considered as a whole, taking account of the operational process sequences, and for potential cost reductions to be determined.
US08510118B2 Attaching audio generated scripts to graphical representations of applications
A computer implemented method, a computer program product, and a data processing system attach audio generated scripts to graphical representations of applications. A mobile device records an audio instruction. The mobile device then converts the audio instruction into a command script and associates the command script with a document identifier. The mobile device then forwards the document identifier and the associated command script to a target location. The command script can then be utilized at the target location to make changes to a document identified by the document identifier.
US08510116B1 Synchronized voice signature
Methods and systems are disclosed for capturing consumer voice signatures. The methods and systems synchronize voice signatures with display of the terms and conditions of a transaction to the consumer in real time during a phone conversation. In one implementation, mobile devices with text display capability may be used to display the terms/conditions of the transaction while the consumer is talking to a customer service representative or an interactive voice response system. The terms/conditions may be displayed as a scrollable document on the mobile device to which the consumer may then agree during the phone conversation. The consumer may then “voice sign” by reading the displayed terms/conditions, or some portion thereof, during the phone conversation to manifest his/her knowing consent. Such an arrangement helps promotes the use of voice signatures by consumers in a manner that complies with the requirements of the federal E-Sign Act.
US08510110B2 Identification of people using multiple types of input
Systems and methods for detecting people or speakers in an automated fashion are disclosed. A pool of features including more than one type of input (like audio input and video input) may be identified and used with a learning algorithm to generate a classifier that identifies people or speakers. The resulting classifier may be evaluated to detect people or speakers.
US08510107B2 Audio data bit rate detector
A detector for determining an audio data bit rate of a pre-compressed audio elementary stream (AES), in which the pre-compressed AES includes a plurality of preamble length fields is provided. The detector includes an analyzer module configured to determine one or more candidate audio data bit rates of the AES from the plurality of preamble length fields, a detector module configured to determine whether one or more of the candidate audio data bit rates are correct, and a selector module configured to select one of the one or more candidate audio data bit rates determined to be correct as the audio data bit rate of the pre-compressed AES.
US08510105B2 Compression and decompression of data vectors
For an enhanced sequential compression of data vectors in a respective compression pass, a current data vector is mapped to at least one current code vector of at least one codebook in at least one quantization stage. The at least one codebook is reordered taking account of at least one intermediate result from the current compression pass and at least one intermediate result from a preceding compression pass. At least one codebook index that is associated in the at least one reordered codebook to the at least one current code vector is then provided for further use. For a decompression of compressed data vectors represented by such codebook indices, at least one codebook index is mapped to at least one code vector of at least one equally reordered codebook.
US08510101B2 Computer system with second translator for vehicle parts
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automation of auditing claims. Data indicative of an insurance company name is received, the data comprising one or more words. The data is processed through one or more processing steps to generate processed data comprising one or more processed words. One or more candidate word strings are selected based on the one or more processed words. Matching information is associated with each of the one or more candidate word strings. Analysis information is generated for each of the one or more candidate word strings based on the associated matching information. An insurance company identifier is associated with received data based on the analysis information and one or more matching rules.
US08510099B2 Method and system of selecting word sequence for text written in language without word boundary markers
The present disclosure discloses a method and apparatus of selecting a word sequence for a text written in a language without word boundary in order to solve the problem of having excessively large computation load when selecting an optimal word sequence in existing technologies. The disclosed method includes: segmenting a segment of the text to obtain different word sequences; determining a common word boundary for the word sequences; and performing optimal word sequence selection for portions of the word sequences prior to the common word boundary. Because optimal word sequence selection is performed for portions of word sequences prior to a common word boundary, shorter independent units can be obtained, thus reducing computation load of word segmentation.
US08510098B2 Systems and methods for word offensiveness processing using aggregated offensive word filters
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for identifying language that would be considered obscene or otherwise offensive to a user or proprietor of a system. A first plurality of offensive words are received, and a second plurality of offensive words are received. A string of words are received, where one or more detected offensive words are selected from the string of words that matches words from the first plurality of offensive words or the second plurality of offensive words. The string of words is processed based upon the detection of offensive words in the string of words.
US08510092B2 Recursive summation algorithms useful for statistical signal analysis of transmission of signals in a computer system
Computer-implementable recursive summation algorithms are disclosed that are useful for efficiently performing recursive convolution, such as is often required in Statistical Signal Analysis (SSA) techniques. The disclosed recursive summation algorithms can be more computationally-efficient from both a speed and memory perspective than other recursive convolution techniques known in the prior art, such as the techniques relying on Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs).
US08510091B1 Domain decomposition formulations for simulating electromagnetic fields
Disclosed are domain-decomposition approaches to simulations of electromagnetic fields may that, in various embodiments, use second-order Robin transmission conditions at subdomain boundaries.
US08510088B2 Flexible evaluator for vehicle propulsion systems
A method for automatically generating a multi-component multilevel model for simulation of an automotive propulsion system and/or subsystem. The method comprises a capture component and a build component. The capture component operates to automatically parse all relevant information of an existing model and to generate one or more files indicative of the systems and subsystems of the model. The files are created such that they may be efficiently searched, manipulated, and applied for subsequent use in various user defined models created through the build component. The build component obtains the information in the one or more files and additional user defined files based on user selections to automatically create an executable model ready for analysis.
US08510087B2 Variational modeling with discovered interferences
A system, method, and computer readable medium. A method includes receiving a geometric model in an initial state including at least a first feature and a second feature, at least one of the first and second features being a removal feature. The method includes detecting an interaction between the first and second features, and applying a dependency rule to the first feature and the second feature. The method includes performing a variational edit process including removing the first feature and the second feature according to the dependency rule. The method includes solving and recreating the edited model.
US08510084B2 Method, apparatus and computer program for multiple time stepping simulation of a thermodynamic system using shadow hamiltonians
A computer-implemented method including a momentum refreshment process and a conservative dynamics process, wherein the refreshment process including carrying out an operation of mixing the collective momentum vector with a noise vector and carrying out an acceptance/rejection (acceptance and rejection) operation; the dynamics process including applying a multiple time stepping conservative dynamics operation to a current state, in which calculations corresponding to more slowly varying energy parts undergo an averaging procedure and are carried out at a larger time step than calculations corresponding to more quickly varying energy parts; and carrying out an acceptance/rejection operation based on an approximation of the system energy expressed using shadow Hamiltonians and include accepting a current state or returning a replacement state.
US08510081B2 Drilling scorecard
Method, system, and apparatus for evaluating drilling accuracy performance in drilling a wellbore that can include: (1) monitoring an actual toolface orientation of a tool, e.g., a downhole steerable motor, by monitoring a drilling operation parameter indicative of a difference between the actual toolface orientation and a toolface advisory; (2) recording the difference between the actual toolface orientation and the toolface advisory; and (3) scoring the difference between the actual toolface orientation and the toolface advisory.
US08510076B2 Sensor apparatus and system
The sensor module carries one or more sensor element, such as microphones or imaging devices, for detecting events in use. The sensor module has a locator for determining its location and preferably an orientation sensor for determining it location and a transceiver for communicating with other modules in the network or with a base station. The module also has a processor which is adapted such that, in use, the module communicates with other sensor modules and determines whether to operate in a sensing mode to detect events or a controlling mode. In this way a self organizing adaptive network is provided.
US08510072B2 Detecting an unstable input to an IC
Additional circuitry is included in an input cell design structure for an integrated circuit to detect and report transitions on an input that was expected to be stable, and to store that event for later analysis. Two or more modified input cells may have their error indications daisy-chained together to minimize additional routing. The storage elements may be included in a scan chain to allow for isolation of which input had the unexpected transition.
US08510060B2 Life management system and method for gas turbine thermal barrier coatings
A method, system and computer program product for life management and monitoring of a high temperature gas turbine including components having a thermal barrier coating is disclosed. The method, system and computer program product uses design, monitoring and diagnostics, and inspection data to determine the cumulative damage and remaining useful life of gas turbine components and unit risk and classification probability to determine thermal barrier coating damage probability, remaining useful life, and inspection recommendations.
US08510059B2 Method and system for measuring emission and quantifying emission source
A system and method for quantifying an emission source is provided. The system and method obtain a plurality of emission concentration measurements at one or more sampling points and wind data over the time the emission concentrations are measured. For each sampling point, a virtual sampling arc can be constructed using the emission concentration measurements taken at the sampling point, the wind data for when the emission concentration measurement were taken and an approximate distance to the emission source. The virtual sampling arcs can then be used to construct one or more virtual sampling grids and the amount of emissions emanating from the emissions source approximated from the virtual sampling grids.
US08510051B2 Systems and methods for evaluating formations having unknown or mixed salinity
Formation fluid salinity is an important parameter in water saturation and formation porosity measurements. Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide accurate water saturation and/or formation porosity measurements in the presence of unknown or highly variable salinity levels. Some logging tool assembly embodiments include a resistivity tool and an augmented neutron porosity tool. The neutron porosity tool is augmented with a gamma ray detector configured to measure the rate at which hydrogen nuclei capture neutrons from a neutron source. A processing system coupled to the logging tool assembly provides a salt compensated formation porosity log and/or a water saturation log. The logging tool assembly can also include a density logging tool and a natural gamma ray logging tool to provide a salt independent triple-combo log.
US08510044B2 Position sensing device and method
A position sensing device and method are provided for executing correction processing based on a reliability and error index of each component of GPS output data to increase positioning accuracy. Correction processing is performed to correct a position determination result obtained through dead reckoning, and a vehicle speed, a pitch angle, and a sensor mounting angle used in position determination executed through dead reckoning in a measurement period of GPS in accordance with direction-specific positional components and speed components of a vehicle, which are measured with GPS to determine a reliability of each of the direction-specific positional components and speed components of the vehicle and calculate an error index of a component determined to be a reliable component, to set the degree of contribution of a measurement component determined to be unreliable to correction processing to zero or almost zero, and to reduce the degree of contribution of a measurement component determined to be reliable to correction processing in accordance with a value of the error index.
US08510042B2 Navigation device and data update system
Data in an update data format for performing an update of reference map data is formed by storing in each data frame divided for each data type, at least one of: a first group of one or more common map data records to be stored according to the data type of each data frame in a common map data frame after a conversion by a conversion unit; a second group of one or more first map data records to be stored according to the data type of each data frame in a first map data frame after a conversion by a conversion unit; and a third group of one or more second map data records to be stored according to the data type of each data frame in a second map data frame after a conversion by a conversion unit.
US08510035B2 Travel information service system and method for providing travel information of the same system
A travel information service system and a method of providing a travel information service which can perform guidance of travel information appropriate for a travel purpose and a travel type are provided. The method of providing the travel information service includes: a first operation of providing a travel course for each area and point of interest (POI) information for each course using a user interface; a second operation of creating a travel route based on user selection of the travel course for each area and the POI information for each course; and a third operation of performing map guidance based on the created travel route.
US08510032B2 Method and system for improving speech recognition accuracy by use of geographic information
A method for speech recognition includes providing a source of geographical information within a vehicle. The geographical information pertains to a current location of the vehicle, a planned travel route of the vehicle, a map displayed within the vehicle, and/or a gesture marked by a user on a map. Words spoken within the vehicle are recognized by use of a speech recognition module. The recognizing is dependent upon the geographical information.
US08510026B2 Data conversion system and method for converting data that is distributed in a vehicle
A data conversion system for a vehicle includes an interface gateway device that is configured to be communicatively coupled with a data acquisition module and a client module. The data acquisition module obtains a value of a data parameter related to operation of the vehicle and communicates the value to the interface gateway device in a first message provided in a first format. The interface gateway device is configured to convert the first format of the first message into a different, second format to form a second message and to communicate the second message to the client module. The client module uses the second message to perform a function for the vehicle.
US08510022B2 Eco-run control device and eco-run control method
An eco-run control device is provided. A control unit is configured to perform an eco-run control of stopping an engine on the basis of stop conditions and of restarting the engine on the basis of restart conditions. A starter driving unit is configured to drive a starter for restarting the engine. A test unit is configured to perform a failure test of the starter driving unit to determine whether the starter driving unit is out of order before the control unit stops the engine by the eco-run control. A nullifying unit is configured to nullify the failure test by the test unit when it is detected that a power supply voltage supplied to the starter driving unit drops below a predetermined value. A prohibiting unit is configured to prohibit the control unit from performing the eco-run control when the test unit determines that the starter driving unit is out of order. The prohibiting unit prohibits the control unit from performing the eco-run control in a case where the nullifying unit nullifies the failure test by the test unit during a test period in which the test unit performs the failure test.
US08510017B2 Cylinder-to-cylinder air/fuel ratio imbalance determination system of internal combustion engine
A cylinder-to-cylinder air/fuel ratio imbalance determination system obtains an imbalance determination parameter that increases or decreases as a difference between the air/fuel ratios of different cylinders increases, based on output values of an air/fuel ratio sensor, and makes a cylinder-to-cylinder A/F imbalance determination, based on the result of comparison between the imbalance determination parameter and a threshold value for imbalance determination. The determination system changes the amount of fuel injected into one or more of the cylinders so as to create a forced imbalance condition in which the air/fuel ratio of a particular cylinder deviates from the air/fuel ratio of the remaining cylinders, and obtains an air/fuel ratio sensor evaluation parameter (e.g., rate of change ΔAF of the detected air/fuel ratio) in this condition. Then, the determination system determines whether the air/fuel ratio sensor is adequate for making a cylinder-to-cylinder A/F imbalance determination, by comparing the evaluation parameter with a reference parameter (an evaluation parameter obtained based on output values of a reference air/fuel ratio sensor in the same forced imbalance condition).
US08510016B2 Method and system for controlling an engine using in-cylinder pressure sensor signals
A method and a control system that includes a window module that determines a piston position window, a mean effective pressure determination module that generates a mean effective pressure with in-cylinder pressure signals within the piston position window and an engine control module that controls the engine using the mean effective pressure.
US08510013B2 Gas turbine shutdown
A gas turbine includes a rotor, and a controller for controlling a shutdown of the gas turbine based on a target fuel-to-air ratio profile and/or controlling a rotor speed according to a target speed schedule to attain a specified duration for the shutdown. The controller controls the rotor speed by engaging the starting system to turn the rotor.
US08510012B2 Anti-tailgating system and method
An anti-tailgating vehicle system includes a communication bus on a host vehicle, a forward vehicle sensor that senses a forward vehicle in front of the host vehicle, and an electronic control unit. The forward vehicle sensor transmits a forward vehicle message to the communication bus based on a distance to the forward vehicle. The electronic control unit receives the forward vehicle message from the communication bus and determines a relative speed between the host and forward vehicles based on the forward vehicle message. If the forward vehicle message indicates the host vehicle is not within a safe zone range relative to the forward vehicle while a host vehicle cruise control system is not engaged, the electronic control unit transmits a host vehicle control message to the communication bus for limiting a torque of the host vehicle.
US08510006B2 Method for adapting the rapid filling time of a clutch
A method of adapting the rapid filling time of a clutch. During adaptation, the clutch is filled by at least two successive rapid filling pulses with increasing rapid filling times. For each rapid filling pulse a reaction, resulting from the filling pulse, is monitored. If a defined reaction, for one of the rapid filling pulses, is recognized for the first time whereas for the, or for each of the previous rapid filling pulse(s) the defined reaction was not observed, then as a function of the rapid filling time of that rapid filling pulse for which the defined reaction was recognized for the first time, carrying out the adaptation of the rapid filling time and, for each rapid filling pulse used for the adaptation, gradients of the clutch pressure produced as a result of the respective rapid filling pulse are evaluated to determine the defined reaction pressure.
US08510005B1 PID-based torque phase control of a power downshift
A method for controlling the torque phase of a clutch-to-clutch power downshift in a vehicle includes determining, during a near-sync boost (NSB) state of the power downshift, a synchronization speed. The method includes estimating, via a controller, a feed-forward clutch pressure that holds a speed of the turbine at the synchronous speed, and then ramping a clutch pressure command to the oncoming clutch to the calculated feed-forward clutch pressure. Closed-loop proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control is initiated over the clutch pressure command during the NSB phase in response to a predetermined PID activation event. A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, torque converter, and a controller. The controller has a processor and memory on which instructions embodying the above method are recorded. Execution of the instructions by the processor causes the controller to execute the method.
US08509996B2 Safety steering system for automobiles
The various embodiments herein provide a safety steering mechanism for an automobile. The mechanism comprises a steering wheel mechanism for changing a direction of movement of the automobile. A jack is connected to an automobile wheel for providing backward and forward movement of an axle with respect to the steering wheel movement. A hydraulic pump is providing in a hydraulic stream. A control valve regulates a direction of motion of the hydraulic stream. A plurality of directional control valves cut a hydraulic stream between the control valve and the jack. A main valve controls the backward and forward motion of the jack. At least one sensor installed on each tire of the automobile generates signals corresponding to a tire pressure. A plurality of electronic units processes signals from the plurality of the sensors and passes an output signal to an electronic control unit (ECU).
US08509993B2 Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle along a road with a road bank
Systems and methods for detecting road bank and determining road bank angle include determining a road bank angle as a function of difference in slip angle where the difference in slip angle is a function of difference in course angle and difference in yaw angle.
US08509990B2 System and method for performing real-time data analysis
A data monitoring and analysis system suitable for performing real-time monitoring of vehicle information systems installed aboard a passenger vehicle fleet and methods for manufacturing and using same. The data monitoring and analysis system includes a loadscript system for establishing a communication channel with each vehicle information system. Continuously receiving performance data accumulated by the vehicle information systems, the loadscript system validates and parses the performance data and provides the resultant performance data to a database system for further analysis. The database system enables fleet operators to generate reports with consolidated performance data for the vehicle fleet, to stratify the performance data based upon one or more variables, and/or to drill down into subsets of the performance data to understand root causes underlying system performance. A large volume of performance data accumulated by the fleet thereby can be presented in a meaningful manner for rapid human intervention, as needed.
US08509989B2 Monitoring concept in a control device
A monitoring process for monitoring a computing element in a control device of a motor vehicle, wherein the computing element includes three program modules by which the performance of the motor vehicle is influenced. The computing element is executed on a processor, wherein the processor includes a functional computer and a monitoring computer that is physically independent of the functional computer, and the monitoring computer includes two monitoring units that are independent of each other.
US08509986B1 Automotive diagnostic tool with projection display and virtual input
Provided is an automotive diagnostic tool including a tool body and a first projector connected to the tool body. The first projector is configured to project a diagnostic display image onto an adjacent surface separate from the tool body. An input detection sensor is connected to the tool body and is configured to detect motions of a user within a field of view proximate the tool body, and to generate an input signal responsive to the detected motions. A diagnostic processing unit is disposed within the tool body and is connected to the first projector and the input detection sensor for receiving the input signal therefrom. The diagnostic processing unit is configured to be operatively connectable with the onboard vehicle computer to receive vehicle data therefrom and to process the data and modify the diagnostic display image according to the received vehicle data and the input signal.
US08509983B2 Diesel-exhaust-fluid refill detection
A method is provided for detecting a level of diesel-exhaust-fluid (DEF) in a reservoir that is operatively connected to a catalyst for a diesel engine. The method is employed in a vehicle in order to facilitate a refill of the reservoir. The method includes sensing a level of diesel fuel in a fuel tank via a sensor operatively connected to the tank. The method also includes determining whether the vehicle is on an incline using the sensed level of diesel fuel in the fuel tank. The method additionally includes determining the level of DEF in the reservoir if the vehicle is determined to be substantially not on an incline. A system is also provided for detecting a level of DEF in the reservoir.
US08509978B2 Electric powered vehicle and control method for the same
An electric powered vehicle includes a motor, an inverter, a main power storage device, and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is connected to a selected one of the plurality of sub power storage devices to perform voltage conversion bidirectionally between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line. A control device executes a disconnection process to disconnect a selected sub power storage device from the converter based on a state of charge of the selected sub power storage device when there is no new sub power storage device that can replace the selected sub power storage device. Further, the control device executes a braking process for the inverter for regenerative braking by the motor. The control device prohibits, during execution of one process of a disconnection process and braking process, the other process.
US08509976B2 Electric vehicle equipment for grid-integrated vehicles
Methods, systems, and apparatus for interfacing an electric vehicle with an electric power grid are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus may include a station communication port for interfacing with electric vehicle station equipment (EVSE), a vehicle communication port for interfacing with a vehicle management system (VMS), and a processor coupled to the station communication port and the vehicle communication port to establish communication with the EVSE via the station communication port, receive EVSE attributes from the EVSE, and issue commands to the VMS to manage power flow between the electric vehicle and the EVSE based on the EVSE attributes. An electric vehicle may interface with the grid by establishing communication with the EVSE, receiving the EVSE attributes, and managing power flow between the EVE and the grid based on the EVSE attributes.
US08509973B2 High performance and improved efficiency electric vehicle and methods of production
Motor systems are disclosed that include: a motor component, at least one motor stator module, and at least one binary controller, wherein the binary controller is coupled to the at least one module. In some embodiments, a contemplated motor system also comprises at least one primary motor controller, wherein the primary motor controller is coupled to a vehicle speed component. Methods of using these motor systems and motorized vehicles comprising contemplated motor system are also disclosed.
US08509970B2 Vital speed profile to control a train moving along a track
A speed profile for an entire train trip includes a maximum allowable speed at each point of the entire trip, taking into account the ability of the train to comply with speed reductions encountered during the trip. The speed profile includes a braking curve that gradually reduces from a higher speed to a lower speed starting at a point at which the train must begin braking in order to be traveling at the lower speed when the train reaches the point at which the lower speed limit begins. The speed profile is generated on multiple wayside computers, cross checked, and then vitally transmitted to an onboard locomotive control system. The onboard control system includes redundant speed sensors with redundant vital circuits, and also includes redundant speed comparators to ensure that the train doesn't exceed the speed profile. A GPS receiver may be used for greater reliability.
US08509969B2 Automatic identification method and system for train information
The present invention relates to a method and system for automatically identifying various information of a train. The method comprises using sensors to collect wheelbase information, processing the information by signal data processing devices, thereby providing information of a train, namely: arranging a plurality of sensors along the rail in the incoming direction of the train, dividing the sensors into at least three groups, each group comprising at least two sensors; analyzing and processing the signal data stream obtained from the sensors and collected when a train vehicle passes by, thereby acquiring the speed and wheelbase of the train, and further acquiring the train segmentation information; determining the vehicle type; acquiring hook locating information; determining the train arrival; determining the train departure; acquiring vehicle number. The present invention further comprises a system for carrying out the information method for automatically identifying information of a train. The present invention can provide a plurality of types of train information with high accuracy, and is easy to be carried out.
US08509968B1 System and method for real-time aircraft efficiency analysis and compilation
Systems and methods for real-time efficiency and aircraft performance monitoring and delta efficiency calculations between various user- or system-selected phases of flight by determining an efficiency messaging index that gets translated into a messaging profile. That messaging profile is then used to obtain necessary flight and other information from multiple sources. The efficiency calculations and deltas can be used to determine real-time or post-processed benefits, which can then be used to optimize flight(s). Additionally, data is post-processed, which allows the calculation, storage and subsequent usage of efficiency coefficients to enhance the accuracy of the efficiency calculations. There are a number of ways to implement the architecture and order of processing.
US08509956B2 Wind turbine configuration management system, and central computer system therefor
A wind turbine configuration management system, a central computer system and a method is provided. The configuration management system includes a central computer system and a wind turbine control system controlling a wind turbine. The central computer system is coupled to the wind turbine control system over a communication network. A processing unit of the central computer is configured to periodically request configuration data from the wind turbine control system, receive configuration data from the wind turbine control system and to compare the received configuration data to a stored data.
US08509954B2 Energy management system and method
A system and method migrating virtualized environments is disclosed. According to an aspect of the disclosure, a home energy management system and method includes a database configured to store site report data received from a plurality of residential sites using a wireless home energy network at each site. Each residential site includes a thermostat accessible to the wireless home energy network. A processor is operably coupled to the database and configured to access the site report data and detect a current temperature set-point of the thermostat at a first residential site; detect a first seasonal profile of the thermostat; detect a current operating mode of a HVAC system operably coupled to the thermostat; and determine a thermostat schedule of the thermostat using the first seasonal profile and the current operating mode of the HVAC system.
US08509953B2 Method and system for managing a power grid
A smart grid for improving the management of a power utility grid is provided. The smart grid as presently disclosed includes using sensors in various portions of the power utility grid, using communications and computing technology, such as additional bus structures, to upgrade an electric power grid so that it can operate more efficiently and reliably and support additional services to consumers. Specifically, the additional bus structures may comprise multiple buses dedicated to the different types of data, such as operational/non-operational data, event processing data, grid connectivity data, and network location data. The multiple buses may comprise different segments in a single bus or may comprise separate buses. The multiple buses may be used to transport the various types of data to other smart grid processes (such as at a centrally located controller).
US08509951B2 Controlling the trajectory of an effector
The invention refers to a method for controlling the effector trajectory from a current state to a target state. First invariant control parameters of the trajectory are determined. The effector trajectory is then represented in a task description being void of the invariant control parameters. The effector trajectory is controlled on the basis of this task description. The invention further refers to a method for controlling the effector trajectory wherein the effector trajectory is calculated by mapping increments from a control parameter space on a configuration space. The dimensional difference between the configuration space and the control parameter space leaves redundant degrees of freedom of a Null space. The degrees of freedom of the Null space are increased using a task description being void of invariant control parameters. The invention further refers to a respective computer software program product, a manipulator, an actuated camera system, a robot comprising one or more manipulators and an automobile equipped with a driver support system.
US08509947B2 Autonomous food and beverage distribution machine
The invention proposes an autonomous mobile robotic device in the form of an integrated machine for producing beverages or liquid comestibles.
US08509946B2 Fast-access self-repairing tape library using mobile robots
In some embodiments, a system includes a plurality of tape reels positioned on a lower surface; and a tape drive for reading data from a tape on one of the plurality of tape reels. At least one mobile robot is configured for: selectively retrieving at least one of the plurality of tape reels; and transporting the at least one retrieved tape reel to the tape drive. The at least one mobile robot moves unconstrained along an upper surface that overlies the plurality of tape reels. A controller directs movement of the at least one mobile robot.
US08509939B2 Method of creating a unique pattern for embroidery or printing on articles of clothing and printing on other objects
A method of creating a pattern incorporating words in a unique format. Information including selected words, numbers, and symbols are entered into a computer program. The computer program arranging the information into a matrix format in which each word is interconnected with at least one other word by a letter common to each word. The resulting matrix is then as a template for reproducing the matrix on garments and other physical objects. The words entered into the computer program are arranged in a hierarchy with different words occupying different levels within the hierarchy, with a user of the method designating a different color for each level within the hierarchy and the words in the resulting matrix being displayed in the selected colors.
US08509938B2 Substrate apparatus calibration and synchronization procedure
A method for positioning substrates in a substrate processing apparatus having a substrate alignment device, a first substrate transport apparatus and a second substrate transport apparatus, includes calibrating the substrate alignment device with a motion of the first substrate transport apparatus, and calibrating a coordinate system of the second substrate transport apparatus with the substrate alignment device.
US08509936B2 Work management support method and work management support system which use sensor nodes
A sensor net system including: a plurality of sensor nodes, where each sensor node is held on a person of a differing worker, and each sensor node includes; a sensor which obtains sensor data of a worker; a radio frequency circuit which notifies a server of the sensor data; and a server which includes: a unit for storing a relation list for correlating the sensor data with a work category of the worker; a unit for confirming location of the worker based on the obtained sensor data; and a unit for confirming a work category in which the worker is engaged based on the confirmed location and the relation list.
US08509933B2 Fabrication of non-homogeneous articles via additive manufacturing using three-dimensional voxel-based models
The invention provides systems and methods for manufacture of a non-homogeneous article using a 3D voxel-based model of the article and a rapid prototyping device. Use of a voxel-based model provides processing advantages and offers improved realism of the manufactured object with regard to non-homogeneous (i) color, (ii) translucency, and/or (iii) hardness, for example.
US08509931B2 Progressive encoding of audio
The present disclosure includes processing a signal to generate a first sub-set of data, transmitting the first sub-set of data for generation of a reconstructed audio signal, the reconstructed audio signal having a fidelity relative to the signal, processing the signal to generate a second sub-set of data and a third sub-set of data, the second sub-set of data defining a second portion of the signal and comprising data that is different than data of the first sub-set of data, and the third sub-set of data defining a third portion of the signal and comprising data that is different than data of the first and second sub-sets of data, comparing a priority of the second sub-set of data to a priority of the third sub-set of data, and transmitting one of the second sub-set of data and the third sub-set of data over the network for improving the fidelity.
US08509928B2 Method and apparatus for producing stationary intense wave fields of arbitrary shape
Method for producing a stationary wave field of arbitrary shape comprising the steps of defining at least one volume being limited in the direction of the axis of propagation of a beam, of the type 0≦z≦L; defining an intensity pattern within the said region 0≦z≦L by a function F(z), describing the said localized and stationary intensity pattern, which is approximated by means of a Fourier expansion or by a similar expansion in terms of (trigonometric) orthogonal functions; providing a generic superposition of Bessel or other beams highly transversally confined; calculating the maximum number of superimposed Bessel beams the amplitudes, the phase velocities and the relative phases of each Bessel beam of the superposition, and the transverse and longitudinal wavenumbers of each Bessel beam of the superposition.
US08509927B2 Control system for controlling safety-critical processes
The invention relates to a control system for controlling safety-critical processes in an automated system by using a communications network with a communications master for controlling the communications on the network and a plurality of network subscribers. At least a few of the network subscribers are constructed as decentralized, secure network subscribers, and each has a separate, decentralized safety controller for controlling a safety-relevant application. Each of the decentralized, secure network subscribers has a unique safety address. The decentralized, secure network subscribers themselves execute the safety functions and/or safety logic operations relevant to them. The decentralized, secure network subscribers communicate with each other in a fail-safe way in which each executes automatic, fail-safe point-to-point communications with another of the decentralized, secure network subscribers, in order to be able to provide safety functions covering the decentralized, secure network subscribers.
US08509925B2 Method and system for generating an optimized solution for a process
A method, system and computer program product for generating an optimized solution for a process in a manufacturing under a set of constraints. A solution is evaluated under the set of constraints and first violation metrics and first states corresponding to one or more solution elements are generated, based on at least one constraint. At least one candidate solution is generated from the solution. Thereafter, the candidate solution is evaluated at one or more change-points and the solution elements positioned subsequent to the change points. Subsequently, the candidate solution is accepted based on the acceptance criterion. The selected candidate solution is then evaluated again a pre-defined number of times to generate the optimized solution.
US08509924B2 Process control and optimization technique using immunological concepts
An integrated optimization and control technique performs process control and optimization using stochastic optimization similar to the manner in which biological immune systems work, and thus without the use of historical process models that must be created prior to placing the control and optimization routine in operation within a plant. An integrated optimization and control technique collects various indications of process control states during the on-line operation of the process, and attempts to optimize the process operation by developing a series of sets of process control inputs to be provided to the process, wherein the control inputs may be developed from the stored process control states using an objective function that defines a particular optimality criteria to be used in optimizing the operation of the process. The technique responds to a significant change in the current process state by determining anew set of process control inputs to be provided to the process based on one or more of the stored process control states.
US08509921B2 Implantable electrode line or electrode line configuration
An implantable line, in particular an electrode line and/or sensor line and/or medicine supply line for implantation in the left ventricle of the heart with perforation of the atrial or ventricular septum, includes an elongated flexible line body, an electrode and/or a sensor and/or a medicine administering device at or near the distal end of the line body, and a closure element integrally molded on the line body or connected thereto for sealing the perforation site in the septum.
US08509914B2 Insert for implantable electrode
A lead assembly comprises an outer body tubing, first and second conductors, and first and second tubing insert members. The outer body tubing comprises at least two longitudinal outer body tubing portions, each such portion comprising a through-hole and each portion comprising a keyed surface having a predetermined shape. Each of the tubing insert members receives a conductor and comprises a surface that substantially matches the predetermined shape of the keyed surface. When both of the conductors are inserted into corresponding longitudinal through-holes such that each of said first and second surfaces of the first and second hollow body members is substantially aligned with the keyed surface of a corresponding outer body tubing portion, electrodes formed on ends of the first and second conductors are encouraged to be substantially co-linear.
US08509913B2 Switched diverter circuits for minimizing heating of an implanted lead and/or providing EMI protection in a high power electromagnetic field environment
An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one switch for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. In alternate configurations, the switch may be disposed between the implanted lead or the leadwire and the diversion circuit, or disposed so that it electrically opens the implanted lead or the leadwire when diverting energy through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The switch may comprise a single or multi-pole double or single throw switch. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter.
US08509909B2 Using telemetry coupling as a surrogate for recharger coupling
Telemetry signal strength is used for positioning a primary recharge coil of a recharging unit at a location proximate to an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) in preparation to recharge a rechargeable power source of the IMD. An antenna of the recharging unit is positioned proximate to the IMD, a telemetry session is initiated between the two devices, and a value indicative of the telemetry signal strength is obtained. Using a known correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the IMD/recharging unit pair, the telemetry signal strength value is used to determine whether adequate recharge coupling may be achieved between the pair of devices. If so, a recharge session may be established. Otherwise, the antenna is repositioned and the process is repeated. The correspondence between telemetry signal strength and recharge coupling efficiency for the device pair may be developed empirically or using modeling.
US08509907B2 Compensation current optimization for cochlear implant systems
An exemplary method includes 1) applying a main current to a first electrode disposed within a patient and associated with a first pitch, 2) concurrently applying a compensation current to a second electrode disposed within the patient and associated with a second pitch during the application of the main current, the compensation current being out-of-phase with the main current, and 3) optimizing an amount of the compensation current to result in a target pitch being presented to the patient that is distanced from the first pitch in a pitch direction opposite a pitch direction of the second pitch in relation to the first pitch. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US08509905B2 Selective high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects, and associated systems and methods
Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US08509903B2 Neuromodulation using energy-efficient waveforms
Methods of neuromodulation in a live mammalian subject, such as a human patient. The method comprises applying an electrical signal to a target site in the nervous system, such as the brain, where the electrical signal comprises a series of pulses. The pulses includes a waveform shape that is more energy-efficient as compared to a corresponding rectangular waveform. Non-limiting examples of such energy-efficient waveforms include linear increasing, linear decreasing, exponential increasing, exponential decreasing, and Gaussian waveforms. Also described are apparatuses for neuromodulation and software for operating such apparatuses.
US08509901B2 Device and method for adding to breathing
A method and device is provided for adding to breathing by stimulating tissue to elicit a diaphragm response during intrinsic breathing.
US08509898B2 Electronic device or electric component
An electronic device, comprising a housing, a functional unit disposed in the housing, a terminal lead electrically connecting the functional unit to the outside of the housing, and a sealed feedthrough in the housing, the feedthrough surrounding the terminal lead and insulating it with respect to the housing, wherein the feedthrough is produced from a liquid crystal polymer.
US08509897B2 Morphology-based diagnostic monitoring of electrograms by implantable cardiac device
A system and method is presented in which an implantable cardiac device is configured to generate representative electrograms which can be transmitted to an external programmer for display. A representative electrogram represents a patient's typical electrogram during a defined time period or when a particular condition exists. Such representative electrograms may be averages or other statistical measures of electrograms recorded continuously or periodically during the defined time period or during the time when the particular condition exists.
US08509891B2 Method and apparatus for adjustment of sequential biventricular pacing parameters
A method and system are disclosed for setting the pacing parameters utilized by an implantable cardiac device in delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy. The system may, in different embodiments, be implemented in programming of the implantable device and an external programmer in communication therewith or in the programming of the implantable device by itself. The selection of the pacing parameters is based at least in part upon measurements of intrinsic cardiac conduction parameters. Among the pacing parameters which may be selected in this way are the atrio-ventricular delay interval used in atrial-tracking and AV sequential pacing modes and the biventricular offset interval.
US08509890B2 Capture verification and pacing adjustments for use with multisite left ventricular pacing
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to, or are for use with, an implantable system including a lead having multiple electrodes implantable in a patient's left ventricular (LV) chamber. In accordance with an embodiment, the patients LV chamber is paced at first and second sites within the LV chamber using a programmed LV1-LV2 delay, wherein the LV1-LV2 delay is a programmed delay between when first and second pacing pulses are to be delivered respectively at the first and second sites within the LV chamber. Evoked responses to the first and second pacing pulses are monitored for, and one or more LV pacing parameter is/are adjusted and/or one or more backup pulse is/are delivered based on results of the monitoring.
US08509888B2 Implantable medical device with hall sensor
An implantable medical device can include a Hall effect sensor. The Hall effect sensor can include a first pair of electrical contacts and a second pair of electrical contacts. In an example, the Hall effect sensor can be configured to sense a magnetic field and can be configured to provide a voltage corresponding to a magnitude of the sensed magnetic field.
US08509887B2 Method to record, store and broadcast specific brain waveforms to modulate body organ functioning
A method for collecting, recording, and broadcasting coded human or animal body waveforms. The method consists of placing a contact, which is designed to receive electrical signals, on a portion of the body. The electrical signal is converted into a readable format and is processed and stored in a computer. The electrical signal can be adjusted and rebroadcast into the body to modulate body organ functioning.
US08509886B2 Cardiac monitoring system
A method of analysing cardiac functions in a subject using a processing system is described. The method may include applying one or more electrical signals having a plurality of frequencies to the subject and detecting a response to the applied one or more signals from the subject. A characteristic frequency can then be determined from the applied and received signals, and at least one component of the impedance (e.g., reactance, phase shift) can be measured at the characteristic frequency. The impedance or a component of impedance at a characteristic frequency can be determined for a number of sequential time instances. A new characteristic frequency may be determined within a cardiac cycle or the same characteristic frequency may be used throughout the cardiac cycle during which instantaneous values of impedance are determined. These values may be used to determine an indicia of cardiac function.
US08509883B2 Method for identifying R waves in an ECG signal and an ECG measuring instrument as well as a magnetic resonance device
A method for identifying R waves in an ECG signal is proposed. An ECG measuring instrument measures ECG signals of a patient in which R waves are to be detected. The measured ECG signals are compared with respective reference quantities based on at least two comparison rules. The second comparison rule is dependent on a result of a first comparison conducted according to a first comparison rule. A signal that an R wave has been detected is issued if the first and the second comparison rules are fulfilled. Making the second comparison rule dependent on the result of the first comparison rule enables an adept response to changes of measurement conditions. These changes can be taken into account in further comparisons. Therefore the detection of R waves in an ECG signal can be optimized, leading to an improvement in the image quality in ECG-triggered MR examinations.
US08509881B2 True ECG measurement during cardio pulmonary resuscitation by adaptive piecewise stitching algorithm
A method and apparatus utilizing a piecewise stitching adaptive algorithm (PSAA) to filter signal artifacts, such as those induced by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from sensed signals in real-time. PSAA is a method of estimating artifact component present in a first signal that is highly correlated with a second signal. The PSAA may utilize autocorrelation and cross-correlation calculations to determine signal sample windows in the first and second signals. The PSAA may estimate a signal artifact in a primary signal segment based on the determined correlations between the primary signal and an artifact signal. The PSAA may remove the estimated signal artifact from the primary signal. In the absence of an artifact signal, PSAA is able to estimate artifacts in the first signal utilizing filters. The PSAA may be implemented in Automated External Defibrillators, Monitor Defibrillators or other devices capable sensing highly correlated signals such as, for example, ECG and CPR signals.
US08509880B1 Handheld portable examination device for diagnostic use
A portable medical examination device used for cancer detection using tissue illumination with radiation of a certain wavelength band to provide the operator with either reflected images of the tissue or by inducing visible fluorescence of the irradiated tissue. The medical examination device has an illumination source transmitting a light beam through a first lens unit to condition the light beam; a fiber optic bundle including an excitation fiber and an image fiber, wherein the excitation fiber delivers the conditioned light from the first lens unit to a tissue to be examined and wherein the image fiber directs the light emanating from the illuminated tissue to a second lens unit; and an angularly adjustable visualization unit, wherein a light beam conditioned by the second lens unit is visualized by the device operator and/or captured by an image capture device.
US08509877B2 Endoscope insertion support system and endoscope insertion support method
According to the invention, a VOI (Volume of Interest) generation setting section disposed in an endoscope insertion support apparatus comprises a VOI setting function section, a VOI extending function section, a VOI direction determining function section, a VOI branch determining function section, a VOI resetting function section, a VOI information storage function section, a VOI size determining function section and a VOI branch extracting function section. This configuration enables a VOI to be effectively set in a tubular organ having a strictured part and tubular path area information on the tubular organ to be extracted.
US08509876B2 Implantable MRI compatible stimulation leads and antennas and related systems and methods
In vivo medical stimulation probes include an elongate lead having at least one stimulation electrode disposed on a distal portion thereof. The probes may include a plurality of axially spaced apart RF chokes disposed on and/or in an axially extending shielding layer of the lead in advance of the at least one electrode to inhibit induced RF current from forming and/or traveling along the shielding layer.
US08509875B2 Process for locating a medical instrument with a microcoil
An MR process locates a medical instrument with an attached microcoil in the examination volume of an MR device. The microcoil is part of a resonant circuit matched to the resonant frequency of the MR device and having no external controls. At least two temporally successive high frequency pulses (RF) are generated within the examination volume. After each of the high frequency pulses (RF), frequency-coded MR signals (S1, S2) from the examination volume are recorded. The position of the medical instrument is determined by analyzing the differences between the recorded MR signals (S1, S2).
US08509869B2 Method and apparatus for detecting and analyzing variations in a physiologic parameter
The present disclosure is generally directed to identifying and/or analyzing high resolution variations in a measured physiologic parameter, such as blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured using pulse oximetry. Present embodiments may include a system including a sensor comprising an emitter capable of emitting light at different wavelengths into a tissue bed, and a detector capable of detecting the light from the emitter after dispersion and/or reflection by the tissue bed. Further, the system may include a pulse oximeter capable of receiving signals from the sensor that are indicative of characteristics of the light detected by the detector, and utilizing the signals to estimate blood oxygen saturation values over time at a high resolution to facilitate detection of variations in the blood oxygen saturation values that are smaller in magnitude than an accuracy, display precision, and/or calibration of the blood oxygen saturation values.
US08509866B2 Device and method for monitoring body fluid and electrolyte disorders
Devices and methods for measuring body fluid-related metric using spectrophotometry that may be used to facilitate diagnosis and therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring body fluid balance. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for measuring a body-tissue water content metric as a fraction of the fat-free tissue content of a patient using optical spectrophotometry. The device includes a probe housing configured to be placed near a tissue location which is being monitored; light emission optics connected to the housing and configured to direct radiation at the tissue location; light detection optics connected to the housing and configured to receive radiation from the tissue location; and a processing device configured to process radiation from the light emission optics and the light detection optics to compute the metric where the metric includes a ratio of the water content of a portion of patient's tissue in relation to the lean or fat-free content of a portion of patient's tissue.
US08509863B2 Expandable housing of a mobile communication device
A method, system and apparatus for expandable housing of a mobile communication device are disclosed. A housing of a mobile communication device includes a base layer, at least one of a component layer coupled communicatively on either side of the base layer to enable modification of a modular peripheral component integrated into the housing by sliding the modular peripheral component through a set of grooves located on opposite sides of each of the component layer and the base layer and a holding mechanism in the component layer that enables the modular peripheral component to remain in a fixed position. The modular peripheral component includes a daisy-chainable expansion port that enables an additional modular peripheral component integratable in the mobile communication device to be communicatively coupled with the housing across a variety of physical connections of the daisy-chainable expansion port.
US08509862B2 Rotation hinge apparatus for a portable terminal, dual hinge apparatus having the same, swing-type portable terminal, and sliding/rotation-type portable terminal
A rotation hinge apparatus of a portable terminal including a body housing, a folder including a liquid crystal display section and rotated in the body housing about first and second axes, and a connection member rotatably connecting the folder about the first and second hinge axes includes a base member; a rotation member; first and second guide pins provided in the rotation member; first and second guide sections provided in the base member. The first and second guide sections engage the first and second guide pins to place the liquid crystal display section of the folder at the center of the connection member by guiding linear movement of the first guide pin when the rotation member is rotated about the second hinge axis, and by moving the second guide pin, guiding and moving the second hinge axis in an inclined manner and then in a curved manner.
US08509854B2 Mobile terminal and method of controlling operation of the same
This patent relates to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling an operation of the same. The method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal includes displaying a file list and scroll arrows for scrolling the file list on a touch screen. When the scroll arrow is touched and entered, the file list is scrolled at a scroll speed previously set in response to a time when the scroll arrow is touched and entered. A vibration signal to identify at least one of a scroll speed and a current scrolling position of the file list is provided. Accordingly, when a file list is scrolled, a scroll speed or a current scrolling position can be easily identified by a tactile sense.
US08509852B2 Cellular communication auto redial for dropped call
A device and method include detecting signal strength received at a mobile cellular communication device. A dropped call is detected between the device and another device as a function of detected signal strength. The dropped call is reconnected when detected signal strength reaches a selected first threshold.
US08509851B2 Method for displaying speed dial information and device using the method
A method for displaying speed dial information is disclosed. A dialing signal is defined and stored in a memory of a mobile communication device. When the mobile communication device receives a trigger signal generated by pressing a button, it is determined whether the dialing signal is received. Contact information corresponding to the pressed button is displayed on a screen of the mobile communication device if the dialing signal is not received.
US08509850B2 Systems and methods for distributed antenna system reverse path summation using signal-to-noise ratio optimization
Systems and methods for distributed antenna system reverse path summation using signal-to-noise ratio optimization are provided. In one embodiment, a method for reverse path summation for a distributed antenna system comprises: normalizing an uplink noise floor for a plurality of remote antenna units of a distributed antenna system, wherein the uplink noise floor is normalized based on a first remote antenna unit having a lowest noise floor of the plurality of remote antenna units; and scaling an uplink output gain of each of the plurality of remote antenna units by a scaling factor, wherein the scaling factor attenuates the uplink output gain based on a composite maximum host peak power for a host unit coupled to the plurality of remote antenna units.
US08509847B2 Connecting mobile devices via interactive input medium
A mobile device connection system is provided. The system includes an input medium to detect a device position or location. An analysis component determines a device type and establishes a connection with the device. The input medium can include vision systems to detect device presence and location where connections are established via wireless technologies.
US08509846B2 Method and system for message transmission and reception
Wireless devices may contain multiple radio transceivers, each conforming to different communication protocols. A first transceiver conforming to a first communication protocol in a first wireless device may be able to receive, detect, and/or decode messages transmitted by a second transceiver in a second wireless device conforming to a second communication protocol. The first transceiver may communicate received, detected, and/or decoded information to a different transceiver in the same first wireless device, thus enabling the collocated transceivers to work in concert efficiently. A wideband transceiver using a set of multiple sub-channels in parallel may receive, detect, and/or decode messages transmitted by a narrowband transceiver using a set of multiple channels serially, thereby reducing scan time and power consumption.
US08509841B2 Updating the user equipment (UE) allowed closed subscriber group list (ACL)
A user equipment (UE) is provided. The UE comprises a processor configured to receive a broadcast control channel (BCCH) comprising a first indication that a restricted access to a closed subscriber group has been changed and to initiate a signaling procedure based on the first indication.
US08509840B2 Method and apparatus for uplink power control in communication system
Disclosed is a method for uplink power control in a communication system that includes determining a power control offset for controlling power for traffic to be transmitted by a subscriber station, according to whether a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) is applied to the traffic, and transmitting the power control offset to the subscriber station.
US08509838B2 User equipment apparatus for simultaneously transmitting signals via a plurality of wireless communication chips to which different wireless communication schemes are applied and method for controlling transmission power thereof
A user equipment apparatus for simultaneously transmitting signals from a plurality of wireless communication chips to which different wireless communication schemes are applied and a method for controlling a transmission power control of the user equipment apparatus are disclosed. The user equipment apparatus comprises a transmission mode decision module determining whether the user equipment apparatus is currently operated to transmit a signal through one wireless communication chip or simultaneously transmit signals, to which different wireless communication schemes are applied, through a plurality of wireless communication chips, and an intermodulation distortion (IMD) effect decision module determining whether a set of frequencies of the signals respectively transmitted from the plurality of wireless communication chips causes intermodulation distortion (IMD).
US08509835B2 Reverse link initial power setting using effective radiated power message to compute path loss
In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a reference signal including pilot information is transmitted from a base station to one or multiple field units over a pilot channel. A message is also sent to the field units over a paging channel to indicate an effective radiated power level at which the reference signal is transmitted on the pilot channel. Based on a received power level of the reference signal at a field unit and the effective radiated power level of the reference signal, a forward path loss is estimated at the field unit for the forward link between the base station and field unit. Assuming the path loss in the reverse link is approximately the same as the estimated forward link path loss, the field unit can transmit, a reply message in the reverse link so that the base station generally receives a message at a desired power level.
US08509834B1 Method and computer-readable medium for social circle push-to-talk service
A method and computer-readable medium for establishing a push-to-talk social group are provided. According to the method, group setup information is received from a member of the push-to-talk social group, and a data transmission, including an internet address of an internet application that manages push-to-talk social groups, is sent to each member of the push-to-talk social group. Push-to-talk calling may be monitored in a push-to-talk gateway application, based upon the group setup information. When a push-to-talk call is detected in which a first member of the push-to-talk social group is active, other members of the push-to-talk social group are informed that the first member is active on the detected push-to-talk call. Other members of the group may then initiate a push-to-talk call with the first member.
US08509832B1 Routing communication based on urgency priority level
Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products route communication based on an urgency priority associated with a sender of the communication. The method involves receiving incoming communication, identifying the sender, determining an urgency priority designation associated with communication, and routing the incoming communication according to routing instructions associated with the urgency priority designation. Prior to receiving the incoming communication, the method may further involve receiving a selection to configure routing of communication based on one or more urgency priority designations, rendering urgency priority options and routing options that provide routing instructions, receiving routing instructions associated with each urgency priority designation, and receiving and recording the urgency priority designation associated with the sender. Still further, the method may involve offering the sender routing options based on the urgency priority designation and receiving a selection of one of the routing options from the sender.
US08509829B2 Method, system and equipment for implementing USSD service in CDMA network
The present invention provides a method for implementing an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, which is implemented based on a mobile intelligent network service and a flash message service. A Mobile Switching Center (MSC) triggers the mobile intelligent network service, a Service Control Point (SCP) determines an operation type code of the current step according to a user identification and a USSD access code and performs a corresponding operation, and at the same time constructs short message content associated with the operation type code of the current step, and transmits the short message content to a Mobile Station (MS) by way of the flash message. The present invention also correspondingly provides a system and device for implementing a USSD service in a CDMA network. By providing an operation prompt, the present invention realizes real-time message interaction, and reduces user's misoperation effectively.
US08509827B2 Methods and apparatus of context-data acquisition and ranking
Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture of a context-data acquisition and ranking. A context-data type is determined from a query. At least one context-data source that provides the context-data type is identified. A request for a context data of the context-data type is generated from the at least one context data source. A received context data from the at least one context data source according a specified parameter may be ranked. The received context data may be provided to the device that generated a short message. The received context data may be provided to a recipient mobile device. The received context data may be associated with a component of a short message generated by a device that generated the query. The received context data may be appended to the short message.
US08509826B2 Biosensor measurements included in the association of context data with a text message
Disclosed are a system, method, and article of manufacture of an association of context data with a text-message component. A context data is associated with a text-message component. The association between the context data and the text-message component may be indicated with a user interface. The association between the context data and the text-message component may be embedded in a text-message signal. The association between the context data and the text-message component may be embedded in a short message service (SMS) signal.
US08509825B2 Method of providing voicemails to a wireless information device
Voicemail is received at a voicemail server and converted to an audio file format; it is then sent or streamed over a wide area network to a voice to text transcription system comprising a network of computers. One of the networked computers plays back the voice message to an operator and the operator intelligently transcribes the actual message from the original voice message by entering the corresponding text message (actually a succinct version of the original voice message, not a verbose word-for-word conversion) into the computer to generate a transcribed text message. The transcribed text message is then sent to the wireless information device from the computer. Because human operators are used instead of machine transcription, voicemails are converted accurately, intelligently, appropriately and succinctly into text messages (SMS/MMS).
US08509820B2 Location identifying method and location identifying device
In a location identifying method, the sight of users of mobile communication terminals is estimated by calculating directions of the users based on position information of the mobile communication terminals, and the location where the lines of sight of the users are concentrated is identified based on the estimated sight. By identifying a location where the lines of sight of the users of the mobile communication terminals are concentrated, it is possible to identify an installation location where high advertising effectiveness can be achieved. Moreover, since only acquisition of the position information of the mobile communication terminals is needed, it is possible to efficiently identify an installation location of an advertisement, etc. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently identify an installation location of an advertisement or a billboard where high advertising effectiveness can be achieved.
US08509818B2 Method for suppressing use of a mobile phone and protecting against interference field in an area in a wireless communication network
The invention relates to a method for suppressing use of a mobile phone network (10) in an area (15), wherein at least part of the area (15) is covered by a first position area (30), a testing unit (16) suppresses a connection (62, 62′, 62′) to the mobile phone network (10) for a terminal device (20,20′,20′) within the first position area (30) depending on at least one rule, a second position area (40) borders the first position area (30) at least in some areas, a position is determined for a terminal device (20, 20′, 20′) within the second position area (40), the testing unit (16) suppresses a connection (62,62′,62) of the terminal device (20,20′,20′) at a position within the area (15) and the testing unit (16) enables a connection (62, 62′, 62) of the terminal device (20,20′, 20) at a position outside the area (15), a third position area (50) that borders the second position area (40) at least in some areas, and the testing unit (16) enables a connection (62, 62′, 62′) of a terminal device (20,20′,20′) within the third position area (50).
US08509816B2 Data pre-fetching based on user demographics
Mechanisms are provided for pre-fetching content data and storing the content data in a mobile device. An identifier of a mobile device and a location of the mobile device are received. Demographic information about a user of the mobile device is obtained based on the identifier of the mobile device. The demographic information of the user is compared with demographic information of other users to identify one or more similar users having similar demographic information to the demographic information of the user of the mobile device. Content data to transmit to the mobile device is identified based on the location of the mobile device and the identification of the one or more similar users. The content data is transmitted to the mobile device for storage in the mobile device.
US08509814B1 Method and system for integrating location based services into retail applications
A method and system for integrating location based services into retail applications. Correlation-data and request-trigger logic are stored in data storage of a portable device. The correlation-data defines geographic locations and corresponding network addresses. The portable device determines its geographic location (i.e. by using a GPS receiver device). In response to determining its location, the portable device uses the request-trigger logic to determine if its present location is within a geographic area defined in the correlation-data. When the request-trigger logic finds that the location is within a defined area, the portable device responsively sends an information-request to a network address pre-correlated with the given location. In response to the information-request, the portable device receives merchant-information (i.e. coupons, special offers, etc.) from a merchant-server. The portable device displays the merchant information for viewing by a user. Advantageously, the invention can help avoid having merchants “spam” the device with unwanted information.
US08509813B2 Location blocking service from a wireless service provider
Subscriber authorization information from a wireless communication device is identified. The subscriber authorization information indicates that an identity of a subscriber associated with the wireless communication device is authorized to be shared without sharing information that identifies a location of the wireless communication device. Subsequent to the subscriber authorization information being identified, the identity of the subscriber associated with the wireless communication device is received or retrieved without information that identifies the location of the wireless communication device.
US08509811B2 Service provider recommendation engine
In one example, a device includes a first interface to receive a request for a service provider recommendation, the request comprising a first geographic position value and a second, different geographic position value, wherein the service provider recommendation comprises a recommendation for a provider of a wireless service for a mobile device, means for determining aggregate signal quality values for service providers at a first location including the first geographic position and at a second location including the second geographic position, means for determining scores for the service providers based on signal quality values for the service providers at the first location and the second location, means for constructing the service provider recommendation comprising an identification of the service provider having the highest score, and a second interface to output the service provider recommendation.
US08509810B2 Method and apparatus for geo-locating mobile station
A method for estimating a geographic location of a mobile station includes calculating an angular position of a mobile station to a base station based on first and second signal strength measurements and an angular position reference for the base station, the signal strength measurements from the mobile station for RF signals from first and second sector antennas of the base station. Another method includes calculating a radial distance of a mobile station from a base station serving the mobile station, determining a signal strength report from the mobile station includes a signal strength measurement for an RF signal from a first sector antenna of the base station, and identifying a geographic location of the mobile station based on intersection of a circle around the base station with a radius of the radial distance with a sub-sector geographic area in an RF coverage map for the first sector antenna.
US08509808B2 Mobile wireless communications device having a near field communication (NFC) device and providing memory disabling and related
A mobile wireless communications device may include wireless transceiver circuitry and a processor coupled to the wireless transceiver circuitry. The mobile wireless communication device may also include a near-field communication (NFC) device coupled to the processor. The NFC device may include an NFC controller, an NFC transceiver coupled to the NFC controller, and a first memory coupled to the NFC controller and configured to store a first plurality of applications. The mobile wireless communications device may also include a second memory configured to store a second plurality of applications. The processor may be configured to select a given application on a respective one of the first and second memories and to disable the other one of the first and second memories.
US08509805B2 Advanced triggers for location-based service applications in a wireless location system
Methods and systems are employed by a wireless location system (WLS) for locating a wireless device operating in a geographic area served by a wireless communications system. An exemplary method includes monitoring a set of signaling links of the wireless communications system, and detecting at least one predefined signaling transaction occurring on at least one of the predefined signaling links. Then, in response to the detection of the at least one predefined network transaction, at least one predefined location service is triggered.
US08509804B2 Call enhancement with localized information
A phone call is enhanced by the addition of localized information. In an example embodiment, a call is placed between a first device and a second wireless device. The call enhancement system is employed to determine a specific geographic location of the second wireless device. The system then abstracts the specific geographic location of the second wireless device into a general geographic location of the second wireless device. The degree of abstraction employed is determined by reference to a configurable privacy setting. The system retrieves content associated with the general geographic location of the second wireless device and packages it for transmission to the first device. The content is transmitted to the first device for presentation on a display of the first device.
US08509802B2 Methods and apparatus supporting load balancing in a wireless communications system
Methods and apparatus supporting load balancing in a wireless communications system implementing decentralized control are described. Different channels, e.g., unused TV channels, are available in different locations for use for communications. Various communications technologies, e.g., WiFi, 3G Blue-Tooth, etc., may be supported by a communications device and may be allowed to be used on the available channels. A wireless communications device evaluates its current local environment, e.g., estimating potential rates that it may use and/or estimating latency, for each of a plurality of available alternative channel/technology combinations. The wireless communications device selects a channel and technology combination to use as a function of its estimates. The wireless communications device uses its selected channel and technology combination for communications, e.g., for peer to peer communications including direct peer to peer traffic signaling as part of a local peer to peer network.
US08509801B1 Method to balance channel load using extended global service redirection message in a system environment that supports multiple band classes
An extended global service redirection message (EGSRDM) is provided within the standards for mobile communications networks, where the EGSRDM supports multiple band class records within the common fields. The base station generates an EGSRDM with multiple band class records, with each band class assigned specific frequencies. When a mobile station (MS) receives the EGSRDM, the MS compares the parameters of the various band classes (frequency, ACCOLC, P_Rev) with those supported by the MS, and generates a list of the band class(es) from those provided within the EGSRDM that are supported by that MS. The MS then selects the first band class within the list and selects a frequency within the selected band class to assign to MS communication. When none of the frequencies within the selected band class is available, the MS selects the next band class within the created list and selects a frequency from the next band class.
US08509799B2 Provision of QoS treatment based upon multiple requests
The claimed subject matter relates to providing quality of service treatment to a subscriber (e.g., wireless terminal) based upon requests made on behalf of the subscriber by a plurality of logically separate entities from the subscriber. For instance, two network infrastructure devices, such as application servers, can initiate separate requests for quality of service treatment on behalf of the subscriber. Additionally or alternatively, a subscriber-side device can initiate a request for quality of service treatment on behalf of the subscriber. A provider of the quality of service treatment can provide appropriate treatment to one or more traffic flows based at least in part upon the requests.
US08509798B2 Cooperative apparatus and resource block allocation method thereof for use in wireless network
A cooperative apparatus and a resource block allocation method thereof for use in a wireless network are provided. The wireless network comprises a plurality of femtocells. The cooperative apparatus groups the femtocells based on signal interferences between the femtocells. The femtocells with higher signal interferences are joined to the same femtocell group. The cooperative apparatus averagely allocates resource blocks to the femtocells in the same femtocell group, and randomly allocates resource blocks to different femtocell groups.
US08509795B2 Method of performing data transmission corresponding to semi-persistent resources in wireless communications system and related device
A method of performing data transmission corresponding to semi-persistent resources for a user equipment of a wireless communication system includes performing a data transmission process corresponding to a communications link according to a semi-persistent grant in a transmission opportunity of the semi-persistent grant when no non-semi-persistent grant is found on a physical channel for the transmission opportunity of the semi-persistent grant, where the semi-persistent grant and the non-semi-persistent grant correspond to the communications link.
US08509790B2 Multi-speed mesh networks
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a communications facility that is adapted to communicate with at least one other mesh network node at a communication speed selected from a plurality of communication speeds.
US08509789B2 Method of seamless roaming between wireless local links and cellular carrier networks
A scheme that enables seamless roaming between the WLAN and the cellular carrier network by enabling a user that originates a call in the WLAN and happens to go outside the range of the WLAN to automatically switch over to the cellular carrier network without losing connection with the other party. This solution assumes that the mobile device has the capability to operate in at least two modes that include the WLAN mode and one of the cellular carrier modes, such as the GSM, IS-95 CDMA, IS-136 TDMA, and iDEN.
US08509786B2 Systems and methods for handling calls in a wireless enabled PBX system using mobile switching protocols
Methods of routing an incoming call to a mobile telephone received at a wireless enabled private branch exchange (PBX) include issuing a location request query to an element of a wireless communications network to which the mobile telephone may be subscribed, receiving a location request response from the element indicative of a status of the mobile telephone on the wireless communications network, and forwarding the incoming call to a voicemail mailbox associated with the at least one mobile telephone if the location request response indicates that the mobile telephone is not available to receive a call on the wireless communications network. The incoming call is forwarded to a telephone number associated with the mobile telephone on the wireless communications network if the location request response indicates that the mobile telephone is available to receive a call on the wireless communications network. Corresponding communications systems and private branch exchanges are also provided.
US08509781B2 Method and system for realizing session handover
A method is provided for realizing session transfer, comprising: a service continuity application server (SCC AS), after receiving a session transfer request, when judging that a state of a session needed to be transferred is in a held state, updating a remote leg by using a held state session state information, and notifying an enhanced mobile switching center (eMSC) that the state of the session needed to be transferred is the held state; and the eMSC completing a call setup of a target access network according to the held state. A system is also provided for realizing session transfer. The method and system can realize correct transfer of a held state voice session, realize correct service logic and improve user experience.
US08509776B2 Network initiated proactive handover procedure for fast moving wireless devices
A method, information processing system, and wireless communication system, initiate a handover scanning procedure with a wireless device. The method includes monitoring a first signal strength measurement (606) transmitted by a wireless device (108). A second signal strength measurement associated with the wireless device (108) that is measured locally is monitored (606). The method also includes determining, in response to monitoring the first signal strength and the second signal strength measurement, if a scan event trigger has been detected (608). A scan initiation message is transmitted (614) to the wireless device (108) in response to a scan event trigger being detected. The scan initiation message signals the wireless device (108) to perform handover scanning procedures.
US08509773B2 Secondary connection strategy for vehicle originated cellular communication to a call center
A system and method for making vehicle originated calls to a telematics service provider or other call center. The method includes identifying a call type associated with a desired wireless communication of speech or data to the call center, and then carrying out one of a number of different call connection processes depending on the call type. For voice channel cellular connections, an in-band modem cellular connection is preferably established in most instances using a connection retry strategy that includes primary, secondary, and possibly tertiary connection attempts. The system and method can be carried out in connection with various cellular system technologies, but is especially suited for use with GSM systems.
US08509772B2 Method for re-entry into a communication network after radio frequency outage
A method and apparatus for that provides a re-entry procedure following a radio frequency outage in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The method includes providing (204) a entity identification for a base station (102-106) or a paging controller (108) to a mobile station (110) during initial entry of the mobile station to a wireless communication network. The method also includes storing (206) mobile station context information at an entity corresponding to the entity identification. After a radio frequency outage occurs after the initial entry of the mobile station into the network, a notification is sent (218) that indicates that the mobile station is re-entering the wireless communication network. Based on the notification that there has been a radio frequency outage, the mobile station context information is obtained (220) to assist the mobile station to re-enter the wireless communication network.
US08509771B2 Base station and control method of base station
Provided is a base station which uses a pilot beacon to prompt a terminal to perform handoff from a macrocell and is capable of avoiding interference with the macrocell. A base station (FAP) of a mobile communication system has a transmission unit (122) for transmitting a pilot beacon to allow a mobile terminal to detect the base station, a registration unit (141) for registering information on a mobile terminal to use the base station or information on a user corresponding to the mobile terminal, and a control unit (110) for controlling a transmission unit (122) to stop transmission of the pilot beacon if a mobile terminal corresponding to the information registered with the registration unit (141) performs handoff to the base station.
US08509769B2 Method and apparatus for scanning for a wireless communication network
A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided. The method includes operating a mobile device in a first network while a timer of the mobile device is running to prevent the mobile device from scanning for a second network. The method also includes determining a distance that the mobile device is from a reference location, where the reference location is associated with where the mobile device is prevented from scanning for the second network. The method further includes adjusting the timer when the determined distance from the reference signal exceeds a threshold. When the determined distance exceeds the determined distance, the mobile device can scan for the second network.
US08509767B2 Controlled access to a wireless network
Various arrangements for permitting a wireless device occasional access to a wireless network are described. Some arrangements for assigning a single MSISDN to multiple wireless devices are described. In such arrangements, the wireless devices may be associated with different visitor location registers. In some arrangements, a wireless device-initiated bearer service is initiated based on input from a remote system. In some arrangements, a wireless device is authenticated based on whether data needs to be sent to and/or received from the wireless device.
US08509762B2 Methods and apparatus for underperforming cell detection and recovery in a wireless network
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a monitor module, a detector module and an adjustment module. The monitor module is configured to receive a set of indicators from a wireless network. The detector module is configured to detect an underperformance condition during a time period and within a first cell of the wireless network based on the set of indicators. The adjustment module is configured to iteratively adjust a parameter associated with a second cell of the wireless network to produce an adjusted parameter. The adjustment module is configured to send the adjusted parameter to the wireless network to improve performance of the wireless network. The adjustment module is configured to restore, after the time period, the parameter associated with the second cell to a value equal to a value for the parameter prior to the time period, and send that value of the parameter to the wireless network.
US08509760B2 Standardized control of wireless devices
A disclosed service for managing mobile and wireless communication devices (MWCDs) includes enabling a server to generate a standard remote configuration command (RCC) and enabling a transmitter coupled to the server to transmit the RCC wirelessly. The RCC configures a feature on a first MWCD of a first supplier and a second MWCD of a second supplier. The RCC may disable one or more of a set of selected MWCD peripheral devices. For example, the RCC may disable an MWCD camera, an MWCD microphone, and/or an MWCD speaker. In some embodiments, the RCC transitions the MWCD to a restricted state in which the MWCD is unable to record multimedia content including audio and video content. In these embodiments, the RCC may configure one or more of the features on each of a set of MWCDs within a defined geographic region.
US08509756B2 System and method for reporting loss of broadband connectivity
The subject disclosure provides a system and methods for a central network monitoring authority to be automatically alerted upon loss of broadband connectivity at a residential gateway. In connection with detecting a connectivity loss in a residential gateway, traceable alert data is created, a mobile device is located within range of an associated femto cell, the traceable alert data is provided to the mobile device; and the mobile device is then employed to transmit the traceable alert data to a central network monitoring authority.
US08509753B2 Transfer of data-intensive content between portable devices
Described herein are technologies that facilitate transfer of data-intensive content between portable telephones. Phones are configured to transmit data indicative of phone location to a proxy server by way of respective cellular network data connections. When a user of a phone wishes to acquire content that is labeled as shareable on another phone, the user of the phone initiates a location-based request, which causes the proxy server to provide a list of phones that are estimated to be in Wi-Fi range of such phone. The user thereafter selects a particular phone, and the proxy server instructs that phone to activate its Wi-Fi radio. The phone of the user additionally activates its Wi-Fi radio, and a peer-to-peer connection between phones is established. Thereafter, rich content is transferrable between the phones.
US08509750B2 System for targeting advertising content to a plurality of mobile communication facilities
A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving respective requests for advertising content corresponding to a plurality of mobile communication facilities operated by a group of users, wherein the plurality includes first and second types of mobile communication facilities with different rendering capabilities; (b) receiving a datum corresponding to the group; (c) selecting from a first and second sponsor respective content based on a relevancy to the datum, wherein each content includes a first and second item requiring respective rendering capabilities; (d) receiving bids from the first and second sponsors; (e) attributing a priority to the content of the first sponsor based upon a determination that a yield associated with the first sponsor is greater than a yield associated with the second sponsor; and (f) transmitting the first and second items of the first sponsor to the first and second types of mobile communication facilities respectively.
US08509748B2 Transaction management system in a multicast or broadcast wireless communication network
The reverse path transaction management system enables the subscriber to receive a multicast on their wireless subscriber device via the forward path of a multicast channel or via a unidirectional broadcast channel concurrently with a plurality of other subscribers on the same multicast channel or broadcast channel. The subscribers can simultaneously initiate a transaction to purchase goods and/or services via the reverse path associated with the shared multicast channel or via a separate cellular communication connection associated with the broadcast channel. Typically, goods and/or services are offered to the subscriber as part of the multicast extant on the shared forward channel.
US08509745B2 Voicemail archival and forwarding functionality for communications networks and devices
A voicemail system (18, 24) includes a memory (36, 62) and a processor (32, 60). The memory (36, 62) can store data relating to one or more users. An incoming communication can be handled by the voicemail system (18, 24) and provided with functionality based upon a user's preferences, for example. The voicemail system (18, 24) can include functionality to allow a user to archive a voicemail message, to convert a voicemail message to a desired format, and/or to forward a voicemail message or converted voicemail message file to one or more designated destinations. The voicemail system (18, 24) can operate on a communications network (10), at a communications device (18), or both. Methods for archiving, converting, and/or forwarding voicemail messages are also disclosed.
US08509744B2 System for customer relationship management using wireless communication
A method for establishing wireless communication between a service vendor and a customer accepts entry of a wireless address for a customer communications device and stores the address in a waiting list. Entry of the address is confirmed by transmitting a first wireless message to the customer communications device that displays a hypertext link to a network address. The customer communications device is classified according to information received with the customer selection. A network applications storage location is identified according to the classification. A second wireless message is transmitted to the customer communications device, including a first set of instructions that display a download prompt. The method transmits, to the customer communications device, a second set of programmed instructions associated with the service vendor that generates and displays a user-actuable link for obtaining information that relates to the service vendor on the customer communications device.
US08509743B2 Mood-based messaging
A method for social interacting, including using a portable messaging device for designating, from time to time, a plurality of friends, selecting a mood, sending one or more representations of the selected mood to each of the plurality of designated friends, further selecting an updated mood, and further sending one or more representations of the updated mood to each of the plurality of designated friends, to supersede the previously sent one or more representations of the mood. A user interface is also described and claimed.
US08509740B2 Intelligent network access controller and method
A method, implemented on a programmed processor, for controlling wireless communications to and from a wireless network includes provoking an access request from a wireless device to register the device with an intelligent network access controller; locking the wireless device to the controller; determining a category of the wireless device; if the determined category is a first category, preventing access to wireless communications using the wireless network; and if the determined category is a second category, directing the wireless device to re-attempt access with the wireless network.
US08509739B2 Access technology independent identifier generation
A network system for communicating with mobile nodes has multiple gateways that can operate with each using a different access technology. In an IPv6 system, the access gateways each provide an interface identifier to the mobile nodes using the same one or more keys and hash so that different the same interface identifier regardless of the access technology used. The access gateways can have multiple options for using keys and/or hashes to provide an interface identifier such that the method for determining the interface identifier is configurable.
US08509737B2 Security module and method of controlling usability of application modules
For a communication terminal (10), proposed is a security module (1) configured to authenticate a telecommunications network (2). The security module (1) comprises a locking module (12), for disabling usability of an application module (11), an unlocking module (13), for re-enabling usability of the application module (11), and a control module (14) for activating the unlocking module (13), depending on received data that is assignable in an authenticated way to a specific telecommunications network (2). The control module (14) is configured to activate the locking module (12) depending on the selection and usage of the application module (11). The control module (14) is configured to activate the unlocking module (12) depending on the reception of authorization messages, that can be authenticated, or authentication data of the telecommunications network (2). By disabling and re-enabling usability of the application module (11), depending on received data that is assignable in an authenticated way to a specific telecommunications network (2), the usage of network independent applications can be tied to the usage of a specific telecommunications network.
US08509735B2 Method and apparatus to facilitate detection of an unauthorized communication system user
A correlating receiver is used (102) at a code division multiple access base transceiver station to monitor what may comprise possible multi-path versions of a transmission from an authorized communication system user to provide monitoring results. These monitoring results are then used (103) to detect when one of the possible multi-path versions of the transmission was sourced by an unauthorized communication system user while at least another of the possible multi-path versions of the transmission was, in fact, sourced by an authorized communication system user. In a preferred approach the unauthorized communication system user is then identified (104) as being a clone.
US08509730B2 Method and system for remote control between mobile devices
A remote control method between mobile devices and a system thereof are provided. The system includes a server including a control command list for controlling a help-requesting device. The server authenticates a remote control authorization of a control device and relays a data packet communication between the help-requesting device and the control device. The help-requesting device transmits a help request message to the control device through the server. The control device acquires the authorization to remotely control the help-requesting device from the server and then transmits a control command for controlling the help-requesting device to the help-requesting device through the server. The help-requesting device executes the received control command and then transmits execution result data to the control device through the server. The control device outputs the execution result data received from the help-requesting device.
US08509713B2 Single envelope tracking system for an active antenna array
An active antenna array comprises a plurality of transmission paths, a variable common power supply unit, and an envelope detection system. The transmission paths are adapted to carry a plurality of similar transmission path signals, wherein at least one of the plurality of transmission paths comprises an amplifier having a power input and a signal input for one of the plurality of similar transmission path signals. The variable common power supply unit is connected to the power input of the amplifier for supplying power to the amplifier. The envelope detection system is connected to an envelope input of the variable common power supply unit and adapted to provide a common envelope signal for the plurality of similar transmission path signals to the variable common power supply unit. A method for envelope tracking and computer program products for manufacture and method execution are also claimed.
US08509711B1 Wireless terminals, systems, and methods using interlaced diplexers
Wireless terminals, systems, and methods use interlaced diplexers. A first diplexer can provide a first pair of bands separated by a first separation band, and a second diplexer can provide a second pair of bands separated by a second separation band. The first separation band and the second separation band can overlap. Transceivers (comprising transmitters and receivers) can be coupled to the diplexers to provide frequency-division duplex communications using one or both of the pairs of bands.
US08509709B2 Consumer electronic device having a distributed form factor millimeter wave receiver and transmitter
A consumer electronic device having distributed form factor millimeter wave receiver and transmitter comprising a first motherboard part including a baseband module; a second motherboard part including a receive (RX) active antenna, wherein the RX active antenna is connected to the baseband module using a pair of cables; and a third motherboard part including a transmit (TX) active antenna, wherein the TX active antenna is connected to the baseband module using a pair of cables.
US08509708B2 Remote front-end for a multi-antenna station
A multi-antenna station has multiple remote front-ends coupled to multiple antennas. Each remote front-end includes a power amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier (LNA), and first and second coupling units. On the transmit path, a first RF signal is received via a first port, routed by the first coupling unit to the power amplifier, amplified to obtain the desired output power level, and routed by the second coupling unit to a second port for transmission via the antenna. On the receive path, a second RF signal is received via the second port, routed by the second coupling unit to the LNA, amplified to obtain a higher signal level, and routed by the first coupling unit to the first port for transmission to the transceiver.
US08509704B1 Method and system of sending power control commands
Based on forward signal quality detected by an access terminal, an access network may adjust the transmission rate at which to send power control commands (PCCs) to the access terminal and responsively begin sending PCCs directed to the access terminal at the adjusted transmission rate. For example, in response to determining that the access terminal is detecting a strong forward signal quality, the access network may begin sending PCCs directed to the access terminal at a reduced transmission rate of one PCC in less than every timeslot. In timeslots during which the access network does not send a PCC directed to the access terminal, the access network can then send PCCs directed to other active access terminals at a higher gain, which may in turn increase the percentage of PCCs received by the other active access terminals.
US08509700B2 Test equipment and mobile radio device and a method for testing a mobile radio device
The invention relates to a method for testing a mobile radio device comprising at least one first antenna (9) and a second antenna (10), and to a mobile radio device (2) and test equipment (1). A signal generation unit (5) of the test equipment (1) generates a test signal (27). The test signal is transmitted to a mobile radio device (2) to be tested and is received by the mobile radio device (2) and evaluated. The mobile radio device (2) then generates a response signal (31) and a transmission schedule (30) for transmitting the response signal via the first antenna (9) and/or the second antenna (10) is defined. The response signal (33) is transmitted according to the transmission schedule and received by the test equipment (1). The transmission schedule used is determined by the test equipment. The transmission schedule (36) used is then determined.
US08509694B2 Techniques for facilitating communication between a portable media device and an accessory using multiple communication paths
Techniques for facilitating communication between a portable media device (PMD) and an accessory via multiple communication paths. In one set of embodiments, an accessory can be coupled with a PMD via a first connection, thereby establishing a first control communication path. The accessory can send to the PMD, via the first control communication path, an enumeration of the communication paths supported by the accessory. The enumerated communication paths can include control communication paths and data (e.g., audio or video) communication paths. The accessory can further send, to the PMD via the first control communication path, an availability status of each data communication path. In response, the PMD can select, based on a routing policy, one or more of the data communication paths and can notify the accessory of the selected data communication path. The PMD and accessory can then interoperate by exchanging data signals over the selected data communication path.
US08509687B1 Quiet spot detection for FM transmission
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device comprising a receiver port configured to be operatively coupled to a local receiver antenna; a transmitter port configured to be operatively coupled to a local transmitter antenna and to receive signals received by the local transmitter antenna at least for a portion of time while the local receiver antenna is not operatively coupled to the receiver port; and a quiet spot determination unit configured to receive signals received by the local receiver antenna at least for a portion of time while the local receiver antenna is operatively coupled to the receiver port, receive signals received by the local transmitter antenna at least for the portion of time while the local receiver antenna is not operatively coupled to the receiver port, and determine a quiet spot frequency. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08509686B2 Auxiliary cellular phone module
An auxiliary cellular phone module assists in making a local call while a coupled master cellular phone is roaming, wherein the auxiliary cellular phone module consists of processing unit, communication interface, cellular telephony interface, user interfaces and memory. A full-fledged auxiliary cellular phone module consists of a plurality of features that includes user interfaces consisting display, full-fledged keypad, wired and/or wireless interfaces, earpiece and microphones. A simpler version may have simplified or none at all of any of the user interfaces mentioned above. A full-fledged auxiliary cellular phone module may have many additional functionalities that helps a roaming service provider to cut costs of the local calls placed while roaming, that includes audio/visual advertisements, directions as well as many other audio/visual informational data displays. Moreover, many other features that are helpful to the roaming client may also be provided within the auxiliary cellular phone module that includes local phone book facilities, prepaid credit information and other informal data displays.
US08509682B2 Compact switch with enhanced linearity performance
A switch element includes a switch device having a drain, a source and a plurality of gates, and at least one additional interconnect located between the plurality of gates, the additional interconnect operative to establish a constant potential between the at least two gates.
US08509679B2 Apparatus and methods for modifying an operational behavior of a receiving device
A receiving device receives one or more signals, each signal including transponder identifying information. The receiving device processes the transponder identifying information to determine which signals are receivable by the receiving device. Based upon the receivable signals, the receiving device modifies its operational behavior accordingly.
US08509671B2 Cleaner and image forming apparatus
A cleaner includes a cleaning member having a distal end in contact with an image carrier so as to remove developer attached to the image carrier, a cleaning container that stores the removed developer, a cleaning support body including a cleaning support portion extending from the distal end to a proximal end of the cleaning member so as to support the proximal end of the cleaning member, a bent portion bent from the cleaning support portion, and a supported portion supported by the cleaning container, a vibration-damping body in contact with an end of the bent portion opposite the cleaning support portion so as to regulate vibration of the cleaning support body, and a vibration-damping-body fixing member supported by the cleaning container and having a clamp portion that clamps the vibration-damping body between the vibration-damping-body fixing member and the end of the bent portion.
US08509670B2 Image bearing member to which boron nitride is attached
An image bearing member including an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer provided overlying the electroconductive substrate, an optional layer overlying the photosensitive layer, and boron nitride attached to at least part of the surface of an outermost layer.
US08509666B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes: a first rotating member; a second rotating member that extends along the first rotating member, sandwiches a recording medium with a toner image formed thereon between the first and second rotating members, rotates together with the first rotating member, and heats the recording medium to fix the toner image on the recording medium; a heating device whose circumferential surface circularly moves while contacting an external circumferential surface of the second rotating member, and the heating device heats the second rotating member; a temperature detecting device disposed to face the external circumferential surface of the second rotating member without contacting the external circumferential surface to detect a temperature thereof; and a cleaning device cleaning the circumferential surface of the heating device and disposed between the heating device and the temperature detecting device along the surface of the second rotating member.
US08509663B2 Image forming apparatus or transfer roller used in image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer roller. The transfer roller includes an elastic layer disposed on a metal core bar. The elastic layer is made of a non-foamed solid rubber. The surface of the elastic layer includes a plurality of convex portions extending in a line in the axis direction of the transfer roller.
US08509657B2 Two component developer storage product and method of filling two component developer
A two component developer storage product to replenish a two component developer containing at least toner and carrier includes: a cylindrical container having an opening at one end thereof; a lid to close the opening; a toner layer stored in the cylindrical container; and a carrier layer stored in the cylindrical container; wherein the toner layer and the carrier layer are stacked, and the cylindrical container has a spiral projection on an inner spherical surface thereof, and is configured such that when the cylindrical container is rotated, the toner layer and the carrier layer are conveyed by the spiral projection and toner and carrier are discharged from the opening.
US08509654B2 Image forming apparatus having mechanism for placing fixing unit in nip relaxed state
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a door to cover an opening in a chassis, a fixing unit, a frame, a linear motion member to linearly move along with the door, a guiding member to guide the linear motion member to move linearly, a coupler assembly to couple the door with the linear motion member and move the linear motion member, and a manipulation member being movable according to movement of the linear motion member. The linear motion member includes a contact portion, with which the manipulation member comes in contact along an intersecting direction. The guiding member includes a slider plane to slidably support the linear motion member. The linear motion member is slidably supported by the slider plane of the guiding member at a surface which is on an opposite side from the surface having the contact portion.
US08509652B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus according to this invention includes a first movement mechanism, a preliminary charger, and a second movement mechanism. The first movement mechanism moves a primary transfer section between a first position at which an intermediate transfer member is brought into pressure contact with a photoreceptor and a second position at which the intermediate transfer member is spaced apart from the photoreceptor. The preliminary charger is disposed in the motion direction of the intermediate transfer member between the primary transfer section and a secondary transfer section, and disposed at a predetermined position relative to the intermediate transfer member. The preliminary charger applies a charge to a toner image on the intermediate transfer member. The second movement mechanism moves the preliminary charger as the primary transfer section is moved by the first movement mechanism, while maintaining the preliminary charger at the predetermined position relative to the intermediate transfer member.
US08509651B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion with a plurality of image bearing members and a plurality of developing devices, a plurality of cartridges, a maintenance door allowing access to the image forming portion for a maintenance operation, a plurality of first doors, remainder detecting means for detecting information relating to amounts of the developers in the cartridges, locking means for locking the first doors, a controller, a moving mechanism, and a second door capable of opening and closing to cover the first doors. The first doors open and close respective openings for insertion of the cartridges into the main assembly independently from each other, without access via the maintenance door. The controller controls the locking means to release a locking of a first door corresponding to a cartridge which requires exchange, on the basis of a detection result of the remainder detecting means.
US08509648B2 Image forming apparatus having waste toner container that stores toner removed from intermediate transfer belt
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, a cover, movable between an open position and a closed position, a plurality of photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the plurality of photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, to store residual toner collected by the cleaner device, a connector, a first feeding path, a second feeding path, and a second feed roller. The second feed roller is rotatably supported by the cover and movable along with the cover to yield the first opening to the waste toner container when the cover is in the open position.
US08509647B2 Image forming apparatus having an ion generating function
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a paper supply section, a housing member and an ion generating unit. The housing member is disposed at least below the image forming section, and has the same shape in plane view as the image forming section and the paper supply section. The ion generating unit is contained in the housing member. The ion generating unit includes a duct forming a pathway that guides a flow of air that is sucked in from outside of the housing member, and that is discharged back outside of the housing member. An ion generating device is disposed inside the duct, along with a fan for generating an air current in the duct.
US08509644B2 Fixing device, image forming apparatus incorporating same, and fixing method
A fixing device includes a temperature controller that controls a temperature of a fixing rotary body based on the temperature of the fixing rotary body detected by a temperature detector so as to heat the fixing rotary body to a plurality of preset target temperatures that includes a first target standby temperature, a target fixing temperature, a target idle temperature, and a second target standby temperature. When the target fixing temperature is lower than the first target standby temperature, the temperature controller separates a pressing rotary body from the fixing rotary body to idle the fixing rotary body for a predetermined idle time period before a fixing operation starts. After the fixing operation, the temperature controller controls a heater to change the temperature of the fixing rotary body to the second target standby temperature.
US08509639B2 Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and method of controlling fixing device
According to one embodiment, transit time taken for a recording medium passing through a nip portion to transit a predetermined distance is measured. A nip width adjusting mechanism adjusts a nip width on the basis of the transit time of the recording medium over the predetermined distance.
US08509638B2 Arrangement to regulate the proportions of two components to be mixed in a mixing unit based on predetermined desired values
In a method or system for regulation of real values of toner concentration and fill level in a mixing unit to predetermined desired values in a developer station of an electrographic printing apparatus, the real value of the toner concentration in the mixing unit is adjusted with a first control unit by supplying toner concentrate from a first reservoir. A desired toner concentrate value is determined from the predetermined desired values of the toner concentration and the fill level. A real concentrate value is also determined from the real values of the toner concentration and the fill level measured in the mixing unit. With the first control unit, a feed of toner concentrate into the mixing container is regulated depending on a difference between the real toner concentrate value and the desired toner concentrate value. The real value of the fill level in the mixing unit is also adjusted with a second control unit by supplying carrier fluid from a second reservoir. A desired carrier fluid value is determined from the predetermined desired values of the toner concentration and the fill level. A real carrier fluid value is also determined from the real values of the toner concentration and the fill level measured in the mixing unit. With the second control unit, a feed of carrier fluid into the mixing unit is regulated depending on a difference between the real carrier fluid value and the desired carrier fluid value.
US08509633B2 Heating device and image forming apparatus
A heating device includes: a heat generating unit generating heat in response to energization of an alternating-current power supply; a zero-crossing signal generating circuit generating a zero-crossing signal in synchronization with a zero-crossing time of the alternating-current power supply; an energization regulating unit regulating an energization period of the heat generating unit by the alternating-current power supply; a voltage change rate detecting unit detecting whether a rate of voltage change of the alternating-current power supply at the zero-crossing time is equal to or larger than an predetermined value; a switching unit switching on and off a connection between the alternating-current power supply and the heat generating unit; and an energization disabling unit disabling energization of the heat generating unit by controlling the switching unit when the rate of voltage change is equal to or larger than the predetermined value.
US08509631B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a developing device including a developer bearing member for bearing and conveying a developer and configured to develop a latent image formed on an image bearing member using the developer, a bias application unit configured to apply at least an AC bias to the developer bearing member, an integration unit configured to integrate an application time of the AC bias applied by the bias application unit, and a determination unit configured to determine a replacement timing of the developing device based on an integrated value by the integration unit.
US08509630B2 Determining the cause of printer image artifacts
A method is provided of determining the cause of artifacts in images produced by an electrophotographic (EP) printer. A reference image is printed and artifacts in it are detected. After printing normal images, a test image is printed and artifacts in it are detected. If a detected artifact in the test image does not correspond to a detected artifact in the reference image, a characteristic frequency spectrum of the artifact in the test image is determined. Run-out on rotatable imaging components is measured, and a characteristic frequency spectrum of each is determined. The test image spectrum is compared to each component spectrum to identify which component is causing the artifact.
US08509628B2 Differential multilevel modulated optical signal receiver apparatus
A first optical splitter splits an input optical signal and outputs it to first and second optical paths. A second optical splitter outputs the optical signal from the first optical path to third and fourth optical paths. A third optical splitter outputs the optical signal from the second optical path to fifth and sixth optical paths. In the second optical path, 1-symbol delay element and π/4 phase shifter element are configured. In the fourth optical path, π/2 phase shifter element is configured. First and second adjuster circuits adjust the optical path length of the second and the fourth optical paths, respectively, by temperature control. A first optical coupler couples optical signals transmitted via the third and the fifth optical paths. A second optical coupler couples optical signals transmitted via the fourth and the sixth optical paths. Photodetectors convert the optical signals from the optical couplers into electrical signals.
US08509626B2 System and method for reducing mutual leakage between distributed feedback laser and electro-absorption modulator in integrated electro-absorption modulated laser
A device is provided for use with a dither tone signal and an information signal. The device includes a laser diode, an electro-optic modulator, a first filter and a second filter. The laser diode can output a first light signal, whereas the electro-optic modulator can transmit a second light signal. The first filter can generate a first filtered signal based on the information signal. The second filter can generate a second filtered signal based on the dither tone signal. The first light signal is based on the dither tone signal, the information signal and the first filtered signal. The second light signal is based on the first light signal, the information signal, the dither tone signal and the second filtered signal. The filtered signals reduce or cancel the undesired leaked/interfering signals.
US08509617B2 Node, data processing system, and data processing method
A node, a data processing system, and a data processing method are provided. The node includes a control module, adapted to generate synchronization information and Optical Burst (OB) configuration information; at least one synchronization processing module, adapted to perform a synchronization process on OB paths at a plurality of wavelengths according to the synchronization information; and a cross-connection module, adapted to perform, a cross-connection process on the OB paths, on which the synchronization process has been performed. The data processing system includes at least two nodes, where the nodes are connected through OB paths at one or more wavelengths, and the nodes are adapted to transfer service data through the OB paths. The technical solutions can reduce volume, power consumption, and costs of the nodes, and avoid a problem of generation of data conflict on an optical layer due to lack of optical buffers in all optical switching.
US08509614B2 Subscriber premises-side optical network unit
[Problem]This invention aims at solving the problem of how a subscriber premises-side optical network unit can be switched to an evaluation mode without the use of a jig board.[Means for Solving the Problem]The invention refers to a subscriber premises-side optical network unit (ONU 10) which is connected to a center-side optical network unit (OLT 1a) via an optical transmission line (optical fiber 2, 4) and to an external device (switch 6) via an electric signal line (electric signal line 5); comprising a memory (memory switch 15a) the stored content of which can be directly or indirectly rewritten by the external device; a detection part (CPU 15) for detecting that the content of the memory has been rewritten; and a control part (CPU 15) for performing, when the detection part detects that the stored content of the memory has been rewritten, a control whereby the optical sending part which sends optical signals to the optical transmission line is put into a continuous light emission state.
US08509608B2 Photographing apparatus and method of displaying graphic for user to estimate the real size of object
A photographing method displays a photographed object and displays a graphic for the user to estimate the real size of the object based on a calculated real size of the object. Accordingly, the user can evaluate the real size of the object, which is being photographed by the user.
US08509602B2 Recording control apparatus and method, and program
A recording control apparatus for controlling the recording of content of broadcast programs includes the following elements. An acquisition unit acquires electronic program guide data concerning the broadcast programs. A detector detects the title of a broadcast program from reserve-recording data indicating a recording reservation of the broadcast program. A calculator calculates the similarity between the title of the broadcast program detected by the detector and the title of the broadcast program indicated in the electronic program guide data acquired by the acquisition unit. A changing unit changes the reserve-recording data by using the electronic program guide data on the basis of the similarity calculated by the calculator.
US08509601B2 Method to seamlessly insert audio clips into a compressed broadcast audio stream
A method and computing system for seamlessly inserting a local audio clip into a primary audio stream. The method sends the primary audio stream to an audio output port, and determines main parameters for the primary audio stream. The method receives a request to insert an encoded local audio clip, locates an insertion point in the primary audio stream that coincides with an end of a frame boundary, and identifies a best matching encoded local audio clip for the main parameters. The method receives and sends the best matching encoded local audio clip to the audio output port, stores the primary audio stream in a buffer while sending the best matching encoded local audio clip, and resumes the sending of the primary audio stream when the sending of the best matching encoded local audio clip is complete.
US08509600B2 Copy detection
A method for detecting whether query video data appears in a reference video, comprising determining a measure of depth from a portion of the query video data, comparing the measure against a measure of depth for the reference video to perform a depth match and, if a match is determined; comparing a visual signature derived from the query video data against a visual signature of the reference video to perform a visual match to determine a measure representing the likelihood that the query video data derives from the reference video.
US08509598B1 Electronic apparatus and index generation method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus receives a first packet group of a stream of content data. The apparatus includes a first detector, a second detector and an index generator. The first detector detects a first packet of the first packet group, the first packet including program information. The second detector detects a start packet of a second packet group from the first packet group, the second packet group carrying a randomly accessible video frame. The second detector detects a time stamp from the start packet or another packet having the same packet ID. The index generator generates index information indicating a storage position of the first packet in a buffer and the time stamp.
US08509595B2 Information storage medium storing multi angle data, and recording method and reproducing apparatus thereof
An information storage medium for storing multi angle data, and a recording method and a reproducing apparatus thereof. The information storage medium stores data for a plurality of angles of a scene in interleaved blocks. Sizes of the interleaved blocks are integral multiples of sizes of integral numbered aligned units that include packets. Angle change points are included in each of the interleaved blocks which allows a reproducing apparatus to seamlessly jump from one angle to another angle during reproduction of the multi angle data. A number of the angle points recorded on the information storage medium is computed so that a jumping distance required by the data during reproduction does not exceed a maximum jumping distance of a reproducing apparatus.
US08509594B2 Editing apparatus, editing method, and program
Disclosed herein is an editing apparatus including: a recording control section, which, when a predetermined command is received, exercises recording control as a process for the received command; and a recording section configured to record data on a predetermined recording medium under control of the recording control section, wherein the recording control section judges whether the recording should finish at a time point of finishing the recording of the data, when the result of judgment indicates that the recording should finish, the recording control section controls the recording section so as to finish the recording, and when the result of judgment indicates that the recording should not finish, the recording control section controls the recording section so as to record a predetermined time period of data and finish the recording.
US08509593B2 Recording medium, playback apparatus, recording apparatus, playback method, recording method, and program
A BD-ROM has recorded thereon: a plurality of subtitle streams each configured for playback in sync with a video stream; and PlayList information. The PlayList information includes PlayItem information and a display method flag. The PlayItem information defines a playback section with information indicating In_time and Out_time of a playback time axis of the video stream and includes a stream information table. The display method flag indicates whether or not control according to a subtitle display method is valid. The stream information table specifies to, a playback apparatus, one of the subtitle streams to be selected if the control according to the subtitle display method is valid.
US08509590B2 Metadata recording device and method thereof
A metadata recording device that inserts an invalid byte for anti-emulation without scanning the contents of metadata and allows a data length after the anti-emulation is performed to be a fixed length is a metadata recording device that records main data and metadata, which are binary data, and includes: a generation unit configured to generate pieces of invalid data, each of which is data of a value not included in a specific byte sequence that is a byte sequence having a specific meaning; an insertion unit configured to insert each piece of the invalid data into the metadata at intervals shorter than a length of the specific byte sequence; and a recording unit configured to record the metadata into which the pieces of the invalid data are inserted.
US08509587B2 Portable optical-fiber processing equipment
A portable optical fiber processing apparatus is disclosed. The portable optical fiber processing apparatus of the present invention includes a base (1), which provides a space in which components are installed, and a sheathing stripping unit (10), which is provided on the base and strips sheathing from an optical fiber (R). The apparatus further includes an optical fiber cutting unit (40), which is provided on the base and cuts a portion of the optical fiber, from which the sheathing has been stripped, using a sliding cutter (43) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a welding unit (50), which is provided on the base and welds junction portions of two optical fibers. The present invention is characterized in that a process of stripping sheathing from an optical fiber and cutting, cleaning and welding processes can be conducted using a single apparatus.
US08509586B2 Terminal box for fiberoptic cables and panel
The invention relates to a terminal box (1) for fiberoptic cables, comprising an at least two-part housing with a lower part (3) and a cover (2), the cover (2) being arranged pivotably on the lower part (3), at least one receptacle for a splice, at least one feed (10) for a fiberoptic cable and a receptacle (11) for a coupling, the side faces (5, 6) of the cover (2) being longer than the end faces (7, 8) of the cover (2), a pivot bearing of the cover (2) being arranged on an end face (8) of the cover (2), and to a panel for accommodating a terminal box (1) for fiberoptic cables.
US08509583B2 Optical element and method for the production thereof
Described is an optical element for guiding electromagnetic radiation. The optical element includes a base body and at least one film, wherein the film is configured to adhere to the base body to form an intimate connection with the base body without using an adhesion promoting interlayer and is arranged such that the electromagnetic radiation passes through it.
US08509582B2 Reducing light leakage and improving contrast ratio performance in FTIR display devices
An optical noise reduction mechanism for reducing undesired frustration of total internal reflected light. Such optical noise may stem from defects in waveguide construction. Such optical noise may also stem from the difference in refractive index between any cladding layers disposed onto the planar waveguide and the refractive index of the medium (e.g., air) between the light sources and the light insertion surface of the planar waveguide. By interposing a material of appropriate refractive index, either as a thin layer onto the light insertion surface of the waveguide or filling the space between the waveguide and the light source, the planar waveguide becomes more tolerant of geometry errors and cladding layer properties because a safe operating area is established between the unadjusted critical angle of the system and the actual range of ray angles allowed admittance into the waveguide.
US08509581B2 Optical fibers with tubular optical cores
An embodiment of an apparatus includes an optical fiber for which a complete orthogonal basis of propagating modes at an optical telecommunication frequency includes ones of the propagating modes with different angular momenta. The optical fiber has a tubular optical core and an outer optical cladding in contact with and surrounding the tubular optical core. The tubular optical core has a larger refractive index than the optical cladding. The tubular optical core is configured such that those of the propagating modes whose angular momenta have the lowest magnitude for the propagating modes have substantially the same radial intensity profile.
US08509577B2 Fiberoptic device with long focal length gradient-index or grin fiber lens
Embodiments of the invention provide a fiberoptic device that uses a gradient-index (GRIN) lens for focusing a light beam emitted by an optical fiber, but achieves a substantially longer focal length than that of a GRIN lens alone by placing a beam expander (e.g., no core fiber or step-index multimode fiber) between the terminal end of the optical fiber and the GRIN lens to simulate free space therebetween. In one embodiment, a fiberoptic device comprises an optical fiber having a fiber core and an end through which a light beam emits from the fiber core; a beam expander having a first end coupled to the end of the optical fiber and having a second end, the beam expander permitting the light beam emitting from the fiber core to pass from the first end to the second end and to expand from the first end to a larger size at the second end; and a gradient-index fiber lens coupled to the second end of the beam expander to receive the light beam from the beam expander and focus the light beam.
US08509573B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
When a plurality of images are combined together, a positioning error can occur. To correct positioning error, the images may be displayed on a display, and a user may specify a correction value using an operation device. However, in a case where the operation device does not have high performance or the display does not have a screen large enough to provide sufficiently high viewability, the correction of the positioning error is difficult. In the present invention, in view of the above, a sheet is printed and a user describes on the sheet a correction value in terms of relative position of a plurality of images stored in a memory. The sheet is read by a reading apparatus, and an image obtained is analyzed to determine the specified correction value. The relative position of the plurality of images stored in the memory is corrected based on the determined correction value.
US08509570B2 Method and apparatus for computer-aided diagnosis of cancer and product
Method and apparatus performing dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging on tissue to obtain a plurality of datasets of images. Principal component analysis is performed on each dataset to obtain a covariance matrix and its corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors and produce a common base of eigenvectors. The dominant eigenvectors that are not associated with instrumental and random noise, commonly the 2nd eigen-state and the 3rd eigenvectors, or the 1st and 2nd eigen vectors, are correlated with the physiological relevant parameters of the 3TP method to obtain a hybrid method. The fusion of the eigenvectors with the 3TP parameters is dictating a rotation of the two relevant eigenvectors to obtain new rotated eigenvectors that serve to calculate new projection coefficient maps of the rotated eigenvectors for the imaged tissue indicative of physiological relevant parameters reflecting wash-out and wash-in patterns that detect abnormal tissue and distinguishes between cancerous and benign tumors. Computer-readable medium containing program instructions for carrying out the above.
US08509567B2 Half pixel interpolator for video motion estimation accelerator
Methods and an apparatus are provided for interpolation of pixels in a pixel array having rows and columns of pixels. The apparatus includes a shift register array to shift pixel values of the pixel array, the shift register array including two or more shift registers; an interpolation filter array interconnected to the shift register array, the interpolation filter array including one or more interpolation filters; and a controller configured to provide pixel values in columns of the pixel array from the shift register array to respective interpolation filters in a first mode and configured to provide pixel values in rows of the pixel array from the shift register array to respective interpolation filters in a second mode. The controller may be configured to supply vertical sub-pixel values from the shift register array to the interpolation filters to generate diagonal sub-pixel values.
US08509566B2 Laying out multiple images
Systems, methods, and apparatuses, including computer program products, are provided for re-layout of composite images. In some implementations, a method includes identifying geometric transformations corresponding to multiple images from a collection of images, where a geometric transformation reorients a corresponding image in relation to a common reference frame when applied and identifying a reference image for the multiple images in the collection of images. The method also includes determining overlapping image regions for the multiple images starting from the reference image, the determining based on the identified geometric transformations, determining additional transformations of a specified type for the multiple images based on the overlapping image regions, where an additional transformation lays out a corresponding image in relation to the reference image when applied, and making the additional transformations available for further processing and output with respect to the collection of images.
US08509563B2 Generation of documents from images
A system for generating soft copy (digital) versions of hard copy documents uses images of the hard copy documents. The images may be captured using a device suitable for capturing images, like a camera phone. Once available, the images may be processed to improve their suitability for document generation. The images may then be processed to recognize and generate soft copy versions of the documents represented by the images.
US08509562B2 Focus-based edge detection
A model generator computes a first image perimeter color difference value for each of a plurality of first pixels included in a first image that is captured using a first focal length, and selects one of the first image perimeter color difference values that exceeds a perimeter color difference threshold. Next, the model generator computes a second image perimeter color difference value for each of a plurality of second pixels included in a second image that is captured using a second focal length, and selects one of the second image perimeter color difference values that exceeds the perimeter color difference threshold. The model generator then determines that an edge is located at the first focal length by detecting that the selected first image perimeter color difference value is greater than the selected second image perimeter color difference value, and generates an image accordingly.
US08509560B2 Method, apparatus and integrated circuit for improving image sharpness
An apparatus for improving image sharpness includes a pixel detector that labels each of pixels in an image as one of an edge/texture type and a non-edge/texture type, a pixel type determiner that classifies each of the pixels that are labeled as the edge/texture type as one of a border point type pixel, a transition point type pixel, and a peak point type pixel, and a filter. The filter includes a shrinking/expanding filter and a high boost filter, the shrinking/expanding filter filtering the border point type pixels, and the high boost filter subsequently filtering the peak point type pixels and then filtering the transition point type pixels.
US08509556B2 Image coding apparatus and image coding method to generate a targeted amount of code
An image coding apparatus for coding image data. The image coding apparatus includes: a first coding mechanism predicting a quantization parameter and a quantization matrix to be used for calculating a target amount of code for the image data by coding the image data; a second coding mechanism correcting the quantization parameter predicted by the first coding means from an error between an amount of generated code produced by coding using the quantization parameter and the quantization matrix predicted by the first coding mechanism and the target amount of code; and a third coding mechanism coding the image data using the quantization parameter corrected by the second coding mechanism.
US08509555B2 Error-resilient entropy coding for partial embedding and fine grain scalability
Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided that generate a plurality of code words representative of data to be encoded. The code words may be generated to have first and second portions with each first portion including information that is representative of a predetermined characteristic of an associated second portion and each second portion including information that is representative of a respective portion of the data. A plurality of blocks may also be defined with each block including one or more bitplanes of the second portions of the code words. The plurality of blocks may be sequenced to achieve progressive representations of the encoded content in accordance with schemes to order the data according to priority of content. Content may be provided a level of error protection commiserate with its priority.
US08509549B2 Detecting a change between images or in a sequence of images
Detecting a change between images is performed more effectively when a measure of change is used for the detection that depends on a length of the code blocks to which the images are individually entropy-encoded, and which are allocated to different sections of the respective image, since the length of these code blocks is also available without decoding. This uses the fact that the length or amount of data of a code block directly depends, in large parts, on the entropy and hence on the complexity of the allocated image section, and that changes between images are, with high probability, also reflected in a change of complexity.
US08509544B2 Template matching apparatus and method thereof
A template matching apparatus includes a template input unit configured to input the template image; a signal input unit configured to input an image to be matched; a template scaling unit configured to scale the template image; a matching unit configured to match a scaled template image and an input image; a scaling factor determining unit configured to determine a scaling factor of the template image on the basis of a similarity obtained by matching; and a result output unit configured to output a result of matching when matching within a range of a predetermined scaling factor is completed.
US08509539B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a storing unit that stores dictionary data including information on a feature area that indicates an area where a feature of a subject appears; and a subject determination unit that compares, when an input image is acquired, the feature area of the dictionary data with an area of the input image corresponding to the feature area of the dictionary data, to determine whether the input image includes the subject.
US08509535B2 Method for emphasizing differences in graphical appearance between an original document and a modified document with annotations including outer and inner boundaries
A method for emphasizing differences in graphical appearances between an original document and a modified document using annotations with outer and inner boundaries is disclosed. A first bitmap of the modified document and a second bitmap of the original document are received. A set of difference points is derived from a comparison of the first bitmap and the second bitmap. Those difference points are representative of coordinates within the first and second bitmaps having pixel value differences exceeding a predetermined threshold. An outer boundary and an inner boundary of the difference points is derived, then an annotation defined by an area between the outer boundary and the inner boundary is generated.
US08509534B2 Document page segmentation in optical character recognition
Page segmentation in an optical character recognition process is performed to detect textual objects and/or image objects. Textual objects in an input gray scale image are detected by selecting candidates for native lines which are sets of horizontally neighboring connected components (i.e., subsets of image pixels where each pixel from the set is connected with all remaining pixels from the set) having similar vertical statistics defined by values of baseline (the line upon which most text characters “sit”) and mean line (the line under which most of the characters “hang”). Binary classification is performed on the native line candidates to classify them as textual or non-textual through examination of any embedded regularity. Image objects are indirectly detected by detecting the image's background using the detected text to define the background. Once the background is detected, what remains (i.e., the non-background) is an image object.
US08509531B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, computer program, and storage medium
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus, and an image processing method, which can reproduce an edge portion with a high resolution in a high resolution raster image, and suppress image degradation such as a jaggy, while suppressing processing cost. In the present invention, an image processing part divides image data of raster data into blocks of M×N pixels (M, N are integers of 1 or more and also at least one of M and N is an integer of 2 or more). Then, the part performs color rounding processing in the block and counts the number of colors in the block. Subsequently, when the number of colors existing in the block is two, the part acquires shape information about arrangement of the two colors. Then, the part stores the shape information and color information for a first color and color information for a second color.
US08509530B2 Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image processing method, computer program and computer-readable medium
The compression processing unit 30 of the image processing apparatus makes the color conversion process section 50 to the layout analysis processing section 53 extract the text string region, and makes the foreground layer generating section 54 extract the foreground pixel from the text string region to generate the foreground layer. The line detection process section 52 extracts the line art from the input image data, and removes the pixel block configuring the line art from the foreground pixel-block mask generated by the foreground extracting section 51. The layout analysis processing section 53 estimates the direction of the text string in accordance with the distance of the foreground regions and the number of connected foreground regions, and merges the foreground regions connected in the estimated direction, to extract the text string region.
US08509528B2 Methods and systems for converting images from low dynamic range to high dynamic range
Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for converting a digital image represented in a lower bit depth representation to a higher bit depth representation. A saturation region is identified, where a color model value of the pixels in the saturation region is above an upper saturation threshold or below a lower saturation threshold. The color model value for each pixel in the saturation region is then adjusted by a corresponding adjustment. The magnitude of the adjustment for each pixel is based on characteristics of the image data.
US08509527B1 Intensity based pixel quantization
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising accessing a first pixel that is neighboring to a second pixel of an image, the first pixel including a plurality of color fields, each color field of the plurality of color fields associated with a respective color plane, wherein the second pixel is to be processed as a target pixel; quantizing the plurality of color fields to generate a corresponding plurality of quantized color fields, wherein said quantizing the plurality of color fields is based on a contribution of individual color planes of the plurality of color planes towards an intensity of the image; and processing the target pixel based at least in part on the plurality of quantized color fields. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08509524B2 Device, method and program on a storage medium to adjust dictionary data related to objects with specific features
An image processing device includes a dictionary data storage unit to store dictionary data regarding features that a plurality of objects has, an arithmetic unit to compute feature data of an input image based on information of the input image that includes an object with a specific feature among the plurality of objects, and a calculation unit to calculate a parameter for adjusting the dictionary data regarding the object with the specific feature based on the feature data and the dictionary data.
US08509521B2 Method and apparatus and computer program for generating a 3 dimensional image from a 2 dimensional image
A method of generating a three dimensional image from a two dimensional image having a background and a first foreground object and a second foreground object. The method includes determining whether the first and second foreground objects occlude, and generating an occluded combination of the first and second object to form a third foreground object when occlusion occurs. The method further includes applying a transformation to the third foreground object, and generating a copy of the third foreground object with the transformation applied thereto. Then, the third foreground object is generated stereoscopically for display based on the transformed third foreground object displaced relative to the copy of the third foreground object.
US08509519B2 Adjusting perspective and disparity in stereoscopic image pairs
A system and method for adjusting perspective and disparity in a stereoscopic image pair using range information includes receiving the stereoscopic image pair representing a scene; identifying range information associated with the stereoscopic image pair and including distances of pixels in the scene from a reference location; generating a cluster map based at least upon an analysis of the range information and the stereoscopic images, the cluster map grouping pixels of the stereoscopic images by their distances from a viewpoint; identifying objects and background in the stereoscopic images based at least upon an analysis of the cluster map and the stereoscopic images; generating a new stereoscopic image pair at least by adjusting perspective and disparity of the object and the background in the stereoscopic image pair, the adjusting occurring based at least upon an analysis of the range information; and storing the new generated stereoscopic image pair in a processor-accessible memory system.
US08509517B2 Method and system for systematic defect identification
A method and apparatus for identifying suspect layout features from a plurality of layout features of an integrated circuit (IC) layout. A plurality of snippet images is generated, each of which depicts at least a portion of a suspect layout feature which is different from suspect layout features depicted in others of the plurality of snippet images. The suspect layout features are determined based on the diagnosis of a plurality of defective ICs manufactured in accordance with the IC layout. A plurality of clusters is generated, and each of the clusters contains a group of the plurality of snippet images based on similarities between the snippet images.
US08509516B2 Circuit pattern examining apparatus and circuit pattern examining method
Provided is an examination technique to detect defects with high sensitivity at an outer-most repetitive portion of a memory mat of a semiconductor device and even in a peripheral circuit having no repetitiveness.A circuit pattern inspection apparatus comprises an image detection unit for acquiring an image of a circuit pattern composed of multiple die having a repetitive pattern, a defect judgment unit which composes, in respect of an acquired detected image, reference images by switching addition objectives depending on regions of repetitive pattern and the other regions and compares a composed reference image with the detected image to detect a defect, and a display unit for displaying the image of the detected defect.
US08509515B2 Paper sheet identifying device and paper sheet identifying method
A bill identification apparatus accurately identifying an authenticity with a folding line formed in a watermark. The bill identification apparatus includes: bill reading means; a converter which converts the watermarked image read by the bill reading means for each pixel containing color information having brightness; a image correction processing part which calculates an average density value for each pixel array in one direction, an average density value for each pixel array in the other direction, and an average density value of an entire watermarked image and corrects density values of respective pixels so as to approximate or match the average density value of the entire watermarked image; a reference data storage part which stores a reference watermarked image; an identification processing part which compares the corrected image by the image correction processing part with the reference watermarked image and identifies an authenticity.
US08509513B2 Post-acquisition adaptive reconstruction of MRI data
An improved method for reconstruction of medical images includes the acquisition of k-space data through MRI imaging. Subsequently, subsets of the k-space data are transformed into intermediate images by performing an inverse Fourier transform on selected sets. These intermediate images are saved to a PACS or other memory storage, and can be recalled later to reconstruct an image. By selecting various intermediate images, a user can vary both the spatial and temporal resolution of the reconstructed image after acquisition, thereby providing adaptive reconstruction of images without the need to acquire new data.
US08509502B2 Spine labeling
An image analysis system comprising: (a) an image input module adapted to receive a medical image; and (b) an analytic module adapted to segment the image, identify a plurality of vertebrae and label each vertebra.
US08509501B2 System and method for 3D imaging using structured light illumination
A biometrics system captures and processes a handprint image using a structured light illumination to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint. A processing unit calculates 3D coordinates of the hand from the plurality of images and maps the 3D coordinates to a 2D flat surface to create a 2D representation equivalent of a rolled inked handprint.
US08509500B2 Fingerprint authentication device, fingerprint authentication program, and fingerprint authentication method
It is judged whether a fingerprint authentication process has successfully been performed, based on a result obtained by comparing input fingerprint information generated from a fingerprint image input through a fingerprint sensor with registered fingerprint information registered in advance. In the case where a result indicating that the authentication process has failed has been obtained, an overlapping area size corresponding to the time when the input fingerprint information and the registered fingerprint information overlap each other the most is obtained. By using the overlapping area size and a similarity level indicating a matching degree between the input fingerprint information and the registered fingerprint information corresponding to the time when these images overlap each other the most, it is judged whether a re-input of an input fingerprint image should be requested. In the case where the judgment result is in the affirmative, the re-input of an input fingerprint image will be requested.
US08509496B2 Real-time face tracking with reference images
A method of tracking a face in a reference image stream using a digital image acquisition device includes acquiring a full resolution main image and an image stream of relatively low resolution reference images each including one or more face regions. One or more face regions are identified within two or more of the reference images. A relative movement is determined between the two or more reference images. A size and location are determined of the one or more face regions within each of the two or more reference images. Concentrated face detection is applied to at least a portion of the full resolution main image in a predicted location for candidate face regions having a predicted size as a function of the determined relative movement and the size and location of the one or more face regions within the reference images, to provide a set of candidate face regions for the main image.
US08509493B2 Biometric identification system
A biometric identification system enabling biometric authentication without a user providing his or her biometric data to an authentication entity, including an interface for data input/output with an electronic device in a state attached to an attachment part provided at the electronic device or data input/output by proximity wireless communication with the electronic device, a biometric data detecting means for acquiring the biometric data from a living subject, a memory for storing identification use biometric data used for the biometric identification in a secure state, and a controlling means for performing processing for comparing the biometric data acquired by the biometric data detecting means with the identification use biometric data stored in the memory for identification and processing for outputting a predetermined request or predetermined data to the electronic device via the interface on the condition that the comparison processing has judged coincidence in the secure state.
US08509481B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, imaging apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes a motion vector detecting unit configured to detect, for each field of a signal, a motion vector in each of a plurality of vector detection areas within the field, a determining unit configured to determine, for each field, a group area obtained by grouping the motion vector detection areas based on the motion vector detected by the motion vector detecting unit, a geometric center calculation unit configured to obtain, for each field, a geometric center of the group area, a determination unit configured to determine group areas that correspond to each other in fields that are in consecutive relation in terms of time by comparing the geometric centers of the group areas obtained for each field in consecutive relation.
US08509480B2 Mobile detector, mobile detecting program, and mobile detecting method
When a mobile is detected using an imaging device installed in the mobile, the image of a partial area is enlarged/reduced depending on variation in distance to the detection object mobile and then it is compared under a fixed scale thus causing increase in computation cost. In order to eliminate the need for an enlargement/reduction processing or a deformation correction processing every time when collation is performed, an input image is converted into a virtual plane image having a size or a shape on the image of a detection object mobile which does not vary depending on the distance between the mobiles. Using a pair of virtual plane images obtained at two different times, points are made to correspond and the mobile is detected based on the gap of corresponding points.
US08509472B2 Digital watermarking methods, programs and apparatus
The present invention provides steganographic and digital watermarking methods and apparatus. In a first implementation, we provide methods and apparatus for steganographically conveying data in a facial image by subtly altering facial features relative to statistical norms. In a second implementation, we convey data through different patterns of a diffraction grating. In a third implementation, we convey a digital watermark orientation component by projecting the orientation component onto an object to be captured. In the case of blue-screen technology, we incorporate an orientation component into a blue-screen itself. This provides great convenience for digital animators when overlay graphics and animation. In a forth implementation, we provide an identification document including an electronic memory chip. The chip includes an image of a bearer of the identification document. The image is digitally watermarked to include information (e.g., a chip serial number or document number) that is carried by the identification document. Thus, the electronic memory chip is tied to the document.
US08509470B2 Textile-based magnetic field interface clothes and mobile terminal in wearable computing system
The present invention relates to magnetic field interface clothes performing contactless magnetic field communication with a mobile terminal, the magnetic field interface clothes includes: a receiving part in which a mobile terminal is received and a coil part performing contactless magnetic field communication with a coil part of the mobile terminal at a position facing a coil part of the mobile terminal is formed, wherein the coil part formed in the receiving part includes a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil are received in the receiving part to have different winding directions.
US08509469B2 Implantable microphone with shaped chamber
An implantable microphone is disclosed having an external diaphragm and housing that forming chamber capable of being pressurized by deformational movement of the diaphragm induced by pressure waves (e.g., acoustic signals) propagating through overlying tissue. The chamber is shaped such that the volume of the chamber upon deflection of the diaphragm is reduced compared to a static volume of the chamber (i.e., volume of the chamber with no diaphragm deflection). As a result, the change in pressure within the chamber for a given diaphragm displacement is greater than it would be within a chamber having a cylindrical volume, leading to greater microphone sensitivity. In one arrangement, the chamber is shaped such that it is deeper at its center than at its edges, for example, to form a conical or paraboloidal volume.
US08509465B2 Entrainment avoidance with a transform domain algorithm
A system of signal processing an input signal in a hearing aid to avoid entrainment, the hearing aid including a receiver and a microphone, the method comprising using a transform domain adaptive filter including two or more eigenvalues to measure an acoustic feedback path from the receiver to the microphone, analyzing a measure of eigenvalue spread against a predetermined threshold for indication of entrainment of the transform domain adaptive feedback cancellation filter, and upon indication of entrainment of the transform domain adaptive feedback cancellation filter, modulating the adaptation of the transform domain adaptive feedback cancellation filter.
US08509463B2 Multi-mode sound reproduction system and a corresponding method thereof
There is provided a multi-mode sound reproduction system for reproduction of both stereophonic signals and multi-channel audio signals. The system includes a first pair of speakers positioned on a left portion of a user, the user being at a pre-determined facing, the first pair of speakers comprising a first primary speaker which is stackable with a first secondary speaker; a second pair of speakers positioned on a right portion of the user, the user being at the pre-determined facing, the second pair of speakers comprising a second primary speaker which is stackable with a second secondary speaker. The system may preferably include an arrangement of electronic components for controlling output of audio signals from the first pair and the second pair of speakers. It is preferable that in a first mode with the first and second pair of speakers in an unstacked configuration, the signals do not pass through the arrangement of electronic components prior to output. It is also preferable that in a second mode with each of the first and second pair of speakers in a stacked configuration, the arrangement of electronic components allows either stereophonic signals or multi-channel audio signals to be separately processed and reproduced in the first pair and the second pair of speakers. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
US08509462B2 Piezoelectric micro speaker including annular ring-shaped vibrating membranes and method of manufacturing the piezoelectric micro speaker
A piezoelectric micro speaker and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The piezoelectric micro speaker includes a substrate having a cavity formed therein and a diaphragm that is disposed on the substrate that overlaps the cavity. A plurality of first vibrating membranes having concentric annular ring shapes are disposed in a first region of the diaphragm corresponding to a center of the cavity. A second vibrating membrane including a different material from that of the first vibrating membranes is formed in the second region of the diaphragm corresponding to an edge of the cavity. A piezoelectric actuator for vibrating the first vibrating membranes is formed on and between the concentric annular rings of the first vibrating membranes.
US08509461B2 Bone conduction devices generating tangentially-directed mechanical force using a rotationally moving mass
A bone conduction device, comprising: a sound input element configured to receive an acoustic sound signal; an electronics module configured generate an electrical signal representing said acoustic sound signal; and a transducer, comprising a mass configured to move in a rotational direction, configured to generate a vibrational force in a tangential direction with respect to a recipient's bone.
US08509460B2 Sound mixing apparatus and method and multipoint conference server
A sound mixing apparatus includes mixing processing units 11 to 1k provided according to sampling frequencies and speaker detector 400 that selects at least one speaker sound signal out of plural sound signals inputted to mixing processing units 11 to 1k. Each of mixing processing units 11 to 1k adds up speaker sound signals having the same sampling frequency selected by speaker detector 400 to generate a first added-up sound signal, converts the sampling frequency of the first added-up sound signal into a sampling frequency processable by the other mixing processing units, and further adds up the first added-up sound signal and the first added-up sound signal converted into a sampling frequency processable by the processing unit and supplied from the other mixing processing units.
US08509452B2 Noise reduction apparatus and audio reproduction apparatus
A noise reduction apparatus includes: a speaker with a speaker unit held by holding means to make it possible to mix sounds emitted from front and rear of a vibration plate of the speaker; a microphone provided in an area where the sounds emitted from the front and rear of the vibration plate of the speaker are mixed and cancelled; and means for supplying a noise reduction audio signal obtained by phase-inverting an audio signal collected by the microphone to the speaker.
US08509450B2 Dynamic audibility enhancement
A method of enhancing an audio signal includes the steps of: a) receiving a primary audio input signal, b) receiving a detected audio signal which comprises: A) an echo component derived from play-out of the primary audio input signal and B) a noise component, and c) estimating from the primary audio input signal and the detected audio signal: 1) a set of frequency-specific lower bound gains, such that each frequency-specific lower bound gain, when applied to a respective frequency of the primary audio input signal, would cause the noise component to just mask the echo component at that respective frequency and 2) a set of frequency-specific upper bound gains, such that each frequency-specific upper bound gain, when applied to a respective frequency of the primary audio input signal, would cause the echo component to just mask the noise component at that respective frequency; d) estimating a set of frequency-specific gains in such a way that each frequency-specific gain falls between the respective frequency-specific lower bound gain and respective frequency-specific upper bound gain; and e) applying the frequency-specific gains to the primary audio input signal.
US08509448B2 Methods and device for secure transfer of symmetric encryption keys
A sending device generates a first and a second KMM, wherein the first KMM includes a first KEK and a KMM encryption key, and the second KMM includes a set of symmetric encryption keys. The sending device further encrypts the set of symmetric encryption keys using the first KEK; encrypts the first KEK and the KMM encryption key using a first public key of a receiving device; and encrypts the second KMM using the KMM encryption key to generate an encrypted second KMM before sending the first KMM and the encrypted second KMM to the receiving device. The receiving device decrypts the first KEK and the KMM encryption key using a first private key that corresponds to the first public key; and decrypts the encrypted second KMM using the KMM encryption key to obtain the encrypted set of symmetric keys.
US08509447B2 Method and system for distributing cryptographic keys in a hierarchized network
A method is presented for distributing cryptographic keys in a hierarchized network including at least one device in charge of a higher group of devices, wherein at least one of the devices of the higher group of devices is also in charge of a lower group of devices. The method includes the steps of: a) storing a set of identifiers particular to the higher group, an identifier particular to the device in charge, an identifier per device in charge of a lower group, each identifier being unique; storing a root cryptographic key; c) providing a root cryptographic key to each device in charge of a lower group using a first non-reversible cryptographic function; d) providing at least one transport cryptographic key to each member of said higher group of devices using a second non-reversible cryptographic function.
US08509441B2 Radio frequency identification system and authentication method thereof
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system and method are provided that includes a reader and a tag which share a predetermined secret key. The reader transmits an authentication request random number to the tag. The reader and the tag generate a Pseudorandom Noise (PN) sequence formed of a series of binary codes from an exclusive disjunction of the authentication request random number and the predetermined secret key. The tag produces an authentication response random number by performing a predetermined conversion operation for the PN sequence and transmits the authentication response random number to the reader. The reader authenticates the tag by analyzing the PN sequence and the authentication response random number.
US08509436B2 Remote circuit locking switch system
A method and apparatus for remotely controlling access to the components of an optically interconnected information processing infrastructure is presented. Access to the infrastructure is controlled independently of the infrastructure operating system.
US08509435B2 Method and system for a transport single key change point for all package identifier channels
Methods and systems for a transport single key change point for all package identifier channels are disclosed and may include descrambling a received transport stream comprising multiple package identifier (PID) channels with multiple key change points, and synchronizing at least a portion of the multiple key change points to occur at a common time. The transport stream may be conditional access or copy protect scrambled. The timing of the key change points may be synchronized by modifying one or more scrambling control bits for the descrambled received transport stream. At least one PID channel in said descrambled received transport stream may be re-scrambled utilizing one or more of the scrambling control bits, and a portion of the PID channels may bypass the re-scrambling. The re-scrambling may include one or more of CP re-scrambling and CA re-scrambling. Each PID channel may be de-scrambled and/or re-scrambled utilizing a separate key.
US08509434B2 Method and apparatus for protecting scalable video coding contents
Disclosed are a method and apparatus capable of reducing the computational complexity of encryption and decryption by encrypting only data of scalable video coding contents for each coding layer in terms of temporal, spatial, and SNR scalabilities to provide a service for protected scalable video coding contents, and capable of protecting contents by generating and distributing an encryption key for encryption and decryption depending on a class of a contents consumer.
US08509433B2 Method and apparatus of generating encryption key for broadcast encryption
A method and an apparatus are provided for generating an encryption key for broadcast encryption. The method of generating the encryption key for the broadcast encryption includes generating a first encryption key with respect to all nodes, configured in a plurality of depths, from a root node to a plurality of leaf nodes, and generating a second encryption key with respect to each intermediate node between the root node and the plurality of leaf nodes, wherein the generation of the second encryption key comprises generating any one of first and second keys using the first encryption key depending on whether a first child node, connected to a sibling node of the intermediate node, is on a left path or a right path of the intermediate node.
US08509425B2 Image processing system, program and method
Provided is an image processing system capable of simply executing image processing for encryption and decryption without causing a user to perform a time-consuming operation of generating a processing target image, the system including: a rendering information input accepting unit 21 accepting an input of rendering information for depicting a content of electronic data; a digital image generating unit 15 generating a digital image defined on the basis of the accepted rendering information; a definition information acquiring unit 23 acquiring definition information containing area designating information for specifying an encrypting target partial area in the generated digital image and key information used on the occasion of encrypting the partial area; an encrypting unit 11 generating an encrypted image by converting the image of the partial area on the basis of the key information; and an output unit 12 outputting the encrypted image.
US08509424B2 Fast key-changing hardware apparatus for AES block cipher
A fast key-changing hardware apparatus, which generates one sub-key each clock cycle, which is used by advanced encryption system (AES) algorithm block cipher, is independent from the AES algorithm block cipher. The invented apparatus automatically generate expanded keys from the input cipher key, store them in the key expanded RAM and ready to be used by the AES algorithm block cipher. If the key changing and the key expanding speed in the fast key-changing device is as fast as the data block (i.e. 128, 192, or 256 bits) processing speed in the AES algorithm block cipher, the cipher system has the characteristic of one-time pad perfect cryptography. When using this device with a fixed key cipher system, the original input cipher key can be detached or destroyed from the system and guarantees the safety of the cipher key.
US08509422B2 Encoding status signals in DC voltage levels
System and method for encoding status signals in DC voltage levels is provided. The value of a status indicator received on status signals are encoded as a series of pulses, and the voltage level from a power source, such as a power supply or a rechargeable battery, is modulated in accordance with the series of pulses. In an embodiment, the voltage level from the power source is varied between two levels, both of which are acceptable power levels. The drops in the voltage levels represent the value of the status indicator. On the receiving end, the power signal is translated into a logical voltage level and converted to a digital value. The digital value is decoded into the status indicator.
US08509421B2 Method and device for checking a subscriber line
In a method for checking a subscriber line with a first and a second electrical line, wherein each line is connected to an encoder/decoder via a subscriber line circuit, the first line is connected to ground, a resistance of the second line is increased, an audio signal is outputted from the encoder/decoder to the first line; and a first frequency-selective signal is measured at a point at which the encoder/decoder is connected to the first line. Further, the second line is connected to ground, a resistance of the first line is increased, a further audio signal is output from the encoder/decoder to the second line, and a second frequency-selective signal is measured at a point at which the encoder/decoder is connected to the second line. An amplitude difference between the first and second frequency-selective signals is ascertained.
US08509417B1 Enhanced call on-hold services
A first voice call is put in an on-hold state in response to a resource being unavailable. In response to putting the first voice call in the on-hold state, a first data communication is transferred for delivery to the communication device. The first data communication drives the communication device to display an offer for a media service. A second data communication transferred by the communication device is received indicating that the offer has been accepted. The first data communication drives the communication device, in response to the acceptance of the offer, to transfer the second data communication and to retrieve media from the media service. The first voice call is terminated in response to receiving the second data communication. A second voice call is established with the communication device in response to the resource becoming available.
US08509414B2 Phone call screening
A target phone number previously associated with a first user is presently associated with a second user such that the target phone number is not presently associated with the first user. A caller uses a calling phone number to initiate a phone call to the target phone number. In response, it is determined whether the calling phone number is on a list of phone numbers associated with the first user. If the calling phone number is on the list of phone numbers associated with the first user, then the caller is notified that the target phone number is no longer associated with the first user. It is determined whether the caller wants to continue with the phone call, and if not, the phone call is terminated before it reaches the second user.
US08509413B2 Device and method for recognizing wanted and/or unwanted telephone calls of a telephone user as a function of the user's behavior
Device and method for recognizing wanted and/or unwanted telephone calls of a telephone user as a function of the user's behavior. The device has an interface to at least one telephone of the user and an interface to at least one media terminal. A mechanism determines the input of a telephone call on the user's telephone. An examining mechanism establishes a spatial relationship between the user's telephone and the media terminal. A detection mechanism detects the activation state of the media terminal. A tapping mechanism taps the media content playing on the media terminal at the time point of the input of a telephone call on the user's telephone. A comparison mechanism compares the media content during an incoming call on the user's telephone with the media content of Event Files of a User Profile stored in a storage mechanism. A determining mechanism determines whether a call is wanted.
US08509410B2 Method, device and system for call establishment
The present invention, relating to the field of communications, discloses a method, device and system for call establishment, wherein the method includes: obtaining the pre-configured binding relationship between conference rooms and terminals; setting the correspondences between terminals of a calling conference room and terminals of a called conference room according to said binding relationship; and establishing media communication with the terminals provided with the correspondences. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a call establishment device and a call establishment system. Embodiments of the present invention overcome various limits and defects due to the fact that calls between other corresponding terminals can only be established via a particular terminal in each conference room in the prior art, and enable a code stream to be transmitted in the shortest path, thereby greatly reducing the path delay and improving the video conference system scalability.
US08509401B2 Multicast transmission system and data distribution method
A multicast transmission system includes a server and a plurality of terminal devices, the servers and the terminal devices connected through a network. Each terminal device includes data transmission means for transmitting data to the server during a PTT call, and output means for receiving counting result data from the server and outputting the counting result data. The server includes counting means for counting or tallying up data received from the terminal devices, and counting data transmission means for transmitting the counting result data to the terminal devices used by members of the PTT call.
US08509399B2 User profile based speech to text conversion for visual voice mail
Messages in a message system are converted from one format to another format in accordance with preferred message formats and/or conditions. Message formats can include text messages, multimedia messages, visual voicemail messages, and/or other audio/visual messages. Based on conditions such as recipient device location or velocity and a preferred message format a message can be converted into an appropriate transmission format and transmitted and/or communicated to the recipient in its appropriate format (e.g., text, multimedia, audio, etc. . . . ).
US08509393B2 Internet protocol telephony voice/video message deposit and retrieval
A method for signaling an Integrated Messaging System (IMS) on an Internet Protocol (IP) based network to deposit a message, including the steps of sending a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) SIP INVITE request to the IMS indicating a message deposit action; receiving a corresponding SIP message from the IMS agreeing to participate in the message deposit action; and sending an SIP acknowledge message to the IMS confirming receipt of the corresponding SIP message; and depositing the message in a destination mailbox. A method of signaling an IMS on an IP based network to retrieve a deposited message, the method including the steps of sending a SIP INVITE request to the IMS indicating a message retrieval action; receiving a corresponding SIP message from the IMS agreeing to participate in the message retrieval action; sending an SIP acknowledge message to the IMS confirming receipt of the corresponding SIP message; and retrieving the deposited message from a mailbox corresponding to known account information.
US08509386B2 X-ray target and method of making same
In one example, an x-ray target comprises a target track, a substrate, and an optional backing. The target track includes a base material and a grain growth inhibitor to reduce or prevent microstructure grain growth in the base material. The target track can be included as part of an x-ray tube anode, either of a rotary form or a stationary form.
US08509384B2 Method for enhanced visualization of objects in interventional angiographic examinations
A method for enhanced visualization of objects in interventional angiographic examinations is provided. X-ray images are recorded during the system dose regulation phase with pure anatomy and during the filling phase with the vessels filled with contrast agent. A mask image is produced from both of the images. Native X-ray images are produced during a working or intervention phase with an object, for example a wire, a catheter or a “coil”, moved in the vessel. The images have a matrix-shaped array of pixels. The pure anatomy images are subtracted from the filling images and from the native images for generating a first subtraction image and a second subtraction image respectively. The first and the second subtraction image are processed for generating a vessel image and an object image respectively. The vessel image and the object image are processed for generating a roadmap image which is played back on a monitor.
US08509378B2 Shift register
A shift register is discussed in which a pull-up switching device is turned off positively in a period in which no scan pulse is forwarded for securing drive stability and prevents a picture quality from becoming poor. The shift register in one embodiment includes stages having any one of first and second start pulses, and any one of first to fourth clock pulses to forward a scan pulse in succession, wherein the first and second start pulses are in gate high voltage states for two horizontal periods, with the second start pulse forwarded with a delay of one horizontal period than the first start pulse. The first to fourth clock pulses are in gate high voltages for two horizontal periods, with one horizontal period delay to one another.
US08509376B2 Nuclear engineering plant and closure apparatus for its containment
A nuclear engineering plant has a containment, whose interior chamber is subdivided by a wall into a systems chamber and an operating chamber which is accessible during normal operation. The containment ensures a particularly high operational reliability, in particular also in incident situations, in which hydrogen is released in the systems chamber. For this purpose, a number of overflow openings are provided in the partition wall, the respective overflow opening is closed by a closure element of a closure apparatus which opens automatically when a trigger condition associated with the respective overflow opening is reached. Closure apparatuses are provided which open both as a function of pressure and independently of pressure. The closure apparatus furthermore has a closure element containing a bursting film or a bursting diaphragm. The closure apparatus is configured such that it frees the overflow opening automatically when a predetermined environment-side trigger temperature is reached.
US08509373B2 Apparatus and method for generating small-size spread spectrum clock signal
An apparatus and method for generating a small-size spread spectrum clock signal that can include generating a reference clock signal by dividing an external clock signal, detecting frequency and phase differences between a reference clock signal and a comparison clock signal as error signals, modulating a controlled voltage corresponding to the current in accordance with a modulation control signal, outputting an oscillation clock signal having a frequency oscillated according to the modulated controlled voltage as a spectrum-spread version of the external clock signal, and generating the comparison clock signal by dividing the oscillation clock signal, and then compensating for the modulation of the controlled voltage in accordance with a demodulation magnitude that is generated for use in compensating for the modulation magnitude.
US08509372B1 Multi-band clock generator with adaptive frequency calibration and enhanced frequency locking
A multi-band clock generator includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) integrated circuit responding to first and second clock signals, and includes a multi-band voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) responding to a multi-bit control word that sets a frequency characteristic curve of the VCO. The multi-band clock generator also includes an adaptive frequency calibration (AFC) circuit responding to the first and second clock signals, and the AFC circuit is configured to look-up a first multi-bit control word during an operation to lock an output clock signal generated by the VCO to a first frequency characteristic curve associated with the first multi-bit control word.
US08509362B2 High sensitivity GPS receiver
A high sensitivity GPS receiver includes an acquisition engine and a tracking engine. The acquisition engine processes GPS satellite data at data rate that is substantially equal to twice the coarse acquisition (CA) code chip rate. This data rate advantageously enables the acquisition engine to process GPS satellite data with relatively less hardware area than traditional GPS acquisition approaches. In one embodiment, the high efficiency acquisition engine may be over-clocked, thereby allowing different phases of a CA code to be correlated quickly. The tracking engine can advantageously process GPS satellite data at a data rate that does not have an integer relationship to the CA code chip rate.
US08509358B2 Viterbi equalization with detection of the nearest constellation points for stage reduction
The device is used for decoding convolution-encoded reception symbols. In this context, transmission data are modulated with a modulation scheme to form symbols, which are encoded with a transmission filter to form convolution-encoded transmission symbols. A convolution-encoded transmission symbol contains components of several symbols arranged in time succession. These transmission symbols are transmitted via a transmission channel and received as reception symbols. The Viterbi decoder decodes the reception symbols by use of a modified Viterbi algorithm. Before running through the Viterbi decoder, the reception symbols are processed by a state-reduction device, which determines additional items of information relating to possible consequential states of the decoding independently of the decoding through the Viterbi decoder in every state of the decoding. The state-reduction device uses the additional items of information to restrict the decoding through the Viterbi decoder to given consequential states.
US08509357B2 Method and a device for determining if an information word transferred by at least a source has to be relayed
The present invention concerns a method for determining if an information word transferred by a source has to be relayed by a telecommunication device. The signals transferred by the source are composed of complex symbols obtained from the information word. The telecommunication device: receives at least one signal composed of complex symbols transferred by at least the source, successfully decodes the information word from the at least one received signal composed of complex symbols, checks if the successful decoding is performed prior to an expected successful decoding time of the information word, the expected successful decoding time being obtained from prior successful decoding of other information words, and if the successful decoding is performed prior to the expected successful decoding time of the information word: obtains at least one signal composed of complex symbols obtained from the information word, transfers the at least one obtained signal.
US08509355B2 Method and apparatus for low power simultaneous frequency, automatic gain control and timing acquisition in radio receivers
A method and apparatus are provided for low power simultaneous frequency, automatic gain control and timing acquisition in a low power radio receiver. A baseband signal received is split into a limited signal having limited data and a non-limited signal. The limited signal is fed through a limited phase-shift keying (PSK) correlation path in which a PSK correlator operating on the limited signal simultaneously determines coarse frequency estimations, timing estimations, and packet synchronization detection. The non-limited signal is fed through an automatic gain control path where automatic gain control is performed on the non-limited signal simultaneously with the coarse frequency and timing estimations and packet synchronization detection performed by the PSK correlator. By operating the PSK correlator on limited data from the received baseband signal and through a separate path from the automatic gain control, substantial power savings are achieved without degrading performance since the preamble time is significantly reduced.
US08509354B2 System and method for improved spur reduction in direct RF receiver architectures
Improved spur reduction architectures that improve linearity in direct radio frequency (RF) receiver architectures. Non-uniform sampling in the form of sampling clock phase (or frequency) modulation is used to induce phase (or frequency) modulation on signals that are being received from a given Nyquist zone. At the output of the ADC (analog-to-digital converter), the signals are de-modulated to remove the induced modulation based on the Nyquist zone that is being received. The de-modulation process results in non-desired spurious artifacts (interfering leakage signals and ADC spurs) being spread in the frequency domain. Strong spurious artifacts may be removed after measuring the induced modulation and de-modulating. For the case of weak spurious artifacts, the de-modulation for the desired Nyquist zone spread these signals in the frequency domain. Induced modulation on signals may also provide a dithering effect on the ADC.
US08509341B2 Communications device including a filter for notching wideband transmit signals and associated methods
A communications device includes a modulator and a filter downstream therefrom and operable to generate an output wideband complex signal with a frequency notch therein. The filter includes a finite impulse response (FIR) filter with L taps to generate N output values, with L>N. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block is downstream from the FIR filter and has a length N so that filter transition regions occur between frequency bins of the FFT block. A notching block is downstream from the FFT block to generate the frequency notch. An Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block is downstream from the notching block and has the length N.
US08509339B2 Reference signaling scheme using compressed feedforward codebooks for multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) systems
A multi-user multiple input multiple output (MIMO) downlink beamforming system with limited feed forward (200) is provided to enable precoding matrix information to be efficiently provided to a subset of user equipment devices (201.1), where zero-forcing transmit beamformers (wi) are computed at the base station (210) and assembled into a precoding matrix (W). The precoding matrix is encoded using a compact reference signal codebook (225, 207.1) for forward link signaling, either by sending bits indicating the index of the transmission matrix used, or by transmitting one or more precoded pilots or reference signals wherein the pilot signals are precoded using vectors uniquely representative of the transmission matrix used which includes candidate reference signal matrices which meet a predetermined condition number requirement, such as a condition number threshold.
US08509332B2 Method for generating codebook, method and apparatus for data transmission
A method for generating a codebook and a method and an apparatus for data transmission are provided. The method includes: receiving a label of a codeword sent by a User Equipment (UE); selecting the codeword identified by the label from the codebook for eight-antenna; and coding data to be sent by using the codeword. The codebook for eight-antenna includes at least one rank-8 codeword for eight-antenna. The rank-8 codeword for eight-antenna is generated by multiplying an inverse matrix of a rotation matrix for eight-antenna with an eight-dimensional matrix formed by rank-4 codewords for four-antenna; or generated by extending rank-4 codewords for eight-antenna, where the rank-4 codeword for eight-antenna is generated according to codewords for four-antenna. Therefore, the codeword in the codebook for eight-antenna is applicable to scenarios including dual-polarization strong correlation, dual-polarization weak correlation, single-polarization strong correlation, and single-polarization weak correlation, etc.
US08509329B2 Data receiving apparatus for receiving data frame using constellation mapping scheme and data transmission apparatus for transmitting the date frame
Disclosed are a data receiving apparatus that may discriminate a type of a received data frame, and a data transmission apparatus that may apply a constellation mapping scheme to a data frame so that a data receiving apparatus may discriminate the data frame in accordance with the constellation mapping scheme applied to the data frame.
US08509327B2 Receiving apparatus and method and program
Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus including a preamble analyzer configured to receive a frame of DVB-T2 made up of an OFDM signal and analyze a preamble contained in the received frame; an offset detector configured to detect a fine offset and a coarse offset on the basis of the analyzed preamble; a carrier frequency corrector configured to execute carrier frequency correction on an OFDM time domain signal obtained by quadrature demodulation on the basis of the detected fine offset and the detected coarse offset; a determiner configured to determine whether the detection of the coarse offset has been completed; and a control signal outputter configured, if the detection of the coarse offset is determined to be completed, to output a control signal for feeding back the fine offset detected on the basis of an OFDM frequency domain signal obtained by FFT computation to the carrier frequency corrector.
US08509326B2 OFDM space-time or space-frequency block code transmitter
A transmitter for transmitting OFDM signals includes a space-time or space-frequency encoder to generate coded OFDM symbols by arranging a sequence of OFDM symbols or variants thereof in a predetermined space-time or space-frequency block matrix or a portion thereof. The transmitter also includes a frequency selector to select a particular OFDM carrier frequency out of a number of available OFDM carrier frequencies, and a signal generator to generate OFDM signals by applying the selected OFDM carrier frequency to the coded OFDM symbols.
US08509325B2 Adaptive thresholding for OFDM channel estimation
An adaptive thresholding technique eliminates suboptimum threshold values by adjusting for varying channel conditions to eliminate interference where no channel energy is present, without discarding viable taps having useful channel energy. The adaptive thresholding technique adaptively optimizes receive threshold values for both wide and local area channels based only on measured C/I ratios 300. Thresholds are calculated based on instantaneous C/I estimates and/or weighted average C/I estimates calculated from WID/LID energies obtained from the current superframe WIC/LIC symbols respectively. In alternate embodiments, thresholds are calculated based on instantaneous C/I estimates and/or weighted average C/I estimates calculated from WTPC and LTPC symbols for the wide and local area channels, respectively The present adaptive thresholding technique dynamically reduces the threshold as the C/I estimate increases to mitigate performance degradation due to removal of weak signal taps. There is a separate threshold for each of the 12 coding and modulation modes supported by an exemplary receiver.
US08509324B2 Methods and systems for reducing PAPR of an OFDM signal
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction of a transmission signal in a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) system. The method may utilize a permutation of a time domain signal, and/or a permutation of a frequency domain signal or a permutation of a signal transformed by a unitary matrix. The apparatus may include an M-point DFT or some other M×M unitary matrix, N-point IDFT, interpolation and frequency conversion units, and a pair of possibly different permutation matrices of size M×M, where M can be less or equal than N.
US08509320B2 Communication circuit and vehicle communication apparatus using the same
A communication circuit is provided which transmits an information bit string from a transmission unit to a reception unit. The transmission unit includes a first modulation circuit that modulates a first carrier wave by a start bit to generate a first frequency signal, a second modulation circuit that modulates a second carrier wave by the information bit string to generate a second frequency signal, and a transmission circuit that transmits the first and second frequency signals from a transmitting antenna. The reception unit includes a reception circuit that receives a signal from the transmission unit, a first detector circuit that detects a signal of the first carrier wave to demodulate the start bit, a second detector circuit that detects a signal of the second carrier wave to demodulate the information bit string, and a detection circuit that is synchronized by the start bit and reads the information bit string.
US08509319B2 Uplink precoding for retransmission without explicit precoding instruction
A method in a wireless communication device includes receiving precoding matrix information including first and second precoding submatrices, transmitting a first transport block from a first set of at least two antennas according to the first precoding submatrix and a second transport block from a second set of at least two antennas according to the second precoding submatrix, receiving a retransmission request for the second transport block, and retransmitting the second transport block according to a retransmission precoding matrix from at least one of the first set of antennas and at least one of the second set of antennas.
US08509318B2 Multiple-channel transmission over a single-wire bus
Apparatus and methods are described that enable concurrent transmission of multiple data signals including clock, synchronization, and power over a single-wire bus between a master device and one or more slave devices. A first transmission channel from the master device to the slave device may modulate the width of periodic pulses between a first voltage level and a second voltage level with respect to a reference potential. A second transmission channel may modulate the amplitude of at least one of the first and second voltage levels to at least one third voltage level. Concurrent communications between a master device and one or more slave devices over a single-wire bus can be achieved.
US08509317B2 Method and related device for detecting signals in a TMDS transmission system
A method for detecting signals in a TMDS transmission system having a channel established between a receiver and a transmitter includes separating loadings of the receiver from the channel, providing a first reference current in a first differential line of the channel, providing a second reference current in a second differential line of the channel, computing a difference between the first reference current and a current provided by the transmitter via the first differential line to obtain a first current difference, computing a difference between the second reference current and a current provided by the transmitter via the second differential line to obtain a second current difference, and determining an operating state of the transmitter according to the first current difference and the second current difference.
US08509316B2 Adaptive interpolation filters for video coding
In digital video image encoding and decoding, a filter type is selected based on symmetrical properties of the images and coefficient values of an interpolation filter are calculated based on the selected filter type. Coefficient values, filter tap-length and selected filter-type are provided in the encoded video data. Coefficient values are also calculated based on a prediction signal representative of the different between a video frame and a reference image. The prediction signal is calculated from the reference image based on a predefined base filter and motion estimation performed on the video frame. The predefined base filter has fixed coefficient values. Coefficient values are selected from interpolation of pixel values in a selected image segment in the video frame. Symmetry properties of images can be a vertical symmetry, a horizontal symmetry and a combination thereof, so that only a portion of the filter coefficients are coded.
US08509313B2 Video error concealment
Error concealment for video with a scene change detection based on inter-coded macroblock energy, spatial concealment for scene changes, and temporal concealment with predicted motion vectors as the global motion vector of the prior frame when half of the current frame macroblocks are corrupted.
US08509310B2 Method, medium, and system encoding and/or decoding an image
An encoding method, medium, and system encoding an image, with an image being encoded by generating a plurality of image slices as images of each color component of the image and encoding the image slices in parallel with each other and independently of each other. Accordingly, although an image to be encoded has a large number of color components, the image can be compressed promptly. In addition, a decoding method, medium, and system are also provided decoding an image, with a plurality of encoded image slices being included in a corresponding bitstream, which are images of each color component of the image to be restored, are decoded in parallel with each other and independently of each other so as to restore the image using the decoded image slices. Accordingly, although an image to be decoded has a large number of color components, the image can be restored promptly.
US08509309B2 Selecting transforms for compressing visual data
Encoding data includes: computing a first set of coefficients based on a plurality of transforms each computed over a different portion of an array of data, a second set of coefficients based on a plurality of transforms each computed over a different portion of the array of data, and a third set of coefficients based on a transform computed over the array of data; choosing a set of coefficients to represent the array of data from a group of multiple sets of coefficients, the group including the first set of coefficients, the second set of coefficients, and the third set of coefficients; and encoding the chosen coefficients and one or more parameters related to the chosen coefficients.
US08509307B2 Motion picture encoding device and motion picture decoding device
When a prediction is made between fields with different parity, the predicative efficiency of a chrominance vector is improved by adaptively switching the generation of a chrominance motion vector depending on a encoding/decoding field parity (top/bottom) and a reference field parity (top/bottom), and the coding efficiency is improved accordingly.
US08509303B2 Video descriptor generation device
The video descriptor generation device includes an each-picture feature extraction unit which extracts a feature from a video for each picture which is a frame or a field, and outputs an each-picture feature; an inter-picture feature difference calculation unit which calculates an inter-picture feature difference, which is a difference between features of pictures, from the each-picture features as a difference feature, and calculates a difference feature information amount indicating an amount of information of the difference feature; an additional feature extraction unit which calculates a feature to be added as an additional feature from the video; and a feature combining unit which, if the volume of the difference feature information amount is smaller than a certain criterion, constitutes a video descriptor by incorporating the additional feature in addition to the difference feature.
US08509301B2 Audio and video synchronizing method in transcoding system
Provided is an audio and video synchronizing method in a transcoding system, which compensates for lossy audio frames and lossy video frames according to a relative time at an early encoding stage, corrects a jitter of audio frames and readjusts a jitter of video frames in order to correspond to the audio frames having the corrected jitter at a multiplexing stage that is a later encoding stage, thereby minimizing a variation of the duration of the video frames and preventing audio and video from being unsynchronized when a media file is reproduced.
US08509292B2 Receiver capable of compensating for mismatch of I signal and Q signal and communication system including the same
A receiver includes a frequency converter configured to generate a I signal and a Q signal from each band of a multiband signal and a mismatch compensator configured to estimate a mismatch of the I signal and the Q signal for each of the bands of the multiband signal and store at least one compensation value to compensate for the estimated mismatch. The frequency converter compensates for the mismatch of the I signal and the Q signal based on the at least one compensation value.
US08509290B2 Closed-loop digital power control for a wireless transmitter
A closed loop power output calibration system for variable power output wireless devices. The wireless device includes a wireless transceiver having a transmit core coupled to a discrete power amplifier. Power detection circuitry formed in the wireless transceiver provides a detected power level of the power amplifier, and a reference power level, both of which are converted to digital signals using existing I and Q signal analog to digital converters in the receiver core. The digital signals are processed to cancel power distortion and temperature effects to provide a resulting power feedback signal. Corrective control signals are generated in response to the power feedback signal relative to a desired power output level. The gain in the transmit core is then adjusted in response to the corrective control signals such that the power amplifier outputs the target output power level.
US08509287B2 Method and system for diversity processing utilizing a programmable interface suppression module
Aspects of a method and system for diversity processing utilizing a programmable interface suppression module may include one or more 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 computed 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.
US08509269B2 Method for producing a cylindrical optical component of quartz glass and optically active component obtained by said method
Cylindrical optical components of quartz glass are known, which have an inner zone made of an inner zone glass, which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis and is surrounded by a jacket zone made of a jacket zone glass, the average wall thickness thereof varying at least over a part of its length in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the component. The aim of the invention is to provide a method that allows a simple and cost-effective production of such an optical component from quartz glass. A method is proposed according to the invention, comprising the following method steps: (a) providing a first parison made of an inner zone glass, which has a first contact surface on the end face, said contact surface having a conical external contour; (b) providing a second parison from the jacket zone glass; (c) embedding the contact surface with a conical external contour into the jacket zone glass and welding the contact surface to the jacket zone glass, thereby forming a composite parison which has a cone-shaped inner zone area of inner zone glass in a contact area, said inner zone area being surrounded by a jacket zone area having the shape of an inner cone; and (d) elongation of the composite parison to form the optical component or a preproduct of the component.
US08509267B2 Synchronization transmissions in a wireless communication system
To support cell search, multiple (e.g., two) synchronization transmissions are sent in a frame with non-uniform spacing. Information is conveyed via the non-equal distances between consecutive synchronization transmissions. Multiple levels of non-uniform spacing may be used to convey different types of information. In one design, the multiple synchronization transmissions are sent in different subframes of a frame, and each synchronization transmission is sent in one of multiple symbol periods in a respective subframe. The synchronization transmissions may be sent in non-evenly spaced subframes to convey frame boundary. One synchronization transmission may be sent in one of multiple possible symbol periods depending on the information, e.g., a particular group of cell IDs, being conveyed. The distances between synchronization transmissions may also be used to convey cyclic prefix length. A secondary synchronization transmission carrying a cell ID may be sent at a predetermined offset from one of the multiple synchronization transmissions.
US08509266B2 Using network traffic logs for search engine index updates
A method and apparatus for using network traffic logs for search enhancement is disclosed. According to one embodiment, network usage is tracked by generating log files. These log files among other things indicate the frequency web pages are referenced and modified. These log files or information from these log files can then be used to improve document ranking, improve web crawling, determine tiers in a multi-tiered index, determine where to insert a document in a multi-tiered index, determine link weights, and update a search engine index.
US08509264B2 Radio communication apparatus
A radio receiving apparatus for receiving the variable-length RLC PDU data in an RLC layer includes the buffer memory sectioned into a plurality of areas having a predetermined maximum data length of the RLC PDU data. By referring to a sequence number SN included in each received RLC PDU data, the radio receiving apparatus stores the RLC PDU data having an identical sequence number SN into an identical area, and assembles an RLC SDU data on a basis of the RLC PDU data stored in each area.
US08509263B2 Communication with compressed headers
Communication efficiency may be enhanced by using compressed headers. In an example embodiment, a method is performed by a transmitting device to reduce header size. A mapping is created between a logical channel identifier and a compressed logical channel identifier. The compressed logical channel identifier occupies fewer bits than the logical channel identifier. The mapping is transmitted to a receiving device. A compressed header that includes the compressed logical channel identifier is formulated. A communication that includes the compressed header is transmitted to the receiving device. In another example embodiment, a method is performed by a receiving device to decode a header having a reduced size. A mapping and a communication including a compressed header are received. A compressed logical channel identifier is extracted from the compressed header. A logical channel identifier is recovered from the compressed logical channel identifier using the mapping.
US08509258B2 Method and apparatus for improved data channel transmission in a digital network
A integrated circuit device for use in a line card of a digital networking system is capable of intercepting one or more control messages corresponding to a requested data channel sent from at least one customer premises equipment (CPE) device. The integrated circuit device is also capable of receiving a plurality of data channels from a data server of the digital networking system and providing the one or more requested data channels to the at least one CPE device, thereby providing faster data channel selecting and switching capabilities.
US08509254B2 Direct memory access engine physical memory descriptors for multi-media demultiplexing operations
The architecture and techniques described herein can improve system performance with respect to the following. Communication between two interdependent hardware engines, that are part of pipeline, such that the engines are synchronized to consume resources when the engines are done with the work. Reduction of the role of software/firmware from feeding each stage of the hardware pipeline when the previous stage of the pipeline has completed. Reduction in the memory allocation for software-initialized hardware descriptors to improve performance by reducing pipeline stalls due to software interaction.
US08509252B2 Communication system, node, control server, communication method and program
A packet contains an array of processing operations that are to be performed by a node of a data forwarding network. Each node in a data forwarding network receiving performs the processing it has to the packet and perform in accordance with the array of the processing operations contained in the packet.
US08509251B2 Gateway device capable of enhancing video packet transmission quality and method thereof
The present invention is to provide a gateway device which, when determining that a network device connected thereto is a web camera and receives a packet from the web camera, is able to automatically add a port of the gateway device connected with the network device to a VLAN designated by the gateway device and then add a specific group code to the packet to specify the VLAN, such that the gateway device can transmit the packet to the VLAN according to the specific group code. The gateway device is then able to automatically set transmission priority of the packet to a high priority, such that after the packet is transmitted out of the VLAN, the packet can be transmitted through a transmission channel with the high priority, so as to improve the convenience of using the web camera and assure the transmission priority of the packet in the VLAN.
US08509250B2 Resource allocation method and apparatus thereof
The invention provides a resource allocation method for a network element adapted for multimedia broadcast and synchronized services in a mobile communication system, the mobile communication system comprising a plurality of base stations synchronized for data transmission, the method comprising: inputting a set of synchronized subframe numbers per radio frame and a total number of radio frames, wherein each radio frame contains a predefined number of subframes; selecting a first value of the set of synchronized subframe numbers; first allocating the first value as a number of synchronized subframes per frame to the total number of radio frames; second allocating the first value as the number of synchronized subframes per frame to a first half of the total number of radio frames, if the first allocating step is not performed; and selecting a second value of the set of synchronized subframe numbers. The method further comprises: third allocating the second value as the number of synchronized subframes per frame to the first half of the total number of radio frames, if the first and second allocating step is not performed; forth allocating the second value as the number of synchronized subframes per frame to a second half of the total number of radio frames, if the second allocating step is performed; selecting a third value of the set of synchronized subframe numbers; wherein one of the allocating steps is performed according to bandwidth requirements of the multimedia broadcast and synchronized services.
US08509247B2 Communication method and apparatus
A router of a first network and a router of a second network are connected to a third network. A connection request including information relating to the direction of communication performed by a first service provider that exists on the first network is transmitted from the first network to the second network via the third network. On the basis of the information relating to the direction of communication included in the connection request transmitted from the first network to the second network, a second service provider that exists on the second network is selected and a response that includes identification information of the selected second service provider is transmitted from the second network to the first network via the third network.
US08509244B2 Method and apparatus for providing host node awareness for multiple NAT64 environments
A method implemented in a host node for communicating with a corresponding node through one of a plurality of available networks that includes: receiving a request to initiate a connection with the corresponding node from an application executing on a host node, sending a request to a DNS64 node for an address of the corresponding node, receiving a virtual IPv6 address for the corresponding node with a generic prefix, selecting a connection to one of the plurality of networks through which the data is to be forwarded to the corresponding node, and sending the data to the corresponding node using a virtual IPv6 address for the corresponding node with the prefix of the NAT64 node in the network of the selected connection, whereby the host node is able to maintain connectivity with the corresponding node despite having connections to the plurality of networks that each have NAT64 nodes.
US08509241B2 Methods and systems for network address translation management
A computer readable medium includes code to provide network address translation tables. One table includes entries for low priority network traffic and the other table includes entries for high priority network traffic. The code also enforces limits on processor cycles used for maintenance of the tables, receives a packet of a first network traffic type, determines the first packet is low priority traffic based upon the packet being of a first network traffic type, adds an entry to the low priority table, and removes the entry from the low priority table after a first timeout interval and a second entry from the second network address translation table after a second timeout interval.
US08509240B2 Gateway, base station and method for window-based content synchronization
The present disclosure relates to a gateway, base station and method for window-based content synchronization technology. The gateway according the present invention comprises; a receiving unit for receiving a data packet; a window counting unit for counting the data packet, such that a predetermined number of packets forms a window, the number being a window size; a sequence number counting unit for generating a sequence number of the packet; a timestamp setting unit for setting a timestamp for the packet; and a processing unit for including the generated sequence number, the timestamp and a byte count in the packet to be transmitted. The base station according to the present invention comprises: a receiving unit for receiving a data packet; an information extracting unit for extracting a sequence number, a timestamp and byte count information from the data packet; a window counting unit for counting the received packets based on the extracted sequence number so as to form a window; and a processing unit for setting an anticipated air interface transmission time for the packets in the current window based on the extracted timestamp. The gateway or base station according to the present invention operates well with statistical multiplexing and has an improved overall performance in terms of synchronization processing delay and control packets load.
US08509237B2 Architecture and system for coordinated network-wide redundancy elimination
A network employing redundancy-aware hardware may actively allocate decompression tasks among different devices along a single path to improve data throughput. The allocation can be performed by a hash or similar process operating on a header of the packets to distribute caching according to predefined ranges of hash values without significant additional communication overhead. Decompression of packets may be similarly distributed by marking shim values to match the earlier caching of antecedent packets. Nodes may use coordinated cache sizes and organizations to eliminate the need for separate cache protocol communications.
US08509236B2 Techniques for selecting paths and/or trunk ports for forwarding traffic flows
Techniques that offer enhanced diversity in the selection of paths (e.g., ECMP paths) and/or ports from ports associated with trunks for forwarding data traffic. In one embodiment, one or more functions are used to generate a result. A first portion of the generated result may be used as an index (e.g., ECMP index) for selecting a path (e.g., an ECMP path) from multiple possible paths for forwarding a packet. A second portion of the generated result, different from the first portion, may be used as an index (trunk index) for selecting an output port from multiple output ports associated with a trunk for forwarding a packet. In this manner, selected portions of the generated result may be used as indices, one for selecting a path and another for selecting a trunk port for forwarding packets such that the two indices are not the same and are not dependent upon one another.
US08509235B2 Layer-2 packet return in proxy-router communication protocol environments
A Layer 2 packet return mechanism in a proxy, such as a web cache, operatively associated with a redirecting router. In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides a Layer 2 packet return mechanism in a Web Cache Communication Protocol (WCCP) network environment. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an efficient mechanism allowing a proxy or web cache to recognize WCCP redirected packets, forwarded using Layer 2 forwarding mechanisms, and subsequently to return unprocessed packets to the original forwarding WCCP router using a Layer 2 packet return mechanism.
US08509233B2 Method and apparatus for requesting multicast, processing and assisting multicast request
According to at least one particular embodiment of the present invention, in an ASM-based RP, when the RP receives a multicast transmission request from a multicast source, it processes said multicast transmission request of the multicast source according to the multicast transmission request and remaining resources available for multicast forwarding in the RP. When using the methods and apparatuses provided in the present invention, by means of reasonable controls on the multicast transmission request conducted by the RP according to its resource situation, the hardware processing loads and the port traffic load of RP can be effectively maintained within an appropriate range, thereby avoiding resource exhaustion, and the disadvantageous impact of new multicast services on the existing services can be also avoided.
US08509230B2 Software streaming system and method
A method for streaming software may include downloading blocks associated with a software title until an executable threshold is reached, initiating execution of the software title, and continuing to download blocks of the software title while the software title is executed. Another method for streaming software may include sending to a client data sufficient for the client to build a virtual directory structure for use in executing a software title, streaming a subset of blocks associated with the software title to the client, and streaming additional blocks associated with the software title to the client on demand. A system for streaming software may include a server computer and a client computer. The server computer may include a program database and a streaming engine. In operation the streaming engine may stream an executable streaming application from the program database to the client.
US08509224B2 Cellular signal forwarding utilizing a packet-switched network
Systems and methods are provided for forwarding cellular signaling across a packet-switched network. The system generates signaling according to a cellular protocol for a mobile device and exchanges the cellular signaling with a base station of a home mobile network of the mobile device. The system further detects a triggering condition, encapsulates the cellular signaling in a packet wrapper, and forwards the encapsulated signaling to a virtual base station for the home network via a packet-switched network.
US08509223B2 Method and system for authenticated fast channel change of media provided over a DSL connection
An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for fast channel changes of media that is provided by a carrier over a local loop connection to a subscriber, where subscriber information is stored at the access node that supports the local loop connection to the subscriber, and the access node supports multicast protocols so that only one instance of a channel may be provided on the core network regardless of how many subscribers have requested access to the channel.
US08509222B2 Common routing
A method and corresponding apparatus are provided to route a call from a customer to a destination. A call setup message sent from a customer switch intended to signal a switch to perform a call routing function or request a call routing function be performed is intercepted. A call release message sent from the switch intended to signal the customer switch of network congestion is intercepted. In response to either the call setup message or the call release message being intercepted, a routing engine is queried with the destination of the call for a specific route over which to carry the call. The call setup message is modified to include the specific route. The call release message is responded to with a re-route call message that includes the specific route. The switch is directed with either the modified call setup message or re-route call message to use the specific route to carry the call from the customer to the destination.
US08509214B2 Relay station and backhaul connection method thereof
A relay station and a backhaul connection method thereof are provided. The relay station adopts an NAS mechanism. A wireless communication system comprises the relay station, a base station, and a core network. The relay station comprises a processing unit and a transceiver. The processing unit enters a first state of the NAS mechanism after the relay station creates a radio connection with the core network. The transceiver transmits a backhaul connection request to the base station after the relay station enters the first state. The processing unit then enters a second state of the NAS mechanism after the transmission of the backhaul connection request. The transceiver then receives a backhaul connection response from the base station after the transmission of the backhaul connection request. The processing unit then enters the first state after the receipt of the backhaul connection response.
US08509213B2 Methods for in-band overlay of small cells in macro cells
Provided is a method that includes determining a binary sequence based on a number of symbols in a frame associated with a macro cell. The method further includes performing an autocorrelation calculation on the binary sequence. The method further includes determining a time offset based on minimum values of the autocorrelation calculation. The method further includes broadcasting a control signal including the time offset to a plurality of small cells. The method further includes receiving the control signal including the time offset associated with the frame associated with the macro cell. The method further includes transmitting a frame associated with a small cell synchronized with a frame associated with the macro cell and offset in time by the time offset.
US08509208B2 Frequency error estimation
Aspects relate to frequency estimation and tracking. Frequency information is extracted based on an observation of a single symbol carrying pilot tones, which can be at any bandwidth location. Specifically, the frequency error information is extracted after selecting tones assigned to a specific user. The frequency error can be corrected based on the estimation. Further, the disclosed aspects can be applied to multi-path environments.
US08509203B2 Mobile station, wireless base station, and wireless communication method
In a mobile station which communicates wirelessly with a wireless base station with a plurality of connections established by using part or all of a plurality of frequency bands, a plurality of wireless communication interfaces is associated with the plurality of frequency bands, and a processor makes a sleep request to the wireless base station, acquires from the wireless base station information about a result of scheduling complying with the sleep request and indicating non-sleep intervals of the individual connections and the frequency bands to be used for the respective non-sleep intervals, and performs sleep control on the plurality of wireless communication interfaces in accordance with the acquired information.
US08509200B2 Method and system for transferring user equipment in mobile communication system
A method and system for transferring user equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system are disclosed. According to the method, a source core (CN) network determines to transfer a UE that it serves and sends a transfer instruction carrying UE transfer restriction information to the UE; an access network receives a transfer request that is sent by the UE according to the restriction information carried in the transfer instruction; the access network selects a target CN entity that is different from the source CN entity for the UE; and the UE is transferred to the target CN entity. The method and system provided by the present invention are applicable to user transferring between CN entities in any communication network. The transferring is initiated by a network side entity, and a more preferable CN entity is selected for the UE to provide a better service.
US08509196B1 Method and system for allocating power among concurrent transmission attempts
Disclosed is a method and system for allocating power among concurrent transmission attempts from a radio access network (RAN). In practice, the RAN encounters a situation where the RAN is going to engage concurrently in at least a transmission attempt of a first message and a transmission attempt of a second message. The RAN then determines an attempt number of the first transmission attempt and an attempt number of the second transmission attempt. The RAN then compares the determined attempt numbers and, based on the comparison, allocated a limited quantity of transmission power among the first transmission attempt and the second transmission attempt. For instance, based the comparison a greater portion of the transmission power may be allocated to one of the transmission attempts and a correspondingly lesser portion of the transmission power may be allocated to the other transmission attempt.
US08509187B2 Method for communicating and radio station therefor
The present invention relates to method for communicating between a primary station and a secondary station comprising (a) at the secondary station, upon arrival of a data packet to be transmitted to the primary station, buffering said data packet in a buffer, and transmitting to the primary station a request for an uplink transmission resource if a request condition is satisfied, said request condition being based on at least one previous grant of uplink transmission resource, (b) at the primary station, granting to the secondary station an uplink transmission resource to be used.
US08509186B2 Conversion of mobile device to LAN-only telephony functions
A system and method implemented at a communication device for providing access to telephony services over one or more of a number of communication networks, including cellular networks and IP-based fixed and wireless networks. A mobile device may be configurable for voice communication over both a cellular network and a LAN (e.g. a wireless LAN), and may be adapted to place and receive calls via a PBX over one of the cellular network and the LAN. When it is determined that the mobile device is configured for voice communication using one or both of the cellular network connection and the LAN connection, the mobile device may automatically adapt its user interface to reflect the availability of voice communication only over those connections that are available.
US08509183B2 Method for evolved multimedia broadcast/multicast service
According to an Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (E-MBMS) service method of the present invention, an E-MBMS service is received from a first base station. If neighbor cell MBMS control information is modified in the first base station, MBMS paging information, including a factor informing that the neighbor cell MBMS control information has been modified, is received from the first base station. When an MBMS control information update cycle is reached, modified neighbor cell MBMS control information is received from the first base station and is stored. When a user equipment moves from the first base station to a second base station, a P-T-M radio bearer is reset based on the stored neighbor cell MBMS control information and receiving the E-MBMS service from the second base station. Accordingly, the consumption of battery power can be reduced, and an E-MBMS service being services is not interrupted although a user equipment moves.
US08509182B2 Home agent
When handover is performed from a first network to a second network, a home agent transmits a reply request message to a terminal through the first network after new configuration of a tunnel for transmitting and receiving a packet through the second network. If the home agent receives a reply message corresponding to the reply request message through the first network, the home agent detects that the configuration of the tunnel for transmitting and receiving the packet through the first network can be deleted, and deletes the configuration of the tunnel.
US08509181B2 Wireless communication apparatus and communication method therefor
When a wireless communication apparatus capable of directly communicating with another communication apparatus performs communication via an access point, the wireless communication apparatus shares communication setting information with the other communication apparatus, the communication setting information being information for performing direct communication with the other communication apparatus without using that access point. If a radar signal is detected during communication with the other communication apparatus via the access point, switching to direct communication with the other communication apparatus is made based on the shared communication setting information.
US08509172B2 Method for transmitting an uplink channel sounding reference signal
A method wherein: a base station assigns resource to an uplink channel sounding reference signal (SRS) of a UE, sends the SRS configuration parameters to the UE, wherein the SRS configuration parameters include SRS bandwidth parameter BSRS and an SRS frequency domain position parameter nRRC; after receiving the SRS configuration parameters, the UE calculates the frequency domain starting position of the SRS of the resource used for sending the SRS according to the SRS configuration parameters, and sends the SRS to the base station using the resource; wherein the frequency domain resource assigned to the SRS by the base station corresponds to a node of a tree structure configured by an SRS bandwidth, and the configured BSRS corresponds to the level on which the node is located, while the configured nRRC corresponds to the index of a branch node on the lowest level of the node in the tree structure.
US08509171B2 Resource allocation in two domains
A method for transmitting data from a secondary station to at least one primary station includes the primary station transmitting on a signaling channel to the secondary station a resource allocation message allocating resource blocks for transmission of data from the secondary station. The resource allocation message includes a field for allocating resources in a first domain, where at least one bit of the field is stolen to allocate resources in a second domain which is different from the first domain.
US08509165B2 Method for filling a WiMAX downlink frame by the base station of a WiMAX network
A method for filling a WiMAX downlink frame by the base station of a WiMAX network, wherein the downlink MAC Protocol Data Units (MPDUs) are fitted into the WiMAX downlink frame by means of a DL-MAP scheduler, which allows the concatenation of downlink MPDUs from different connections in single bursts, the bursts having a rectangular shape in terms of the two dimensions—OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) symbols and subchannels—of a WiMAX downlink frame, is characterized in that the DL-MAP scheduler is configured in a way that it considers the concatenation of downlink MPDUs from different connections in single bursts based on the available and/or the remaining free space in the WiMAX downlink frame, such that it simplifies the DL-MAP scheduler task of filling the WiMAX downlink frame minimizing the amount of wasted radio resources.
US08509163B2 Method and system for selecting network equipment
A method and a system for selecting network equipment are provided. The method includes: selecting a primary pool or a pool with the highest priority from preset information when UE needs to select network equipment; and selecting the network equipment for the UE from the selected primary pool or pool with the highest priority. Thus, the relocation times of an MME and a serving SAE gateway are effectively reduced and an operation efficiency of a network is enhanced. Meanwhile, the UE having or subscribing a new service function selects to be attached to the network equipment with the new service function within a pool, such that the diversity demands for service development are satisfied, and the equipment overhead is saved.
US08509162B2 System and method for scheduling over multiple hops
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate scheduling over multiple hops in a wireless communication network. Radio resources can be partitioned into sets of sub-frames that can be allocated statically and/or dynamically. Statically allocated radio resources can be reassigned over time based on the loading on each hop and/or throughput imbalance. In addition, dynamic assignment of sub-frames to each hop can be based on traffic or channel conditions. Moreover, the radio resources can be dynamically allocated in a distributed scheme, wherein a base station controls the scheduling of resources, or a centralized scheme, wherein a relay station controls the scheduling of resources. Furthermore the allocation of radio resources can be transparent or explicit. In the transparent case, the access terminal listens directly to the base station, and the relay station does not transmit control information, such as DL or UL assignments. Conversely, when the allocation of resources is explicit the relay station does transmit control information.
US08509159B2 Method and system for wireless communication using out-of-band channels
A method and system for ad-hoc wireless communication using out-of-band control channels is provided. An out-of-band control channel is scanned to discover a wireless station. Channel occupation information is communicated with the discovered station. A communication channel is selected based on the occupation information, and may be used for ad-hoc mode information communication with the discovered station.
US08509157B2 Method for managing radio resources in an utran radio access network
A method for managing radio resources allocated by a radio network controller of a UTRAN radio access network, where the resources support a plurality of service requests identified by a radio access bearer service request sent by the core network and describing the required QoS as a set of RAB parameters defined by mapping with corresponding QoS parameters of the core network, the controller is provided to distribute the resources amongst the bearer services and to modulate the allocation of the resources according to the priority level associated with each of the bearer services, and the priority level is defined by the “priority level” sub-parameter of the “Allocation Retention Priority” RAB parameter, with a value determined by taking into account the value of the “Allocation Retention Priority” QOS parameter of the core network and the value of at least one QoS parameter associated with the type of service.
US08509156B2 System and method for adaptive control of an averaging parameter for PCINR and RSSI
A system and method for adaptive control of an averaging parameter in a communications network may include an averaging parameter adaptive control module (APAC) that is associated with a base station and that includes one or more processors configured to generate a first averaging parameter that is transmitted by the base station to a mobile station communicating with the base station. The mobile station may use the first averaging parameter to generate first channel condition information that indicates a condition of a communication channel. First feedback information including the first channel condition information may be received at the base station. The APAC may generate a second averaging parameter using the first averaging parameter and the first feedback information and may transmit the second averaging parameter from the base station to the mobile station, thereby adaptively controlling the second averaging parameter based on the first feedback information.
US08509152B2 Method and apparatus for routing in wireless network
A method of routing a wireless network is provided. The method is performed by each of a group of nodes and includes: receiving a routing request signal; determining whether a node itself is a destination node, by referring to a traffic distribution table showing traffic throughput of the group of nodes and an intermediate-node weight table showing weights of intermediate nodes on all paths between the group of nodes and a source node, wherein a route path is selected by referring to the weights of intermediate nodes; and when it is determined that the node itself is the destination node transmitting a routing response signal to the source node that has transmitted the routing request signal, and receiving a packet from the source node, wherein the transmitting and receiving are performed by the determined destination node. By using the method, traffic in wireless network extreme communications can be distributed at intermediate nodes as well as at destination nodes. Therefore, all the networks can be effectively used in extreme circumstances.
US08509149B2 Method and apparatus of transmitting and receiving system information in a wireless system
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving system information in a wireless communication system are disclosed. A method for receiving system information by a mobile station (MS) of a wireless communication system includes receiving a secondary superframe header (S-SFH) change cycle from a base station (BS), and receiving a primary superframe header information element (P-SFH IE) including a first field indicating a change count of a plurality of secondary superframe header subpacket information elements (S-SFH SP IEs) from the base station (BS). Once each of the plurality of S-SFH SP IEs is changed, each of the plurality of S-SFH SP IEs remains unchanged during one or more S-SFH change cycles.
US08509148B2 System and method for application layer gateway assisted local IP access at a femto base station by network address translation
A method for application layer gateway (ALG) assisted local IP access (LIPA) at a base station by network address translation (NAT) allows IP capable UEs connected via HeNB or other kinds of Femto cell base station to use LIPA to establish multimedia session with other IP capable entities in the same IP network by NAT. The method relays a LIPA request to IMS, determines whether the terminating entity residing in the same IP network or not, and determines if the originating and terminating entities are allowed to use LIPA, and modifies the transport address information accordingly to facilitate signaling and packet routing. The method also provides the capability to apply different charging policies for LIPA and non-LIPA usages.
US08509146B2 Method and apparatus for delivery of high rate data as part of a multimedia broadcast/multicast service
A communication system (100) is provided that comprises a Radio Access Network (110) having a Radio Network Controller (RNC) (114) coupled to each of a cellular Node B (112) and a Digital Broadcasting Video-Handhelds (DVB-H) Node B (120). When the communication system delivers low rate Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) user information, the user information is conveyed via the cellular Node B and a low data rate channel. When the communication system delivers high rate MBMS user information, the user information is conveyed via the DVB-H Node B and a high data rate channel. Thus the communication system provides high rate MBMS data services without imposing the system capacity constraints resulting from the employment of HSDPA by a cellular Node B.
US08509145B1 Method and system for using multiple pseudonoise (PN) increments
A first serving system controls a first group of sectors that transmit pilot signals having pseudonoise (PN) offsets corresponding to a first PN increment, and a second serving system controls a second group of sectors that transmit pilot signals having PN offsets corresponding to a second PN increment. The first serving system serves a mobile station via a sector in the first group and determines that the mobile station is likely to be in a communication range of at least one sector in the second group. In response, the first serving system instructs the mobile station to use the second PN increment when scanning for pilot signals. Thereafter, the mobile station may use the first PN increment to scan for pilot signals to add to its remaining set and, if the remaining set is not large enough, may then use the second PN increment to scan for additional pilot signals.
US08509142B2 Method for signaling of resource allocation to adjust granularity in cellular multi-carrier system
A method for adjusting a granularity of resource allocation in a wireless mobile communication system supporting a compact scheduling is discussed. A resource indication value (RIV) corresponds to a start index (S) of one set of consecutive virtual resource blocks (VRBs) and a length of the VRBs. The start index (S) is selected from among ‘s’ values (where s=P+mT
US08509141B2 Integrated circuit for channel arrangement and radio communication
Provided is a radio communication base station device which can prevent lowering of use efficiency of a channel communication resource for performing a frequency diversity transmission when simultaneously performing a frequency scheduling transmission and the frequency diversity transmission in a multicarrier communication. In the device, a modulation unit (12) executes a modulation process on Dch data after encoded so as to generate a Dch data symbol. A modulation unit (22) executes a modulation process on the encoded Lch data so as to generate an Lch data symbol. An allocation unit (103) allocates the Dch data symbol and the Lch data symbol to respective subcarriers constituting an OFDM symbol and outputs them to a multiplexing unit (104). Here, when a plurality of Dch are used for a Dch data symbol of one mobile station, the allocation unit (103) uses Dch of continuous channel numbers.
US08509137B2 Method and apparatus for sending presence messages
An intentional presence system in accordance with the present invention includes a transmitting device at a first physical location that is responsive to a command intentionally initiated by a first individual at the first physical location to develop a presence signal intended for a second individual at a second physical location. The intentional presence system further includes a receiving device located at the second physical location which is receptive to the presence signal and which is operative to generate an indication to the second individual of the first individual's presence with respect to the transmitting device.
US08509135B2 Method for reducing power consumption of base station in wireless communication system
A method for reducing power consumption by a base station in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting a cell activation request, by an upper base station including a base station that has cell coverage including cell coverage of lower base stations, instructing to perform a turn-on operation to lower base stations in an energy saving mode, receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) measurement report from a User Equipment (UE), and transmitting a cell deactivation request instructing to perform a turn-off operation for entry into the energy saving mode to at least one turn-off target base station, determined according to the RRC measurement report. The at least one turn-off target base station includes at least one of base stations performing the turn-on operation according to the cell activation request, and the lower base stations includes base stations included in the cell coverage of the upper base station.
US08509133B2 Wireless scheduling systems and methods
Methods and devices are described herein for prioritizing a plurality of packets for potential transmission and in an iterative fashion: i) determining power requirements for control channel signalling associated with a highest priority packet not yet analyzed for resource assignment; and ii) assigning resources for said highest priority packet if sufficient power for control channel signalling is available and sufficient resources for said highest priority packet are available. A further method includes assigning a plurality of users to one of a plurality of signalling groups, wherein said plurality of users within said one of a plurality of groups use a first of a plurality of HARQ interlace offsets for their first respective HARQ transmissions.
US08509132B2 Method of measurement reporting and cellular radio terminal
A method of measurement reporting and a cellular radio terminal are provided. A method of measurement reporting comprises receiving, while a measurement reporting scheme is active, a request for a radio connection reconfiguration, suspending the measurement reporting scheme upon the receiving a request and resuming the suspended measurement reporting scheme upon a completion of the radio connection reconfiguration. A cellular radio terminal is configured to carry out the method of measurement reporting.
US08509126B2 Method and system for utilizing a reserved and/or out of band channel for maintaining a network connection
Aspects of a method and system for utilization of an reserved and/or out of band channel for maintaining a network connection are provided. In this regard, information relating to training of one or more link partners communicatively coupled to an Ethernet link may be exchanged via a reserved and/or out of band channel on the Ethernet link. The reserved and/or out of band channel may be an auxiliary channel as specified by the IEEE802.1AN standard. The reserved and/or out of band channel may be utilized for scheduling training of one or more of the link partners, determining which of the link partners require training, synchronizing training of the link partners, training the link partners based on changes in environmental conditions. The training may comprise configuring an echo canceller a far-end crosstalk canceller, and/or a near-end crosstalk canceller.
US08509114B1 Circuit emulation service over IP with dynamic bandwidth allocation
Method and apparatus provide in-band dynamic bandwidth management in a circuit-switched emulation service over Internet Protocol.
US08509113B2 Methods and systems for managing digital cross-connect matrices using virtual connection points
The present invention provides methods and systems for managing matrices of connections within digital switching fabrics. The methods and systems include means for defining one or more of sources and sinks in a matrix of connections as one or more of unidirectional connection termination points and novel unidirectional virtual connection points, where each of the unidirectional virtual connection points is a logical object that is maintained in software that defines connections between one or more of network resources and logical objects. The virtual connection points selectively act as origination points for one or more of other virtual connection points and termination points in a cross-connect; termination points for one or more of other virtual connection points and origination points in a cross-connect; origination points for a multicast set of connections; intermediate points within a cross-connect for the addition of new connections; selectors for two or more inputs; simultaneously as selectors for two or more inputs and as origination points for a multicast set of connections; one or more of bridges, selectors, and bridge/selectors in a protection application; one or more of origination points and termination points in a signaled network connection; local test access points; and/or remote test access points.
US08509109B2 Method for discovering and maintaining routes in smart meter networks
A set of routes are discovered in a network including concentrators, smart meters and an imaginary node. Each concentrator node, a source, broadcasts a route request (RREQ) packet to the imaginary destination node. Intermediate nodes store a route as a node list (NL) in the RREQ packet and as a route table (RT) in the node. Then, each smart meter node can select a primary route and a secondary route from the smart meter node to any concentrator from the route table.
US08509108B2 Apparatus and method for detecting voice period in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method for detecting a voice period in a mobile communication system are provided. The method includes determining a voice codec rate, comparing a maximum size of a Silence InDication (SID) packet and a minimum size of a voice packet corresponding to the determined voice codec rate, and detecting the voice period by using any one of a packet size and an inter-packet interval according to the comparison result.
US08509106B2 Techniques for preventing attacks on computer systems and networks
Techniques for detecting and responding to attacks on computer and network systems including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. A packet is classified as potentially being an attack packet if it matches an access control list (ACL) specifying one or more conditions. One or more actions may be performed responsive to packets identified as potential attack packets. These actions may include dropping packets identified as potential attack packets for a period of time, rate limiting a port over which the potential attack packets are received for a period of time, and other actions.
US08509098B2 Method and apparatus for identifying network connectivity changes in dynamic networks
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining a network connectivity in a network having a plurality of nodes. In particular, one embodiment of the method includes generating a candidate link for each of a plurality of node pairs, predicting a performance of each candidate link by evaluating an expected impact of at least one condition on each candidate link, and determining the network topology using the predicted performances of the candidate links. The performance of each candidate link may be predicted by identifying at least one condition, determining the expected impact of the at least one condition on the candidate link, and predicting the performance of the candidate link by adjusting an expected performance of the candidate link using the expected impact of the at least one condition on the candidate link.
US08509095B2 Methodology for measurements and analysis of protocol conformance, performance and scalability of stateful border gateways
Testing of Internet-Protocol packet network perimeter protection devices, e.g., Border Gateways such as Session Border Controllers, including dynamic pinhole capable firewalls are discussed. Analysis and testing of these network perimeter protection devices is performed to evaluate the ability of such device to perform at carrier class levels while being subjected to many different protocol test cases. The efficiency of state look table functions as well as call signaling processing capacity, implemented in a particular perimeter protection device, are determined and evaluated. Proper performance and efficiency of such perimeter protection devices are evaluated as a function of: incoming call rate, total pre-existing active calls, and different protocol test cases. Various different network perimeter protection devices, e.g., of different types and/or from different manufactures, can be benchmarked for degree of protocol stack implementation/suitability to carrier class environments and comparatively evaluated. Test equipment devices, e.g., Integrated Intelligent End Points (IIEPs), for fault testing, evaluating and stressing the network perimeter protection devices in a system environment are described. Typically these specialized test devices are used in pairs, one on each side of the firewall under test. These test equipment devices include a traffic generator module, a protocol compliance testing module, monitoring and analysis capability including a CPU utilization analysis module, a protocol analysis module, and a graphical output capability.
US08509091B2 Method, system and entity of realizing event detection
A method and a system of realizing event detection are provided, which detect a status of an Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity access network (IP-CAN) bearer corresponding to a policy and charging control (PCC) rule by binding an Event-Trigger parameter to the PCC rule, thereby realizing small-granularity detection for the specific PCC rule and reducing the load of the system. Furthermore, a status of the IP-CAN bearer or an IP flow is realized by binding the Event-Trigger parameter to an IP-CAN identifier (ID) or an IP flow ID, so as to avoid the problem about too large granularity of the binding of event detection and IP-CAN session and reduce the burden of the IP-CAN bearer detection and message exchange.
US08509088B2 Communication apparatus and communication method
A communication apparatus includes an acquiring unit that acquires wireless cost for each path to other communication apparatuses in an ad hoc network to which the communication apparatus belongs; an accumulating unit that accumulates wireless cost for each path, acquired at different times by the acquiring unit; a determining unit that determines a priority level for each path, based on time correlations among the paths in terms of the wireless cost accumulated by the accumulating unit; and a communicating unit that communicates with the other communication apparatuses by preferentially using a path of a relatively high priority level.
US08509087B2 Per-graph link cost assignment in layer 2 multipath networks
In one embodiment, a method includes assigning at a switch in a layer 2 multipath network, costs to a link in the network, each of the link costs associated with a different graph for forwarding traffic in the network, transmitting the link costs to other switches in the layer 2 multipath network, and receiving and forwarding traffic according to one of the graphs. An apparatus is also disclosed.
US08509084B2 Representation of a delay path in mobile networks
A communication device in a communication network and method for communicating between two or more different devices in the communication network. One implementation includes a means for storing for each (source, destination) pair of communication devices of the communication network, paths in the form of lists of (LD, EA) pairs, where EA is an earliest arrival time to a first communication device and LD is a last departure time from a second communication device for any sequence of contacts between pairs of communication devices linking the source communication device and the destination communication device. Data is transmitted to another communication device by a node selected using a history of observed previous observed paths.
US08509082B2 System and method for load balancing network resources using a connection admission control engine
A system and method for load balancing network resources. Network performance information regarding data flow through a network is gathered using performance information packet data packets. The data flow is distributed through access points of the network using connection control admission control engines. The distributing includes routing the data flow to more efficiently use the network resources based on the PIP data packets.
US08509080B2 Network traffic accelerator
In a packet communication system with large bandwidth delay product (BDP) and employing Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the reported advertised window size as advertised by a receiver is employed only as an indication of window size and not as a throughput limit so that more data is sent than the amount specified by the advertised window size. Since the receiver can process all incoming TCP packets, the receiving buffer is consistently near empty. Since the TCP's advertised window size is not accepted as the absolute amount of buffer space available at the receiver, the sender is not constrained by the absolute value of the receiver's advertised window size and instead can transmit more data than the absolute value of the advertised window, enabling the system to increase the actual window size without modifying the link ends. This improved large-BDP-capable protocol is denoted TCP-SC.
US08509079B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving signal in single carrier frequency division multiplexing access communication system
A method and apparatus for transmitting a signal whereby it is determined if a Bandwidth Expansion Factor (BEF) Q is an integer, the BEF being determined as N/M according to a number N of subcarriers of a system band and a number M of subcarriers of an allocated band, an input signal to be transmitted Q times in a time domain when the Q is an integer is expanded, a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (SC-FDMA) signal is generated, and the SC-FDMA signal is transmitted.
US08509073B2 System and process for packet delineation
An error management system and process can be used to identify an erroneous data packet in a data stream. In response to identifying the erroneous data packet, a subsequent valid data packet is located in the data stream. In one embodiment, a plurality of candidate locations of header checksum windows are searched and checked for a valid checksum. Multiple integrity checks of multiple header checksums can be used to reduce the probability of a false positive integrity check. In another embodiment, one or more information data fields can used for determining packet integrity by determining if the fields contain valid information bits.
US08509066B2 Method and apparatus for reflecting forwarding plate utilization in control plane
A method is provided that includes setting a first oversubscription factor of a control plane for an interface, measuring forwarding plane utilization on the interface, and calculating a second oversubscription factor of the control plane for the interface using the measured forwarding plane utilization as compared with a target forwarding plane utilization on the interface. The method also includes determining whether to update the first oversubscription factor based upon the calculated second oversubscription factor.
US08509060B1 Active-avoidance-based routing in a wireless ad hoc network
Conventional multi-hop routing of ad hoc wireless networks involves considerations such as costs, connection quality, distances, and numbers of hops. A conventional wireless routing algorithm may fail when a destructive event takes place and is rapidly expanding in area, as the route discoveries may perpetually lag behind the rate of expansion of the destructive area. As typically embodied, the present invention's wireless routing algorithm detects a destructive event early, assumes rapid expansion of the destruction area, establishes “subnets” of nodes, and predetermines one or more routes that circumvent the rapidly expanding destruction area by exiting from and returning to the subnet in which the destructive event originates. Typical inventive practice avails itself of the architectural character of the physical setting for the wireless network, for instance by establishing subnets corresponding to compartments formed by wall-like structures (e.g., shipboard bulkheads), which represent natural barriers to expansion of a destruction area.
US08509058B2 Methods and systems for automatically rerouting logical circuit data from a logical circuit failure to a dedicated backup circuit in a data network
An example method involves rerouting a logical circuit from a first set of switches to a second set of switches to communicate data between network devices without breaking the logical circuit. The logical circuit includes variable communication paths, and the second set of switches are to form a route associated with the variable communication paths that is not predefined and that is dynamically defined at a time of automatic rerouting. The example method also involves detecting a failure of the logical circuit based on at least one of a committed information rate or a committed burst size having been exceeded. In addition, the data is rerouted from the logical circuit to a logical failover circuit in the data network in response to detecting the failure of the logical circuit. The logical failover circuit includes an alternative communication path to communicate the data.
US08509057B2 Communication system, test apparatus, communication apparatus, communication method and test method
A communication system comprising a first communication apparatus and a second communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus includes a communicating section that communicates with the second communication apparatus via a first data signal line; an alive signal receiving section that receives, via a first alive signal line, an alive signal indicating whether the second communication apparatus is in an alive state in which it is capable of communicating with the first communication apparatus; and a reset signal transmitting section that, when the second communication apparatus is not in the alive state, transmits a reset signal to the second communication apparatus. The second communication apparatus includes a communicating section that communicates with the first communication apparatus via the first data signal line; an alive signal transmitting section that transmits the alive signal via the first alive signal line; and a reset signal receiving section that, upon receiving a reset signal, resets the communicating section of the second communication apparatus.
US08509054B2 OFDM transmission method, which is intended both for sporadic and for continuous data communication, for a WLAN
In an OFDM-based transmission method it can be stated for the preamble (4, 7) of a data packet that its N preamble segments (B, B) are obtained from the segment-by-segment multiplication of an initial segment, which is fixed for all N preamble segments, by a multiplication sequence with a length of N elements. It can be stated for the OFDM data symbols that a plurality of OFDM symbols which are transmitted successively in time each include at least one pilot signal, with the respective subcarrier which transmits the at least one pilot signal being dependent on the time index of the espective OFDM symbol.
US08509051B2 Multiplexing and transmission of multiple data streams in a wireless multi-carrier communication system
Techniques for multiplexing and transmitting multiple data streams are described. Transmission of the multiple data streams occurs in “super-frames”. Each super-frame has a predetermined time duration and is further divided into multiple (e.g., four) frames. Each data block for each data stream is outer encoded to generate a corresponding code block. Each code block is partitioned into multiple subblocks, and each data packet in each code block is inner encoded and modulated to generate modulation symbols for the packet. The multiple subblocks for each code block are transmitted in the multiple frames of the same super-frame, one subblock per frame. Each data stream is allocated a number of transmission units in each super-frame and is assigned specific transmission units to achieve efficient packing. A wireless device can select and receive individual data streams.
US08509048B2 Storage device
A storage device includes a storage medium and a plurality of probes. The probes each have a recording/reproducing portion. The probes include a first probe, a second probe spaced from the first probe in a first direction, and a third probe spaced from the first probe in the first direction and in a second direction different from the first direction. A distance Xp1 in the first direction between the portions of the first and second probes, a distance Xp2 in the first direction between the portions of the first and third probes, and a distance Yp2 in the second direction between the portions of the first and third probes satisfy the following formulae: Xp1=n×Xm Xp1=Xm Yp2=Ym/n  [Math 1] (, provided that n=2, 3, 4, - - - ), where Xm and Ym are lengths of each area in the first and second directions, respectively.
US08509047B2 Optical head device and optical information device using the same, computer, optical disk player, car navigation system, optical disk recorder, and optical disk server
It is an object of the present invention to record to and reproduce different types of optical disks using light beams with different wavelengths. In an optical head device for recording to and reproducing high-density optical disks using an objective lens with a large NA, a sawtooth-shaped hologram is used for recording to and reproducing conventional optical disks such as DVDs. For blue light, a sawtooth height is the light path length 2λ, and second-order diffraction light is used. Red light generates first-order diffraction. The hologram is blazed and has convex lens function, and corrects chromatic aberration of the refractive lens. A relay lens is disposed between an infrared laser light source and the objective lens, and the light beam that is emitted from the infrared laser light source is substantially converged by the relay lens, and then, as it diverges once again, it is incident on the objective lens, which focuses the light beam into a spot on the recording surface of an optical disk after passing through an approximately 1.2 mm substrate.
US08509046B2 Optical information recording method, optical information recording device, optical information reproduction method, optical information reproduction device, and optical information recording medium
A recording wavelength generator selects control parameters of a recording pulse sequence, based on combinations of mark length, a first space length of a first space immediately before the mark, and a second space length of a second space immediately after the mark. A laser drive circuit records the marks by the recording pulse sequence. The first and second space lengths are classified into m and n types, respectively. An absolute value of a difference between two predetermined control parameters from among (m×n) control parameters selected during recording on a second information layer located on an incidence side of the laser beam with respect to a predetermined first information layer from among N information layers is equal to or greater than an absolute value of a difference between two predetermined control parameters from among the (m×n) control parameters selected during recording on the first information layer.
US08509045B1 Flexible optical write strategy
A controller for a laser driver includes a parameter generation module, a timing encoding module, and a pulse generation module. The parameter generation module is configured to, for each mark contained in a bit stream, generate a set of timing parameters based on defining characteristics of the bit stream. The defining characteristics include length of the mark and at least one of (i) a length of a leading space prior to the mark and (ii) a length of a following space subsequent to the mark. The timing encoding module is configured to determine a plurality of pulse defining parameters based on the set of timing parameters. The pulse generation module is configured to create a plurality of pulses based on the plurality of pulse defining parameters, combine the plurality of pulses into a plurality of enable signals, and output the plurality of enable signals to the laser driver.
US08509042B2 Optical disc apparatus, focus control method and integrated circuit
An optical disc apparatus has: a spherical aberration correction unit (7) which corrects the spherical aberration generated in a light spot on a recording layer; a control unit (52) which focuses a light beam on a predetermined recording layer, and shifts the focal point position of the light beam from the current recording layer to another recording layer; and a focus jump control unit (60) which controls correction of spherical aberration and shift of the focal point position based on the interlayer distance between the current recording layer and a recording layer which adjoins in a direction opposite to a direction of shifting the focal point position of the light beam. By this configuration, focus jump is stably executed.
US08509040B2 Optical pickup device and optical disc apparatus
An optical pickup device includes a polarization diffraction grating to diverge an optical beam reflected from an optical disc and an optical detector to receive the optical beam diverged by the polarization diffraction grating, a polarization of 0 order diffracted light diffracted through the polarization diffraction grating is substantially perpendicular to that of a +1 order diffracted light diffracted therethrough, and a polarization filter having a plurality of domains is mounted between the polarization diffraction grating and the optical detector.
US08509033B2 Digital air gun
A marine air gun generates an acoustic signal in water, for example, during a marine seismic survey. The marine air gun includes digital electronic circuitry. The digital electronic circuitry may control an actuator of the marine air gun, digitize and store data from sensors located on or near the marine air gun, send and/or receive digital communications, store and/or output electrical energy, and/or perform other functions. A marine seismic source system that includes multiple air gun clusters may have a separate digital communication link between a command center and each air gun cluster. Each communication link may provide power and digital communication between the command center and one of the air gun clusters.
US08509032B2 Vibration mediated networks for photovoltaic arrays
A system and method to optimize the overall power output of a photovoltaic solar array. The solar panels are connected to software adjustable power optimizing devices, which in turn are connected to a mesh network with individual router devices. The individual router devices will send and receive data packets by creating or detecting vibrations in a solid vibration conducting media (such as the solar power wiring) that connects the individual photovoltaic solar panels. Often at least one centralized control device is used to periodically request sensor data packets from the individual router devices and solar panels. The centralized control device will typically compute the proper adjustments for the individual adjustable power optimizing devices that will optimize the overall power output from the photovoltaic solar array. The control device will then send adjustment data packets back to the individual router devices through the mesh network, thus optimizing overall power output.
US08509029B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a plurality of vibration elements (1) that transmit and receive an ultrasonic beam; a plurality of transmission circuits (2) that are connected to the respective vibration elements and output a transmission driving signal to be used for driving the vibration elements; and a transmission power source (3) that supplies electric power to the transmission circuits. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes: a pulse detection unit (21) that detects a transmission signal to be used for generating the transmission driving signal; an electric power measurement unit (20) that detects an amount of electric power supplied to the transmission circuits as a whole; a distribution calculation unit (24) that calculates an amount of electric power distributed into each of the vibration elements based on outputs of the pulse detection unit and the electric power measurement unit; and a power distribution derivation unit (22) that derives electric power having been supplied to each of the plurality of vibration elements based on an output of the distribution calculation unit, wherein the transmission driving signal is controlled based on the power distribution derived in the power distribution derivation unit. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a more compact and highly reliable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of performing a temperature monitoring that detects local heat generation of the vibration elements based on the actual transmission power by using a circuit with a reduced number of components.
US08509027B2 Continuous adaptive surface wave analysis for three-dimensional seismic data
A technique includes receiving seismic data acquired in a survey of a region, the region being associated with locations; processing the seismic data to estimate at least one frequency dependent surface wave property over the region; based at least in part on the estimated frequency dependent surface wave property(ies), determining a frequency dependent data processing geometry for each location; and processing the seismic data based at least in part on the determined data processing geometries to derive a spatially continuous representation of a surface wave property across the region.
US08509024B2 Semiconductor device having plural internal voltage generating circuits and method of controlling the same
Such a device is disclosed that includes a terminal, a first voltage generator generating, when activated, a voltage at the terminal and stopping, when deactivated, generating the voltage, and a second voltage generator generating, when activated, the voltage at the terminal and stopping, when deactivated, generating the voltage. The first voltage generator being configured to be activated in response to a first control signal taking an active level and deactivated in response to the first control signal taking an inactive level, and the second voltage generator being configured to be activated in response to each of the first control signal and a second control signal taking an active level and deactivated in response to at least one of the first and second control signal taking an inactive level.
US08509011B2 Command paths, apparatuses, memories, and methods for providing internal commands to a data path
Command paths, apparatuses, memories, and methods for providing an internal command to a data path are disclosed. In an example method, a command is received and propagated through a command path to provide an internal command. Further included in the method is determining a difference between a latency value and a path delay difference, the path delay difference representing a modeled path delay difference between the command path and the data path measured in terms of a number of clock periods. The propagation of the command through the command path to the data path is delayed by a delay based at least in part on the difference between the latency value and the path delay difference. The internal command is provided to the data path responsive to an internal clock signal.
US08509004B2 Nonvolatile logic circuit, integrated circuit including the nonvolatile logic circuit, and method of operating the integrated circuit
A nonvolatile logic circuit includes a latch unit including a pair of first and second latch nodes; and a pair of first and second nonvolatile memory cells electrically connected to the first and second of latch nodes, respectively. A write operation is performed on the first and second nonvolatile memory cells according to a direction of a current flowing through the first and second nonvolatile memory cells when a write enable signal is activated. The direction of flow of current determined based on data on the respective first and second latch nodes, and a logic value written on the first nonvolatile memory cells is different from a logic value written on the second nonvolatile memory cell.
US08509003B2 Read architecture for MRAM
A read architecture for reading random access memory (RAM) cells includes a multi-level sense amplifier, the multi-level sense amplifier including a plurality of sense amplifiers, each sense amplifier having a respective sense threshold and a respective sense output, and a storage module coupled to the multi-level sense amplifier for storing the sense outputs of the multi-level sense amplifier. The storage module stores a first set of sense outputs corresponding to a first read of an RAM cell and stores a second set of sense outputs corresponding to a second read of the RAM cell. The architecture also includes a decision module for comparing the first and second set of sense outputs and determining a data state of the RAM cell based on the comparison.
US08509002B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of driving the same
A semiconductor memory device is provided. The semiconductor memory device supplies to a sense amplifier a first voltage and a second voltage during data sensing, so that data sensing margin and a data sensing speed increase.
US08508996B2 Method of programming non-volatile memory device and non-volatile memory device using the same
A program method of a nonvolatile memory device according to example embodiments includes a operation (a) of detecting a level of a program voltage; and a operation (b) of providing a unselected word line voltage and a bit line precharge voltage having a variable level respectively according to the detected level of the program voltage.
US08508993B2 Method and apparatus of performing an erase operation on a memory integrated circuit
Various discussed approaches improve the over erase issue and the coupling effect, and include (A) multilevel contacts between (i) the first outer selected word line of an erase group, and (ii) the first unselected word line outside the ease group neighboring the first outer selected word line; (B) a sufficient separation distance between (i) the first outer selected word line of an erase group, and (ii) the first unselected word line outside the ease group neighboring the first outer selected word line. These are examples of electrically isolating (i) the first outer selected word line of an erase group, from (ii) the first unselected word line outside the ease group neighboring the first outer selected word line.
US08508990B2 Non-volatile memory device, operation method thereof, and devices having the non-volatile memory device
A non-volatile memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of multi-level cells each storing data corresponding to one of a plurality of states of a first group of states, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to program data corresponding to one of the plurality of states in a first multi-level cell according to a first verify voltage level of a first group of verify voltage levels, and to control the first multi-level cell to be re-programmed to one of a plurality of states of a second group of states according to a first verify voltage level of a second group of verify voltage levels. Each voltage level of the second group of verify voltage levels has a higher level than the verify voltage levels of the first group of verify voltage levels.
US08508987B2 Semiconductor device
A write disturbance margin of reference cells that generate reference current during read is improved. A bit line forms a clad interconnect structure in the normal cell region where normal cells are disposed, and a partially clad or non-clad interconnect structure in the reference cell region where a reference cell is disposed. Thus, a writing magnetic field intensity applied to the reference cell is smaller than the write magnetic field intensity applied to a normal memory cell during identical write currents.
US08508985B2 Magnetic memory cell and magnetic random access memory
In a magnetic memory which employs applied spin torque magnetization reversal and does not require the switching of the current direction at the time of rewrite, a memory cell includes a stack of a ferromagnetic fixed layer, a nonmagnetic layer, a ferromagnetic recording layer, a nonmagnetic layer, and a ferromagnetic magnetization rotation assist layer. Recording is performed by making the recording layer magnetization direction parallel or antiparallel to the fixed layer magnetization direction. The magnetization directions of the fixed, recording and assist layers are oriented in in-plane directions of the respective magnetic layers, and the magnetization directions of the assist and fixed layers are at 90 degrees. Write current flows from the fixed to the recording layer where the recording layer magnetization direction is rewritten from parallel to antiparallel of the fixed layer magnetization direction and where the recording layer magnetization direction is rewritten from antiparallel to parallel direction.
US08508975B2 Resistive storage-based semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a control circuit. The control circuit applies a first voltage to a selected one of a upper interconnections, applies a second voltage to an unselected one of the upper interconnections, applies a third voltage to a first dummy upper interconnection and independently controls the first to third voltages to be set to different values.
US08508973B2 Method of switching out-of-plane magnetic tunnel junction cells
A method of switching the magnetization orientation of a ferromagnetic free layer of an out-of-plane magnetic tunnel junction cell, the method including: passing an AC switching current through the out-of-plane magnetic tunnel junction cell, wherein the AC switching current switches the magnetization orientation of the ferromagnetic free layer.
US08508968B2 Semiconductor apparatus
The need for mediation operation is eliminated by adoption of a connection topology in which a circuit for executing one transmission (TR—00T), and a circuit for executing a plurality of receptions (TR—10R, TR—20R, TR—30R) are connected to one penetration-electrode group (for example, TSVGL—0). In order to implement the connection topology even in the case of piling up a plurality of LSIs one after another, in particular, a programmable memory element for designating respective penetration-electrode ports for use in transmit, or for us in receive, and address allocation of the respective penetration-electrode ports is mounted in stacked LSIs.
US08508967B2 Semiconductor device and driving method of semiconductor device
An object is to provide a semiconductor device having a novel structure, which can hold stored data even when not powered and which has an unlimited number of write cycles. A semiconductor device is provided with both a memory circuit including a transistor including an oxide semiconductor (in a broader sense, a transistor whose off-state current is sufficiently small) and a peripheral circuit such as a driver circuit including a transistor including a material other than an oxide semiconductor (in other words, a transistor capable of operating at sufficiently high speed). The peripheral circuit is provided in a lower portion and the memory circuit is provided in an upper portion; thus, the area and size of the semiconductor device can be decreased.
US08508966B2 Power source switch device and power source system provided with same
Provided are semiconductor elements 107A, 107B, and 107C that allow a current to flow that is at most a maximum current determined by the level of control signals VGA, VGB, and VGC and that depends on the difference between the voltage of a DC power supply BA and the charging voltage of a capacitor 102, a controller 105 that outputs a control signal to each semiconductor element, and a temperature detection circuit that detects the temperature of each semiconductor element. Until a predetermined time elapses after the electric circuit is closed, the controller 105 adjusts the level of each control signal based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit so that current through the electric circuit does not exceed a current limit, and after the predetermined time period elapses, the controller 105 adjusts the level of each control signal so that current through the electric circuit is allowed to exceed the current limit.
US08508964B2 Variable duty cycle switching with imposed delay
Power conversion methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and devices are provided. The power conversion may include converting between direct current and alternating current wherein switching losses associated with latent electrical charges are reduced. Current sensing may be low-side bus reference. Solid-state implementations, code implementations, and mixed implementations are provided.
US08508963B2 Step-down switching regulator capable of providing high-speed response with compact structure
In a step-down switching regulator, a switching element is a high-voltage NMOS transistor, turned on and off based on a control signal generated by a controller, and charges an inductor with an input voltage input to an input terminal. A first drive circuit is a low-voltage MOS transistor and turns on and off the switching element based on the control signal. A voltage generator generates a predetermined first power supply voltage not greater than a withstand voltage of the low-voltage MOS transistor. A capacitor is connected in parallel with the first drive circuit and stores charge from the voltage generator to supply power to the first drive circuit. One end of the capacitor is connected to a junction node between the switching element and the inductor, and the other end of the capacitor is supplied with the first power supply voltage generated by the voltage generator.
US08508962B2 Power conversion apparatus
A control circuit, during a positive period in which current flows from a power conversion apparatus to a load, causes a second snubber capacitor to discharge by controlling a second auxiliary switch to be turned on while a second main diode is turned on, and during a negative period in which current flows from the load to the power conversion apparatus, causes a first snubber capacitor to discharge by controlling a first auxiliary switch to be turned on while a first main diode is turned on.
US08508959B2 Multi-voltage power supply
A multi-voltage power supply includes a transformer, a first output circuit to generate a first output voltage using a voltage transferred to a secondary winding of the transformer, and a first output voltage controller to control a voltage supplied to the primary winding of the transformer according to the first output voltage. The multi-voltage power supply includes second through Nth output circuits to generate second through Nth output voltages using the voltage transferred to the secondary winding of the transformer, and second through Nth output voltage controllers performing control in order to linearly output the second through Nth output voltages by feeding back the second through Nth output voltages. Accordingly, multiple (at least two) output circuits, which are on the secondary winding side of the transformer, to realize multiple output voltages can be independently controlled, and in particular, by linearly controlling the multiple output circuits, the multiple output voltages can be stably controlled regardless of the number of output voltages.
US08508942B2 Electronic device with heat dissipation structure
An electronic device includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a motherboard area and a power supply area adjacent to the motherboard area, which are both located at a first end of the enclosure, a hard disk drive area for mounting hard disk drives at a second end of the enclosure, and a fan area arranged between the motherboard area and the hard disk drive area.
US08508941B2 Fan assembly with flex printed circuit board
A fan assembly includes a housing; a plurality of fan units mounted in the housing; and a flex printed circuit board (PCB) having a first portion, the first portion of the flex PCB electrically connected to each of the plurality of fan units, the flex PCB having a second portion, the second portion of the flex PCB including a printed circuit assembly (PCA), the PCA having mounted thereon a connector to connect to a PCA disposed within a chassis. Alternatively, an apparatus includes a chassis having a PCA disposed inside the chassis; and a fan assembly, the fan assembly including a housing; a plurality of fan units mounted in the housing; and a flex PCB having a first portion, the first portion of the flex PCB being arranged parallel to a surface of the housing and being electrically connected to each of the plurality of fan units, the flex PCB having a second portion, the second portion of the flex PCB including a PCA, the PCA having mounted thereon a connector connected to the PCA disposed within the chassis.
US08508934B2 Aircraft signal computer system having a plurality of modular signal computer units
An aircraft signal computer system includes a plurality of modular signal computer units and a liquid cooling device for cooling the modular signal computer units. The liquid cooling device includes a coolant line, which is connectable to a central liquid cooling system of an aircraft in order to supply a liquid coolant medium at a desired low temperature to the liquid cooling device. The coolant line of the liquid cooling device is in thermal surface contact with the modular signal computer units in order to dissipate heat from the modular signal computer units. A heat-emitting component of the modular signal computer units may be in thermal contact with a coolant bath or an internal heat conductor for removing heat energy.
US08508927B2 Gasket and display assembly for an electronic mobile device
An electronic mobile device includes a device housing and a spacer supported within the device housing. An outer panel is supported by the spacer, and the outer panel and the spacer together define an internal recess. A display configured to display information is supported by the device housing within the internal recess. A gasket is compressed between the device housing, the spacer, and the outer panel to inhibit debris ingress to the device housing. The gasket has a first side that engages the device housing and a second side that engages the spacer and the outer panel.
US08508926B2 Protective enclosure for electronic device
A protective enclosure for an electronic device such as a laptop computer or tablet computer that comprises a shell that is capable of enclosing and substantially surrounding the electronic device. The shell is substantially watertight, substantially rigid and substantially crush-resistant. The inside of the shell has a hook and loop liner with shock absorbing corner bumpers having hook and loop type bases so that the bumpers may attach at any point on the liner inside the shell to accommodate electronic devices of various sizes and to secure the device inside the enclosure in a shock absorbent suspended manner. The shell may further comprise a USB connector hub for connection to the USB port of a laptop computer or PC tablet enclosed in the protective shell.
US08508925B2 Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body and a linkage. The first body has a first upper surface, and the second body has a second upper surface. An end of the linkage is coupled to the first body through a first pivot shaft and another end of the linkage is coupled to the second body through a second pivot shaft, in which the second body is suitable to be stacked on the first upper surface of the first body to make the portable electronic device in a retracted state. The linkage is suitable to rotate relatively to the first body so that the first body and the second body of the portable electronic device are side by side in an expanded state.
US08508918B2 Wall-avoiding self-balancing mount for tilt positioning of a flat panel electronic display
A device for mounting an electronic display to a wall includes a support structure operably connected to a tilt head assembly and a display interface structure. The support structure includes an arm assembly that can be extended and rotated so that the electronic display avoids contacting the wall. The tilt head assembly includes an attachment member, guide structures for tilting the electronic display so that the electronic display remains self-balancing, and a plate for positioning the guide structures. The display interface structure facilitates attachment of the attachment member to the electronic display.
US08508916B2 High voltage electric double layer capacitor device and methods of manufacture
Electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) devices include sealing conductor establishing a series connection between multiple storage cells in a single package, which may be operable at higher voltages than conventional EDLC devices.
US08508915B2 Multilayer ceramic condenser and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a multilayer ceramic condenser and a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic condenser. There is provided a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic condenser, including: printing a plurality of stripe-type inner electrode patterns on a ceramic green sheet in parallel; forming a laminate by stacking ceramic green sheets on which a plurality of stripe-type inner electrode patterns are formed; cutting the laminate so that a first inner electrode pattern and a second inner electrode pattern are alternately stacked; and forming a first side part and a second side part by applying ceramic slurry in order to cover the side of the laminate to which both the first inner electrode pattern and the second inner electrode pattern are exposed.
US08508914B2 Ceramic electronic component and method of manufacturing ceramic electronic component
A ceramic electronic component includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and an intermediate layer. The first dielectric layer is a layer containing BaO, Nd2O3, and TiO2, the second dielectric layer is a layer containing a different material from the material of the first dielectric layer, and the intermediate layer is a layer formed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer and containing main components that are not contained in the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer in common as the main components.
US08508912B2 Capacitor and method for manufacturing the same
A capacitor includes a capacitor body made of a dielectric, a first internal electrode, a second internal electrode, a first signal terminal, a second signal terminal, and a grounding terminal. The first and second signal terminals are connected to the first internal electrode. The grounding terminal is disposed on the outer surface of the capacitor body so as to be connected to the second internal electrode. The grounding terminal is connected to the ground potential. The grounding terminal includes a plating layer which is disposed on the capacitor body and which is connected to the second internal electrode.
US08508904B2 Surge arrester
A surge arrester includes a housing with a tubular insulating body and at least two electrodes. A layer sequence includes at least one electrically conductive or semiconductive layer, at least one electrically conductive layer and at least one insulating layer and is arranged at least in sub-areas on the inside of the insulating body.
US08508902B2 Electric circuit
A functional element is prevented from breakdown and deterioration because of mounting and demounting of the functional element immediately after cut-off of driving power from a constant-current power supply or during supply of the driving power.An electric circuit is configured to electrically connect a constant-current power supply 1 having a capacitance between an output terminal and a reference potential terminal and a detachable functional element 2 to each other. The electric circuit has an element breakdown prevention circuit 10 having a first circuit terminal connected to an output terminal of the constant-current power supply 1 through the functional element 2, and a second circuit terminal connected to the reference potential terminal of the constant-current power supply 1 through the functional element 2. The element breakdown prevention circuit 10 increases an impedance between the circuit terminals to a disconnected state impedance in response to a transition from a connected state, in which the functional element 2 is mounted, to a disconnected state, in which the functional element 2 is removed. The element breakdown prevention circuit 10 decreases the impedance between the circuit terminals to a connected-state impedance in response to a connection state transition.
US08508900B2 Overvoltage protection circuit and electronic device comprising the same
An overvoltage protection circuit prevents a voltage higher than an allowable voltage value from being supplied to a predetermined to-be-protected circuit. A voltage is applied from outside to an input end 11. A cathode terminal of a zener diode 13 is connected to the input end 11. A first resistance element 14 is connected between an anode terminal of the zener diode 13 and a ground terminal. A voltage detection integrated circuit 15 detects a voltage between both ends of the zener diode 13, and outputs a detection signal that indicates whether or not the detected voltage is higher than the allowable voltage value. When the detection signal indicates that the detected voltage is no higher than the allowable voltage value, a MOSFET 16 supplies the to-be-protected circuit with the voltage applied to the input end 11. When the detection signal indicates that the detected voltage is higher than the allowable voltage value, the MOSFET 16 ceases the supply, to the to-be-protected circuit, of the voltage applied to the input end 11.
US08508897B2 Multiple phase circuit testing closer method
Upon detecting a fault, a circuit testing closer is operable to open contacts to isolate the fault. Next, the circuit testing closer tests the faulted phase to determine whether the fault has cleared. The circuit testing closer may employ one or more dynamic thresholds to determine the existence of a fault.
US08508896B2 DC feeder protection system
A direct current feeder protection system includes six conductors, four current sensors sensing four currents flowing in four of the conductors, four circuit interrupters interrupting currents flowing in the four conductors, and a processor cooperating with the current sensors to input four sensed currents, and to output a number of commands to the circuit interrupters. The processor includes a routine detecting a number of: a directional current fault of the sensed currents, a differential current fault of the sensed first and third currents or the sensed second and fourth currents, and a residual current fault of the sensed first and second currents or the sensed third and fourth currents, and to responsively output the commands. The first, fifth and third conductors are electrically connected in series with two of the circuit interrupters, and the second, sixth and fourth conductors are electrically connected in series with the other circuit interrupters.
US08508893B2 Method for providing wideband electrostatic discharge protection and circuits obtained therewith
An distributed electronic circuit (1), such as a transmission line or distributed amplifier, is disclosed comprising an input terminal (2), an output terminal (3), power supply lines (4,5), a sequence of sections (61, 62, 63, 64, 65), between the input terminal (2) and the output terminal (3), arranged to transfer an electrical signal from one section to another section; each section (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) comprising at least one Electro Static Discharge (ESD) protection component (9) configured to, upon occurrence of an ESD event, convey corresponding ESD currents to a power supply line (4, 5); and wherein the ESD components (9) of the respective sections (61, 62, 63, 64, 65) are selected such that, upon occurrence of an ESD event, at least one subsequent section (62, 63, 64, 65) is triggered before the first section (61).
US08508892B2 Integrated circuit with DC-DC converter and ESD protection
An integrated circuit (10) for use in a DC-DC converter is protected against damage from electrostatic discharge when not in use in the DC-DC converter. The integrated circuit includes a control circuit (11) and a switching transistor (12, 20) coupled between a first and second terminal (10a, b) of the integrated circuit (10). During DC-DC conversion the control circuit controls periodic switching of the switching transistor. The integrated circuit (10) furthermore comprises an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, with a high pass filter circuit (160, 162) with inputs between terminals (10a, b) of the integrated circuit (10) and an output coupled to a detector transistor (164). The detector transistor (164) charges a chargeable circuit (17). From a node between the detector transistor (164) and the chargeable circuit (17) the switching transistor (12, 20) is made conductive when the detector transistor (164) becomes conductive. By using a high pass filter circuit (160, 162) the ESD protection circuit is made to work outside normal use. When the DC-DC converter contains multiple switching transistors all are preferably made conductive upon detection of ESD.